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Just Desserts #3
Macarons at Midnight
Tristan Green left his small English town for Manhattan and a job at a high profile ad agency, but can’t seem to find his bearings. He spends a lot of time working late at night, eating and sleeping alone, and even more time meandering around his neighborhood staring into the darkened windows of shops. One night when he’s feeling really low, he wanders by a beautiful little bakery with the lights still on. The baker invites him in, and some time during that night Tristan realizes it’s the first time he’s really smiled in months.
Henry Livingston has always been the odd duck, the black sheep, the baker in an old money family where pedigree is everything and quirky personalities are hidden behind dry martinis and thick upper east side townhouse facades. Henry is drawn to Tristan’s easy country charm, dry English wit, and everything that is so different from Henry’s world.
Their new romance is all buttercream frosting and sugared violets until Tristan's need to fit in at work makes him do something he desperately wishes he could undo. Tristan has to prove to Henry that he can be trusted again before they can indulge in the sweet stuff they're both craving.
Henry Livingston has always been the odd duck, the black sheep, the baker in an old money family where pedigree is everything and quirky personalities are hidden behind dry martinis and thick upper east side townhouse facades. Henry is drawn to Tristan’s easy country charm, dry English wit, and everything that is so different from Henry’s world.
Their new romance is all buttercream frosting and sugared violets until Tristan's need to fit in at work makes him do something he desperately wishes he could undo. Tristan has to prove to Henry that he can be trusted again before they can indulge in the sweet stuff they're both craving.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2014
13 people are currently reading
361 people want to read
About the author
M.J. O'Shea
86 books947 followersMJ O’Shea has never met a music festival, paintbrush, or
flower crown she can stay away from. She loves rainstorms
and a perfect cup of tea, beach days, music, bright colors, and
more than anything a cozy evening with a really great book.
She is from the Pacific Northwest. While she still lives there
and loves it, MJ has the heart of a wanderer. So she puts all
her dreams of far off places and extraordinary people in her
books.
Except for every once in a while when she does what all
travelers have to do on occasion… come home.
flower crown she can stay away from. She loves rainstorms
and a perfect cup of tea, beach days, music, bright colors, and
more than anything a cozy evening with a really great book.
She is from the Pacific Northwest. While she still lives there
and loves it, MJ has the heart of a wanderer. So she puts all
her dreams of far off places and extraordinary people in her
books.
Except for every once in a while when she does what all
travelers have to do on occasion… come home.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
January 9, 2016
3.5 stars
The title isn't misleading. This book is SWEET.
And I loved it.
Until the end.
But let me start at the beginning.
Tristan, tall, very British, hating his job at a competitive New York ad agency, and missing England, stumbles upon a bakery late one night. The bakery has inviting yellow walls; the back door is open, and the most beautiful man Tristan has ever seen is baking macarons and singing.
That's how Tristan meets Henry, said bakery owner, laid-back hipster, and trust-fund baby. As much as Henry dislikes the pretentiousness of uptown society and his parents' moneyed existence, he also owns a multi-million dollar flat with a private roof-top garden in the city.
But Henry doesn't mind messes or hard work. He works tirelessly to grow his small business and perfect his cookie and pastry recipes, some of which are included in this book!
There is so much to like about the story. I already mentioned the sweetness...and the recipes. There's also slow-burning romance, kisses galore, giggles for miles, smoldering touches, and sultry hugs.
I loved all that! There is not a lot of steam in this story, but I didn't mind.
The writing was lovely; the story, engaging. The secondary characters were well developed and added to the plot instead of distracting from it. This was on its way to being a 4+ star book.
I saw the Big Misunderstanding coming from a mile away and got worried. I don't mind mild angst, but the misunderstanding here felt unnecessary. Henry reacted with uncharacteristic knee-jerk anger, believing the word of an asshat he'd just met over Tristan's. And Tristan acted like a ridiculous, wishy-washy dolt, basically admitting to something he hadn't done.
This was FRUSTRATING, yes, incredibly so, but not a deal breaker. The MCs are in their 20s after all and can be forgiven for leaping to conclusions.
But then.
Well, then NOTHING. The story ended abruptly, and I cannot even say how disappointed I was by this.
Perhaps if I knew a second book was in the works, I could live with it, but that's yet to be determined, and the ending here was truly unsatisfying.
After all the romance, relationship development, and tenderness, I expected more. I NEEDED more, a few more pages, an epilogue, SOMETHING. The lack of a real resolution dropped my rating considerably.
The title isn't misleading. This book is SWEET.
And I loved it.
Until the end.
But let me start at the beginning.
Tristan, tall, very British, hating his job at a competitive New York ad agency, and missing England, stumbles upon a bakery late one night. The bakery has inviting yellow walls; the back door is open, and the most beautiful man Tristan has ever seen is baking macarons and singing.
That's how Tristan meets Henry, said bakery owner, laid-back hipster, and trust-fund baby. As much as Henry dislikes the pretentiousness of uptown society and his parents' moneyed existence, he also owns a multi-million dollar flat with a private roof-top garden in the city.
But Henry doesn't mind messes or hard work. He works tirelessly to grow his small business and perfect his cookie and pastry recipes, some of which are included in this book!
There is so much to like about the story. I already mentioned the sweetness...and the recipes. There's also slow-burning romance, kisses galore, giggles for miles, smoldering touches, and sultry hugs.
I loved all that! There is not a lot of steam in this story, but I didn't mind.
The writing was lovely; the story, engaging. The secondary characters were well developed and added to the plot instead of distracting from it. This was on its way to being a 4+ star book.
I saw the Big Misunderstanding coming from a mile away and got worried. I don't mind mild angst, but the misunderstanding here felt unnecessary. Henry reacted with uncharacteristic knee-jerk anger, believing the word of an asshat he'd just met over Tristan's. And Tristan acted like a ridiculous, wishy-washy dolt, basically admitting to something he hadn't done.
This was FRUSTRATING, yes, incredibly so, but not a deal breaker. The MCs are in their 20s after all and can be forgiven for leaping to conclusions.
But then.
Well, then NOTHING. The story ended abruptly, and I cannot even say how disappointed I was by this.
Perhaps if I knew a second book was in the works, I could live with it, but that's yet to be determined, and the ending here was truly unsatisfying.
After all the romance, relationship development, and tenderness, I expected more. I NEEDED more, a few more pages, an epilogue, SOMETHING. The lack of a real resolution dropped my rating considerably.
January 19, 2015
A Hearts On Fire Review
FOUR HEARTS--Warning: Do not read this book if you're on a diet, it's going to tempt you to no end. Unless you're having cheat days...read this on a cheat day, m'kay? It'll give you ideas and recipes on what you can gorge on.
M.J. O'Shea? Slam Dunk. She's like a staple in a MM romance diet. Love her work.
Anna Martin? Slam Dunk. I've never been disappointed in anything I've read by her. I'm a solid fan.
I saw the two of them writing together, I knew I wouldn't be disappointed. And I wasn't! (Okay, I'm going to harp on the ending for a smidge later.)
The premise is cool: an American baker (Henry) with a Upper East Side pedigree finds love with a younger, Brit adman (Tristan). And there's NYC and a bakery for a sweet setting. And the story, the romance it was like a favorite pastry. Fresh and hot out the oven. Damn, I still have dessert on the brain. The recipes at the end of every chapter is definitely a culprit.
"Macarons at Midnight" is simple, light, sweet, romantic between two normal men who are perfect for one another. The pacing and steam level was really great. Slow, unassuming but very much solid and refreshing. Because, Henry and Tristan were two guys didn't rush into bed or the first available surface. There was chemistry between them but they weren't led around by their dicks. Expect quiet romance and super low angst. (The office drama Tristan went through made me pout. It was like H.S. bullying at the workplace. I wanted to deliver pain to Jordan.)
Solid story but that ending...it's good enough with the promise of more. I'll be honest, I cursed a blue streak at end. Read the last bit five times to make sure my e-reader didn't punk me and hid the rest of the chapter in a secret link. (It didn't) The ending isn't a cliffhanger. It was a little rushed but I am hoping it's for a greater purpose once the series ends.
It's just...I need explanations. It's too unresolved for my tastes. I need to find out what's going to happen. I want Henry and Tristan to be happy forever and ever, okay? They must be married in a fairytale castle and have three kids named Praline, Cookie and Jammie Dodger or J.D. for short. They will bake happy endings for customers and all will bask in their sweet kisses.
Because I basked in their kisses.
Because I loved their pacing.
Because I got swept away in their romance.
They were so believable that even though the ending isn't the way I wanted it, I came to care for the characters. And I can't take away more than a star because the writing read effortless. Time was given to know one another. It was sweet but I didn't get contact diabetes.
Of course I'm reading the rest of this series. Recommended by me and your local bakeries. ;)
FOUR HEARTS--Warning: Do not read this book if you're on a diet, it's going to tempt you to no end. Unless you're having cheat days...read this on a cheat day, m'kay? It'll give you ideas and recipes on what you can gorge on.
M.J. O'Shea? Slam Dunk. She's like a staple in a MM romance diet. Love her work.
Anna Martin? Slam Dunk. I've never been disappointed in anything I've read by her. I'm a solid fan.
I saw the two of them writing together, I knew I wouldn't be disappointed. And I wasn't! (Okay, I'm going to harp on the ending for a smidge later.)
The premise is cool: an American baker (Henry) with a Upper East Side pedigree finds love with a younger, Brit adman (Tristan). And there's NYC and a bakery for a sweet setting. And the story, the romance it was like a favorite pastry. Fresh and hot out the oven. Damn, I still have dessert on the brain. The recipes at the end of every chapter is definitely a culprit.
"Macarons at Midnight" is simple, light, sweet, romantic between two normal men who are perfect for one another. The pacing and steam level was really great. Slow, unassuming but very much solid and refreshing. Because, Henry and Tristan were two guys didn't rush into bed or the first available surface. There was chemistry between them but they weren't led around by their dicks. Expect quiet romance and super low angst. (The office drama Tristan went through made me pout. It was like H.S. bullying at the workplace. I wanted to deliver pain to Jordan.)
Solid story but that ending...it's good enough with the promise of more. I'll be honest, I cursed a blue streak at end. Read the last bit five times to make sure my e-reader didn't punk me and hid the rest of the chapter in a secret link. (It didn't) The ending isn't a cliffhanger. It was a little rushed but I am hoping it's for a greater purpose once the series ends.
It's just...I need explanations. It's too unresolved for my tastes. I need to find out what's going to happen. I want Henry and Tristan to be happy forever and ever, okay? They must be married in a fairytale castle and have three kids named Praline, Cookie and Jammie Dodger or J.D. for short. They will bake happy endings for customers and all will bask in their sweet kisses.
Because I basked in their kisses.
Because I loved their pacing.
Because I got swept away in their romance.
They were so believable that even though the ending isn't the way I wanted it, I came to care for the characters. And I can't take away more than a star because the writing read effortless. Time was given to know one another. It was sweet but I didn't get contact diabetes.
Of course I'm reading the rest of this series. Recommended by me and your local bakeries. ;)
December 5, 2014
*3.5 stars*
This book was really sweet! Cute and fluffy, but not without its flaws.
First of all, can I just say how hungry this book made me? Those recipes and those delicious, vivid descriptions of all the baking- just heavenly! I wanted to whip out an apron and go all Betty Crocker.
I adored the way this book started out. It was a lovely New York City romance about a young guy who just moved to the State from England, and a rich pastry chef who wants to ignore his snooty upbringing. It is a little of an opposites attract story, but the focus was less on the differences between the two men and more on the chemistry between them. I liked the insta-attraction, which doesn't always work for me, and the almost shy, traditional way that they relationship progressed. I thought that the majority of the book was very nicely done.
For me, this book's major issues were with the character of Jordan, who was a side character but his personality was too capricious for my taste, and the ending. That ending! I hate misunderstandings and this book abruptly ended right after a big misunderstanding. While I would certainly call it a HFN or even a light HEA, it was too rushed for me.
Overall, while this book was delicious at parts, it also left me feeling a bit dissatisfied and hungry for something more filling.
What? Too heavy handed with the food analogies?
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
This book was really sweet! Cute and fluffy, but not without its flaws.
First of all, can I just say how hungry this book made me? Those recipes and those delicious, vivid descriptions of all the baking- just heavenly! I wanted to whip out an apron and go all Betty Crocker.
I adored the way this book started out. It was a lovely New York City romance about a young guy who just moved to the State from England, and a rich pastry chef who wants to ignore his snooty upbringing. It is a little of an opposites attract story, but the focus was less on the differences between the two men and more on the chemistry between them. I liked the insta-attraction, which doesn't always work for me, and the almost shy, traditional way that they relationship progressed. I thought that the majority of the book was very nicely done.
For me, this book's major issues were with the character of Jordan, who was a side character but his personality was too capricious for my taste, and the ending. That ending! I hate misunderstandings and this book abruptly ended right after a big misunderstanding. While I would certainly call it a HFN or even a light HEA, it was too rushed for me.
Overall, while this book was delicious at parts, it also left me feeling a bit dissatisfied and hungry for something more filling.
What? Too heavy handed with the food analogies?
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
October 31, 2014
3.5
I don’t want to say this story was too sweet. There was a lovely delicacy to it but I never found it overly saccharine. I love stories where people meet and get to know each other and fall in love. Straight-forward love stories are something that I find very special and gravitate towards. Parts of this read are simple and yes, sweet. I enjoyed the characters and their interactions and how the relationship was slowly built.
Other parts I were a bit drama-llamaish. I could see the issue that was going to become the problem well ahead of when it hit. The obviousness of that didn’t bother me but how it was dealt with did. The complete shut down of communication isn’t a response that I like to see to any kind of drama and it soured this story, the characters and their relationship. This was a toothsome melt in your mouth confection with an unfortunate bitter aftertaste.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
I don’t want to say this story was too sweet. There was a lovely delicacy to it but I never found it overly saccharine. I love stories where people meet and get to know each other and fall in love. Straight-forward love stories are something that I find very special and gravitate towards. Parts of this read are simple and yes, sweet. I enjoyed the characters and their interactions and how the relationship was slowly built.
Other parts I were a bit drama-llamaish. I could see the issue that was going to become the problem well ahead of when it hit. The obviousness of that didn’t bother me but how it was dealt with did. The complete shut down of communication isn’t a response that I like to see to any kind of drama and it soured this story, the characters and their relationship. This was a toothsome melt in your mouth confection with an unfortunate bitter aftertaste.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
February 6, 2022
Cute, sweet and uncomplicated. Nice for a Saturday morning read.
July 9, 2018
The baking in this romance was amazing and comes with recipes.
The book also showcases New York City.
The love story between Tristen is sweet and tender. The loneliness Tristen feels so far from England and Henry's choice to not be part of the New York elite is nicely detailed.
Because the connection between the heroes charms, the conflicts in the book between Tristen and his awful work environment and then the over reaction of Henry of something that happens feels too heavy handed and made me want to skip around and took away from the pleasure of the book.
The book also showcases New York City.
The love story between Tristen is sweet and tender. The loneliness Tristen feels so far from England and Henry's choice to not be part of the New York elite is nicely detailed.
Because the connection between the heroes charms, the conflicts in the book between Tristen and his awful work environment and then the over reaction of Henry of something that happens feels too heavy handed and made me want to skip around and took away from the pleasure of the book.
November 2, 2017
Very sweet and fluffy romance with almost zero angst. It was pretty good and easy to read, however I doubt I'll ever revisit it again except to check out the recipes. Already did the shortbreads and they turned out very well (although everyone at home they'd be even better without the cinnamon), so I plan to make them again :) In short it was a sweet story, but also rather unremarkable.
January 30, 2015
Boring and sweet. But there are some great recipes you might want to try!
2.5 stars
September 9, 2015
This was sweet, but there wasn't much depth to me. To be honest, it was just a bit dull, and then the "big misunderstanding" at the end just felt contrived. I couldn't believe that Henry would actually think that Tristan would do that to him.
December 15, 2014
I'm finished with Macarons at Midnight: 3.5 stars --> 3.0 Huh. Very abrupt - and unsatisfying - ending.
August 23, 2021
A cute, light-hearted, little book that was wrapped up way too neatly.
January 29, 2016
The majority of this was a solid three star read for me, if on the lower side of the spectrum. I was getting kind of bored and actually increased the narration speed up to 2.5 because I just felt like nothing was happening. They each thought to themselves a lot about how beautiful and wonderful the other person was. Tristan complained about his job. Henry baked. Jesus Christ did Henry bake, I really did not need to hear about all that baking. So it was a mediocre 3 star for me.
But then The Miscommunication happened. And it was just as pointless as you'd imagine. I was literally screaming at my audiobook yelling"JUST TELL HIM!" Because here's the thing, one of them knew it was a miscommunication. So did he tell the other about the mistake? Of course not. He said "let me explain" and "you don't understand" and "please, listen", but Never.Actually.Said.Anything. I'm not sure if you fully understand how livid this made me. And as you can imagine, once he finally cleared things up, all was forgiven. And then it was over. Incredibly sudden and unsatisfying.
Now the audio version itself? Not bad, but not great. Tristan is British and he was accented accordingly, but his inner monologue was not. I can't decide if I liked this or not. On the one hand, it helped me distinguish his inner thoughts from his dialogue when he was in conversation. On the other hand, it felt kind of lazy. But that wasn't my main issue. My main issue was the women. Mr. Paul Barrel seriously needs to work on his female voices. I couldn't stand a single one of them, but Mindy was The Worst. Her voice was aggressive and short, 'no-nonsense' in the most stereotypical way. I cringed every time she opened her mouth.
So for me, the low rating was mostly due to the lazy and cliche'd ending. Although it wasn't helped at all by the audio version. This hasn't turned me off to this narrator entirely, I would give him another chance. And I've read and loved M.J. O'Shea before, so I'll certainly still read works by her. But this just didn't hit the spot for me, in any way really. I wasn't even particularly attached to our MC's, they both just bored me.
Received audio version from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
But then The Miscommunication happened. And it was just as pointless as you'd imagine. I was literally screaming at my audiobook yelling"JUST TELL HIM!" Because here's the thing, one of them knew it was a miscommunication. So did he tell the other about the mistake? Of course not. He said "let me explain" and "you don't understand" and "please, listen", but Never.Actually.Said.Anything. I'm not sure if you fully understand how livid this made me. And as you can imagine, once he finally cleared things up, all was forgiven. And then it was over. Incredibly sudden and unsatisfying.
Now the audio version itself? Not bad, but not great. Tristan is British and he was accented accordingly, but his inner monologue was not. I can't decide if I liked this or not. On the one hand, it helped me distinguish his inner thoughts from his dialogue when he was in conversation. On the other hand, it felt kind of lazy. But that wasn't my main issue. My main issue was the women. Mr. Paul Barrel seriously needs to work on his female voices. I couldn't stand a single one of them, but Mindy was The Worst. Her voice was aggressive and short, 'no-nonsense' in the most stereotypical way. I cringed every time she opened her mouth.
So for me, the low rating was mostly due to the lazy and cliche'd ending. Although it wasn't helped at all by the audio version. This hasn't turned me off to this narrator entirely, I would give him another chance. And I've read and loved M.J. O'Shea before, so I'll certainly still read works by her. But this just didn't hit the spot for me, in any way really. I wasn't even particularly attached to our MC's, they both just bored me.
Received audio version from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
April 9, 2015
2.75 stars rounded up
I was in the mood for something light, nothing too complicated, nothing with too much drama. Something, well, nice. Since I know the writing style of both authors I thought this one fit the bill.
Well, it did ...
It has an adorable young English man who seemed couldn't fit in, in his working environment. It has a rich but laid-back, not wanting to be part of his parents' crowd baker (and owner). There is a cute serendipity as Tristan walks into Henry's bakery near midnight and ends up staying there while Henry are making macarons (picture a romantic TV movie of that scene while you're at it).
Then there's building the romance, some laughter and giggles, some sweet/mushy moments (might involve thinking of the other man constantly while at work, touching, hugging, attempting the British accent, the big sister teasing, the low-level steam sexing, calling each other with endearments...), and of course, some baking (damn it this book made me hungry!)
... except
I guess the whole set-up also felt too dull for me to enjoy (god damn it, woman, what do you want?!?). I know, I know, I might need little conflicts after all just to keep the interest going (because I started skimming around 30%). AND unfortunately NOT the kind of conflict introduced in the last 15%!
See to me, that kind of plot felt like the authors realized that they had not written any sort of a climax moment, and they needed to inject the adrenaline or something, and thought, "Hey, why not trying to break up Tristan and Henry with THAT (cliché) miscommunication problem". Come on, you'll know it for a mile, when someone working in advertising meets up with someone from very rich, powerful, with high influence family ... connect the dots please.
Yeah, so, that. Not exactly liking the humdrum progress, the late conflict arrival nor the rushed ending. Boo.
I rounded up the rating because of the recipes (and the fact that this book made me want to buy macarons!!). I might not want to bake them (not a baker NOR good at cooking) but it is cute!!
I also might still wants to check the sequel. Again, I know the writing of these authors, so there might be the right mood to try to read those.
I was in the mood for something light, nothing too complicated, nothing with too much drama. Something, well, nice. Since I know the writing style of both authors I thought this one fit the bill.
Well, it did ...
It has an adorable young English man who seemed couldn't fit in, in his working environment. It has a rich but laid-back, not wanting to be part of his parents' crowd baker (and owner). There is a cute serendipity as Tristan walks into Henry's bakery near midnight and ends up staying there while Henry are making macarons (picture a romantic TV movie of that scene while you're at it).
Then there's building the romance, some laughter and giggles, some sweet/mushy moments (might involve thinking of the other man constantly while at work, touching, hugging, attempting the British accent, the big sister teasing, the low-level steam sexing, calling each other with endearments...), and of course, some baking (damn it this book made me hungry!)
... except
I guess the whole set-up also felt too dull for me to enjoy (god damn it, woman, what do you want?!?). I know, I know, I might need little conflicts after all just to keep the interest going (because I started skimming around 30%). AND unfortunately NOT the kind of conflict introduced in the last 15%!
See to me, that kind of plot felt like the authors realized that they had not written any sort of a climax moment, and they needed to inject the adrenaline or something, and thought, "Hey, why not trying to break up Tristan and Henry with THAT (cliché) miscommunication problem". Come on, you'll know it for a mile, when someone working in advertising meets up with someone from very rich, powerful, with high influence family ... connect the dots please.
Yeah, so, that. Not exactly liking the humdrum progress, the late conflict arrival nor the rushed ending. Boo.
I rounded up the rating because of the recipes (and the fact that this book made me want to buy macarons!!). I might not want to bake them (not a baker NOR good at cooking) but it is cute!!
I also might still wants to check the sequel. Again, I know the writing of these authors, so there might be the right mood to try to read those.
April 13, 2015
So after a slow start, I actually ended up liking this. Very cute and romantic, exactly what I like out of MJ O'Shea. The end was very abrupt and somewhat anticlimactic, but otherwise a nice sweet read. Ha ha, sweet. See what I did there? I also went to the soda shop and bought a macaroon as soon as I was done. Not bad.
October 25, 2014
This is such a sweet, beautiful read. I picked it up because I adore these two authors, and I was looking for something cute and romantic, and that's totally what I got here. It was wonderfully sweet and fluffy, and I fell head over heels in love with the characters and the story from the very first page. The two authors have produced a truly lovely romance novel here, something that will warm your heart and put a smile on your face. I really wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to anyone, it's a total gem.
And, as a side note, reading this book made me incredibly hungry. Be warned ;)
And, as a side note, reading this book made me incredibly hungry. Be warned ;)
Read
January 23, 2015BR with Mark and Nick.
DNF at 10%
DNF at 10%
September 6, 2018
2.5* This book has ZERO angst, is a VERY VERY sweet and slow burn romance with a lot bakery in between.
I love my non angsty stories but I think this one is a bit too much... I wish we had some other mystery in the plot, it finish being plain :/
I love my non angsty stories but I think this one is a bit too much... I wish we had some other mystery in the plot, it finish being plain :/
September 2, 2016
✮.✮.✮.½. for the lovely Macarons at Midnight (◕‿◕).
I guess Macarons at Midnight is what you'd call a light, feel-good read. The characters were all very lovable. In my opinion it was pretty angst-free, but not without a little drama *wink wink*.
Words that come to mind: soft, sweet, gentle, loving.
I was surprised how the Big Misunderstanding played out.
Both MC seemed little out of character, or maybe I just like to think that someone with a brain would actually talk things through, right away I mean. I would want explanations and I'd give explanations before accepting anything else. I just can't wrap my mind around some of the things guys do in books =P
I also found the ending a bit too abrupt. Sure I liked it, but since the entire book was quite a good lenght, and not a 15 page short story, I think there should've been an epilogue :(
Anyways, I love the recipies!
I'll try some of them soon :)
I guess Macarons at Midnight is what you'd call a light, feel-good read. The characters were all very lovable. In my opinion it was pretty angst-free, but not without a little drama *wink wink*.
Words that come to mind: soft, sweet, gentle, loving.
I was surprised how the Big Misunderstanding played out.
Both MC seemed little out of character, or maybe I just like to think that someone with a brain would actually talk things through, right away I mean. I would want explanations and I'd give explanations before accepting anything else. I just can't wrap my mind around some of the things guys do in books =P
I also found the ending a bit too abrupt. Sure I liked it, but since the entire book was quite a good lenght, and not a 15 page short story, I think there should've been an epilogue :(
Anyways, I love the recipies!
I'll try some of them soon :)
November 2, 2014
Tristan is an Englishman living in New York working for an ad agency.
Henry comes from an incredibly wealthy family, but runs his own bakery in New York.
The both meet, they both have incredibly boring personalities, which leads to an incredibly boring romance. The story has one tiny obstacle which ends with little too no fuss.
M.J. O'Shea is American. Anna Martin is English. They probably thought this was a good idea. Maybe as a first draft that needed to then be scrapped and thought over again. This book was so dull. Dull. Dull. Hair pulling dull.
The recipes were cute though.
Henry comes from an incredibly wealthy family, but runs his own bakery in New York.
The both meet, they both have incredibly boring personalities, which leads to an incredibly boring romance. The story has one tiny obstacle which ends with little too no fuss.
M.J. O'Shea is American. Anna Martin is English. They probably thought this was a good idea. Maybe as a first draft that needed to then be scrapped and thought over again. This book was so dull. Dull. Dull. Hair pulling dull.
The recipes were cute though.
April 9, 2018
This one just really didn't work for me - I found it boring. I also have a hard time believing that anyone can get away with the behavior of Tristan's co-worker in today's world of HR policies. The conflict was obvious and I saw it coming long before it actually happened and the ending felt rushed.
February 11, 2015
I enjoyed the story, but the ending ruined it for me: it was a bit silly and definitely rushed. I loved the recipes, though. I'm going to try some of them out for sure!
July 1, 2017
2.5 stars
I liked it.
If you're not into sugary sweet insta love I wouldn't recommend it though.
And WTF was the last 10%??? It felt like the conflict was put in as an afterthought and after a few pages of unnecessary angst it was "solved" in less than a page. Until then it was a solid 3 stars read :/
I liked it.
If you're not into sugary sweet insta love I wouldn't recommend it though.
And WTF was the last 10%??? It felt like the conflict was put in as an afterthought and after a few pages of unnecessary angst it was "solved" in less than a page. Until then it was a solid 3 stars read :/
November 20, 2014
Tristan Green, an expatriate from England, is trying to advance his career in advertising at a big agency in New York City. He's not entirely happy with how things are going in his life, but he's stubborn and doesn't want to be viewed as a failure. One evening, while walking around his neighborhood, Tristan stumbles upon a quaint bakery and its handsome owner, Henry Livingston.
Henry worked hard to build his business from the ground up even though he came from a family of wealth and connections. He doesn't feel comfortable in that life, which is evidenced by his strained relationship with his WASP parents. When the bumbling and painfully adorable Tristan comes into his life, Henry feels things he's never felt before. Could it be too good to be true?
This is an extremely sweet story. The slow build of Tristan and Henry's relationship was really cute to watch. Their playful banter back and forth brought a smile to my face and made me chuckle more than once. The authors did a great job of creating characters that made me care about their well-being and root for their success.
I couldn't stop my mouth from watering while reading about all of the incredible baked goods Henry created. I love the fact that the book includes recipes for many of the confections described by the characters, and I can't wait to try some of them out.
Unfortunately, I did have a few issues with the book.
* The build up and development of Tristan and Henry's relationship was so detailed and well-thought out that I was a little shocked by the "big misunderstanding," how the drama played out, and ultimately the abrupt and unfinished ending. Readers spent at least three quarters of the book, maybe more, seeing the incredible dynamic between the two MCs, so I felt cheated that the conflict was not given the same attention.
* Why was Henry so quick
* I was very disappointed that Jordan He was a jerk from the moment he was introduced and it seemed as though he was just a character thrown into the mix to shake things up.
*
* The thing that really surprised me was the ending. There really wasn't much to it and the problems between Tristan and Henry seemed unresolved. I was expecting at least another chapter since the explanation for the big misunderstanding happened so fast. I'm really hoping there is a sequel because I was left wondering "what happened?"
All in all, this is a nice, sweet read. I enjoyed the characters, the locations and the recipes. However, the unresolved (barely) HFN ending disappointed me.
Read more m/m reviews on Slashsessed.
Henry worked hard to build his business from the ground up even though he came from a family of wealth and connections. He doesn't feel comfortable in that life, which is evidenced by his strained relationship with his WASP parents. When the bumbling and painfully adorable Tristan comes into his life, Henry feels things he's never felt before. Could it be too good to be true?
This is an extremely sweet story. The slow build of Tristan and Henry's relationship was really cute to watch. Their playful banter back and forth brought a smile to my face and made me chuckle more than once. The authors did a great job of creating characters that made me care about their well-being and root for their success.
I couldn't stop my mouth from watering while reading about all of the incredible baked goods Henry created. I love the fact that the book includes recipes for many of the confections described by the characters, and I can't wait to try some of them out.
Unfortunately, I did have a few issues with the book.
* The build up and development of Tristan and Henry's relationship was so detailed and well-thought out that I was a little shocked by the "big misunderstanding," how the drama played out, and ultimately the abrupt and unfinished ending. Readers spent at least three quarters of the book, maybe more, seeing the incredible dynamic between the two MCs, so I felt cheated that the conflict was not given the same attention.
* Why was Henry so quick
* I was very disappointed that Jordan He was a jerk from the moment he was introduced and it seemed as though he was just a character thrown into the mix to shake things up.
*
* The thing that really surprised me was the ending. There really wasn't much to it and the problems between Tristan and Henry seemed unresolved. I was expecting at least another chapter since the explanation for the big misunderstanding happened so fast. I'm really hoping there is a sequel because I was left wondering "what happened?"
All in all, this is a nice, sweet read. I enjoyed the characters, the locations and the recipes. However, the unresolved (barely) HFN ending disappointed me.
Read more m/m reviews on Slashsessed.
February 15, 2015
Review can be read at It's About The Book
Pretty sure I snacked my way through this book. There’s really no way not to with all the recipes and the boys baking all those delicious goodies. If you’re looking for a sweet read with charming characters this one may be a good choice. I liked it.
Henry comes from a cold wealthy socialite type family in New York. It’s really not Henry’s scene. He prefers a life spent baking in his shop away from all that nonsense. One night a gorgeous stranger with an accent he can’t resist wonders into his bakery’s alley. The guys ogle each other and flirt away the night promising to call each other. And they do. Henry and his new hunky British friend Tristan are both interested in getting to know each other better.
Tristan recently moved to New York because of a promotion. He’s been lonely and feeling like an outcast in his office. Tristan just isn’t good office politics. When he leaves late at night he likes to unwind by taking walks around the city. Tristan has no friends and nothing better to do with his time. He gets lost one night but he finds something that changes his life forever. Henry.
The boys fall for each other fast. A fair amount of the book is spent with the boys all gooey for each other. An owner of a bakery keeps crazy hours. Henry being the perfectionist with his food that he is, bakes everything his growing business sells. Which is a lot of work for one person. The guys find time to be together despite their schedules not meshing. They kind of go all in. Spending every second they can together. Even going out of their way just to spend 10 minutes together. It’s totally adorable and you really get that they’re in that euphoria like place when you’re with someone new who just “does it for you”.
I will admit that books this sweet and straightforward don’t usually do it for me. This story was charming and humorous. I have to say the repetitive scenes of them baking did get a little tedious and I caught myself thinking oh this again. Couples do get in routines and Henry IS a baker so it makes sense I guess. I think I just wanted something more than the gap in their up bringing but that’s probably my issue. There really isn’t that much conflict until the end. Even that could have really annoyed me but it mostly worked. Didn’t love it but it worked.
This book is charming and full of recipes! The MCs are adorable and frequently radishing each other. Yes I said radishing. You’ll just have to read the book to understand that one. If you’re in the mood for a sweet light read with lovable MCs, you may want to check this one out. Be sure and have some treats ready because this book will tempt your sweet tooth.
Pretty sure I snacked my way through this book. There’s really no way not to with all the recipes and the boys baking all those delicious goodies. If you’re looking for a sweet read with charming characters this one may be a good choice. I liked it.
Henry comes from a cold wealthy socialite type family in New York. It’s really not Henry’s scene. He prefers a life spent baking in his shop away from all that nonsense. One night a gorgeous stranger with an accent he can’t resist wonders into his bakery’s alley. The guys ogle each other and flirt away the night promising to call each other. And they do. Henry and his new hunky British friend Tristan are both interested in getting to know each other better.
Tristan recently moved to New York because of a promotion. He’s been lonely and feeling like an outcast in his office. Tristan just isn’t good office politics. When he leaves late at night he likes to unwind by taking walks around the city. Tristan has no friends and nothing better to do with his time. He gets lost one night but he finds something that changes his life forever. Henry.
The boys fall for each other fast. A fair amount of the book is spent with the boys all gooey for each other. An owner of a bakery keeps crazy hours. Henry being the perfectionist with his food that he is, bakes everything his growing business sells. Which is a lot of work for one person. The guys find time to be together despite their schedules not meshing. They kind of go all in. Spending every second they can together. Even going out of their way just to spend 10 minutes together. It’s totally adorable and you really get that they’re in that euphoria like place when you’re with someone new who just “does it for you”.
I will admit that books this sweet and straightforward don’t usually do it for me. This story was charming and humorous. I have to say the repetitive scenes of them baking did get a little tedious and I caught myself thinking oh this again. Couples do get in routines and Henry IS a baker so it makes sense I guess. I think I just wanted something more than the gap in their up bringing but that’s probably my issue. There really isn’t that much conflict until the end. Even that could have really annoyed me but it mostly worked. Didn’t love it but it worked.
This book is charming and full of recipes! The MCs are adorable and frequently radishing each other. Yes I said radishing. You’ll just have to read the book to understand that one. If you’re in the mood for a sweet light read with lovable MCs, you may want to check this one out. Be sure and have some treats ready because this book will tempt your sweet tooth.
September 27, 2016
God, my heart was gonna explode after the issue with Henry's dad. I love these two together and they sure cut it close. But saying that, I felt like the resolution was rushed.
November 18, 2014
I’ve read this a few days after its release in October and tried to reread it this month – I always love me some cute story from M.J. O’Shea. This one though she co-wrote with Anna Martin, author of the Tattoos & Another Way series. I just loved this book! It’s just cuteness overload!!! It’s about Tristan Green, an English lad who landed in Manhattan for a job at a high profile ad agency. Unable to get a life out of his mundane routine, he found himself meandering over Henry Livingston’s bakery one night. Henry is the owner of the cutesy bakery and was also a renegade child who grew up in the Upper East Side but got so fed up so he decided to ditch his “old money” family and be a baker. It started as a taste-testing flirting that developed into a sweet and oh-sexy romance that may just be the one thing that they both needed. All things crumbled, though, when Tristan’s work made him do something that could end all ties with Henry.
Don’t you just love reading an easy, breezy story that’ll leave you giddy and smiling from ear to ear after after? That’s what I felt like after reading this book non-stop. Just effortlessly non-stop. Tristan and Henry are both lovely characters carved from the chic-flick mold. They’re just lovely and Tristan’s accent – really, I could hear it in my head! I just love the easy chemistry between these two and how the story just stayed low-key all throughout with making it overly dramatic what with all the family and work involved. This is a really good book to pass the time – I usually say this when the book’s not really worth your precious time but this book IS worth it and would be a great company whilst relaxing and getting all cozy at your reading nook.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Don’t you just love reading an easy, breezy story that’ll leave you giddy and smiling from ear to ear after after? That’s what I felt like after reading this book non-stop. Just effortlessly non-stop. Tristan and Henry are both lovely characters carved from the chic-flick mold. They’re just lovely and Tristan’s accent – really, I could hear it in my head! I just love the easy chemistry between these two and how the story just stayed low-key all throughout with making it overly dramatic what with all the family and work involved. This is a really good book to pass the time – I usually say this when the book’s not really worth your precious time but this book IS worth it and would be a great company whilst relaxing and getting all cozy at your reading nook.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
October 22, 2014
The book was really good at first. I'm not really into sweet, mushy, loving moments but I wasn't bothered at all. It even made me squeal at times.
I'm only giving this 3 stars because of a lot of reasons.
I recommend this book for those who are looking for a sweet and light read!
I'm only giving this 3 stars because of a lot of reasons.
I recommend this book for those who are looking for a sweet and light read!
November 9, 2014
Perfect Character Development Makes For Sweet Ending
I have rarely read a book with two gay MCs where each man is absolutely perfectly developed for whom he is supposed to be. Tristan Green is from a small English town and is working for an international ad agency in Manhattan. Henry Livingston is the scion of a wealthy Upper East Side "white bread" family who operates his own bakery in Greenwich Village in defiance of his parent's hopes for him, which also include getting him to stop being gay.
Jeez!
The great thing about this novel is not necessarily the plot (although it is very good, very hot and very satisfying). Rather it's knowing that the characters actually exist in real life--no, they are not real people but M.J. O'Shea has developed each of them as they would be were this a non-fiction book. Henry, his sister, his parents, their white-bread crowd, Henry's co-workers, Tristan and his co-workers--I have met them and they are there in droves and these characterizations give what is basically a sweet love story three-dimensional dynamism with plenty of cream on top. Yum!
I have rarely read a book with two gay MCs where each man is absolutely perfectly developed for whom he is supposed to be. Tristan Green is from a small English town and is working for an international ad agency in Manhattan. Henry Livingston is the scion of a wealthy Upper East Side "white bread" family who operates his own bakery in Greenwich Village in defiance of his parent's hopes for him, which also include getting him to stop being gay.
Jeez!
The great thing about this novel is not necessarily the plot (although it is very good, very hot and very satisfying). Rather it's knowing that the characters actually exist in real life--no, they are not real people but M.J. O'Shea has developed each of them as they would be were this a non-fiction book. Henry, his sister, his parents, their white-bread crowd, Henry's co-workers, Tristan and his co-workers--I have met them and they are there in droves and these characterizations give what is basically a sweet love story three-dimensional dynamism with plenty of cream on top. Yum!
October 18, 2014
Have you ever read a book that had you sporting a little grin while reading? For me, this was one of those books. I sat reading with silly little smile for probably 90% or so. Then came an unexpected and abrupt ending.
Still, I enjoyed this very much. I liked the slow build between Henry and Tristan. There was an instant connection, but there was also a slow build. They didn't fall into bed right away and I thought this was fun and also more credible; the slow build added a level of depth to the sugary sweetness of the story.
I genuinely liked these characters. I wanted to see a bit more at the end. Did Tristan take Henry home to meet the parents? Did they move in together? Come on! I felt like I was left hanging.
This was a fun read and for that I can at least try to forgive the lack of closure feelings that I had about the ending.
Still, I enjoyed this very much. I liked the slow build between Henry and Tristan. There was an instant connection, but there was also a slow build. They didn't fall into bed right away and I thought this was fun and also more credible; the slow build added a level of depth to the sugary sweetness of the story.
I genuinely liked these characters. I wanted to see a bit more at the end. Did Tristan take Henry home to meet the parents? Did they move in together? Come on! I felt like I was left hanging.
This was a fun read and for that I can at least try to forgive the lack of closure feelings that I had about the ending.
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