Nachos & Hash (Lili’s Review)

Title: Nachos & Hash (Mary’s Boys #1)
Author: Brandon Witt
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: January 25th 2017
Genre(s): Contemporary/Novella
Page Count: 122 pages
Reviewed by: Lili
Heat Level: 2.5 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:

Darwin 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 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?

I finally popped my Brandon Witt cherry!! Woo hoo!! LOL, He’s been on my TBR for a while but still hadn’t read any of his books. Then I read the blurb for Nachos & Hash, and I knew this would be my first BW book.

Nachos & Hash is the story of two Midwestern boys who meet by chance at the Hamburger Mary’s in Denver, Colorado. Darwin was on a bad date he was getting ready to ditch, and Cody was his cute server that he had a fun time chatting with after he “lost” his date. They ended up hanging out after Cody’s shift, and a lovely story about self-worth and family unfolds.

My highlights:

-The characters. For a novella, the characters were surprisingly fleshed out, and I found myself connecting with them.

-Feelings. I appreciated the array of feelings this short story evoked. It had some lighthearted and humorous moments, but it also had some very real and emotional ones.

-Dual POV

-The chemistry. Although feelings grow rather quickly, I didn’t have a problem with it. You could feel their connection due to their similar backgrounds.

-The end. I was left emotionally satisfied with a strong HFN.

I do wish the story had been longer, but that’s me being greedy. I would’ve been happy reading some more pages about Darwin and Cody and their Hamburger Mary’s family.

I highly recommend this charming story about finding strength within ourselves, self-worth and the what the real meaning of “family” is.

4 Stars