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Cherrywood Grove #1
Death of a Bachelor
Cathal Kinnery is an arrogant, overeducated jerk, and Damon Eglamore is not afraid to tell him so. But Damon married Cathal’s best friend, so they have an uneasy truce. Then she passes away. Now they’re stuck together in close quarters, trying to honor her memory without shouting at each other all the time.
At first, they have no idea how to move forward. Damon is a chef, but all his favorite recipes remind him of his late wife. Cathal would love to start tomcatting around town again, except for that annoying promise he made to his best friend about looking after Damon.
Then Damon’s son comes to them for help, convinced the only way to win over his first crush is a gender-bending Shakespeare production. After that, Cathal talks Damon into taking up baking as a new way to use his talents. Next thing they know, they’ve begun a new life working as a team instead of jumping at each other’s throats. But can they trust each other long enough to make it last, or will they fall into old bad habits again?
At first, they have no idea how to move forward. Damon is a chef, but all his favorite recipes remind him of his late wife. Cathal would love to start tomcatting around town again, except for that annoying promise he made to his best friend about looking after Damon.
Then Damon’s son comes to them for help, convinced the only way to win over his first crush is a gender-bending Shakespeare production. After that, Cathal talks Damon into taking up baking as a new way to use his talents. Next thing they know, they’ve begun a new life working as a team instead of jumping at each other’s throats. But can they trust each other long enough to make it last, or will they fall into old bad habits again?
265 pages, ebook
First published October 29, 2018
2 people are currently reading
366 people want to read
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March 26, 2019
College physics professor Cathal was a BITCH. He knew it. He admitted it. He freaking reveled in it. And he definitely used it to keep others at arm's length as he grieved the sudden loss of his best friend, Era.
Era's widowered spouse, Damon, also knew that Cathal was a bitch. The two men had never gotten along and openly hated one another since the moment they'd met, only making mild attempts to play nice for the wife's sake.
But when Era's dying request to Cathal was to move in with Damon and their 14 y.o. son, Felix, to help them heal and move past their loss, as Era's decades-old BFF, what other choice did Cathal have? Yep, pretty much none.
I loved, loved, LOVED the snark and banter in this story, which was constantly making me laugh. Cathal's greatest joy came in winding Damon up to the point he was mentally chocking the life out of Cathal. And that shit was funny AF.
Then, as Cathal and Damon lived under the same roof for months after Era had passed, Cathal's efforts to force Damon to crawl out of bed each morning and keep putting one foot in front of the other eventually began to pay off.
The household, once again, became more than just a place to feel what was missing from their lives, where they focused only on what could never again be.
This story didn't start out as a slow burn. Both MC's honestly loathed one another. Until that gradually changed. And that's when the UST actually began.
I adored watching as all of this unfold, with young Felix being both a tension-breaker and the bright spot in both of their lives, as they each healed and worked their way toward actually enjoying one another's company.
However, once The Kiss happened and Cathal ran away, like I *knew* he would (God, how I hate that shit in books), the remainder of the story was a bit predictable and blah for me.
I'm not a fan of separations, much preferring MC's who can actually "adult" and talk through conflict, so I wasn't thrilled that that was where the author took the story.
Also, aside from the pining for one another, the rest of the book was largely focused on Damon being in a local cake decorating competition.
A topic I could honestly GIVE TWO SHITS about, ugh.
So yeah, until the separation, this story was well on its way to 5 stars, but I'm dropping my rating to 4 stars due to the ending.
I am really looking forward to reading Felix's book, though, since he was such an entertaining, energetic, and positive influence in this first story.
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December 13, 2018
We are first introduced to the two MCs, Cathal and Damon, as the two meet by chance in a gay bar, Damon slightly drunk and slightly out of his element, and Cathal being a judgmental prick. I wondered immediately whether I was supposed to like Cathal, because I sure didn't, and how the author was going to make me care about him.
In the 2nd prologue, we meet Cathal and Damon again, this time under different circumstances, as Damon is dating Cathal's best friend, and she's begging him to get along.
And in the third prologue, the tears started.
From chapter one, grief permeates every scene in the book. Damon doesn't know how to cope after losing his wife, doesn't know how to keep living, doesn't know how to claw his way out of the darkness. He goes through the motions each day, because he has a teenage son (Felix) to take care of, but it is as if every single smidgen of joy has been sucked out of their lives. And Cathal, fulfilling his best friend's dying request, stands helplessly, realizing that his long-held antagonism toward Damon doesn't help one bit.
And so the two men, slowly but surely, begin to forge a new kind of relationship. They still grieve, each in their own way. For years and years and years, Damon struggled with low self-esteem, finding worth in being his wife's husband, and Felix's father, but now that half of him is gone, he sinks back to that feeling of not being good at anything. He was good at being a husband, but that was taken from him. He felt so real, so realistic, and he was hurting so badly, I just wanted to mother him.
And Cathal, judgmental, sarcastic, snarky, hides behind a mask, pushing back against anything that might get too close to the hurt boy hiding behind the massive walls he's built around his heart. He deflects with sarcastic humor and a sharp, sometimes cruel, wit, terrified to show anyone his true self.
Damon is a trained chef, so he cooks food that seems bizarre to Cathal, and since that too reminds him too much of his late wife, he tries to do something he hasn't really done before - he starts to experiment with baking. Cookies, cakes, you name it, Damon bakes it, and uses his son and Cathal as guinea pigs.
This is a pretty long book, and I won't tell you all the things that happen inside. Just know that there is a romance, slow burning, almost surprising our MCs, and Cathal's frozen heart thaws slowly and steadily.
Felix - what a delight. He too read like a real character, like someone you might know, someone you might meet in real life. He is dealing with his first teenage crush, and Damon and Cathal try to help him by being more than supportive.
Damon also meets a single baker, and Cathal grudgingly encourages him to go on a date, even though he hates doing so - he just doesn't quite understand why. Until he does.
This was truly a fantastic read, and I enjoyed every single minute I spend in the pages of this book. The one thing that niggled just a little was the relative time frame in which Damon and Cathal moved from being can't stand you antagonistic to confessing their feelings to each other, considering that they are both grieving still. While I didn't begrudge them their chance at starting over, at loving (again), I thought that maybe the time frame was a bit too short. Still not going to knock off any points from my rating though, because this book was as close to perfect for me as it could have been.
And it's a debut novel. An extraordinary effort from a new author. Superb. Would read again. Not many books make it onto my 'deserted-island' shelf but this one does. The chapter titles were a hoot. The writing is crisp, engaging, and emotional, but not OTT. I giggled so many times at Cathal's biting humor, and sniffled plenty of times also when grief threatens to overwhelm them both. Read this, I beg you.
** I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. **
In the 2nd prologue, we meet Cathal and Damon again, this time under different circumstances, as Damon is dating Cathal's best friend, and she's begging him to get along.
And in the third prologue, the tears started.
From chapter one, grief permeates every scene in the book. Damon doesn't know how to cope after losing his wife, doesn't know how to keep living, doesn't know how to claw his way out of the darkness. He goes through the motions each day, because he has a teenage son (Felix) to take care of, but it is as if every single smidgen of joy has been sucked out of their lives. And Cathal, fulfilling his best friend's dying request, stands helplessly, realizing that his long-held antagonism toward Damon doesn't help one bit.
And so the two men, slowly but surely, begin to forge a new kind of relationship. They still grieve, each in their own way. For years and years and years, Damon struggled with low self-esteem, finding worth in being his wife's husband, and Felix's father, but now that half of him is gone, he sinks back to that feeling of not being good at anything. He was good at being a husband, but that was taken from him. He felt so real, so realistic, and he was hurting so badly, I just wanted to mother him.
And Cathal, judgmental, sarcastic, snarky, hides behind a mask, pushing back against anything that might get too close to the hurt boy hiding behind the massive walls he's built around his heart. He deflects with sarcastic humor and a sharp, sometimes cruel, wit, terrified to show anyone his true self.
Damon is a trained chef, so he cooks food that seems bizarre to Cathal, and since that too reminds him too much of his late wife, he tries to do something he hasn't really done before - he starts to experiment with baking. Cookies, cakes, you name it, Damon bakes it, and uses his son and Cathal as guinea pigs.
This is a pretty long book, and I won't tell you all the things that happen inside. Just know that there is a romance, slow burning, almost surprising our MCs, and Cathal's frozen heart thaws slowly and steadily.
Felix - what a delight. He too read like a real character, like someone you might know, someone you might meet in real life. He is dealing with his first teenage crush, and Damon and Cathal try to help him by being more than supportive.
Damon also meets a single baker, and Cathal grudgingly encourages him to go on a date, even though he hates doing so - he just doesn't quite understand why. Until he does.
This was truly a fantastic read, and I enjoyed every single minute I spend in the pages of this book. The one thing that niggled just a little was the relative time frame in which Damon and Cathal moved from being can't stand you antagonistic to confessing their feelings to each other, considering that they are both grieving still. While I didn't begrudge them their chance at starting over, at loving (again), I thought that maybe the time frame was a bit too short. Still not going to knock off any points from my rating though, because this book was as close to perfect for me as it could have been.
And it's a debut novel. An extraordinary effort from a new author. Superb. Would read again. Not many books make it onto my 'deserted-island' shelf but this one does. The chapter titles were a hoot. The writing is crisp, engaging, and emotional, but not OTT. I giggled so many times at Cathal's biting humor, and sniffled plenty of times also when grief threatens to overwhelm them both. Read this, I beg you.
** I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. **
June 10, 2023
How to make this a 5 stars read :
Remove all the bla bla bla bla from their conversations. Clean dialogues with more real communication and less boring banter,teasing and inane interchange .
Less kid time and kid conversation and kid love life .
Less baking and competitition and George and George’s ex and Heather and whothefuckelse. We DON’T CARE about them- after the kiss the guys spent way too little time together, without communicating and instead I had to see George and his bakery more than I cared for..
Sex. I wanted to see them being intimate. It wasn’t even fade to black it was beyond that . A good slow burn ,especially a long one like here MUST end with scenes with more intimacy (Cinderella had more intimacy and sexual vibes than this book)
A less rushed ending and more conversations that actually transmit something .
What made this a 3.5 rounded up book :
The trope : dead wife’s gay best friend mixed with enemies to lovers(too bad the enemies part wasn’t too real -I would have like an actual animosity for a believable reason).
The characters- Damon , grumpy and kind, Cathal eternal gay bachelor, long haired, smart , cynical and hiding a bruised heart and Felix , a too good to be true teenager (I have 2 , I should know) .
Their bonding, their getting to really know each other, their alone moments.
Their mature and adult , drama free decision to be together (well, after Cathal got his head out of his ass)
Older characters
The writing was quite good.
Remove all the bla bla bla bla from their conversations. Clean dialogues with more real communication and less boring banter,teasing and inane interchange .
Less kid time and kid conversation and kid love life .
Less baking and competitition and George and George’s ex and Heather and whothefuckelse. We DON’T CARE about them- after the kiss the guys spent way too little time together, without communicating and instead I had to see George and his bakery more than I cared for..
Sex. I wanted to see them being intimate. It wasn’t even fade to black it was beyond that . A good slow burn ,especially a long one like here MUST end with scenes with more intimacy (Cinderella had more intimacy and sexual vibes than this book)
A less rushed ending and more conversations that actually transmit something .
What made this a 3.5 rounded up book :
The trope : dead wife’s gay best friend mixed with enemies to lovers(too bad the enemies part wasn’t too real -I would have like an actual animosity for a believable reason).
The characters- Damon , grumpy and kind, Cathal eternal gay bachelor, long haired, smart , cynical and hiding a bruised heart and Felix , a too good to be true teenager (I have 2 , I should know) .
Their bonding, their getting to really know each other, their alone moments.
Their mature and adult , drama free decision to be together (well, after Cathal got his head out of his ass)
Older characters
The writing was quite good.
March 13, 2019
What a special story!
M.A. Hinkle drew me right in with a terrific set up between Cathal and Damon, and then continued to tug on my heartstrings through the whole thing. A slow-burn romance of the best kind, where we know they've gotta get together? And we look for clues through the whole story... and constantly wondering, "will this be the time they finally get together?" It was perfect.
A fantastic cast of supporting characters, and I see the sequel of Felix's friends' story has already been published Diamond Heart.
A very talented author, I'm looking forward to whatever M.A. Hinkle brings us next.
This book was provided by NetGalley for the purpose of my honest review
M.A. Hinkle drew me right in with a terrific set up between Cathal and Damon, and then continued to tug on my heartstrings through the whole thing. A slow-burn romance of the best kind, where we know they've gotta get together? And we look for clues through the whole story... and constantly wondering, "will this be the time they finally get together?" It was perfect.
A fantastic cast of supporting characters, and I see the sequel of Felix's friends' story has already been published Diamond Heart.
A very talented author, I'm looking forward to whatever M.A. Hinkle brings us next.
This book was provided by NetGalley for the purpose of my honest review
December 16, 2018
I'm always on the look for new authors so I decided to give this a shot. Partly because of the blurb (which could use some work) and partly on the cover and partly because cooking is involved in the plot. Best decision I've made in a long time. This was fantastic.
The story starts with a prologue that introduces us to the characters and fills in their back story. I was hooked from literally the second page. There is a lot of plot and a lot of emotional in a few pages and the author nailed it. She had me completely invested.
The main part of the story begins with an ending. Era has died and both Damon and Cathal are filled with grief. Damon isn't able to get out of bed and Cathal wants to be anywhere but in his home helping him, but he promised. There's also Felix, Damon & Era's teenage son that needs taking care of. Slowly the two men begin to work together because as much as they dislike each other, they both love Felix.
What follows is a smartly written story filled with emotions. Both Damon and Cathal are flawed and the author embraces that in both of them and makes you become totally charmed with their shortcomings. Cathal was my favorite. He was a bit terrible and a lot funny and so vulnerable when you got past his gruff exterior. Damon was also a good guy. Just a really solid, really nice guy. I think sometimes that is not focused on enough in romance books. There's the gorgeous men, the grand gestures, the rich, the extraordinary etc. And I like those too but I think sometimes the most beautiful romances are between two every day people. The reader can immediately relate to both of these guys. They're just trying to get by and have some happiness as they do so.
There is a kid in the book. I know that's something people usually love or hate but for me it was the glue that held this book together. Felix was a great character. He kind of flitted through things, as teenagers do, but he was really important to the story. (On a side note, there will be a YA book follow up that focuses on the teens in the story. I don't read YA so I won't be there for it but it's a cool idea and I'm kind of jazzed the author is doing that) Felix and his friends are well fleshed out and realistic characters. I loved every scene he was in.
I mentioned that it's smartly written and it is. Despite the topic being serious this book is just so funny. So many times I laughed out loud. I was also a huge fan of that fact that every chapter had a title. They fit the story perfectly and they were witty and nuanced. Some of my favorites were:
"No One Bakes like Gaston. No One Makes Dino Cakes like Gaston"
"Metaphors Are Bad Enough. Similes Give Damon Hives"
"No Joke in this Title because this Chapter Is about FEELINGS."
And the chapter about FEELINGS? The author isn't joking. My eyes filled with tears at the end of that one. Despite the humor the author doesn't shy away from the feelz. Both of these men are grieving and both feel inadequate in various ways. They struggle with the pain of starting over.
The dead wife could have gone really wrong. I'm hesitant about this plot devise and I hate it when the women is painted in a negative light. That wasn't the case here though. She was a beautiful aspect of the story from beginning to end.
This is a low steam book but it's filled with UST and romance and I found myself not caring about the fade to black scenes. I was all there for the love story.
At it's core, this is a quiet story. A story about misconceptions and second chances. About grief and starting over. A story about two flawed men finding love in the most unlikely of places. There is a big chance this will end up in my top ten books of the year. I highly recommend this one.
*ARC provided through IndiGo Marketing and Design in exchange for an honest review*
The story starts with a prologue that introduces us to the characters and fills in their back story. I was hooked from literally the second page. There is a lot of plot and a lot of emotional in a few pages and the author nailed it. She had me completely invested.
The main part of the story begins with an ending. Era has died and both Damon and Cathal are filled with grief. Damon isn't able to get out of bed and Cathal wants to be anywhere but in his home helping him, but he promised. There's also Felix, Damon & Era's teenage son that needs taking care of. Slowly the two men begin to work together because as much as they dislike each other, they both love Felix.
What follows is a smartly written story filled with emotions. Both Damon and Cathal are flawed and the author embraces that in both of them and makes you become totally charmed with their shortcomings. Cathal was my favorite. He was a bit terrible and a lot funny and so vulnerable when you got past his gruff exterior. Damon was also a good guy. Just a really solid, really nice guy. I think sometimes that is not focused on enough in romance books. There's the gorgeous men, the grand gestures, the rich, the extraordinary etc. And I like those too but I think sometimes the most beautiful romances are between two every day people. The reader can immediately relate to both of these guys. They're just trying to get by and have some happiness as they do so.
There is a kid in the book. I know that's something people usually love or hate but for me it was the glue that held this book together. Felix was a great character. He kind of flitted through things, as teenagers do, but he was really important to the story. (On a side note, there will be a YA book follow up that focuses on the teens in the story. I don't read YA so I won't be there for it but it's a cool idea and I'm kind of jazzed the author is doing that) Felix and his friends are well fleshed out and realistic characters. I loved every scene he was in.
I mentioned that it's smartly written and it is. Despite the topic being serious this book is just so funny. So many times I laughed out loud. I was also a huge fan of that fact that every chapter had a title. They fit the story perfectly and they were witty and nuanced. Some of my favorites were:
"No One Bakes like Gaston. No One Makes Dino Cakes like Gaston"
"Metaphors Are Bad Enough. Similes Give Damon Hives"
"No Joke in this Title because this Chapter Is about FEELINGS."
And the chapter about FEELINGS? The author isn't joking. My eyes filled with tears at the end of that one. Despite the humor the author doesn't shy away from the feelz. Both of these men are grieving and both feel inadequate in various ways. They struggle with the pain of starting over.
The dead wife could have gone really wrong. I'm hesitant about this plot devise and I hate it when the women is painted in a negative light. That wasn't the case here though. She was a beautiful aspect of the story from beginning to end.
This is a low steam book but it's filled with UST and romance and I found myself not caring about the fade to black scenes. I was all there for the love story.
At it's core, this is a quiet story. A story about misconceptions and second chances. About grief and starting over. A story about two flawed men finding love in the most unlikely of places. There is a big chance this will end up in my top ten books of the year. I highly recommend this one.
*ARC provided through IndiGo Marketing and Design in exchange for an honest review*
October 23, 2018
Death of a Bachelor is a smartly written love story surrounded in grief, starting over, and family. It has a unique storyline, two men who are hard to read in different ways, and a teenage son who's just as interesting and not at all as stuffy as the two main guys. Damon is now a widower, and he has no self esteem or self worth and doesn't know what to do with his life. Cathal is an emotionally closed off smart pants who deflects with sarcasm and sharp humor. This is a slow burn and even a slow build, taking me a minute to warm up to these characters. I do like them, though, and enjoyed their love story.
October 28, 2018
Death of a Bachelor
M.A. Hinkle
This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
I initially passed this story up, thinking it was outside of my interests, but the culinary description kept pulling me back, and I'm glad it did.
Cathal has a scathing wit and propensity for snark matched by characters like Loki or Draco Malfoy, and Damon runs into him on a bad day.
But when Damon falls for Cathal's best friend, they have to tolerate each other for sixteen years. Then Damon's wife dies, leaving him alone with their son Felix.
Cathel's snark is only matched by Damon's ability to perplex him with bizarre food, straight from Cut Throat Kitchen. Their flirting is basically Gordon Ramsey's guide to idiotic courtship, but with more post-it notes.
Felix is dealing with his first crush, and his dad and uncle can't help finishing each other's sentences as they offer advice and support. When Damon meets a single baker at Felix's school, Cath tries to help him, but he really hates the guy. He just can't quite figure out why. There is also t-rex cake.
This book is so close to a perfect five. It's a book I would absolutely read again, probably as a comfort fix.
4.5/5
Themes: Loss, ust, second chances, culinary, self-worth, banter, enemies to lovers.
M.A. Hinkle
This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
I initially passed this story up, thinking it was outside of my interests, but the culinary description kept pulling me back, and I'm glad it did.
Cathal has a scathing wit and propensity for snark matched by characters like Loki or Draco Malfoy, and Damon runs into him on a bad day.
But when Damon falls for Cathal's best friend, they have to tolerate each other for sixteen years. Then Damon's wife dies, leaving him alone with their son Felix.
Cathel's snark is only matched by Damon's ability to perplex him with bizarre food, straight from Cut Throat Kitchen. Their flirting is basically Gordon Ramsey's guide to idiotic courtship, but with more post-it notes.
Felix is dealing with his first crush, and his dad and uncle can't help finishing each other's sentences as they offer advice and support. When Damon meets a single baker at Felix's school, Cath tries to help him, but he really hates the guy. He just can't quite figure out why. There is also t-rex cake.
This book is so close to a perfect five. It's a book I would absolutely read again, probably as a comfort fix.
4.5/5
Themes: Loss, ust, second chances, culinary, self-worth, banter, enemies to lovers.
February 13, 2019
5 Stars
What a delectable treat. M.A. Hinkle's voice resonates with me: profound, funny, heartfelt, sincere, sweet, and snarky. Like eating a slightly tart, but utterly delicious dessert.
The story offers a glimpse of what life is like for the MCs as they navigate dealing with loss and grief, healing, and ultimately discovering new joys in life to celebrate. There is so much to say about this story, but (as is the case for me when I love a book), I can't find the words to adequately express my admiration. May I just state that I loved it, and highly recommend it?!!
Also, I was so impressed with this author that I bought the next book in the story-world, "Diamond Heart," before I had even finished reading this one. M.A. Hinkle is an author to follow. Highly recommend!
What a delectable treat. M.A. Hinkle's voice resonates with me: profound, funny, heartfelt, sincere, sweet, and snarky. Like eating a slightly tart, but utterly delicious dessert.
The story offers a glimpse of what life is like for the MCs as they navigate dealing with loss and grief, healing, and ultimately discovering new joys in life to celebrate. There is so much to say about this story, but (as is the case for me when I love a book), I can't find the words to adequately express my admiration. May I just state that I loved it, and highly recommend it?!!
Also, I was so impressed with this author that I bought the next book in the story-world, "Diamond Heart," before I had even finished reading this one. M.A. Hinkle is an author to follow. Highly recommend!
February 13, 2019
5 Stars
What a delectable treat. M.A. Hinkle's voice resonates with me: profound, funny, heartfelt, sincere, sweet, and snarky. Like eating a slightly tart, but utterly delicious dessert.
The story offers a glimpse of what life is like for the MCs as they navigate dealing with loss and grief, healing, and ultimately discovering new joys in life to celebrate. There is so much to say about this story, but (as is the case for me when I love a book), I can't find the words to adequately express my admiration. May I just state that I loved it, and highly recommend it?!!
Also, I was so impressed with this author that I bought the next book in the story-world, "Diamond Heart," before I had even finished reading this one. M.A. Hinkle is an author to follow. Highly recommend!
What a delectable treat. M.A. Hinkle's voice resonates with me: profound, funny, heartfelt, sincere, sweet, and snarky. Like eating a slightly tart, but utterly delicious dessert.
The story offers a glimpse of what life is like for the MCs as they navigate dealing with loss and grief, healing, and ultimately discovering new joys in life to celebrate. There is so much to say about this story, but (as is the case for me when I love a book), I can't find the words to adequately express my admiration. May I just state that I loved it, and highly recommend it?!!
Also, I was so impressed with this author that I bought the next book in the story-world, "Diamond Heart," before I had even finished reading this one. M.A. Hinkle is an author to follow. Highly recommend!
November 13, 2018
Wow how sweet (but not saccharine). I loved this for its sincere bi rep, and how the son Felix rises above being a plot moppet to standing in for a whole next generation who we all hope make a normalcy of preferences (and ok eating too much cake.)
There was banter. There were absurd sticky notes. I can imagine all of this being IRL. And there were good females even after a beloved central female character dies (quite early in the book).
Nothing explicit. Just some kissing. The feelings involve were explicit and awkward. Nothing smexy you’d find with six packs on grinder. And in truth it was much nicer that way. At the intersection of generations, acceptance and rejection. How we will all change once Felixes take over the world.
But we walking wounded, at least we got it this far.
There was banter. There were absurd sticky notes. I can imagine all of this being IRL. And there were good females even after a beloved central female character dies (quite early in the book).
Nothing explicit. Just some kissing. The feelings involve were explicit and awkward. Nothing smexy you’d find with six packs on grinder. And in truth it was much nicer that way. At the intersection of generations, acceptance and rejection. How we will all change once Felixes take over the world.
But we walking wounded, at least we got it this far.
October 29, 2018
Wow. This was like an almost perfect romance for me. Wow, wow, wow.
So yeah, I really was into this story and luckily had a good chunk of reading time because I could not put this down. It just flowed and the pace was perfect and yeah, I just wanted and couldn't stop.
But, it wasn't perfect but it was damn close. First off, I am not a fan of the dead spouse. It puts me off a bit because I never know how it is going to be handled. This was handled brilliantly. I mean, at least for my heart I was ok with it. It was sad but not overly and well, I never felt like there was a third in the "relationship". It probably helps that both these guys were in mourning. I don't know, it just worked.
The book was going on at a really good clip and then it hit a small rough patch that just threw me out of the story. It's probably just me but the whole bakery scene with George giving us the low down just pulled me right out. No offense to you George, I am interested but, well, that was probably the biggest and almost only issue I had.
So, yeah, I'm think I mostly loved this book. I loved watching all of it happen, primary and secondary. All of it.
And yeah, I can't wait for more. BUT I will admit to not knowing how I feel about book 2 being about the kids. It is for sure a must read but well, we'll see. They are seriously kids in this book.
I'm going to keep and eye on this author for sure!
**This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.**
So yeah, I really was into this story and luckily had a good chunk of reading time because I could not put this down. It just flowed and the pace was perfect and yeah, I just wanted and couldn't stop.
But, it wasn't perfect but it was damn close. First off, I am not a fan of the dead spouse. It puts me off a bit because I never know how it is going to be handled. This was handled brilliantly. I mean, at least for my heart I was ok with it. It was sad but not overly and well, I never felt like there was a third in the "relationship". It probably helps that both these guys were in mourning. I don't know, it just worked.
The book was going on at a really good clip and then it hit a small rough patch that just threw me out of the story. It's probably just me but the whole bakery scene with George giving us the low down just pulled me right out. No offense to you George, I am interested but, well, that was probably the biggest and almost only issue I had.
So, yeah, I'm think I mostly loved this book. I loved watching all of it happen, primary and secondary. All of it.
And yeah, I can't wait for more. BUT I will admit to not knowing how I feel about book 2 being about the kids. It is for sure a must read but well, we'll see. They are seriously kids in this book.
I'm going to keep and eye on this author for sure!
**This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.**
November 15, 2018
Thank you Alisa for randomly tweeting about this book cause that's why I read it!
I really enjoyed this one. I even loved the fade to black.
I loved the banter.
It was a great way to spend a few days after book slumping for most of October/into November.
Mare~Slistread
I really enjoyed this one. I even loved the fade to black.
I loved the banter.
It was a great way to spend a few days after book slumping for most of October/into November.
Mare~Slistread
November 3, 2018
This is one of the wittiest and funniest romance books I’ve read lately. I have a weakness for humor so it definitely won me over.
One of the MCs, Cathal is the primary source of wit although he has some tragic moments as well - and that makes him a complex character, as wonderful as the quips, metaphors and ironic remarks that come out of his mouth.
Damon is more straightforward, the kind of “a word means what it means” guy. And this “opposition” is the thing that make the sparkles fly.
A thing that surprised me was how much I liked the kid in the story. I’m not huge on books with children and I almost passed this one over but the mention of Shakespeare brought me back. Thus I had the chance to discover that Ms Hinkle handled the kid in the story damn well (maybe more mature than most his age and that was the reason I liked him), so much that I’m tempted to read Diamond Heart once it comes out.
The romance is a slow burn one, very slow mind you, so have that in mind, and if you don’t understand romance without on-page sex, back off ‘cause this is not your book.
The only thing that kind of watered down the book and I barely managed not to skip pages was too much of George and the cakes. I realize George was as necessary to the plot as the MCs and I guess he’ll have his own books and it was all about the cakes, I mean, just look at the cover, but I guess I missed Cathal’s wit and presence there.
All in all, a very nice read, one that gives you warm feelings (and the munchies, if you read it at night) and makes you, if not believe, at least smile at the possibility of people discovering one another in surprising ways very long time after getting acquainted.
Almost full 4 sweet frosted starry cake pieces from me :)
One of the MCs, Cathal is the primary source of wit although he has some tragic moments as well - and that makes him a complex character, as wonderful as the quips, metaphors and ironic remarks that come out of his mouth.
Damon is more straightforward, the kind of “a word means what it means” guy. And this “opposition” is the thing that make the sparkles fly.
A thing that surprised me was how much I liked the kid in the story. I’m not huge on books with children and I almost passed this one over but the mention of Shakespeare brought me back. Thus I had the chance to discover that Ms Hinkle handled the kid in the story damn well (maybe more mature than most his age and that was the reason I liked him), so much that I’m tempted to read Diamond Heart once it comes out.
The romance is a slow burn one, very slow mind you, so have that in mind, and if you don’t understand romance without on-page sex, back off ‘cause this is not your book.
The only thing that kind of watered down the book and I barely managed not to skip pages was too much of George and the cakes. I realize George was as necessary to the plot as the MCs and I guess he’ll have his own books and it was all about the cakes, I mean, just look at the cover, but I guess I missed Cathal’s wit and presence there.
All in all, a very nice read, one that gives you warm feelings (and the munchies, if you read it at night) and makes you, if not believe, at least smile at the possibility of people discovering one another in surprising ways very long time after getting acquainted.
Almost full 4 sweet frosted starry cake pieces from me :)
November 22, 2018
Death Of A Bachelor is a wonderfully written story of family, grief, starting over and slow burn romance.
The two MCs banter was a pleasure to read, putting a smile on my face many times. Both were well-rounded characters with flaws a plenty but the author did a great job in still making them likeable. If I'm honest I would have preferred less of Damon's inner monologue questioning is self worth every minute of the day. Realistically someone with self worth problems would be like this but it doesn't necessarily make for great reading.
The romance is slowly developed with a lot of care and heart and the story is filled with engaging and compelling characters - a particular highlight being the relationship between the two MCs and the son, which was thoroughly entertaining.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher / author for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review.
The two MCs banter was a pleasure to read, putting a smile on my face many times. Both were well-rounded characters with flaws a plenty but the author did a great job in still making them likeable. If I'm honest I would have preferred less of Damon's inner monologue questioning is self worth every minute of the day. Realistically someone with self worth problems would be like this but it doesn't necessarily make for great reading.
The romance is slowly developed with a lot of care and heart and the story is filled with engaging and compelling characters - a particular highlight being the relationship between the two MCs and the son, which was thoroughly entertaining.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher / author for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review.
June 11, 2023
Beautiful! I did not understand every sentence so it was a slow progress. No cheese, no heavy emotions, but fascinating. The adults' arc was luckily sometimes alternated with the love life of the teenager.
One hitch: in the end the 15-year-old acted to young for his age, but mostly he was a realistic teenager.
One hitch: in the end the 15-year-old acted to young for his age, but mostly he was a realistic teenager.
November 25, 2019
This book is a bit different, but I loved it. For one, it is very subtle (or maybe that's just because I'm about as thick as Damon). There is no sex and very little talk about emotions and feelings and such.
But for once the enemy to lovers theme is actually spot on. Cathal is a real asshole in the beginning and both guys can't stand each other, though that quickly dissolves into a companionable banter once they are forced to actually spent time around each other.
The book is actually a lot less angsty than I feared. The story only sets in after Era has been dead for a while (month? not entirely sure), so there is none of that raw grief going on.
I also loved Felix, who provides much needed comic relief as well as a reason for Cathal and Damon to interact. Kids in romance books especially can be hit or miss, but Felix is actually a well fleshed out character of his own, not just a plot device. But actually, all the characters feel 3-dimensional and believable. The whole story feels very real with a good portion of slice-of-live, without being mired in tropes so much, which is a refreshing change for a romance.
But for once the enemy to lovers theme is actually spot on. Cathal is a real asshole in the beginning and both guys can't stand each other, though that quickly dissolves into a companionable banter once they are forced to actually spent time around each other.
The book is actually a lot less angsty than I feared. The story only sets in after Era has been dead for a while (month? not entirely sure), so there is none of that raw grief going on.
I also loved Felix, who provides much needed comic relief as well as a reason for Cathal and Damon to interact. Kids in romance books especially can be hit or miss, but Felix is actually a well fleshed out character of his own, not just a plot device. But actually, all the characters feel 3-dimensional and believable. The whole story feels very real with a good portion of slice-of-live, without being mired in tropes so much, which is a refreshing change for a romance.
February 11, 2019
4.5 stars.
I loved this! Cathal was the best. Damon was quietly wonderful. Felix, although I don't think I'd like to deal with him in rl, was great as well.
I loved how they came together over time. Was that Era's intention? I think, maybe, it happened a little fast, I don't know that most people would be ready to love again that soon, but they did have a connection already so it is possible. At any rate I loved the characters and their snark. Plus. Baking. And baking competitions! I will definitely be reading more from this author.
I loved this! Cathal was the best. Damon was quietly wonderful. Felix, although I don't think I'd like to deal with him in rl, was great as well.
I loved how they came together over time. Was that Era's intention? I think, maybe, it happened a little fast, I don't know that most people would be ready to love again that soon, but they did have a connection already so it is possible. At any rate I loved the characters and their snark. Plus. Baking. And baking competitions! I will definitely be reading more from this author.
February 25, 2020
This book is sneaky. The romance is not in your face, but it’s definitely there. It may be hidden behind snark, sarcasm, and grief; but by the end it’s evident the two MCs truly care about one another. It’s got virtually no steam, so if that’s important to you, you should skip this one. But I think you��d be missing out.
June 6, 2019
4.5 stars
Damon and Cathal do not get along at all. However, Damon is married to Cathal's best friend, and when she dies, she makes Cathal promise to look after Damon and help pull him out of the doldrums. In keeping that promise, Damon and Cathal have to exist in the same house without hurting each other even more. Cathal does whatever he can to annoy Damon in to coming out of his room and looking after his son, and Cathal, too.
Damon is a chef at a restaurant, but he doesn't go to work, or do what he loves, because everything reminds him of his wife, who was everything in the world to Damon. Damon knows that she was too good for him, and with her gone, he doesn't know who he is anymore.
Fortunately, Cathal is there annoying him, and challenging him. Damon starts baking, just to do something that won't remind him of his wife. As he tries something different, he starts coming back to the land of the living, and discovers that his son is confiding in Cathal, rather than himself, and that Cathal is actually giving good advice and not being completely mean, although he is still partly mean.
Oh, my heart. I'm not crying, I've just got something in my eye. Allergies. You're crying!!
Both Damon and Cathal were so hurt and lost without Era (kind of sucky name; I kept calling her Epoch just for giggles). For Damon, who didn't believe in his own worth, she was his main believer and cheerleader, and the reason he got out at all. For Cathal, she was his family, and had been since his family kicked him out for being gay.
Damon and Cathal had a very brief history even before Damon and Era met, but they managed to get past it/have a friendly enmity (an oxymoron, I know, but it fits.) for Era's sake. Cathal is a prickly person naturally, but he and Damon seem to delight in poking at each other and getting a response.
I completely believed the build in first friendship, and then more, between Damon and Cathal. They were united by grief, after all, and they both really lovedEpoch Era. I liked that they were on the same page with Damon's son, and how supportive/teasing they were of him.
I had to really talk hard to talk myself out of buying the next in the series (it may have involved pulling my own hair, smacking my hands several times, and reminding myself yet again that I have a budget, and there is no wriggle room for books in it this month.) The only other thing stopping me was that it is about Felix, Damon's son, who was portrayed as being a liiiiiitttllleee whiny in the book "Daaaadddd, can I gooooooo?" (not a direct quote), and it seems to be about him still in high school, not after he grew up a little. Which he needs to do, imo. However, once my budget opens up, I definitely will be purchasing this book, as I like the way the author tells a story.
Damon and Cathal do not get along at all. However, Damon is married to Cathal's best friend, and when she dies, she makes Cathal promise to look after Damon and help pull him out of the doldrums. In keeping that promise, Damon and Cathal have to exist in the same house without hurting each other even more. Cathal does whatever he can to annoy Damon in to coming out of his room and looking after his son, and Cathal, too.
Damon is a chef at a restaurant, but he doesn't go to work, or do what he loves, because everything reminds him of his wife, who was everything in the world to Damon. Damon knows that she was too good for him, and with her gone, he doesn't know who he is anymore.
Fortunately, Cathal is there annoying him, and challenging him. Damon starts baking, just to do something that won't remind him of his wife. As he tries something different, he starts coming back to the land of the living, and discovers that his son is confiding in Cathal, rather than himself, and that Cathal is actually giving good advice and not being completely mean, although he is still partly mean.
Oh, my heart. I'm not crying, I've just got something in my eye. Allergies. You're crying!!
Both Damon and Cathal were so hurt and lost without Era (kind of sucky name; I kept calling her Epoch just for giggles). For Damon, who didn't believe in his own worth, she was his main believer and cheerleader, and the reason he got out at all. For Cathal, she was his family, and had been since his family kicked him out for being gay.
Damon and Cathal had a very brief history even before Damon and Era met, but they managed to get past it/have a friendly enmity (an oxymoron, I know, but it fits.) for Era's sake. Cathal is a prickly person naturally, but he and Damon seem to delight in poking at each other and getting a response.
I completely believed the build in first friendship, and then more, between Damon and Cathal. They were united by grief, after all, and they both really loved
I had to really talk hard to talk myself out of buying the next in the series (it may have involved pulling my own hair, smacking my hands several times, and reminding myself yet again that I have a budget, and there is no wriggle room for books in it this month.) The only other thing stopping me was that it is about Felix, Damon's son, who was portrayed as being a liiiiiitttllleee whiny in the book "Daaaadddd, can I gooooooo?" (not a direct quote), and it seems to be about him still in high school, not after he grew up a little. Which he needs to do, imo. However, once my budget opens up, I definitely will be purchasing this book, as I like the way the author tells a story.
March 31, 2019
3.5
I loved it and then I didn’t and then I liked it. I don’t know I’m confused myself.
Review soon. :)
I loved it and then I didn’t and then I liked it. I don’t know I’m confused myself.
Review soon. :)
December 1, 2021
Not a crime novel.
Very good indeed.
The writing is delightful.
I went and read the second book immediately.
I regret nothing!
Very good indeed.
The writing is delightful.
I went and read the second book immediately.
I regret nothing!
May 26, 2020
Okay, okay... five stars, yes, I am going to give it five stars.
Four you´re-good stars and one completely subjective star.
This book is what can be called a truth-teller. This is what I really want when I say I like pretty covers. Because a cover should actually simply reflect what is inside, represent author´s taste and the amount of effort put into a book and this is one of the instances where it actually works.
I mean, I am not overreacting, right? Because I keep seeing some absolutely horrifying covers and this one might look so good simply in comparison...
What really struck me in this book was this "simplicity"? What I mean is it reminded me so much of the more simple times when a contemporary could really satisfy me. I was not simple, just... more straightforward. There were no great things at stake, just two broken hearts and I would never have thought I would enjoy it this much. The blurb was kind of weak and the book did not seem like my cup of tea... But somehow it was so great.
I liked its casualty in its treatment of LGTB issues that was respectfull without trying to fight the good fight, just... being natural, acting natural and in that doing much more for me than all those people-hate-us scenarios.
Cooking and baking. A sure way to my heart. A chef that cooks healthy? Excuse me while I take a few seconds to just stare at the wall and think appreciating thoughts.
Cathal was prickly but other than his insults being taking more literary than they were supposed to be, he was a great character. I am not a fan of the casual abusers, the one that will jerk their crush around by their throats and by the time he has done something like this, it was simply tragic, nothing I wanted to blame him for.
Felix was probably more mature for his age than he should be (which I am so NOT complaining about, sorry, he was amazing) and I liked how close they were. Felix was definitely the third most important character and he was definitely great.
Okay, the things I had an issue with? And really have no "right" to?
First - what´s-her-name Ezra. I get it, she was his wife, he loved her, blah, blah, I really, really disliked her. I mean, maybe if she was included more and we could see why the guys loved her so much but... as it was, I was throwing daggers with my eyes every time she came up.
Yeah, I get it, this is about Damon getting over his wife´s death but I really thought? GOOD RIDDANCE. He seems so much better without her. I mean, great, he´s a guy enough to recognize she´s smarter and sacrifice some things for their relationship but it felt like she /maybe accidentally/ trampled over all his self-esteem. He feels he is nobody, he is worthless and lost without her. It really felt a little too abusive, because there was this question of "was he good enough for her" when in fact, for me, she was not good enough for HIM.
I mean, I really don´t like the finding love after losing a spouse thing. Really don´t like it. Can think of only one book where I accepted it.
It felt like such a waste of time. My ideal not-gonna-happen scenario? Damon would date Ezra, she gets pregnant, she A' dies B' breaks up with him. Cathal and Damon would - are - great parents.
This is just another way in which it reminded me of the old times - the times where I always expected the MC to fall in love and stay with the first guy she met. Spending 15 years married to that... woman? Ghrrrr.
It was my only problem and I can´t really blame the book /author/ - it´s all on me.
Ans this book, by the way, was PG-rated?! I can´t remember a single adult book that was so not explicit. It was so strange and so sweet - like the old times. Not even some poetic stuff about their night together that makes it clear they have done the deed but it was life-transforming and all about love.
It was weird how many not-straight characters were in a single book but I am no expert on how many no-straight people an average human can find around and really, this is a freaking fiction, if every single character is supposed to be not-straight, why not? That´s what fiction is for.
My last admision - thought? I cried. It was literary heart-breaking in some chapters and I cried. That is why five stars. Not many books can make me do that. I can sometimes feel this weird pain near my hip (don´t laugh, I am serious) that kind of aches when I am really invested in characters´ pain but this was the real deal.
Just for remembering sake, I will say I read this book at night, when I could not fall asleep because people at the dorm had a really loud party and I started it late and finished at about 4:20 in the morning, (when it was finally pretty quiet) which might just be my new record.
Anyway, anyhow, recommend this book. Really do. Might not be for everyone but this is what I consider quality.
Four you´re-good stars and one completely subjective star.
This book is what can be called a truth-teller. This is what I really want when I say I like pretty covers. Because a cover should actually simply reflect what is inside, represent author´s taste and the amount of effort put into a book and this is one of the instances where it actually works.
I mean, I am not overreacting, right? Because I keep seeing some absolutely horrifying covers and this one might look so good simply in comparison...
What really struck me in this book was this "simplicity"? What I mean is it reminded me so much of the more simple times when a contemporary could really satisfy me. I was not simple, just... more straightforward. There were no great things at stake, just two broken hearts and I would never have thought I would enjoy it this much. The blurb was kind of weak and the book did not seem like my cup of tea... But somehow it was so great.
I liked its casualty in its treatment of LGTB issues that was respectfull without trying to fight the good fight, just... being natural, acting natural and in that doing much more for me than all those people-hate-us scenarios.
Cooking and baking. A sure way to my heart. A chef that cooks healthy? Excuse me while I take a few seconds to just stare at the wall and think appreciating thoughts.
Cathal was prickly but other than his insults being taking more literary than they were supposed to be, he was a great character. I am not a fan of the casual abusers, the one that will jerk their crush around by their throats and by the time he has done something like this, it was simply tragic, nothing I wanted to blame him for.
Felix was probably more mature for his age than he should be (which I am so NOT complaining about, sorry, he was amazing) and I liked how close they were. Felix was definitely the third most important character and he was definitely great.
Okay, the things I had an issue with? And really have no "right" to?
First - what´s-her-name Ezra. I get it, she was his wife, he loved her, blah, blah, I really, really disliked her. I mean, maybe if she was included more and we could see why the guys loved her so much but... as it was, I was throwing daggers with my eyes every time she came up.
Yeah, I get it, this is about Damon getting over his wife´s death but I really thought? GOOD RIDDANCE. He seems so much better without her. I mean, great, he´s a guy enough to recognize she´s smarter and sacrifice some things for their relationship but it felt like she /maybe accidentally/ trampled over all his self-esteem. He feels he is nobody, he is worthless and lost without her. It really felt a little too abusive, because there was this question of "was he good enough for her" when in fact, for me, she was not good enough for HIM.
I mean, I really don´t like the finding love after losing a spouse thing. Really don´t like it. Can think of only one book where I accepted it.
It felt like such a waste of time. My ideal not-gonna-happen scenario? Damon would date Ezra, she gets pregnant, she A' dies B' breaks up with him. Cathal and Damon would - are - great parents.
This is just another way in which it reminded me of the old times - the times where I always expected the MC to fall in love and stay with the first guy she met. Spending 15 years married to that... woman? Ghrrrr.
It was my only problem and I can´t really blame the book /author/ - it´s all on me.
Ans this book, by the way, was PG-rated?! I can´t remember a single adult book that was so not explicit. It was so strange and so sweet - like the old times. Not even some poetic stuff about their night together that makes it clear they have done the deed but it was life-transforming and all about love.
It was weird how many not-straight characters were in a single book but I am no expert on how many no-straight people an average human can find around and really, this is a freaking fiction, if every single character is supposed to be not-straight, why not? That´s what fiction is for.
My last admision - thought? I cried. It was literary heart-breaking in some chapters and I cried. That is why five stars. Not many books can make me do that. I can sometimes feel this weird pain near my hip (don´t laugh, I am serious) that kind of aches when I am really invested in characters´ pain but this was the real deal.
Just for remembering sake, I will say I read this book at night, when I could not fall asleep because people at the dorm had a really loud party and I started it late and finished at about 4:20 in the morning, (when it was finally pretty quiet) which might just be my new record.
Anyway, anyhow, recommend this book. Really do. Might not be for everyone but this is what I consider quality.
October 26, 2018
I got to read an ARC via NetGalley. What a gem!
This is the funniest, cleverest slow-burn romance I've ever read. It is told in short, punchy scenes with no small amount of pain for the loss of a wife and best friend, and yet the teen son's antics, and the antagonism between her best friend and her husband, are just... I didn't mean to read this straight through. But Himkle's style is addictive. My only complaint is it maybe could've used a punchier last few lines, but honestly I don't care. This is a delightful book for those of us who adore humor in our romances.
This is the funniest, cleverest slow-burn romance I've ever read. It is told in short, punchy scenes with no small amount of pain for the loss of a wife and best friend, and yet the teen son's antics, and the antagonism between her best friend and her husband, are just... I didn't mean to read this straight through. But Himkle's style is addictive. My only complaint is it maybe could've used a punchier last few lines, but honestly I don't care. This is a delightful book for those of us who adore humor in our romances.
March 29, 2019
Oh my gosh! I loved this book. I loved every second of it.
I am obsessed with Cathal. Like he and I are pretty much the same person. And Felix! I loved him so much.
Literally, this book is like a breath of fresh air! There is so much LGBTQIA+ representation in here that I really felt seen. There is acespec representation, bisexual representation, gay representation, lesbian representation, and I think there were even some straight people?
The romance is a juicy, juicy slowburn that took just enough time to woo me as a reader and convince me that Damon and Cathal belonged together. I was rooting for them for the whole book because these two broken men need each other to survive.
Cathal especially since he can't cook and spends all of his "alone time" eating instant ramen and not knowing what half of the stuff Damon cooks is. I love how clueless and adorable he was about cooking, but how smart he was about space.
At the end of the book, I'm pretty sure even Era shipped them from beyond the grave. She had a hang in getting them together, after all. I like to imagine her ghost chatting with Felix casually about it over a box of Lucky Charms. Her two broken boys finding comfort in one another after her loss.
Great, now I'm crying again.
Seriously, though. This book was incredible. It was a little slow in the beginning, but once it picks up it picks up FAST and I read the bulk of it in just a few days. I cannot wait to see more from M.A Hinkle!
I am obsessed with Cathal. Like he and I are pretty much the same person. And Felix! I loved him so much.
Literally, this book is like a breath of fresh air! There is so much LGBTQIA+ representation in here that I really felt seen. There is acespec representation, bisexual representation, gay representation, lesbian representation, and I think there were even some straight people?
The romance is a juicy, juicy slowburn that took just enough time to woo me as a reader and convince me that Damon and Cathal belonged together. I was rooting for them for the whole book because these two broken men need each other to survive.
Cathal especially since he can't cook and spends all of his "alone time" eating instant ramen and not knowing what half of the stuff Damon cooks is. I love how clueless and adorable he was about cooking, but how smart he was about space.
At the end of the book, I'm pretty sure even Era shipped them from beyond the grave. She had a hang in getting them together, after all. I like to imagine her ghost chatting with Felix casually about it over a box of Lucky Charms. Her two broken boys finding comfort in one another after her loss.
Great, now I'm crying again.
Seriously, though. This book was incredible. It was a little slow in the beginning, but once it picks up it picks up FAST and I read the bulk of it in just a few days. I cannot wait to see more from M.A Hinkle!
April 27, 2019
Slooooooowww burn.
I can appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into this type of slow, steady, character-driven story, and some parts really are clever, but I didn't find the prose particularly compelling and I'm not hankerin' to put it on any personal "Best of" lists.
I don't think there's ever any resolution with Morgan's self-esteem issues, and there are three separate characters who we're told are mean or abrasive, but who never seem mean or abrasive to me. (Maybe that's just me, though. Do I just know a ton of super-rude people and not realize it because they're all that way? Hmmm.) But the ending was both sweet and cute, and I was glad it all finally worked out for them.
I can appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into this type of slow, steady, character-driven story, and some parts really are clever, but I didn't find the prose particularly compelling and I'm not hankerin' to put it on any personal "Best of" lists.
I don't think there's ever any resolution with Morgan's self-esteem issues, and there are three separate characters who we're told are mean or abrasive, but who never seem mean or abrasive to me. (Maybe that's just me, though. Do I just know a ton of super-rude people and not realize it because they're all that way? Hmmm.) But the ending was both sweet and cute, and I was glad it all finally worked out for them.
December 21, 2018
3.5
what a pity to waste such a potential! this book has all the elements I should love: slow burn, sarcasm, chef and cooking ;) But the proportions of this story got lost somewhere. Unfortunately in the grand scheme of things, a little bit overtalked.
what a pity to waste such a potential! this book has all the elements I should love: slow burn, sarcasm, chef and cooking ;) But the proportions of this story got lost somewhere. Unfortunately in the grand scheme of things, a little bit overtalked.
November 25, 2018
A ScatteredThoughtsandRogueWords Review. This review can also be found here.
Era dies and leaves Damon without a wife and Cathal without his best friend. Now, these two people who have never really abided by each other find themselves lost in their grief with no one other than each other for company. As Cathal tries to get Damon to live, there is a brand new feeling that starts to take birth in both their hearts.
I loved Cathal since the moment we see him in a bar, scribbling equations on a napkin and that is saying something because that is the very first scene we see him in. This character had my number from the get-go. When I was deciding if I wanted to review this book or not I read an excerpt from this book which contained prologues one and two and ever since I got that peek into this story I was dying to read it, I checked my mail every day to see if this book had arrived. I was just so intrigued. I instantly connected with both main characters and I found the premise to be very fascinating and I just wanted to read it. Thankfully this book lived up to my rather exalted standards.
This story does have Era die off-page and this is not a spoiler because you will know this fact by the time you start the first chapter or already know it if you read the blurb. Now Era is Damon's wife and this story starts a few days after her death and I feel like some people might think that Damon moves on a bit too quickly. I feel like this might be an issue, it wasn't for me but even I realise that some people might think it's too soon for Damon to be in or start another romantic relationship. Era features in exactly two scenes, so most of my impression of Era is based on what Cathal and Damon say of or about her and the impression I have of her and Damon's relationship isn't great so I was somewhat relieved that he moved on. I feel her death is handled very well in the course of the book but I might be biased since I didn’t quite take to Era but this book is very respectful in dealing with her and her death.
So, now with that out of the way, I can gush about this book.
I started reading it at around midnight and I just couldn't stop. I read till I had finished reading every last word and I loved all of it except that little stunt that Cathal pulls that prolonged the end of this story because it so wasn't necessary but I have got to respect that he needed some time to get rid of bad habits. Leaving that one minor critique aside, I truly loved this book. This is a slow, slow burn romance and that first kiss between Damon and Cathal is so amazing, I fell head over heels for Damon. These two have such a smouldering chemistry together, it just permeated every scene these two had together, and the banter these two shared was what had me turning page after page.
Cathal, Damon and Felix are just amazing together. All their scenes are so warm and cuddly like snuggling in on a cold winter day. These three feel like family, I am 100% sure that I would have assumed Cathal and Damon were in a relationship had I ever encountered them together during the course of this book because there was just something about them that screamed that they are meant to be together.
Felix is amazing. I loved him so hard and I am excited that we might be getting his story indirectly at least because I loved that kid.
Damon was a hard character for me to gauge personally. We see him at a time when even breathing seems to be difficult for him and he is a character with very different motivations than any I have ever encountered before. I don't know if I really know who Damon is but nevertheless, I liked him. He was different but he felt intensely huggable like a teddy bear and I really hope we get to see more of him at happier times. Basically, I need more epilogues like that one, those two are just so cute, my heart can't bear it.
I am in love with this story and it's amazing characters especially Cathal, Damon and Felix who are like a built-in family unit. I don't know if this is the author's debut novel or not but while researching this author I found only this book so I think it is and if this is any standard to go by I am going to enjoy reading more but this author.
Cover art by Natasha Snow. That cover is scrumptious. I want to take a bite out of that pastry.
Era dies and leaves Damon without a wife and Cathal without his best friend. Now, these two people who have never really abided by each other find themselves lost in their grief with no one other than each other for company. As Cathal tries to get Damon to live, there is a brand new feeling that starts to take birth in both their hearts.
I loved Cathal since the moment we see him in a bar, scribbling equations on a napkin and that is saying something because that is the very first scene we see him in. This character had my number from the get-go. When I was deciding if I wanted to review this book or not I read an excerpt from this book which contained prologues one and two and ever since I got that peek into this story I was dying to read it, I checked my mail every day to see if this book had arrived. I was just so intrigued. I instantly connected with both main characters and I found the premise to be very fascinating and I just wanted to read it. Thankfully this book lived up to my rather exalted standards.
This story does have Era die off-page and this is not a spoiler because you will know this fact by the time you start the first chapter or already know it if you read the blurb. Now Era is Damon's wife and this story starts a few days after her death and I feel like some people might think that Damon moves on a bit too quickly. I feel like this might be an issue, it wasn't for me but even I realise that some people might think it's too soon for Damon to be in or start another romantic relationship. Era features in exactly two scenes, so most of my impression of Era is based on what Cathal and Damon say of or about her and the impression I have of her and Damon's relationship isn't great so I was somewhat relieved that he moved on. I feel her death is handled very well in the course of the book but I might be biased since I didn’t quite take to Era but this book is very respectful in dealing with her and her death.
So, now with that out of the way, I can gush about this book.
I started reading it at around midnight and I just couldn't stop. I read till I had finished reading every last word and I loved all of it except that little stunt that Cathal pulls that prolonged the end of this story because it so wasn't necessary but I have got to respect that he needed some time to get rid of bad habits. Leaving that one minor critique aside, I truly loved this book. This is a slow, slow burn romance and that first kiss between Damon and Cathal is so amazing, I fell head over heels for Damon. These two have such a smouldering chemistry together, it just permeated every scene these two had together, and the banter these two shared was what had me turning page after page.
Cathal, Damon and Felix are just amazing together. All their scenes are so warm and cuddly like snuggling in on a cold winter day. These three feel like family, I am 100% sure that I would have assumed Cathal and Damon were in a relationship had I ever encountered them together during the course of this book because there was just something about them that screamed that they are meant to be together.
Felix is amazing. I loved him so hard and I am excited that we might be getting his story indirectly at least because I loved that kid.
Damon was a hard character for me to gauge personally. We see him at a time when even breathing seems to be difficult for him and he is a character with very different motivations than any I have ever encountered before. I don't know if I really know who Damon is but nevertheless, I liked him. He was different but he felt intensely huggable like a teddy bear and I really hope we get to see more of him at happier times. Basically, I need more epilogues like that one, those two are just so cute, my heart can't bear it.
I am in love with this story and it's amazing characters especially Cathal, Damon and Felix who are like a built-in family unit. I don't know if this is the author's debut novel or not but while researching this author I found only this book so I think it is and if this is any standard to go by I am going to enjoy reading more but this author.
Cover art by Natasha Snow. That cover is scrumptious. I want to take a bite out of that pastry.
October 21, 2018
I received a copy of Death of a Bachelor from NineStar Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, words, and opinions are my own.
This was honestly so fun and cute~
Content Notes:
🍰 off page death of secondary character
🍰 bimisic comments
🍰 mention of being kicked out by parents after coming out
🍰 grief
🍰 casual ableism
🍰 aromisic comment (it’s either [liking people] or being alone)
🍰 alcohol consumption
🍰 inebriation
🍰 fall, injury, blood
🍰 low sense of self-worth
Death of a Bachelor follows Cathal and Damon in the aftermath of Era’s death. Era was Damon’s wife and Cathal’s best friend, and in many ways she’s kept each of them held together. Damon is bisexual and first meets Cathal at a gay bar where Cathal tells him off and does make some bimisic comments. They meet again approximately six months later when Damon is with Era and she wants him to meet her best friend. Damon and Era also have a teenage son, Felix, who has his first crush on new boy, Morgan. He initially hesitated to tell Damon about his crush because of how his dad was dealing with his grief.
This book was really fun and funny, even while working through Damon and Cathal’s grief. I loved the intersections and their antagonism towards one another, especially as their barbed words become softer and fonder. I also adore Felix and it makes me so excited that the next book will be about Felix and his romance~
There was some predictable elements, but overall this was just a fun, quick read that I would definitely recommend.
This was honestly so fun and cute~
Content Notes:
🍰 off page death of secondary character
🍰 bimisic comments
🍰 mention of being kicked out by parents after coming out
🍰 grief
🍰 casual ableism
🍰 aromisic comment (it’s either [liking people] or being alone)
🍰 alcohol consumption
🍰 inebriation
🍰 fall, injury, blood
🍰 low sense of self-worth
Death of a Bachelor follows Cathal and Damon in the aftermath of Era’s death. Era was Damon’s wife and Cathal’s best friend, and in many ways she’s kept each of them held together. Damon is bisexual and first meets Cathal at a gay bar where Cathal tells him off and does make some bimisic comments. They meet again approximately six months later when Damon is with Era and she wants him to meet her best friend. Damon and Era also have a teenage son, Felix, who has his first crush on new boy, Morgan. He initially hesitated to tell Damon about his crush because of how his dad was dealing with his grief.
This book was really fun and funny, even while working through Damon and Cathal’s grief. I loved the intersections and their antagonism towards one another, especially as their barbed words become softer and fonder. I also adore Felix and it makes me so excited that the next book will be about Felix and his romance~
There was some predictable elements, but overall this was just a fun, quick read that I would definitely recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2019
Death of a Bachelor was surprisingly light and fun for a book ostensibly about grief. The characters are all likable and the banter is mostly charming and the story won me over when Cathal describes Damons cooking as ‘Comfort food, with a side of existential dread,’ when he finds a fish head in his dinner, which is both hilarious and incisive.
Having said that, M.A. Hinkle could have taken the story just a bit deeper -
Having said that, M.A. Hinkle could have taken the story just a bit deeper -
March 30, 2020
What a fun and cute story.
The chapter titles alone are reason enough to pick up this story.
I was delighted to get to know Damon and Calath more since I read the companion Diamond Heart before this one. And it was just as delightful as I expected.
I do felt like I needed more background on their relationship and its development. At times, it seemed to jump inbetween longtime friends and awkward neighbors at times. I had also hoped they would spare at least one conversation on Era, it was off that it never came up.
The chapter titles alone are reason enough to pick up this story.
I was delighted to get to know Damon and Calath more since I read the companion Diamond Heart before this one. And it was just as delightful as I expected.
I do felt like I needed more background on their relationship and its development. At times, it seemed to jump inbetween longtime friends and awkward neighbors at times. I had also hoped they would spare at least one conversation on Era, it was off that it never came up.
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