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Taste Test
When my straight roommate starts obsessing over a sexual fantasy, I never expected to become the solution.
Casey Walmsley just wanted a quiet life—cheap rent, a halfway-clean flat, and maybe the occasional glance at his impossibly hot, totally straight, rugby-playing roommate. No drama, no romance, and absolutely no taste-testing anyone’s bodily fluids.
Jared Sutherland had other ideas. After catching his girlfriend giving his best mate the kind of... ahem... appreciation she'd always sworn was 'absolutely disgusting' and refused to do for him, Jared's ego is shattered and his obsession is someone, anyone, has to swallow for him, just once, or he'll never feel like a real man again.
Now Casey is stuck being his flatmate’s sex therapist and reluctant experiment partner. What starts as a desperate attempt to shut Jared up (and down) quickly spirals out of control—leading to breakfast “protein shots,” and more tangled situations than a wonky rugby scrum.
Will Casey survive being Jared’s personal taste-tester with his dignity (and heart) intact? Or will this whole messy experiment turn into a mouthful neither of them can swallow?
Taste Test contains bad language, bad decisions, and a lot of salty Kiwi humour. Not for readers who blush easily.
Casey Walmsley just wanted a quiet life—cheap rent, a halfway-clean flat, and maybe the occasional glance at his impossibly hot, totally straight, rugby-playing roommate. No drama, no romance, and absolutely no taste-testing anyone’s bodily fluids.
Jared Sutherland had other ideas. After catching his girlfriend giving his best mate the kind of... ahem... appreciation she'd always sworn was 'absolutely disgusting' and refused to do for him, Jared's ego is shattered and his obsession is someone, anyone, has to swallow for him, just once, or he'll never feel like a real man again.
Now Casey is stuck being his flatmate’s sex therapist and reluctant experiment partner. What starts as a desperate attempt to shut Jared up (and down) quickly spirals out of control—leading to breakfast “protein shots,” and more tangled situations than a wonky rugby scrum.
Will Casey survive being Jared’s personal taste-tester with his dignity (and heart) intact? Or will this whole messy experiment turn into a mouthful neither of them can swallow?
Taste Test contains bad language, bad decisions, and a lot of salty Kiwi humour. Not for readers who blush easily.
- GenresM M RomanceLGBTCollege
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2025
About the author
Zane Menzy
42 books104 followersZane lives way down under on the west coast of New Zealand; the wet side. He is a fan of ghost stories, sport, ducklings and nights out that usually lead to his head hanging in a bucket the next morning.
He enjoys creating characters who have flaws, crazy thoughts and a tendency to make bad decisions. Zane’s stories are emotionally-charged and don’t shy away from darker themes. After all, they do say there is no light without the dark.
He enjoys creating characters who have flaws, crazy thoughts and a tendency to make bad decisions. Zane’s stories are emotionally-charged and don’t shy away from darker themes. After all, they do say there is no light without the dark.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 2, 2026
ugh, the way this played out was a little surprising and very cute.
after 60% of the book was filled with, Jared being a for sure, according to Casey, straight jock rugby God. and Casey lusting after his 18-year-old supervisor at the coffee shop he works at , i was expecting a much less emotional payoff.
this was genuinely, was so satisfying.
sweet, super sexy and funny.
i wish there was an epilogue or something of their parents finding out they're together, and tbh a lot more sex. they're hotttt together. they have chemistry in and out of the bedroom. their banter is top notch.
would love another book with them.
oh, i only took off a star bc i could have done without the supervisor plot.
otherwise would have been an easy five stars
sex-ish stuff i want to call out for people who like to know beforehand (like me):
after 60% of the book was filled with, Jared being a for sure, according to Casey, straight jock rugby God. and Casey lusting after his 18-year-old supervisor at the coffee shop he works at , i was expecting a much less emotional payoff.
this was genuinely, was so satisfying.
sweet, super sexy and funny.
i wish there was an epilogue or something of their parents finding out they're together, and tbh a lot more sex. they're hotttt together. they have chemistry in and out of the bedroom. their banter is top notch.
would love another book with them.
oh, i only took off a star bc i could have done without the supervisor plot.
otherwise would have been an easy five stars
sex-ish stuff i want to call out for people who like to know beforehand (like me):
Read
November 15, 2025Is this the first ever MM book I’ve read in 5 whole years that actually utilises the “unreliable narrator” framing device with successful results? It’s definitely one of the most unique I’ve read, probably helped by the fact that it’s written by a male author who doesn’t seem very concerned with following usual conventions & “sensibilities” in MM books written by women lol.
The first half is very, very weird for a romance book, but I personally had a blast reading it, aside from maybe a few moments that focused too much on bodily functions & fluids lol. The second half is a little less unhinged but would still knock your weird-o-metre right out. The humour may be a bit too much for some people, but I for one enjoyed it just fine.
I do like the fact that you gradually come to realise and appreciate that the characters have a much stronger bond than meets the eye, which is slowly revealed to you in a very masterfully deliberate manner - a sign of a very strong, competent writer. It’s just my personal reference to have my romance books a little less crass & crude, and more sentimental & romantic than this.
The first half is very, very weird for a romance book, but I personally had a blast reading it, aside from maybe a few moments that focused too much on bodily functions & fluids lol. The second half is a little less unhinged but would still knock your weird-o-metre right out. The humour may be a bit too much for some people, but I for one enjoyed it just fine.
I do like the fact that you gradually come to realise and appreciate that the characters have a much stronger bond than meets the eye, which is slowly revealed to you in a very masterfully deliberate manner - a sign of a very strong, competent writer. It’s just my personal reference to have my romance books a little less crass & crude, and more sentimental & romantic than this.
October 28, 2025
My notes:
Characters: Casey and Jared, roommates and long-time friends who lost touch for a while.
Characters: Casey and Jared, roommates and long-time friends who lost touch for a while.
December 9, 2025
would've been 5 stars if not for all the bullshit.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🔥🔥🔥/5
Spoilers ahead.
so, full warning, you have mc1 going down on another man like quarter way(?) into the book before the relationship actually starts.
and that's one of the issues I had. I don't want to read about shit like that. was it hot? no. because it wasn't Jared. idk. it was just weird to read about. it would've 100% been hot if it was Jared. but you're telling me Casey has been in love with Jared for so long but he'd also been crushing on his "supervisor" for a year? ew. idk. I don't like that. not that it's impossible or anything since he thought Jared was straight but like... it just doesn't feel right. it skirts on the cheating side for me and makes me uncomfortable (even though it's not cheating at all).
also, their relationship took way too long to take root. we had some sexy scenes but they seemed really random and unimportant during because of the way Casey saw things. they were apparently a lot more meaningful but I just can't make that connection now after reading pages and pages of "my roommate, who I'm in love with, is being weird and I'm all for it because I want him but oh no this is torture for me because he's straight" vibes.
edit: also also, I'd have loved for this to be a little longer with added scenes. maybe with Jared's dad in the room unaware or in the house or sth.
I did love this book though! my review might make it seem like I had so much to complain about but no I honestly loved it and I quite enjoyed everything I've read from this author so far I think!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🔥🔥🔥/5
Spoilers ahead.
so, full warning, you have mc1 going down on another man like quarter way(?) into the book before the relationship actually starts.
and that's one of the issues I had. I don't want to read about shit like that. was it hot? no. because it wasn't Jared. idk. it was just weird to read about. it would've 100% been hot if it was Jared. but you're telling me Casey has been in love with Jared for so long but he'd also been crushing on his "supervisor" for a year? ew. idk. I don't like that. not that it's impossible or anything since he thought Jared was straight but like... it just doesn't feel right. it skirts on the cheating side for me and makes me uncomfortable (even though it's not cheating at all).
also, their relationship took way too long to take root. we had some sexy scenes but they seemed really random and unimportant during because of the way Casey saw things. they were apparently a lot more meaningful but I just can't make that connection now after reading pages and pages of "my roommate, who I'm in love with, is being weird and I'm all for it because I want him but oh no this is torture for me because he's straight" vibes.
edit: also also, I'd have loved for this to be a little longer with added scenes. maybe with Jared's dad in the room unaware or in the house or sth.
I did love this book though! my review might make it seem like I had so much to complain about but no I honestly loved it and I quite enjoyed everything I've read from this author so far I think!
April 1, 2026
Great book, really glad I took the time to read it.
This is far from the first book I've read by Zane Menzy, and I really do enjoy his work. A lot of the time it tends to go into the more raunchy and taboo side of erotica (and it isn't totally absent here, either), but this one seemed to take a lot more time on the slow path. The story is silly and goofy with moments that border on "are you really so blind?" with how obvious both characters are with how into each other are, but it works in the context of the story and how deep in denial one- if not both- of the characters are about their feelings regarding one another.
You aren't going to get a book with deep pining. In fact, this is part of the point of the book. Rather, the narrator insists the things the two are doing is all just sexual exploration, discovering kink and maybe bonding as friends again after years of being estranged from their childhood friendship. But the barriers come down, and each one that does opens a deeper facet of intimacy between the protagonists.
This is far from the first book I've read by Zane Menzy, and I really do enjoy his work. A lot of the time it tends to go into the more raunchy and taboo side of erotica (and it isn't totally absent here, either), but this one seemed to take a lot more time on the slow path. The story is silly and goofy with moments that border on "are you really so blind?" with how obvious both characters are with how into each other are, but it works in the context of the story and how deep in denial one- if not both- of the characters are about their feelings regarding one another.
You aren't going to get a book with deep pining. In fact, this is part of the point of the book. Rather, the narrator insists the things the two are doing is all just sexual exploration, discovering kink and maybe bonding as friends again after years of being estranged from their childhood friendship. But the barriers come down, and each one that does opens a deeper facet of intimacy between the protagonists.
September 25, 2025
“My dream, Casey... Just once. Just to know what it feels like to have someone want me that much, you know?"
I loved this book. Good world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Casey and Jared. The banter between them was funny. Heck, most of Jared's obsessive ramblings were hilarious and I could perfectly picture Casey's wtf exasperated expressions.
“Then you can also tell me how swallowable it is.” When I scowled, he dissolved into chuckles. “Come on. Just a quick look.”
The conversations with Casey after Jared caught his girlfriend cheating, I was quickly convinced Jared's a himbo- but the kind with an ego; not the sweet innocent kind.
I was completely hooked to this story and the shenanigans between these two. This book was such a fun romance, and I liked the dynamic between them and the way their relationship developed. This is the first story I've read by this author and I would read more. 5 stars
I loved this book. Good world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Casey and Jared. The banter between them was funny. Heck, most of Jared's obsessive ramblings were hilarious and I could perfectly picture Casey's wtf exasperated expressions.
“Then you can also tell me how swallowable it is.” When I scowled, he dissolved into chuckles. “Come on. Just a quick look.”
The conversations with Casey after Jared caught his girlfriend cheating, I was quickly convinced Jared's a himbo- but the kind with an ego; not the sweet innocent kind.
I was completely hooked to this story and the shenanigans between these two. This book was such a fun romance, and I liked the dynamic between them and the way their relationship developed. This is the first story I've read by this author and I would read more. 5 stars
September 14, 2025
Casey and Jared have known each other since they were babies. Their dads were best friends so they were friends too. But as they got older they drifted apart. Different interests gradually drew them apart. Their dads arrange for them to be roommates. But Casey has had a crush on his roommate for years. And through the years Jared has made remarks that can be taken two ways… as a real declaration of attraction or as a joke. Casey takes it as a joke!
Fun read, hit too! Jock and nerd. Friends to roommates to lovers to boyfriends! Enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Fun read, hit too! Jock and nerd. Friends to roommates to lovers to boyfriends! Enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 1, 2025
Holy fuck!
I started reading this one several hours ago in the middle of the night! I couldn’t stop! I SERIOUSLY couldn’t believe I was reading a Zane Menzy book! It was so different. I mean, I love all of his books because they make me feel like I’m right there experiencing the stories with the characters, but this one made me feel like he wrote it just for me! I’m a hopeless romantic and sorry to have to spoiler alert you all, but this one is TOTALLY my type of read! I just love you Zane, and from my heart, thank you for this book!
I started reading this one several hours ago in the middle of the night! I couldn’t stop! I SERIOUSLY couldn’t believe I was reading a Zane Menzy book! It was so different. I mean, I love all of his books because they make me feel like I’m right there experiencing the stories with the characters, but this one made me feel like he wrote it just for me! I’m a hopeless romantic and sorry to have to spoiler alert you all, but this one is TOTALLY my type of read! I just love you Zane, and from my heart, thank you for this book!
September 29, 2025
I’ve got mix feelings with this book. The narrator is Casey and we never get to read the other MC POV.
The first 50% was really weird, Jared asking Casey to taste test his 💦 from a cup and encouraging him to have s3x with other people ( at the 50% mark Casey had a big scene with a coworker)
The “romance” of the MCs was really felt after 75% of the book had passed and then it was too fast and rushed. It really felt like 2 different authors writing the book. I would have been happy by just reading from the 65% onwards. Giving it 4⭐️ because it was funny at times and I loved the las 20 % .
The first 50% was really weird, Jared asking Casey to taste test his 💦 from a cup and encouraging him to have s3x with other people ( at the 50% mark Casey had a big scene with a coworker)
The “romance” of the MCs was really felt after 75% of the book had passed and then it was too fast and rushed. It really felt like 2 different authors writing the book. I would have been happy by just reading from the 65% onwards. Giving it 4⭐️ because it was funny at times and I loved the las 20 % .
August 31, 2025
This is a very entertaining story which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Casey and Jared have known each other since they were children. Casey is the gay nerd and Jared the fullback for thee rugby team. They are room mates at University and keep up a witty banter throughout the story. Their HEA is a must-read page-turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 31, 2025
Fan-freaking-tastic
I’ve all the available books from Zane and i have to say i’ve enjoyed every letter printed! This one was more of a slow burn but picked up pace midway through. Definitely allowed me to relive my younger years with a bi curious individual… sigh! Still great read, not just straight up smut!
My question is, when are we getting the rest of the other series?! Like hello, I’ve been waiting forever!
I’ve all the available books from Zane and i have to say i’ve enjoyed every letter printed! This one was more of a slow burn but picked up pace midway through. Definitely allowed me to relive my younger years with a bi curious individual… sigh! Still great read, not just straight up smut!
My question is, when are we getting the rest of the other series?! Like hello, I’ve been waiting forever!
September 12, 2025
Taste Test is about Casey and his roommate Jared, who wants to someone to swallow for him, his girlfriend doesn't want do that.
Casey doesn't want to hear anymore Jared's problem, he promise to help and then that starts to be everyday activate.
I liked the story, it was funny and I liked Casey and Jared.
-----------------------------------------------
I received a copy of this book, and this is my honest review
Casey doesn't want to hear anymore Jared's problem, he promise to help and then that starts to be everyday activate.
I liked the story, it was funny and I liked Casey and Jared.
-----------------------------------------------
I received a copy of this book, and this is my honest review
September 12, 2025
This book was freakin fantastic. I almost died from laughter, beginning to end loved everything about this book. It's hilarious and touching. The characters made my heart happy. What a great entertaining AF story!
I recommend if you're into:
Steamy
MM
Friends-to-lovers
Great banter
If you're looking for a book that will make you giggly and kick your feet and give you a good time this one is it!
I recommend if you're into:
Steamy
MM
Friends-to-lovers
Great banter
If you're looking for a book that will make you giggly and kick your feet and give you a good time this one is it!
September 23, 2025
Amazing story between two men who've been in one another's lives since they were babies. With the connection through their fathers, I guess the friendship was inevitable, until they eventually drifted apart.
Leave it up to their dads to "fix" the situation. All they needed was a helping hand or two.
Jared and Casey were absolutely swoon-worthy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Leave it up to their dads to "fix" the situation. All they needed was a helping hand or two.
Jared and Casey were absolutely swoon-worthy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 18, 2025
5 Stars
This book is much different than most of what this author writes and it was amazing! Yes there were still kinky moments. Yes there was still plenty of spice, even though it wasnt the kind I expected. The story was amazing. The two main characters are adorable and I just wanna squeeze them both. Overall loved and would recommend!
This book is much different than most of what this author writes and it was amazing! Yes there were still kinky moments. Yes there was still plenty of spice, even though it wasnt the kind I expected. The story was amazing. The two main characters are adorable and I just wanna squeeze them both. Overall loved and would recommend!
September 28, 2025
Sweetest Zane Menzy book
I have read a few of zanes books. This book was one I found more sweet than the others. I still cringed at certain parts like drinking all that cum from a cup. But I understood the kink.
This book had less degrading in it than his other books so it was an easier read.
I have read a few of zanes books. This book was one I found more sweet than the others. I still cringed at certain parts like drinking all that cum from a cup. But I understood the kink.
This book had less degrading in it than his other books so it was an easier read.
April 8, 2026
This is a very unusual story that has complicated story line. The characters are a complicated pair. I never expected them to reconcile their differences. You have to read this one to get the full impact of the characters. It’s a good read. There’s just enough humor to keep a smile on your face while reading. Get this book.
July 12, 2026
Incredibly unique and 3 dimensional characters. I was cracking up at many parts and others were maybe some
cultural differences in humor. Overall a fun and super unique read. The story ended a bit abruptly to me, I wished there was a bit more development at the end but maybe there will be a sequel?
cultural differences in humor. Overall a fun and super unique read. The story ended a bit abruptly to me, I wished there was a bit more development at the end but maybe there will be a sequel?
September 8, 2025
Well written and composed story with good reality. Well developed characters and complex relationship between them.
Plot full of emotions and darker relationship type
And definitely a happy ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Plot full of emotions and darker relationship type
And definitely a happy ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 19, 2025
Undoubtedly, Zane Menzy’s warmest erotic love story. Consumed it for the hot sex, and basked for hours in the cocoon of sexual fulfillment. A must read for his many fans. 5 stars and bountiful KUDO’S.
December 6, 2025
Hilarious with a surprising dose of heart
I loved this book! Had me laughing through most of it but surprised me with a heartfelt reveal. Even though I prefer multi POV, single POV worked for this story. Highly recommend. Very enjoyable
I loved this book! Had me laughing through most of it but surprised me with a heartfelt reveal. Even though I prefer multi POV, single POV worked for this story. Highly recommend. Very enjoyable
December 13, 2025
This is probably the craziest book I've ever read in my entire life. Honestly, for 64% of it I was wondering what I'm doing with my life, but at the same time it's 5 am and I read it in one night, sooo 5 stars?
April 9, 2026
Rom-Com
This book was hilarious, I truly enjoyed it and recommend. I’ll also give it 4 🌶️ for spice. It’s a standalone, but I can’t wait to see what the next installment provides.
This book was hilarious, I truly enjoyed it and recommend. I’ll also give it 4 🌶️ for spice. It’s a standalone, but I can’t wait to see what the next installment provides.
August 31, 2025
I laughed, and there may have been some warm fuzzy feelings.
(I may also have wondered several times how on earth I ended up reading this book... but hey, it was fun.)
(I may also have wondered several times how on earth I ended up reading this book... but hey, it was fun.)
September 6, 2025
Read then skimmed then just couldn’t finish. The writing style didn’t click for me.
March 21, 2026
Decent writing, story kept my interest. These particular kinks weren’t for me.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews