A Mary’s Boys Novella Ariel Merman is a new drag queen who’s already finding a family at Hamburger Mary’s. After a performance as Ariel, Zachary Cooper walks home in his makeup and is assaulted by homophobes. Zachary’s worry that the attack has thrown a wrench in his good fortune is eased when he looks into the eyes of his doctor. Dr. Teegan Chau is a little lost after divorcing his wife and … after divorcing his wife and coming out of the closet, but he can’t deny the pull he feels toward the young man he patches up. Luckily, Zachary takes the initiative and asks Teegan out. But attraction is the easy part of their blossoming relationship–as they deal with an ex-wife and child, being a drag queen in a heteronormative culture, Zachary’s lingering trauma from his attack, and Teegan acclimating to life as part of an out-and-proud gay couple.
The challenges seem daunting at the start of a romance. Can Zachary and Teegan make it through the rough patches and take a chance on the love that’s been missing from both their lives?
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This was a beautiful addition to a great series. Zachary’s character was very complex, and not just because he does drag. That is a major part of him, but it’s not all of him. His struggles are heartbreaking, and his low feelings of self worth are hard to watch, because, even as a reader, I can see his value as a human being. I want him to know it, to feel it, as much as his found family does. Sometimes life has a way of bringing the right people in our lives, and it did with with the way Dr. Teegan Chau met Zachary. It was not ideal, but it was fated. I enjoyed getting to know these characters, and watch them grow in their relationship, and as individuals. As in the previous books, we see all of the other characters that work at, or are connected to, Hamburger Mary’s. I’ve grown a little attached to these lovely people, so spending more time with them, getting caught up, is always a bonus. I feel like Brandon Witt did an incredible job writing about the effects of gay bashing. He handled Zachary’s character with respect and care. It’s not an easy topic, in a fictitious book, or in real life. If this topic is a trigger for you, I would approach it with care. Other than that, I would recommend this book to anyone, as well as the whole series.
***I voluntarily accepted an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews. My review reflects my own thoughts and opinions***
Broken body, mended heart (an audio review)
I had met Ariel Merman in my previous visit to Hamburger Mary’s and I was thrilled to see she was getting her own book. That excitement was dimmed during the first scene when there was a violent gay bashing. The violence was meant to shock and it did. Zachary was heading home, still wearing his make-up from the drag show when he gets viciously attacked. My heart broke.
Enter Teegan. Dr. Chau is Zach’s surgeon but he’s also drawn to the young man. The first full scene between the two of them was poignant and so it’s wasn’t a surprise they connected. Teegan has an interesting backstory. He has an ex-wife and daughter – both of whom he adores. Splitting with his wife was something really hard but it happened when he could no longer hide the fact he was gay. Connecting with Zach gives him the opportunity to explore that side of him. The chance to share his life with someone of the same sex. Watching that transformation was heartening.
The eventual blending of lives happened seamlessly. Teegan’s daughter Megan loves the Little Mermaid so she’s thrilled Daddy’s new boyfriend does such a great Ariel impersonation. Teegan’s ex-wife Kelly just wants him to be happy so she’s thrilled Zach brings joy to him. The crew at Hamburger Mary’s are accepting as well. It’s just a happy book but the underlying trauma is never far and Zach had to find courage to deal with it. And he did. So I got my happy ending.
Gerrod Larkyn narrates this series and I think he does a great job. I can’t wait for the last book.
Mascara and Bandages is book three in the Mary’s Boys series but it can be read as a stand-alone. You won’t know a few characters at first but you catch on.
This story deals with a hard topic of gay-bashing and is a little angsty at first. My heart went out to Zachary and I just wanted to protect him though he is stronger on the inside than he appears. I loved this character development.
I loved that Teegan too was dealing with his identity in an entirely different way.? The two men just seem to belong together.
The story is sweet with some violence some heat and a lovely romance.
It’s my favorite in this series so far, each gets better and better.
If you like drag queens, doctors, cute kids, overcoming trials and tribulations and some hot man-sex you will love this.
Audio Review. I loved this as a book and it was a favorite. The More I listen to Gerrod Larkyn the more I love his narration. He is really brought Zachary and Ariel Merman to life. but more than his voices I love his tones, excitement the way he brings each sentence to life as we would speak or shout or exclaim and not just read. Loved it and he nailed it!
Zachary and Teegan met under harsh circumstances when Zachary was attacked on the street after leaving work and Teegan was the doctor who patched him up. Their relationship started slow which is what both of them needed after Zachary’s attack and Teegan being in a M/M relationship for the first time. This entire series is the perfect equation of love, acceptance and family.
I loved this book! Zach and Teegan didn’t meet under the best circumstances, but they were immediately drawn to each other. I would love to read more about them. I highly recommend reading the entire series!
The Mary’s Boys series offers up a great cast of characters. Drag queen Zachary and doctor Teegan are a very sweet couple. Despite the very serious issue of Zachary being the victim of a hate crime, and Teegan having unaccepting parents, there is still enough light and happiness here to keep the story mostly uplifting. It’s wonderful to see the love and trust build between these men. As usual, the group from Hamburger Mary’s is fun and supportive. This book ended very abruptly, in my opinion, but I did enjoy it. Another good story from a talented author!
A cute short story in the Mary’s boys’ theme. Each story just keeps getting better. Zachary is a drag queen who get beat up one night on his way home from the bar where he works. Teegan is the doctor who treats him. They have great chemistry and work hard to overcome things in their past.
I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
Mascara & Bandages is the third book in the Mary’s Boy series by Brandon Witt. This contemporary m/m romance gives the readers a sexy and sweet lovestory between a divorced dad surgeon and a beautiful drag queen who lands in the hospital after a hate crime. There is drama, humor and a fantastic love story. Zachary and Teegan are amazing characters and I love this story.