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Table for Two #1
The Last Drop
Three restaurants, three flops. Chef Gregory Valteau doesn’t want to believe it’s a sign, but his culinary future in New Orleans looks bleak. Until he meets a handsome hipster with all the right moves, behind the bar and in bed. Gone the next morning, the sexy bartender leaves Greg inspired and wanting more—of him and his creative cocktails.
Anthony Monaco has spent five years on the go, but a steamy NOLA night with a sexy chef has Tony aching for a return trip to the Big Easy. When Greg offers him the chance to help launch a new gastropub, Tony can’t turn it down. But six weeks is all he’s willing to commit. Any longer and he might not be able to leave, especially working beside temptation-in-a-chef’s-coat every day.
As Dram prepares to open and the chemistry between them boils over, Tony’s fears come true, his heart whispering stay while his brain shouts go. Greg can’t abide by the latter; he wants Tony in his life and behind their bar. He’s the one, but to keep him, Greg will have to convince Tony he can show him the world without leaving the one they’ve built together.
The Last Drop was originally published in the Heart2Heart Anthology and has been significantly expanded with new content. It is a stand-alone foodie romance novella featuring lovable main characters and all the tasty food, cocktails, and romance you could want in a short and sweet, low-angst read.
Anthony Monaco has spent five years on the go, but a steamy NOLA night with a sexy chef has Tony aching for a return trip to the Big Easy. When Greg offers him the chance to help launch a new gastropub, Tony can’t turn it down. But six weeks is all he’s willing to commit. Any longer and he might not be able to leave, especially working beside temptation-in-a-chef’s-coat every day.
As Dram prepares to open and the chemistry between them boils over, Tony’s fears come true, his heart whispering stay while his brain shouts go. Greg can’t abide by the latter; he wants Tony in his life and behind their bar. He’s the one, but to keep him, Greg will have to convince Tony he can show him the world without leaving the one they’ve built together.
The Last Drop was originally published in the Heart2Heart Anthology and has been significantly expanded with new content. It is a stand-alone foodie romance novella featuring lovable main characters and all the tasty food, cocktails, and romance you could want in a short and sweet, low-angst read.
108 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2019
37 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
About the author
Layla Reyne
61 books1,043 followersLayla Reyne is the author of What We May Be and the Agents Irish and Whiskey, Fog City, and Perfect Play series. She writes sexy, intense LGBTQIA+ romance featuring competent adults in kitchens, sports arenas, car chases, and other high-stakes situations. Whether it’s adrenaline-fueled suspense, rival athletes, vampires and shifters in alt-realms, or love mixed with mouth-watering foodie goodness, queer folks finding happily-ever-afters is guaranteed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
July 3, 2020
***4 Stars***
This was a great, quick read! Layla Reyne was able to create a well rounded story in about 100 pages, and she proved again why she’s an autobuy author for me.
All the food descriptions made me hungry...and everything else made me all kinds of thirsty...
Greg rubbed his hands together, ready to put them back to work. Ready to build something new, to take another shot at his dream, and to get back the man he needed to help make it happen.
This was a great, quick read! Layla Reyne was able to create a well rounded story in about 100 pages, and she proved again why she’s an autobuy author for me.
All the food descriptions made me hungry...and everything else made me all kinds of thirsty...
"Some things, some people, are worth a return visit."
January 11, 2023
I read this when it was part of the Heart2Heart charity anthology and thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it.
Now released in its own right, it's had a significant increase into a much longer novella.
It has Layla's love of gastronomy mixed in with a delightful romance that centres its narrative tension on two men taking a chance on making a different decision than their normal ones
It's a sort of spin-off from Dine With Me, Greg is Miller's best friend, and it gets bonus points for the brilliant drinks recipes 😁
Now released in its own right, it's had a significant increase into a much longer novella.
It has Layla's love of gastronomy mixed in with a delightful romance that centres its narrative tension on two men taking a chance on making a different decision than their normal ones
It's a sort of spin-off from Dine With Me, Greg is Miller's best friend, and it gets bonus points for the brilliant drinks recipes 😁
December 26, 2022
I know I read this one ages ago but my review was lost in one of Goodreads' many and unnecessary purging of any books that are free. Very weird policy. ANYWAY, I enjoyed this one, thought it was a solid, fun, and smutty short, with some lovely food & drink descriptions.
July 29, 2025
The Last Drop by Layla Reyne
Table for Two series #1. M-M romance novella.
Chef Gregory Valteau isn’t feeling good about his chances of keeping a restaurant alive in New Orleans after his third one closes. That night he meets a sexy bartender with all the right moves behind the bar and in bed. But he’s gone the next morning. When he finds the perfect space for a new restaurant with living quarters above it, he knows he needs to find Tony Monaco to be his beverage manager. He puts advertisements in papers all over the states to try to find him. Greg knows that Tony will make the new place unique and a destination for customers.
Tony Monaco has a rule: never go back to the same city to work or live. He’s surprised by Greg trying to find him but they clearly made a connection. He’ll commit to six weeks to get the bar set up and running but can’t commit to more. It’s not in his nature to stay.
Can Greg convince Tony to stay?
Quick and deep connections that requires Tony to rethink his life and do some self analysis, aka, allow his heart to accept love though he doesn’t know that up front.
It’s sexy and steamy. It’s lovely how family encourages more. It’s so satisfying that Greg is able to give Tony what he needs.
Table for Two series #1. M-M romance novella.
Chef Gregory Valteau isn’t feeling good about his chances of keeping a restaurant alive in New Orleans after his third one closes. That night he meets a sexy bartender with all the right moves behind the bar and in bed. But he’s gone the next morning. When he finds the perfect space for a new restaurant with living quarters above it, he knows he needs to find Tony Monaco to be his beverage manager. He puts advertisements in papers all over the states to try to find him. Greg knows that Tony will make the new place unique and a destination for customers.
Tony Monaco has a rule: never go back to the same city to work or live. He’s surprised by Greg trying to find him but they clearly made a connection. He’ll commit to six weeks to get the bar set up and running but can’t commit to more. It’s not in his nature to stay.
Can Greg convince Tony to stay?
Quick and deep connections that requires Tony to rethink his life and do some self analysis, aka, allow his heart to accept love though he doesn’t know that up front.
It’s sexy and steamy. It’s lovely how family encourages more. It’s so satisfying that Greg is able to give Tony what he needs.
January 22, 2023
3 ½ stars. Short and sweet.
July 8, 2020
This was a short quick read that I wanted more of. Chef Gregory Valteau is having a bad day his third restaurant has just went belly up. While out at a bar he meets a hipster bartender Anthony Monaco they hook up and Tony leaves the next morning which inspires Greg to try again. This was a good short read both of these guys are out and sexy and had some hot chemistry. Tony who doesn't do relationships and doesn't stay in one place to long as they work to open the new restaurant they begin falling in love. This was my first time reading this author this book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling.
April 24, 2025
Re-Read: Apr 2025
Original Read: Feb 2023
I loved this! I felt it was the prefect length for the premise and the characters and their romance were great, but it fell just a bit short of having that wow factor which I need for 5 star reads (which is normal for the majority of novellas I read). But this was still really well done!
I loved the chemistry between the MCs and how the authors made it clear that these two guys clicked immediately. Tony and Greg weren't just sexually compatible but they had a lot in common and their one night stand emphasized how well they fit together. The great connection they created during that one night also meant that when they met up again months later and agreed to work together as just friends, there was already a level of comfort between them. Combining that comfort level with their strong emotional connection and the smoking hot UST between them meant all of their scenes were full of delicious pining. In addition, I love casual physical affection between MCs and this book had TONS of it. These two guys couldn't keep their hands off each other so after promising to keep things platonic, they got their fill of touching each other any way they could. It was hot and also adorable!
Also - the sexy times were SMOKING HOT!! There are some authors who write sex scenes exactly the way I like and this author is one of them. But speaking of the sex scenes, I loved that the author found the perfect balance between the smuttiness versus the plot in this short novella. There are two smoking hot sex scenes and the rest of the story is relationship development but it's absolutely filled with UST, fantasies and other sexy details that kept the entire story sizzling.
As far as the food is concerned - I'm really impressed with how much research the author did to accurately portray Greg's talents as a chef and Tony's talents as a bartender. To be honest, I have no idea what 99% of the dishes or drinks were but that's okay. The delicious descriptions of the food and drinks added to the sensual nature of Tony and Greg's relationship, making the whole story feel like a feast for the senses.
Original Read: Feb 2023
I loved this! I felt it was the prefect length for the premise and the characters and their romance were great, but it fell just a bit short of having that wow factor which I need for 5 star reads (which is normal for the majority of novellas I read). But this was still really well done!
I loved the chemistry between the MCs and how the authors made it clear that these two guys clicked immediately. Tony and Greg weren't just sexually compatible but they had a lot in common and their one night stand emphasized how well they fit together. The great connection they created during that one night also meant that when they met up again months later and agreed to work together as just friends, there was already a level of comfort between them. Combining that comfort level with their strong emotional connection and the smoking hot UST between them meant all of their scenes were full of delicious pining. In addition, I love casual physical affection between MCs and this book had TONS of it. These two guys couldn't keep their hands off each other so after promising to keep things platonic, they got their fill of touching each other any way they could. It was hot and also adorable!
Also - the sexy times were SMOKING HOT!! There are some authors who write sex scenes exactly the way I like and this author is one of them. But speaking of the sex scenes, I loved that the author found the perfect balance between the smuttiness versus the plot in this short novella. There are two smoking hot sex scenes and the rest of the story is relationship development but it's absolutely filled with UST, fantasies and other sexy details that kept the entire story sizzling.
As far as the food is concerned - I'm really impressed with how much research the author did to accurately portray Greg's talents as a chef and Tony's talents as a bartender. To be honest, I have no idea what 99% of the dishes or drinks were but that's okay. The delicious descriptions of the food and drinks added to the sensual nature of Tony and Greg's relationship, making the whole story feel like a feast for the senses.
May 5, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
This is an excellent novella! I enjoyed it from beginning to end. It was sweet and sexy (very, very sexy) with two lovable MCs with chemistry to spare. I liked the story as a whole as well. I’m really into romances that take place in and around restaurants, so this was perfect for me.
Greg and Tony were both great characters. Neither was a “bad guy” who needs to be redeemed. They were just two nice men at a crossroads in their lives. Their flirting was charming, and I really liked how it all revolved around food and drink. It was quite the sensuous conversation. Also, Greg and Tony are very forward with each other. They both know this is a one night hookup and nothing more. However, it becomes obvious they realize they would be great together.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
This is an excellent novella! I enjoyed it from beginning to end. It was sweet and sexy (very, very sexy) with two lovable MCs with chemistry to spare. I liked the story as a whole as well. I’m really into romances that take place in and around restaurants, so this was perfect for me.
Greg and Tony were both great characters. Neither was a “bad guy” who needs to be redeemed. They were just two nice men at a crossroads in their lives. Their flirting was charming, and I really liked how it all revolved around food and drink. It was quite the sensuous conversation. Also, Greg and Tony are very forward with each other. They both know this is a one night hookup and nothing more. However, it becomes obvious they realize they would be great together.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
January 8, 2023
3.5 🥃
J'avais lu la 1ère version de cette nouvelle dans le recueil Heart2heart, mais je n'en avais gardé qu'un souvenir très lointain. Voilà donc la version étendue, et au vu de mon avis de l'époque, j'ai aimé les mêmes choses, à savoir l'alliance des plats et cocktails si bien décrite par l'autrice, de quoi vous mettre l'eau à la bouche durant de nombreuses pages ! Il y a même un tout petit clin d'oeil à la brasserie de Cam & Nic, ça m'a fait sourire.
On est vraiment dans la sensualité (comprenez l'éveil des sens au sens large), les saveurs et les odeurs sont au centre du récit, ça donne vraiment très envie d'aller faire un tour au Dram pour déguster les cocktails de Manhattan, en solo, ou accompagnés des plats de New Orleans.
La romance est elle assez courte, leur première nuit est électrisante, Layla Reyne est douée pour écrire des scènes très sensuelles, on sent une connexion immédiate entre les deux hommes, alors qu'ils ne se connaissent pas.
Une nouvelle très agréable à lire donc, servie par la jolie plume de Layla Reyne.
J'avais lu la 1ère version de cette nouvelle dans le recueil Heart2heart, mais je n'en avais gardé qu'un souvenir très lointain. Voilà donc la version étendue, et au vu de mon avis de l'époque, j'ai aimé les mêmes choses, à savoir l'alliance des plats et cocktails si bien décrite par l'autrice, de quoi vous mettre l'eau à la bouche durant de nombreuses pages ! Il y a même un tout petit clin d'oeil à la brasserie de Cam & Nic, ça m'a fait sourire.
On est vraiment dans la sensualité (comprenez l'éveil des sens au sens large), les saveurs et les odeurs sont au centre du récit, ça donne vraiment très envie d'aller faire un tour au Dram pour déguster les cocktails de Manhattan, en solo, ou accompagnés des plats de New Orleans.
La romance est elle assez courte, leur première nuit est électrisante, Layla Reyne est douée pour écrire des scènes très sensuelles, on sent une connexion immédiate entre les deux hommes, alors qu'ils ne se connaissent pas.
Une nouvelle très agréable à lire donc, servie par la jolie plume de Layla Reyne.
May 6, 2020
Chef romances just work on me in a different way. This could have used a TEENSY bit more actual relationship development, but novella. I'm very curious what this looked like in anthology form if this was the expanded version. The food/alcohol descriptions, man. I WANT TO GO TO A RESTAURANT SO BAD.
July 30, 2023
A fun, quick novella that will make you crave a trip to New Orleans to visit Dram and have all the food and drinks that Tony and Greg serve there!
January 16, 2023
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I started reading this because I wanted to get caught before the next book, Blue Plate Special is released. And damn, it seemed so familiar…until I finally realized I had in fact already read it. Probably in the Heart2Heart Anthology, it was originally in, that I later noticed in the blurb. LOL But I also remembered liking it a lot, so decided to give it a re-read.
And I really liked it the second time around too! It’s an interesting premise with two really intriguing guys.
Tony is a mixologist working in NOLA, the kind who doesn’t stick around all that long. A bit of a nomad who’s enjoying the freedom of not being settled. He meets Greg on his last night in town when Greg wandered into his bar to drink to the closing of his third restaurant.
It was one night, that neither can forget. But it also inspired a new restaurant for Greg, but the only way it’ll be complete is with Tony.
First, he needs to track him down. Then he needs to convince him he can still have the world right there.
I have thought of this story over the year(s) since I read it, so I’m glad to have had the chance to revisit these lovely guys. It’s a novella, so it’s a relatively quick read, but long enough to feel invested in their future.
I started reading this because I wanted to get caught before the next book, Blue Plate Special is released. And damn, it seemed so familiar…until I finally realized I had in fact already read it. Probably in the Heart2Heart Anthology, it was originally in, that I later noticed in the blurb. LOL But I also remembered liking it a lot, so decided to give it a re-read.
And I really liked it the second time around too! It’s an interesting premise with two really intriguing guys.
Tony is a mixologist working in NOLA, the kind who doesn’t stick around all that long. A bit of a nomad who’s enjoying the freedom of not being settled. He meets Greg on his last night in town when Greg wandered into his bar to drink to the closing of his third restaurant.
It was one night, that neither can forget. But it also inspired a new restaurant for Greg, but the only way it’ll be complete is with Tony.
First, he needs to track him down. Then he needs to convince him he can still have the world right there.
I have thought of this story over the year(s) since I read it, so I’m glad to have had the chance to revisit these lovely guys. It’s a novella, so it’s a relatively quick read, but long enough to feel invested in their future.
January 7, 2023
This was a quick read that kept me company during me helping someone move house (there was a bit of waiting).
When a chef meets a hipster bartender in New Orleans he didn’t figure he’d be infatuated and unable to forget him. When he puts an ad out 9 months later his hipster bartender returned to help him develop his drinks menu for his new restaurant bar. The catch is they have to keep it professional.
Fun, a little steamy, with some fun banter, and a HEA that made this a good novella to pass the time.
When a chef meets a hipster bartender in New Orleans he didn’t figure he’d be infatuated and unable to forget him. When he puts an ad out 9 months later his hipster bartender returned to help him develop his drinks menu for his new restaurant bar. The catch is they have to keep it professional.
Fun, a little steamy, with some fun banter, and a HEA that made this a good novella to pass the time.
October 21, 2025
"The Last Drop" is book one in a "Table for Two" series by Layla Reyne. This was a short story and written very well. I enjoyed the scene where Tony was on the phone with his sister, and she questioned him about being in Texas. His little niece was in the background and yelling at her mom for swearing. I also liked it when Greg made Tony a special dinner, and it clicked for Tony the meaning behind it. I can't wait to continue reading in this series. I hope the other books in this series have Tony and Greg in them because I enjoyed their characters.
February 6, 2024
I think Tony didn’t realize how people really cared from his sister down to his bosses who showed him the ad. Grey has a lot of faith without a lot to back it up. But it pays off well for both of them. This is a story of finding and excepting love. I also think I would love to be able to visit Dram. #CMCon24
June 15, 2020
This book was absolutely adorable, sweet, sexy, low angst and such a feel good hea for both Greg, New Orleans Chef, and hipster Tony, a mixologist from Manhatten. Greg is settled in his home of New Orleans and Tony just never stays anywhere very long. The last chapter was just the sweetest thing. I would recommend reading this prior to Dine With Me, however, I didn't but did not find it a problem.
November 24, 2025
These two made me smile like an idiot! Tony has spent years moving. Never settling. But if there’s anyone who could get him to stay in one place, it’s Greg. Greg is trying not to give up, but maybe it’s time for him to give up and lick his wounds somewhere else. And then the perfect opportunity arises, and there’s only one person he wants by his side through this new venture. Greg waits months, and when he’s ready to tuck his tail between his legs and give up on ever seeing Tony again, he walks through the door. Even though it’s not exactly what Tony wants, he makes sure Greg understands this needs to stay professional. The only promise Greg can make? He won’t make the first move. Greg and Tony worked perfectly in the kitchen together. Flawlessly pairing flavors. Everything about them was perfectly paired. And they knew it, they just needed to find the right time.
My Favorite Quotes:
• “You coming with me?” “Oh, baby, more than once if I have anything to say about it.”
• “I promise I won’t make the first move.”
• “Fucking hell, just kiss me already.”
• “I can show you the world from right here.”
• “I love you. You okay with that?”
• “Thank you for giving me the world.”
7/10 Dirty Birdy
7/10 Forced Proximity
8/10 Second Chance
7/10 Workplace Romance
8/10 Series
This is my review for Blue Plate Special
This is my review for Over a Barrel
This is my review for The Sweet Spot
My Favorite Quotes:
• “You coming with me?” “Oh, baby, more than once if I have anything to say about it.”
• “I promise I won’t make the first move.”
• “Fucking hell, just kiss me already.”
• “I can show you the world from right here.”
• “I love you. You okay with that?”
• “Thank you for giving me the world.”
7/10 Dirty Birdy
7/10 Forced Proximity
8/10 Second Chance
7/10 Workplace Romance
8/10 Series
This is my review for Blue Plate Special
This is my review for Over a Barrel
This is my review for The Sweet Spot
February 8, 2022
***5 STARS***
“Thank you, Manhattan, for staying.”
“Thank you, New Orleans, for giving me the world.”
Tony (Manhattan) doesn't stay in one place for too long and never makes a second visit. Greg (New Orleans) is a passionate chef but hasn't found the one in a restaurant nor in love. A one night stand seems to be all that's on the table for Manhattan and New Orleans. Until an ad put out by Greg brings them back together.
This is a short read and yet Layla Reyne does a fantastic job of balancing that Insta feel and the slow burn / development. I didn't feel overwhelmed by the Insta feel which can happen. I loved Greg's friendship with Miller. Also I loved Tina & Sullivan even though we only get one little scene with them! I really enjoyed the dynamic between Tony and Greg. But really my favourite parts were the cute, subtle and authentic romantic moments. The ad? Super cute. The touching - like in the beginning as they're walking to Tony's and Greg holds him from behind as they walk, the hip touching etc. Telling each other how they feel. The ways they show they care through their language of food and drink. It should be obvious because it's a romance but it's not always. These things don't always shine through authentically for me. But here, it was like watching a Rom-Com and my fave moments that make me all squishy and melty. It's also not always easy to get in a short read for me, but I ended this quite happy and not feeling like I missed anything.
“Thank you, Manhattan, for staying.”
“Thank you, New Orleans, for giving me the world.”
Tony (Manhattan) doesn't stay in one place for too long and never makes a second visit. Greg (New Orleans) is a passionate chef but hasn't found the one in a restaurant nor in love. A one night stand seems to be all that's on the table for Manhattan and New Orleans. Until an ad put out by Greg brings them back together.
This is a short read and yet Layla Reyne does a fantastic job of balancing that Insta feel and the slow burn / development. I didn't feel overwhelmed by the Insta feel which can happen. I loved Greg's friendship with Miller. Also I loved Tina & Sullivan even though we only get one little scene with them! I really enjoyed the dynamic between Tony and Greg. But really my favourite parts were the cute, subtle and authentic romantic moments. The ad? Super cute. The touching - like in the beginning as they're walking to Tony's and Greg holds him from behind as they walk, the hip touching etc. Telling each other how they feel. The ways they show they care through their language of food and drink. It should be obvious because it's a romance but it's not always. These things don't always shine through authentically for me. But here, it was like watching a Rom-Com and my fave moments that make me all squishy and melty. It's also not always easy to get in a short read for me, but I ended this quite happy and not feeling like I missed anything.
April 5, 2020
“His time here hadn’t just been a gig. It had been a labor of love, on multiple counts” -Layla Reyne. This book was released at the perfect time. A fluffy romance, that also shows the love of a city, family, and friends in addition to a relationship that starts out with sparks and continues to grow more slowly and wonderfully. A chance night between Greg and Tony eventually leads them both back to each other. Building the gastropub serves as the basis of a beautiful story as they build a friendship and more as they also finish the bar and build a great food and drink menus that reflect how their passions and their love for each other intersect in more ways than one. Layla Reyne’s love for the food service industry continues to shine through just like it did in Dine With Me. I felt like I could taste the food and drink as Greg and Tony described them. In fact, I don’t know that I’ve ever wanted to visit a fictional place more than the restaurant/bar that Greg and Tony and their New Orleans friends and family built throughout this book. While “The Last Drop” features characters from the novel “Dine With Me”, it can definitely be read as a stand alone or even as an introduction to Dine With Me. I highly suggest grabbing this book and giving it a read.
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May 9, 2020
The Last Drop is set in the same world as Dine With Me. I read Dine With Me last year and was really excited for this one in which we get the story of Greg, who is the best friend of Miller, one of the main characters in Dine With Me. The Last Drop is set before Dine With Me and is a novella instead of full length. While set in the same world, it's easily read as a standalone.
The Last Drop is a quick romantic read. I really enjoyed reading this one. Greg and Tony meet each other in a bar one night. They are attracted to the other and after some flirting at the bar they have a one night stand. Tony leaves the next morning off to his next destination, he doesn't stay in the same place long and never returns to the same place. Greg wakes up inspired the next morning and has this idea of a new restaurant. Months later he sends out an ad hoping to reconnect with Tony and have him be his business partner and maybe more.
I liked this novella and had fun reading it. It's a fun short read with a great romance and I liked the focus on food. It was short and I while would've loved to read more about Tony and Greg, it didn't feel rushed. I mostly wanted more as I liked what we saw of them. The author paced the story well and I liked how it developed. The author did a great job of building the characters and their romance within a shorter read. I felt like I still got a good feel for the characters and their personality and I could feel the chemistry between the characters.
I liked how this book was low on the angst and drama. There were a few things the characters had to work through, but due to the short length of the book this was all resolved relatively quick. The book starts with a steamy scenes and there is a bit of heat later on as well. There are also some getting to know each other scenes and I liked when Tony opened up to Greg about why he kept moving and how Greg convinced him to stay here with him. I liked reading about these characters and getting a feel for them. And they were great together. Their chemistry was clear from that first meeting. And then when they work together and try to keep it professional it was clear how much they both wanted more. I liked reading about these two and seeing their dream of this restaurant become reality and them find happiness together.
I liked how just as in Dine With Me food plays a central role in this story as well as drinks. The book starts with the two of them bonding over drinks and there are plenty more scenes with food and drink in the rest of the book. I like how much this was part of the story.
To summarize: The Last Drop is a fun romantic read with a bit of steam. Tony and Greg meet one night at a bar where tony is the bartender and they have a one night stand afterwards. Months again Greg reaches out with an idea for a new restaurant and he wants Tony to be part of it. The chemistry between these two was clear from the start. I liked how we got a feel for both characters and their romance was great too. Due to the short length things do get resolved rather quickly, but it didn't feel rushed or like something was missing. I liked the focus on food and drinks in this book. All in all I would definitely recommend this one.
The Last Drop is a quick romantic read. I really enjoyed reading this one. Greg and Tony meet each other in a bar one night. They are attracted to the other and after some flirting at the bar they have a one night stand. Tony leaves the next morning off to his next destination, he doesn't stay in the same place long and never returns to the same place. Greg wakes up inspired the next morning and has this idea of a new restaurant. Months later he sends out an ad hoping to reconnect with Tony and have him be his business partner and maybe more.
I liked this novella and had fun reading it. It's a fun short read with a great romance and I liked the focus on food. It was short and I while would've loved to read more about Tony and Greg, it didn't feel rushed. I mostly wanted more as I liked what we saw of them. The author paced the story well and I liked how it developed. The author did a great job of building the characters and their romance within a shorter read. I felt like I still got a good feel for the characters and their personality and I could feel the chemistry between the characters.
I liked how this book was low on the angst and drama. There were a few things the characters had to work through, but due to the short length of the book this was all resolved relatively quick. The book starts with a steamy scenes and there is a bit of heat later on as well. There are also some getting to know each other scenes and I liked when Tony opened up to Greg about why he kept moving and how Greg convinced him to stay here with him. I liked reading about these characters and getting a feel for them. And they were great together. Their chemistry was clear from that first meeting. And then when they work together and try to keep it professional it was clear how much they both wanted more. I liked reading about these two and seeing their dream of this restaurant become reality and them find happiness together.
I liked how just as in Dine With Me food plays a central role in this story as well as drinks. The book starts with the two of them bonding over drinks and there are plenty more scenes with food and drink in the rest of the book. I like how much this was part of the story.
To summarize: The Last Drop is a fun romantic read with a bit of steam. Tony and Greg meet one night at a bar where tony is the bartender and they have a one night stand afterwards. Months again Greg reaches out with an idea for a new restaurant and he wants Tony to be part of it. The chemistry between these two was clear from the start. I liked how we got a feel for both characters and their romance was great too. Due to the short length things do get resolved rather quickly, but it didn't feel rushed or like something was missing. I liked the focus on food and drinks in this book. All in all I would definitely recommend this one.
January 23, 2023
Whenever I see this author’s name, I expect to see a romantic suspense novel. But this sweet foodie novella was a very welcome surprise!
Hipster dudes are not Greg’s thing at all, but the bartender he calls Manhattan catches his attention with his excellent and inventive cocktails. Maybe a one-night-stand would be enough to take his mind off his third failed restaurant, even if he’s leaving New Orleans the next day. But Greg can’t get him out of his mind. He has a new muse – if he can convince the man who wooed his tastebuds and heart back to the city.
Tony has two rules for places he lives – they have to be near the ocean and once he leaves, he never comes back – no matter how unforgettable a one-night-stand was. When he finds that the chef is searching for him, he has two choices, can he help out without losing his heart to the place and the chef?
For a 100-page novella, this is a pretty satisfying romance! It’s cozy, with little angst and the main conflict being Tony’s self-imposed deadline. It’s clear both characters – and the authors – love food, and they both understand how someplace like they’re building can become a safe haven for people. I don’t drink and can’t tell a mojito from a Manhattan, so most of the descriptions were lost on me, but the love they both had for their craft, and the recognization that the other person felt the same, was evident without that.
Overall, a sweet foodie romance! I’m looking forward to seeing where this series goes!
Content notes:
Hipster dudes are not Greg’s thing at all, but the bartender he calls Manhattan catches his attention with his excellent and inventive cocktails. Maybe a one-night-stand would be enough to take his mind off his third failed restaurant, even if he’s leaving New Orleans the next day. But Greg can’t get him out of his mind. He has a new muse – if he can convince the man who wooed his tastebuds and heart back to the city.
Tony has two rules for places he lives – they have to be near the ocean and once he leaves, he never comes back – no matter how unforgettable a one-night-stand was. When he finds that the chef is searching for him, he has two choices, can he help out without losing his heart to the place and the chef?
“A safe haven in which to gather, to celebrate momentous occasions, to meet the person of their dreams. Like Greg had nearly a year ago in a different bar. The man who’d come up with this idea and worked it so seamlessly into Greg’s vision for Dram, bringing it all together, like Greg knew he would.”
For a 100-page novella, this is a pretty satisfying romance! It’s cozy, with little angst and the main conflict being Tony’s self-imposed deadline. It’s clear both characters – and the authors – love food, and they both understand how someplace like they’re building can become a safe haven for people. I don’t drink and can’t tell a mojito from a Manhattan, so most of the descriptions were lost on me, but the love they both had for their craft, and the recognization that the other person felt the same, was evident without that.
Overall, a sweet foodie romance! I’m looking forward to seeing where this series goes!
Content notes:
January 27, 2023
A night neither man could forget
Sharing an instant connection and one explosive night together, Greg and Tony cannot forget each other. Nomad Tony was already leaving the next morning and would not return, while Greg was home and not going anywhere.
Their story was about their connection, the pull they still felt to each other despite months having passed. After the lovely way Greg found Tony again, the two men still felt the same attraction and longing but Tony still had itchy feet and wasn't staying. Spending lots of time together as they got Greg's new restaurant and bar ready for its grand opening, they became friends. Watching the pair turn into a real partnership, as colleagues, as friends, and finally partners was a heartwarming read. They were a lovely couple, with their own insecurities, but together they just radiated love.
Greg's food and Tony's drinks were a quintessential part of the story, central to each man's lives, and Layla made me want to try all their concoctions.
This is my first book from Layla so I had to do some research once I'd finished. There were cameos as well as mentions of other characters that as I was reading, I felt maybe I should know. Looking at her other books, they have appeared but on balance, I don't think you need to have read anything else to enjoy this.
And finally, Greg looks absolutely lickable on the gorgeous cover!
Sharing an instant connection and one explosive night together, Greg and Tony cannot forget each other. Nomad Tony was already leaving the next morning and would not return, while Greg was home and not going anywhere.
Their story was about their connection, the pull they still felt to each other despite months having passed. After the lovely way Greg found Tony again, the two men still felt the same attraction and longing but Tony still had itchy feet and wasn't staying. Spending lots of time together as they got Greg's new restaurant and bar ready for its grand opening, they became friends. Watching the pair turn into a real partnership, as colleagues, as friends, and finally partners was a heartwarming read. They were a lovely couple, with their own insecurities, but together they just radiated love.
Greg's food and Tony's drinks were a quintessential part of the story, central to each man's lives, and Layla made me want to try all their concoctions.
This is my first book from Layla so I had to do some research once I'd finished. There were cameos as well as mentions of other characters that as I was reading, I felt maybe I should know. Looking at her other books, they have appeared but on balance, I don't think you need to have read anything else to enjoy this.
And finally, Greg looks absolutely lickable on the gorgeous cover!
January 6, 2023
I received a free copy of this book through netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was in the mood for a sweet, happy and smutty read and this book totally delivered.
The start of the book set the tone for all that would follow really well. There was great banter with sweet jokes and cute nicknames given from the start. But it also showed they were hiding things early on which kept being a theme throughout the book. This caused some confusion as expected that was written full with tension which I really enjoyed. When that main character then finally opens up about his secrets I loved it how the other responded. Full with love and giving comfort, it made me feel warm inside.
As expected the book is full of food, snacks and drinks and I got positively hungry while reading it. It was nice that it included dishes in a wide variety making me learn some new things too. It was great to have the sideplot of the new restaurant/bar which gave a sense of urgency to the story with the deadlines that it gave the characters.
Very much enjoyed it and would recommend.
I was in the mood for a sweet, happy and smutty read and this book totally delivered.
The start of the book set the tone for all that would follow really well. There was great banter with sweet jokes and cute nicknames given from the start. But it also showed they were hiding things early on which kept being a theme throughout the book. This caused some confusion as expected that was written full with tension which I really enjoyed. When that main character then finally opens up about his secrets I loved it how the other responded. Full with love and giving comfort, it made me feel warm inside.
As expected the book is full of food, snacks and drinks and I got positively hungry while reading it. It was nice that it included dishes in a wide variety making me learn some new things too. It was great to have the sideplot of the new restaurant/bar which gave a sense of urgency to the story with the deadlines that it gave the characters.
Very much enjoyed it and would recommend.
January 7, 2023
When I started this book, I did not realize that Greg’s best friend Miller is the Miller fromDine with Me. That book is not associated with this series, but I believe it should be. Anyway, Greg has had 3 failed restaurants and has decided that home is where he needs to be. He meets Tony at a bar and Tony makes him an amazing drink. They end up having a one night stand, and don’t even exchange their names. Come the next morning, Tony is gone. He is a nomad, never staying in one place for very long. I loved how Greg ends up finding him, that was pretty unique. When they see each other again, the attraction is still there. Greg has decided to try one more time and open up a new place and he wants Tony to work on the drinks because he has a major talent for it. These two were perfect for each other. I really enjoy it.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
April 26, 2025
(2,5 stars rated down) Greg and Tony meet one night at a bar, where Tony works as a bartender, and the two end up going back to Tony's place. The next morning, Tony leaves town with no intention of ever returning—until Greg posts a series of missed connection ads inviting Tony to come back and help him with his new restaurant.
While the chemistry between the two was obvious, I really wished there were more scenes with actual conversations between them. I didn’t fully buy Tony’s reasons for constantly moving around and never returning to the same place. The sex scenes were inoffensive and not overly long, with just the right amount of heat, but I did find the sex talk a bit crude and off-putting. I’m fully aware that the sex talk was probably normal in reality—it’s just that it didn’t sit well with me.
I guess I’m just a little too jaded lately, because while I can objectively say the story was fine, I personally didn’t find it all that enjoyable.
Themes: dual POV, one-night stand, chef/bartender, character of color
While the chemistry between the two was obvious, I really wished there were more scenes with actual conversations between them. I didn’t fully buy Tony’s reasons for constantly moving around and never returning to the same place. The sex scenes were inoffensive and not overly long, with just the right amount of heat, but I did find the sex talk a bit crude and off-putting. I’m fully aware that the sex talk was probably normal in reality—it’s just that it didn’t sit well with me.
I guess I’m just a little too jaded lately, because while I can objectively say the story was fine, I personally didn’t find it all that enjoyable.
Themes: dual POV, one-night stand, chef/bartender, character of color
January 8, 2023
This is an m/m foodie romance that will make you desperate to visit New Orleans! And very very hungry! Sweet and spicy little romance between Greg who is very much rooted in his community and Tony who has embraced a nomadic way of life and vowed to never revisit somewhere he's already been. Of course these two meet on the night Tony is leaving town. And he does indeed leave, but neither one can forget the other. I loved the deep sense of community in this novella, both with blood family, the restaurant family, and the wider LGBTQ family. This is the first book in a series and is actually available for free on Amazon as of the date of this review so definitely check it out if you're even mildly curious. I'll be preordering the next two Blue Plate Special (m/m) and Over a Barrel (f/f) as well as checking out Dine With Me (a stand alone with a related character).
**Received an eARC via NetGalley**
**Received an eARC via NetGalley**
January 6, 2023
The Last Drop is a short and sweet novella focusing on a down on his luck chef, and a nomad bartender who share a night of passion together and continue to find their way back to each other. Greg, who is on his fourth restaurant, and has finally found the right place to truly call his, and he cannot picture a better person to share the restaurant with than bartender Tony, who blew his mind with master craft drink making and later that night as well. This novella focuses on learning to let go of the past, as well as remaining true to your culture and heritage. I really enjoyed the focus on New Orleans, and how everyone comes together to support family and friends. If you are looking for a steamy m/m novella that is based in the heart of New Orleans, I would suggest checking this out. This read was a 3.5 star read for me.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.
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