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Bold Brew #3
Perfect Matcha
After years of focusing on his career, Theodore Punch is tired of being alone. But landing a good man isn’t easy. When Theo needs a date for an ex-boyfriend’s wedding, he knows just the solution—a matchmaker. And there’s no better matchmaker than his social butterfly best friend, Camden Ray.
There’s only one problem: Camden has been in love with Theo for half their lives but doesn’t have the guts to come clean. Camden will do anything to make Theo happy, even if it hurts, and he already has a match for Theo in mind—his boss, the handsome owner of the local adult novelty shop.
Now there’s another problem: Theo has zero experience with toys. Luckily, Camden is only a phone call away and more than happy to walk Theo through naughty gadget lessons. Spicy phone calls, a dash of role play, and a load of pesky emotions brew between them. It’s not the match either of them intended but could be the perfect solution to all their problems, if their friendship can survive the infusion of feelings.
Perfect Matcha is 35k words of friends-to-lovers, matchmaking fun with plenty of steam. It’s part of the multi-author Bold Brew series.
There’s only one problem: Camden has been in love with Theo for half their lives but doesn’t have the guts to come clean. Camden will do anything to make Theo happy, even if it hurts, and he already has a match for Theo in mind—his boss, the handsome owner of the local adult novelty shop.
Now there’s another problem: Theo has zero experience with toys. Luckily, Camden is only a phone call away and more than happy to walk Theo through naughty gadget lessons. Spicy phone calls, a dash of role play, and a load of pesky emotions brew between them. It’s not the match either of them intended but could be the perfect solution to all their problems, if their friendship can survive the infusion of feelings.
Perfect Matcha is 35k words of friends-to-lovers, matchmaking fun with plenty of steam. It’s part of the multi-author Bold Brew series.
147 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 11, 2021
96 people are currently reading
457 people want to read
About the author
Erin McLellan
15 books210 followersErin McLellan writes contemporary romances that are sweet, super sexy, and emotional. She lives in Alaska with her family. She is a lover of chocolate, camping, hiking, antiquing, gardening, Dr Pepper, and reality TV.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
January 8, 2022
This book started off really cute but it just fizzled out for me 😔
March 12, 2021
2.5 stars
I really wish I liked this one more than I did. It was really cute and sweet, but a lot of things didn’t work for me and I had a hard time believing these two were made for each other.
Brief summary:Theo and Camden have been best friends for years. Camden has been in love with Theo for ages but he’s scared to tell him because he doesn’t think he’s good enough for him and because he’s scared of losing his best friend. Theo asks Camden to find him a date to Theo’s ex’s wedding. Camden decides to pair him up with his boss at the sex shop where he works at and he then introduces Theo to sex toys to prepare him for their date. Then they start to have sex and Theo realizes he loves Camden too.
The things I enjoyed:
Most of the stories where someone has been in love with someone for years but doesn’t want to tell them, it doesn’t really make sense why. And here, it kinda did make sense. Theo and Camden had a third best friend before Nd Theo and that guy started dating and when they broke up, they stopped breaking friends and Camden didn’t want to lose Theo and it made sense in this context and I could understand why Camden was scared of telling Theo he loves him.
I really liked Camden. He was so sweet and he was so good to Theo and I really appreciated his character. I also really liked Theo. He was really awkward and not the best at social cues and I really loved that about him. I like how obvious he was sometimes, he was very sweet. I also really enjoyed the little glimpses of them when they were actually together, they seemed like a cute couple, I really would have liked to see them as a couple more.
I also really enjoyed the sexual exploration, I really enjoy a good sexual exploration and it was nicely done here.
What I enjoyed less:
I felt so bad for Cadem for most of the book, he kept trying to get Theo to date him but Theo was so obvious and didn’t understand that Camden really wanted him.
But mostly my main problem was linked to Theo. For most of the book, I just couldn’t feel that he was in love with Camden. I thought there was a massive imbalance between them because you could feel how much Camden loved Theo, but I never felt the same love from Theo. I spent a lot of the book feeling like Theo was only with Cam because it was convenient and routine (they had been best friends for over 20 years), he’s used to having him around, and he didn’t have to try and get to know someon else, he already knew Cam. And to me that never really felt like love from Theo’s side. Also Theo didn’t seem to really care about how things would affect Cam and only cared about his own feelings and it bothered me. Also, I love a good roleplay during sex and it can be really hot but I really wasn’t a fan of how all of their sexual encounters seemed to be roleplay, expecially the first ones. In a way, it was really impersonal and I didn’t like how it seemed that they had to pretend to be other people to enjoy the sex. I really couldn’t see their connection during the sex scenes because they kept portraying other people.
I also feel like the ending of the conflict at the end happened too fast, it felt a little rushed and I really would have loved to get more of that part.
Also, this is a small niggle but I really would have liked some more kink. I find that i’m not really a fan of the stories where there is kink but it’s really light, I much prefer having more kink in my stories. This book really could have benefited from more than roleplaying and using sex toys.
Overall this was quite a cute and sweet book and I realy wish I had enjoyed it more.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange of my honest opinion
I really wish I liked this one more than I did. It was really cute and sweet, but a lot of things didn’t work for me and I had a hard time believing these two were made for each other.
Brief summary:Theo and Camden have been best friends for years. Camden has been in love with Theo for ages but he’s scared to tell him because he doesn’t think he’s good enough for him and because he’s scared of losing his best friend. Theo asks Camden to find him a date to Theo’s ex’s wedding. Camden decides to pair him up with his boss at the sex shop where he works at and he then introduces Theo to sex toys to prepare him for their date. Then they start to have sex and Theo realizes he loves Camden too.
The things I enjoyed:
Most of the stories where someone has been in love with someone for years but doesn’t want to tell them, it doesn’t really make sense why. And here, it kinda did make sense. Theo and Camden had a third best friend before Nd Theo and that guy started dating and when they broke up, they stopped breaking friends and Camden didn’t want to lose Theo and it made sense in this context and I could understand why Camden was scared of telling Theo he loves him.
I really liked Camden. He was so sweet and he was so good to Theo and I really appreciated his character. I also really liked Theo. He was really awkward and not the best at social cues and I really loved that about him. I like how obvious he was sometimes, he was very sweet. I also really enjoyed the little glimpses of them when they were actually together, they seemed like a cute couple, I really would have liked to see them as a couple more.
I also really enjoyed the sexual exploration, I really enjoy a good sexual exploration and it was nicely done here.
What I enjoyed less:
I felt so bad for Cadem for most of the book, he kept trying to get Theo to date him but Theo was so obvious and didn’t understand that Camden really wanted him.
But mostly my main problem was linked to Theo. For most of the book, I just couldn’t feel that he was in love with Camden. I thought there was a massive imbalance between them because you could feel how much Camden loved Theo, but I never felt the same love from Theo. I spent a lot of the book feeling like Theo was only with Cam because it was convenient and routine (they had been best friends for over 20 years), he’s used to having him around, and he didn’t have to try and get to know someon else, he already knew Cam. And to me that never really felt like love from Theo’s side. Also Theo didn’t seem to really care about how things would affect Cam and only cared about his own feelings and it bothered me. Also, I love a good roleplay during sex and it can be really hot but I really wasn’t a fan of how all of their sexual encounters seemed to be roleplay, expecially the first ones. In a way, it was really impersonal and I didn’t like how it seemed that they had to pretend to be other people to enjoy the sex. I really couldn’t see their connection during the sex scenes because they kept portraying other people.
I also feel like the ending of the conflict at the end happened too fast, it felt a little rushed and I really would have loved to get more of that part.
Also, this is a small niggle but I really would have liked some more kink. I find that i’m not really a fan of the stories where there is kink but it’s really light, I much prefer having more kink in my stories. This book really could have benefited from more than roleplaying and using sex toys.
Overall this was quite a cute and sweet book and I realy wish I had enjoyed it more.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange of my honest opinion
January 1, 2022
This was angstier than I was expecting it to be, compared to McLellan’s So Over The Holidays series. It hurt my heart so good!
“Need a date for my ex’s wedding” as a premise doesn’t work for me about 99% of the time because I don’t understand going to your ex’s wedding unless you’ve been able to forge a friendship afterward. I’m happy this is one of those exceptions. Theo, Camden, and Freddie were best friends while they were growing up. Camden was in love with Theo but missed his chance when Freddie made a move instead. Freddie and Theo dated for 3 years but broke up 5 years ago and the friendship hasn’t been the same since. It makes sense why Freddie might still invite Theo to his wedding and it also makes sense why Camden is so adamant about not rocking the boat. He is terrified of losing Theo’s friendship. This makes for some intense pining. Meanwhile, Theo has no idea what his feelings are when it comes to Camden but we get clues, like when he realizes Camden’s hands are cold and thinks he should research gloves for him. What a nerd! I loved it.
This was filthy and sweet and kinky and all kinds of heart-warming. I loved how sex toys were incorporated in to the plot and how gender inclusive and normalized the discussion around them was. Trademark Erin McLellan. I haven’t read the previous two novellas in this series and it stood fine on its own. I might try other authors in the series, besides Anna Zabo’s installment, which I’m very much looking forward to.
Character notes: Theo is a glasses-wearing 30 year old white bioinformatics data scientist. Camden is a 30 year old white college groundskeeper and part-time employee at First-Rate Finishes, a sex toy shop. They’ve been friends for 23 years. This is set in Laurelsburg.
CW: alcohol, one instance of gendered language , reference to past marijuana use
“Need a date for my ex’s wedding” as a premise doesn’t work for me about 99% of the time because I don’t understand going to your ex’s wedding unless you’ve been able to forge a friendship afterward. I’m happy this is one of those exceptions. Theo, Camden, and Freddie were best friends while they were growing up. Camden was in love with Theo but missed his chance when Freddie made a move instead. Freddie and Theo dated for 3 years but broke up 5 years ago and the friendship hasn’t been the same since. It makes sense why Freddie might still invite Theo to his wedding and it also makes sense why Camden is so adamant about not rocking the boat. He is terrified of losing Theo’s friendship. This makes for some intense pining. Meanwhile, Theo has no idea what his feelings are when it comes to Camden but we get clues, like when he realizes Camden’s hands are cold and thinks he should research gloves for him. What a nerd! I loved it.
This was filthy and sweet and kinky and all kinds of heart-warming. I loved how sex toys were incorporated in to the plot and how gender inclusive and normalized the discussion around them was. Trademark Erin McLellan. I haven’t read the previous two novellas in this series and it stood fine on its own. I might try other authors in the series, besides Anna Zabo’s installment, which I’m very much looking forward to.
Character notes: Theo is a glasses-wearing 30 year old white bioinformatics data scientist. Camden is a 30 year old white college groundskeeper and part-time employee at First-Rate Finishes, a sex toy shop. They’ve been friends for 23 years. This is set in Laurelsburg.
CW: alcohol, one instance of gendered language , reference to past marijuana use
September 12, 2021
Eh... I just finished this and I can't really remember anything important. It's not a bad book, it was just kind of bland.
I felt so bad for Camden throughout most of this book. He's been in love with Theo for the longest time and Theo went through most of this book being oblivious until he got told by someone else that he might have feelings for Camden. It just didn't feel believable.
It was steamy though. I'll give it that.
I felt so bad for Camden throughout most of this book. He's been in love with Theo for the longest time and Theo went through most of this book being oblivious until he got told by someone else that he might have feelings for Camden. It just didn't feel believable.
It was steamy though. I'll give it that.
September 14, 2022
Aw this was very cute! A best friends to lovers via sex coach situation, very sweet. This stayed on the pleasantly fluffy side too - minor angst only, which was well balanced with the length of the book. Enjoyable side characters, and just overall adorable. Definitely recommend if you're looking for a cute easy read!
Read more reviews on my blog:
https://horsetalkreviews.blogspot.com/
Read more reviews on my blog:
https://horsetalkreviews.blogspot.com/
April 4, 2021
*3.75 stars*
I'm very glad I picked this, it was the perfect filler book. Too much sex for its length but I wouldn't categorize it as erotica either; too many feelings, UST and a small amount of angst.
I'm very glad I picked this, it was the perfect filler book. Too much sex for its length but I wouldn't categorize it as erotica either; too many feelings, UST and a small amount of angst.
March 9, 2021
* 3.5 stars *
The third book in the "Bold Brew" series is a sweet friends-to-lovers romance.
Theodore is a shy, introverted guy that rarely meets and connects with new people. He's been focused on his career all his life and now that he feels he's in a good enough place in that aspect he decides that it's time to look after his personal life. His only serious ex's upcoming wedding is a big motivation too.
Camden is his best friend since they were kids and, socially, he's basically the exact opposite. He makes friends everywhere he goes, knows everyone and he isn't affraid to try new things and explore as much as possible. He dropped out of college, he has worked many odd jobs to make a living and he's in love with his best friend for years but affaid to do anything about it. He cares about Theodore so much, though, that he offers to set him up with a great guy in order to finally see him happy.
This book is essentially a big experiment for Theodore and a big heartache for Camden, who goes along with everything his friend wants. The way Camden folded everytime was far too easy and I would have liked them both to be more apprehensive to cross the friendship line. It seemed too effortless how they moved from close friends to fuck buddies and it didn't really go along with how Theodore's character was presented or with how much Camden was affraid to make a move for years in case it destroyed their friendship.
Hawke was a nice side character and Theodore's prospective date. He was interesting and good natured, understanding and very intuitive. I'd love a story about him but I didn't see his name in any of the other books' blurbs.
All in all, this book had little-to-no angst, it was pretty light and enjoyable. I basically flew through it, it was so easy and pleasant to read.
~ I read an ARC of this book. ~
The third book in the "Bold Brew" series is a sweet friends-to-lovers romance.
Theodore is a shy, introverted guy that rarely meets and connects with new people. He's been focused on his career all his life and now that he feels he's in a good enough place in that aspect he decides that it's time to look after his personal life. His only serious ex's upcoming wedding is a big motivation too.
Camden is his best friend since they were kids and, socially, he's basically the exact opposite. He makes friends everywhere he goes, knows everyone and he isn't affraid to try new things and explore as much as possible. He dropped out of college, he has worked many odd jobs to make a living and he's in love with his best friend for years but affaid to do anything about it. He cares about Theodore so much, though, that he offers to set him up with a great guy in order to finally see him happy.
This book is essentially a big experiment for Theodore and a big heartache for Camden, who goes along with everything his friend wants. The way Camden folded everytime was far too easy and I would have liked them both to be more apprehensive to cross the friendship line. It seemed too effortless how they moved from close friends to fuck buddies and it didn't really go along with how Theodore's character was presented or with how much Camden was affraid to make a move for years in case it destroyed their friendship.
Hawke was a nice side character and Theodore's prospective date. He was interesting and good natured, understanding and very intuitive. I'd love a story about him but I didn't see his name in any of the other books' blurbs.
All in all, this book had little-to-no angst, it was pretty light and enjoyable. I basically flew through it, it was so easy and pleasant to read.
~ I read an ARC of this book. ~
March 5, 2021
3.25 Stars
Camden and Theo have been best friends since they were kids. Camden has been in love with Theo for years. He has hidden that love because he saw what happened to Theo and Freddie (their other best friend) after their break up. He never wants to lose Theo. Now Freddie is getting married and invited both to his wedding. Theo doesn't want to show up alone.
Theo ask Camden to find him a date for Freddie's wedding. Although Camden is reluctant, he agrees. Camden has the perfect man his boss, Hawke, from From-Rate-Finishes (an adult novelty boutique 😆). Theo agrees but enlist Camden to help him feel more comfortable around Hawke by learning about the equipment Hawke works with😉. Camden agrees and lets just say friendship lines get blurred in the process.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.*
Camden and Theo have been best friends since they were kids. Camden has been in love with Theo for years. He has hidden that love because he saw what happened to Theo and Freddie (their other best friend) after their break up. He never wants to lose Theo. Now Freddie is getting married and invited both to his wedding. Theo doesn't want to show up alone.
Theo ask Camden to find him a date for Freddie's wedding. Although Camden is reluctant, he agrees. Camden has the perfect man his boss, Hawke, from From-Rate-Finishes (an adult novelty boutique 😆). Theo agrees but enlist Camden to help him feel more comfortable around Hawke by learning about the equipment Hawke works with😉. Camden agrees and lets just say friendship lines get blurred in the process.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.*
March 11, 2021
My favorite trope is friends-to-lovers and that is what we have in this third installment of the Bold Brew Series, Perfect Matcha is about Theo and Camden who have been friends since they were seven years old.
Theo is what you would consider book smart not street smart, he has a career in data-science so he's definitely smart...and a bit nerdy, but he cannot tell that Camden has been in love with him for YEARS, see no street smarts there. It's so funny you have to laugh because when it's finally realized I could picture the light bulb turning on above Theo's head.
Theo's ex, the third of their Three Mountaineers friendship, is getting married and Theo wants a date for the wedding so he enlists Camden to play matchmaker and set him up with his boss at the adult novelty shop, only Theo has never played with toys before. OH LET THE FUN BEGIN!!!
Camden wore his heart on his sleeve you could tell the feelings he had for Theo, so he would do anything to make sure Theo was happy...no matter how much it would kill him. So what better way to help than to assist him in breaking in some toys with a bit of role play.
This was such a fun read that I finished it in just a few hours because I couldn't put it down. If you have read Erin McLellan's SO OVER THE HOLIDAYS Series there is an Easter Egg in this book for you which was fun to see. This book can be read as a standalone as all of the book in this series can be. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys MM Romances, Friends-to-lovers Romances, or even if you're just looking for a fun kinky read this would be great for you as well.
Happy Reading!!!
Read an Excerpt here: http://bit.ly/NBReviewPM
**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
Theo is what you would consider book smart not street smart, he has a career in data-science so he's definitely smart...and a bit nerdy, but he cannot tell that Camden has been in love with him for YEARS, see no street smarts there. It's so funny you have to laugh because when it's finally realized I could picture the light bulb turning on above Theo's head.
Theo's ex, the third of their Three Mountaineers friendship, is getting married and Theo wants a date for the wedding so he enlists Camden to play matchmaker and set him up with his boss at the adult novelty shop, only Theo has never played with toys before. OH LET THE FUN BEGIN!!!
Camden wore his heart on his sleeve you could tell the feelings he had for Theo, so he would do anything to make sure Theo was happy...no matter how much it would kill him. So what better way to help than to assist him in breaking in some toys with a bit of role play.
This was such a fun read that I finished it in just a few hours because I couldn't put it down. If you have read Erin McLellan's SO OVER THE HOLIDAYS Series there is an Easter Egg in this book for you which was fun to see. This book can be read as a standalone as all of the book in this series can be. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys MM Romances, Friends-to-lovers Romances, or even if you're just looking for a fun kinky read this would be great for you as well.
Happy Reading!!!
Read an Excerpt here: http://bit.ly/NBReviewPM
**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 5, 2021
I associate matcha with a slightly bitter but rich drink, bright as the leaves that make it. And somehow this book has a similar vibe. Bitter fear of past pain, but with a rich foundation based on long term friendships and a delightfully bright HEA. A definite delight to sample!
June 26, 2024
For every book I read, I have hopes for which MC I want to make the initial love declaration. Usually based on crimes committed or how long the other has been waiting or which one of the two has been protesting too much.
My hopes came true in this one🥰
One being emotionally constipated and then having a verbal stream of diarrhoea about them was the cutest thing about this.
The other deserved that. He absolutely warranted that declaration. Love that for him.
'Of course Camden hadn’t told Theo how he felt. That would involve telling Theo how he felt, which was a ridiculous concept.'—sounds ridiculously dumb unless you've been there, in which case it makes a lot of sense.
Scared that loving each other would screw everything up when they already love each other and have been in love with each other for ages is crazy.
My hopes came true in this one🥰
One being emotionally constipated and then having a verbal stream of diarrhoea about them was the cutest thing about this.
The other deserved that. He absolutely warranted that declaration. Love that for him.
'Of course Camden hadn’t told Theo how he felt. That would involve telling Theo how he felt, which was a ridiculous concept.'—sounds ridiculously dumb unless you've been there, in which case it makes a lot of sense.
Scared that loving each other would screw everything up when they already love each other and have been in love with each other for ages is crazy.
August 9, 2021
PERFECT MATCHA was such a great read and since I’m a sucker for friends to lovers it hit all the right spots. Cam and Theo have been friends for a long time but Cam is afraid to admit his feelings because he doesn’t want to lose Theo’s friendship if the relationship doesn’t work out. These two have so much pining and longing and I just wanted everything to work out for them because I loved them so much. Theo is especially precious and needs to be protected at all costs because he’s just too good for this world. He's a bit awkward and lacks some self-confidence but he's just the sweetest. In contrast, Cam is outgoing and extroverted but they balance each other out well. I also adored all the little ways Cam cared for Theo and understood him and loved him even when Cam wasn’t admitting it out loud.
Of course their friendship takes an unexpected turn when Theo asks Cam to set him up with someone and Cam suggests his boss, Hawk, who owns the local sex toy shop. Theo is immediately intimidated because of his lack of experience with sex toys and what starts out as a generous gift of toys from Cam turns into some very sexy phone calls and hands on lessons. These two had so much chemistry and I loved watching Theo discover his own interests in the bedroom. I do wish they had figured things out between them a little sooner but that's only because my heart was breaking for Cam and how much he quietly loved Theo.
One of the best things about Erin McLellan’s books is the way she normalizes sex toys and how they can be great for singles and for couples. I’m never disappointed with her books.
Of course their friendship takes an unexpected turn when Theo asks Cam to set him up with someone and Cam suggests his boss, Hawk, who owns the local sex toy shop. Theo is immediately intimidated because of his lack of experience with sex toys and what starts out as a generous gift of toys from Cam turns into some very sexy phone calls and hands on lessons. These two had so much chemistry and I loved watching Theo discover his own interests in the bedroom. I do wish they had figured things out between them a little sooner but that's only because my heart was breaking for Cam and how much he quietly loved Theo.
One of the best things about Erin McLellan’s books is the way she normalizes sex toys and how they can be great for singles and for couples. I’m never disappointed with her books.
September 15, 2022
4 stars.
Friends to lovers isn’t always my favorite, but the yearning was super well done here. I loved the incorporation of toys.
4/5🔥
Friends to lovers isn’t always my favorite, but the yearning was super well done here. I loved the incorporation of toys.
4/5🔥
March 10, 2021
Even if I hated everything else about this book (disclaimer: I did not), I would have given it 5 stars because it is so damn hot. Inexperienced exploration, toys galore, phone sex, and role play? YES PLEASE. But on top of all that heat, this is a super sweet story of best friends falling in love. It was a quick, super low-angst read, and a wonderful addition to the Bold Brew series. It was also my first book by Erin McLellan, but won't be my last - I enjoyed her easy-flowing writing style. And did I mention those sex scenes were hot as hell? Phew.
November 6, 2022
This was...fine? The premise itself was a bit of a dud, like why hadn't these people gotten together years ago. The sex toys part was pretty great, but the romance itself was a flop for me.
March 20, 2021
This was my first novella by Erin McLellan and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. I like both main characters, the pining for your bff was well-written, the sex was steamy, and the HEA was satisfying and believable. I will be excited to pick up another book by this author.
March 14, 2021
Erin McLellan’s books keep getting better and better. This one landed especially well, continuing my golden streak of books in the Bold Brew series. It’s childhood friends to lovers, which isn’t my favourite, but it’s done so achingly well here that I was newly convinced of the potential of the trope. Camden and Theo’s friendship is critical to their happiness, and their past experiences of losing friends to broken relationships is so raw, that it makes sense that they would either resist or deny their feelings for one another. But their rituals of mutual care are a dead giveaway to everyone around them - these two guys have been dating for years without openly acknowledging it. When they do begin to explore their feelings the yearning and confused pining is off the charts. And, because it’s Erin McLellan, the intimate scenes are scorching hot. Some of the toys in her books are practically recurring characters.
Brilliant, just brilliant.
Brilliant, just brilliant.
March 30, 2021
I ended up really liking this one... probably because I always love friends-to-lovers stories especially when they’ve known each other since they were kids.
Theo and Camden have known each other since the second grade. They are best friends and hang out constantly. Except... Cam is in love with Theo and Theo has just been invited to his ex-boyfriend’s wedding... the very same friend who is also childhood friends with Cam. Apparently they were the “Three Mountaineers” at one point up until the other friend, Freddie, decided to go for it and date Theo.
So Theo needs a date and Cam has someone in mind (besides himself of course... but he did offer). His boss, Hawke, who owns a sex-toy store. Except Theo is adorably awkward and nervous and needs to work up the nerve to go out with Hawke by using a variety of sex toys. And he ends up getting some help... from Cam.
I kinda felt bad for Cam at first until I learned that he wasn’t really seriously pining over Theo since he was a teenager. I mean yeah, he liked him but even said he picked screwing around and partying over trying to be with Theo and their friend Freddie beat him to it. So that definitely lessened the appeal of the whole “in love with my BFF” situation for me. I mean... Cam had his shot and he chose to fuck around instead, so why even feel that bad for him? 🤷🏼♀️
But now they’re 30 and all grown up so now Cam is serious. He didn’t want to ruin their friendship and he had a first row seat to see how a friendship was ruined by making it more with Theo and Freddie... so I get why he didn’t want to reveal his feelings. But they started messing around, he tried to set Theo up on a date with his freaking boss and got jealous when he saw them flirting. So I dunno...
I did like this overall but just those few little things bugged me. I felt weird about their third friend having already been in a relationship with Theo. I guess I’m happy it worked out in the end.
I’m also glad I saw a few characters from the previous books mentioned. I love when that happens!
Overall I did enjoy this and I’d give it a 3.5⭐️
POV: Dual 3rd person
Theo and Camden have known each other since the second grade. They are best friends and hang out constantly. Except... Cam is in love with Theo and Theo has just been invited to his ex-boyfriend’s wedding... the very same friend who is also childhood friends with Cam. Apparently they were the “Three Mountaineers” at one point up until the other friend, Freddie, decided to go for it and date Theo.
So Theo needs a date and Cam has someone in mind (besides himself of course... but he did offer). His boss, Hawke, who owns a sex-toy store. Except Theo is adorably awkward and nervous and needs to work up the nerve to go out with Hawke by using a variety of sex toys. And he ends up getting some help... from Cam.
I kinda felt bad for Cam at first until I learned that he wasn’t really seriously pining over Theo since he was a teenager. I mean yeah, he liked him but even said he picked screwing around and partying over trying to be with Theo and their friend Freddie beat him to it. So that definitely lessened the appeal of the whole “in love with my BFF” situation for me. I mean... Cam had his shot and he chose to fuck around instead, so why even feel that bad for him? 🤷🏼♀️
But now they’re 30 and all grown up so now Cam is serious. He didn’t want to ruin their friendship and he had a first row seat to see how a friendship was ruined by making it more with Theo and Freddie... so I get why he didn’t want to reveal his feelings. But they started messing around, he tried to set Theo up on a date with his freaking boss and got jealous when he saw them flirting. So I dunno...
I did like this overall but just those few little things bugged me. I felt weird about their third friend having already been in a relationship with Theo. I guess I’m happy it worked out in the end.
I’m also glad I saw a few characters from the previous books mentioned. I love when that happens!
Overall I did enjoy this and I’d give it a 3.5⭐️
POV: Dual 3rd person
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March 10, 2021Note: I'm an author in the series.
Oh, this was fun! Lots of toys and two guys who have been friends forever. They communicate great...except when it comes for feelings about each other!
Oh, this was fun! Lots of toys and two guys who have been friends forever. They communicate great...except when it comes for feelings about each other!
May 2, 2021
4.5
Rep: pansexual MC, gay MC
Rep: pansexual MC, gay MC
July 16, 2021
Cute friends-to-lovers book, with some kink, roleplay and plenty of sex toys. Perfect reading for an icy cold winters day.
December 19, 2021
Oh my gosh. Okay so my love for anything Erin McLellan writes is undying and eternal, and this novella was no exception. Everything she writes is so lovely and soft and steaaaamy. Like everyone I love an enemies to lovers, BUT I also think friends to lovers is so underrated and Erin just knocks this trope out of the park.
March 15, 2021
I think the reason I'm enjoying this series now is becuase I know what to expect going into it. Therefore I really liked this sweet friends to lovers romances that included toys and role play.
March 5, 2021
This was a sweet, low angst, hot, kinky book and quite enjoyable.
Perfect Matcha is a friends to lovers story about Theo and Camden, who have been friends since they were kids. Add in their third friend Freddie, which turned them into the Three Mounteneers.
Theo and Freddie got into a relationship that didn't end well, and so now, being invited to Freddie's wedding for old times sake, Theo needs a date. He's tired of hooking up, he wants to find someone who sticks around.
Camden has been in love with Theo for almost all of his life, but has never had the guts to tell him, afraid things between them might end the same way they did for Theo and Freddie, and his friendship with Theo is too valuable to let that happen.
But he's willing to help Theo find a date, even at the costs of his own heart. Because all he wants is for Theo to be happy. When he suggests his single boss, Hawke, who owns an adult store, Theo is so insecure about his lack of experience with toys, Camden even wants to help him out with that.
Of course that leads to some awkward, but sweet moments all together.
Theo and Camden were quite adorable together, Theo being oblivious to Camden's feelings for him, and realizing his own feelings were stirring at the same time. Camden trying not to have his heart broken down the line.
The sex between them was HOT! I enjoy a story where toys are involved and Erin McLellan does that very well!!
This book was a nice addition in the Bold Brew series and I'm looking forward to the other books! The coffeeshop is a great place to spend some time and so is the (fictive) town of Laurelsburg.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. These here are my own, true words.
Perfect Matcha is a friends to lovers story about Theo and Camden, who have been friends since they were kids. Add in their third friend Freddie, which turned them into the Three Mounteneers.
Theo and Freddie got into a relationship that didn't end well, and so now, being invited to Freddie's wedding for old times sake, Theo needs a date. He's tired of hooking up, he wants to find someone who sticks around.
Camden has been in love with Theo for almost all of his life, but has never had the guts to tell him, afraid things between them might end the same way they did for Theo and Freddie, and his friendship with Theo is too valuable to let that happen.
But he's willing to help Theo find a date, even at the costs of his own heart. Because all he wants is for Theo to be happy. When he suggests his single boss, Hawke, who owns an adult store, Theo is so insecure about his lack of experience with toys, Camden even wants to help him out with that.
Of course that leads to some awkward, but sweet moments all together.
Theo and Camden were quite adorable together, Theo being oblivious to Camden's feelings for him, and realizing his own feelings were stirring at the same time. Camden trying not to have his heart broken down the line.
The sex between them was HOT! I enjoy a story where toys are involved and Erin McLellan does that very well!!
This book was a nice addition in the Bold Brew series and I'm looking forward to the other books! The coffeeshop is a great place to spend some time and so is the (fictive) town of Laurelsburg.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. These here are my own, true words.
March 12, 2021
Note: An ARC was provided by the author.
Ah, I do love me a good friends-to-lovers romance, and that's exactly what Erin McLellan gives readers in her contribution to the multi-authored Bold Brew series. Perfect Matcha is the story of Camden Ray and Theodore Punch, two-thirds of the Three Mountaineers, which is what they called their trio of best friends. When the third of their group, Freddie O'Neil, names Camden his best man, it seems like a given; but waffling on whether or not to invite Theo highlights how frayed their friendship, even five years after they broke up as a romantic couple. Now, that Theo's received his invitation, he wants to make sure that he's got someone by his side, and he hopes Camden will help him find that someone. That's what best friends do for each other, right? But what if said best friend has been harboring not-so-platonic feelings for years?
I liked the banter between Theo and Cam, making it clear just how much these two adored each other, reaching a comfort level in their friendship that highlights the strong foundation it sits upon. This was a quick read, one that was enjoyable and without too much fussiness. The author not only did a great job showing readers why these two were perfect for each other, but also why Camden was as hesitant as he was being open about the fact that he's been in love with Theo for years. Introducing Theo to a side of himself he'd never explored before was fun and hot. There's a pinch of angst, but nothing overly heavy or heartbreaking, which allowed the story to stay fairly lighthearted throughout. I'm giving Perfect Matcha four stars!
Ah, I do love me a good friends-to-lovers romance, and that's exactly what Erin McLellan gives readers in her contribution to the multi-authored Bold Brew series. Perfect Matcha is the story of Camden Ray and Theodore Punch, two-thirds of the Three Mountaineers, which is what they called their trio of best friends. When the third of their group, Freddie O'Neil, names Camden his best man, it seems like a given; but waffling on whether or not to invite Theo highlights how frayed their friendship, even five years after they broke up as a romantic couple. Now, that Theo's received his invitation, he wants to make sure that he's got someone by his side, and he hopes Camden will help him find that someone. That's what best friends do for each other, right? But what if said best friend has been harboring not-so-platonic feelings for years?
I liked the banter between Theo and Cam, making it clear just how much these two adored each other, reaching a comfort level in their friendship that highlights the strong foundation it sits upon. This was a quick read, one that was enjoyable and without too much fussiness. The author not only did a great job showing readers why these two were perfect for each other, but also why Camden was as hesitant as he was being open about the fact that he's been in love with Theo for years. Introducing Theo to a side of himself he'd never explored before was fun and hot. There's a pinch of angst, but nothing overly heavy or heartbreaking, which allowed the story to stay fairly lighthearted throughout. I'm giving Perfect Matcha four stars!
March 8, 2021
Okay. This is a perfect little novella, and it has taken everything in my to try and not use the word perfect. But I failed because that’s what this is. I will do everything in my power to not use it again. And I will fail again.
Camden and Theo are lifelong best friends, and their friendship is so solid and strong. It just shines on the pages. They made me happy with their friendship and happier when their relationship started changing. They love each other so much. GAH. Their chats and food sharing and they way they speak about each other...love love love
Also this book is hot. So there’s that if you’re into that.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: those of you who haven’t read this author need to run to her books.
Camden and Theo are lifelong best friends, and their friendship is so solid and strong. It just shines on the pages. They made me happy with their friendship and happier when their relationship started changing. They love each other so much. GAH. Their chats and food sharing and they way they speak about each other...love love love
Also this book is hot. So there’s that if you’re into that.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: those of you who haven’t read this author need to run to her books.
March 3, 2021
Needing to find a date to his ex-boyfriend's wedding, Theo looks to his best friend to play matchmaker. But when the guy he is going to be set up with happens to own an adult toy shop, Theo needs a crash course. Who does he look to to help - yup - Camden who not only is his best friend but also happens to be in love with him. Once the toys come into play, sparks fly. Will they act on their inner desires? Or will they ignore their feelings not to rock the boat with the friendship? This book certainly lived up to it's name as it had the perfect combination of wonderful characters, a cute storyline and perfect chemistry. Another great addition to the Bold Brew Series.
March 23, 2021
I like the idea of this. It is very sexy - best friends forever get naughty on the phone and then hands-on. Yey! Then comes the ney - one of the MCs, Theo, is very selfish and oblivious! Cam is his best friend and not once are his desires and feelings considered. Wait, no, at around 60% Theo asked him is Cam likes what they are doing....It just ran cold. Camden is down on himself a lot and I didn't feel the support from Theo. This guy messed up his most important relationship because he was absent and then, is a self-centered ass again. Even the epilogue was all about the role play that Theo wanted. Cam was amazing, but I felt sorry for him. Sorry is not sexy.
March 25, 2021
I LOVED Erin McLellan’s So Over The Holidays series, so I was interested in reading something else from her. While this did incorporate an aspect of what I enjoyed about her other series, interesting sex scenes that incorporate toys, I didn’t feel the same level of backstory or connection with the characters.
I didn’t feel like I knew enough about the characters to feel fully attached to their romance and the ending felt pretty rushed. I do think the characters had good chemistry in the intimate scenes, but I was never fully sold on the progression of the romance.
I didn’t feel like I knew enough about the characters to feel fully attached to their romance and the ending felt pretty rushed. I do think the characters had good chemistry in the intimate scenes, but I was never fully sold on the progression of the romance.
May 8, 2021
A nice addition to the series, this one features supersmart Theo and his best friend Camden. Buddies since childhood, they and their other bestie, Freddie, grew up together. Theo and Freddie tried romance for a while but it didn't work out and now Theo is invited to Freddie's wedding in which Camden is best man.
This story involves some coaching about how to use sex toys and how to talk to a guy who owns an "adult" shop. But it also shows how very much Camden loves Theo and we witness how each man finally gets the nerve to fess up to feelings. Some superhot sex scenes, lots of feels, and two sweet characters.
This story involves some coaching about how to use sex toys and how to talk to a guy who owns an "adult" shop. But it also shows how very much Camden loves Theo and we witness how each man finally gets the nerve to fess up to feelings. Some superhot sex scenes, lots of feels, and two sweet characters.
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