Barista Blake Hilliard has sexy secret and a fanbase eager to see more from him. The stars align when he discovers new customer Graham Aldersen is a dead ringer for his best friend--who had to leave town right before they’d planned a special livestream together. Graham isn’t so sure about subbing in for Blake’s regular partner, mask or not, but the chance to play with Blake’s popular online persona is too tempting to ignore. Going live on the internet is out of Graham’s comfort zone but Blake makes the experience eminently worth the risk.
When it becomes apparent that Blake’s partnership with his friend is more business than romantic, Graham finds himself wanting more. More sexy fun, more quiet chats, as much more of Blake as he can get. Blake doesn’t “do” boyfriends, though, and he certainly isn’t the type that straight-laced Graham ever thought he’d fall for. He’d put that life behind him when he bought the cute little house with the white picket fence and the cat--could the two sides of himself ever mix?
Will this mismatched duo be able to order up a happily ever after?
Wendy Qualls was a small town librarian until she finished reading everything her library had to offer. At that point she put her expensive and totally unrelated college degree to use by writing smutty romance novels and wasting time on the internet. She lives in Northern Alabama with her husband, two girls, two dogs, and a seasonally fluctuating swarm of unwanted ladybugs. Wendy can be found on Twitter as @wendyqualls. She is represented by Moe Ferrara of BookEnds Literary Agency.
ORDER UP is my second book by Wendy Qualls and I think her writing style just doesn’t work for me. It feels fast and brief and this means that I struggle to feel the emotion behind the words. I felt like I was just reading Blake and Graham’s story without actually feeling it and this likely contributed to why I didn’t really believe they were in love by the end of the book. I do feel like they solidified their friendship and were on their way to caring and falling for each other but I didn't believe they were there yet. There was a mechanicalness to the sex scenes and I’m not sure if that was because they were on camera and doing a little acting or if it’s because of the writing style but again it left me struggling to connect to the emotion in ORDER UP.
That being said, I did really like Blake’s character and it was nice to see a sex worker romance that doesn’t shame or give Blake an excuse for what he does. He enjoys his cam work and loves interacting with his viewers and this book really highlights the hard work that Blake puts into his online channel. I appreciated that element of ORDER UP even if the rest didn’t really work for me.
If you have read any of the previous books in the Bold Brew Series then you've met Blake, he's the Barista at Bold Brew, and if you read Vanilla Steamer you've met Graham who is friends with Vann and works at the hospital with Landon....no worries if you haven't because each of the stories in this series can be read as a standalone.
Blake in addition to being a barista at Bold Brew does cam work with his buddy DJ, but due to a family crisis he has left town right before they were scheduled to do a live cam show. A case of mistaken identity could be a show saver but how do you ask someone you just met to do some bondage play on a webcam show?
Graham was into the BDSM scene before he moved to Laurelsburg two years ago but he hasn't touched a rope since then...not that he hasn't had the urge to. So when Blake tells him about his dilemma he's intrigued but hesitant.
Blake and Graham are total opposites, Blake is out and proud while Graham is quiet and a bit bottled up, but when they get together they fit as if they were made for one another. I usually have a hard time with novellas when it comes to feeling the chemistry between the characters but Wendy Qualls did a wonderful job with showing us not only how well they worked together but how much they cared for one another.
In my opinion this book has been the kinkiest in the series to date. I loved the shibari rope play, suspension play, heck I loved it all.
If you are looking for a mm romance that can be read in just a couple of hours but will make you hot under the collar this is the book for you.
A case of mistake identity sends Blake and Graham into a connection that neither of them saw coming. With adorable characters this might have been a quick read, but it had the depth and entertainment of a full fledged novel. I have truly enjoyed this series so far!!
Blake's story. Finally! First of all, thanks to the author for keeping scenes and characters and locale consistent with the previous story. This doesn't always happen in this series and I really appreciated it this time as we met Blake in book four.
I really enjoyed this one and I got so into the characters and scenes that I was surprised to come to the end. I wish it were longer. When it ended, the quick exchange of the L word felt rushed and wrong. I needed more time with them on page. But that's the only thing I didn't like about this story.
Shy, straightforward Graham meets the dynamo who is Blake and steps in as his masked Dom for a live interactive video shoot that Blake has been running with a friend. The friend has had to go out of town and looks enough like Graham for Blake to make a convincing argument for help. One thing leads to another and... It's the end of the story. Or at least that's how it felt. Still, what is there is worthy of 4 stars since I very much enjoyed it.
It was a nice story, but it didn't evoque as many feelings as others in this series have. Blake and Graham are cute. Their story is sweet yet not groundbreaking. More of a comfortable book than an exciting one. It is a good book, it's just following a string of very good ones and likely feels lackluster because of it.
Order Up is the fourth book in the Bold Brew series and one of the sexier ones I think, especially in the moments of Blake and Graham being live on Blake's cam show. Blake finds himself in a bond when his best friend and can partner leaves town in a hurry for a family emergency. Luck seems to be on his side when a he mistakes a man in the coffee shop for his friend. Vann, from the previous book, takes charge and lays out Blake's conundrum. Graham's life is currently work and sleep so taking a huge leap into the unknown is very out of character for him but something that turns out to be one of the best things he could do. Blake is a bratty sweetheart, totally loves to be dominated and sharing a little of himself online. It's become a good business for him and turned into something that he's proud of, especially with the circumstances of his he came to town ten years ago. Graham got into bdsm and especially bondage/shibari with his ex boyfriend but since moving to town a couple of years previously, hasn't found another to share this with. Bold Brew is great for offering a safe and open space for anyone interested or part of the LGBTQIA+ community and anything that entails. It would be brilliant for these spaces to be available in a lot more places, world wide. The couple work really well together, having a spark of attraction from the start and Blake is great at bringing Graham out of his shell and allowing his dominant side to take over on occasion. The are entertaining and hot together but I also love those sweet moments getting to know each other that allows them to build a relationship as well, though things do develop, emotionally, quicker than I was expecting. I enjoyed spreading Order Up and the characters involved. It's another good addition to this brilliant series and I look forward to the next. I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
This wasn’t my favorite. It sounded promising and started out that way... but Blake and Graham felt a bit too awkward toward each other. It felt a bit too mechanical for me.
Basically Blake has a cam show with his friend who just left town and Graham shows up. He looks very similar to Blake’s friend... in fact, Blake mistook him for his friend from far away and didn’t realize it until he got closer. Graham is not interested in the cam thing or even a relationship kinda thing for that matter... and he basically changes his mind overnight because he can’t stop thinking about it.. no, dreaming about it? It was one quick conversation between him and Blake, but ok. I’ll go with it.
Graham is acting as Blake’s “Dom” but that’s all it felt like it was... acting. It didn’t feel like a real sorta D/s thing. Graham didn’t strike me as Domly at all so when he tried to act all bossy and in charge it just didn’t work for me.
Their argument was ridiculous. Pretty sure Blake took it the wrong way and blew up over something that I think is pretty reasonable for someone to be uncomfortable with... Graham was wearing a mask on camera but he obviously didn’t feel comfortable doing it more than once. How does that translate to being ashamed of Blake for doing it though? He never said anything remotely close to that. Yeah, drawing a blank.
And right after the argument the book skips 2 weeks and they’re making up and Graham decides to be on cam after all. He even has Blake give him a blowjob. This dude sure does change his mind on things awfully fast.
So I liked the idea of this book but it just didn’t work for me personally. I am glad I read it though.
This was fine. I wish it was longer with more in between scenes vs all sex but that's me with every book in this series that I am compulsively reading because I cannot stop a series once I start. I will say that there is both an asexual character and an aro ace character in this book and I loved the casual rep. It made me so happy. They are not main characters but the facts that we're seeing aspec rep IN romance books, especially kinky romance books, is giving me life. In fact the asexual character in this book is the best friend of the main character and he is kinky without the sex part. It shouldn't be such a revolutionary idea but I loved it.
Blake is a barista at Bold Brew who has a side gig that involves streaming. His partner had a family emergency that takes him away from helping Blake with the gig. Blake is in need of a replacement. Vann, his co-worker and friend, introduces him to Graham. Although, a little hesitant at first, Graham agrees to help Blake. The two end up hitting it off on screen and off.
Overall a steamy read. The two had chemistry in the bedroom that was straight up fire. That was where most of the magic in this book happened.
*I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.*
Order Up is another hit in the Bold Brew series. I’d say it’s one of the more steamier and kinkier ones so far, particularly those scenes with the live camera work. Blake and Graham have insane chemistry! It’s easy to feel and easy to lose yourself in. And when the feelings start to grow, add a little romance to that list. This is a fast-paced, lighthearted, kinky delight!
So cute. A little rushed, but not in a way that made the story unenjoyable (I am aware that isn't a word, hush). The conflict and resolution both felt.. explosive and weirdly out of character? I'm not explaining it well, but am trying to avoid using the word "rushed" again. In any case, I very much liked this book and will be looking into the author's other work.
Well this was a joy to read. Oddly the blurb kind of confused me but it resolved itself in the first chapter. Blake and Graham were so fun to read. Very sex positive story.
This was really short so I actually didn't mind the instalove feel early on, but the fact that the extent of the conflict was a chapter of Blake overreacting and then glossing over Graham's perspective was really lame.
I haven't yet read a series quite like this one. All centered in the same fictional-universe, all interconnected manuscripts, all editions by different authors. The Bold Brew series is a ten book installment by ten different fabulous people. The fifth book is titled: "Order Up" (by #wendyqualls).
["Barista Blake Hilliard has sexy secret and a fanbase eager to see more from him. The stars align when he discovers new customer Graham Aldersen is a dead ringer for his best friend--who had to leave town right before they’d planned a special livestream together. Graham isn’t so sure about subbing in for Blake’s regular partner, mask or not, but the chance to play with Blake’s popular online persona is too tempting to ignore. Going live on the internet is out of Graham’s comfort zone but Blake makes the experience eminently worth the risk.
When it becomes apparent that Blake’s partnership with his friend is more business than romantic, Graham finds himself wanting more. More sexy fun, more quiet chats, as much more of Blake as he can get. Blake doesn’t “do” boyfriends, though, and he certainly isn’t the type that straight-laced Graham ever thought he’d fall for. He’d put that life behind him when he bought the cute little house with the white picket fence and the cat--could the two sides of himself ever mix?
Will this mismatched duo be able to order up a happily ever after?"] I think they described each other and their relationship together near the end of the book as impossible and puzzle pieces fitting together. And if this situation and them falling in love so fast isn't impossible puzzle pieces, then I don't know what is. But, when you know, you know (even if the first introduction is awkward and full of extra chocolate mochas and mistaken identities and sexual propositions).
Also, a heads up (if you didn't catch it in the blurb), this series is very kink-friendly/forward (in a very, very healthy and communicative way). The Bold Brew coffee shop (the centering aspect of the series) is a LGBT and kink-friendly hub of the community. Just FYI, if you're not into that kind of thing.
Written in third person POV but it would have been better in first person POV - we get to see inside both MCs heads but it was confusing at times. While this is part of the Bold Brew series this book can be read as a standalone (previous MCs are mentioned but not in any detail; Nicolas is a future MC but this book doesn’t do much to set him up except to say that he is “predictable”). Given the length of the novella, it contained the expected number of M/M sexy times.
Given that Blake’s previous web partner was ace, aromatic, and only enjoyed the power trip of BDSM, I thought that Graham’s initial dip into the web cam pool was extremely bold and not what the web audience would expect. My biggest issue with this book was their “big fight”. Okay, and pretty much everything that came after it. I don’t want to spoil anything so I’ll just say that Graham is logical and reasonable, Blake overreacted and the resolution was ridiculous. I get that this is a novella but some things in BDSM cannot be rushed and require preparation. Graham has admittedly been out of practice as a rigger and he “hopes” that suspension is a skill that will be “just like riding a bike”. Seriously?! WTH?! And add that it’s a live demo with a new partner. No biggie. The end felt rushed but I was ready for it to be over.
I’ll continue with the series but I will not seek out other books by this author like I’ve done for some of the previous authors. I debated on 2.5 stars but the book wasn’t horrible - just underdeveloped and unrealistic.
Pretty much my only complaint about this novella is that it could have been longer. The two heroes’ relationship leans a little too far into “insta-love” than I usually prefer because of this book’s length. However, the chemistry and connection Blake and Graham share are undeniable, made all the more realistic because of the differences in their lives.
Blake’s free-wheeling attitude is part of what attracts Graham, but it also pokes at Graham’s insecurities. Graham has no problem enjoying Blake’s cam work videos and even appreciates the chance to break out of his comfort zone by participating when Blake needs an emergency partner. The way he wields it as a weapon during the story’s dark moment is cringe-inducing, but I thoroughly appreciate how Qualls skirts the line by not allowing her characters to overtly stigmatize this version of sex work.
A longer book would have made the final resolution more satisfying. Viewed in another light, this is the perfect vehicle for readers who enjoy solid romance arcs to dip their toe into some kinkier action than they might be used to.
Blake has been on his own for the last ten years. His family tossed him out for being gay, and he doesn’t trust his heart to anyone. Why give someone that much emotional power over you? Be a flirty sub and turning over control of his body is far safer. Doing a cam show and interacting with fans is all the emotional involvement he needs.
Graham comes into Blake’s life by accident. He is a nurse, a Dom, and also has a more reserved personality. His idea of a good time is to curl up with his cat and a good book.
The bone structure is there and this could have been 5* book, but it has a few issues. The book is short. With limited time for emotions to develop, they move at warp speed. The I love yous are exchanged much too quickly.
Also, the Epilogue is the NEXT MORNING. The book ends on a HFN and leaves too much up in the air.
I liked Qualls writing style. It flows well, and I liked her character development. I will definitely read more of her work.
This felt incredibly rushed & was lacking chemistry between the characters. I did like the premise but the story could have really benefited from being novel length which would have given more room for the characters to grow together and develop a stronger bond. I was also quite confused by their fight which came out of nowhere for me and felt really forced, as if it was there just for the conflict‘s sake. They‘ve known each other how long at that point? A week? Blake acted like it was this really big betrayal instead of an overreaction/misunderstanding based in not knowing each other well. Also for someone who „doesn’t do“ boyfriends Blake fell really fast which I guess can happen even if you don’t plan/wait for it but it didn’t feel right after having read the summary. The kink/sex was okay-ish but unplanned suspension bondage after the „big fight“ while only one character has done it before ... interesting choice to say the least. I think the kink could have benefited from more time/a more believable connection between the characters as well.
Order Up is the fifth book in the Bold Brew series. This hot erotic romance is Wendy Quall's contribution to this multi-author small town series.
It all starts with mistaken identity and an awkward confession, that leads to a hot porn scene.
This is a story with a cam show, BSDM, D/s moments, and a great shibari scene. Once again, Bold Brew is a great safe place for the men to have fun.
Things happen quickly for the couple, but it' sweet in the way it evolves. It's a journey towards finding something that makes you happy instead of what's expected.
Written in alternating third person pov, I enjoy the story but it's definitely not my preferred style.
Overall, Order Up is a fun, quick romance. This Wendy Quall romance has a whole lot of heat with some sweet moments in between.
If you want a fun book to read, sexy, hot men, this is the book! Graham, though loves kink, is not someone who publicly shouts about it. Blake is a barista who is loud and proud, flirty and has his own webcam show...the kind you need a cold shower after watching. Graham cannot believe he agreed to be on the livestream but this changed his whole look on his life!
Totally different guys, but they match together like puzzle pieces. This is a fast paced read, delicious coffee, kinky fun, ropes, lots of lube and a little romance thrown in. Love is in the air when you least expect it! ♥️
This was ok, a good fast read if you want something that's spicy without a lot of angst. They relationship moved a bit fast for my taste, jumping from maybe to I love you with nothing much in between. The fight was a other over the top and I didn't enjoy that Graham just flipped a switch into being ok with being on camera. Also, it didn't feel like the author really knew a lot about bdsm and no way should he have jumped into suspension without practicing first.
Despite all that, it wasn't bad, just not great imo. A good read when you're in the mood for a little spice and a simple, uncomplicated short story.
*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.*
I was really looking forward to Blake’s story and this was worth the wait! One of the kinkier books in this collection. It was interesting, fun, and steamy. The one sort of disappointing thing about this series is the length of the books. This one felt especially short (probably because I was loving the characters so much). There was a lot more that could have been added to this one in a longer book.
Fantastic!! Blake is a barista with a side gig and what a side gig it is!! When his best friend has a family emergency and has to go home, Blake needs to find someone else to help him. Graham is the spitting image of his best friend, but he isn’t really that keen on subbing in. This was my first time reading this author and I’ll definitely go looking for more by her. This was seriously good!! I loved every word in this story. I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received.
Another good story in the bold brew series. This was a little shorter in length than the others so far. The relationship went from zero to very fast and all they had was 1 date. I would have liked to see more relationship building. The main characters had popped up in previous books in the series and there were more coffee shop scenes to add to the overall flavour of the series. I do like the bold brew world that has been created and for sure it’s worth reading them all.
I thought Blake was amazing I absolutely loved his sass and openness in what he does. Graham is a Dom but he's very private with it. Blake gets in a bind and asks for Graham's help. The problem is it's a little to out of Graham's comfort zone but he really likes Blake. Things go well until Blake wants Graham to do it again which could make or break them.I enjoyed this story and the kink was great.
This was a lovely short book, that can easily be read in an evening. Blake and Graham haven’t met before, but a chance meeting leave each attracted to the other, but there are a couple of communication issues to get sorted before they get their HEA. Good descriptions help the reader to imagine what is going on, and with all this series the link and heat level is really good. I enjoyed this very much, by a new to me author,
This felt rushed which made it hard for me to connect to the characters or their story.
TAGS -- quick easy read -- small town -- mild kink -- friends to lovers, I guess -- kind of opposites attract -- some sweet moments -- felt really rushed -- had trouble connecting -- likeable MCs... Blake & Graham -- would have liked less sex -- part of multi author series -- can be read as a stand alone
Order Up is a fun and sexy quick read with what seems to be complete opposites as the couple. I enjoyed the story, but it falls into the fun, escape read that doesn't quite feel real. The major "conflict " is blown way out of proportion and the characters move forward extremely quick. However, it was enjoyable enough for me to check out some of the authors other works.
Berkisah tentang seorang submissive Cam Boy yang pekerjaan sampingannya adalah melakukan adegan BDSM dengan seorang Dom di depan layar kaca secara live! Wajahnya terpampang jelas di layar kamera sedangkan sang Dom menggunakan mask untuk menutupi wajahnya. Sedikit berbeda dari artis porno karena tidak ada penetrative sex di acara live mereka tapi tetap saja it's a big no no for me.