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Portland Heat #1-3
Bundled Up
All three of The Portland Heat Novellas together for the first time!
Served Hot
In Portland, Oregon, the only thing hotter than the coffee shops, restaurants, and bakeries are the hard-working men who serve it up—hot, fresh, and ready to go—with no reservations…
Robby is a self-employed barista with a busy coffee cart, a warm smile, and a major crush on one of his customers. David is a handsome finance director who works nearby, eats lunch by himself, and expects nothing but “the usual”—small vanilla latte—from the cute guy in the cart. But when David shows up for his first Portland Pride festival, Robby works up the nerve to take their slow-brewing relationship to the next level. David, however, is newly out and single, still grieving the loss of his longtime lover, and unsure if he’s ready to date again. Yet with every fresh latte, sweet exchange—and near hook-up—David and Robby go from simmering to steaming to piping hot. The question is: Will someone get burned?
Baked Fresh
From its famous coffee to the mouthwatering fare at its cafés, restaurants, and bakeries, Portland, Oregon, has a lot to whet the appetite, including the hard-working men who serve it all up—hot, fresh, and ready to go—with no reservations…
Vic Degrassi is a baker on the rise, and it’s all thanks to his rare ability to make—and keep—his New Year’s resolutions. Whether it’s losing weight, giving up smoking, or graduating from culinary school, Vic goes after what he wants—and gets it. This year? He wants Robin Dawson, the sweet-hearted hottie who volunteers with him at the local homeless shelter. When he learns that Robin is suddenly single after being unceremoniously dumped, Vic is more than happy to offer a shoulder to cry on—or at least a fresh-baked pastry to bite into. But it’s been a long time since Vic’s gone on a date, and he’s nervous about risking his friendship with Robin. So when their flirtation turns into a steamy night together, Vic and Robin have to figure out if they’re friends with benefits or lovers in the making, and if Robin is ready for something more than just a rebound. There’s only one way to find out: turn up the heat…
Delivered Fast
Portland, Oregon, aka Hotlandia, where the coffee shops, restaurants, and bakeries are ready to serve everything piping hot, fresh, and ready to go—like the hard-working, hard-bodied men behind the counters—with no reservations…Sure, Chris O’Neal has problems. His restaurant is still co-owned by his ex. His flannel-and-tattoos style is making him accidentally trendy. He can’t remember the last time he went out and had fun. But he’s not lonely, he’s driven. And the hot bakery delivery boy is not his problem, no matter how sweet his buns.
Chris is old enough to know Lance Degrassi’s sculpted good looks and clever double entendres spell nothing but trouble. Lance is still in college—he should be hitting the clubs and the books, chasing guys his own age, not pursuing some gruff motorcycle-riding workaholic. Especially when he’ll be leaving for grad school in a few months. But Lance keeps hanging around, lending a hand, charming Chris to distraction. Maybe some steaming hot no-strings indulgence won’t hurt.
Then again, maybe it will…
Served Hot
In Portland, Oregon, the only thing hotter than the coffee shops, restaurants, and bakeries are the hard-working men who serve it up—hot, fresh, and ready to go—with no reservations…
Robby is a self-employed barista with a busy coffee cart, a warm smile, and a major crush on one of his customers. David is a handsome finance director who works nearby, eats lunch by himself, and expects nothing but “the usual”—small vanilla latte—from the cute guy in the cart. But when David shows up for his first Portland Pride festival, Robby works up the nerve to take their slow-brewing relationship to the next level. David, however, is newly out and single, still grieving the loss of his longtime lover, and unsure if he’s ready to date again. Yet with every fresh latte, sweet exchange—and near hook-up—David and Robby go from simmering to steaming to piping hot. The question is: Will someone get burned?
Baked Fresh
From its famous coffee to the mouthwatering fare at its cafés, restaurants, and bakeries, Portland, Oregon, has a lot to whet the appetite, including the hard-working men who serve it all up—hot, fresh, and ready to go—with no reservations…
Vic Degrassi is a baker on the rise, and it’s all thanks to his rare ability to make—and keep—his New Year’s resolutions. Whether it’s losing weight, giving up smoking, or graduating from culinary school, Vic goes after what he wants—and gets it. This year? He wants Robin Dawson, the sweet-hearted hottie who volunteers with him at the local homeless shelter. When he learns that Robin is suddenly single after being unceremoniously dumped, Vic is more than happy to offer a shoulder to cry on—or at least a fresh-baked pastry to bite into. But it’s been a long time since Vic’s gone on a date, and he’s nervous about risking his friendship with Robin. So when their flirtation turns into a steamy night together, Vic and Robin have to figure out if they’re friends with benefits or lovers in the making, and if Robin is ready for something more than just a rebound. There’s only one way to find out: turn up the heat…
Delivered Fast
Portland, Oregon, aka Hotlandia, where the coffee shops, restaurants, and bakeries are ready to serve everything piping hot, fresh, and ready to go—like the hard-working, hard-bodied men behind the counters—with no reservations…Sure, Chris O’Neal has problems. His restaurant is still co-owned by his ex. His flannel-and-tattoos style is making him accidentally trendy. He can’t remember the last time he went out and had fun. But he’s not lonely, he’s driven. And the hot bakery delivery boy is not his problem, no matter how sweet his buns.
Chris is old enough to know Lance Degrassi’s sculpted good looks and clever double entendres spell nothing but trouble. Lance is still in college—he should be hitting the clubs and the books, chasing guys his own age, not pursuing some gruff motorcycle-riding workaholic. Especially when he’ll be leaving for grad school in a few months. But Lance keeps hanging around, lending a hand, charming Chris to distraction. Maybe some steaming hot no-strings indulgence won’t hurt.
Then again, maybe it will…
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 19, 2016
About the author
Annabeth Albert
105 books3,795 followersFrequent tweeter, professional grammar nerd, and obsessive reader, Annabeth Albert is also a Pacific Northwest romance writer in a variety of subgenres.
Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.
Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
December 4, 2023
2.5 stars overall
This was disappointing. I really liked Albert's #gaymers series and was hoping this would be more of the same, but alas it was not. This contains the first three novellas of the Portland Heat series, and each one is just not up to snuff. They're rather superficial, actually, with each couple falling into lust with each other and that eventually leads to love after lots and lot and lots of redundant sex scenes. Usually, I'll at least skim the sex scenes if they're spread out enough, but there were too many even for that and I just started skipping them all. What was left was pretty standard fare, but with MCs that were terrible at communication. At least it took them longer than the standard 30 days to say the ILUs and move in together, a timeline that's painfully common in romance these days, so there's that. All stories are 1st-person POV with only one MC getting the POV per story, and all their voices sounded the same.
Served Hot - 2 stars
Robby has his own coffee cart in the business district and has the hots for one of the white-collars who comes to his cart every day. David is a finance director despite being rather young for the position, and he's on the nerdy side. David's getting over a relationship that ended when his lover died, and Robby is the insecure pushy needy emo-dude that he gets stuck with. Yeah, I wasn't feeling this couple at all.
Baked Fresh - 3 stars
Vic is a baker whose addiction to food - and his male relatives' young deaths from heart disease - led him to getting a laparoscopic band surgically placed around his stomach. Robin is a trust-fund baby who's a recovering drug addict and volunteers at a homeless shelter to atone for his past misdeeds while high. He also has a series of sexual hangups that of course can be cured only by lots and lots of sex. *sigh* Counseling is a thing, you know. I did not at all like Vic calling Robin "boy" during sex - brain bleach please! - or the mildly quasi-D/s dynamic their sexual relationship had, but I did like the relationship outside the bedroom, especially once they started talking to and supporting each other. These two actually did the most talking and connecting of these three couples. I could believe they'd actually have a future together.
Delivered Fast - 2.5 stars
Oh, it was fast all right. Lance, a younger cousin of Vic, is going to college to be a physical therapist and working part-time making deliveries for the bakery where Vic works. Chris - whose name isn't mentioned until more than halfway through the book - co-owns a coffee shop with his ex. Chris is really old, y'all. He's mid-30s! *gasp* and so of course the age gap becomes an issue, and Chris is an immature dweeb about it. Lance is just barely given any depth, most of it in the last half of the novella. I skimmed a lot of the set-up with this one, because I was bored with the "guy-sees-guy, guys-boink-a-lot-of-times, and eventually start acting like a couple" formula. The blurb promises clever double entendres - I don't think the blurb writer knows what those are. And how do you not hear someone riding up on a motorcycle? That scene made no sense. Well, a lot of scenes haven't made much sense in this series so far, but that one took the cake. I also wasn't feeling this couple, though this one ended stronger than it started.
This was disappointing. I really liked Albert's #gaymers series and was hoping this would be more of the same, but alas it was not. This contains the first three novellas of the Portland Heat series, and each one is just not up to snuff. They're rather superficial, actually, with each couple falling into lust with each other and that eventually leads to love after lots and lot and lots of redundant sex scenes. Usually, I'll at least skim the sex scenes if they're spread out enough, but there were too many even for that and I just started skipping them all. What was left was pretty standard fare, but with MCs that were terrible at communication. At least it took them longer than the standard 30 days to say the ILUs and move in together, a timeline that's painfully common in romance these days, so there's that. All stories are 1st-person POV with only one MC getting the POV per story, and all their voices sounded the same.
Served Hot - 2 stars
Robby has his own coffee cart in the business district and has the hots for one of the white-collars who comes to his cart every day. David is a finance director despite being rather young for the position, and he's on the nerdy side. David's getting over a relationship that ended when his lover died, and Robby is the insecure pushy needy emo-dude that he gets stuck with. Yeah, I wasn't feeling this couple at all.
Baked Fresh - 3 stars
Vic is a baker whose addiction to food - and his male relatives' young deaths from heart disease - led him to getting a laparoscopic band surgically placed around his stomach. Robin is a trust-fund baby who's a recovering drug addict and volunteers at a homeless shelter to atone for his past misdeeds while high. He also has a series of sexual hangups that of course can be cured only by lots and lots of sex. *sigh* Counseling is a thing, you know. I did not at all like Vic calling Robin "boy" during sex - brain bleach please! - or the mildly quasi-D/s dynamic their sexual relationship had, but I did like the relationship outside the bedroom, especially once they started talking to and supporting each other. These two actually did the most talking and connecting of these three couples. I could believe they'd actually have a future together.
Delivered Fast - 2.5 stars
Oh, it was fast all right. Lance, a younger cousin of Vic, is going to college to be a physical therapist and working part-time making deliveries for the bakery where Vic works. Chris - whose name isn't mentioned until more than halfway through the book - co-owns a coffee shop with his ex. Chris is really old, y'all. He's mid-30s! *gasp* and so of course the age gap becomes an issue, and Chris is an immature dweeb about it. Lance is just barely given any depth, most of it in the last half of the novella. I skimmed a lot of the set-up with this one, because I was bored with the "guy-sees-guy, guys-boink-a-lot-of-times, and eventually start acting like a couple" formula. The blurb promises clever double entendres - I don't think the blurb writer knows what those are. And how do you not hear someone riding up on a motorcycle? That scene made no sense. Well, a lot of scenes haven't made much sense in this series so far, but that one took the cake. I also wasn't feeling this couple, though this one ended stronger than it started.
July 4, 2016
Le voy a dar cuatro a sabiendas de que mucha gente no compartirá mi opinión, seguramente, con razón, pero estas 3 novellas sencillas, con la dosis justa de angst y unas parejas monísimas, me han conquistado y me han hecho pasar muy buen rato.
No esperéis grandes conflictos, ni un plot espectacular, son historias de gente que se conoce, tontea, se enrolla, se enamora, se repiensa las cosas y consiguen su HEA. No hay más, ni menos... Tiene a su favor que no me ha resultado aburrido leer el mismo esquema 3 veces, que el banter entre los MC me ha puesto de muy buen humor y que ha habido alguna que otra escena hot hot hot (Vic YKWIM *se abanica*)
Totalmente recomendable para días en que necesitamos lecturas fluffy pero con "algo"
No esperéis grandes conflictos, ni un plot espectacular, son historias de gente que se conoce, tontea, se enrolla, se enamora, se repiensa las cosas y consiguen su HEA. No hay más, ni menos... Tiene a su favor que no me ha resultado aburrido leer el mismo esquema 3 veces, que el banter entre los MC me ha puesto de muy buen humor y que ha habido alguna que otra escena hot hot hot (Vic YKWIM *se abanica*)
Totalmente recomendable para días en que necesitamos lecturas fluffy pero con "algo"
January 31, 2016
This novella collection is very aptly named –it’s a bundle of joy! Not that it’s all heart and flowers, but the angst is kept at a reasonable volume and the happy feelings ooze out of every story. What I have come to love about this author is the wonderful combination of good quality writing with simple plots that allow for character development. If you enjoy slice of life type of stories, without mysteries or other subplots that take away from the romance, this is for you.
In the first book, Served Hot , Robby is crushing on the uptight library accountant who buys coffee from Robby’s coffee cart every day. The romance builds slowly because David is grieving and dealing with coming out as well. I feel like the first book in the series served as a set of training wheels for the author. It’s good, but not great. The romance is sweet but doesn’t blow your mind. The plot is not boring, but it didn’t keep me from putting the book down either. And yet, the writing is great, the emotions felt real, and the characters truly connected on a deep level.
By the time we got to the second book, Baked Fresh , I started seeing how talented this author truly is. The story explores themes of self-esteem and trust very beautifully, with Vic having lost a lot of weight due to family health concerns. Vic is a happy baker who is honestly just looking for someone to love him. He meets Robin at a shelter where they both volunteer and things take off from there. Robin has dealt with drug abuse in the past and is very sensitive towards the teens that show up at the shelter. Vic and Robin made for an amazing couple. They define friends-to-lovers. Annabeth Albert rocks the authentic dialogue in her novels like nobody’s business. I love me some good prose, but I’d take pages and pages filled with dialogue any day of the week. And she nails it!
Delivered fast is not only my favourite book of the series, but one of my favourite mm books of all time. As I said before, there are no subplots, no whodunnits, no backstory drama, nada, nyet, nothing. Just two guys falling in love and making a relationship happen. Chris owns an organic goods coffee shop and Lance is the twink that is hitting on him big time. Everything I’ve already mentioned about the first two books holds here and is magnified tenfold. I highlighted so many lines of inner monologue from Chris in his futile attempts to stay away from Lance. I could read a story like this over and over and over without EVER being bored. Not to mention, this book is hotter than the first two, the dirty talk has reached higher levels than ever, and we even get a bit of kink in there as well.
Just. Awesome.
Highly recommend this series to all mm fans.
ARC of Bundled Up provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. See this review at Gay Book Reviews.
In the first book, Served Hot , Robby is crushing on the uptight library accountant who buys coffee from Robby’s coffee cart every day. The romance builds slowly because David is grieving and dealing with coming out as well. I feel like the first book in the series served as a set of training wheels for the author. It’s good, but not great. The romance is sweet but doesn’t blow your mind. The plot is not boring, but it didn’t keep me from putting the book down either. And yet, the writing is great, the emotions felt real, and the characters truly connected on a deep level.
By the time we got to the second book, Baked Fresh , I started seeing how talented this author truly is. The story explores themes of self-esteem and trust very beautifully, with Vic having lost a lot of weight due to family health concerns. Vic is a happy baker who is honestly just looking for someone to love him. He meets Robin at a shelter where they both volunteer and things take off from there. Robin has dealt with drug abuse in the past and is very sensitive towards the teens that show up at the shelter. Vic and Robin made for an amazing couple. They define friends-to-lovers. Annabeth Albert rocks the authentic dialogue in her novels like nobody’s business. I love me some good prose, but I’d take pages and pages filled with dialogue any day of the week. And she nails it!
Delivered fast is not only my favourite book of the series, but one of my favourite mm books of all time. As I said before, there are no subplots, no whodunnits, no backstory drama, nada, nyet, nothing. Just two guys falling in love and making a relationship happen. Chris owns an organic goods coffee shop and Lance is the twink that is hitting on him big time. Everything I’ve already mentioned about the first two books holds here and is magnified tenfold. I highlighted so many lines of inner monologue from Chris in his futile attempts to stay away from Lance. I could read a story like this over and over and over without EVER being bored. Not to mention, this book is hotter than the first two, the dirty talk has reached higher levels than ever, and we even get a bit of kink in there as well.
Just. Awesome.
Highly recommend this series to all mm fans.
ARC of Bundled Up provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. See this review at Gay Book Reviews.
July 11, 2018
Individually, these novellas were OK fluff. Saturday afternoon reading that is comfortable if not particularly memorable. Nothing wrong with that. Together, they all kind of blurred. The formula:
• First person POVs that sound alike even though none of the characters have similar backgrounds
• Food metaphors based on POV guy's profession (coffee, baked goods, cooking)
• Someone has a dead or dirtbag ex*
• The porn always starts with hallway blowjobs. Everyone swallows!
• POV guy falls in love with other guy who has too many hangups to be decent boyfriend material, emotional vampirism ensues for 70%**
• POV guy settles for crumbs while Vampire Love Interest is all 'oh we can't be together, but I'll keep dangling the possibility in front of you and then pulling away for No Reason', until he sensibly grows a spine and realizes any relationship where you're left thinking 'I'm asking for too much wanting to feel emotionally secure in a relationship' is actually not one and you should dump his ass
• Just kidding! POV guy has a moment and then something something happily ever after
* in the first story, the ex was a dead dirtbag
** the POV guy was Mr. Hot-and-Cold in story three
And again, nothing wrong with firing up the ol' formula (although I clearly did not care for one-half of the couple each time, uh). It was just kind of funny reading all three stories one right after another and going, didn't I just read... oh...
• First person POVs that sound alike even though none of the characters have similar backgrounds
• Food metaphors based on POV guy's profession (coffee, baked goods, cooking)
• Someone has a dead or dirtbag ex*
• The porn always starts with hallway blowjobs. Everyone swallows!
• POV guy falls in love with other guy who has too many hangups to be decent boyfriend material, emotional vampirism ensues for 70%**
• POV guy settles for crumbs while Vampire Love Interest is all 'oh we can't be together, but I'll keep dangling the possibility in front of you and then pulling away for No Reason', until he sensibly grows a spine and realizes any relationship where you're left thinking 'I'm asking for too much wanting to feel emotionally secure in a relationship' is actually not one and you should dump his ass
• Just kidding! POV guy has a moment and then something something happily ever after
* in the first story, the ex was a dead dirtbag
** the POV guy was Mr. Hot-and-Cold in story three
And again, nothing wrong with firing up the ol' formula (although I clearly did not care for one-half of the couple each time, uh). It was just kind of funny reading all three stories one right after another and going, didn't I just read... oh...
October 5, 2019
4.5 Stars
This book is a compilation of three novellas in the Portland Heat series. They are each stand alone, yet the characters are all somehow connected.
Really enjoyed this one. Like the name suggests there's quite a lot of HEAT in these ones but I loved that in each and every one of them it was still firstly about friendship and companionship.
Though all three are rather short it felt like we're getting a whole story. There's relationship buildup for sure but also a story (some truly heart breaking) that influenced the characters and the connection they formed together.
My favorite one was the last one "Delivered Fast" (as my longer review bellow shows ;)) but all three were great.
Yep, RECOMMENDED!
I'll be moving on to the next bundle!
Served Hot [Robert "Robby" Edwards & David Gregory] ★★★★
Robby enjoys offering David his usual drink - Vanilla latte every day the exact hour he arrives to get it from Robby's coffee cart. But though he enjoys the little flirty conversation he wishes for more even if he isn't even sure David is gay. Pride weekend is the best excuse and after sharing a smoldering kiss together strolling together on a break from work they form a sweet friendship for a couple more months before anything else happens.
David is dealing with a lot of stuff. His past for sure, but also navigating a new present and a hope for a better future. Robby is everything he wanted and didn't have in his previous relationship but in a way it only makes it more difficult to enjoy what he has now. Robby is confused, he had a horrible ex of his own and his experience with him left him very dubious things could truly work out with David but he hopes.. Hopes they can both put their pasts behind and build a brighter future together.
Though I enjoyed this sweet novella, both Robby and David being simply endearing together, I was a bit frustrated with them as well. They were both reluctant to just TALK to one another and figure things out. I got WHY they kept quiet but somehow I still wanted to throttle them both! Maybe mostly Robby as this novella is told solely from his POV so we get everything he WISHES he would say and yet still doesn't.
99 Pages. Read 2 October 2019.
Baked Fresh [Vic Degrassi & Robin Dawson] ★★★★½
I enjoyed this one as well. It had a different feeling than the previous one as it deals with more intense issues. Vic and Robin have known each other for 2 years now as both volunteer in the same homeless shelter. Vic works at a bakery and so he comes in bringing food from the bakery. He has always admired Robin from afar feeling he is TOTALLY out of his league. But while this year's New Year Resolution was suppose to be about dating (again), when he heard Robin just broke up with his boyfriend it became - winning HIM specifically. The last couple of years have been challenging to Vic, through losing his uncle and father, losing A LOT of weight not to find himself in the same place they did (dying of a heart attack), he is still optimistic and the New Year is the exact day to take charge of his life. I had so much respect for him. He truly WENT after what he wanted and though it was a bit silly thinking he WOULDN'T fall for Robin (he already had the last two years) offering him his friendship and "no strings attached" allowed both of the to explore their true hearts' desire with no real pressure.
Robin comes from money, you wouldn't have thought he lived hardship but he did.. Finding himself on the streets, doing everything he could to buy the drugs he was addicted to. The shelter saved him which is why he is paying it forward trying to help youths in a similar place to where he used to be. Though we only got Vic's POV it's obvious Robin was intrigued (and attracted) to Vic for a while now so when he offers Robin to take the pressure off he accepts thinking it's just going to be friendship but things change very quickly.. Robin isn't ready for a relationship. He has too many things to work through. What Vic offers him allows him to be himself and work on himself at the same time. No pressure. Just the two of them together. While there's a big age difference between the two, and while it WAS obvious at times, I still think they were wonderful together. Everything Robin went through matured him so it's no wonder he was looking for someone who can offer him more.
This book was HOT, be prepared for A LOT of sex! But even though this was a short read and the amount of sex in it, it was still always about the two of them finding solace together, working on their insecurities and fears, finding strengths in themselves and from one another.
I enjoy this story with all the complexities of both of their lives. It wasn't the easiest read at times but even with that I felt so much optimism from both MCs to imagine them having the brightest future together.
131 Pages. Read 2 October 2019.
Delivered Fast [Chris O’Neal & Lance Degrassi] ★★★★★
Loved this one! Chris and Lance were wonderful together. Even though there's a big age gap between these two, I didn't feel it affected the dynamics between them. Yeah, they are at a different stage in life but in the end they were both mature and knew what they wanted, well, sort of :)
Chris own a vegan restaurant. We've met him in the first installment as Robby's friend (also mentioned in the second installment for a bit). It's actually co-owned by him and his ex-boyfriend and though it's not something he wanted when he me Randy 10 years ago and though it's not always an easy job it's his life now. When he meets Lance now working in the bakery his cousin Vic works at he is attracted for sure! But he doesn't feel it would be right to act upon his attraction considering how young Lance is... But when Lance hints at dancing at a club one weekend he finds himself going.
Lance has his mind set about his future. He is working HARD on his degree, wanting to get the best grades to get into a good physiotherapy program. He knows it means he'll probably leave his big warm family but that's what he always wanted and 3 years isn't that long, right? When he meets Chris he knows he wants him as well, but it's not like he has time to invest in a relationship (especially one with an expiration date) but being friends with benefits with Chris is awesome.
Though there's quite a bit of sex in this one, it didn't overpower the buildup of a true friendship and companionship. We only got Chris's POV but it was obvious for both of them, this has turned into a relationship neither wants to break apart once Lance needs to leave. Lance is more confident then can make it work and he is willing to make sacrifices. But Chris on the other hand is in a different place. He remembers what it means to make sacrifices when he was Lance's age and he won't change Lance's life to "suit" his own. He might accept his life but it's not what he envisioned and he doesn't want Lance to feel like he does 10 years from now.
Yet letting go of Lance is also not an easy solution. Looking at what he has with him, the way Lance truly SEES him, understands him, appreciate his fascination of fish in a way his ex never has. For the first time he wonders but not dare dream what they could share together.
This was a BEAUTIFUL read. I understood both Lance and Chris in the place they were in life and loved the way this book was resolved. Lance came into Chris' life at the perfect time to show him optimism is a trait he could have or at least borrow from Lance.
134 Pages. Read 3-4 October 2019.
This book is a compilation of three novellas in the Portland Heat series. They are each stand alone, yet the characters are all somehow connected.
Really enjoyed this one. Like the name suggests there's quite a lot of HEAT in these ones but I loved that in each and every one of them it was still firstly about friendship and companionship.
Though all three are rather short it felt like we're getting a whole story. There's relationship buildup for sure but also a story (some truly heart breaking) that influenced the characters and the connection they formed together.
My favorite one was the last one "Delivered Fast" (as my longer review bellow shows ;)) but all three were great.
Yep, RECOMMENDED!
I'll be moving on to the next bundle!
Served Hot [Robert "Robby" Edwards & David Gregory] ★★★★
Robby enjoys offering David his usual drink - Vanilla latte every day the exact hour he arrives to get it from Robby's coffee cart. But though he enjoys the little flirty conversation he wishes for more even if he isn't even sure David is gay. Pride weekend is the best excuse and after sharing a smoldering kiss together strolling together on a break from work they form a sweet friendship for a couple more months before anything else happens.
David is dealing with a lot of stuff. His past for sure, but also navigating a new present and a hope for a better future. Robby is everything he wanted and didn't have in his previous relationship but in a way it only makes it more difficult to enjoy what he has now. Robby is confused, he had a horrible ex of his own and his experience with him left him very dubious things could truly work out with David but he hopes.. Hopes they can both put their pasts behind and build a brighter future together.
Though I enjoyed this sweet novella, both Robby and David being simply endearing together, I was a bit frustrated with them as well. They were both reluctant to just TALK to one another and figure things out. I got WHY they kept quiet but somehow I still wanted to throttle them both! Maybe mostly Robby as this novella is told solely from his POV so we get everything he WISHES he would say and yet still doesn't.
99 Pages. Read 2 October 2019.
Baked Fresh [Vic Degrassi & Robin Dawson] ★★★★½
I enjoyed this one as well. It had a different feeling than the previous one as it deals with more intense issues. Vic and Robin have known each other for 2 years now as both volunteer in the same homeless shelter. Vic works at a bakery and so he comes in bringing food from the bakery. He has always admired Robin from afar feeling he is TOTALLY out of his league. But while this year's New Year Resolution was suppose to be about dating (again), when he heard Robin just broke up with his boyfriend it became - winning HIM specifically. The last couple of years have been challenging to Vic, through losing his uncle and father, losing A LOT of weight not to find himself in the same place they did (dying of a heart attack), he is still optimistic and the New Year is the exact day to take charge of his life. I had so much respect for him. He truly WENT after what he wanted and though it was a bit silly thinking he WOULDN'T fall for Robin (he already had the last two years) offering him his friendship and "no strings attached" allowed both of the to explore their true hearts' desire with no real pressure.
Robin comes from money, you wouldn't have thought he lived hardship but he did.. Finding himself on the streets, doing everything he could to buy the drugs he was addicted to. The shelter saved him which is why he is paying it forward trying to help youths in a similar place to where he used to be. Though we only got Vic's POV it's obvious Robin was intrigued (and attracted) to Vic for a while now so when he offers Robin to take the pressure off he accepts thinking it's just going to be friendship but things change very quickly.. Robin isn't ready for a relationship. He has too many things to work through. What Vic offers him allows him to be himself and work on himself at the same time. No pressure. Just the two of them together. While there's a big age difference between the two, and while it WAS obvious at times, I still think they were wonderful together. Everything Robin went through matured him so it's no wonder he was looking for someone who can offer him more.
This book was HOT, be prepared for A LOT of sex! But even though this was a short read and the amount of sex in it, it was still always about the two of them finding solace together, working on their insecurities and fears, finding strengths in themselves and from one another.
I enjoy this story with all the complexities of both of their lives. It wasn't the easiest read at times but even with that I felt so much optimism from both MCs to imagine them having the brightest future together.
131 Pages. Read 2 October 2019.
Delivered Fast [Chris O’Neal & Lance Degrassi] ★★★★★
Loved this one! Chris and Lance were wonderful together. Even though there's a big age gap between these two, I didn't feel it affected the dynamics between them. Yeah, they are at a different stage in life but in the end they were both mature and knew what they wanted, well, sort of :)
Chris own a vegan restaurant. We've met him in the first installment as Robby's friend (also mentioned in the second installment for a bit). It's actually co-owned by him and his ex-boyfriend and though it's not something he wanted when he me Randy 10 years ago and though it's not always an easy job it's his life now. When he meets Lance now working in the bakery his cousin Vic works at he is attracted for sure! But he doesn't feel it would be right to act upon his attraction considering how young Lance is... But when Lance hints at dancing at a club one weekend he finds himself going.
Lance has his mind set about his future. He is working HARD on his degree, wanting to get the best grades to get into a good physiotherapy program. He knows it means he'll probably leave his big warm family but that's what he always wanted and 3 years isn't that long, right? When he meets Chris he knows he wants him as well, but it's not like he has time to invest in a relationship (especially one with an expiration date) but being friends with benefits with Chris is awesome.
Though there's quite a bit of sex in this one, it didn't overpower the buildup of a true friendship and companionship. We only got Chris's POV but it was obvious for both of them, this has turned into a relationship neither wants to break apart once Lance needs to leave. Lance is more confident then can make it work and he is willing to make sacrifices. But Chris on the other hand is in a different place. He remembers what it means to make sacrifices when he was Lance's age and he won't change Lance's life to "suit" his own. He might accept his life but it's not what he envisioned and he doesn't want Lance to feel like he does 10 years from now.
Yet letting go of Lance is also not an easy solution. Looking at what he has with him, the way Lance truly SEES him, understands him, appreciate his fascination of fish in a way his ex never has. For the first time he wonders but not dare dream what they could share together.
This was a BEAUTIFUL read. I understood both Lance and Chris in the place they were in life and loved the way this book was resolved. Lance came into Chris' life at the perfect time to show him optimism is a trait he could have or at least borrow from Lance.
134 Pages. Read 3-4 October 2019.
February 4, 2021
These are all novellas and bundled into 3 stories with 3 more in the next set which I see is in my “Big Box”.
Served Hot
Robby and David are simply sweet together, I was a bit frustrated with them though.. They were both reluctant to just TALK to one another and figure things out. My two friends say this is common in the male/male relationship so I’ll take their word for it. The story is mostly told from Robby’s point of view so we get to know everything he WISHES he could say and yet still doesn't.
Baked Fresh
This story is i loaded with insecurities and fears. It’s about Robin and Vic finding strengths in themselves as well as from one another. It’s also filled with lots of complexities but sprinkled generously with optimism from both characters. I really had my doubts about their future together but have learned from the many stories I have read thus far by this author that things will work out but you always are skeptical.
Delivered Fast
This was perhaps my favorite of the three stories. I loved the lovely young Lance…his large noisy family…and his patience with Chris who had had his heart well trampled on and throw away by his ex …plus he thought he was too old for Lance at the “ripe old age” of 35. It’s a romance but it’s also heavily about true friendship and companionship. I'm glad I didn't give up on Chris learning that happiness means different things to everyone... and no one...not even the person you love most in the world gets to choose yours.
Served Hot
Robby and David are simply sweet together, I was a bit frustrated with them though.. They were both reluctant to just TALK to one another and figure things out. My two friends say this is common in the male/male relationship so I’ll take their word for it. The story is mostly told from Robby’s point of view so we get to know everything he WISHES he could say and yet still doesn't.
Baked Fresh
This story is i loaded with insecurities and fears. It’s about Robin and Vic finding strengths in themselves as well as from one another. It’s also filled with lots of complexities but sprinkled generously with optimism from both characters. I really had my doubts about their future together but have learned from the many stories I have read thus far by this author that things will work out but you always are skeptical.
Delivered Fast
This was perhaps my favorite of the three stories. I loved the lovely young Lance…his large noisy family…and his patience with Chris who had had his heart well trampled on and throw away by his ex …plus he thought he was too old for Lance at the “ripe old age” of 35. It’s a romance but it’s also heavily about true friendship and companionship. I'm glad I didn't give up on Chris learning that happiness means different things to everyone... and no one...not even the person you love most in the world gets to choose yours.
July 11, 2016
what a nice, warming collection of the first three books of the Portland Heat series. :3 I really adored the chemistry between the MC's - all were very different, I like this diversity very much because it was a change from other stories. These guys weren't perfect, mostly only a bit ripped and with sexy bodies (not that I complain about a sexy, built-up guy with steamy muscles :3), they have all there problems or "weak" parts, their problematic areas.... :)
I had the biggest connection to the last story but I also love the other ones. So a solid 5 out of 5 stars for this.
And I can't wait to read the 4th and 5th book :3
I had the biggest connection to the last story but I also love the other ones. So a solid 5 out of 5 stars for this.
And I can't wait to read the 4th and 5th book :3
June 14, 2016
4.0 Stars for the whole bundle
A M/M Romance Group Team Spin Spellapalooza Challenge read. (Go Team 6 - Living In Spin!!!)
A M/M Romance Group Team Spin Spellapalooza Challenge read. (Go Team 6 - Living In Spin!!!)
March 18, 2017
This is a bundle of the first three books in the Portland Heat series. While the stories can be read alone, they are so much better when you read them in order. In Served Hot, the first story, we meet David and Robby. David is still grieving the death of his old best friend and lover. Robby is dealing with the fears left over from his ex. They both need to learn to trust if they want a future. In Baked Fresh Vic works at a bakery that donated to the shelter. Robin volunteers at the shelter. Vic has had a crush on Robin for two years. Robin is recently single. Both have a lot of emotional damage but decide to be friends with benefits. But what happens when love is involved? Delivered Fresh has 23 year old Lance. He is a sexy college student who works doing deliveries at the bakery his cousin Vic works at. Chris is 35 and owns a coffee shop with his ex. He is sure that he is way too old for Lance. They start with a one night stand that turns into a fling that is supposed to end when Lance goes away to college. They both fall hard. Chris has to decide whether to let Lance go to Chase his dream or see if they can find a future together. All three books were great love stories with true emotional depth. I highly recommend them and look forward to reading more from this author.
February 28, 2021
Served Hot-4 stars-Robby is the proud owner of a coffee cart, and every day his favourite customer, David, comes along. Robby’s last boyfriend wasn’t out, and David’s didn’t treat him very well, then he passed away. Now, Robby doesn’t want to be a secret, though David wants to protect him. They figure it out, but only after things come to a head between them.
Baked Fresh-4 stars-Vic volunteers at the shelter, bringing food from his bakery. Robin is a cutie who also volunteers, but as they get to know each other, their vulnerabilities surface. For Vic, it’s his surgery scar, which he bravely had for his health so he could lose weight and be less at risk for heart problems. For Robby, it’s problems with sex because he only used to do it when he was high. They work through things together, they have to trust each other, and they make it work from there.
Delivered Fast-4 stars-Chris owns a restaurant with his ex, which he enjoys running. Lance brings things from Vic’s bakery. They enter into a fling, but Chris feels too old, too stuck, to hope for more, even when Lance wants that from him. He doesn’t want to stand in his way, but realizes it’s time to open up to what could be, what he could have, with Lance.
GPL
Baked Fresh-4 stars-Vic volunteers at the shelter, bringing food from his bakery. Robin is a cutie who also volunteers, but as they get to know each other, their vulnerabilities surface. For Vic, it’s his surgery scar, which he bravely had for his health so he could lose weight and be less at risk for heart problems. For Robby, it’s problems with sex because he only used to do it when he was high. They work through things together, they have to trust each other, and they make it work from there.
Delivered Fast-4 stars-Chris owns a restaurant with his ex, which he enjoys running. Lance brings things from Vic’s bakery. They enter into a fling, but Chris feels too old, too stuck, to hope for more, even when Lance wants that from him. He doesn’t want to stand in his way, but realizes it’s time to open up to what could be, what he could have, with Lance.
GPL
October 30, 2021
Annabeth serves it up!
I’m a huge fan/reader of Albert’s books. Like others she deals with the characters insecurities, but I think what keeps me reading are two things. The first is her incredible style of writing. The second is the depth of the primary characters and their interests, which she incorporates subtly. It boggles my mind the diversity of interests she explores, how effortlessly they appear and how they enrich the story. There has to be a ton of research! I was hesitant to reach for anything that smacked of “novella” but I’m so glad I did. Warning: if you are prone to obsessive escape through reading, you’ll want to be sure you don’t have anything important on your schedule as you won’t want to put these down.
I’m a huge fan/reader of Albert’s books. Like others she deals with the characters insecurities, but I think what keeps me reading are two things. The first is her incredible style of writing. The second is the depth of the primary characters and their interests, which she incorporates subtly. It boggles my mind the diversity of interests she explores, how effortlessly they appear and how they enrich the story. There has to be a ton of research! I was hesitant to reach for anything that smacked of “novella” but I’m so glad I did. Warning: if you are prone to obsessive escape through reading, you’ll want to be sure you don’t have anything important on your schedule as you won’t want to put these down.
March 8, 2017
I enjoyed all three stories! :)
The first one, I felt I read before, I may have and just didn't remember. I had that period where I read but didn't review. I'm glad I reread though because I knew I wouldn't have given the review justice then.
I truly did enjoy the stories. Each one had something I liked and I liked seeing the couples intertwined in the books (be it as family or friends).
I will definitely read more of this author!
The first one, I felt I read before, I may have and just didn't remember. I had that period where I read but didn't review. I'm glad I reread though because I knew I wouldn't have given the review justice then.
I truly did enjoy the stories. Each one had something I liked and I liked seeing the couples intertwined in the books (be it as family or friends).
I will definitely read more of this author!
October 19, 2018
All 3 stories were enjoyable, but the last one, Delivered Fast, was my favorite. There is something about the way they let their relationship develop -without acknowledging what was happening because then it would have to stop - that was so engaging. I felt their little pauses where they almost let the secret slip, almost took that final step. That pause, that secret known by all, is true romance to me and often takes my breath away.
March 12, 2019
A bundle of sweet stories. The 1st story left me warm and cozy, but the other 2 felt like repeats of the 1st just with a few changes. I may have enjoyed them more had I spread them out and not read all back to back. But I still was left with a sweet feeling from these stories.
December 6, 2019
Three Great Stories
Portland has always intrigued me so these stories were a way to visit the idea of the place. Funny sweet romance for the couples in the stories. Recommend Series and Author.
Portland has always intrigued me so these stories were a way to visit the idea of the place. Funny sweet romance for the couples in the stories. Recommend Series and Author.
February 20, 2025
These stories are OK, but there's something a bit off. The setting and situations are good, but they all have elements that seem unbelievable, as in: character X, as described, wouldn't behave this way, but needs to behave this way because of the plot.
May 8, 2017
A collection of three really lovely romance novellas.
June 4, 2017
These books get better as they go along.
June 18, 2017
I loved each of these books. I totally enjoyed these read.
October 5, 2017
Can't express how much I loved each of these little gems in this trilogy. Have pre-ordered and am eagerly awaiting the next set of three.
October 16, 2017
Charming gay romance novellas.
April 23, 2018
Reviewed separately.
August 17, 2022
Enjoyed it.
The stories wasn't something that I was expecting the way they were divided up. They all had the same emotions and "get together no matter what it takes" plans.
The stories wasn't something that I was expecting the way they were divided up. They all had the same emotions and "get together no matter what it takes" plans.
January 18, 2023
The second and third books had me crying so much. Unbelievably sweet and pure emotions in these stories. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
January 3, 2025
It was all right. Quick read, and I like how the characters showed up in each other's stories. Nothing groundbreaking here, but not a bad read.
September 5, 2016
I wrote this review on April 15, 2016 but somehow missed posting it here on Goodreads.
Bundled Up contains the first 3 novellas in the Portland Heat series: Served Hot, Baked Fresh and Delivered Fast. If you want to purchase them individually each one can be read as a standalone and there are no cliffhangers. Characters from previous books make brief appearances so I liked reading them in order and the bundle saved me money.
This is a great series and each one was a 5-star read for me but I must admit that Baked Fresh was my favorite. I’ve reviewed each of the books in this bundle separately.
Served Hot – Robby and David, first person POV by Robby
Robby is a self-employed barista with a coffee cart. Everyday around 11:50 AM David comes to Robby’s cart and orders a vanilla latte. Robby doesn’t know if David is gay or not but he’s got a huge crush on him.
David hasn’t lived in Portland too long. He moved there after his long-time lover died. David hasn’t been out of the closet very long because his lover insisted that their relationship be kept a secret.
This story was fun to read and I loved how Annabeth Albert broke the book into sections based on what Robby was able to get David to order. June: Vanilla Latte; August: Turtle Mocha; February: Mexican Mocha and April: Coconut Frappe. Their relationship develops slowly but once things get going – hot, hot hot!!
Baked Fresh – Vic and Robin first person POV by Vic.
Vic does New Year’s Resolutions and he does them well. Last year he resolved to lose 100 pounds and he did. This year he resolves to start dating. He’s been crushing on Robin for a long time but last time Robin was single Vic hesitated too long and another guy swooped in and claimed Robin. Now Robin is single again and Vic resolves to be his rebound guy.
Vic and Robin both volunteer at a local homeless shelter that tries to help people in recovery – from drugs, alcohol, etc. Robin has been in recovery for nearly 3 years and spends a lot of time at the shelter. He has a lot of hang-ups left over from his days as an addict but Vic wants to help him with those problems.
This book was full of feels; I laughed and I cried while reading it – my favorite kind of story.
Delivered Fast - Lance and Chris, first person POV by Chris
Chris co-owns a restaurant, The People’s Cup, with his ex. Lance works for the bakery that supplies the restaurant and just took over the delivery route that includes Chris’s restaurant. When they meet Chris is attracted to Lance but knows that Lance is too young for him.
Lance is interested in Chris and flirts outrageously with him. When he finds Chris on the floor of his restaurant with a plumbing emergency he gets his plumber dad to come help out. While they wait for his dad to arrive Lance continues to flirt with Chris and Chris continues to resist – for a while. They finally agree to a no-strings fling for the summer – until Lance has to go back to school.
Chris and Lance have a bit of a rough time getting to their HEA but it’s a great, sexy, hot story and I enjoyed it a lot.
Look for my review of the 4th book in this series, Knit Tight, coming soon.
*****Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions*****
Bundled Up contains the first 3 novellas in the Portland Heat series: Served Hot, Baked Fresh and Delivered Fast. If you want to purchase them individually each one can be read as a standalone and there are no cliffhangers. Characters from previous books make brief appearances so I liked reading them in order and the bundle saved me money.
This is a great series and each one was a 5-star read for me but I must admit that Baked Fresh was my favorite. I’ve reviewed each of the books in this bundle separately.
Served Hot – Robby and David, first person POV by Robby
Robby is a self-employed barista with a coffee cart. Everyday around 11:50 AM David comes to Robby’s cart and orders a vanilla latte. Robby doesn’t know if David is gay or not but he’s got a huge crush on him.
David hasn’t lived in Portland too long. He moved there after his long-time lover died. David hasn’t been out of the closet very long because his lover insisted that their relationship be kept a secret.
This story was fun to read and I loved how Annabeth Albert broke the book into sections based on what Robby was able to get David to order. June: Vanilla Latte; August: Turtle Mocha; February: Mexican Mocha and April: Coconut Frappe. Their relationship develops slowly but once things get going – hot, hot hot!!
Baked Fresh – Vic and Robin first person POV by Vic.
Vic does New Year’s Resolutions and he does them well. Last year he resolved to lose 100 pounds and he did. This year he resolves to start dating. He’s been crushing on Robin for a long time but last time Robin was single Vic hesitated too long and another guy swooped in and claimed Robin. Now Robin is single again and Vic resolves to be his rebound guy.
Vic and Robin both volunteer at a local homeless shelter that tries to help people in recovery – from drugs, alcohol, etc. Robin has been in recovery for nearly 3 years and spends a lot of time at the shelter. He has a lot of hang-ups left over from his days as an addict but Vic wants to help him with those problems.
This book was full of feels; I laughed and I cried while reading it – my favorite kind of story.
Delivered Fast - Lance and Chris, first person POV by Chris
Chris co-owns a restaurant, The People’s Cup, with his ex. Lance works for the bakery that supplies the restaurant and just took over the delivery route that includes Chris’s restaurant. When they meet Chris is attracted to Lance but knows that Lance is too young for him.
Lance is interested in Chris and flirts outrageously with him. When he finds Chris on the floor of his restaurant with a plumbing emergency he gets his plumber dad to come help out. While they wait for his dad to arrive Lance continues to flirt with Chris and Chris continues to resist – for a while. They finally agree to a no-strings fling for the summer – until Lance has to go back to school.
Chris and Lance have a bit of a rough time getting to their HEA but it’s a great, sexy, hot story and I enjoyed it a lot.
Look for my review of the 4th book in this series, Knit Tight, coming soon.
*****Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions*****
November 23, 2019
Served Hot #1
Very nicely done. I enjoyed the characters and storyline. The little bit of push and pull these two go through isn't overdone. I liked that when they appear to be stuck in a bad place Robby demands more and is willing to say what he needs. David has some serious issues but keeps reaching for Robby. I liked that instead of leaving things broken between them David comes back to Robby and opens up.
Served Fresh #2
I seriously loved this second book in the series. It isn't all sunshine and roses but it is wonderful. Both Robin and Vic are full of self-doubt and depredation. Neither can believe they are really worthy of love and happiness, but boy can they see it in the other. I love that Robin would've fallen for Vic even before his surgery and weight loss and that Vic wanted Robin despite his past. The very things that were holding these two in fear were non-issues for the other. I was impressed that while Vic didn't think he had the perfect words to take Robin's pain and doubt away, his honest, heartfelt confession was. Just freakin' fantastic.
Delivered Fast #3
Loved it! This May to December romance was a treat. Lance and Chris start out with a flirtation that leads to a fling that instantly changes to a friends with more relationship, but it becomes so much more. No matter how much Chris tries to keep his heart closed off, no matter how he wants Lance to have a life full of what he imagines Lance deserves he can't help falling completely. Lance is so young and yet he impresses me with his maturity. He knows what he wants and it's Chris and only Chris.
Highly recommended author and series
Very nicely done. I enjoyed the characters and storyline. The little bit of push and pull these two go through isn't overdone. I liked that when they appear to be stuck in a bad place Robby demands more and is willing to say what he needs. David has some serious issues but keeps reaching for Robby. I liked that instead of leaving things broken between them David comes back to Robby and opens up.
Served Fresh #2
I seriously loved this second book in the series. It isn't all sunshine and roses but it is wonderful. Both Robin and Vic are full of self-doubt and depredation. Neither can believe they are really worthy of love and happiness, but boy can they see it in the other. I love that Robin would've fallen for Vic even before his surgery and weight loss and that Vic wanted Robin despite his past. The very things that were holding these two in fear were non-issues for the other. I was impressed that while Vic didn't think he had the perfect words to take Robin's pain and doubt away, his honest, heartfelt confession was. Just freakin' fantastic.
Delivered Fast #3
Loved it! This May to December romance was a treat. Lance and Chris start out with a flirtation that leads to a fling that instantly changes to a friends with more relationship, but it becomes so much more. No matter how much Chris tries to keep his heart closed off, no matter how he wants Lance to have a life full of what he imagines Lance deserves he can't help falling completely. Lance is so young and yet he impresses me with his maturity. He knows what he wants and it's Chris and only Chris.
Highly recommended author and series
December 21, 2016
Served Hot #1
Very nicely done. I enjoyed the characters and story line. The little bit of push and pull these two go through isn't over done. I liked that when they appear to be stuck in a bad place Robby demands more and is willing to say what he needs. David has some serious issues but keeps reaching for Robby. I liked that instead of leaving things broken between them David comes back to Robby and opens up.
Served Fresh #2
I seriously loved this second book in the series. It isn't all sunshine and roses but it is wonderful. Both Robin and Vic are full of self doubt and depredation. Neither can believe they are really worthy of love and happiness, but boy can they see it in the other. I love that Robin would've fallen for Vic even before his surgery and weight loss and that Vic wanted Robin despite his past. The very things that were holding these two in fear were non-issues for the other. I was impressed that while Vic didn't think he had the perfect words to take Robin's pain and doubt away, his honest, heartfelt confession was. Just freakin' fantastic.
Delivered Fast #3
Loved it! This May to December romance was a treat. Lance and Chris start out with a flirtation that leads to a fling that instantly changes to a friends with more relationship, but it becomes so much more. No matter how much Chris tries to keep his heart closed off, no matter how he wants Lance to have a life full of what he imagines Lance deserves he can't help falling completely. Lance is so young and yet he impresses me with his maturity. He knows what he wants and it's Chris and only Chris.
Highly recommended author and series
Adult read
Very nicely done. I enjoyed the characters and story line. The little bit of push and pull these two go through isn't over done. I liked that when they appear to be stuck in a bad place Robby demands more and is willing to say what he needs. David has some serious issues but keeps reaching for Robby. I liked that instead of leaving things broken between them David comes back to Robby and opens up.
Served Fresh #2
I seriously loved this second book in the series. It isn't all sunshine and roses but it is wonderful. Both Robin and Vic are full of self doubt and depredation. Neither can believe they are really worthy of love and happiness, but boy can they see it in the other. I love that Robin would've fallen for Vic even before his surgery and weight loss and that Vic wanted Robin despite his past. The very things that were holding these two in fear were non-issues for the other. I was impressed that while Vic didn't think he had the perfect words to take Robin's pain and doubt away, his honest, heartfelt confession was. Just freakin' fantastic.
Delivered Fast #3
Loved it! This May to December romance was a treat. Lance and Chris start out with a flirtation that leads to a fling that instantly changes to a friends with more relationship, but it becomes so much more. No matter how much Chris tries to keep his heart closed off, no matter how he wants Lance to have a life full of what he imagines Lance deserves he can't help falling completely. Lance is so young and yet he impresses me with his maturity. He knows what he wants and it's Chris and only Chris.
Highly recommended author and series
Adult read
August 15, 2016
Served Hot - 4 stars
Reading this was like being wrapped in a soft, warm blanket. Sweet, with realistic conflict between the MCs, but without unnecessary drama. Robby is adorable.
Baked Fresh – 3.5 stars
In this one the level of angst was a little higher, but it was handled well and it wasn’t a heavy read at all. I liked it less than the first mostly because of Robin and his tendency to jump to conclusion. The reason behind Robin’s decision to
I really liked Vic’s caring nature and patience, though. Even if we’re told that he’s that way only with Robin.
Delivered Fast - 4 stars
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Chris and Lance and the way their relationship progressed.
I also loved Lance’s character. He was nothing like he seemed at first and I liked that he could keep Chris on his toes and stand firm for what he wanted.
Reading this was like being wrapped in a soft, warm blanket. Sweet, with realistic conflict between the MCs, but without unnecessary drama. Robby is adorable.
Baked Fresh – 3.5 stars
In this one the level of angst was a little higher, but it was handled well and it wasn’t a heavy read at all. I liked it less than the first mostly because of Robin and his tendency to jump to conclusion. The reason behind Robin’s decision to
I really liked Vic’s caring nature and patience, though. Even if we’re told that he’s that way only with Robin.
Delivered Fast - 4 stars
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Chris and Lance and the way their relationship progressed.
I also loved Lance’s character. He was nothing like he seemed at first and I liked that he could keep Chris on his toes and stand firm for what he wanted.
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