What do you think?
Rate this book
A Taste of Honey
2nd Edition
Boone Phillips needs a girlfriend-now! If he shows up to the family reunion alone, his mother will throw every woman in sight at him. But the only "woman" Boone trusts enough to ask is Honey, the drag queen alter ego of his best friend, Rob. It's a crazy idea, but Boone is desperate.
Boone wins Rob over to the idea after first going on a "date" with him as Honey, but everything feels different once the plan is set in motion. Between nosy relatives, illegal moonshine, and the sight of Rob in white lace panties, Boone starts to wonder if he's as straight as he thought. When an earth-shattering kiss sends Rob running, however, Boone learns some surprising things about both his family and himself. Now he needs to convince Rob to give him another chance, or his first taste of Honey might also be his last.
First Edition published by Torquere Press, 2016.
Boone Phillips needs a girlfriend-now! If he shows up to the family reunion alone, his mother will throw every woman in sight at him. But the only "woman" Boone trusts enough to ask is Honey, the drag queen alter ego of his best friend, Rob. It's a crazy idea, but Boone is desperate.
Boone wins Rob over to the idea after first going on a "date" with him as Honey, but everything feels different once the plan is set in motion. Between nosy relatives, illegal moonshine, and the sight of Rob in white lace panties, Boone starts to wonder if he's as straight as he thought. When an earth-shattering kiss sends Rob running, however, Boone learns some surprising things about both his family and himself. Now he needs to convince Rob to give him another chance, or his first taste of Honey might also be his last.
First Edition published by Torquere Press, 2016.
88 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 9, 2016
11 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Ari McKay
72 books181 followersAri McKay is the professional pseudonym for Arionrhod and McKay, who collaborate on original m/m fiction. They began writing together in 2004 and finished their first original full length novel in 2011. Recently, they’ve begun collaborating on designing and creating costumes to wear and compete in at Sci Fi conventions, and they share a love of yarn and cake.
Arionrhod is an avid costumer, knitter, and all-around craft fiend, as well as a professional systems engineer. Mother of two human children and two dachshunds who think they are human, she is a voracious reader with wildly eclectic tastes, devouring romance novels, military science fiction, horror stories and Shakespeare with equal glee. She is currently preparing for the zombie apocalypse.
McKay is an English teacher who has been writing for one reason or another most of her life. She also enjoys knitting, reading, cooking, and playing video games. She has been known to knit in public. Given she has the survival skills of a gnat, she’s relying on Arionrhod to help her survive the zombie apocalypse.
Arionrhod is an avid costumer, knitter, and all-around craft fiend, as well as a professional systems engineer. Mother of two human children and two dachshunds who think they are human, she is a voracious reader with wildly eclectic tastes, devouring romance novels, military science fiction, horror stories and Shakespeare with equal glee. She is currently preparing for the zombie apocalypse.
McKay is an English teacher who has been writing for one reason or another most of her life. She also enjoys knitting, reading, cooking, and playing video games. She has been known to knit in public. Given she has the survival skills of a gnat, she’s relying on Arionrhod to help her survive the zombie apocalypse.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
April 29, 2016
I absolutely love stories with drag queens, first and foremost, because I think a man who can dress up and strut his stuff is braver than I'll ever be. However, I've read a number of stories about men going in their drag outfits to "fool" someone else, whether it is family or friends or whoever, for a love interest. This was a cute story, but, to be honest, didn't really stand out for me.
Boone is attracted to women, and has a very close connection with his gay best friend, Rob. And though he isn't sure, Boone starts to have a sneaking suspicion that he might be attracted to Rob, too. I love same-sex attraction discovery stories or GFY/OFY/BFY stories (however you want to classify them), so I was interested in this book for that reason as well. The bisexual part of the story was nicely done, with Boone not angstying too much about it. I wish there was a little more build-up, some more sexual tension between Boone and Rob, but that is hard to get in a novella.
If you like a sweet, mostly drama-free story about accepting Southern families and friends-to-lovers, then you should try this one. It isn't anything super memorable, but I think it'll be a crowd-pleaser.
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Boone is attracted to women, and has a very close connection with his gay best friend, Rob. And though he isn't sure, Boone starts to have a sneaking suspicion that he might be attracted to Rob, too. I love same-sex attraction discovery stories or GFY/OFY/BFY stories (however you want to classify them), so I was interested in this book for that reason as well. The bisexual part of the story was nicely done, with Boone not angstying too much about it. I wish there was a little more build-up, some more sexual tension between Boone and Rob, but that is hard to get in a novella.
If you like a sweet, mostly drama-free story about accepting Southern families and friends-to-lovers, then you should try this one. It isn't anything super memorable, but I think it'll be a crowd-pleaser.
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Read
May 22, 20174.5 Hearts
GAH! This was exactly the book I needed after a blah read. It’s books like this that give me the spark that ignites my reading frenzy and reminds me of why romance is solidified deep in my heart. This was fun. This was sexy and this was everything to me snuggled warm in my bed on a chilly Sunday night where I stayed up past my bedtime to read.
Le freaking sigh.
Told from the dual POV’s of BFF’s Rob and Boone, we meet the men as they are having their standard weekly dinner out so neither of them have to cook. When Boone tells Rob his family is having a function and very southern Mama has asked if he was bringing anyone special home, Boone gets a bit freaked out. He doesn’t have the best track record with dating and he simply couldn’t force his over the top meddlesome family on any ex-girlfriend friend of his but Boone needs to find someone and quick. It’s a good thing the person he trusts most in the world is not only his best friend, but an amazing drag queen.
When Boone suggests Rob’s drag persona, Honey, accompanies Boone home Rob balks for a few reasons. The main one, he’s been crushing on his straight BFF for years and knowing he’d have to play girlfriend to Boone and all the sweet talk and touching that comes along with it? It’s a double edged sword for Rob but he wants to help Boone out so he suggests if Boone really wants it, he’ll earn it and by earn it, he’s got to take Honey out on a date before they head south.
ACK! The date was so much fun. I love that Boone knows what Honey looks like when she’s on stage but when he shows up at her apartment to take her out, he is met with a milder version that knocks his socks off. It was so sweet to be in Boone’s head as he acknowledged how gorgeous Honey looked and how much of Rob was still under the makeup and clothes of Honey. We get bits of Boone and his always wondering how straight he really was and seeing him flirt with Honey and get lost in her was adorable.
The boys decide they are going through with this charade and once they get to Boone’s childhood home, the show began. I was curious how it would all go down, how they would play up the relationship and the fact that Boone’s mother has met Rob before and how Rob’s sister Honey just happened to appear and be Boone’s girlfriend. I have to say I loved Boone’s mama and his uncle Jack. They took to Honey like bees (yes, I went there) and welcomed her into the family with open arms.
Knowing that Rob’s family is not accepting of his life nor sexuality, it was lovely to see how open Boone’s family was with Honey. The whole food prep scene between Honey and Boone’s mother melted my heart and Uncle Jack’s moonshine opens up more than anyone could have imagined.
When Moonlight and Moonshine can be blamed for many things and in this story, you can’t fight the moonlight when true love is what’s at stake. True love and beautiful men in white lace panties… *bites fist*
GOODNESS! Seriously, when Boone makes a move it was amazing and I am so glad we were in his POV for it so we know who he was with. Boone is slow on the uptake when it comes to his feelings but once he owns them, they are his truth and nothing will stop him.
The end of this was so sweet and then really sexy. I liked how Boone’s family took the news about Honey being Rob and their own admissions to the men and the romantic ending was nothing less than what I expected.
A Taste of Honey is a short, sweet and sexy (the best trifecta there is) friends to lovers story about taking the long road to see what is right in front of you but taking every pleasure in the ride.
GAH! This was exactly the book I needed after a blah read. It’s books like this that give me the spark that ignites my reading frenzy and reminds me of why romance is solidified deep in my heart. This was fun. This was sexy and this was everything to me snuggled warm in my bed on a chilly Sunday night where I stayed up past my bedtime to read.
Le freaking sigh.
Told from the dual POV’s of BFF’s Rob and Boone, we meet the men as they are having their standard weekly dinner out so neither of them have to cook. When Boone tells Rob his family is having a function and very southern Mama has asked if he was bringing anyone special home, Boone gets a bit freaked out. He doesn’t have the best track record with dating and he simply couldn’t force his over the top meddlesome family on any ex-girlfriend friend of his but Boone needs to find someone and quick. It’s a good thing the person he trusts most in the world is not only his best friend, but an amazing drag queen.
When Boone suggests Rob’s drag persona, Honey, accompanies Boone home Rob balks for a few reasons. The main one, he’s been crushing on his straight BFF for years and knowing he’d have to play girlfriend to Boone and all the sweet talk and touching that comes along with it? It’s a double edged sword for Rob but he wants to help Boone out so he suggests if Boone really wants it, he’ll earn it and by earn it, he’s got to take Honey out on a date before they head south.
ACK! The date was so much fun. I love that Boone knows what Honey looks like when she’s on stage but when he shows up at her apartment to take her out, he is met with a milder version that knocks his socks off. It was so sweet to be in Boone’s head as he acknowledged how gorgeous Honey looked and how much of Rob was still under the makeup and clothes of Honey. We get bits of Boone and his always wondering how straight he really was and seeing him flirt with Honey and get lost in her was adorable.
The boys decide they are going through with this charade and once they get to Boone’s childhood home, the show began. I was curious how it would all go down, how they would play up the relationship and the fact that Boone’s mother has met Rob before and how Rob’s sister Honey just happened to appear and be Boone’s girlfriend. I have to say I loved Boone’s mama and his uncle Jack. They took to Honey like bees (yes, I went there) and welcomed her into the family with open arms.
Knowing that Rob’s family is not accepting of his life nor sexuality, it was lovely to see how open Boone’s family was with Honey. The whole food prep scene between Honey and Boone’s mother melted my heart and Uncle Jack’s moonshine opens up more than anyone could have imagined.
When Moonlight and Moonshine can be blamed for many things and in this story, you can’t fight the moonlight when true love is what’s at stake. True love and beautiful men in white lace panties… *bites fist*
GOODNESS! Seriously, when Boone makes a move it was amazing and I am so glad we were in his POV for it so we know who he was with. Boone is slow on the uptake when it comes to his feelings but once he owns them, they are his truth and nothing will stop him.
The end of this was so sweet and then really sexy. I liked how Boone’s family took the news about Honey being Rob and their own admissions to the men and the romantic ending was nothing less than what I expected.
A Taste of Honey is a short, sweet and sexy (the best trifecta there is) friends to lovers story about taking the long road to see what is right in front of you but taking every pleasure in the ride.
May 18, 2017
Families, and especially Southern mothers, can exert tremendous pressure on their children to settle down, find a nice partner, and provide grandchildren. It can get to the point where Boone ends up in this story: he has to come to the family reunion with a girlfriend or face his mother inviting some “suitable women” on his behalf, all with the expectation of him falling in love and marrying one of them sooner rather than later. Boone is not the first young man, I am sure, who has the brilliant idea of bringing a “fake girlfriend” with him just so he can have a fun weekend without Mama’s nagging. But his plan, unlike those of many others, has a couple of very particular flaws and with them comes the potential for a particularly nasty turn of events. I was certainly holding my breath from the moment I figured out what he was going to do.
Boone is a programmer, a pretty logical and stable young man – under normal circumstances. When his mother presents him with what he perceives as an ultimatum, he knows the perfect solution is right under his nose. Since he has no intention to “settle down” anytime soon, and has no current girlfriend because he spends all his free time with his best friend Rob, and since Rob performs as a drag queen… Boone has an instant girlfriend at his disposal.
Rob has worked at the same company as Boone for a while. Rob is a graphic artist with a lot of flair, enjoys cross-dressing and performing in drag in front of an audience, and he is gay. He also has a huge secret – he has a crush on Boone but wants to be his friend more than anything and is not ready to risk alienating him by coming on to him – not that he thinks there is any point since Boone is straight. Right?
When Rob agrees to be his alter ego, Honey, for a weekend to help Boone out, neither he nor Boone has any idea of the consequences. Boone finds out what it’s like to see his favorite guy interact with him as if he were a woman – causing all sorts of reactions and feelings Boone never knew he had for Rob. Rob finds out what it is like to be stuck in hell – to find the man he loves look at him as if they were together as a couple. How they deal with it and what happens when an unexpected kiss makes them both pull back in shock (for very different reasons) makes for an exciting, unusual, and very thought-provoking read.
If you’re ready for an unusual coming out when a man suddenly sees the friend he loves appear in the gender he thinks he prefers, if you want to find out more about two men who are best friends only to learn they could be so much more, and if you’re looking for a read that is as interesting and unexpected as it is heartwarming and hot, then you will probably like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Torquere Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Boone is a programmer, a pretty logical and stable young man – under normal circumstances. When his mother presents him with what he perceives as an ultimatum, he knows the perfect solution is right under his nose. Since he has no intention to “settle down” anytime soon, and has no current girlfriend because he spends all his free time with his best friend Rob, and since Rob performs as a drag queen… Boone has an instant girlfriend at his disposal.
Rob has worked at the same company as Boone for a while. Rob is a graphic artist with a lot of flair, enjoys cross-dressing and performing in drag in front of an audience, and he is gay. He also has a huge secret – he has a crush on Boone but wants to be his friend more than anything and is not ready to risk alienating him by coming on to him – not that he thinks there is any point since Boone is straight. Right?
When Rob agrees to be his alter ego, Honey, for a weekend to help Boone out, neither he nor Boone has any idea of the consequences. Boone finds out what it’s like to see his favorite guy interact with him as if he were a woman – causing all sorts of reactions and feelings Boone never knew he had for Rob. Rob finds out what it is like to be stuck in hell – to find the man he loves look at him as if they were together as a couple. How they deal with it and what happens when an unexpected kiss makes them both pull back in shock (for very different reasons) makes for an exciting, unusual, and very thought-provoking read.
If you’re ready for an unusual coming out when a man suddenly sees the friend he loves appear in the gender he thinks he prefers, if you want to find out more about two men who are best friends only to learn they could be so much more, and if you’re looking for a read that is as interesting and unexpected as it is heartwarming and hot, then you will probably like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Torquere Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
October 20, 2017
Much of the book was unrealistic but that did not stop me from enjoying it totally. Boone and Rob were wonderful. Big Mama was awesome as was Uncle Jake. This short gem will not disappoint.
November 9, 2018
3.5 stars
April 10, 2016
A Taste of Honey just oozes Southern charm and I lapped it up like it was the sweetest sweet tea ever brewed.
Rob/Honey and Boone were great together no matter if Rob was Rob or Honey was Honey. I felt their friendship and attraction which made the story that much better for me.
Boone's family was great, especially his mother. True Southerner's really do love to embrace all the family dynamics no matter where they fall in the spectrum of "normal" and Boone's immediate family was that kind of Southern family.
The bit about Boone's father kind of came from left field. I didn't think it was necessary to make any points and I'm not sure why it squinched me out a smidge. I'm pretty sure it's just the thought of parents and sex. Not like I'm not a parent or know that my parents did it *shivers*, I just don't want to know that much. Especially since I had connected with Boone. I must just be squinchy for him. He's my imaginary pal, so I'm sure that's it.
There was minimal angst for Boone once he figured shit out, while that was probably not super realistic, I didn't even care because I wanted them to be happy, like yesterday, so all good.
This was a very sweet, feel-good read that I will definitely re-read.
Rob/Honey and Boone were great together no matter if Rob was Rob or Honey was Honey. I felt their friendship and attraction which made the story that much better for me.
Boone's family was great, especially his mother. True Southerner's really do love to embrace all the family dynamics no matter where they fall in the spectrum of "normal" and Boone's immediate family was that kind of Southern family.
The bit about Boone's father kind of came from left field. I didn't think it was necessary to make any points and I'm not sure why it squinched me out a smidge. I'm pretty sure it's just the thought of parents and sex. Not like I'm not a parent or know that my parents did it *shivers*, I just don't want to know that much. Especially since I had connected with Boone. I must just be squinchy for him. He's my imaginary pal, so I'm sure that's it.
There was minimal angst for Boone once he figured shit out, while that was probably not super realistic, I didn't even care because I wanted them to be happy, like yesterday, so all good.
This was a very sweet, feel-good read that I will definitely re-read.
March 14, 2016
A very sweet book. I loved Rob and Boone together, they were so hot. I also loved Boone's family.
May 19, 2017
When Boone needs a fake girlfriend for a family event he turns to his best friend Rob...who moonlights in drag as Honey. I had high hopes for this book. Best friends to lover, YES. Man in lingerie, YES! Drag, YES! Maybe my expectations were just too high.
Even though they have been friends for years, it still felt like insta-love to me. The book, from about 50% on is cheesy. And the end was a cheese buffet.
I liked Boone and I liked Rob. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more if things had slowed down a bit and there had been a conversation. Boone had never been with a man, had only acknowledged to himself that maybe, just maybe he may not be entirely straight. And those thoughts were passing, minute thoughts. A grand I love you, a public "we are gay get over it" scene and sex in Boone's mom's house with other people assuming that is what they are going to be doing (I felt awkward reading it). Then Happy Ever After. The End.
It was cute and fluffy, no angst and a fast read. If that is what you are looking for, this may work for you.
Even though they have been friends for years, it still felt like insta-love to me. The book, from about 50% on is cheesy. And the end was a cheese buffet.
I liked Boone and I liked Rob. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more if things had slowed down a bit and there had been a conversation. Boone had never been with a man, had only acknowledged to himself that maybe, just maybe he may not be entirely straight. And those thoughts were passing, minute thoughts. A grand I love you, a public "we are gay get over it" scene and sex in Boone's mom's house with other people assuming that is what they are going to be doing (I felt awkward reading it). Then Happy Ever After. The End.
It was cute and fluffy, no angst and a fast read. If that is what you are looking for, this may work for you.
March 12, 2016
I’m a sucker for GFY, friends to lovers’ stories! I like how much history Rob and Boone have together and the implied and stated history allows the story to progress faster than normal. There is quite a bit of buildup of the introduction to Honey and Boone’s family. Boone’s self-discovery is a drawn out a little bit but when he finally admits what he feels, the story starts to move really quickly. I love Rob’s self-awareness and confidence in totally being himself. He is a high energy, free-spirit which compliments Boone’s laid back, rock steady personality. They are well matched and being best friends who already love each other helps easily pave the way for a romantic relationship.
Overall, this is a quick, sweet read that you’ll love especially if you like GFY, friends to lovers’ stories!
Overall, this is a quick, sweet read that you’ll love especially if you like GFY, friends to lovers’ stories!
June 13, 2017
♥.•*¨)☆♡¸.•*´¨)☆♡¸.•♥*´¨)☆♡♥
♡☆(¸.•♥´The sweetest taste...of Southern Charm.
"I know just who I need. I need Honey."
When a family affair turns unsettling for Boone, he does the unthinkable. He begged his best friend Rob to don his disguise and introduce his alter ego, drag queen Honey, as his lady. Friends for so long, Boone had no idea that when he asked Rob to "date him", that life would change for the both of them.
"I just need someone who wants a little Honey in their life."
Being in to close a quarters was going to kill Rob. Not only had he a crush on Boone, now he had to contend with being in close proximity with the one man he wanted but could never have. It was taken to a whole other level when the men were encouraged by Boone's very Southern mother to share a bedroom. Yeah, now Rob as Honey had more on her plate than keeping his attraction at bay.
...he’d never found the right woman because he’d already found the right man.
Someone always said never say never. As their time together went on, Boone found him seeing less of Honey and more of Rob in a totally different light. Will he find it in his heart to take the step and accept that he sees Rob as more than his best friend, or is Rob doomed to live on the friendship isle forever?
I love, love, love Gay For You stories. I say hooray for drag queens who bring it. Throw in the friends to lovers troop and hallelujah, you're on the mark. And I loved Mama Liv with her knowledgeable words when she encouraged Boone to say: "My mama told me that you said you love me, and I’m here to tell you that I love you too." And dang if Uncle Jake ain't the sweetest. I enjoyed his character most of all.
I enjoyed the authors take on Boone's and Rob's relationship. There was also good character development and discovering that all you knew and took to heart was just leading you to bigger and better things.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from Dreamspinner Press
Reviewed by Cee from Alpha Book Club
♡☆(¸.•♥´The sweetest taste...of Southern Charm.
"I know just who I need. I need Honey."
When a family affair turns unsettling for Boone, he does the unthinkable. He begged his best friend Rob to don his disguise and introduce his alter ego, drag queen Honey, as his lady. Friends for so long, Boone had no idea that when he asked Rob to "date him", that life would change for the both of them.
"I just need someone who wants a little Honey in their life."
Being in to close a quarters was going to kill Rob. Not only had he a crush on Boone, now he had to contend with being in close proximity with the one man he wanted but could never have. It was taken to a whole other level when the men were encouraged by Boone's very Southern mother to share a bedroom. Yeah, now Rob as Honey had more on her plate than keeping his attraction at bay.
...he’d never found the right woman because he’d already found the right man.
Someone always said never say never. As their time together went on, Boone found him seeing less of Honey and more of Rob in a totally different light. Will he find it in his heart to take the step and accept that he sees Rob as more than his best friend, or is Rob doomed to live on the friendship isle forever?
I love, love, love Gay For You stories. I say hooray for drag queens who bring it. Throw in the friends to lovers troop and hallelujah, you're on the mark. And I loved Mama Liv with her knowledgeable words when she encouraged Boone to say: "My mama told me that you said you love me, and I’m here to tell you that I love you too." And dang if Uncle Jake ain't the sweetest. I enjoyed his character most of all.
I enjoyed the authors take on Boone's and Rob's relationship. There was also good character development and discovering that all you knew and took to heart was just leading you to bigger and better things.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from Dreamspinner Press
Reviewed by Cee from Alpha Book Club
May 18, 2017
Full review available at: https://optimummblog.wordpress.com/20...
This is my first time reading a book by Ari McKay, but I was hooked by the blurb, and I have found that I really enjoy reading cross-dressing and drag queen books, so I am glad that I gave A Taste of Honey a chance because it was a delightful story. The story was well written and had a great flow to it. The characters have been fleshed out and developed, and I loved the supporting characters also.
I liked that Rob/Honey and Boone are opposites in both looks and temperament and I liked this line in the book. “Boone was drawn to Rob’s energy and spontaneity, while Rob seemed to like Boone’s solid and unwavering dependability.” It described them perfectly.
Boone has a family reunion that he is going to and his mom always tries to set him up with available girls while he’s there. When he complains to his best friend Rob during their weekly dinner out, Rob tells him that he should take a fake girlfriend with him. But Boone’s hesitant. Which of his ex-girlfriends would be able to hold up to his mom’s interrogation. Boone can only think of one person who could do it, and that would be his gay best friend’s drag queen alter ego Honey. Honey’s confident and can handle any situation. But can Boone get his best friend to agree to do it?
Rob’s had a crush on his best friend Boone since he first met him. But Boone’s straight and so he’s always kept it a secret. He’s hesitant to go with Boone to his reunion because he doesn’t want to jeopardize his friendship. And he agrees to go with Boone to the reunion but only if he will go on a public date with him as Honey and prove that he can handle playing the affectionate boyfriend. When he passes that with flying colors, it’s off to the reunion they go. At the reunion is where Honey/Rob finds the accepting, loving family that he’s always hoped for.
I loved Boone’s family and how they had that perfect southern charm down pat. They were so loving and accepting of Boone’s girlfriend, and I loved all of the little stories about Boone’s relatives and their sexuality that come out as they were drinking moonshine.
I would recommend A Taste of Honey to anybody looking for a quick feel good book about a straight best friend that realizes that he may not be as straight as he thought when he falls in love with his gay best friend.
I can’t wait to read more books by Ari McKay
***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book***
This is my first time reading a book by Ari McKay, but I was hooked by the blurb, and I have found that I really enjoy reading cross-dressing and drag queen books, so I am glad that I gave A Taste of Honey a chance because it was a delightful story. The story was well written and had a great flow to it. The characters have been fleshed out and developed, and I loved the supporting characters also.
I liked that Rob/Honey and Boone are opposites in both looks and temperament and I liked this line in the book. “Boone was drawn to Rob’s energy and spontaneity, while Rob seemed to like Boone’s solid and unwavering dependability.” It described them perfectly.
Boone has a family reunion that he is going to and his mom always tries to set him up with available girls while he’s there. When he complains to his best friend Rob during their weekly dinner out, Rob tells him that he should take a fake girlfriend with him. But Boone’s hesitant. Which of his ex-girlfriends would be able to hold up to his mom’s interrogation. Boone can only think of one person who could do it, and that would be his gay best friend’s drag queen alter ego Honey. Honey’s confident and can handle any situation. But can Boone get his best friend to agree to do it?
Rob’s had a crush on his best friend Boone since he first met him. But Boone’s straight and so he’s always kept it a secret. He’s hesitant to go with Boone to his reunion because he doesn’t want to jeopardize his friendship. And he agrees to go with Boone to the reunion but only if he will go on a public date with him as Honey and prove that he can handle playing the affectionate boyfriend. When he passes that with flying colors, it’s off to the reunion they go. At the reunion is where Honey/Rob finds the accepting, loving family that he’s always hoped for.
I loved Boone’s family and how they had that perfect southern charm down pat. They were so loving and accepting of Boone’s girlfriend, and I loved all of the little stories about Boone’s relatives and their sexuality that come out as they were drinking moonshine.
I would recommend A Taste of Honey to anybody looking for a quick feel good book about a straight best friend that realizes that he may not be as straight as he thought when he falls in love with his gay best friend.
I can’t wait to read more books by Ari McKay
***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book***
May 17, 2017
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
A Taste of Honey was a short, friends to lovers novella. Boone's going home for a family reunion and doesn't want to go alone so he enlists his best friend, Rob, who is a cross-dresser. Rob is in love with Boone and doesn't want to go along with Boone's plan, but he can't say no. Boone and Rob put on a good performance, and Boone's family loves Rob, only their plan isn't as secret as they thought it would be.
When I first started reading this novella and read about Boone talking about his family, I was expecting the worst. If there was ever someone who was clueless about family, it was Boone. His family was amazing, supportive and fun! Then again, clueless is a good description for Boone, who never realized that he may be something other than straight, or that his best friend is in love with him. He didn't date often, and the women he did date turned into friends. Rob was a great friend and was just happy to have Boone in his life, however, he could have him. Rob had no family in his life, so I loved how Boone's family just enfolded him into their family.
This was an easy, sweet read that flowed nicely. I really liked Rob and Boone, but for me, Boone's family was the real favorite. This is a great story about family, love and acceptance. I would definitely recommend this novella!
Rating: 4 stars!
A Taste of Honey was a short, friends to lovers novella. Boone's going home for a family reunion and doesn't want to go alone so he enlists his best friend, Rob, who is a cross-dresser. Rob is in love with Boone and doesn't want to go along with Boone's plan, but he can't say no. Boone and Rob put on a good performance, and Boone's family loves Rob, only their plan isn't as secret as they thought it would be.
When I first started reading this novella and read about Boone talking about his family, I was expecting the worst. If there was ever someone who was clueless about family, it was Boone. His family was amazing, supportive and fun! Then again, clueless is a good description for Boone, who never realized that he may be something other than straight, or that his best friend is in love with him. He didn't date often, and the women he did date turned into friends. Rob was a great friend and was just happy to have Boone in his life, however, he could have him. Rob had no family in his life, so I loved how Boone's family just enfolded him into their family.
This was an easy, sweet read that flowed nicely. I really liked Rob and Boone, but for me, Boone's family was the real favorite. This is a great story about family, love and acceptance. I would definitely recommend this novella!
Rating: 4 stars!
November 26, 2018
3.5 stars
Cute friends to lovers -- with a touch of "only for you" trope -- story. But I admit that since Rob is pretending to be Honey most of the book, and then the authors use Honey and her description when Rob is Honey, I got a little confused in my brain trying to separate the two in my head. MY problem, not yours. Boone is sweet, though, and I kinda liked that he didn't angst much about his attraction to his male best friend.
Cute friends to lovers -- with a touch of "only for you" trope -- story. But I admit that since Rob is pretending to be Honey most of the book, and then the authors use Honey and her description when Rob is Honey, I got a little confused in my brain trying to separate the two in my head. MY problem, not yours. Boone is sweet, though, and I kinda liked that he didn't angst much about his attraction to his male best friend.
May 19, 2017
Reviewed for JustLove: https://justlovereviews.com/2017/05/1...
June 6, 2017
3 stars
I love stories about men in drag, I love stories about exploring your sexuality and I love a good fake partner story. So this story sounded like it was written for me, but I feel it drowned slightly in too much Southern charm, if such a thing exists.
Boone needs a partner to take home for a family gathering, in order to get his matchmaking mother of his back. His best friend Rob, is also a drag queen by the name of Honey. The two device a plan for Honey to be Rob's sister and Boone's girlfriend for the weekend at Boones parents.
Boone has been always been attracted to women, but has never found any relationship in which he feels as comfortable and close as he does with best friend, Rob. And as he starts to get a sneaking suspicion that he may be feeling a bit more than friendship for Rob, he isn't sure what to do about it.
The bisexual part of the story was nicely done, Boone did not angst too much about it. But I would have liked some more build up, some more sexual tension between the two would have been delicious, and there were great opportunities for it, with the classic 'you are sharing a bed with your girlfriend'-scenario. But I guess the author may have been a bit limited with the lack of length of the story.
Despite the huge drama potential here: Boone and Rob deceives the whole family for several days and the fact that Boone has not only brought home a boyfriend, but a cross-dressing one at that, this story is actually almost drama-free.
It's really a story about accepting families and falling in love with your best friend, doused in unspoken quantities of sweet tea. Sweet and lovely, but nothing that will fill you up. It lacked a bit of oomph! But it was easily read and well written and I did enjoy it and would try this author again.
I love stories about men in drag, I love stories about exploring your sexuality and I love a good fake partner story. So this story sounded like it was written for me, but I feel it drowned slightly in too much Southern charm, if such a thing exists.
Boone needs a partner to take home for a family gathering, in order to get his matchmaking mother of his back. His best friend Rob, is also a drag queen by the name of Honey. The two device a plan for Honey to be Rob's sister and Boone's girlfriend for the weekend at Boones parents.
Boone has been always been attracted to women, but has never found any relationship in which he feels as comfortable and close as he does with best friend, Rob. And as he starts to get a sneaking suspicion that he may be feeling a bit more than friendship for Rob, he isn't sure what to do about it.
The bisexual part of the story was nicely done, Boone did not angst too much about it. But I would have liked some more build up, some more sexual tension between the two would have been delicious, and there were great opportunities for it, with the classic 'you are sharing a bed with your girlfriend'-scenario. But I guess the author may have been a bit limited with the lack of length of the story.
Despite the huge drama potential here: Boone and Rob deceives the whole family for several days and the fact that Boone has not only brought home a boyfriend, but a cross-dressing one at that, this story is actually almost drama-free.
It's really a story about accepting families and falling in love with your best friend, doused in unspoken quantities of sweet tea. Sweet and lovely, but nothing that will fill you up. It lacked a bit of oomph! But it was easily read and well written and I did enjoy it and would try this author again.
March 13, 2016
Wenn er auf dem großen Familienfest ohne Freundin auftaucht, ist Boone Phillips aufgeschmissen. Aber er hat eben keine Freundin und datet auch nicht. Woher also nehmen, wenn nicht stehlen? Da kommt Boone auf die grandiose Idee seinen besten Freund Rob zu fragen. Rob ist nicht nur sein bester Freund und Arbeitskollege. Rob ist auch in seiner freien Zeit eine Dragqueen. Er würde als Freundin sofort durchgehen. Rob, der seit Beginn ihrer Freundschaft eine Schwäche für Boone hat, ist wenig begeistert. Das kann nicht gut gehen. Doch dann lässt sich Rob doch auf dieses Spiel ein und begleitet Boone nach Hause.
Boones Familie - seine Mutter und sein Onkel - sind von Honey begeistert und nehmen sie sofort und mit offenen Armen in der Familie auf. Der Plan scheint also aufzugehen. Honey ist aber auch sehr charmant, freundlich und zugänglich. Doch dann kommt Alkohol ins Spiel und ein Kuss scheint plötzlich alles zu verändern. Und das nicht unbedingt im positiven Sinn.
Vorab - das Cover. Schrecklich. Es schreckt wirklich ab, aber die Geschichte dahinter ist so süss und entzückend geschrieben. Da verzeihe ich auch diese geschmackliche Entgleisung. Rob ist also Honey und Rob ist in seinen besten Freund verliebt. Das wirkt sich auch nicht besonders gut auf sein Sozial- und Sexleben aus. Denn neben Boone gibt es eben keinen anderen Mann, der seine Aufmerksamkeit erregen könnte. Boone hingegen ist total ahnungslos. Rob ist großartig und er Boone hat auch überhaupt kein Problem mit seinem Alter Ego Honey. Tatsächlich bewundert er Rob für seine Natürlichkeit, seine Ehrlichkeit und auch sein Selbstbewusstsein.
Dieser Kuss im Haus seiner Mutter ändert dann alles für Rob und Boone. Rob weiss, dass damit eine unsichtbare Grenze überschritten wurde und flieht. Boone hingegen fragt sich, ob er wirklich so straight ist, wie er es eigentlich glaubt. Und was Rob tatsächlich für ihn bedeutet. Die Kurzgeschichte hat alles was es braucht und man lernt Rob und Boone trotz der Kürze ziemlich gut kennen. Boones Familiengeschichte überrascht und hilft Boone dann auch mit all diesen Veränderungen und Gefühlen klarzukommen. Es kommt auch zu keinem Zeitpunkt Langeweile oder Unverständnis auf. Und Rob bringt es am Ende klar auf den Punkt, als er sagt dass Boone einfach Zeit brauchte um ihm vertrauen zu können; um ihn lieben zu können. Ganz klare Leseempfehlung. Und keine Sorge - der Drag-Aspekt ist niemals merkwürdig oder peinlich.
Boones Familie - seine Mutter und sein Onkel - sind von Honey begeistert und nehmen sie sofort und mit offenen Armen in der Familie auf. Der Plan scheint also aufzugehen. Honey ist aber auch sehr charmant, freundlich und zugänglich. Doch dann kommt Alkohol ins Spiel und ein Kuss scheint plötzlich alles zu verändern. Und das nicht unbedingt im positiven Sinn.
Vorab - das Cover. Schrecklich. Es schreckt wirklich ab, aber die Geschichte dahinter ist so süss und entzückend geschrieben. Da verzeihe ich auch diese geschmackliche Entgleisung. Rob ist also Honey und Rob ist in seinen besten Freund verliebt. Das wirkt sich auch nicht besonders gut auf sein Sozial- und Sexleben aus. Denn neben Boone gibt es eben keinen anderen Mann, der seine Aufmerksamkeit erregen könnte. Boone hingegen ist total ahnungslos. Rob ist großartig und er Boone hat auch überhaupt kein Problem mit seinem Alter Ego Honey. Tatsächlich bewundert er Rob für seine Natürlichkeit, seine Ehrlichkeit und auch sein Selbstbewusstsein.
Dieser Kuss im Haus seiner Mutter ändert dann alles für Rob und Boone. Rob weiss, dass damit eine unsichtbare Grenze überschritten wurde und flieht. Boone hingegen fragt sich, ob er wirklich so straight ist, wie er es eigentlich glaubt. Und was Rob tatsächlich für ihn bedeutet. Die Kurzgeschichte hat alles was es braucht und man lernt Rob und Boone trotz der Kürze ziemlich gut kennen. Boones Familiengeschichte überrascht und hilft Boone dann auch mit all diesen Veränderungen und Gefühlen klarzukommen. Es kommt auch zu keinem Zeitpunkt Langeweile oder Unverständnis auf. Und Rob bringt es am Ende klar auf den Punkt, als er sagt dass Boone einfach Zeit brauchte um ihm vertrauen zu können; um ihn lieben zu können. Ganz klare Leseempfehlung. Und keine Sorge - der Drag-Aspekt ist niemals merkwürdig oder peinlich.
June 23, 2016
A Taste of Honey starts off with Boone’s brilliant idea to bring Honey, Rob’s alter ego, to his family reunion in order to avoid his family’s efforts at matchmaking. As the blurb states, Boone and Rob do go on a trial date to see if they can pull off being together as a couple at the reunion, with unexpected results for both of them.
Both characters, Boone and Rob, are quite likable and I could tell that they were close friends. It’s not hard to guess what Boone’s conflict will be, when, after a kiss with Honey, he starts to have doubts about his sexuality.
As for Rob, he’s always had a slight crush on Boone but always assumed that his friend was straight, so he kept that little tidbit to himself. He begins to wonder if the only reason Boone is attracted to Honey, his alter ego, is that Rob is pretty convincing as a woman when he’s in full drag. Boone’s mixed signals have put their friendship and Rob’s heart at risk. Now, what turns out to be a surprise is Boone’s family, and I’d be revealing too much to explain what happens with them, but let’s just say it became the central part of the story.
I’ve always enjoyed reading stories by these two authors, Ari McKay. Together they make a pretty good writing team, and I have no problem picking up one of their stories. I’ve yet to read one that’s been a disappointment.
A Taste of Honey was another fun read from them.
Reviewed by Kim for The Novel Approach Reviews
Both characters, Boone and Rob, are quite likable and I could tell that they were close friends. It’s not hard to guess what Boone’s conflict will be, when, after a kiss with Honey, he starts to have doubts about his sexuality.
As for Rob, he’s always had a slight crush on Boone but always assumed that his friend was straight, so he kept that little tidbit to himself. He begins to wonder if the only reason Boone is attracted to Honey, his alter ego, is that Rob is pretty convincing as a woman when he’s in full drag. Boone’s mixed signals have put their friendship and Rob’s heart at risk. Now, what turns out to be a surprise is Boone’s family, and I’d be revealing too much to explain what happens with them, but let’s just say it became the central part of the story.
I’ve always enjoyed reading stories by these two authors, Ari McKay. Together they make a pretty good writing team, and I have no problem picking up one of their stories. I’ve yet to read one that’s been a disappointment.
A Taste of Honey was another fun read from them.
Reviewed by Kim for The Novel Approach Reviews
March 12, 2016
I received a copy of this book via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for a honest review.
I wasn't really sure what to expect from this book, but I was intrigued enough by the blurb that I decided to give it a chance. I'm really glad that I did, because this is a great book. A Taste of Honey is a sweet, touching friends to lovers gay romance. It's fun, humorous, entertaining and has a unique storyline which captured my attention from the first page.
Boone needs someone to play the part of his girlfriend at a weekend family reunion to try and keep his matchmaking mother off of his back. He eventually persuades his cross dressing best friend Rob to come with him as his alter ego 'Honey'. Rob has always had a big crush on Boone, but as Boone is straight he knows that nothing can ever happen - until a moonshine fueled kiss blows his mind. To try and protect his heart Rob runs - can Boone convince him to stay and give him a chance?
I don't think I've read a book with a cross dressing main character before, and I was a bit unsure whether I'd like this aspect of the book. I shouldn't have worried though, the author deals with it brilliantly. It's tasteful, sensitive and at times hilarious. Both of the main characters are endearing, I instantly fell in love with them. They make a great couple, they are so sweet together. I really enjoyed this book so it receives four out of five stars.
I wasn't really sure what to expect from this book, but I was intrigued enough by the blurb that I decided to give it a chance. I'm really glad that I did, because this is a great book. A Taste of Honey is a sweet, touching friends to lovers gay romance. It's fun, humorous, entertaining and has a unique storyline which captured my attention from the first page.
Boone needs someone to play the part of his girlfriend at a weekend family reunion to try and keep his matchmaking mother off of his back. He eventually persuades his cross dressing best friend Rob to come with him as his alter ego 'Honey'. Rob has always had a big crush on Boone, but as Boone is straight he knows that nothing can ever happen - until a moonshine fueled kiss blows his mind. To try and protect his heart Rob runs - can Boone convince him to stay and give him a chance?
I don't think I've read a book with a cross dressing main character before, and I was a bit unsure whether I'd like this aspect of the book. I shouldn't have worried though, the author deals with it brilliantly. It's tasteful, sensitive and at times hilarious. Both of the main characters are endearing, I instantly fell in love with them. They make a great couple, they are so sweet together. I really enjoyed this book so it receives four out of five stars.
April 26, 2017
4.5 stars...
Short, sexy and steamy... my three favorite colors! This was just a fast, fun read about two best friends, one wants more but is content to be just the best friend as long as he's got Boone in his life. The other, well his arrow may not be a straight shooter after all. The synopsis pretty much tells you everything I could without giving spoilers. What I will say is that I devoured this book in one setting, but it is a novella. Boone's southern family was amazing and I really enjoyed the way the Author conveyed both men's thoughts as the relationship progressed to something more. Now, you have to keep in mind that these two young men have been friends for a couple of years. This is not an Insta-love story, at least I don't see it that way. Rob has known what he wanted since the start, but was content with the friendship, realizing the object of his infatuation was straight. And Boone, well he quickly realizes the reason why he's never been able to have a relationship with a girl for any period of time is because he's shopping in the wrong department.
Definitely worth a read folks, I just loved it!
Short, sexy and steamy... my three favorite colors! This was just a fast, fun read about two best friends, one wants more but is content to be just the best friend as long as he's got Boone in his life. The other, well his arrow may not be a straight shooter after all. The synopsis pretty much tells you everything I could without giving spoilers. What I will say is that I devoured this book in one setting, but it is a novella. Boone's southern family was amazing and I really enjoyed the way the Author conveyed both men's thoughts as the relationship progressed to something more. Now, you have to keep in mind that these two young men have been friends for a couple of years. This is not an Insta-love story, at least I don't see it that way. Rob has known what he wanted since the start, but was content with the friendship, realizing the object of his infatuation was straight. And Boone, well he quickly realizes the reason why he's never been able to have a relationship with a girl for any period of time is because he's shopping in the wrong department.
Definitely worth a read folks, I just loved it!
April 8, 2020
A copy of this book was provided free from the author in return for an honest review.
Rob and Boone are best friends, but where Rob is gay (and crushing on his BF), Boone is decidedly straight. When Boone blurts out the possibility of using Honey ,Rob's drag queen persona, to be his fake girlfriend for a family reunion it puts events into motion that eventually become a turning point for their friendship.
This was a seriously cute friends to lovers, gay for you novella. Honey was awesome as Boone's fake date, and I really enjoyed the array of side characters that constituted Boone's family. And just when you think it's all going to fall apart oh, we get a wonderful surprise. Definitely five stars. I did not want to stop reading this. Read the entire book in one day.
Rob and Boone are best friends, but where Rob is gay (and crushing on his BF), Boone is decidedly straight. When Boone blurts out the possibility of using Honey ,Rob's drag queen persona, to be his fake girlfriend for a family reunion it puts events into motion that eventually become a turning point for their friendship.
This was a seriously cute friends to lovers, gay for you novella. Honey was awesome as Boone's fake date, and I really enjoyed the array of side characters that constituted Boone's family. And just when you think it's all going to fall apart oh, we get a wonderful surprise. Definitely five stars. I did not want to stop reading this. Read the entire book in one day.
March 21, 2021
Boone and Rob were best friends. When Boone's mom starts asking Boone if he is going to bring a girlfriend home, he decides to as Rob to dress as his alter ego "Honey" and pretend to be his girlfriend to avoid getting set up. Rob has trouble saying no to Boone for anything, and a few days away awakens Boone's feelings for Rob (Rob has always crushed on Boone). I liked the revelation of feelings and easy acceptance of them by Boone and his mom. She was great. I enjoyed this book.
November 6, 2018
A short, sweet and feel-good story that left me wanting more!
May 4, 2017
Premise of the book is Boone is in a pickle: he’s heading off to a family reunion without a date. Boone knows his well-meaning mother will be lining up the dates if he shows up sans girl. Boone comes up with a desperate plan and asks Rob to come with, but as Honey. A plan is hatched, plane tickets purchased, and off they go.
Unfortunately, this story just didn’t work for me. It’s competently written, the characters are well developed for a short story, and the plot is solid; but I lost interest about 25 pages in and set it aside. Not wanting to just walk away without another try, I picked it back up and after another 10 pages I had to skim.
The story was a bit like that Southern charm mentioned in the story, the plot is full of southern hospitality and sweet iced tea…and that’s where it lost me. *I* found the pacing too slow – Rob pines for Boone, Boone isn’t certain what his feelings for Rob/Honey are, neither one knows what to do so they make do with what they have.
And much like that famous Southern sweet tea, Rob and Boone’s romance was at bit too saccharine for me. Compounding this was the Honey and Boone’s Mother interaction, all smiles and, well, sweetness. It began to grate on my patience.
Which comes to my next issue - it bothered me how accepting everyone was: Oh! You just deceived us for two days! That’s cool! We already knew Rob was Honey because WE went behind YOUR back and snooped! Plus your Dad was bi so we knew you would be too. Hugs all around!
WHO in the world calls a family they don’t know to ask about another family member? That Boone’s Mother would look up Rob’s family, call them, and ask about his “sister” strikes me as wrong on so many levels. With the prevalence of step-families/blended families these days, yeah, that behavior didn’t float with me.
Ultimately, this story just didn’t work for me. However, if you like the (very) sweet, feel good, no Big Misunderstandings and minimal angst type plots, this could be for you.
Review is cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Unfortunately, this story just didn’t work for me. It’s competently written, the characters are well developed for a short story, and the plot is solid; but I lost interest about 25 pages in and set it aside. Not wanting to just walk away without another try, I picked it back up and after another 10 pages I had to skim.
The story was a bit like that Southern charm mentioned in the story, the plot is full of southern hospitality and sweet iced tea…and that’s where it lost me. *I* found the pacing too slow – Rob pines for Boone, Boone isn’t certain what his feelings for Rob/Honey are, neither one knows what to do so they make do with what they have.
And much like that famous Southern sweet tea, Rob and Boone’s romance was at bit too saccharine for me. Compounding this was the Honey and Boone’s Mother interaction, all smiles and, well, sweetness. It began to grate on my patience.
Which comes to my next issue - it bothered me how accepting everyone was: Oh! You just deceived us for two days! That’s cool! We already knew Rob was Honey because WE went behind YOUR back and snooped! Plus your Dad was bi so we knew you would be too. Hugs all around!
WHO in the world calls a family they don’t know to ask about another family member? That Boone’s Mother would look up Rob’s family, call them, and ask about his “sister” strikes me as wrong on so many levels. With the prevalence of step-families/blended families these days, yeah, that behavior didn’t float with me.
Ultimately, this story just didn’t work for me. However, if you like the (very) sweet, feel good, no Big Misunderstandings and minimal angst type plots, this could be for you.
Review is cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
May 14, 2017
I’d been wanting to read A Taste of Honey for a long while. I meant to purchase it when it was first released in 2016 but I let it fall by the wayside, and when I wanted to finally buy the book, it was no longer available on Amazon. Trust me when I saw the review request pop up, I was all over this!
Premise
Boone is a southern transplant living in San Francisco. He works for a software company like his best friend, Rob. Rob and Boone get along great. Rob also has a side gig as a drag queen named Honey. Boone is about to return to his southern roots thanks to a grand scale family reunion. Unfortunately, he knows once he returns, he will be the focus of meddling family members wanting to know about his love life. Especially his mama. Why is he still single? When is he going to bring someone home for them to meet? Rather than endure any of that, he comes up with this ingenious plan which includes bringing home a fake girlfriend. Sounds great but who can Boone subject to his family’s ridicule? Every female friend that comes to mind, he shoots down because he doesn’t want to involve them in his mess of a love life. Rob gets along great with Boone’s family so why not have his alter ego Honey pose as Rob’s sister who Boone has been dating? And so the madness begins.
Perfect plot, right? Sounds like a Hallmark Channel movie with a bisexual spin come to life.
Verdict
This story had the beginnings of a trunk full of tropey goodness with the addition of drag. I was ready to be thoroughly entertained, but unfortunately, this story was lukewarm for me. The conflict was there, the sexual tension was there (sorta), but I felt it was a little more one-sided. Rob/Honey was doing some serious pining for Boone. I would have liked more insight into Boone’s train of thought. The bit that was present wasn’t convincing enough for me which is why I didn’t feel the chemistry between the two MC’s when they finally ended up together.
The writing was good, however, this story was merely okay for me. A Taste of Honey was my first Ari McKay read, but I’d definitely give the author’s future work a chance.
Reviewed for Gay Book Reviews
http://gaybook.reviews/2017/05/14/a-t...
Premise
Boone is a southern transplant living in San Francisco. He works for a software company like his best friend, Rob. Rob and Boone get along great. Rob also has a side gig as a drag queen named Honey. Boone is about to return to his southern roots thanks to a grand scale family reunion. Unfortunately, he knows once he returns, he will be the focus of meddling family members wanting to know about his love life. Especially his mama. Why is he still single? When is he going to bring someone home for them to meet? Rather than endure any of that, he comes up with this ingenious plan which includes bringing home a fake girlfriend. Sounds great but who can Boone subject to his family’s ridicule? Every female friend that comes to mind, he shoots down because he doesn’t want to involve them in his mess of a love life. Rob gets along great with Boone’s family so why not have his alter ego Honey pose as Rob’s sister who Boone has been dating? And so the madness begins.
Perfect plot, right? Sounds like a Hallmark Channel movie with a bisexual spin come to life.
Verdict
This story had the beginnings of a trunk full of tropey goodness with the addition of drag. I was ready to be thoroughly entertained, but unfortunately, this story was lukewarm for me. The conflict was there, the sexual tension was there (sorta), but I felt it was a little more one-sided. Rob/Honey was doing some serious pining for Boone. I would have liked more insight into Boone’s train of thought. The bit that was present wasn’t convincing enough for me which is why I didn’t feel the chemistry between the two MC’s when they finally ended up together.
The writing was good, however, this story was merely okay for me. A Taste of Honey was my first Ari McKay read, but I’d definitely give the author’s future work a chance.
Reviewed for Gay Book Reviews
http://gaybook.reviews/2017/05/14/a-t...
May 17, 2017
Short and Sweet with a side of Sassy
I thoroughly enjoyed this adorable short. Not a lot of angst, not a lot of miscommunication, it’s about the shift in the relationship of best friends to lovers through the discovery of sexual identity.
The main characters are Rob and Boone, both happy with themselves, both loving their jobs, and neither in any particular slump. Confident Rob has a secondary job as a drag queen that allows him to perform through song and dance, two of his great loves in life.
I adored Rob and his unflinching ability to face whatever life throws at him. When Boone finds out his mother has planned a family reunion with extras to introduce him to, he begs Rob to bring out his drag half, Honey, to save him from his matchmaking, autocratic matron. To watch Honey in action is to admire the sheer sassiness of her demeanor, so the more sedate, innocent Honey he takes for a practice date throws him completely for a loop, and the fun flies from there.
The descriptions of settings didn’t really resonate with me, but we can all picture a big old southern home and accompanying grounds, and that is all that is really needed. The secondary characters are varied, but only two really take any sort of pivotal role, and they are Boone’s mother, Olivia, and his uncle, Jack. They delighted me from the word go. Cheeky and animated, they helped drive the story along and kept me smiling.
The love aspect is a very slow burn with Boone spending most of the story clueless to his attraction to Rob, and when he (finally) realizes it, he mucks it up rather spectacularly. This is the only area in which there is some angsting going on, and it’s super short.
Well written fun with cherry moonshine on top, I’m rating this at four stars, and I definitely recommend this lighthearted, sweet read!
I voluntarily read an ARC copy of this book for Divine Magazine from Dreamspinner Press with hopes for but no obligation to provide a review.
**Same worded review will appear on Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.**
I thoroughly enjoyed this adorable short. Not a lot of angst, not a lot of miscommunication, it’s about the shift in the relationship of best friends to lovers through the discovery of sexual identity.
The main characters are Rob and Boone, both happy with themselves, both loving their jobs, and neither in any particular slump. Confident Rob has a secondary job as a drag queen that allows him to perform through song and dance, two of his great loves in life.
I adored Rob and his unflinching ability to face whatever life throws at him. When Boone finds out his mother has planned a family reunion with extras to introduce him to, he begs Rob to bring out his drag half, Honey, to save him from his matchmaking, autocratic matron. To watch Honey in action is to admire the sheer sassiness of her demeanor, so the more sedate, innocent Honey he takes for a practice date throws him completely for a loop, and the fun flies from there.
The descriptions of settings didn’t really resonate with me, but we can all picture a big old southern home and accompanying grounds, and that is all that is really needed. The secondary characters are varied, but only two really take any sort of pivotal role, and they are Boone’s mother, Olivia, and his uncle, Jack. They delighted me from the word go. Cheeky and animated, they helped drive the story along and kept me smiling.
The love aspect is a very slow burn with Boone spending most of the story clueless to his attraction to Rob, and when he (finally) realizes it, he mucks it up rather spectacularly. This is the only area in which there is some angsting going on, and it’s super short.
Well written fun with cherry moonshine on top, I’m rating this at four stars, and I definitely recommend this lighthearted, sweet read!
I voluntarily read an ARC copy of this book for Divine Magazine from Dreamspinner Press with hopes for but no obligation to provide a review.
**Same worded review will appear on Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.**
May 23, 2017
A Taste of Honey is a refreshing and fun read, perfect for a relaxing weekend or to occupy your time before going to bed. As with most shorter works, the reader is forced to suspend disbelief a little, accepting that events unfold a bit faster than they would if the story was longer. But, some books don’t need to be fully fleshed out to be provocative. This is one of those stories.
Boone is like a wet dream. A high school athlete, southern raised, and a computer programming geek to boot. And, as far as he knows, straight.
Rob is more fluid when it comes to gender, although he is 100% gay. His feelings for Boone are undeniable, but he’s learned to keep them in check, knowing that it would ruin his friendship to act on feelings which couldn’t possibly be reciprocated.
As the story unfolds, what Ari McKay has done is present the idea of loving a person and not their gender. While Boone may have questioned his feelings about men growing up, and into his adult years, nothing pushed him to the edge of really facing who he was until he spent a weekend with Rob’s drag alter-ego, Honey. Through the ease of their friendship, and by seeing Honey as the magnificently beautiful woman she is, Boone is able to see past Rob the man, to Rob/Honey the person…a person he loves.
That storyline itself was enough for me. There were a few added bits and pieces like background character stories, family history, the speed with which characters shift gears when new information arises that perhaps didn’t need to be included in such a short piece of writing. These things, however, did not take away from the central storyline or message.
A fun and engaging read.
Reviewed by Taz for The Novel Approach
Boone is like a wet dream. A high school athlete, southern raised, and a computer programming geek to boot. And, as far as he knows, straight.
Rob is more fluid when it comes to gender, although he is 100% gay. His feelings for Boone are undeniable, but he’s learned to keep them in check, knowing that it would ruin his friendship to act on feelings which couldn’t possibly be reciprocated.
As the story unfolds, what Ari McKay has done is present the idea of loving a person and not their gender. While Boone may have questioned his feelings about men growing up, and into his adult years, nothing pushed him to the edge of really facing who he was until he spent a weekend with Rob’s drag alter-ego, Honey. Through the ease of their friendship, and by seeing Honey as the magnificently beautiful woman she is, Boone is able to see past Rob the man, to Rob/Honey the person…a person he loves.
That storyline itself was enough for me. There were a few added bits and pieces like background character stories, family history, the speed with which characters shift gears when new information arises that perhaps didn’t need to be included in such a short piece of writing. These things, however, did not take away from the central storyline or message.
A fun and engaging read.
Reviewed by Taz for The Novel Approach
June 5, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
As far as shorter stories go, this was pretty good! It’s short, sweet, and ends with a steamy love scene between our principles. The bulk of the story revolves around the Honey/Boone interactions during the long weekend where they attend Boone’s family reunion. We get alternating points of view, too. I liked being able to watch the drama unfold from both of their perspectives. From Boone’s side, it’s pretty easy to see him justify the ever growing attraction he feels towards Honey/Rob as natural affection he’d feel for his friend. I think McKay also did a pretty darn good job keeping Boone’s voice and Honey/Rob’s voice (that is, third person omniscient perspective anyway) distinct from each other. Most especially, I appreciated this effort when we’re reading the action from Boone’s POV and he consistently refers to Honey with feminine pronouns. I’m not worldly enough to know what’s the accepted practice, but I found it interesting that the same was not true when the narration switched to Rob/Honey’s POV. That is to say, when we’re seeing things from Rob’s perspective, McKay still uses male pronouns even when Rob is Honey. It was something I noticed and thought comment worthy: the drag outsider being consistently careful about pronouns while the drag artist wasn’t.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
As far as shorter stories go, this was pretty good! It’s short, sweet, and ends with a steamy love scene between our principles. The bulk of the story revolves around the Honey/Boone interactions during the long weekend where they attend Boone’s family reunion. We get alternating points of view, too. I liked being able to watch the drama unfold from both of their perspectives. From Boone’s side, it’s pretty easy to see him justify the ever growing attraction he feels towards Honey/Rob as natural affection he’d feel for his friend. I think McKay also did a pretty darn good job keeping Boone’s voice and Honey/Rob’s voice (that is, third person omniscient perspective anyway) distinct from each other. Most especially, I appreciated this effort when we’re reading the action from Boone’s POV and he consistently refers to Honey with feminine pronouns. I’m not worldly enough to know what’s the accepted practice, but I found it interesting that the same was not true when the narration switched to Rob/Honey’s POV. That is to say, when we’re seeing things from Rob’s perspective, McKay still uses male pronouns even when Rob is Honey. It was something I noticed and thought comment worthy: the drag outsider being consistently careful about pronouns while the drag artist wasn’t.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
March 26, 2020
Boone and Rob are best friends. Boone is going home to Charleston for a family reunion and he's sure his mother is going to have women there to set him up with, so he devises the plan to take a fake girlfriend home with him. While trying to think of who can play his fake girlfriend he decides Rob's drag queen persona Honey is the best candidate because no one knows him better than Rob. Rob has had a crush on Boone since they first met, so he's game to help him out. Boone is coming to the realization that he may not be straight because he's thinking of Rob in an entirely different way. During their trip to Charleston and spending time with Boone's family, Boone realizes that he and Rob have a very easy and close relationship. Other than one small blip Boone and Rob end up having a great weekend.
This is a short, sweet friends to boyfriends romance. Boone and Rob have great chemistry and glide smoothly into their relationship. I would've liked this to be longer with more relationship building but I definitely loved that it was a drama free romance. Recommend to anyone who likes drama free romances.
This is a short, sweet friends to boyfriends romance. Boone and Rob have great chemistry and glide smoothly into their relationship. I would've liked this to be longer with more relationship building but I definitely loved that it was a drama free romance. Recommend to anyone who likes drama free romances.
August 22, 2017
The premise drew me in—straight man's gay drag queen best friend pretends to be his girlfriend for a trip to his nosey Southern family--but the execution was meh. Halfway through the story there's still no spark between the guys, and the dialogue is all sugary sweet surface level. There's just no substance or tension. Too much talk, not nearly enough action.
It bothered me that Boone seemed to think about Honey as if she were a real woman, even when he claimed to separate them in his head. The second half of this book comes on as quickly as the first part is slow, and while it was sweet and a little bit sexy, the overall experience never rose from my initial meh. A Taste Of Honey is a little like cotton candy—sweet and temporary and quick to devour. And like cotton candy, it left me wanting something with more substance. YMMV.
It bothered me that Boone seemed to think about Honey as if she were a real woman, even when he claimed to separate them in his head. The second half of this book comes on as quickly as the first part is slow, and while it was sweet and a little bit sexy, the overall experience never rose from my initial meh. A Taste Of Honey is a little like cotton candy—sweet and temporary and quick to devour. And like cotton candy, it left me wanting something with more substance. YMMV.
June 4, 2017
Cute, sexy friends to lovers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews