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Seacroft #3
Hot Potato
As Seacroft’s resident weirdo, Avery proudly flies a lot of freak flags. It’s a constant battle to be taken seriously when everything, from his red hair to his sexuality, makes him stand out in this small town.
Small towns are also a terrible place to keep secrets, and Lincoln has a bunch of them. But his demons aren’t going to hold him back from his dream job at the Seacroft Fire Department. His life is finally coming together, until the red-haired twink with the big smile and fast mouth calls in an emergency.
Pining or the hot firefighter is Avery’s newest flag, even if he agrees to be “just friends.” For Linc, every minute with Avery is a temptation. He needs to let go of his fear and admit the truth. Linc doesn’t want to be Avery’s friend; he wants to be his everything. But just as Linc is ready to risk it all, Avery gets an unexpected offer to spread his colorful wings and fly away.
Hot Potato is an 80k slow burn friends-to-lovers contemporary MM romance. It features a fast-talking accountant who’s cooler than he thinks, the closeted firefighter who loves him more than he should, and a great big happy-sigh HEA.
Small towns are also a terrible place to keep secrets, and Lincoln has a bunch of them. But his demons aren’t going to hold him back from his dream job at the Seacroft Fire Department. His life is finally coming together, until the red-haired twink with the big smile and fast mouth calls in an emergency.
Pining or the hot firefighter is Avery’s newest flag, even if he agrees to be “just friends.” For Linc, every minute with Avery is a temptation. He needs to let go of his fear and admit the truth. Linc doesn’t want to be Avery’s friend; he wants to be his everything. But just as Linc is ready to risk it all, Avery gets an unexpected offer to spread his colorful wings and fly away.
Hot Potato is an 80k slow burn friends-to-lovers contemporary MM romance. It features a fast-talking accountant who’s cooler than he thinks, the closeted firefighter who loves him more than he should, and a great big happy-sigh HEA.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 16, 2019
45 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
August 27, 2019
*2.5 stars*
Oh how I HATE writing this kind of reviews. Not because it’s a “bad” review (we like what we like) but because this book comes from an author I know I click with. I really, really liked Cold Pressed and I had very high expectations about this one. So I’m super bummed that I did not love this.
The bright (literally) spot in this story is Avery. I LOVED his character. First because he’s a ginger (the real deal; bright red hair, pale skin, freckles for DAYS!) and you know my feelings about redheads. Second, he’s a blurter, awkward, clumsy and so damn adorable! Third because despite his inexperience and awkwardness, he had this bossy and steely side that came out in the most unexpected moments.
Linc on the other hand? I never managed to connect with him. All this self loathing was a bit much for me, and honestly, maybe his reasons for staying away from his family and staying firmly in the closet were overplayed considering how easy the resolution was. I did not feel any connection between him and Avery and even the sex felt awkward.
My biggest problem with the book was the way the author chose to move the plot forward. I wouldn’t call it misunderstandings and miscommunications exactly. More like missed opportunities. A truth is about to come out but the phone rings or someone walks in or Avery gets a migraine or his phone breaks down. The book was brimming with these. The angst was also forced. Even my favorite character, Avery, threw an epic hissy fit which stalled the resolution for no good reason in the end.
In addition, there were several subplots that were never fully resolved.
I was sad I didn’t get to see more of Oliver and Nick. It was just one weird scene that included them.
My first reaction after finishing the book was “oh hell, I’ll have to 2-star this”. That’s how frustrated I was. I'm rounding up because the writing is so, SO good, the humor is the real deal, all funny and witty dialogue, banter and self sarcastic inner monologues. All these redeeming qualities did not let me lose interest despite my frustration.
So far I’m the grouch here, as it seems that nobody had the same issues as me. So…take that as you will.
Oh how I HATE writing this kind of reviews. Not because it’s a “bad” review (we like what we like) but because this book comes from an author I know I click with. I really, really liked Cold Pressed and I had very high expectations about this one. So I’m super bummed that I did not love this.
The bright (literally) spot in this story is Avery. I LOVED his character. First because he’s a ginger (the real deal; bright red hair, pale skin, freckles for DAYS!) and you know my feelings about redheads. Second, he’s a blurter, awkward, clumsy and so damn adorable! Third because despite his inexperience and awkwardness, he had this bossy and steely side that came out in the most unexpected moments.
Linc on the other hand? I never managed to connect with him. All this self loathing was a bit much for me, and honestly, maybe his reasons for staying away from his family and staying firmly in the closet were overplayed considering how easy the resolution was. I did not feel any connection between him and Avery and even the sex felt awkward.
My biggest problem with the book was the way the author chose to move the plot forward. I wouldn’t call it misunderstandings and miscommunications exactly. More like missed opportunities. A truth is about to come out but the phone rings or someone walks in or Avery gets a migraine or his phone breaks down. The book was brimming with these. The angst was also forced. Even my favorite character, Avery, threw an epic hissy fit which stalled the resolution for no good reason in the end.
In addition, there were several subplots that were never fully resolved.
I was sad I didn’t get to see more of Oliver and Nick. It was just one weird scene that included them.
My first reaction after finishing the book was “oh hell, I’ll have to 2-star this”. That’s how frustrated I was. I'm rounding up because the writing is so, SO good, the humor is the real deal, all funny and witty dialogue, banter and self sarcastic inner monologues. All these redeeming qualities did not let me lose interest despite my frustration.
So far I’m the grouch here, as it seems that nobody had the same issues as me. So…take that as you will.
August 21, 2019
Hands down my favourite of the series and yet for the first half of the book the MCs are only friends.
This is also a bit more angsty in relationship terms than the other two in the series but it has two incredibly likeable characters to compensate.
Avery is adorable, he's not your typical hero clutz, his anxieties and clumsiness stem from a painful experience in his teenage years.
Linc's not your typical firefighter either. He's not doing the job out of a burning desire to make a difference but because it's a job he could sign up for when he arrived in Seacroft without having any roots there.
Together though, they perfectly balance each other out, they work, they're funny and quirky and hesitant and slow burning even though they both have feelings!
Linc's closeted and he took his time to get into a mindset which worked for him and I loved how he might have started off doing it for Avery, but ultimately he wanted it to be for himself.
Avery I just wanted to bundle in bubble wrap, he would get so flustered but he also has a secret bossy streak in the bedroom.
Those scenes were steamy but never too much and there's a couple of times later on in the book that I was thinking "hell yes" as they both got bolder at expressing themselves.
This is the last one in the series atm as far as I understand it and Allison definitely saved the best for last.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
This is also a bit more angsty in relationship terms than the other two in the series but it has two incredibly likeable characters to compensate.
Avery is adorable, he's not your typical hero clutz, his anxieties and clumsiness stem from a painful experience in his teenage years.
Linc's not your typical firefighter either. He's not doing the job out of a burning desire to make a difference but because it's a job he could sign up for when he arrived in Seacroft without having any roots there.
Together though, they perfectly balance each other out, they work, they're funny and quirky and hesitant and slow burning even though they both have feelings!
Linc's closeted and he took his time to get into a mindset which worked for him and I loved how he might have started off doing it for Avery, but ultimately he wanted it to be for himself.
Avery I just wanted to bundle in bubble wrap, he would get so flustered but he also has a secret bossy streak in the bedroom.
Those scenes were steamy but never too much and there's a couple of times later on in the book that I was thinking "hell yes" as they both got bolder at expressing themselves.
This is the last one in the series atm as far as I understand it and Allison definitely saved the best for last.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
September 18, 2019
I enjoyed Hot Potato by Allison Temple.
Three things attracted me to the book:
-Redhead MC
-Adorkable awkward MC
-Firefighter!
All shallow, I know, but I couldn't help myself. As I mentioned above, overall, I enjoyed it. I liked the MCs, and the relationship progression had a natural pace. I would've rated higher, but two things stopped me:
1.Unnecessary subplots
2. The dreaded misunderstanding. I'm not a fan of miscommunication.
3.5 Stars
Three things attracted me to the book:
-Redhead MC
-Adorkable awkward MC
-Firefighter!
All shallow, I know, but I couldn't help myself. As I mentioned above, overall, I enjoyed it. I liked the MCs, and the relationship progression had a natural pace. I would've rated higher, but two things stopped me:
1.Unnecessary subplots
2. The dreaded misunderstanding. I'm not a fan of miscommunication.
3.5 Stars
September 17, 2019
The synopsis for Hot Potato drew me in and as I do try to read a few new authors each month, I decided to grab it for review. There was a lot I enjoyed about this story, but the drama and miscommunication between the two main characters took away from the charm and romance of this story leaving me a bit disappointed.
Avery has been out and proud since he came to Seacroft at age 15 to live with his aunt and uncle after his super religious parents kicked him out for being gay. Being a ginger, gay, and your whole story known around town, Avery hasn’t had the easiest life, but he is thankful every day for his aunt and uncle, his job, and his very own apartment he just moved into. When he accidentally sets off the smoke detectors cooking a sweet potato in his microwave, he never expects his life will be changed forever.
Despite all the rookie bs, Lincoln loves his job at a member of the Seacroft fire department and the town he now calls home. Sure his roommate and his girlfriend are a bit loud and obnoxious with their carnal activities, but overall he is adjusting to his new home. Answering a call where a ginger twink grabs his attention has Linc locking down all his urges. He isn’t out and given everything that happened in his past he’s not sure he ever will be, but he can’t stop thinking about Avery.
I adored Avery with his inability to filter what comes out of his mouth, his awkwardness, and his ability to bounce back even when he is down. There is no doubt life hasn’t dealt Avery the easiest of lives, but he is determined to help his uncle with the business, get a social life, and actually enjoy life.
Years ago Linc’s life was turned upside down by his homophobic, violent father and it has kept him away from his siblings and firmly in the closet. As the new man in the department and in town, he’s not ready to share his sexuality with anyone but soon finds it difficult to stay away from the enchanting Avery.
I really enjoyed watching these two figure out how to be together as friends until Lincoln was ready for more. The tension between them was so thick and while Avery felt it, with Linc insisting he just wanted to be friends he didn’t push it. I enjoyed the slow burn, but what I didn’t enjoy was the drama that surrounded them mostly due to Lincoln’s past, his inability to be truthful with Avery, Avery’s job situation, and the misunderstandings that seemed to come one after another. After the third or fourth time that they misconnected or misunderstood, I was kind of over it and just wanted to skip to the end. I didn’t but it was really tempting.
What could have been a meet cute, fun friends to lovers romance turned into drama central which lessened my enjoyment of this book making it a bit of a miss for me.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Avery has been out and proud since he came to Seacroft at age 15 to live with his aunt and uncle after his super religious parents kicked him out for being gay. Being a ginger, gay, and your whole story known around town, Avery hasn’t had the easiest life, but he is thankful every day for his aunt and uncle, his job, and his very own apartment he just moved into. When he accidentally sets off the smoke detectors cooking a sweet potato in his microwave, he never expects his life will be changed forever.
Despite all the rookie bs, Lincoln loves his job at a member of the Seacroft fire department and the town he now calls home. Sure his roommate and his girlfriend are a bit loud and obnoxious with their carnal activities, but overall he is adjusting to his new home. Answering a call where a ginger twink grabs his attention has Linc locking down all his urges. He isn’t out and given everything that happened in his past he’s not sure he ever will be, but he can’t stop thinking about Avery.
I adored Avery with his inability to filter what comes out of his mouth, his awkwardness, and his ability to bounce back even when he is down. There is no doubt life hasn’t dealt Avery the easiest of lives, but he is determined to help his uncle with the business, get a social life, and actually enjoy life.
Years ago Linc’s life was turned upside down by his homophobic, violent father and it has kept him away from his siblings and firmly in the closet. As the new man in the department and in town, he’s not ready to share his sexuality with anyone but soon finds it difficult to stay away from the enchanting Avery.
I really enjoyed watching these two figure out how to be together as friends until Lincoln was ready for more. The tension between them was so thick and while Avery felt it, with Linc insisting he just wanted to be friends he didn’t push it. I enjoyed the slow burn, but what I didn’t enjoy was the drama that surrounded them mostly due to Lincoln’s past, his inability to be truthful with Avery, Avery’s job situation, and the misunderstandings that seemed to come one after another. After the third or fourth time that they misconnected or misunderstood, I was kind of over it and just wanted to skip to the end. I didn’t but it was really tempting.
What could have been a meet cute, fun friends to lovers romance turned into drama central which lessened my enjoyment of this book making it a bit of a miss for me.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
May 29, 2022
I had high hopes when I started this that this would be the book that would bring me out of my grumpy reading phase, but sadly it didn't.
I loved the beginning. Avery was charming and the things he got himself into was adorable and funny at the same time. Sadly it didn't keep when Linc showed up. While I liked him well enough I found his storyline and reason to be closeted to be weak. And the way he acted because of it... let's just say he was.... rude, more than once and Avery totally didn't deserve that rudeness.
I loved the beginning. Avery was charming and the things he got himself into was adorable and funny at the same time. Sadly it didn't keep when Linc showed up. While I liked him well enough I found his storyline and reason to be closeted to be weak. And the way he acted because of it... let's just say he was.... rude, more than once and Avery totally didn't deserve that rudeness.
September 27, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
I’ve been with the Seacroft Stories series from the very beginning, and I think Hot Potato may be my favorite of the three. Even though it contains its share of angst, there is a little more humor to balance it out. From a smoking sweet potato, to the sweet dialogue between Avery and Link, the story moves along at a great pace and is smoothly written in the third person.
I quite like Avery and Linc. They definitely “meet cute” as they say. Their continued interactions are sweet, and even when there are misunderstandings, there’s still a bit of…goodness there to keep them compelling. There are a few moments in the middle that feel a little long. They’re not boring, but while I enjoy having a detailed story, there are a few scenes that have a teeny bit too much.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
I’ve been with the Seacroft Stories series from the very beginning, and I think Hot Potato may be my favorite of the three. Even though it contains its share of angst, there is a little more humor to balance it out. From a smoking sweet potato, to the sweet dialogue between Avery and Link, the story moves along at a great pace and is smoothly written in the third person.
I quite like Avery and Linc. They definitely “meet cute” as they say. Their continued interactions are sweet, and even when there are misunderstandings, there’s still a bit of…goodness there to keep them compelling. There are a few moments in the middle that feel a little long. They’re not boring, but while I enjoy having a detailed story, there are a few scenes that have a teeny bit too much.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
July 30, 2021
Just to say that if the contents were as inspiring as the blurb, I'd have rated this story 5 stars.
What a disappointment! Unfortunately, it's not given to every author to write a humorous story that wouldn't sound overdone, or below par, at some point in the development... I love the books that make me smile, and love the books that make me laugh more... but hate those that make me laugh only to make me scowl later on... like this one. Because of the ramblings and the change in the narration, I dropped it somewhat after the chapter 15 ............ like a hot potato.
Pun wholeheartedly intended, of course!
2 stars for the sake of the blurb (despite the typos) and the first chapter. It's not worth more: the narration is uneven, the characters are cliché (the hyperactive twink and the hot fireman, along with the lesbian friends #Can do better!), the length of the chapters is highly unbalanced, the development is shallow, and the humor is...................... short-lived.
What a disappointment! Unfortunately, it's not given to every author to write a humorous story that wouldn't sound overdone, or below par, at some point in the development... I love the books that make me smile, and love the books that make me laugh more... but hate those that make me laugh only to make me scowl later on... like this one. Because of the ramblings and the change in the narration, I dropped it somewhat after the chapter 15 ............ like a hot potato.
Pun wholeheartedly intended, of course!
2 stars for the sake of the blurb (despite the typos) and the first chapter. It's not worth more: the narration is uneven, the characters are cliché (the hyperactive twink and the hot fireman, along with the lesbian friends #Can do better!), the length of the chapters is highly unbalanced, the development is shallow, and the humor is...................... short-lived.
September 20, 2019
Avery is me. He's you. Avery is every single reader, having made a simple mistake that ballooned out of control, and before he knows it, a fire truck is pulling up outside his house.
The difference between us and him, of course, is that one of the firemen who shows up at Avery's door is a beautiful, sweet man who looks past his clumsy, awkward exterior, and falls for the clumsy, awkward heart and mind inside.
Allison has built a thoroughly realistic small-town community, two relatable characters, and a romance between them that makes you want them to succeed, even when they're doing and saying the exact wrong things.
The difference between us and him, of course, is that one of the firemen who shows up at Avery's door is a beautiful, sweet man who looks past his clumsy, awkward exterior, and falls for the clumsy, awkward heart and mind inside.
Allison has built a thoroughly realistic small-town community, two relatable characters, and a romance between them that makes you want them to succeed, even when they're doing and saying the exact wrong things.
September 18, 2019
wow this was something.. it was amazing and heartfelt.. it was real and raw.. the emotions and personalities were on point.. i loved it so much. it made me smile and feel with them. loved it
September 18, 2020
I read all three books in this series in quick succession and feel like they were similar to . . . energy bars. Not popcorn or sugary treats that are good but leave you wanting more a moment later, but not quite a full meal, either. They were surprisingly deep, connected well, and satisfying.
December 6, 2019
This book was a delight. I loved loved both men. Loved the awkward. You already know I’m a sucker for the nerdy men. I’ll tell anyone who will listen that they are the best partners. And this story was everything I love about them. Two men with crappy family situations finding each other in a crazy happy stance.
The writing was on point, the side characters were great. This story had me swooning, had me hawt and had me laughing out loud. This book is part of a series and a past character does show his face, but that doesn’t take away from this story from being a standalone.
The writing was on point, the side characters were great. This story had me swooning, had me hawt and had me laughing out loud. This book is part of a series and a past character does show his face, but that doesn’t take away from this story from being a standalone.
September 16, 2019
Sweet Love!
Avery, fairly young, just left his Aunt and Uncle’s house to live on his own. People do not take him seriously, maybe because he looks young and he is a little clumsy. Although it belies how good he is at numbers.
Lincoln, now a firefighter and just started with a new firehouse. But he is keeping some secrets, some personal stuff that he is quite adamant on keeping. Answering to a call for a small fire emergency brought him face to face with someone might be attracted to, which he cannot allow.
Small town, not many places to go to and not too many people their age to meet. But sometimes homophobes are running rampant as well, not probably a lot, but still. Also in small towns, not a lot of places to hang out in so instead people are occupied with online gaming.
Acquaintances who became friends, and slowly developing into more. A sweet burgeoning relationship between two good people who have their individual issues to get through but somehow begin seeing each other in a new way. Having something similar happening to them when they were younger sort of banded these two characters.
Would they be brave enough to weather the opinions of others? Be strong enough to be who they truly are and be happy with it? And will they overcome their insecurities enough so that they can have a real relationship.
A tale of first time boyfriends, first relationships, never having experienced a full relationship before. Sweetness and awkwardness abound, but that’s what make this tale so adorable. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Avery, fairly young, just left his Aunt and Uncle’s house to live on his own. People do not take him seriously, maybe because he looks young and he is a little clumsy. Although it belies how good he is at numbers.
Lincoln, now a firefighter and just started with a new firehouse. But he is keeping some secrets, some personal stuff that he is quite adamant on keeping. Answering to a call for a small fire emergency brought him face to face with someone might be attracted to, which he cannot allow.
Small town, not many places to go to and not too many people their age to meet. But sometimes homophobes are running rampant as well, not probably a lot, but still. Also in small towns, not a lot of places to hang out in so instead people are occupied with online gaming.
Acquaintances who became friends, and slowly developing into more. A sweet burgeoning relationship between two good people who have their individual issues to get through but somehow begin seeing each other in a new way. Having something similar happening to them when they were younger sort of banded these two characters.
Would they be brave enough to weather the opinions of others? Be strong enough to be who they truly are and be happy with it? And will they overcome their insecurities enough so that they can have a real relationship.
A tale of first time boyfriends, first relationships, never having experienced a full relationship before. Sweetness and awkwardness abound, but that’s what make this tale so adorable. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 20, 2019
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the third book in the series, and if you have read book 2 you will remember Avery well from his lessons in creating healthy juices with Oliver! I was glad that he got to have his own story, as he was pretty crushed by the experience, poor man.
He has finally managed to move out of his super-supportive uncle and aunt's house, and immediately manages to overcook a sweet potato to the extent that the fire service pay him a visit. Thus he meets new recruit Leo, and the rest is history ... well, obviously not, as never is anything quite that simple. And as we know Avery has a tendency to be super keen, but the mysterious Leo is definitely much, much less open and eager. He gets that there is chemistry between them, but he has far too much baggage to dare to hope in a good outcome.
As the two men spend more time together, and we get some insight into their painful pasts, and hard fought wins, it is impossible not to want them to work it out. Amongst the angst, are some lovely moments of humour and of reconciliation which give them both better understanding of themselves and each other and can only lead to good things.
Little would one expect that an accountant and a firefighter to find much in common, but Allison Temple gives us every reason to hope.
This is the third book in the series, and if you have read book 2 you will remember Avery well from his lessons in creating healthy juices with Oliver! I was glad that he got to have his own story, as he was pretty crushed by the experience, poor man.
He has finally managed to move out of his super-supportive uncle and aunt's house, and immediately manages to overcook a sweet potato to the extent that the fire service pay him a visit. Thus he meets new recruit Leo, and the rest is history ... well, obviously not, as never is anything quite that simple. And as we know Avery has a tendency to be super keen, but the mysterious Leo is definitely much, much less open and eager. He gets that there is chemistry between them, but he has far too much baggage to dare to hope in a good outcome.
As the two men spend more time together, and we get some insight into their painful pasts, and hard fought wins, it is impossible not to want them to work it out. Amongst the angst, are some lovely moments of humour and of reconciliation which give them both better understanding of themselves and each other and can only lead to good things.
Little would one expect that an accountant and a firefighter to find much in common, but Allison Temple gives us every reason to hope.
September 22, 2019
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is a sweet and gentle story about two men finding each other and growing into themselves. Firefighter Linc first meets Avery when he’s called out to a fire in Avery’s kitchen. With Linc firmly closeted and Avery plagued by insecurities, their connection is slow and awkward at first but ultimately the two men make each other stronger and help each other grow.
I didn’t recognise Avery from Cold Pressed until Linc made a comment about the strange juice in his fridge. Avery certainly seems like more of an adult in this book - but his adulting is pretty slow and at the start he’s still quite dependent and insecure. The timid hot mess we meet at the start didn’t do much for me, but I love the growth we see in Avery and I love the backbone he finally develops. Linc is much more likeable at the start of the book - it’s only when we get to know him that we realise he’s even messier and less confident than Avery. Like Avery, this is the story of Linc growing into himself and coming to terms with his past.
I enjoyed the community around Avery and Linc as much as I did the two main characters. Linc’s co-workers and his and Avery’s families are complicated and likeable and I really enjoyed the way Avery and Linc grow into their relationships with the people around them.
This is a fairly slow read but I came to love both Avery and Linc and I really enjoyed their story.
This is a sweet and gentle story about two men finding each other and growing into themselves. Firefighter Linc first meets Avery when he’s called out to a fire in Avery’s kitchen. With Linc firmly closeted and Avery plagued by insecurities, their connection is slow and awkward at first but ultimately the two men make each other stronger and help each other grow.
I didn’t recognise Avery from Cold Pressed until Linc made a comment about the strange juice in his fridge. Avery certainly seems like more of an adult in this book - but his adulting is pretty slow and at the start he’s still quite dependent and insecure. The timid hot mess we meet at the start didn’t do much for me, but I love the growth we see in Avery and I love the backbone he finally develops. Linc is much more likeable at the start of the book - it’s only when we get to know him that we realise he’s even messier and less confident than Avery. Like Avery, this is the story of Linc growing into himself and coming to terms with his past.
I enjoyed the community around Avery and Linc as much as I did the two main characters. Linc’s co-workers and his and Avery’s families are complicated and likeable and I really enjoyed the way Avery and Linc grow into their relationships with the people around them.
This is a fairly slow read but I came to love both Avery and Linc and I really enjoyed their story.
September 29, 2019
9.29 reread - Having read all three now, I can honestly say this is my favorite. I still love Avery and of course, him and Linc together.
Original review - Thanks to the publisher and author via A Novel Take for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first read in the Seacroft series, but the story stood on its own. There was one scene with Oliver, a previous MC, but there was enough backstory supplied for it to make sense.
I loved Avery and Linc and their meet-cute over the sweet potato on fire was really adorable. They both had backstories with their parents that were difficult, but helped them connect. I liked how awkward Avery was. There were aspects of Avery I could identify with, and it was fun to read about him. Linc was cool under pressure and was a good foil for him.
The side characters were also well-developed, enjoyable, and filled out the story well. My favorite was Linc's coworker Vasquez.
There was one storyline with a homophobic side character that I thought would come back around, but never did. The story went in a different direction, which surprised me, but was ultimately for the better.
Original review - Thanks to the publisher and author via A Novel Take for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first read in the Seacroft series, but the story stood on its own. There was one scene with Oliver, a previous MC, but there was enough backstory supplied for it to make sense.
I loved Avery and Linc and their meet-cute over the sweet potato on fire was really adorable. They both had backstories with their parents that were difficult, but helped them connect. I liked how awkward Avery was. There were aspects of Avery I could identify with, and it was fun to read about him. Linc was cool under pressure and was a good foil for him.
The side characters were also well-developed, enjoyable, and filled out the story well. My favorite was Linc's coworker Vasquez.
There was one storyline with a homophobic side character that I thought would come back around, but never did. The story went in a different direction, which surprised me, but was ultimately for the better.
September 21, 2019
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
I liked a lot of things about this story. I liked Linc and his friends and colleagues at the fire station. I liked the way Linc wanted to take care of Avery. I liked the small town setting and seeing the two men mature and deal with their family issues.
What I loved about Hot Potato was Avery. For me he stole the show (or book in this case). I loved his mishaps, his run- on sentences, his bravery at dealing with difficult events and choices in his life. It was a pleasure to spend time with Avery and follow his journey to love with Linc.
I look my time reading this book and really soaked it in. It was great. This is the story from Seacroft for now but I hope the author goes back there about because I’d love to spend some more time with Avery and Linc, even if it is just a little novella, so we can be more of a peak into their future. 4 happy stars from me.
I liked a lot of things about this story. I liked Linc and his friends and colleagues at the fire station. I liked the way Linc wanted to take care of Avery. I liked the small town setting and seeing the two men mature and deal with their family issues.
What I loved about Hot Potato was Avery. For me he stole the show (or book in this case). I loved his mishaps, his run- on sentences, his bravery at dealing with difficult events and choices in his life. It was a pleasure to spend time with Avery and follow his journey to love with Linc.
I look my time reading this book and really soaked it in. It was great. This is the story from Seacroft for now but I hope the author goes back there about because I’d love to spend some more time with Avery and Linc, even if it is just a little novella, so we can be more of a peak into their future. 4 happy stars from me.
August 22, 2019
This must've been exactly what I was in the mood to read because I opened it up, started reading, and never wanted to put it down. And all of that has to do with the cutest cinnamon roll character ever, Avery, who's the most adorable thing since bunnies. I adored everything about him.
There were times I felt disconnected from his love interest, Lincoln, but he and Avery were a good fit together, and I enjoyed their friends to lovers romance.
Three, possibly four, subplots remained unresolved by the end of the novel , which did leave me with some questions when I finished, but overall? Incredibly well-written and it brings out all the feels. I laughed out loud, I cried on public transit, and I wanted to hug Avery and give him a comforting pat on the head throughout the entire thing. Highly enjoyable and recommended.
*ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services*
There were times I felt disconnected from his love interest, Lincoln, but he and Avery were a good fit together, and I enjoyed their friends to lovers romance.
Three, possibly four, subplots remained unresolved by the end of the novel , which did leave me with some questions when I finished, but overall? Incredibly well-written and it brings out all the feels. I laughed out loud, I cried on public transit, and I wanted to hug Avery and give him a comforting pat on the head throughout the entire thing. Highly enjoyable and recommended.
*ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services*
August 16, 2019
While there were several subplots in the book left open, the book is a good read. When the book opens, you meet Avery, who is on his own for the first time in his twenty-six years. When he tries to cook dinner, his sweet potato sets off the fire alarm which brings the fire department to his door. The way the story develops feels natural, and the way Avery and Linc's relationship develops over time with the start of their friendship, which leads to something more, is wonderful. But there are several subplots including Linc's roommate's friend, Derek, his father, and the outcome of Avery's Uncle Theo's business that are left hanging with no true resolution. Also, the decision for Avery and Linc to move to Atlanta, when the book is obviously set in Seacroft, left me confused. The relationship is great, but the filler is a bit unnecessary. Other than that, a good read with wonderfully unique characters!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2019
The first two books in this series are incredible in their own right, but Hot Potato is beyond amazing. Lincoln and Avery are the sweetest, most endearing characters and I'm absolutely in love with them.
Avery is a cute,adorable,walking disaster. He's also funny and kind hearted, so it's no surprise that Lincoln can't get enough of him:
"𝑯𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑳𝒊𝒏𝒄 𝒉𝒂𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓. 𝑯𝒂𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒎𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒇𝒐𝒓."
Two men with difficult pasts meet and their souls see their loneliness reflected in each other's eyes. And their story made me laugh out loud,while feeling deeply for their troubles. Kudos to Allison Temple for managing that. Because,really, I went from snickering to fanning myself,to being on the brink of tears...and the circle repeated itself.
Great job at writing characters, main and secondary ones, heart warming romance, laughter, sadness, love...
...just brilliant. I can't recommend Hot Potato enough.
Avery is a cute,adorable,walking disaster. He's also funny and kind hearted, so it's no surprise that Lincoln can't get enough of him:
"𝑯𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑳𝒊𝒏𝒄 𝒉𝒂𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓. 𝑯𝒂𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒎𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒇𝒐𝒓."
Two men with difficult pasts meet and their souls see their loneliness reflected in each other's eyes. And their story made me laugh out loud,while feeling deeply for their troubles. Kudos to Allison Temple for managing that. Because,really, I went from snickering to fanning myself,to being on the brink of tears...and the circle repeated itself.
Great job at writing characters, main and secondary ones, heart warming romance, laughter, sadness, love...
...just brilliant. I can't recommend Hot Potato enough.
September 2, 2019
After finishing this my first thought was - how is it that this my first book by this author??
I frickin loved Avery and Linc. I loved the shy and quirky Avery. I found him to be adorable and I could see why Linc found him irresistible. Linc on the other hand took a bit longer to love. He slowly grow on me. Once i found out why he was scared to come out it all made perfect sense. Together they were the cutest and I was really hoping that life would give them a break so that they both could FINALLY feel happiness. It took them a while but when they were finally free of the past - life seemed almost perfect.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
I frickin loved Avery and Linc. I loved the shy and quirky Avery. I found him to be adorable and I could see why Linc found him irresistible. Linc on the other hand took a bit longer to love. He slowly grow on me. Once i found out why he was scared to come out it all made perfect sense. Together they were the cutest and I was really hoping that life would give them a break so that they both could FINALLY feel happiness. It took them a while but when they were finally free of the past - life seemed almost perfect.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
March 21, 2021
Avery and Lincoln had some difficult experiences with family in the past. They had a lot to work through in order to find happiness within themselves and to find and work for true love. They were sweet together. Even though he was trying not to be out, Lincoln really couldn’t stay away from Avery. He was captivated right from the beginning. There were some angsts situations that I was expecting to get heavier, but luckily they weren’t too bad. This was sweet and I liked reading about them.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
September 2, 2019
I love love love Allison Temple and this series! This was my favorite installment and I'm so bummed that we won't get anymore anytime soon.
The combination of a charmingly awkward MC and hottie fire fighter MC were fabulous. All of the characters in this one were so wonderful and I wanted more of everyone.
There was a secondary plot hiccup that could have easily been resolved, but other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed this.
4.5 stars
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review
The combination of a charmingly awkward MC and hottie fire fighter MC were fabulous. All of the characters in this one were so wonderful and I wanted more of everyone.
There was a secondary plot hiccup that could have easily been resolved, but other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed this.
4.5 stars
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review
September 26, 2019
loooved the characters in this book. supercute story too :)
September 20, 2021
Interesting
You know when you read a book and you go “WHAT THE” but you still read it anyways, well this was that book. Sometimes you felt like you were getting a lecture, sometimes they drove somewhere and walked home never mentioning the car, sometimes there were flatmates then they just disappeared, or the video game situation? One MC had been running for years then everything is okay and you wonder why he was running. Aunt Brenda and Wanda were solid throughout the whole book and Uncle Theo was stubborn. There was no real connection between Linc and Red, it was like it was just going to happen but they were really good together 👍 positive. Glad I did not read the first two books, but Oliver did spike my interest.
You know when you read a book and you go “WHAT THE” but you still read it anyways, well this was that book. Sometimes you felt like you were getting a lecture, sometimes they drove somewhere and walked home never mentioning the car, sometimes there were flatmates then they just disappeared, or the video game situation? One MC had been running for years then everything is okay and you wonder why he was running. Aunt Brenda and Wanda were solid throughout the whole book and Uncle Theo was stubborn. There was no real connection between Linc and Red, it was like it was just going to happen but they were really good together 👍 positive. Glad I did not read the first two books, but Oliver did spike my interest.
June 24, 2023
4.5 Stars
The third book in the Seacroft series features adorable, awkward accountant Avery. There is a fun meet cute - Avery sets off his fire alarm while microwaving a sweet potato. Fireman Linc and his crew show up. Although Linc is attracted he is deeply in the closet. Avery is such a easy character to like. He has a sweet, fun personality despite a pretty horrible earlier life. Linc's past was even more traumatic than Avery's. Unlike Avery he kind of camped out in his misery and ignored his issues as much as possible. Even though Linc remains in the closet he and Avery start a friendship that eventually grows into more. Despite a few issues caused by miscommunication this is a sweet friends to lovers romance. I recommend it to anyone who likes spicy contemporary MM romance.
The third book in the Seacroft series features adorable, awkward accountant Avery. There is a fun meet cute - Avery sets off his fire alarm while microwaving a sweet potato. Fireman Linc and his crew show up. Although Linc is attracted he is deeply in the closet. Avery is such a easy character to like. He has a sweet, fun personality despite a pretty horrible earlier life. Linc's past was even more traumatic than Avery's. Unlike Avery he kind of camped out in his misery and ignored his issues as much as possible. Even though Linc remains in the closet he and Avery start a friendship that eventually grows into more. Despite a few issues caused by miscommunication this is a sweet friends to lovers romance. I recommend it to anyone who likes spicy contemporary MM romance.
July 9, 2022
Normally, even if I’m not totally engrossed in a book I can still hold my attention to it pretty well and enjoy it. But dang, this book just so painful to read through.
I disliked the writing style, the weird internal struggles that didn’t always make sense, the odd pacing, the jumping back and forth between POV without actually having specific POV between then MCs, and I really didn’t feel any chemistry between these two.
The premise here was great and if it had been executed well it would have been a total hit. This series isn’t for me.
I disliked the writing style, the weird internal struggles that didn’t always make sense, the odd pacing, the jumping back and forth between POV without actually having specific POV between then MCs, and I really didn’t feel any chemistry between these two.
The premise here was great and if it had been executed well it would have been a total hit. This series isn’t for me.
October 8, 2021
I bought this during a Covid lockdown where I needed a sweet escape and that's what I got. I just loved Avery. He was such a sweet potato! And all that wild red hair and energy that bounced everywhere. Happy to spend time with him. Linc was more complex and less likeable, though I did feel for him, he did have an art of letting people down. (I still feel he owes Mickey something) In the end they make it and I'm happy for them, but Avery was the sweet spot for me.
March 23, 2020
I really like Temple’s book Work-Love Balance and decided to give this one go. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this book as much. The book just didn’t flow as effortlessly for me, but I look forward to reading more of her work.
October 28, 2021
It was….ok…written well…if verbal is your thing you’ll love it. For me, the ‘great miscommunication’ just annoyed. Ending felt a little rushed, couple of loose ends I would like to have had tidied up. But, overall, was an ok read.
August 28, 2022
I had to skip a few pages because it was so embarrassing (the Oliver bit) and the third act break up was really daft.
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