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Bold Brew #2
Puppuccino
Charlie’s life is a dumpster fire. He’s got a broken heart, a job he can’t talk about in polite company, and a puppy slowly destroying his apartment. Desperate to save what’s left of his belongings--and self respect--he calls in reinforcements, but all it takes is one look at the silver-fox dog trainer and Charlie is panting for a little attention.
Mason understands dogs more than people. Give them strong leadership combined with gentle guidance, and they’ll eagerly obey. It doesn’t take long for Mason to realize Charlie is desperate for that same firm hand. Normally he would never get involved with a client, but gazing into Charlie’s puppy dog eyes, he longs to give them both a treat they won’t soon forget.
Under Mason’s careful charge, Charlie is empowered with control he never knew he had. Yet, as hungry as Mason is for more, he senses Charlie’s heart isn’t ready to open up. Will allowing Charlie to run free ensure his return? Or will his past keep him leashed and out of Mason's reach?
Mason understands dogs more than people. Give them strong leadership combined with gentle guidance, and they’ll eagerly obey. It doesn’t take long for Mason to realize Charlie is desperate for that same firm hand. Normally he would never get involved with a client, but gazing into Charlie’s puppy dog eyes, he longs to give them both a treat they won’t soon forget.
Under Mason’s careful charge, Charlie is empowered with control he never knew he had. Yet, as hungry as Mason is for more, he senses Charlie’s heart isn’t ready to open up. Will allowing Charlie to run free ensure his return? Or will his past keep him leashed and out of Mason's reach?
163 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2021
99 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
September 17, 2025
OKAY BUT WHO THE FUCK IS OUT HERE PUTTING APPLE SLICES ON A TOASTED CHEESE SANDWICHES???
Of all the crimes this book committed, that is one of the worst.
(I did google it, and apparently this is a thing, but it is a thing that I cannot condone because ew)
Cringing at the cover, followed by an enjoyable 1st & 2nd chapter that felt like this could be a fun silly time, unfortunately followed by cringing at the content.
Dog trainer and a badly behaved puppy?? OKAY, I SEE U, i'm interested... 👀
Of course, I saw a dog on the cover and a cheesy title and thought, SIGN ME UP.
But damn.... Where is that fine print right at the bottom? Because I need to unsubscribe....
The D/S kink in this was bizarre because it went from... meeting, saying "I cant see him again because I felt sparks" (even though all they talked about on page was dog training) and then 💥BAM💥 DOM/SUB KINK? The fuck??? where did that come from??
The ex boyfriend trauma was so thick and choked down your throat, I think eating a dry weetbix would have been easier to swallow... Because can we stop thinking and comparing every experience with your ex RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF BEING DICKED DOWN THANK YOU???
This storyline would have been super sweet/cute if the kink just wasn't added?
It didn't add to the story, didn't fit the characters , just didn't feel organic.
Worst part is... the dog of the story is a badly trained puppy, and just kind of a cunt? :(
Not even a cute puppy to redeem this.
Of all the crimes this book committed, that is one of the worst.
(I did google it, and apparently this is a thing, but it is a thing that I cannot condone because ew)
Cringing at the cover, followed by an enjoyable 1st & 2nd chapter that felt like this could be a fun silly time, unfortunately followed by cringing at the content.
Dog trainer and a badly behaved puppy?? OKAY, I SEE U, i'm interested... 👀
Of course, I saw a dog on the cover and a cheesy title and thought, SIGN ME UP.
But damn.... Where is that fine print right at the bottom? Because I need to unsubscribe....
The D/S kink in this was bizarre because it went from... meeting, saying "I cant see him again because I felt sparks" (even though all they talked about on page was dog training) and then 💥BAM💥 DOM/SUB KINK? The fuck??? where did that come from??
The ex boyfriend trauma was so thick and choked down your throat, I think eating a dry weetbix would have been easier to swallow... Because can we stop thinking and comparing every experience with your ex RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF BEING DICKED DOWN THANK YOU???
This storyline would have been super sweet/cute if the kink just wasn't added?
It didn't add to the story, didn't fit the characters , just didn't feel organic.
Worst part is... the dog of the story is a badly trained puppy, and just kind of a cunt? :(
Not even a cute puppy to redeem this.
April 15, 2021
I get puppuccinos for my dogs all the time. I can't grab a coffee without the doggos demanding their favorite treat. I picked up this book because I'm a sucker for canines, and the cover is pretty cute.
That being said, I was horrified by how poorly behaved Athena, Charlie's pup, was. Charlie tried, but he was kind of a fail as a dog dad. He was too nervous and didn't set firm boundaries. Enter Mason, dog trainer extraordinaire and Dom.
Charlie was such an anxious, neurotic character, I couldn't be in his head without my stress levels rising. I liked Mason more, but the way he dumped Charlie as a client because he was attracted to Charlie and his submissive nature, then immediately recanted, was infuriating.
The first couple sex scenes were also awkward AF. In general, the kink was kept minimal (mostly Charlie giving up control, some spanking, and one rope scene).
The story introduced a secondary character, West, but that storyline was dropped. I wanted to know what happened to him and Pamela the Yorkie. (Edited to add: I just figured out West, and hopefully Pamela, will be featured in the tenth Bold Brew book by Gwen Martin.)
Once the MCs got to know each other and Charlie let go of his insecurities, I was able to enjoy the story more. There was a scene at the end where Charlie stood up to his ex, which felt at once cathartic and staged.
I'm going with three stars because the story was okay but didn't stand out in any way.
That being said, I was horrified by how poorly behaved Athena, Charlie's pup, was. Charlie tried, but he was kind of a fail as a dog dad. He was too nervous and didn't set firm boundaries. Enter Mason, dog trainer extraordinaire and Dom.
Charlie was such an anxious, neurotic character, I couldn't be in his head without my stress levels rising. I liked Mason more, but the way he dumped Charlie as a client because he was attracted to Charlie and his submissive nature, then immediately recanted, was infuriating.
The first couple sex scenes were also awkward AF. In general, the kink was kept minimal (mostly Charlie giving up control, some spanking, and one rope scene).
The story introduced a secondary character, West, but that storyline was dropped. I wanted to know what happened to him and Pamela the Yorkie. (Edited to add: I just figured out West, and hopefully Pamela, will be featured in the tenth Bold Brew book by Gwen Martin.)
Once the MCs got to know each other and Charlie let go of his insecurities, I was able to enjoy the story more. There was a scene at the end where Charlie stood up to his ex, which felt at once cathartic and staged.
I'm going with three stars because the story was okay but didn't stand out in any way.
March 17, 2021
2.5 stars
Charlie has been through a lot from the abuse his ex boyfriend use to place upon him in the bedroom. He thought he deserved it and if he didn't like what was happening then there was something wrong with him. After the break up he is left with many insecurities and a dog named Athena who wreaks havoc.
Mason is a dog trainer Charlie enlist for help. Mason doesn't just help with Charlie's dog but also Charlie himself.
Charlie's thoughts and over thinking were anxiety inducing. It made it hard to like the book.
Charlie has been through a lot from the abuse his ex boyfriend use to place upon him in the bedroom. He thought he deserved it and if he didn't like what was happening then there was something wrong with him. After the break up he is left with many insecurities and a dog named Athena who wreaks havoc.
Mason is a dog trainer Charlie enlist for help. Mason doesn't just help with Charlie's dog but also Charlie himself.
Charlie's thoughts and over thinking were anxiety inducing. It made it hard to like the book.
July 13, 2021
This was a sweet story and a pleasant read. It could have been a very good book if we got to know Charlie and Mason a little better. Still I enjoyed it.
March 12, 2021
Charlie is a sweet guy and had the wrong Dom, who did all the wrong things. Gavin didn’t listen and made Charlie feel incompetent on top of that he cheated.
I felt so sorry for him. He never enjoyed it really and now he feels inadequate.
Charlie has a dog and can’t handle him the right way, he destroys everything.
Mason is a dog trainer and will help Charlie. From first sight, he understands Charlie is submissive and has many obstacles to take before he can open up and trust.
I loved this story and both men. A nice flowing story with some endearing moments, steamy at times. It felt all sweet and natural.
Two men and a pack of dogs, a wonderful combination.
A lighthearted, entertainingly written story.
I felt so sorry for him. He never enjoyed it really and now he feels inadequate.
Charlie has a dog and can’t handle him the right way, he destroys everything.
Mason is a dog trainer and will help Charlie. From first sight, he understands Charlie is submissive and has many obstacles to take before he can open up and trust.
I loved this story and both men. A nice flowing story with some endearing moments, steamy at times. It felt all sweet and natural.
Two men and a pack of dogs, a wonderful combination.
A lighthearted, entertainingly written story.
March 4, 2021
New to me author Allison Temple had me falling for Mason, Charlie, and their menagerie of pups from the very beginning.
Charlie recently ended a long term relationship when he found his boyfriend/Dom in bed with another man....YIKES! Gavin and Charlie didn't have a healthy relationship, as you can see, and we learn about it all through Charlie's insecurities.
Mason is a dog trainer and believes that there is no such thing as a bad dog, which I totally agree with. Charlie reaches out to him for help with his unruly Husky pup and when they meet, Mason isn't prepared for the feelings Charlie invokes in him.
I really enjoyed Mason and Charlie together, they had great chemistry and Mason was the perfect person to help Charlie work through things. I even found myself laughing out loud a few times because lets face it puppies can be a handful and some of the things this adorable little husky gets into is priceless!
If you are looking for a sweet & sexy MM Romance with some kink look no further that Puppuccino and the Bold Brew Series, I think you'll be happy to you did.
Happy Reading!!!
Read an Excerpt here: http://bit.ly/NBReviewPUP
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books** I also purchased a copy
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
Charlie recently ended a long term relationship when he found his boyfriend/Dom in bed with another man....YIKES! Gavin and Charlie didn't have a healthy relationship, as you can see, and we learn about it all through Charlie's insecurities.
Mason is a dog trainer and believes that there is no such thing as a bad dog, which I totally agree with. Charlie reaches out to him for help with his unruly Husky pup and when they meet, Mason isn't prepared for the feelings Charlie invokes in him.
I really enjoyed Mason and Charlie together, they had great chemistry and Mason was the perfect person to help Charlie work through things. I even found myself laughing out loud a few times because lets face it puppies can be a handful and some of the things this adorable little husky gets into is priceless!
If you are looking for a sweet & sexy MM Romance with some kink look no further that Puppuccino and the Bold Brew Series, I think you'll be happy to you did.
Happy Reading!!!
Read an Excerpt here: http://bit.ly/NBReviewPUP
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books** I also purchased a copyYou can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
March 29, 2021
This one was pretty cute and the cover has the adorably cute husky that’s featured in this story. Athena - she wreaks havoc all throughout the book, that’s for sure. The first chapter had me cracking up with the mess that she made in her owner’s apartment.
Charlie is Athena’s owner. He recently found his boyfriend in bed with another dude so now he’s a single doggy daddy. He desperately needs a trainer because Athena is just terrorizing his apartment - and man, it is pretty bad when the Roomba drags a trail of dog poop down a hallway and then gets destroyed by the dog peeing on it. 😂
The dog trainer, Mason, posts his ad in Bold Brew and meets with Charlie and Athena. Apparently Mason saw the submissive in Charlie and was instantly drawn to him because of it... the next time they meet up for a training session they end up fooling around. That first time felt super awkward to me. I know it’s supposed to be because Charlie has some hang ups from his ex and all, but it just wasn’t working for me. I didn’t feel a spark there whatsoever.
The next time they mess around, Charlie cries afterwards and basically runs out of Mason’s house like his pants are on fire. Not really very promising.
The next time they spend a weekend together and it goes a little bit more smoothly... but I’m still not feeling it. I’m not 100% on board with their chemistry. It doesn’t give me the feels like I’d usually want at this point in the story.
The book itself was interesting and super easy to read. I loved reading about the puppy shenanigans. It would’ve been better for me had I felt more connected to the characters in a romantic sort of way. I liked them in general but I needed some more steamy-ness.
Overall I’d give this a 3.5⭐️
POV: Dual 1st person
Charlie is Athena’s owner. He recently found his boyfriend in bed with another dude so now he’s a single doggy daddy. He desperately needs a trainer because Athena is just terrorizing his apartment - and man, it is pretty bad when the Roomba drags a trail of dog poop down a hallway and then gets destroyed by the dog peeing on it. 😂
The dog trainer, Mason, posts his ad in Bold Brew and meets with Charlie and Athena. Apparently Mason saw the submissive in Charlie and was instantly drawn to him because of it... the next time they meet up for a training session they end up fooling around. That first time felt super awkward to me. I know it’s supposed to be because Charlie has some hang ups from his ex and all, but it just wasn’t working for me. I didn’t feel a spark there whatsoever.
The next time they mess around, Charlie cries afterwards and basically runs out of Mason’s house like his pants are on fire. Not really very promising.
The next time they spend a weekend together and it goes a little bit more smoothly... but I’m still not feeling it. I’m not 100% on board with their chemistry. It doesn’t give me the feels like I’d usually want at this point in the story.
The book itself was interesting and super easy to read. I loved reading about the puppy shenanigans. It would’ve been better for me had I felt more connected to the characters in a romantic sort of way. I liked them in general but I needed some more steamy-ness.
Overall I’d give this a 3.5⭐️
POV: Dual 1st person
October 13, 2021
I liked the dogs
Who puts apples in grilled cheese?! Yuck. Much of the first chapters felt awkward and rushed and why did they not have a conversation about likes, dislikes & limits before starting any of that? Not enough dog action and I want more Pamela.
Who puts apples in grilled cheese?! Yuck. Much of the first chapters felt awkward and rushed and why did they not have a conversation about likes, dislikes & limits before starting any of that? Not enough dog action and I want more Pamela.
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March 11, 2021Seriously the most hilarious opening chapter I've read this year and last. Charlie is adorable. If you like quirky neurotic characters who make you want to squeeze them, you will love Charlie. He pairs excellently with the slightly stoic, quiet Mason, and they are ON FIRE in bed together. Dog lovers will rejoice at Athena's funny antics. A short & sweet read that will leave you smiling. Highly recommend! (Note: I am an author in this shared world series and read an ARC of this book)
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November 30, 2023Dnf at 25% this is a dom-sub type kink romance (not my thing) . I enjoy this authors writing and picked up this book without investigating further. 🤷🏻♀️
March 9, 2021
Series: Bold Brew #2
Rating: 2 stars - It was ok
Charlie's life is spiraling out of control. He recently became single, he has a job that he can’t talk about in public, and his puppy is slowly destroying his apartment. He decides it's time for a dog trainer but Mason ends up being more than just that.
While I mostly liked this book, I struggled to stay engaged with it. Something about the writing style mixed with the characters made me keep putting this book down. Charlie was a hardworking guy who recently went through a tough breakup. Now he is struggling with everything life has thrown at him, especially an active puppy. Mason and Charlie had a rough start but they quickly developed a strong connection. Charlie was just a cute man, with a cute dog, who was looking for life to give him a bit of a break.
I liked both of these characters but there were a few things that bothered me. Charlie is constantly comparing Mason to his ex, which is fine, but it got annoying because it was coming up during the sex scenes when he should have been focused on Mason. At least the constant comparison did allow Charlie to see how toxic his ex had been and how he wasn’t a good Dom. There were a few times that Mason’s actions did not work for me. I would expecting more discussion or comfort during certain scenes and instead he would just jump right into sex. Overall, this was ok but I definitely preferred the first book better.
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
Rating: 2 stars - It was ok
Charlie's life is spiraling out of control. He recently became single, he has a job that he can’t talk about in public, and his puppy is slowly destroying his apartment. He decides it's time for a dog trainer but Mason ends up being more than just that.
While I mostly liked this book, I struggled to stay engaged with it. Something about the writing style mixed with the characters made me keep putting this book down. Charlie was a hardworking guy who recently went through a tough breakup. Now he is struggling with everything life has thrown at him, especially an active puppy. Mason and Charlie had a rough start but they quickly developed a strong connection. Charlie was just a cute man, with a cute dog, who was looking for life to give him a bit of a break.
I liked both of these characters but there were a few things that bothered me. Charlie is constantly comparing Mason to his ex, which is fine, but it got annoying because it was coming up during the sex scenes when he should have been focused on Mason. At least the constant comparison did allow Charlie to see how toxic his ex had been and how he wasn’t a good Dom. There were a few times that Mason’s actions did not work for me. I would expecting more discussion or comfort during certain scenes and instead he would just jump right into sex. Overall, this was ok but I definitely preferred the first book better.
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
October 5, 2021
1.5 didn't really connect with the characters and I was never able to get invested in their connection with eachother.
tbh the part of this book that made me feel the most things was the tales of struggling with a tornado of a Husky puppy. Been there. That's the type of psychological torture I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.
tbh the part of this book that made me feel the most things was the tales of struggling with a tornado of a Husky puppy. Been there. That's the type of psychological torture I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.
March 11, 2021
"He laughs again, and Jesus, he's sweet. I seriously could eat him up in one bite."
I was nervous going into this becuase I was so disappointed in the first book of this series but oh my gosh I really enjoyed this one. It was light kink, toy play, full of consent, and sweet pups .
I was nervous going into this becuase I was so disappointed in the first book of this series but oh my gosh I really enjoyed this one. It was light kink, toy play, full of consent, and sweet pups .
February 26, 2021
Another book that although it has a kinky side is not too much. I loved the interaction between the 2 MC's with tenderness, trust, acceptance, a firm and steady hand and some submission. And the sex scenes are really hot!
Athena, the dog is absolutely crazy and made his owner Charlie lose his mind, so he needs a “dog whisper”, Mason, who has dogs of his own. The dogs in this story warmed my heart also. They played an important part in the story ,
I'd like to know more about Mason's life story, but I really liked this book, and now I know I have to read the other books in the series.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Athena, the dog is absolutely crazy and made his owner Charlie lose his mind, so he needs a “dog whisper”, Mason, who has dogs of his own. The dogs in this story warmed my heart also. They played an important part in the story ,
I'd like to know more about Mason's life story, but I really liked this book, and now I know I have to read the other books in the series.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
March 13, 2021
This was very cute! While a scene with an actual puppuchino (and the doggy cuteness that involves) would've been appreciated, there is enough sweetness to tide me through. Enough that I almost don't feel disappointed... almost.
Charlie is one of those people with puppy energy. All the sweetness and excitability matches well with Mason and his stable hand. They feel like a very well matched pair, and the doggy moments are a cherry to the sweet, sweet sundae. Still, the doggy drinks would've been appreciated.
Charlie is one of those people with puppy energy. All the sweetness and excitability matches well with Mason and his stable hand. They feel like a very well matched pair, and the doggy moments are a cherry to the sweet, sweet sundae. Still, the doggy drinks would've been appreciated.
April 18, 2021
First: GREAT cover
Second: HILARIOUS opening chapter
Third: ALL THE DOGS
I loved watching Charlie become stronger in his own right. Mason was great, but Charlie is my hero. Watching Charlie realize that he’s going to be ok and that it’s safe to trust Mason was delightful. Oh and did I mention allllll the dogs?
Second: HILARIOUS opening chapter
Third: ALL THE DOGS
I loved watching Charlie become stronger in his own right. Mason was great, but Charlie is my hero. Watching Charlie realize that he’s going to be ok and that it’s safe to trust Mason was delightful. Oh and did I mention allllll the dogs?
March 5, 2021
Mildly disappointed...I love Allison Temple I have always found her writing to be refreshing it isn’t typical usually to any other authors out there IMO. She is quirky her characters are fun and story lines often easily flow and keep me interested, unfortunately this book fell a little flat for me :( Charlie and Mason go from I don’t know you and we don’t work to oh let’s have sex and then it kinda makes the same rounds again idk what happened here but I wish she had taken more time to actually build their relationship up and less time discussing all the dogs also Masons “friendship” with West was odd and didn’t seem to fit into the story at all plus it was left wide open at the end. Maybe she just had so much going on and had a time frame to rush but in the end this book feels like that rushed and half done and I’m kinda sad because I was looking forward to this one the most on the series. It was still cute way to kill a couple of hours hopefully more books will be better thought out in this series.
March 6, 2021
Another adorable instalment in this multi-authored series, with a surprisingly angsty arc for porn site copywriter Charlie. The kink is low-key but the heat is high - watch out for the grilled cheese scene, oof - and for a novella there’s some satisfying character work. Although dog trainer Mason is a pretty stabilising and static figure, Charlie goes through a meaningful emotional transformation. And the stuff about dogs in here - the mayhem and chaos of an exuberant smart adolescent puppy - is spot on. I was having serious flashbacks!
Kink: control & obedience; sex toys; orgasm denial/edging; spanking, very light bondage.
CWs: past abusive D/s relationship; euthanasia of a dog (off page); reference to alcohol addiction (secondary character).
Kink: control & obedience; sex toys; orgasm denial/edging; spanking, very light bondage.
CWs: past abusive D/s relationship; euthanasia of a dog (off page); reference to alcohol addiction (secondary character).
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March 7, 2021Note: I have a book in this series
What a fun read! Lovely novella with heart and heat, some kink, and lots of dogs. Kink is D/s (not puppy play... the pups in this book are the non-human kind!).
I loved Mason's calm hand and Charlie's bounciness.
In some ways this is like grumpy/sunshine, or rather, the grumpy one realizes the sunshine one needs some help getting back to glowing brightly and actually being sunshine...
What a fun read! Lovely novella with heart and heat, some kink, and lots of dogs. Kink is D/s (not puppy play... the pups in this book are the non-human kind!).
I loved Mason's calm hand and Charlie's bounciness.
In some ways this is like grumpy/sunshine, or rather, the grumpy one realizes the sunshine one needs some help getting back to glowing brightly and actually being sunshine...
March 3, 2021
Cutest story I have read in a long time. Combining a crazy dog, a man who needs help not only with his dog but with his self esteem as well and a hot and hunky dog trainer makes for a great read. Charlie and Mason are instantly one of my favorite couples and this was a great addition to the Bold Brew Series. This was my first book by Allison Temple but it will not be my last!!
August 9, 2021
PUPPUCCINO is the second book in the multi-author BOLD BREW series and while I didn’t like it as much as the previous book, it was still good. Charlie and Mason were great characters and while they have a rocky start at first they quickly fall into a great connection with each other. After leaving his cheating ex-boyfriend Charlie is trying to get his life on track but he’s a bit scattered between his job, taking care of himself, and managing a rambunctious puppy. And oh boy was Athena a handful, lol. At first Mason wants nothing to do with Charlie but it’s because he’s so incredibly attracted to Charlie and Mason recognizes Charlie’s submissive nature. But it doesn’t take much for these two to give in to a kinky fling.
The main reason I didn’t rate PUPPUCCINO a little higher is that Charlie is constantly comparing Mason to his ex-boyfriend in his head. Now it’s always favorable to Mason because the point is that Charlie is realizing how toxic his prior relationship was, but it got annoying how much it came up, especially during sex scenes. There were also a few times that Mason’s actions got on my nerves but both of these are really personal preferences.
The main reason I didn’t rate PUPPUCCINO a little higher is that Charlie is constantly comparing Mason to his ex-boyfriend in his head. Now it’s always favorable to Mason because the point is that Charlie is realizing how toxic his prior relationship was, but it got annoying how much it came up, especially during sex scenes. There were also a few times that Mason’s actions got on my nerves but both of these are really personal preferences.
April 1, 2021
Mostly pleasant with a small dose of boring - 2.5* rounded up.
There is not a lot going on in this story. Mason is a dog trainer and Charlie has an out of control 11 month old husky. He is trying very hard with the dog but is in desperate need help with the dog. The two men meet up, they have near insta-lust, manage some steamy times that are somewhat marred (for me) by Charlies issues. Maybe I was not in the mood for it as I don't think it was objectively annoying. Frankly the TSTL part was all about his inability with the dog. I remember not wanting to crate our puppy but as soon as it became clear that she was a houdini, who would literally eat anything, I knew I needed to crate her for her safety. Are there other options for those who don't like crates - sure, but Charlie didn't do anything useful. And an 11 month old husky is not a small animal! Still other than these two things it was low angst and pleasant.
There is not a lot going on in this story. Mason is a dog trainer and Charlie has an out of control 11 month old husky. He is trying very hard with the dog but is in desperate need help with the dog. The two men meet up, they have near insta-lust, manage some steamy times that are somewhat marred (for me) by Charlies issues. Maybe I was not in the mood for it as I don't think it was objectively annoying. Frankly the TSTL part was all about his inability with the dog. I remember not wanting to crate our puppy but as soon as it became clear that she was a houdini, who would literally eat anything, I knew I needed to crate her for her safety. Are there other options for those who don't like crates - sure, but Charlie didn't do anything useful. And an 11 month old husky is not a small animal! Still other than these two things it was low angst and pleasant.
March 2, 2021
Puppucino is a sweet, fairly low angst, light kink romance between puppy dad, Charlie, and dog trainer, Mason.
My heart went out to Charlie within the first few pages of the book with the absolute chaos that his dog, Athena, manages to create. At his breaking point he contacts Mason for help. Mason was going to turn down Charlie but once he meets the man, he can't get him off of his mind knowing he is perfectly submissive, beautifully attractive and just wants help to train his dog. The two definitely have chemistry but Charlie's recent ex has caused him a lot of internal struggle with trusting himself and others. Mason's determined to put in the work though, knowing the outcome will be worth it.
I love these two together, Mason really knows how to handle/talk to Charlie that gets him out of his own head, something he desperately needs. This is a new development for Mason though as he'd much rather be around dogs than people. The bulk of the book focuses on the MC's, and their adorable dogs, with occasional input from other characters, the main one being Gavin, Charlie's sleazy ex.
A great addition to the Bold Brew series, which we only encounter as a visitor this time, and I'm looking forward to more from other authors.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
My heart went out to Charlie within the first few pages of the book with the absolute chaos that his dog, Athena, manages to create. At his breaking point he contacts Mason for help. Mason was going to turn down Charlie but once he meets the man, he can't get him off of his mind knowing he is perfectly submissive, beautifully attractive and just wants help to train his dog. The two definitely have chemistry but Charlie's recent ex has caused him a lot of internal struggle with trusting himself and others. Mason's determined to put in the work though, knowing the outcome will be worth it.
I love these two together, Mason really knows how to handle/talk to Charlie that gets him out of his own head, something he desperately needs. This is a new development for Mason though as he'd much rather be around dogs than people. The bulk of the book focuses on the MC's, and their adorable dogs, with occasional input from other characters, the main one being Gavin, Charlie's sleazy ex.
A great addition to the Bold Brew series, which we only encounter as a visitor this time, and I'm looking forward to more from other authors.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
March 7, 2021
I enjoyed this low angst bdsm mm romance (despite the title there is no puppy play, just mild bondage and spanking). A couple of things kept me from loving it. I loved the humor but I didn't like the romance as much as I wanted to.
Charlie is recovering from a bad breakup and is slowly realizing that he stayed with a manipulative, selfish (and maybe abusive) boyfriend/ dom longer than he should have. His first experience with kink was with his crappy ex and that destroyed his confidence - he’s not sure how to trust himself or a new dom. Mason is portrayed as the opposite - he's an experienced dom who immediately "gets" Charlie and is all about understanding and pleasing him.
But Mason’s also one of those annoying romance novels doms who just intuitively knows what his sub needs without all of that boring negotiation and communication. Sometimes I can suspend disbelief and enjoy the fantasy but not in this story. Mason cut too many corners for me to think he was the right dom for Charlie. And that was before he asked about not using condoms during instead of before a scene. Ugh.
Charlie is recovering from a bad breakup and is slowly realizing that he stayed with a manipulative, selfish (and maybe abusive) boyfriend/ dom longer than he should have. His first experience with kink was with his crappy ex and that destroyed his confidence - he’s not sure how to trust himself or a new dom. Mason is portrayed as the opposite - he's an experienced dom who immediately "gets" Charlie and is all about understanding and pleasing him.
But Mason’s also one of those annoying romance novels doms who just intuitively knows what his sub needs without all of that boring negotiation and communication. Sometimes I can suspend disbelief and enjoy the fantasy but not in this story. Mason cut too many corners for me to think he was the right dom for Charlie. And that was before he asked about not using condoms during instead of before a scene. Ugh.
March 4, 2021
This was a fantastic book - Charlie and Mason were such sweet, genuine characters.
I loved that Charlie and Mason clearly had chemistry (wow did they have chemistry) but they both had to work a little bit to get their happy ending. I was so glad to see Charlie learning to trust himself and that there was nothing wrong with him - he was perfect just as he was. Mason was just the person to give Charlie the support and encouragement he needed to become comfortable in his own skin. This certainly wasn’t a magic, ehem, ‘appendage’ story but Mason was able to show Charlie (in some very inventive ways) that it was safe to let go. That steadiness and willingness to push through fears and anxiety was lovely to see.
The characters were great (including the side characters). I would have liked to know a bit more about what made Mason prefer dogs to humans, but in some ways I get the feeling it was more a lifetime of little disappointments (I think probably many of us go through periods in life where we think dogs are more trustworthy than humanity - I know I have). Gavin... well, to put it mildly I would have rather liked to see him come down with some kind of leprosy or be humiliated in a lasting and truly mortifying way. Honestly though, the resolution with him was poetic. He didn’t deserve more page time because he didn’t deserve Charlie spending more time dealing with him. He was, at best, a footnote.
A great book - not too long a read, with sweet pups, lovable characters and a heartwarming ending. The perfect little pick me up!
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review*
I loved that Charlie and Mason clearly had chemistry (wow did they have chemistry) but they both had to work a little bit to get their happy ending. I was so glad to see Charlie learning to trust himself and that there was nothing wrong with him - he was perfect just as he was. Mason was just the person to give Charlie the support and encouragement he needed to become comfortable in his own skin. This certainly wasn’t a magic, ehem, ‘appendage’ story but Mason was able to show Charlie (in some very inventive ways) that it was safe to let go. That steadiness and willingness to push through fears and anxiety was lovely to see.
The characters were great (including the side characters). I would have liked to know a bit more about what made Mason prefer dogs to humans, but in some ways I get the feeling it was more a lifetime of little disappointments (I think probably many of us go through periods in life where we think dogs are more trustworthy than humanity - I know I have). Gavin... well, to put it mildly I would have rather liked to see him come down with some kind of leprosy or be humiliated in a lasting and truly mortifying way. Honestly though, the resolution with him was poetic. He didn’t deserve more page time because he didn’t deserve Charlie spending more time dealing with him. He was, at best, a footnote.
A great book - not too long a read, with sweet pups, lovable characters and a heartwarming ending. The perfect little pick me up!
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review*
March 4, 2021
If you like some playful puppies with your romance then you’ll love the second book in the shared Bold Brew universe, Puppuccino. This is a wonderfully hilarious and fun read! Charlie is adorably quirky and a little bit neurotic; if you have a soft spot for these characters, I guarantee you’ll love him. And when he meets the strong and quiet Mason who can give him the order he desperately craves, suddenly his life begins to make sense. Charlie and Mason are on fire between the sheets and the trust and acceptance that builds between them is incredibly wholesome. Their story will just warm your heart!
May 1, 2021
This one was decently okay. I'm always here for books with dogs in them and love the dog trainer angle. Maybe I'm just too asexual for these thinqs, but in what world do people just make out after barely knowing each other?? Is that really a thing? Anyway, I needed them to talk their shit out before they jumped into bed. It seemed almost irresponsible, especially because of the kink aspects and the awful previous relationship of on of the MCs.
February 26, 2021
What a fun read! Charlie has his demons, but Mason helps him work through them. Athena provides some comic relief as well as some extra cuteness. Mason is hot when he gets all commanding!
There are some mild moments that might trigger some with past abusive relationships, but they’re not bad. I really enjoyed it, cover to cover!
There are some mild moments that might trigger some with past abusive relationships, but they’re not bad. I really enjoyed it, cover to cover!
March 6, 2021
I really liked this one. Felt sorry for Charlie and I liked how Mason stepped in to help. Gavin was a piece of work, I’m surprised he wasn’t chased out. A little kink and a whole lot of dogs. Sweet hurt/comfort.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2021
Cute and sweet. An easy romance between a Dom and sub, and the sub’s puppy husky. Beyond the sweetness of the trainer training the puppy and the boy, the book really made me remember why I would never want to have a husky.
KU
KU
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