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Sugar
Cody Watson has three priorities when he arrives in Miami for the summer: to party with his friends, get laid, and find a job. With only a year left of grad school, he has high hopes for his last few months before the hard work starts.
Then he finds something better than a job… a Sugar Daddy.
Forty-eight and twice divorced, Brian Salvo knows he’s a workaholic. As CEO of a construction company he barely has time for romantic entanglements, but Cody is exactly the type of person he enjoys showering with gifts and affection. Brian’s happy to keep their relationship low-stress and commitment-free, especially when Cody’s sexy and vibrant nature brings out his long-forgotten adventurous side.
As the summer progresses, Cody struggles to reconcile their no-strings-attached agreement with the increasing heat of their relationship. Brian was only supposed to be a summer fling… what the hell is Cody supposed to do when it starts feeling like more?
Then he finds something better than a job… a Sugar Daddy.
Forty-eight and twice divorced, Brian Salvo knows he’s a workaholic. As CEO of a construction company he barely has time for romantic entanglements, but Cody is exactly the type of person he enjoys showering with gifts and affection. Brian’s happy to keep their relationship low-stress and commitment-free, especially when Cody’s sexy and vibrant nature brings out his long-forgotten adventurous side.
As the summer progresses, Cody struggles to reconcile their no-strings-attached agreement with the increasing heat of their relationship. Brian was only supposed to be a summer fling… what the hell is Cody supposed to do when it starts feeling like more?
193 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2021
9 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Anna Martin
48 books479 followersAnna Martin is from a picturesque seaside village in the south west of England. After spending most of her childhood making up stories, she studied English Literature at university before attempting to turn her hand as a professional writer.
Apart from being physically dependent on her laptop, she is enthusiastic about writing and producing local grassroots theatre (especially at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where she can be found every summer), travelling, learning to play the ukulele, and Ben & Jerry’s New York Super Fudge Chunk.
Although her most recent work is in the LGBT romance genre, in the past Anna has worked on a variety of different projects including short stories, drabbles, flash fiction, fan fiction, plays for both children and adults, and poetry. She has written novels in the Teen or Young Adult genre, Romance and Fantasy novels.
Anna is, by her own admission, almost unhealthily obsessed with books. The library she has amassed is both large and diverse; "My favourite books," she says, "are 'The Moonstone' by Wilkie Collins, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee and 'Oryx and Crake' by Margaret Atwood." She also owns multiple copies of Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park books and re-reads the Harry Potter novels with almost startling regularity.
Anna claims her entire career is due to the love, support, pre-reading and creative ass-kicking provided by her closest friend Jennifer. Jennifer refuses to accept any responsibility for anything Anna has written.
Apart from being physically dependent on her laptop, she is enthusiastic about writing and producing local grassroots theatre (especially at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where she can be found every summer), travelling, learning to play the ukulele, and Ben & Jerry’s New York Super Fudge Chunk.
Although her most recent work is in the LGBT romance genre, in the past Anna has worked on a variety of different projects including short stories, drabbles, flash fiction, fan fiction, plays for both children and adults, and poetry. She has written novels in the Teen or Young Adult genre, Romance and Fantasy novels.
Anna is, by her own admission, almost unhealthily obsessed with books. The library she has amassed is both large and diverse; "My favourite books," she says, "are 'The Moonstone' by Wilkie Collins, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee and 'Oryx and Crake' by Margaret Atwood." She also owns multiple copies of Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park books and re-reads the Harry Potter novels with almost startling regularity.
Anna claims her entire career is due to the love, support, pre-reading and creative ass-kicking provided by her closest friend Jennifer. Jennifer refuses to accept any responsibility for anything Anna has written.
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July 27, 2021DNF at 9%
Due to personal trauma, I cannot read a book where the main characters is with other people while being with each other. At 9% in this book the main characters decide to be in an open relationship, which is perfectly fine and i’m sure most people won’t mind, but it’s not for me. I just cannot read about this without being triggered and i’m reading a book for an escape from real life not for a reminder of things that trigger me.
Also, one of the main character had been cheated on before and seemed to agree to the open relationship just because he knew that was the only way he could be with the other main character. This is just not what i’m looking for in a romance novel, I want something super romantic and monogamous, which this book wasn’t offering me.
Also, a trigger warning on this would be really appreciated. This is the kind of things that should come with a trigger warning and yet there is no trigger warning to be found in the book.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
Due to personal trauma, I cannot read a book where the main characters is with other people while being with each other. At 9% in this book the main characters decide to be in an open relationship, which is perfectly fine and i’m sure most people won’t mind, but it’s not for me. I just cannot read about this without being triggered and i’m reading a book for an escape from real life not for a reminder of things that trigger me.
Also, one of the main character had been cheated on before and seemed to agree to the open relationship just because he knew that was the only way he could be with the other main character. This is just not what i’m looking for in a romance novel, I want something super romantic and monogamous, which this book wasn’t offering me.
Also, a trigger warning on this would be really appreciated. This is the kind of things that should come with a trigger warning and yet there is no trigger warning to be found in the book.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
July 17, 2021
The beginning was promising and I liked Cody and Brian. But the ending was totally not what I expected based on the blurb and not what I look for while reading romance. I need ILY and MCs merging their lives into one. Not what happened here. At the end both men seem to be satisfied with non-traditional relationships they have and connection between them is strong but it is not type of HEA and commitment that makes me happy. If I knew it was the case I would never pick up this book.
July 16, 2021
Oh my god I am so frustrated with this book. Frankly I was really feeling it until the last 20% or so but after that just completely ruined the entire story. I wouldn’t even call the ending a HFN and I absolutely hate that especially when I’m not warned before hand. To avoid spoilers I can’t really say what about it I disliked so much but everything felt for nothing and I am left beyond unsatisfied. I definitely expected something else and part of that is on me but I think it’s fair to assume that a story that ends so far away from the industry norm would warrant a quick authors note at the beginning saying “hey this isn’t your typical romance novel and if you’re expecting the “i love yous” and relationship to go with it you’ll probably be disappointed.” I’m all for unconventional relationships but this just rubbed me completely the wrong way especially after a blurb that ends with “what if it starts to feel like more?” Clearly implying their relationship will progress to something else with feelings and love involved. Honestly I wouldn’t have even picked this up if I had known because it’s not what I like to read but I wasn’t given the option to decide ahead of time. I would have given this only 1 star but I did enjoy the characters and the story before everything went effectively no where. I’m left unsatisfied, disappointed and peeved at the author. I’m not sure I’ll pick up any other stories from this author in the future.
Also can I just say…. I am so sick of authors putting random hot men on covers that have no relation to the actual characters. One of the MCs in this is 48 and clearly much older than the cover model and the other is pale with a lot freckles and red hair so ???? Bleh come on.
Also can I just say…. I am so sick of authors putting random hot men on covers that have no relation to the actual characters. One of the MCs in this is 48 and clearly much older than the cover model and the other is pale with a lot freckles and red hair so ???? Bleh come on.
July 17, 2021
This book was a fun, non-traditional MM romance, with strong characters, a not overworked plot, and a very open happy ending.
Grad student vacationing in Miami meets a construction company owner who’s at his Miami office for the summer. Student will be going back to school, business owner will be going back to his Pennsylvania home, so their summer fling has an expiration date. They meet up with each other a couple days per week, text occasionally; the story is a well captured picture of a casual but fun relationship. It’s framed as a sugar daddy relationship, since of the MCs has to have a label for it, but it turns out to become more complicated as the summer progresses.
While the relationship does not solidify into one we’d typically see at the end of a MM romance book, it does turn into the kind of relationship these two guys want and need to have with each other. And the epilogue just shows us that it’s just as validating a relationship as others.
A great book, with no aspirations, a simple plot, good characters, and a solid ending. First book I’ve read by this author and I really enjoyed the style.
Grad student vacationing in Miami meets a construction company owner who’s at his Miami office for the summer. Student will be going back to school, business owner will be going back to his Pennsylvania home, so their summer fling has an expiration date. They meet up with each other a couple days per week, text occasionally; the story is a well captured picture of a casual but fun relationship. It’s framed as a sugar daddy relationship, since of the MCs has to have a label for it, but it turns out to become more complicated as the summer progresses.
While the relationship does not solidify into one we’d typically see at the end of a MM romance book, it does turn into the kind of relationship these two guys want and need to have with each other. And the epilogue just shows us that it’s just as validating a relationship as others.
A great book, with no aspirations, a simple plot, good characters, and a solid ending. First book I’ve read by this author and I really enjoyed the style.
July 29, 2021
This was a frustrating book. I read romance for the ILYs and the HEAs, but what I got here was open relationships, not a single ILY, and a barely there HFN. Sorry, just not into it. Also, there was some SERIOUS trauma that was treated too lightly and then brushed aside, imo.
March 21, 2022
Cody and Brian meet by chance in a beach bar in Florida. They are each there for the summer. Brian for work and Cody on break from his graduate program. They connect and flirt briefly before going their separate ways. Then there's a chance for another meet, which turns out to be the beginning of a summer fling. They set a few loose ground rules to go with their loose relationship. As things move forward, they click but they also struggle with some complications. This is definitely not a HEA story, but I was totally captivated by these two and their non-traditional relationship that seemed to totally work for them.
July 23, 2021
Not what I was expecting at all! I am a hardcore romantic at heart and I want all my stories to have a HEA at the end, no matter the challenges they met along the way! It is just the way I am, I crave my HEA like a thirsty traveler across the desert.
It had a promising start but I didn't expect the way it ended. Maybe I need to read a few more books that are themed like this before I get used to it.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this. All the best...
It had a promising start but I didn't expect the way it ended. Maybe I need to read a few more books that are themed like this before I get used to it.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this. All the best...
July 13, 2021
This book is fabulous. Cody and Brian make this such an easy and enjoyable experience. Their easy relationship is captivating. Their banter is so perfect. The story pulls you in. Their journey has some pits but mostly it just makes you feel good and smile. It’s easy to get in their world. The ending may be the best part. I found myself grinning happily as I read the last page. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
July 21, 2021
I'm not going to lie. I had a hard time at first getting into this book, but once I did (about 20% of the way through the book), I had a hard time putting it down.
I loved the relationship between Brian and Cody. I loved the communication between them and the fact that they were both okay with this being mostly no strings attached. I loved the fact that while this book exists in the romance category, it was not a traditional love story. I loved the fact that both Brian and Cody had only one main expectation of one another: honesty.
This book stood out to me because it was so different from everything else I've read in the genre. There were no long periods of pining. Cody got along with Brian's ex-wife when they met. There were issues with Brian's son and with what other people thought of their May-December romance, but those were about the only real issues that they faced. And the issues with Josh didn't villainize Josh in my opinion. Nor did Cody hold Josh's behavior against Brian. In fact, Cody sympathized with Josh and was often the one pointing out things to Brian about his son.
I've read a few other reviews who were unhappy with the ending. Its not the traditional HEA that we come to expect out of this genre. I actually loved the ending. I loved that it was a different style of HEA, one that fit the characters that we got to know in this book. Neither of these men were looking for the traditional HEA, and it was nice to see something different being presented as their HEA.
I definitely recommend this book. It was cute and the relationship was incredibly believable with just the right amount of steam.
** ARC PROVIDED BY GRR **
I loved the relationship between Brian and Cody. I loved the communication between them and the fact that they were both okay with this being mostly no strings attached. I loved the fact that while this book exists in the romance category, it was not a traditional love story. I loved the fact that both Brian and Cody had only one main expectation of one another: honesty.
This book stood out to me because it was so different from everything else I've read in the genre. There were no long periods of pining. Cody got along with Brian's ex-wife when they met. There were issues with Brian's son and with what other people thought of their May-December romance, but those were about the only real issues that they faced. And the issues with Josh didn't villainize Josh in my opinion. Nor did Cody hold Josh's behavior against Brian. In fact, Cody sympathized with Josh and was often the one pointing out things to Brian about his son.
I've read a few other reviews who were unhappy with the ending. Its not the traditional HEA that we come to expect out of this genre. I actually loved the ending. I loved that it was a different style of HEA, one that fit the characters that we got to know in this book. Neither of these men were looking for the traditional HEA, and it was nice to see something different being presented as their HEA.
I definitely recommend this book. It was cute and the relationship was incredibly believable with just the right amount of steam.
** ARC PROVIDED BY GRR **
August 20, 2021
An Enjoyable Read
I really enjoyed this story. Plenty of it was cute, sweet, hot. But what I appreciated most was the honesty. The acceptance that their differences and experiences gave then the courage to be truly open about what they wanted and what they could offer. A non traditional HEA is still a HEA.
I really enjoyed this story. Plenty of it was cute, sweet, hot. But what I appreciated most was the honesty. The acceptance that their differences and experiences gave then the courage to be truly open about what they wanted and what they could offer. A non traditional HEA is still a HEA.
July 18, 2021
3 stars.
I was a bit disappointed by this one, due to my high expectations of the author. If this were volume 1 of a series about these two guys, I would give it the same rating, but be looking forward to the next book, because there wasn't an emotionally satisfactory resolution to their character arcs in my view.
The ending is positive, don't get me wrong - it is a bona fide romance. I found the guys really likeable and interesting and want more of them, and their interior lives. It all just felt like there was a bit of distance between the reader and the story. It felt more like a story outline than an actual story.
The issues I raise above under the spoiler tags arose for me as I was reading the book, and interfered with my enjoyment, hence the 3 stars.
I received an advance review copy in exchange for an honest review.
I'm assuming that the copy of the story I received was a draft done before the final edit, because their were some carelessnesses in the text that bounced me out of the story early on, such as the word "project" being used 3 times in one sentence. Either there were less of these further on, or I was too sucked into the story to notice. Hopefully those slip-ups have been fixed in the final draft.
I was a bit disappointed by this one, due to my high expectations of the author. If this were volume 1 of a series about these two guys, I would give it the same rating, but be looking forward to the next book, because there wasn't an emotionally satisfactory resolution to their character arcs in my view.
The ending is positive, don't get me wrong - it is a bona fide romance. I found the guys really likeable and interesting and want more of them, and their interior lives. It all just felt like there was a bit of distance between the reader and the story. It felt more like a story outline than an actual story.
The issues I raise above under the spoiler tags arose for me as I was reading the book, and interfered with my enjoyment, hence the 3 stars.
I received an advance review copy in exchange for an honest review.
I'm assuming that the copy of the story I received was a draft done before the final edit, because their were some carelessnesses in the text that bounced me out of the story early on, such as the word "project" being used 3 times in one sentence. Either there were less of these further on, or I was too sucked into the story to notice. Hopefully those slip-ups have been fixed in the final draft.
July 16, 2021
Not your typical romance story, but I loved it!
If you’re looking for your typical gay romance HEA, this is not that book. But if you’re interested in reading about an ethical non-monogamous relationship, pick this up.
I honestly really liked this book. The Miami setting is vibrant and fun, but the book is very character focused. Brian and Cody just make sense together. They’re both upfront about expectations and, for the most part, honest with each other. The story is mostly about their sexy, casual summer fling. Everything about their chemistry and relationship is fun.
Unexpected emotions do eventually pop, andI loved that it didn’t lead right into a fairytale ending, but to a more realistic ending for these two, one full of possibilities.
There are two things I have to complain about:
1. I agree with other reviewers that there should be some kind of language in the blurb around this not being your typical romance. This is the kind of thing that a lot of readers need to know upfront to set their expectations and enjoy the story.
2. The cover model doesn’t match either Cody (a pale, freckled redhead) nor Brian (nearly 50). I’m not saying a 50 year old man can’t be fit and attractive, but that model isn’t 50.
If you’re looking for your typical gay romance HEA, this is not that book. But if you’re interested in reading about an ethical non-monogamous relationship, pick this up.
I honestly really liked this book. The Miami setting is vibrant and fun, but the book is very character focused. Brian and Cody just make sense together. They’re both upfront about expectations and, for the most part, honest with each other. The story is mostly about their sexy, casual summer fling. Everything about their chemistry and relationship is fun.
Unexpected emotions do eventually pop, andI loved that it didn’t lead right into a fairytale ending, but to a more realistic ending for these two, one full of possibilities.
There are two things I have to complain about:
1. I agree with other reviewers that there should be some kind of language in the blurb around this not being your typical romance. This is the kind of thing that a lot of readers need to know upfront to set their expectations and enjoy the story.
2. The cover model doesn’t match either Cody (a pale, freckled redhead) nor Brian (nearly 50). I’m not saying a 50 year old man can’t be fit and attractive, but that model isn’t 50.
July 27, 2021
Both Brian and Cody were in Miami for the summer. Cody, at 23, is there for a summer of fun before he will graduate from grad school and take a job. He's there to have fun and keep it casual. Brian at 48, spends summer working down in Miami with that branch of his company and while there he lets loose in ways he does not in Philly. Their meet cute leads to interest that has Cody getting his number to Brian. This story has them starting a long term summer thing on their terms, honest, open, not exclusive, but their connection grows as the summer wears on. They do not have a happily ever after but a happy as it goes along. They stay connected their way even when summer ends and their story concludes with a sense they will wind up together eventually but they are enjoying their journey now. I liked this couple and wanted their fling to turn into more during the book even with the family drama that was bound to intrude with the age gap. But then it dawned on me that these men were at very different phases of life and Cody, though young, was no lightweight. It made sense that they would take their time and unless the epilogue was further out they wouldn't be where I wanted to rush them. Just saying.
I received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.
I received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.
July 23, 2021
Story: 3.5 Stars
Overall, this age-gap summertime romance is an easy beach read filled with steamy times and delightfully flirty and dirty banter between vacationing grad student Cody (23) and workaholic "Sugar Daddy" Brian (48).
What begins as a no-strings casual summer fling between the two gradually deepens into something more, and unspoken feelings and family drama leads to some mild angst as summer's end approaches. Their HEA, like their relationship, is unconventional, somewhat undefined, and works for them, and ultimately feels like an agreed upon HFN but without any cliffhangers.
Not to be too spoilery, but I intensely disliked how Brian basically brushed off his son Josh's inexcusable treatment of Cody. It was disappointing and took everything down a notch for me because Cody deserved better. Also, fair warning that the MCs mutually agree to an open relationship from the start, so there is no actual "cheating" in the story. I received an advance reading e-copy of this book and have left this honest review voluntarily. (Also read in KU.)
Overall, this age-gap summertime romance is an easy beach read filled with steamy times and delightfully flirty and dirty banter between vacationing grad student Cody (23) and workaholic "Sugar Daddy" Brian (48).
What begins as a no-strings casual summer fling between the two gradually deepens into something more, and unspoken feelings and family drama leads to some mild angst as summer's end approaches. Their HEA, like their relationship, is unconventional, somewhat undefined, and works for them, and ultimately feels like an agreed upon HFN but without any cliffhangers.
Not to be too spoilery, but I intensely disliked how Brian basically brushed off his son Josh's inexcusable treatment of Cody. It was disappointing and took everything down a notch for me because Cody deserved better. Also, fair warning that the MCs mutually agree to an open relationship from the start, so there is no actual "cheating" in the story. I received an advance reading e-copy of this book and have left this honest review voluntarily. (Also read in KU.)
July 19, 2021
If I was young and single, I definitely would go to Miami for the summer! Brian, a 48 year old, twice divorced, bisexual, workaholic and father of a 19 year old, happens to meet Cody in a bar. He pretends to be Cody's sugar daddy to scare off a stalker and when that happens, they say goodbye. A few days later, Brian went back to the bar and the bartender gave him Cody's phone number, so he calls. A no strings relationship starts with neither expecting anything long term. Cody is fluent in several languages, is cute as a kitten, has a witty and spunky sense of humor and helps Brian unwind and relax. This is a good book with age gap, university student - established business man, low angst, hot romance that I'm hoping Anna will expand on in a bonus chapter or two! This was a pretty quick read, either that or it kept my attention and I finished quickly! Enjoy!
I received an ARC of this book and an voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC of this book and an voluntarily leaving a review.
July 19, 2021
Sugar is a MM romance book featuring a sugar daddy/boy dynamic.
Cody spends his summer in Miami and just wants to party and find a job or a sugar daddy to pay for his partying. He finds Brian at a bar. Brian is a workaholic. He is the CEO of a contraction company and already divorced two times.
He wants to have a boy, he can show off.
They decide to have a no-strings-relationship during the summer. But can they let each other go after the summer ends?
This book just didn’t work for me. The characters were quite superficial and they had no real chemistry. But this was fine for me at the beginning, as the blurb kind of get me the idea that this would be a more superficial book.
But the last 20% of the book just destroyed the image the book got at the beginning.
I won’t spoiler what exactly I didn’t like, but be warned, that this is not a typical MM romance.
*I received this book as an ARC. I chose to leave an honest review.*
Cody spends his summer in Miami and just wants to party and find a job or a sugar daddy to pay for his partying. He finds Brian at a bar. Brian is a workaholic. He is the CEO of a contraction company and already divorced two times.
He wants to have a boy, he can show off.
They decide to have a no-strings-relationship during the summer. But can they let each other go after the summer ends?
This book just didn’t work for me. The characters were quite superficial and they had no real chemistry. But this was fine for me at the beginning, as the blurb kind of get me the idea that this would be a more superficial book.
But the last 20% of the book just destroyed the image the book got at the beginning.
I won’t spoiler what exactly I didn’t like, but be warned, that this is not a typical MM romance.
*I received this book as an ARC. I chose to leave an honest review.*
July 26, 2021
Cody has just finished his junior year in college. He has gone down to Miami with a bunch of his friends for the summer. His main goal for the summer is to have lots of fun and party before he finishes up college and starts his real life. Soon after arriving he meets Brian at a bar and they have a fun flirtation. Brian is much older and wealthy. Cody jokingly asks if Brian will be his sugar daddy for the summer. Cody just wants to have fun and not have anything serious.
Brian was married twice and has a college age son. A few years ago he came out as gay. After his last divorce Brian doesn't want any serious relationship. He tends to get comsumed by his work and he neglects his partner. Being a sugar daddy for Cody may be just what he needs. He loves having someone to spoil and show off when he isn't buried in his work. He doesn't want to risk his heart again.
This is an untraditional love story. I received a copy of this story and this is my honest review.
Brian was married twice and has a college age son. A few years ago he came out as gay. After his last divorce Brian doesn't want any serious relationship. He tends to get comsumed by his work and he neglects his partner. Being a sugar daddy for Cody may be just what he needs. He loves having someone to spoil and show off when he isn't buried in his work. He doesn't want to risk his heart again.
This is an untraditional love story. I received a copy of this story and this is my honest review.
July 17, 2021
This was an interesting take on a sugar daddy relationship and isn't your typical romance book, but sometimes I just want to chuck the whole "happily ever after" or "happy for now" in the air and read something different.
First of all, there's a huge age difference--Cody is 23 and Brian is 48; and both men know the relationship has an expiration date at the end of the summer. I also liked the fact that neither men were hung up on the age difference thing, don't care how others perceive the relationship, and seem to be content with keeping the "sugar daddy" dynamic that they have going on. At the end, it feels like they've agreed to a polyamory relationship.
Overall, I liked it because it was a change of pace and I was in the mood for something different--just be aware it doesn't conform to the typical romance book "rules".
First of all, there's a huge age difference--Cody is 23 and Brian is 48; and both men know the relationship has an expiration date at the end of the summer. I also liked the fact that neither men were hung up on the age difference thing, don't care how others perceive the relationship, and seem to be content with keeping the "sugar daddy" dynamic that they have going on. At the end, it feels like they've agreed to a polyamory relationship.
Overall, I liked it because it was a change of pace and I was in the mood for something different--just be aware it doesn't conform to the typical romance book "rules".
July 27, 2021
What do you do when you find what you were not looking for? Cody, in last year of grad school, had short term goals for his summer break. Fun in the sun with his friends, find a job and meet his physical needs. Brian, CEO twice divorced workaholic, was taking a break from his main office in Philly at his house in Miami for the summer. He could catch up with work in his Miami office and still be more free and casual in his personal life in Miami. When they met, they clicked. They felt comfortable with each other, they had fun together. Do they go beyond casual? Do they stick with their no rules? What will Cody do after he graduates? Does Cody ever get a job? Can Brian get over 25year age difference? Their conversations are fun. Both Cody and Brian are absolutely delightful men. Really fun read. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 16, 2021
More of a not for me thing- 2 1/2 * for me.
Okay this is going to be it’s a me thing. I’m not the right target audience for Sugar. The arrangement the MCs, Cody and Brian had worked for them but would not work for me or what I look for in my reads. The whole point of Sugar was to show a nontraditional relationship… giving each man space to do their own thing and holding no real expectations for each other than honesty. Even so, I was left unsatisfied and disappointed. I need to go read something with a HEA now…I need passion and undying love even if that’s not realistic for everyone. Anna Martin has written some of my favorites so this has nothing to do with her caliber of writing… and definitely I didn’t connect because of a me thing.
Okay this is going to be it’s a me thing. I’m not the right target audience for Sugar. The arrangement the MCs, Cody and Brian had worked for them but would not work for me or what I look for in my reads. The whole point of Sugar was to show a nontraditional relationship… giving each man space to do their own thing and holding no real expectations for each other than honesty. Even so, I was left unsatisfied and disappointed. I need to go read something with a HEA now…I need passion and undying love even if that’s not realistic for everyone. Anna Martin has written some of my favorites so this has nothing to do with her caliber of writing… and definitely I didn’t connect because of a me thing.
August 2, 2021
This book was a big surprise as it‘s not the typical romance where two guys with problems fall in love and you follow their way to their HEA.
Yes, we have here two guys, Brian and Cody, two very cute guys, we have a lot of sex, we have trouble and the both guys get their kind of Happy End.
I love this kind of difference in their relation ship to the other typical ones. It‘s fresh to read sometimes a little bit of different kind of stories and at the end as far as Brian and Cody are happy either the kind of relationship they‘ve defined for themselves that‘s what count.
This story makes me curious to the other books of Anna as this was my first one to see if she has more nice surprises for me.
Yes, we have here two guys, Brian and Cody, two very cute guys, we have a lot of sex, we have trouble and the both guys get their kind of Happy End.
I love this kind of difference in their relation ship to the other typical ones. It‘s fresh to read sometimes a little bit of different kind of stories and at the end as far as Brian and Cody are happy either the kind of relationship they‘ve defined for themselves that‘s what count.
This story makes me curious to the other books of Anna as this was my first one to see if she has more nice surprises for me.
July 16, 2021
3.75* Almost 4*
I must say that I did enjoy most of this book, but it was not what I thought I was going to get in the end and the end was where I got tripped up, it was unexpected and different from the genre norms, I made an assumption, so it's on me that I found the ending to be a little disappointing. Overall though I did in fact enjoy this book, the characters were well rounded and easy to like, the story draws the reader in, making this an enjoyable read if you don't go in with expectations of what your going to get. This is from a new to me author, I was given an ARC copy in return for this honest review but I am not sure if I will read more from them.
I must say that I did enjoy most of this book, but it was not what I thought I was going to get in the end and the end was where I got tripped up, it was unexpected and different from the genre norms, I made an assumption, so it's on me that I found the ending to be a little disappointing. Overall though I did in fact enjoy this book, the characters were well rounded and easy to like, the story draws the reader in, making this an enjoyable read if you don't go in with expectations of what your going to get. This is from a new to me author, I was given an ARC copy in return for this honest review but I am not sure if I will read more from them.
July 26, 2021
It took me awhile to get passed the 20% mark in this book. I could see where the book was heading, but I usually enjoy Anna Martin’s writing so I pushed ahead.
Now, I’m a die hard HEA fan. That’s what I expect for romance books. However, I could (personally, just me) hardly call the ending of this book an HEA; I couldn’t even call it an HFN. I was so frustrated because of that. I wish there was some sort of mention of this not being a Romance along the usual/expected lines. It threw me off. Entirely.
Additionally, I found both characters to be immature and at times dismissive and callous. I didn’t connect with this story. Shame. I usually like Anna Martin’s books. I guess this one simply didn’t do it for me.
I’m sure others enjoyed it though. If you’re looking for a non traditional ending in an MM Romance book, perhaps you’d like this one.
*ARC provided by Gay Romance Reviews, and I have given my honest and voluntary review.*
Now, I’m a die hard HEA fan. That’s what I expect for romance books. However, I could (personally, just me) hardly call the ending of this book an HEA; I couldn’t even call it an HFN. I was so frustrated because of that. I wish there was some sort of mention of this not being a Romance along the usual/expected lines. It threw me off. Entirely.
Additionally, I found both characters to be immature and at times dismissive and callous. I didn’t connect with this story. Shame. I usually like Anna Martin’s books. I guess this one simply didn’t do it for me.
I’m sure others enjoyed it though. If you’re looking for a non traditional ending in an MM Romance book, perhaps you’d like this one.
*ARC provided by Gay Romance Reviews, and I have given my honest and voluntary review.*
July 25, 2021
4.5 stars
Cody and Brian are both deeply interesting characters who find each other during what’s meant to be an interlude in their regular lives— a summer fling, as the blurb says. While what they build together doesn’t match the traditional “romance” formula, their relationship is very much what each of them wants and needs, and I liked that they were able to be true to themselves. There are some fascinating dynamics in the novel— between the protagonists and the supporting characters— and they’re drawn with care and clarity. The plot moves well, and overall it’s a really fun read.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cody and Brian are both deeply interesting characters who find each other during what’s meant to be an interlude in their regular lives— a summer fling, as the blurb says. While what they build together doesn’t match the traditional “romance” formula, their relationship is very much what each of them wants and needs, and I liked that they were able to be true to themselves. There are some fascinating dynamics in the novel— between the protagonists and the supporting characters— and they’re drawn with care and clarity. The plot moves well, and overall it’s a really fun read.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 27, 2021
I really enjoyed this age gap story between Cody and Brian. Both were clearly delineated at the beginning as only being interested in a summer fling. Brian got someone to take care of and have some fun with to break up his workaholism and Cody got to enjoy being taken care of while on his break from grad school. Then, the book really got interesting as the hints of both men beginning to feel more began to appear. Anna Martin did a marvelous job of keeping the transition slow and delicate rather than one sudden moment of enlightenment. It was totally enjoyable and totally believable.
July 27, 2021
Brian owns his own construction company and they do so well that they not only have their original Philadelphia location, but they have a Miami office as well. He spends his summers at the Miami office and after his first day back this year he heads to a local bar where he meets the spunky loveable Cody. Cody throws himself at Brian trying to show the man hitting on him that he is taken by Brian. Cody and Brian make this such an easy and enjoyable experience. Their banter is so perfect. I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.
July 27, 2021
Where’s the romance?
I’d heard good things about this author and and was hoping to at least like this story, but in the end I was disappointed. While well written, this book just wasn’t to my taste. The blurb here didn’t match up or at least didn’t accurately convey what these characters and their relationship would be like. Honestly, I read these things to feel satisfied in a happy ending, either “ever after” or “for now” and this didn’t meet either criteria. So for me, content and characters lacking, though I’m sure sure plenty others will appreciate it.
I’d heard good things about this author and and was hoping to at least like this story, but in the end I was disappointed. While well written, this book just wasn’t to my taste. The blurb here didn’t match up or at least didn’t accurately convey what these characters and their relationship would be like. Honestly, I read these things to feel satisfied in a happy ending, either “ever after” or “for now” and this didn’t meet either criteria. So for me, content and characters lacking, though I’m sure sure plenty others will appreciate it.
July 27, 2021
Mixed feelings about this age gap story
I have mixed feelings about this book. It took me a long time to get into reading it. There was just something missing at the beginning that didn’t pull the reader in. However, the character development was superb and the banter between the two was funny and endearing. Age gap seems to be all the rage right now and this fits that perfectly. So all in all, I’m glad I stuck it out and read it. I just hope other readers give it the same chance.
I have mixed feelings about this book. It took me a long time to get into reading it. There was just something missing at the beginning that didn’t pull the reader in. However, the character development was superb and the banter between the two was funny and endearing. Age gap seems to be all the rage right now and this fits that perfectly. So all in all, I’m glad I stuck it out and read it. I just hope other readers give it the same chance.
July 17, 2021
This author was new to me and this is not your typical romance!
I enjoyed reading Cody and Brian's story! I thought it was really good and then unexpected things happened. After I got over that this story wasn't going to be like a "typical story" I found that I was able to still enjoy the story and recommend this book overall!
I read an advanced copy of this book and this is my unbiased review!
I enjoyed reading Cody and Brian's story! I thought it was really good and then unexpected things happened. After I got over that this story wasn't going to be like a "typical story" I found that I was able to still enjoy the story and recommend this book overall!
I read an advanced copy of this book and this is my unbiased review!
July 26, 2021
This story was sooo much more than I thought it was going to be!! The characters were really well developed, complex, and definitely not the traditional romance. Cody and Brian are not the typical age-gap, romantic couple, but they work. I really liked how they communicated! The ending to the story was a little different than what I read in the past, but it worked! Overall I really liked and enjoyed the story!! I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received.
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