Glazing the Donut

The Lumberjocks #1

by Dax Kazmi

Matty wants to save his bar from demolition. Jax wants to tear it down and build condos. And both of them are wanted for murder. After these two enemies discover a dead body beneath Portland's oldest gay bar, they'll have to work together to solve the crime and catch the killer — before they kill each other.

This full-length novel is part crime mystery, part enemies-to-lovers romance, and all campy comedy peppered with some explicit gay sex.

Genres: Mystery, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary, M M Romance, Queer, LGBT, Gay

408 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 15, 2022

Reviews

[Saimi Vasquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Divertida, dulce, entretenido

Jax es un aburrido vendedor de bienes raíces, que trabaja para una empresa que solo quiere construir nuevos edificios y derrumbar todo lo histórico. Así que cuando tiene que ir al Lumberjock a hablar con su propietario para que le venda, se encuentra nada más y nada menos envuelto en un crimen. Pero será capaz de aclarar su nombre? Podrán descubrir quien es el asesino? Su relación con el dueño del bar podrá funcionar?

Fue una historia realmente entretenida, divertida y con muchos personajes realmente buenos e interesantes. Me gustó mucho la forma como el autor manejo la sensualidad del prota sin hacerlo vulgar, además de como creo un grupo de personajes basados en ciertos estereotipos de la comunidad, que resultaron atractivos y divertidos sin ser payasos.
En fin, me gustó mucho este libro y es seguro que leeré los otros de la serie más adelante.

[T Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this book has a bit of everything. Over the top characters, evil to the bone characters, likable,helpful characters and some really, nasty nasty ones, too. It’s thrilling, breath holding and stomach hurting excitement. The story moves along very quickly, while our heroes go from dislike to like pretty fast. As the end rolls up you get a great HeA with the whole gang. A very fun book. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

[Constantino · Rating 5 out of 5]

SHORT VERSION:
Hilarious and campy light read that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

LONG VERSION:
Romance is not usually my genre, but I have to admit I was super into this book. A key part of the plot is a cute love story between two guys who start out as adversaries, but the real driving force is the murder mystery that brings them together.

The book is well-written, and the author's sense of comedy is brilliant. I genuinely laughed out loud many times reading the book. The sexual innuendo is at times over-the-top (no pun intended), but effective — like a good, old school drag show.

I want to see it as a movie or mini-series. It could even be a PG-13 one, if you take out the sex scenes. I see that it's supposed to be a series. Can't wait to see what else Dax Kazmi has in store. We need more gay-themed rom-coms.

[Alberta Artista · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fun, sometimes raunchy comedy is more rom-com thriller than romance. It felt to me sort of like a gay "Starsky & Hutch" — larger than life, sometime ridiculous, and often hilarious. The crime mystery plot is coherent with a lot of twists and turns, though it tends to dominate the romance story at times. That said, the enemies-to-lovers romance is fun and sweet. If you're into straightforward romance, this probably isn't for you. If you're into rom-coms more in the vein of "Bridesmaids" or "The 40-Year-Old Virigin," this might be your jam.

[Crystal D. Budy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok...I'm not going to lie. I buddy-read this with some people expecting to make fun of it the whole time just based off the title and the cover.
But it was actually really entertaining and I kind of really liked it??
Was it over the top? Absolutely. Did I laugh super hard through most of it? Also, yes.
I also never saw the plot twist almost three-quarters of the way through coming. Typically, I can usually figure out whodunit before the reveal, especially in this kind of genre. But this one caught me off guard.
This is a book I would honestly love to see adapted into a Netflix film or something, as long as they stayed true to the story. It would be perfect in that medium. Someone like Ryan Reynolds playing Matty? Hilarious. There is so much in this book that screams OTT slapstick action comedy.
If you aren't a fan of those types of stories, you probably won't like this. It's raunchy, it's dirty, it's SUPER over the top, and its comedic timing is pretty spot-on. But if that's your thing, as it is mine, you'll love it.
Excited to read more by this author!

[DLB2572 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun & Quirky

As you can tell by the title and the cover picture, this is one that you need to go into expecting fun and quirkiness. Any other way and you may not enjoy this one.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the book, can't wait to see what's next.

[Monika · Rating 4 out of 5]

With that cover and that title I wasn't sure what to expect. I honestly thought this was going to be something really silly and not necessarily in a good way. It turns out first impressions can sometimes be so wrong. What I got was a lot of laugh out loud crazy situations mixed with a bit of a mystery & drama plus a sweet romance. Looking at that cover with that title I thought there would be a ton of sex but, nope, I got just the right amount in the right places.

All in all a really fun read! For someone who is new to writing in the romance genre I think the author did pretty well. I'm looking forward to more from this author.

QUICK THOUGHTS

** Combatants - to partners in crime - to lovers
** Rom/com
** Well, this was pretty damn campy
** Over the top at times but it worked
** A bit of mystery with a lot of twists and turns
** A bit of drama
** Dealing with an ex
** Made me laugh
** Made my heart feel good
** Loved the MCs... Matty & Jax
** Loved most of the secondary characters even the evil ones
** Satisfying ending? Yes, but I'm not ready to let this group go

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rip roaring fun!

Honestly, where to start? Across between a comedy, murder mystery and romance all rolled up in tongue-in-cheek plot.
Overall, quite well executed.
Matty,one of the mc's, is trying to save the bar he inherited from going under. Jax, CEO of a real estate company (in name only, as it turns out), wants to acquire said bar. They hilariously start off on the wrong foot, until a murder forces them to join forces.
I was quite amused at each chapter ending and the chapter titles - quite funny, witty.
The story does not take itself too seriously.
Fun read, glad I took a chance on reading.

[Maria771 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Matty and Jaxon, it is also the first book in the Lumberjacks series. I love murder mysteries with a romance attached. It is written wonderfully with amazing characters that will either have you loving them or wanting to hit them. The mystery and intrigue keeps you reading. The rolling on the floor moments absolutely makes the them story. Wonderful and definitely recommended.

I received this book as an Arc and I am happily reviewing it voluntarily.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great tale with some twists and turns which you will not see coming. It will pull you in and you will be kept there until you reach the very last page of this great read

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laughed my ass up. Really funny book, also sweet and hit at times. Very likable characters. Fully recommended.

[RACHEL REED · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun and quirky enemies to lovers romance!!

Jax and Matty were adorable together.

I absolutely loved the chemistry between them and the banter was fun


I loved how over the top the characters were.

This was such a hilarious ride

[Legobear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Glazing the Donut – A Sprinkle of Romance, a Glaze of Drama, and a Whole Lotta Fun

Okay, let’s get one thing straight: I’m a sucker for a good rom-com. Give me awkward flirting, a heart-thumping will-they-won’t-they, and I’m in. But throw in a bit of crime, some thriller vibes, and a mystery wrapped up in sass? Yes please, serve that up with extra glaze.

Glazing the Donut is exactly what you’d get if your favourite feel-good romantic comedy had a passionate fling with a snappy whodunnit—and then they adopted a sarcastic cat together. It’s warm, weirdly comforting, and totally satisfying.

First off, props to the author for letting me paint the scenes in my head. I’ve never been to Portland, Oregon, but somehow I now feel like I’ve strolled across those bridges, admired the skyline, and definitely had a drink at the Lumberjock bar (can we talk about how fabulous that name is?). The city felt real—not because it was described in microscopic detail—but because I was trusted to fill in the blanks. That’s some top-tier storytelling magic.

Let’s talk characters. Oh Matty. Sweet, fast-talking, anxiety-prone Matty. I wanted to wrap him in a blanket burrito and tell him everything would be okay. He’s the kind of character who sneaks up on you with charm and vulnerability and next thing you know, you’re emotionally invested in his love life and rooting for him to catch a break (and maybe a killer?).

Then we have Jax. Tall, broody, mysterious Jax who possibly needs therapy and definitely needs a cuddle. He starts off as your typical “is-he-bad-or-just-broken” type, but like a good croissant, there are layers. Oh, and let’s not forget Ling—sharp-tongued, dangerous, and deliciously unpredictable. This book didn’t just stop at one antagonist, oh no—it came at you with a whole buffet.

The comparisons? Spot on. If you’re into the likes of Four Bears Construction or Big Bull Mechanics, or if Greg Herren’s Chance MacLeod and Scotty Bradley Mysteries are your jam, then Glazing the Donut will feel like a cozy, chaotic hug. It’s got that same charm where city settings almost become characters themselves—only this time, we’re deep in Portland rather than the jazz-laced corners of New Orleans.

And the supporting cast! Like little glittery breadcrumbs scattered throughout, you get hints of backstories and juicy side plots just waiting to be explored. Book two? Stuffing the Taco (yes, you read that right) is clearly going to focus on the drag queen icon we all need in our lives—Topo Chica. Honestly, she deserves her own universe.

This book gets a solid 5 out of 5 from me. It’s clever, cute, chaotic in all the best ways—and it never leans too hard into stereotypes or OTT LGBTQ+ clichés. It’s just real, sweet storytelling with a deliciously crispy crime-thriller edge.

More, please. And I’ll take mine with extra sprinkles.

[George · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 Stars

The complete title of this book, Glazing the Donut: A Gay Erotic Romance Comedy Thriller! (Glazing the Donut (The Lumberjocks Gay Comedy Romance Adventure Series) Book 1) tells the reader exactly what to expect. Like the title, the book itself is far too long and too frivolous to be a particularly enjoyable read.

That’s not to say that Dax Kazmi hasn’t provided some moments of fun.

The Good:

The protagonists themselves. Despite their respective flaws, both Matty Higgins, a pole dancer and current owner of Lumberjocks, the oldest gay bar and dance club in Portland, OR, and Jaxon Sellers (Jax), the founder and CEO of his self named real estate development corporation are eminently likable.

The location - Gentrifying Old Town Portland; the city’s parks and bridges on the Willamette River; and, of course, Lumberjocks itself.

The fact that there is an actual murder with a great deal of suspense leading up to the discovery of the culprit.

And, the author’s use of teasers at the end of each chapter to introduce the subject matter on the next. As an example, at the end of Chapter 16, Kazmi writes, “In the next chapter, Jax and Matty finally get to a plot twist.” Followed on the next page by “17. Plot Twist!” This is a device that was used effectively in movie serials of the 1940’s and 50’s.

The Good and The Bad:

The sophomoric teen-age like locker room humor throughout. To be completely fair though, some of the humor was chuckle-worthy and occasionally even laugh-out-loud funny.

Chapter Titles such as “Visible Penis Line Is a Gay Man’s Cleavage; Did We Meet at an Orgy?; Ready? Constipate!; Holy Fuckfarts; Murder on the Whore-ient Express; Your Dickprint Is Going to Be Famous; and That Wankstain! provide further examples of the type of humor seen everywhere in the novel.

The Bad:

Kazmi has introduced far too many secondary characters - some of whom are instrumental to the development of his narrative; others not so much.

The novel’s total obsession with the male derrière. In the first chapter alone and through chapter titles like “A Shit and a Half; I Need It Up the Butt RIGHT NOW; and An Unforgettable Ass” the reader is inundated with descriptions of mens' asses, alternative terminology for ass; and the many sexual uses and biologic function of rectum.

Still, the worst element of all is the totally improbable, over extended Keystone Kops-like resolution of the murder.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.

While I expect my review will be in the minority, for me at least, Glazing the Donut simply didn’t live up to its promise.

[Estefanía Durán · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, so let me first make the caveat that I kinda feel like I wasn't the right audience for this book. I love MM romances and read a lot of them. I decided to give this one a try because the cover stood out. That should've probably been the first clue that it wasn't going to be what I'm used to.

Reading this book felt like hanging out with my gay guy friends when I'm the only woman there.

I found the author on social media after I started reading the book and that kind of explained everything. He's a gay man who describes himself as a selfie-taking gym rat. He writes like a gay man sounds when talking about sex. It's sassy, funny, and over-the-top sexualized. Honestly, it made me feel a little bit uncomfortable at times... But happy I was there... Like, yes, hanging out with a bunch of gay guys when you're the only woman. If you know the feeling YOU KNOW.

The love story between the two protagonists was sweet -- both were super likable characters. The humor was too over the top for me but I do admit I chuckled and even laughed out loud at various points. The sex scene (there's really only one major one) was not what I'm used to in MM romance... See previous point about sounding the way gay men talk... But still hot.

The murder mystery thriller aspect was engaging and kept me reading. In the end, I definitely enjoyed it, even if it felt like I wasn't the primary audience. I'll recommend it, for sure, but especially to my gay friends, many of whom have made fun of my MM romance books in the past — this on feels like it was written by one of them.

[Joel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book with smut in it isn't normally my type of thing (“that's what everyone who reads books with smut in them says” - my friend).

Biggest issue with the book for me was the overabundance of crude humor and sexual innuendos. Not trying to pearl clutch here but I simply didn't find it funny and it played mostly like a bad comedy acting challenge from drag race. I understand this is meant to be campy and maybe it worked for some but for me it mostly was just distracting from the better parts of the book. I feel like the author was selling himself short here by over relying on this.

The romance is by far the strongest aspect of this book. The author does an excellent job of investing the reader in Jax and Matty and describing the feelings and insecurities that come along with falling for someone. Enemies to lovers is a well worn trope but feels fresh here. Despite a lot of crude and explicit content in the book their romance is sweet, believable and fun to read. Speaking of explicit, sex is totally fair game in romance books and I felt the amount of sexual content was reasonable. Its quite graphic yes but feels well earned and like a natural progression in the romance of these two characters.

The murder mystery part of the book is less successful. It works best if you don't think too hard about it as the characters continually make a series of head scratching choices from the moment they discover a dead body till the end when the killer is revealed. Still I understand this is all meant to be light and fun, mostly exists to give Matty and Jax something to do to fall in love. I will say this was a big swing trying to combine a murder mystery and a romance and though not all of it worked I appreciate how unique it was and that it was trying something different.

Overall it was wonderfully refreshing to read a fun upbeat gay book that 1) isn't sad 2) doesn't have a coming out narrative 3) and was written by a gay man. Hope to see more by this author :)

[Dekaydreader · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would have given this maybe three or four stars, until the story simply took a nosedive into total stupidity. It was entertaining until the main bozos - oh, oops, characters - have a firm piece of evidence in their hands, and instead of using it as any normal, thinking human might, they decide to organize, or rather dis-organize, a total clusterfuck that puts them, all their friends, and assorted random strangers in the way of flying bullets. At that point, it went from being silly, to kind of annoying, to face-palm disbelief. When the stupidity went from fun to frustrating, I decided my time wasn't worth any more. Slapstick only goes so far as entertaintment. Some tiny spark of reason and logic would be welcome. Should call this series The Dumberjocks...

I began this story back when Amazon introduced Kindle Vella, and decided to finish it as a KU loan. I rather regret that choice, since I made it to 90% before it felt like my head would explode if I read any more.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw this being offered free to purchase on Kindle and thought to give it a try. It’s not my usual genre, but I read this for me for some fun and variety.

Glazing the Donut was a fun romp, and it was a hilariously over the top reading experience. The book was bursting in personality and just a delight to read. The chapter breaks and titles were nice touches. The book was fast-paced with quirky characters and engaging leads. It had some explicit spice, but I wouldn’t classify this as erotica. Glazing the Donut is a funny gay romcom with charming protagonists, hilarious situations and interactions, and a crime thriller mystery that allowed for the characters and humor to shine.

[Al Cate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes love-struck, sometimes scared, sometimes a little inebriated, sometimes down in the dumps, and that everything that happens in this book.
This is book, gay or not, will keep you reading and not wanting to stop. But it is 1:04 AM and work starts at eight. Better turn off the light and get some hot dreams in before having to go to work.
Okay, it is gay, but there is no raunchy sex, yes, there is some sex but always well thought out so that no one can be offended.
I still haven't figured out who I like best, Jax or Matty or Hudson. Anyhow you can decide it when you read this action-packed book.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are times you stumble across a book that totally takes you by surprise. Glazing the Donut was one of those books. Never heard of the author before; in fact, this is the only book that comes up under his name (even though a second book is teased at the end). Think Hallmark movie with a gay cast, throw in a little bit of mystery and amateur sleuthing (with a twist I didn't see coming), some silly comedy, and some explicit sexual content, and that about sums up Glazing the Donut. Sometimes the humor felt a little forced, but for the most part, it kept me chuckling and on the edge of my seat. Definitely worth checking out, and will be keep an eye out for more from this author.

[Lisa Klein · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting story by a new to me author. Suspense is not my usual genre to read, but I decoded to try it when offered the ARC, partly because I had seen it in Kindle Vella. It's basically a comedic suspense story with some romance. The MCs & secondary characters were a lot of fun, and you definitely have to suspend belief when reading it. It was very entertaining, though, and fun to read.

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.

[Juniper · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s a lot going on in this book, and most of it doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s fun, it’s exciting, it’s over-the-top: sometimes ridiculous, sometimes hilarious, sometimes a tad overwhelming. The characters are either super lovable or…seriously not, and there’s never a dull moment. There’s an interesting mixture of genres and tropes at work here, and all-in-all, it makes for a fun reading experience.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admit I wasn't sure about this one. I'm a huge fan of m/m romance and murder mysteries, but comedy isn't usually my thing. With that cover, I was afraid the comedy would overpower both the romance and mystery. I was totally wrong. Yes, this one is funny but the romance has plenty of steam as well as being emotionally satisfying and the mystery is well developed and never slighted. Mystery and romance fans dig in.

[Gene Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book Has It All!

Romance, Thrills, Suspense, Gay Sex, to name a few! All set amongst familiar (but in some instances renamed) Portland Oregon sites. The author has a way of describing his characters that it felt like they were in the room with me, telling their stories. At the same time, I stepped into their world experiencing each compelling moment from start to finish. I’m looking forward to reading Dax’s next book!

[kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you get when you combine a romance, a mystery and a comedy together? A quirky, funny, romp of a story.
This is the story of Matty and Jaxon, it is also the first book in the Lumberjacks series.
The mystery and intrigue keeps you reading.
There is never a dull moment!
I'm looking forward to see what comes next in this series.

[Michele Rozinek · Rating 5 out of 5]

not quite finished reading yet already recommended to 2 friends

Dax delivers all he promises. I laughed out loud and didn’t guess the plot twists. This book would make a fun adult film. If Lumberjock Bar really existed, it alone would be worth a trip to Portland. This book is more than a distraction. It is a fun read.

[Stephanie W · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice mix of comedy, mystery and romance. First for me from this author, and I wasn't disappointed.

I thoroughly enjoyed this steamy read from the first chapter to the last.

**I received this ARC via Gay Romance Reviews for my honest feedback.**

[Thrilled Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

The sex scenes were steamy, the rest was just too silly. I wouldn't even call it over the top. In the end, I was just disappointed.

[Twentytoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really funny and outlandish.

This book is great and funny. That is all. Read it! Read it now! Support more gay authors and stuff!