What do you think?
Rate this book
Coffee Cake #2
Beignets
Malachi Warren barely survived a series of assaults on his life. But survive he did, though not without baggage. Now, Malachi must pick up the pieces of his shattered life—the most important piece being his boyfriend, Bran Kendrick, who is dealing with problems of his own.
Stagnating at his job at a small-town café, Bran’s pride keeps him from asking Malachi—or anyone—for help. Desperate to do something, Malachi secretly pays a celebrity chef with a bakery in New Orleans to take on Bran as his apprentice.
As Malachi and Bran begin to make a new life in New Orleans, the specter of Malachi’s PTSD and the growing stress over the secret he hides from Bran threaten their relationship. Before it’s too late, Malachi must confront his past and face his fears about the future, all without losing himself—and Bran—in the process.
Stagnating at his job at a small-town café, Bran’s pride keeps him from asking Malachi—or anyone—for help. Desperate to do something, Malachi secretly pays a celebrity chef with a bakery in New Orleans to take on Bran as his apprentice.
As Malachi and Bran begin to make a new life in New Orleans, the specter of Malachi’s PTSD and the growing stress over the secret he hides from Bran threaten their relationship. Before it’s too late, Malachi must confront his past and face his fears about the future, all without losing himself—and Bran—in the process.
200 pages, Paperback
First published October 9, 2015
3 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 22, 2020
Far more relationship centered than Coffee Cake, and told entirely from Malachi's perspective, it struck me on a deeper level.
There's no mystery in this one, it's all about Bran and Mal and them growing together. The tension in the story comes completely from the fact that Mal's done something for Bran without his knowledge that could ultimately tear them apart.
I found this was well done, even as it was absolutely maddening, and I was tearing through the pages devouring this like I would a plate of beignets.
I just wish we'd gotten Bran's POV this time too.
There's no mystery in this one, it's all about Bran and Mal and them growing together. The tension in the story comes completely from the fact that Mal's done something for Bran without his knowledge that could ultimately tear them apart.
I found this was well done, even as it was absolutely maddening, and I was tearing through the pages devouring this like I would a plate of beignets.
I just wish we'd gotten Bran's POV this time too.
March 20, 2016
3,75 stars. Review @STRW
I read Coffee Cake, the first book in this Michaela Grey series, on June and it was a lovely surprise. I didn’t know there was a planned sequel and I was over the moon as soon as I saw Beignets. Being a sequel it really doesn’t work as a standalone, you have to read the first one to better understand Beignets.
Bran and Malachi are together from six month. After being almost killed, Malachi isn’t sleeping well lately, tormented by a lot of nightmares and he’s not even drawing anymore. He is overload with panic attacks. Sure Bran will leave him and all his problems behind, Malachi doesn’t know he is the best thing ever happened to Bran. It hurt to watch him be so insecure of himself. Trust me, the love they share is pure, brave and sweet. But Malachi and Bran are young, scared and with some not so light baggage on their shoulders, they are trying to solve their problems together and it’s beautiful and cute see Bran fuss over Malachi as a mother hen but sad too see how they cling to each other, because of the codependency between them is scary sometimes. They both need someone else to lean on.
First let me tell you what I didn’t like. I found the story to be too heavy because there are a LOT of scenes where Malachi is struggling with his panic attacks. They are without a doubt real but maybe in a book it is too much. I simply think the author overdid a little with these scenes. Luckly they are balanced with other parts, light, funny and sweet and I appreciated very them. ‘Beignets’ is interesting as ‘Coffee Cake’, well written and hard to put down, because I loved Malachi and Bran but the second characters too. I enjoyed how the story developed, their move to New Orleans where Bran could join a baker apprenticeship and most of all where they would find their serenity again and a new family to lean on. This is a book full of love, full of real life struggles and full of hope.
I want to add a little more detail that I noted and liked it. I’m usually not a fan of single point of view, but Michaela Grey did a great job in this series. She used only Bran PoV in Coffee Cake and only the Malachi one in Beignets and in both novels I didn’t get the feeling of missing something, they were complete and well done in let me know what was in each character’s mind, with clear words and actions.
And if you’re like me and don’t live with just the spiritual love but need the sweaty one too, keep calm, you’ll get it. I particularly liked how Bran’s asexuality was never once ignored or lessened but perfectly enclosed in Malachi needs.
That said, sweet Michaela, can you work on Tristan and Callan story? Please?
Cover art by Aaron Anderson. This series’ covers simply rock! I loved the first one, colors and style were perfect. Same love for this one too. It conveys so much sweetness, in every way.
I read Coffee Cake, the first book in this Michaela Grey series, on June and it was a lovely surprise. I didn’t know there was a planned sequel and I was over the moon as soon as I saw Beignets. Being a sequel it really doesn’t work as a standalone, you have to read the first one to better understand Beignets.
Bran and Malachi are together from six month. After being almost killed, Malachi isn’t sleeping well lately, tormented by a lot of nightmares and he’s not even drawing anymore. He is overload with panic attacks. Sure Bran will leave him and all his problems behind, Malachi doesn’t know he is the best thing ever happened to Bran. It hurt to watch him be so insecure of himself. Trust me, the love they share is pure, brave and sweet. But Malachi and Bran are young, scared and with some not so light baggage on their shoulders, they are trying to solve their problems together and it’s beautiful and cute see Bran fuss over Malachi as a mother hen but sad too see how they cling to each other, because of the codependency between them is scary sometimes. They both need someone else to lean on.
First let me tell you what I didn’t like. I found the story to be too heavy because there are a LOT of scenes where Malachi is struggling with his panic attacks. They are without a doubt real but maybe in a book it is too much. I simply think the author overdid a little with these scenes. Luckly they are balanced with other parts, light, funny and sweet and I appreciated very them. ‘Beignets’ is interesting as ‘Coffee Cake’, well written and hard to put down, because I loved Malachi and Bran but the second characters too. I enjoyed how the story developed, their move to New Orleans where Bran could join a baker apprenticeship and most of all where they would find their serenity again and a new family to lean on. This is a book full of love, full of real life struggles and full of hope.
I want to add a little more detail that I noted and liked it. I’m usually not a fan of single point of view, but Michaela Grey did a great job in this series. She used only Bran PoV in Coffee Cake and only the Malachi one in Beignets and in both novels I didn’t get the feeling of missing something, they were complete and well done in let me know what was in each character’s mind, with clear words and actions.
And if you’re like me and don’t live with just the spiritual love but need the sweaty one too, keep calm, you’ll get it. I particularly liked how Bran’s asexuality was never once ignored or lessened but perfectly enclosed in Malachi needs.
That said, sweet Michaela, can you work on Tristan and Callan story? Please?
Cover art by Aaron Anderson. This series’ covers simply rock! I loved the first one, colors and style were perfect. Same love for this one too. It conveys so much sweetness, in every way.
October 12, 2015
As wonderful as ‘Coffee Cake’, this sequel to Bran and Malachi’s story is a treat in its own way. Now that they are together, dealing with everyday issues in their relationship becomes more important than getting to know each other and figuring out the basics. With Malachi just having survived several attempts to kill him and Brand not happy with his job prospects where he is, both young men have their hands full trying to make sense of who they are and where they want to go not just in the bedroom, but in terms of their careers. Malachi’s past catches up with him, Brand needs help and won’t ask, and nothing is as easy as it seems.
Malachi has a lot of issues coming at him in this story. For one thing, his past won’t leave him alone, and the recent attacks have left some scars Malachi finds difficult to deal with. His nightmares are only the beginning. The other thing is Malachi’s excellent financial situation – which puts him in a far better place than Bran. So far he has done a good job not interfering in Bran’s life because he knows Bran is proud and wants to make it on his own, but it is hard for Malachi to watch Bran struggle and not ask for help. So Malachi comes up with a brilliant plan to help secretly – which has them moving to New Orleans and Bran following his dream of an apprenticeship with a celebrity baker.
But of course there are no secrets, and when everything comes to light, Bran is not happy. Add the struggle Malachi still faces dealing with his PTSD, and the relationship is in deep trouble. Learning how to fight constructively is not easy, so it gets really ugly for a while. Luckily both Malachi and Bran have some good friends who help them see the error of their ways – but it is touch and go for a long time and I spent several chapters on the edge of my seat, hoping they’d figure out how much better they are together than apart.
If you like multilayered characters who feel like real people you know, if you want to find out more about men outside the “traditional” realm of relationships, and if you’re looking for a read that is as emotionally devastating as it is sweet, then you will probably like this novel. I still haven’t gotten enough of Bran and Malachi!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Malachi has a lot of issues coming at him in this story. For one thing, his past won’t leave him alone, and the recent attacks have left some scars Malachi finds difficult to deal with. His nightmares are only the beginning. The other thing is Malachi’s excellent financial situation – which puts him in a far better place than Bran. So far he has done a good job not interfering in Bran’s life because he knows Bran is proud and wants to make it on his own, but it is hard for Malachi to watch Bran struggle and not ask for help. So Malachi comes up with a brilliant plan to help secretly – which has them moving to New Orleans and Bran following his dream of an apprenticeship with a celebrity baker.
But of course there are no secrets, and when everything comes to light, Bran is not happy. Add the struggle Malachi still faces dealing with his PTSD, and the relationship is in deep trouble. Learning how to fight constructively is not easy, so it gets really ugly for a while. Luckily both Malachi and Bran have some good friends who help them see the error of their ways – but it is touch and go for a long time and I spent several chapters on the edge of my seat, hoping they’d figure out how much better they are together than apart.
If you like multilayered characters who feel like real people you know, if you want to find out more about men outside the “traditional” realm of relationships, and if you’re looking for a read that is as emotionally devastating as it is sweet, then you will probably like this novel. I still haven’t gotten enough of Bran and Malachi!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
October 19, 2015
My review for Beignets is up at Boys in Our Books. A 3.5 star read for me, rounding up for mushy feelings.
November 29, 2015
4.5 Stars
I loved the first book and this one was no different. There was angst, PTSD and even love for these two lovable characters. I was almost thinking the author was not going to keep these two together but she did. The author drew me in from the beginning and I was kept interested all the way till the end. The author took two men and was able to make me believe that they were really going through everything life was throwing at them. I fell in love with these two men in “Coffee Cake” and that didn’t change when reading “Beignets.”
I was given this book by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the first book and this one was no different. There was angst, PTSD and even love for these two lovable characters. I was almost thinking the author was not going to keep these two together but she did. The author drew me in from the beginning and I was kept interested all the way till the end. The author took two men and was able to make me believe that they were really going through everything life was throwing at them. I fell in love with these two men in “Coffee Cake” and that didn’t change when reading “Beignets.”
I was given this book by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2015
This was sweet, but I think that some of the things that didn't work for me in the first story were still in this story. Mainly, the way that the characters talk are just not how I would imagine 22 year old guys talking. And in this one there was a LOT of crying. And a LOT of "You're so perfect, you're going to leave me for someone normal!" and "I'm no good for you, just leave me now!" melodrama. Kinda too much of that last one for me to love this. It was sweet, especially at the beginning, but...I was not a fan of the last 20% or so of this, it just seemed...too easy. You'll know what I mean once you read it.
November 10, 2015
this is a great follow up to coffee cake!
bran and malachi really mature individually and eventually as a couple in this book. the angst is relationship driven in this story and there were several scenes that brought tears to my eyes. they are both still so sweet with each other and their love is still just incredible.
we met a couple new characters in this book that were really great. even though malachi's father made some progress in book one, he reverts in this book but it ends it being good for malachi.
i really hope we get a book about tristan (and possibly callan?)!
bran and malachi really mature individually and eventually as a couple in this book. the angst is relationship driven in this story and there were several scenes that brought tears to my eyes. they are both still so sweet with each other and their love is still just incredible.
we met a couple new characters in this book that were really great. even though malachi's father made some progress in book one, he reverts in this book but it ends it being good for malachi.
i really hope we get a book about tristan (and possibly callan?)!
October 24, 2015
I loved the beginning of this - the re-introduction to this sweet pair, the decision to move away for both their sakes, and the attempt to start a new life in New Orleans.
Even the BIG break up was always going to happen, and I was okay with that.
But the way they got back together? I wasn't on board with that. So, the last and concluding parts of this story were disappointing.
But for the most part, I enjoyed this.
Even the BIG break up was always going to happen, and I was okay with that.
But the way they got back together? I wasn't on board with that. So, the last and concluding parts of this story were disappointing.
But for the most part, I enjoyed this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2015
I really enjoyed Bran and Malachi but now it's time for Tristan and Callen PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!
August 5, 2017
Oh so many feel for this book! It was perfect another dive into the world of Bran and Malachi! I don't want to spoil anything, just know that it brought out so much emotion that I actually cried at one point, loved every moment of it!
December 30, 2015
Original review on Molly Lolly
Four stars!
I so love Bran and Malachi. They are so amazing together. Bran takes such good care of Malachi and all Mal wants is for Bran to be happy. This story is a wonderful sequel to Coffee Cake where you get to see how they handle the aftermath of the events right at the end of the first book. I felt bad for Malachi and his troubles. But by the end of the story he’s so confident in himself and able to get through his panic and fear on his own. The secret Mal was keeping though? I knew that was going to blow up in his face. Don’t be having secrets from Bran, even if you mean well! The scene where Malachi helps Bran with his erection is so sweet and heartbreaking. I really hope there’s another story with some of the other characters because they are a great support for Malachi and Bran. But they also have their own personalities that you can’t help but get attached to and want more of. The main story I want is Callan and Tristan. I so want to see more of Tristan and why he is the way he is.
Four stars!
I so love Bran and Malachi. They are so amazing together. Bran takes such good care of Malachi and all Mal wants is for Bran to be happy. This story is a wonderful sequel to Coffee Cake where you get to see how they handle the aftermath of the events right at the end of the first book. I felt bad for Malachi and his troubles. But by the end of the story he’s so confident in himself and able to get through his panic and fear on his own. The secret Mal was keeping though? I knew that was going to blow up in his face. Don’t be having secrets from Bran, even if you mean well! The scene where Malachi helps Bran with his erection is so sweet and heartbreaking. I really hope there’s another story with some of the other characters because they are a great support for Malachi and Bran. But they also have their own personalities that you can’t help but get attached to and want more of. The main story I want is Callan and Tristan. I so want to see more of Tristan and why he is the way he is.
October 12, 2015
4.5 stars
First of all, I love the cover. It's simple but cute! I also really like the story, this time told from Malachi's PoV. However, I was kind of hoping that there would be a new mystery in this story as well, what with the story that there was fire in the New Orleans bakery. I still enjoyed the story without the mystery though, and it's interesting how different is Bran's view of Malachi and Malachi's view of himself.
I hope it's not the end of the series. I want to know what will happen between Tristan and Bran's brother (I forgot his name, since he's only on a few scenes at the beginning of the book).
First of all, I love the cover. It's simple but cute! I also really like the story, this time told from Malachi's PoV. However, I was kind of hoping that there would be a new mystery in this story as well, what with the story that there was fire in the New Orleans bakery. I still enjoyed the story without the mystery though, and it's interesting how different is Bran's view of Malachi and Malachi's view of himself.
I hope it's not the end of the series. I want to know what will happen between Tristan and Bran's brother (I forgot his name, since he's only on a few scenes at the beginning of the book).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2015
I really enjojyed the continuation of the story of the two MCs from the last book. I hope she keeps writing about them. It was great to see the characters move on with their lives. One of the MCs has emotional problems and it was great to see his journey with therapy, and to see their relationship grow and develop.
December 27, 2016
The 2nd book in the Coffee Cake series (and yes, you do need to read the first one and it is worth it). Very entertaining - no mystery here but I really enjoy these characters and the writing so I found it to be very enjoyable.
September 16, 2019
The perfect sequel to Coffee Cake
Like Coffee Cake, this book has elements of "finding your place in the world" and romance. It doesn't have the whodunit element, but the suspense of the romance is more than enough on its own.
Like Coffee Cake, this book has elements of "finding your place in the world" and romance. It doesn't have the whodunit element, but the suspense of the romance is more than enough on its own.
October 11, 2015
review to come with blog tour
April 10, 2017
Amazing
I sobbed. Actual ugly tears. It's really... It's really amazing. You should read it. I cannot wait for more from Michaela
I sobbed. Actual ugly tears. It's really... It's really amazing. You should read it. I cannot wait for more from Michaela
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews