Love and Other Hot Beverages by Laurie Loft
Review by Lauren
source: copy from Netgalley; all opinions are my own
Official Summary: After a rough breakup, Todd Addison wants time alone to grieve. While still dreaming of winning back his ex’s love, he moves across the country and finds work with a construction company. The last thing he needs is the cute office boy developing a crush on him, especially since he’s back in the closet.
Sebastián Nye can’t help feeling sorry for the obviously brokenhearted Todd. Though rebuffed repeatedly, Sebby chisels away at Todd’s resistance, determined to help him forget—a task potentially beyond anyone’s capabilities. He never meant to fall for the poor guy, but he does. Hard.
Desperate to hold on to Todd, Sebby hatches a sneaky plot guaranteed to end Todd’s heartbreak—if Todd doesn’t bail and ruin everything. Just when things can’t get more complicated, Todd’s ex wants him back. And Sebby’s abusive ex is just waiting to catch Sebby alone. Todd and Sebby must decide what’s worth fighting for, what’s worth sacrifice, and what’s worth compromise, or their relationship will begin and end with a broken heart.
Review: To be honest, if this wasn’t a review copy, I probably wouldn’t even write a review for this one. It has an average rating of 2 stars on Goodreads – though I only saw this when I went to say I’d finished. I ended up giving this one 2 stars too. It’s not a DNF so there was enough about the characters and the overall story that made me want to know how it all ended. However, most of the book rubbed me the wrong way.
For one thing, Todd has a very weird way of talking that tended to annoy me throughout the book. He’s a word guy, so it made sense within the story, but it still felt off and like he was trying too hard to sound smart. It’s a bit hard to explain, but it wasn’t working for me.
Another thing I didn’t like about the book is the weird direction it took between Todd and Sebastian – it kind of turned into a “maybe open relationship” sort of deal – and since that came out of the blue for me (based on the summary), it just didn’t work. I’ve read books with more than two people in the relationship but it all depends on how it’s done and the reasoning for it in Love and Other Hot Beverages was a negative for me.
I did care about the characters though. I wanted Todd to find someone who wanted him as much as he wanted them. I wanted Sebastian to find true love instead of exes that use and abuse him. So, it wasn’t all bad. I just can’t say I’d really recommend it in the end!
What a bummer that this wasn’t a super read. I try to avoid Goodreads reviews on new books until after I’ve read something because I feel like the opinions of others can affect how I feel about the book. Hope your next read is better!
It’s a cute name and a cute cover so I thought the book might be good too. Sorry to see it’s a stinker.
I ALWAYS look at the ratings before I buy a book and with a 2 star rating, I doubt I’d buy it! I don’t even think I’ve seen a book with that low of a rating on Goodreads! The cover is cute, though!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Welp, that’s not the book for me even though the summary sounds adorable.
We kind of have the same taste though and I’m even pickier, lol, so I’ll pass.
For What It’s Worth
Yea, I think I’d feel the same as you and I think the weird direction the relationship took would bother me as well. I think I’ll pass but brilly review!
I have so few books that have under 3-stars, because I DNF like a beast. I give you some credit for sticking with it.
It looks nice and cozy, but I can see why the romance would bother you. At least you stuck with it.
It’s a shame the book wasn’t one of your favourites. I love the title of it though!
Yikes, that doesn’t sound like a book I would have enjoyed either. I definitely hope your next read is much more satisfying. Thanks for the honest review though. I could have seen myself getting drawn in by that cute cover and then ending up disappointed.
What a BUMMER. The title sounded so enticing, I almost didn’t bother reading your review and went to add it right away. I’m so sad! I guess that’s why you can’t judge a book by it’s cover (or title).
Oh no, sounds like this one had its share of problems. When dialogue seems clunky or doesn’t ring true it’s an instant turn-off for me. It just pulls me right out of the story. Sorry this one just didn’t work, Lauren.
Damn, and it had so much potential Lauren. I’m not a fan of pretentious characters in general, it can be really jarring for readers and makes it super hard to connect emotionally. Open relationships aren’t something I typically like to read about either, maybe I’m too prudish. It just feels like it’s an excuse to sleep with other people and for me a relationship is a commitment. Just all a bit messy. Sorry you couldn’t have enjoyed this one more Lauren, hopefully your next read is spectacular <3 <3
Well that stinks. Hopefully the next is better for ya.
I really like the title of this one, but that’s too bad that you didn’t enjoy it. I feel like open relationships are a tough thing to bring into books. In my case, it either annoys me or I feel it works with the story.
Sad that this wasn’t as good of a book–I tend to judge books by their titles and this one was a cute one! :[