A Mary’s Boys NovellaDarwin Michaels is living his dreams in the Mile High City. While Denver offers the perfect job, scrumptious dining, and whirlwind dating options, Darwin is losing hope he’ll find the right man to spark his interest for more than a one-night stand-until he sets eyes on Cody Russell. Cody has just accomplished his life’s goal-get the hell out of Kansas. In one fell swoop, he … hell out of Kansas. In one fell swoop, he lands a job at Hamburger Mary’s and gets a newfound family and the chance to be with other gay people All that’s missing is someone special. But when Darwin shows his interest, Cody is sure it’s too good to be true. After all, what can Darwin possibly see in the high school dropout serving him nachos?
As Darwin falls in love, Cody struggles to realize his worth. When his past threatens the fragile life he is building, Cody spirals into a moment of dark desperation. But Darwin is determined to show Cody that love and family and home are there for him… will Cody accept what is offered?
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Great characters, emotional story (an audio review)
When this book was released on audio several years ago I listened to it. The narration wasn’t great but the story grabbed me. When I saw the book was being rereleased with a new narrator, I leapt at the opportunity to grab the book. And I’m so glad I did. Gerrod Larkyn was perfect for this series. He had great voices for all the characters including the ones from the south whose accents were important to the story. I enjoyed the book far more with this narrator and plan to dig into the entire series.
Here’s my original review:
Darwin!
Ever since I listened to The Shattered Door, I’ve been waiting to hear Darwin’s story. Being gay in the small town of El Dorado in the Ozarks was really tough on him. He found someone who supported him during a crisis, after which his parents became supportive. He’s been in Denver for a while now, working in a great job with some audacious twin women who are a hoot.
Cody is also a newcomer to Denver, but his story is quite different. This big and accepting city can be overwhelming for a sheltered small-town boy, but he’s landed a gig at Hamburger Mary’s as a bartender. He’s gay, and being around such accepting people is wonderful for him. Other members of the staff are protective of him, so when Darwin shows up and catches Cody’s eye, he has to prove himself worthy of the younger man’s affection. Add in Mandonna the Drag Queen, as well as Steve and Pat, the owners, and it is quite a cast of characters.
This is a novella, so the insta-love is more noticeable, but it’s clear very quickly the two men have more in common than just coming from small towns.
Both men are easy to love. One wants a husband, children, and a family – believing himself worthy of those things. The other would like more than one-night stands. He isn’t sure he is worth more than a quickie, though.
A crisis bonds these men together as Darwin has an opportunity to step up and prove his love for Cody while Cody is finally able to see and accept the truth about his life.
I won’t lie – my heart was with Cody because I know that dark place. I was so glad he had Darwin and, in the end, a family he didn’t even know he had. Since I enjoy all of Brandon’s books, I can’t wait for the next one in the series. Novellas are hard to write, but this one was wonderful.
Family is what you make. Maybe it is the one you’re born into but quite often you build your own.
When Cody, a young waiter from Kansas, meets Darwin, a cancer researcher from Missouri, they both feel immediate attraction. But Cody doesn’t feel he’s on an equal footing with Darwin so he avoids him. Luckily, for both of them, close friends encourage them and bolster their fledgling romance.
But hatred can cross state lines. Sometimes abuse isn’t physical but mental. How you respond can make the difference between life and death.
A touching story with implications all of us can learn from.
A wonderful book! This is the first book I’ve ever read written by the author and I enjoyed it a lot. The story is intense and emotional with many moments and situations that distressed me and made me cry. However, it was liberating to witness how Darwin helped Cody to confront his inner demons and darkness while falling in love and how Cody’s strong feelings for Darwin forced himself to accept he was worthy of being loved. Simply perfect!
I received this book from Gay Romance Reviews and I am voluntarily leaving an honest opinion.
Wow! What a powerful story. Cody has some serious issues with his parents. Darwin is looking for his forever. When they meet, its fate. I truly enjoyed this book and I can’t wait for the next one!
Nachos and Hash is the first book in Brandon Witt’s series, Mary’s Boys. This contemporary m/m romance was a quicker fun read for me, although it does have drama and emotion to it. The first book in a series, Nachos and Hash grabbed me in its arms and now I have no choice but to read the other books in this series because these characters are great and the story was exactly what I was looking for. Insta-love, healing hurts, finding love – both romantic and built family love. Darwin and Cody gave me the feels and had me smiling. Love this!
Darwin and Cody both come from small mid-western towns and end up in Denver looking for a fresh start. If you read Then the Stars Fall by Brandon Witt, then you already met Darwin’s parents and heard his backstory. It was absolutely lovely to see Darwin get his happily ever after. While there were very dark issues that occur in this book, it was a much lighter theme from other books I’ve read by this author. I’m excited to see the other books that come out of this series.