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aligroen's review
4.0
This was an enjoyable story. I liked how Cody and Darwin were together and the family that Mary’s brings to all their employees. Cody's still haunted by his parents and the reaction he knows is coming but Darwin is there for him and won't let him give up.
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review.
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review.
naomi_branham's review
3.0
This is a hard one to rate. I loved the supportive/ inclusive environment of Mary's. Darwin and Cody are both transplants to Denver from the mid-west, looking for freedom to be themselves and openly gay. Cody is insecure and second guesses everything in his life because of his family. When Cody hits rock bottom Darwin is there to show him love and support as well as Mary's.
regencyfan93's review
4.0
After reading Nachos & Hash, I realized that I don't read enough Brandon Witt.
If I am ever in Denver, I hope to get to Hamburger Mary.
If I am ever in Denver, I hope to get to Hamburger Mary.
the_novel_approach's review
4.0
Narration Rating: 5 Stars
Cody Russell had simple life goals: to get the hell out of Kansas, get out of his small town, and get out from under the thumb of his homophobic parents. He accomplished them all by moving to Denver and getting a job at Hamburger Mary’s, the gayest burger chain on the planet.
Darwin Michaels hasn’t found the right guy to settle down with yet. He isn’t convinced there is a “right guy” for him—until he meets Cody. Cody has spent a lifetime hearing he was not good enough. He grew up hearing people like him were worthless, and things to be ashamed of, not supported or celebrated. So, it is nearly impossible for Cody to believe someone who seems as together as Darwin would ever see him as more than a trick, a quick one off to move on from.
When feelings between them grow, in ways neither thought was possible, they both are a little frightened, and then Cody’s old demons come back to haunt him. A few misunderstandings and a hateful call from his parents convince Cody to make a choice from which he may not recover. What happens next is the kind of thing that can only happen in real life, but it is beautifully captured by Brandon Witt on the page and by Dominic Carlos’ narration.
Carlos make the words come to life. He makes the feelings of the characters sharp and shiny as cut glass. Emotions are told with perfection and the story, while short, is complete and fully formed in the Carlos’ hands. This may be a short ride, but it is a fulfilling one. Buy this book and wait for the next installment in this series. It will be worth waiting for.
Reviewed by Mike for The Novel Approach
Cody Russell had simple life goals: to get the hell out of Kansas, get out of his small town, and get out from under the thumb of his homophobic parents. He accomplished them all by moving to Denver and getting a job at Hamburger Mary’s, the gayest burger chain on the planet.
Darwin Michaels hasn’t found the right guy to settle down with yet. He isn’t convinced there is a “right guy” for him—until he meets Cody. Cody has spent a lifetime hearing he was not good enough. He grew up hearing people like him were worthless, and things to be ashamed of, not supported or celebrated. So, it is nearly impossible for Cody to believe someone who seems as together as Darwin would ever see him as more than a trick, a quick one off to move on from.
When feelings between them grow, in ways neither thought was possible, they both are a little frightened, and then Cody’s old demons come back to haunt him. A few misunderstandings and a hateful call from his parents convince Cody to make a choice from which he may not recover. What happens next is the kind of thing that can only happen in real life, but it is beautifully captured by Brandon Witt on the page and by Dominic Carlos’ narration.
Carlos make the words come to life. He makes the feelings of the characters sharp and shiny as cut glass. Emotions are told with perfection and the story, while short, is complete and fully formed in the Carlos’ hands. This may be a short ride, but it is a fulfilling one. Buy this book and wait for the next installment in this series. It will be worth waiting for.
Reviewed by Mike for The Novel Approach
karentje's review
4.0
Expertly written, touching love story with wonderfully authentic MC’s who struggle(d) with mental health issues, which I think is depicted in a convincing and sincere manner. Cody and Darwin fall for each other after a sweet meet-cute, and while part of their connection is definitely adorable and romantic, a kind of sadness also hovers over the story as Cody struggles with depression and low self-esteem, as a result of his upbringing. ManDonna and the team at Hamburger Mary’s make up a great cast of secondary characters, a family bringing light and warmth to Darwin’s and Cole’s lives. Only novella-length, but definitely a story that grabs your attention and wreaks havoc on your heart. Recommend!
shelbanuadh's review
DNF @ 55%.
The characters are shallow and have no connection. If there is a plot, I'm not sure what it is. The dialogue is cringy and I feel awkward on each of their behalf for how fumbling this whole thing is.
The characters are shallow and have no connection. If there is a plot, I'm not sure what it is. The dialogue is cringy and I feel awkward on each of their behalf for how fumbling this whole thing is.
lillian_francis's review
4.0
Cute but with just enough angst to make me shed a tear.
Loved all of the secondary characters, can't wait to read their stories.
Loved all of the secondary characters, can't wait to read their stories.
calila's review
3.0
*Received A Copy To Review From The Author*
Really a sweet that's mostly solid. But they do hit some bumps along the way. I didn't mind the bumps but I didn't love them either. They make sense but eh. But I did enjoy the couple. There's a lot they go through that feels real that I don't think happen often in romances. There's a different kind of uncertainty and reluctance to actually be in a relationship with someone with deep issues, which I actually like seeing. It's much healthier and real than some of the toxicity that's called love that's around in romance sometimes. I love the real life touch of Hamburger Mary's, I've never been but I've heard of it before so that was a fun touch. There's a solid cast of supporting characters who I already know will get their own stories and I can't wait to read them.
Really a sweet that's mostly solid. But they do hit some bumps along the way. I didn't mind the bumps but I didn't love them either. They make sense but eh. But I did enjoy the couple. There's a lot they go through that feels real that I don't think happen often in romances. There's a different kind of uncertainty and reluctance to actually be in a relationship with someone with deep issues, which I actually like seeing. It's much healthier and real than some of the toxicity that's called love that's around in romance sometimes. I love the real life touch of Hamburger Mary's, I've never been but I've heard of it before so that was a fun touch. There's a solid cast of supporting characters who I already know will get their own stories and I can't wait to read them.
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