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Of Love #1
A Taste of Love
A Taste of Love Story The lunch rush at Darryl Hansen’s restaurant, Café Belgie, is getting to be too much for one man to handle, and Billy Weaver is a young man in search of a job—any job—to support his family. Billy gains Darryl's respect with his earnest nature and willingness to work hard, but Billy's admiring looks resurrect pain and shame from Darryl’s past. Until Darryl stumbles across Billy's secret, Billy is suffering in his father died a few months earlier, leaving him struggling to raise his twin five-year-old brothers. Darryl takes Billy and the boys to the restaurant, where they’ll stand together to face the smorgasbord of troubles in their future… while Davey, Donnie, and Billy all worm their way into Darryl’s heart.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2010
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719 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
August 24, 2018
Andrew Grey ✰✰✰✰✰
Translation ✰ (Per piacere rileggi cosa scrivi Laura di Berardino e spero che la Dreamspinner Italia ti abbia licenziato perchè sinceramente pagare un libro €6,80 moltiplicato per 4 e trovarmi una marea di errori è indecente nel modo più assoluto. )
Bellissima serie che ho amato nonostante i continui errori della traduttrice che per lei rileggere deve essere un opzione facoltativa e per questo ribadisco che spero che ti abbiano licenziato. Solitamente sono pedante su questo ma non così pesante però seriamente non posso pagare €6,80 x4 e trovarmi dei lavori fatti con i piedi. Vedi in particolare il libro 3. Quel prezzo non sono noccioline. Un errore ogni tanto è ok ma dopo il libro 3 non si possono più chiamare svista. Continuerò a leggere Andrew Grey 50-50. Ma se mi ritrovo questa traduttrice, qualsiasi autore/ice, è sicuro che il libro lo compro in inglese e cazzi della Dreamspinner Italia.
Translation ✰ (Per piacere rileggi cosa scrivi Laura di Berardino e spero che la Dreamspinner Italia ti abbia licenziato perchè sinceramente pagare un libro €6,80 moltiplicato per 4 e trovarmi una marea di errori è indecente nel modo più assoluto. )
Bellissima serie che ho amato nonostante i continui errori della traduttrice che per lei rileggere deve essere un opzione facoltativa e per questo ribadisco che spero che ti abbiano licenziato. Solitamente sono pedante su questo ma non così pesante però seriamente non posso pagare €6,80 x4 e trovarmi dei lavori fatti con i piedi. Vedi in particolare il libro 3. Quel prezzo non sono noccioline. Un errore ogni tanto è ok ma dopo il libro 3 non si possono più chiamare svista. Continuerò a leggere Andrew Grey 50-50. Ma se mi ritrovo questa traduttrice, qualsiasi autore/ice, è sicuro che il libro lo compro in inglese e cazzi della Dreamspinner Italia.
June 19, 2018
This was just too much - or not enough. Too much insta love and the whole plot with the twin brothers was just too much. Or well, it could have been good if it was done correctly, explored and not only rushed through. Grey has all the right elements in his books, but I feel like he doesn't really give the books, characters and plots time to shine. They are always too rushed for my tastes. (pun not intended)
November 21, 2011
I was enjoying this in the beginning. but then they started having boring sex. even skipping the sex it was too boring. then towards the end there is this plot twist (is it a plot twist when there is like no plot? maybe there was just a twist?) which was too extreme and too late to be at all satisfying or enjoyable IMHO. I struggled to finish. I probably wouldn't have if it weren't for needing to finish for my bingo challenge. i started thinking of this as torture and forced myself to read for at least 30 minutes a day so i could finish.
Some WTF moments and spoilers :)
Some WTF moments and spoilers :)
December 16, 2010
Very sweet. I loved Billy and Darryl, Billy's vulnerability and Darryl's quiet strength (and his own insecurities as well.) The twin boys were a delight, and I TRULY liked the ending, because I'm a sucker for unconventional families and people being decent to each other in spite of difficult circumstances. I love that Andrew Grey's characters have that basic, underlying decency in them as well--it makes me feel as though I'm reading about people that not only could I know, but that I would enjoy spending time with. Awesome story about kindness and strength-- well done!
February 16, 2011
^^A MILD TASTE TEST!^^
My first book by this author and it really was a good introduction. I did have my faults with the book. I had a hard time really connecting to the story; it started out great in the beginning. I just felt certain parts of the story was unnecessary and created difficulties when none was needed. Moreover, some scenes involving Darryl was just unbelievable and made no sense.
Darryl Hansen is owner and chef at Café Belgie. He loves his job and his restaurant is doing fairly well, so well that he needs to do a bit of hiring. Help comes quickly than anticipated in the form of a very young but attractive Billy Weaver. Clearly, Billy has never worked in the restaurant business, but he seems earnest and is willing to work very hard. Darryl is having a hard time though keeping young Billy out of his head and keeping things professional.
Billy is twenty-one and has to be both mother and father to his 5 years old twin brothers. After losing their parents, Billy has taken up the responsibility in raising them, and keeping a roof over their heads. Things haven’t always been easy, and the job at Café Belgie is a turn for the good and will provide some well-needed money. When Billy is suspected of stealing food from the restaurant, and is tracked down by Darryl his living situations is revealed. Being the good person he is Darryl becomes his knight in shining armour. However, not everything remains sunny and perfect.
Without giving too much away, there is a sad situation involving Billy’s brothers. Though I expected something to happen, I was not expecting what did happen. I don’t whether to be annoyed that the author chose to do this and ruin a story that would have been perfect, or commend him for creating a little bit of angst in the overall plot.
The writing at times felt a bit too stiff, the interaction between Darryl and Billy wasn’t really bursting off the pages. As I said, I was really feeling the beginning and I thought it was going to be real explosive; instead, I wasn’t getting any real emotion. I was reading it; but I wasn’t feeling it. They both lacked passion, and they really did not sizzle together. I did enjoy them both while they spent time with the children, I felt like they really came alive then.
What I did enjoy was the food. I got a little bit hungry for frites and chicken fingers and all the other wonderful things described in the book. I also really did enjoy the twins; they were funny and so realistic of 5-year-old boys. So much energy and so full of life. The ending was very realistic, and I was happy there was nothing really crazy. It was resolved as it should have been and for that, I am happy. I am not discouraged by this book and will be checking out other works by this author, I have heard good things and I am willing to give him another go. I just had some difficulties connecting to this story and the main characters.
My first book by this author and it really was a good introduction. I did have my faults with the book. I had a hard time really connecting to the story; it started out great in the beginning. I just felt certain parts of the story was unnecessary and created difficulties when none was needed. Moreover, some scenes involving Darryl was just unbelievable and made no sense.
Darryl Hansen is owner and chef at Café Belgie. He loves his job and his restaurant is doing fairly well, so well that he needs to do a bit of hiring. Help comes quickly than anticipated in the form of a very young but attractive Billy Weaver. Clearly, Billy has never worked in the restaurant business, but he seems earnest and is willing to work very hard. Darryl is having a hard time though keeping young Billy out of his head and keeping things professional.
Billy is twenty-one and has to be both mother and father to his 5 years old twin brothers. After losing their parents, Billy has taken up the responsibility in raising them, and keeping a roof over their heads. Things haven’t always been easy, and the job at Café Belgie is a turn for the good and will provide some well-needed money. When Billy is suspected of stealing food from the restaurant, and is tracked down by Darryl his living situations is revealed. Being the good person he is Darryl becomes his knight in shining armour. However, not everything remains sunny and perfect.
Without giving too much away, there is a sad situation involving Billy’s brothers. Though I expected something to happen, I was not expecting what did happen. I don’t whether to be annoyed that the author chose to do this and ruin a story that would have been perfect, or commend him for creating a little bit of angst in the overall plot.
The writing at times felt a bit too stiff, the interaction between Darryl and Billy wasn’t really bursting off the pages. As I said, I was really feeling the beginning and I thought it was going to be real explosive; instead, I wasn’t getting any real emotion. I was reading it; but I wasn’t feeling it. They both lacked passion, and they really did not sizzle together. I did enjoy them both while they spent time with the children, I felt like they really came alive then.
What I did enjoy was the food. I got a little bit hungry for frites and chicken fingers and all the other wonderful things described in the book. I also really did enjoy the twins; they were funny and so realistic of 5-year-old boys. So much energy and so full of life. The ending was very realistic, and I was happy there was nothing really crazy. It was resolved as it should have been and for that, I am happy. I am not discouraged by this book and will be checking out other works by this author, I have heard good things and I am willing to give him another go. I just had some difficulties connecting to this story and the main characters.
November 12, 2010
Wow I feel so drained. Make sure you have a box of tissues when you read this book. I was sniffing and my daughter had to ask me what was wrong. I need to read something light and fluffy now, lol Great book:-)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2017
Lo he acabado sin enfurecerme, lo cual es un A+ si tenemos en cuenta mi historial con Grey ;)
November 17, 2012
This is a great love story with the focus firmly on very loveable characters. The setting against the background of running a restaurant added color to the book and, being a foodie myself, increased my interest even more. The contrast between Daryl and Billy's loves is stark, and the fact that Andrew Grey tackled hunger and poverty in their story added a depth that I found very appealing.
Daryl owns a restaurant, but is isn’t a glamorous place, nor does he aspire to any Michelin stars anytime soon. Café Belgie is a neighborhood bistro, and I loved the behind the scenes look at all the issues he Daryl has to deal with. One of them is success, and a resulting need for more help in the kitchen. When he meets Billy he decides to give the man a chance, and ends up with a lot more than just anew employee. Being the wonderful man he is, he takes it all in stride, and is soon involved in a rapidly developing relationship on top of everything else.
Billy, as the blurb says, suffers in silence. His father dies and left him in charge of his twin five-year-old brothers, but it is all getting too much for him. Billy does his best, but finds it very hard to do them justice while earning a living to keep a roof over their head and food on the table. He is too proud to ask for handouts, and works hard to make ends meet. He is devastated when Daryl finds out his carefully guarded 'secret', but the relief when Daryl steps up to help, without making him feel pitied or less of a man, is enormous.
I originally read this book when it first came out, and have picked it up gain because I wanted to remind myself of the story before I start catching up with the series (book four was released recently). Reading this story again was as much fun as the first time, and I was as involved in the characters' lives as ever. They feel like real people to me, and I was really happy to see them get their happy ending. I only wish more of those would happen in real life! If you like stories about regular guys, if you enjoy reading about food and its preparation as well as running a business, and if you're looking for a heartwarming story with great characters, then you will probably like it as much as I did.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Daryl owns a restaurant, but is isn’t a glamorous place, nor does he aspire to any Michelin stars anytime soon. Café Belgie is a neighborhood bistro, and I loved the behind the scenes look at all the issues he Daryl has to deal with. One of them is success, and a resulting need for more help in the kitchen. When he meets Billy he decides to give the man a chance, and ends up with a lot more than just anew employee. Being the wonderful man he is, he takes it all in stride, and is soon involved in a rapidly developing relationship on top of everything else.
Billy, as the blurb says, suffers in silence. His father dies and left him in charge of his twin five-year-old brothers, but it is all getting too much for him. Billy does his best, but finds it very hard to do them justice while earning a living to keep a roof over their head and food on the table. He is too proud to ask for handouts, and works hard to make ends meet. He is devastated when Daryl finds out his carefully guarded 'secret', but the relief when Daryl steps up to help, without making him feel pitied or less of a man, is enormous.
I originally read this book when it first came out, and have picked it up gain because I wanted to remind myself of the story before I start catching up with the series (book four was released recently). Reading this story again was as much fun as the first time, and I was as involved in the characters' lives as ever. They feel like real people to me, and I was really happy to see them get their happy ending. I only wish more of those would happen in real life! If you like stories about regular guys, if you enjoy reading about food and its preparation as well as running a business, and if you're looking for a heartwarming story with great characters, then you will probably like it as much as I did.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
November 15, 2010
Umm WOW!! And thats a REALLY GOOD WOW!!! I think I still have a lump in my throat from reading. I was sucked into the characters from the beginning. Darryl is an all around great guy! He is nice to people and treats his employees like friends. Billy is they guy that melts your heart with his kindness and his smile. The supporting characters did their part to keep the book lively and interesting.
The love that went on in this book is something else. I felt every emotion that the characters were feeling and I even cried (and that is hard for me to do). There were tons of times that my heart dropped as I was on this rollercoaster of emotions with Darryl and Billy. The unconditional support and love that Darryl give Billy is amazing considering that Darryl didn't have any support system behind him other than his friends at the resturant. This book was great from the beginning to the end and a sequal would definaly be welcome!
I would definatly recommend this book! It will definatly be a reread for me!
The love that went on in this book is something else. I felt every emotion that the characters were feeling and I even cried (and that is hard for me to do). There were tons of times that my heart dropped as I was on this rollercoaster of emotions with Darryl and Billy. The unconditional support and love that Darryl give Billy is amazing considering that Darryl didn't have any support system behind him other than his friends at the resturant. This book was great from the beginning to the end and a sequal would definaly be welcome!
I would definatly recommend this book! It will definatly be a reread for me!
February 11, 2018
3.5 "not too bad" stars
I liked Darryl and Billy and learning about running a restaurant was kind of cool.
The story did get a little sappy for my taste though.
I liked Darryl and Billy and learning about running a restaurant was kind of cool.
The story did get a little sappy for my taste though.
December 31, 2010
While reading A Taste of Love, my feelings about it fluctuated. At times, I really liked the story and then at other times I felt it was dragging just a little. Overall, though, I really did like the plot and the story line flowed most of the time.
I'm not a big crier but I cried in this one. The reason? What happened in this story is very close to what happened to one of my good friends and because I'm so close to her, reading this brought back all the pain she shared with me and it made me cry. *sniffle* My heart ached just reading about it and for that I loved it because there was an amiable solution, whereas my friend didn't get one.
Billy's twenty-one and caring for five year old twins. His father died two months ago while his mother died a few days after the twins were born. Trying to find any job to feed his brothers, Billy meets Darryl who gives him a job at his restaurant. Attraction runs deep for both of them and when Darryl finds out Billy has two small brothers, he does what he can to make Billy's life easier while at the same time, they fall for each other. Emotions runs high, however, when Billy finds out his brothers just might not be blood-related.
Both Billy and Darryl have their issues. Whereas Billy is dealing with taking care of his brothers, Darryl is dealing with past emotions that never went away. He's broken on the inside thinking that what he feels for Billy, who is only nine years younger, is wrong. The main reason for his internal conflict is because he was caught with his best friend when he was younger and shipped off to some type of religious program to 'cure' the gay in him, making him think having feelings for someone younger is wrong. It was interesting to watch Darryl work through his guilt and I liked how Darryl treated the twins like they were his sons. It was extremely sweet. I did love the fact that this book revolved around Darryl's restaurant and the staff in it. The secondary characters were great and even had me laughing a time or two. ^_^
Some problems I had with the book, though, was the fact that we don't really get to know the characters as people. We see their reactions to the conflicts in the story but I just couldn't relate to either Billy or Darryl. I, also, felt like there was nothing really in common between the two which is based on the fact that we don't really know who the characters are except for the implications that they are good-hearted people. Which is evident on how they treat the twins.
I was also confused when Darryl called his mom when he was feeling guilty for liking Billy. I didn't understand her reaction to Darryl telling her how Billy was younger. Yeah, she was supportive but some of the things she said just didn't make sense to me. Maybe if it was explained more I'd have understood her statement but since it wasn't, I didn't. *shrugs*
All in all, a good book. If you've read Andrew Grey and liked his books then you'll love this one. If you haven't read him, then I suggest you pick this book up and take a look. He's a great writer.
I'm not a big crier but I cried in this one. The reason? What happened in this story is very close to what happened to one of my good friends and because I'm so close to her, reading this brought back all the pain she shared with me and it made me cry. *sniffle* My heart ached just reading about it and for that I loved it because there was an amiable solution, whereas my friend didn't get one.
Billy's twenty-one and caring for five year old twins. His father died two months ago while his mother died a few days after the twins were born. Trying to find any job to feed his brothers, Billy meets Darryl who gives him a job at his restaurant. Attraction runs deep for both of them and when Darryl finds out Billy has two small brothers, he does what he can to make Billy's life easier while at the same time, they fall for each other. Emotions runs high, however, when Billy finds out his brothers just might not be blood-related.
Both Billy and Darryl have their issues. Whereas Billy is dealing with taking care of his brothers, Darryl is dealing with past emotions that never went away. He's broken on the inside thinking that what he feels for Billy, who is only nine years younger, is wrong. The main reason for his internal conflict is because he was caught with his best friend when he was younger and shipped off to some type of religious program to 'cure' the gay in him, making him think having feelings for someone younger is wrong. It was interesting to watch Darryl work through his guilt and I liked how Darryl treated the twins like they were his sons. It was extremely sweet. I did love the fact that this book revolved around Darryl's restaurant and the staff in it. The secondary characters were great and even had me laughing a time or two. ^_^
Some problems I had with the book, though, was the fact that we don't really get to know the characters as people. We see their reactions to the conflicts in the story but I just couldn't relate to either Billy or Darryl. I, also, felt like there was nothing really in common between the two which is based on the fact that we don't really know who the characters are except for the implications that they are good-hearted people. Which is evident on how they treat the twins.
I was also confused when Darryl called his mom when he was feeling guilty for liking Billy. I didn't understand her reaction to Darryl telling her how Billy was younger. Yeah, she was supportive but some of the things she said just didn't make sense to me. Maybe if it was explained more I'd have understood her statement but since it wasn't, I didn't. *shrugs*
All in all, a good book. If you've read Andrew Grey and liked his books then you'll love this one. If you haven't read him, then I suggest you pick this book up and take a look. He's a great writer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2010
'A Taste of Love' by Andrew Grey is aptly named since much of the story takes place in the restaurant owned by the main character, Darryl. The virtual tour through the ins and outs of the restaurant business were enlightening. I enjoyed even more the luscious descriptions of food on their menu, the only problem being that they were done with such realism, my stomach growled and my mouth watered. Forget being on a diet while reading 'A Taste of Love'.
I liked Darryl immediately for his fairness and compassion. From his first description, Billy had me wrapped around his finger not only for his looks, but also for his innocence and sincerity. I almost cried at Darryl's reaction when he discovered that Billy was trying to raise his twin brothers on his own. I became emotionally involved very quickly with Darryl, Billy and the two boys. Some of the boys' antics were so typical, yet so endearing, I just had to love them. I was touched how easily both men handled the boys and how Darryl took over as caregiver for all three, offering them not only a place to live, but a place in his heart as well. It was heartening to watch the affection and passion grow between Darryl and Billy while realizing that they both had found someone able to give them the admiration, respect, and love which they both so richly deserved.
'A Taste of Love' is a charming love story filled with wonderful characters and, of course, a happy ending. Isn't that what everyone deserves?
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Queer Magazine Online
I liked Darryl immediately for his fairness and compassion. From his first description, Billy had me wrapped around his finger not only for his looks, but also for his innocence and sincerity. I almost cried at Darryl's reaction when he discovered that Billy was trying to raise his twin brothers on his own. I became emotionally involved very quickly with Darryl, Billy and the two boys. Some of the boys' antics were so typical, yet so endearing, I just had to love them. I was touched how easily both men handled the boys and how Darryl took over as caregiver for all three, offering them not only a place to live, but a place in his heart as well. It was heartening to watch the affection and passion grow between Darryl and Billy while realizing that they both had found someone able to give them the admiration, respect, and love which they both so richly deserved.
'A Taste of Love' is a charming love story filled with wonderful characters and, of course, a happy ending. Isn't that what everyone deserves?
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Queer Magazine Online
February 24, 2018
I read Taste of Love two or three times till now. Nonetheless, I decided to enjoy it once more in audiobook edition. Today I found Darryl and Billy's romance a bit rushed, but also sweet and warm. The sub plot about Billy's brothers, was dramatic and emotional. We got HEA, which was great. Good work by Andrew Grey! Recommended!
2010/November/11 - 4 star rating
Simply said, this book is awesome.
You get plot in the plot and all you can do it feel all the turmoil of every character in the story. Only what was a bit non realistic is the story of Darryl as a young boy. I mean really... what kind of parents would put their child true that shit..., and even stigmatise him as child molester, I Mean really... totally not believable and even if, I'm sure it can or did happen, but than that easy forgiving phase was just to, easy.
At least some hurt and anger would be logical from Darryl's point, but okay I guess some people are easier to forgive then others, lol
In whole picture the story is fantastic and deep, the plot is really extreme. The writing flows and the book gave me a warm, good, feeling. Pure romance...
Recommended read !!
2010/November/11 - 4 star rating
Simply said, this book is awesome.
You get plot in the plot and all you can do it feel all the turmoil of every character in the story. Only what was a bit non realistic is the story of Darryl as a young boy. I mean really... what kind of parents would put their child true that shit..., and even stigmatise him as child molester, I Mean really... totally not believable and even if, I'm sure it can or did happen, but than that easy forgiving phase was just to, easy.
At least some hurt and anger would be logical from Darryl's point, but okay I guess some people are easier to forgive then others, lol
In whole picture the story is fantastic and deep, the plot is really extreme. The writing flows and the book gave me a warm, good, feeling. Pure romance...
Recommended read !!
November 18, 2012
3.5 stars
This was a sweet read with a little drama. I will admit the part with the children did have me tearing up, but it all worked out in the end. My only complaint really was the past about Darryl, I just didn't feel that explained anything and was just sort of thrown in there to give a reason for him not wanting to be with Billy. Other than that, an enjoyable read.
This was a sweet read with a little drama. I will admit the part with the children did have me tearing up, but it all worked out in the end. My only complaint really was the past about Darryl, I just didn't feel that explained anything and was just sort of thrown in there to give a reason for him not wanting to be with Billy. Other than that, an enjoyable read.
March 23, 2017
A Taste of Love is the first book in the series, ‘Of Love’. This series focuses on men who run businesses dealing with food. In this story, we meet Darryl Hansen who runs Café Belgie, and Billy Weaver who was hired by Darryl. This is told in third person from both Darryl’s and Billy’s pov.
February 1, 2016
Ok this is just plain typical of Andrew Grey's books for me. I never can end up hating them because I do enjoy the characters, but all of the "deep shit" really just gets skimmed over and I find it incredibly frustrating. Both of these characters have some really deep issues that should be painful to read them dealing with and getting over and yet for the most part it's here and done in a page and a half.
So why do I end up continually reading more of this author's books...well because despite not really (in my opinion) writing angst/deep issues well, the characters and their relationships with each other always feel redeeming and well done. I always really enjoy who they are to each other. Billy and Darryl were no exception. Not to mention their are two absolutely adorable twin boys in this one.
Darryl was just so sweet with Billy (his own hang ups quick disappearance aside). And watching him with the two boys was totally cute. Billy of course is acres of worried sweetness. They really found a lovely balance together and I was happy for them. Overall I'd call this one at 3.5 Stars. I just wish character's issues weren't so easily glossed over.
So why do I end up continually reading more of this author's books...well because despite not really (in my opinion) writing angst/deep issues well, the characters and their relationships with each other always feel redeeming and well done. I always really enjoy who they are to each other. Billy and Darryl were no exception. Not to mention their are two absolutely adorable twin boys in this one.
Darryl was just so sweet with Billy (his own hang ups quick disappearance aside). And watching him with the two boys was totally cute. Billy of course is acres of worried sweetness. They really found a lovely balance together and I was happy for them. Overall I'd call this one at 3.5 Stars. I just wish character's issues weren't so easily glossed over.
January 30, 2012
There were parts that really worked well, but unfortunately they were overshadowed by very slow areas and a few things that pulled me out of the story.
I enjoyed the memories of restaurant work, the slow building friendship between Darryl and Billy, and I really liked Billy himself, though he seemed to weaken once he and Darryl were in a relationship.
I think it would've been better served as either a story about Billy and his brothers, OR a story about Billy and Darryl. The shift in focus halfway through the book left me unsettled.
While I didn't get into this one, I got a good taste of Grey, and will be trying another of his books soon.
I enjoyed the memories of restaurant work, the slow building friendship between Darryl and Billy, and I really liked Billy himself, though he seemed to weaken once he and Darryl were in a relationship.
I think it would've been better served as either a story about Billy and his brothers, OR a story about Billy and Darryl. The shift in focus halfway through the book left me unsettled.
While I didn't get into this one, I got a good taste of Grey, and will be trying another of his books soon.
October 19, 2014
This was OK. There were several things that didn't work for me in this story. First of all, Billy is full of smiles and sweetness at the start, and then we find out he lost his dad two months before and he has 2 starving brothers at home. I don't see how someone can smile that much in that life scenario. Then we have Darryls' phone call with mother. It was like an auto fix and that really didn't work for me. Darryl came across as a little creepy for me. He was pawing Billy when the kids were around, and he spoke with Billy about things that shouldn't be discussed in front of kids. So yeah, this had some issues for me.
July 25, 2016
This book was a total surprise. Not that I wouldn't love the book but the total gut check stuff that Billy goes thru. (maybe this was in the blurb..IDK, I didn't read that. lol)
Billy & Darryl were awesome characters that I really loved getting to know but lemme tell ya...Donnie & Davey stole my heart.
I enjoyed the whole premise of this story..from the chef -slash- owner to the guy who'd do what ever he could for those he loves. I had hopes for a different kind of ending but I'll take what Andrew gave us and be thankful it was an HEA. :)
Billy & Darryl were awesome characters that I really loved getting to know but lemme tell ya...Donnie & Davey stole my heart.
I enjoyed the whole premise of this story..from the chef -slash- owner to the guy who'd do what ever he could for those he loves. I had hopes for a different kind of ending but I'll take what Andrew gave us and be thankful it was an HEA. :)
September 8, 2020
Andrew Grey and I have a very testy relationship. He writes and I get testy. It’s been many years since I’ve read him and there are parts, especially in the beginning that I enjoyed. Billy was a delicious character. True to form, I just got extremelyannoyed in the middle to the end. That’s okay. That’s what makes reading books exciting, there’s something out there for everyone. This one wasn’t for me. I think Mr. Grey will sleep just fine without me.
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December 19, 2010I really liked what I've read so far, but everything seemed to be 'perfect' and I kept wondering what would happen to ruin the 'bliss'. There were some things I just didn't want to read about and by reading a few spoilers this turned out to be one of those things.
As I haven't finished it, I'm not going to rate it, but I think it might be a good read and I was intending to rate it with 5 stars.
As I haven't finished it, I'm not going to rate it, but I think it might be a good read and I was intending to rate it with 5 stars.
September 6, 2015
What a sweet story. The whole thing with the twins was wonderful. Andrew Grey does a wonderful job dealing with several difficult issues. Though some will say it was just too easy I still thought it was a wonderful story with a lovely ending.
February 2, 2013
In the beginning Darryl's mindset was annoying, but overall I found the story to be enjoyable and quite sweet. Although I will say that I think Billy and Darryl fell in love too fast. Especially the twins, they were precious. Oh! And Billy was quite admirable in regards to his family.
Want to read
October 26, 2012@dreamspinners: FOR ONE HOUR ONLY (3:30-4:30 PM GMT) A Taste of Love by @andrewgreybooks is available for free download! http://t.co/4cYRHs6D #TweetAway
February 3, 2022
Sweet, almost simplistic, story with likable characters and two cute little boys. No, not the main characters, but they seemed pretty cute too. I will definitely continue to see the series.
November 12, 2019
En este libro vemos la historia de Bill y Daryl. Bill, solo sin empleo y cuidando de sus hermanos gemelos de 5 años consigue que Daryl le de trabajo en su restaurant como camarero a medio tiempo, pero la atraccion entre ellos es innegable y ninguno quiere dar el primer paso por miedo a lo que puede pasar. Bill no quiere perder su empleo y Daryl tiene un pasado que lo tiene cohibido a mantener relaciones. Despues de una equivocacion de Daryl, deciden darse una oportunidad de ver hasta donde pueden llegar en una relacion.
Los chistes de Sebastian, los comentarios de Maureen, Julio y Kelly, ademas de las travesuras de los gemelos, hacen la historia divertida y rapida de leer.
Una bonita historia, entre un chef y uno de sus camareros. Linda, suave, romantica, llena de pequeños detalles que a los que me ha acostumbrado el autor.
Pero tambien, con pocos retos y totalmente predecible. Asi que si quieren leer algo que los deje suspirando de romanticismo y dulzura, los libros de este autor tienen todo eso.
Los chistes de Sebastian, los comentarios de Maureen, Julio y Kelly, ademas de las travesuras de los gemelos, hacen la historia divertida y rapida de leer.
Una bonita historia, entre un chef y uno de sus camareros. Linda, suave, romantica, llena de pequeños detalles que a los que me ha acostumbrado el autor.
Pero tambien, con pocos retos y totalmente predecible. Asi que si quieren leer algo que los deje suspirando de romanticismo y dulzura, los libros de este autor tienen todo eso.
September 23, 2020
Nagyon szerettem Darryl, Billy és az ikrek történetét. Le a kalappal Billy előtt, amiért mindent megtett a két kisfiúért, amit csak tudott. A vége kissé összecsapott lett és ezt nagyon sajnálom. Viszont kíváncsian várom a folytatást.
July 13, 2015
Se dovessi scegliere un solo aggettivo, per definire questa storia, direi: dolce. Anche se non basterebbe, visto che è anche incredibilmente commovente e appassionante.
Confesso di aver consumato mezzo pacchetto di fazzoletti, perché in diversi punti mi è scappata una lacrimuccia.
Il protagonista della storia è Darryl, che dopo tanti sacrifici fatti ha la soddisfazione di gestire un suo ristorante e lo fa con passione e instancabile impegno.
I suoi collaboratori sono anche degli amici, dei confidenti e un po’ una famiglia per lui – dove ogni tanto si litiga un po’, ma soprattutto prevale l’affetto.
Nel quadro del Café Belgie si inserisce il giovane Billy, che cerca disperatamente lavoro e Darryl è colpito da lui fin dal primo momento in cui lo vede: la sua energia, i sorrisi, la dolcezza, la voglia di fare di Billy smuovono in lui corde che credeva non potessero più vibrare. Anche se è contrario alle relazioni tra dipendenti, Darryl lo assume e se ne innamora sempre più, fino a che – con suo sommo sgomento – realizza che probabilmente Billy sta rubando del cibo dal ristorante e a malincuore si prepara a licenziarlo.
Lo segue perciò a casa del giovane, ma lì scopre invece alcune impensabili verità e fa conoscenza con due piccole, adorabili pesti: Davey e Donnie, gemellini di cinque anni, di cui Billy si prende cura facendo i salti mortali, perché sono rimasti orfani e indigenti.
Darryl si prende a cuore la situazione, offrendo cibo e conforto ai tre, e col passare dei giorni capisce che anche Billy è attratto da lui, e non solo per riconoscenza, ma si sente inadeguato.
Sarà compito di Darryl aiutarlo a ritrovare la serenità, ricevendo in cambio dai fratelli Weaver amore e affetto, come un vera famiglia.
I dipendenti del Café Belgie, tutte persone di gran cuore, diventano degli amorevoli zii per i bambini, aiutando Billy in tutti i modi possibili.
Purtroppo, una grave notizia scuote l’equilibrio appena formatosi, perché sembra che i gemellini e Billy non siano in realtà fratelli di sangue, ma che i due bambini siano stati rapiti dal padre di Billy ancora neonati.
Sarà Darryl e tutto lo staff del Café Belgie a sostenere il giovane in questa terribile prova, nella snervante attesa dei test del DNA e nelle decisioni future che dovrà prendere.
Anche se provata, la relazione tra Darryl e Billy si consolida sempre più, anche il nostro chef affronta i mostri del proprio passato e, grazie a Billy, può amare adesso un altro uomo senza sentirsi ‘sbagliato’.
Dopo tanti patimenti, il lieto fine è assicurato, in questa favola moderna, dove anche i compromessi sono scelte fatte per il meglio.
Lo stile di Grey è come sempre piacevole, coinvolgente e sa far arrivare i sentimenti al cuore del lettore.
Un assaggio d’amore è il primo libro di una saga, ma può essere gustato anche da solo; per quanto mi riguarda, andrò a cercare anche il secondo libro, perché è troppo presto per salutare questi personaggi.
Confesso di aver consumato mezzo pacchetto di fazzoletti, perché in diversi punti mi è scappata una lacrimuccia.
Il protagonista della storia è Darryl, che dopo tanti sacrifici fatti ha la soddisfazione di gestire un suo ristorante e lo fa con passione e instancabile impegno.
I suoi collaboratori sono anche degli amici, dei confidenti e un po’ una famiglia per lui – dove ogni tanto si litiga un po’, ma soprattutto prevale l’affetto.
Nel quadro del Café Belgie si inserisce il giovane Billy, che cerca disperatamente lavoro e Darryl è colpito da lui fin dal primo momento in cui lo vede: la sua energia, i sorrisi, la dolcezza, la voglia di fare di Billy smuovono in lui corde che credeva non potessero più vibrare. Anche se è contrario alle relazioni tra dipendenti, Darryl lo assume e se ne innamora sempre più, fino a che – con suo sommo sgomento – realizza che probabilmente Billy sta rubando del cibo dal ristorante e a malincuore si prepara a licenziarlo.
Lo segue perciò a casa del giovane, ma lì scopre invece alcune impensabili verità e fa conoscenza con due piccole, adorabili pesti: Davey e Donnie, gemellini di cinque anni, di cui Billy si prende cura facendo i salti mortali, perché sono rimasti orfani e indigenti.
Darryl si prende a cuore la situazione, offrendo cibo e conforto ai tre, e col passare dei giorni capisce che anche Billy è attratto da lui, e non solo per riconoscenza, ma si sente inadeguato.
Sarà compito di Darryl aiutarlo a ritrovare la serenità, ricevendo in cambio dai fratelli Weaver amore e affetto, come un vera famiglia.
I dipendenti del Café Belgie, tutte persone di gran cuore, diventano degli amorevoli zii per i bambini, aiutando Billy in tutti i modi possibili.
Purtroppo, una grave notizia scuote l’equilibrio appena formatosi, perché sembra che i gemellini e Billy non siano in realtà fratelli di sangue, ma che i due bambini siano stati rapiti dal padre di Billy ancora neonati.
Sarà Darryl e tutto lo staff del Café Belgie a sostenere il giovane in questa terribile prova, nella snervante attesa dei test del DNA e nelle decisioni future che dovrà prendere.
Anche se provata, la relazione tra Darryl e Billy si consolida sempre più, anche il nostro chef affronta i mostri del proprio passato e, grazie a Billy, può amare adesso un altro uomo senza sentirsi ‘sbagliato’.
Dopo tanti patimenti, il lieto fine è assicurato, in questa favola moderna, dove anche i compromessi sono scelte fatte per il meglio.
Lo stile di Grey è come sempre piacevole, coinvolgente e sa far arrivare i sentimenti al cuore del lettore.
Un assaggio d’amore è il primo libro di una saga, ma può essere gustato anche da solo; per quanto mi riguarda, andrò a cercare anche il secondo libro, perché è troppo presto per salutare questi personaggi.
Read
July 3, 2011If you are used to Andrew Grey’s novels you already know he tends to have a pink glasses perspective on the world, a perspective allowing young gay boys in trouble to always find a way to get out of them, with little sacrifice but mostly unscathed. Plus his stories are mostly set in small towns, probably since in those close quarters it’s easier for these boys to find help, everyone takes care of its neighbour, and it’s easier to understand who is a friend or an enemy.
In this case the story is about Billy, 21 years old and without a job that needs to take care of his younger twin brother, 5 years old Davey and Donnie. In any other world, social services would pester him and Billy, young and hot, would obviously consider that there is an easy way to gain money for a twink gay boy, but here, in the Pink Glass bowl that is Andrew Grey’s contemporary romance world, Billy finds a job as part time waiter in Darryl’s restaurant, and of course Darryl is gay as well and of course he is attracted by Billy and he is a wonderful man who is not scared that with Billy comes also the heavy bundle of a premade family.
I’m sincere, Andrew Grey played a trick ace with the pitiful story of two 5 years old boys hungry and scared, and of Billy who was so pretty and kind that harming him was like kicking a puppy; I’m sincere, I shed a tear or two, but mostly this was a novel with happily ever after written all over it. True there was a bit of a dramatic turn, but all in all, the relationship between Billy and Darryl flows smoothly and good until the end. That is another common characteristic with previous romances I read by Andrew Grey, the feeling that the big bad world is out there, and that yes, it scarred some of our heroes, but that in the end, they have always managed to find their little peaceful oasis in the world, where they can live happily together, far from the hate of other people.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1615816313/?...
In this case the story is about Billy, 21 years old and without a job that needs to take care of his younger twin brother, 5 years old Davey and Donnie. In any other world, social services would pester him and Billy, young and hot, would obviously consider that there is an easy way to gain money for a twink gay boy, but here, in the Pink Glass bowl that is Andrew Grey’s contemporary romance world, Billy finds a job as part time waiter in Darryl’s restaurant, and of course Darryl is gay as well and of course he is attracted by Billy and he is a wonderful man who is not scared that with Billy comes also the heavy bundle of a premade family.
I’m sincere, Andrew Grey played a trick ace with the pitiful story of two 5 years old boys hungry and scared, and of Billy who was so pretty and kind that harming him was like kicking a puppy; I’m sincere, I shed a tear or two, but mostly this was a novel with happily ever after written all over it. True there was a bit of a dramatic turn, but all in all, the relationship between Billy and Darryl flows smoothly and good until the end. That is another common characteristic with previous romances I read by Andrew Grey, the feeling that the big bad world is out there, and that yes, it scarred some of our heroes, but that in the end, they have always managed to find their little peaceful oasis in the world, where they can live happily together, far from the hate of other people.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1615816313/?...
August 20, 2013
This book was so unexpected, surprisingly so. The description does not do this book justice at all.
I cried 3 times before I hit half way in this book. Once I hit the half way point I latterly ugly sobbed for the last 100 pages. This book was so beautifully heartbreaking.
This book was so brilliantly written. It's characters are so real, their emotions and actions mimic those of us reading them.
There is a beautiful love story in this story, but its almost secondary to the family love story.
It has a HEA. The plot is soo much more complicated then Daryl and Billy finding one another. They provide the strength needed for one another. There is no small petty conflict between these guys. There is a HUGE gaping whole they need each other to fill.
This book is so much.
I cried 3 times before I hit half way in this book. Once I hit the half way point I latterly ugly sobbed for the last 100 pages. This book was so beautifully heartbreaking.
This book was so brilliantly written. It's characters are so real, their emotions and actions mimic those of us reading them.
There is a beautiful love story in this story, but its almost secondary to the family love story.
It has a HEA. The plot is soo much more complicated then Daryl and Billy finding one another. They provide the strength needed for one another. There is no small petty conflict between these guys. There is a HUGE gaping whole they need each other to fill.
This book is so much.
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