Deeds & Confetti (Mary's Boys #4) by Brandon Witt

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link - 

Steven Conley loves owning his own Hamburger Mary’s restaurant in Denver, Colorado, and his chosen family of coworkers makes life even better. Steven never regretted leaving the corporate grind behind until his father’s harsh deathbed words leaves him doubting himself.

Ryan Fuller abandoned a lucrative career to start his own party-planning business, but he keeps afloat by coordinating funerals. When Ryan bumps into Steven—his best friend’s uncle and the man Ryan has secretly crushed on forever—the attraction explodes into a night of passionate abandon for both men.

Steven is blown away by the care and deep connection he feels for the hot young funeral director—until Ryan admits who he really is. Reeling from the recent upheaval in his life, Steven must decide whether to give Ryan a chance. To find love, they must risk it all...

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Deeds & Confetti, the fourth book in Brandon Witt's Mary's Boys series, is one hell of a read.

Where do I start? There's a funeral, a long lost crush, and a quick hookup. It has intense need and want. 

Topher and Steven make for a fantastic couple. Topher is the best friend of Steven's nephew. Ohh...Cue the fun. 

Steven is the owner of Mary's. He has self esteem issues and a whole hell of a lot of insecurities. We've met him in the previous St Mary's books, as a background player. Now he's the star. And he has one hell of a story. 

This is a story with father issues and family issues. It's a story with an age gap that's almost May to December. All of this, along with the nephew's best friend aspect combine to make a tear-jerking story.

The writing is great, with some hot moments and plenty of humor. I can't applaud the author enough for the way he brings this series full circle, and ties it all together in the end. 

Overall, Deeds & Confetti wraps up a beautiful series. And wraps it up is the perfect description. The ending is definitely about the series, not just this couple. Seriously, the ending had me crying, smiling, and crying some more. I definitely wasn't expecting it, and I loved it. 

Mascara & Bandages (Mary's Boys #3) by Brandon Witt

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link  

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 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?

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Mascara & Bandages, the third book in the Mary's Boys series, is an amazing story. This Brandon Witt book is best read as part of the series, but could easily be rad as a standalone. 

Being a drag queen at St Mary's is what saves Zachary, as being Ariel helps set him free. Zachary is timid, but Ariel is bold and confident. But most important, Ariel is worry free. 

Teegan's a doctor who meets the young Zachary after he's gay bashed. Like Zachary, Teegan is also wonderfully complex. He has an ex wife who's actually lovely, and a young daughter. His reasons for being in the closet are well explored.

The attack is a tough read, and the aftermath messes with Zachary emotionally and physically. Both men come with their share of issues, including a whole hell of a lot of doubts and fears. But along the way they find strength and love, as they compliment one another perfectly. There's also some good humor in this story of courage and trust. 

Overall, Zachary and Teegan have a tender and sweet relationship. It's a beautiful journey that is full of heat and emotion. There are homophobic parents, with some barbs that left me numb. 

Mascara & Bandages, the third book in the Mary's Boys series is well worth a read. Brandon Witt brings all the emotions to the table in this story, starting with the gay bashing incident and ending with a HEA. It's a wonderful combination of pain and suffering along with attraction, chemistry, and love.

Vodka & Handcuffs (Mary's Boys #2) by Brandon Witt

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link - old link

Vahin Arora, Hamburger Mary’s sexy bartender, plays the flirtatious role so well even his closest friends—his chosen family at Mary’s—don’t realize Vahin hasn’t had a hookup in months. Then Tall, Dark, and Handsome steps through the door, and Vahin’s libido races back to life.

Being a black cop on the Denver police force is no easy job—Marlon Barton can’t imagine adding being gay to the equation. And while Marlon loves his work as an officer, his life has taken a turn for the hellish because of his new partner, the nephew of a senator.

Fleeing his partner’s company one night, Marlon stumbles into Mary’s for the first time… and wakes up with a hangover in the bartender’s bed. The one-night stand heats up into a budding romance, but not without stress as Marlon’s partner’s actions threaten Vahin’s livelihood and Marlon’s future on the force. Can Vahin and Marlon face the challenges and hold on to the love, friendship, and family they’ve found?

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Vodka & Handcuffs, the second book in the Mary's Boys series by Brandon Witt, is fantastic! 

Wow, this one hit me hard. The racism and homophobia are front and center, and extremely upsetting. Given the current state of the world, the timing for this one couldn't be more appropriate. Seriously, this one has a racist cop. 'Nuf said.

I enjoy Vahin and Marlon as a couple. They way they meet, the way they come together, all of it is enjoyable. 

I really enjoy this story. The writing style is great, the characters are both well developed, and the storyline is not only riveting, but also extremely poignant.

Vodka & Handcuffs is a stellar read. Brandon Witt packs a ton of emotion into this short book and I felt it all. This book just hit me with the importance of this storyline. 

Nachos & Hash (Mary's Boys #1) by Brandon Witt

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

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 love-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. 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... if Cody can accept what is offered.

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Nachos & Hash is a tender tale by Brandon Witt. The first book in the Mary's Boys series, it is a nice read. 

It took me a long time to get invested in these characters, but once I did, I found it to be a beautiful story. With a cute start, it definitely turned deep and emotional.

A hurt/comfort tale, Darwin and Cody are two men who find solace in the life at St Mary's, as well as each other. These are two small town boys who find people like them in the city. Their backstories are definitely interesting and easily leave them with a strong connection.

Things happen quickly for these boys, in a sweet manner. And then...

This is a story that includes homophobia, and it's long lasting effects on self-worth. Cody's family is vile, and the effects are heart-breaking. 

I love the people at St Mary's and the support they show for one another. I look forward to reading more about these characters.

Nachos & Hash is an impressive short read. With just 104 pages, Brandon Witt packs a lot of sweetness, as well as realness, into this romance.  

The Imperfection of Swans by Brandon Witt

Amazon Link - Available in KU 
Goodreads Link - Old version

Kevin Bivanti’s dream is to open a wedding dress shop, a place with the stunning gowns to make every bride-to-be feel adored. At thirty-eight, he quits a successful advertising career to buy an old brownstone in a trendy Boston neighborhood and to make his dream a reality. When one of his cosigners drops out, fate intervenes, ushering in Casper James, who hopes to open his own bakery. With Casper willing to take the risk, their ambitions meld into a wedding dress and wedding cake boutique.

Extensive renovations to the brownstone, an affair with his ex-husband, family drama with his mothers, and the anxiety of significant life changes push Kevin to the brink of a nervous breakdown. In the midst of stress and uncertainty, Casper becomes more than a business partner, a mutual attraction that adds another layer of intensity and risk.

With their dreams on the verge of reality, Kevin and Casper must find the courage to face the stress of managing their attraction, the gamble of a new business venture, and the resurgence of Kevin’s personal demons.

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

The Imperfection of Swans is a remarkable, yet gut wrenching book by Brandon Witt.

Kevin's always dreamed of opening his own wedding gown shop. With his sister's push, he's finally taking a chance. And then he meets Casper, when fate brings them together. 

Brandon Witt manages to bring to life some amazing characters. Kevin is a man who's extremely complex and even more vulnerable. His struggles are many, and his pain is constantly jumping off the pages. Overall, he's one hell of a tortured soul. And then there's Casper. There aren't many characters who are more understanding, supportive, and loving than this tender man. 

But the ultimate beauty of Casper entering Kevin's life is that he is the one who can see what is happening and can make Kevin face it. 

And then there's the brownstone, which is a character in itself. The changes these men make to this building are fully brought to life, and one can feel they are in the building along with the men. 

This is a story that explores that love isn't easy; that love is a struggle. The author beautifully illustrates the power of love to calm and heal. 

This is a story that delves into some extremely tough issues. The author explores severe anxiety, physical illnesses, eating disorders, and leaping to face one's dreams. 

I love this quote. "It takes guts to leap. Whether you make it or not." So true. 

The author's writing style is unique. His characters, and the overall message is deep, with his writing fully reflecting this. He's able to fully delve into Kevin's mind, exploring the mentally of his body and eating issues firsthand. And then we discover that this is story who's roots are based in reality, and wow, just wow. Loosely based on a close friend of the authors, this story takes on even more meaning. And hot damn, his friend is the cover model, once again, making everything even more personal. 

The Imperfection of Swans is a long slow-burn read. When you pick up this Brandon Witt book, be prepared to be patient and ready for one hell of a serious and tough journey. Don't take on this story for the romance, but rather for the journey. It's well worth it to meet these men who discover that meeting the right person can calm you and make you a better person. This book is emotional, raw, and riveting and will stay with you long after you finish it.

Then the Stars Fall by Brandon Witt

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link  (old version)

Blurb

The death of his wife four years earlier left Travis Bennett a shell of the man he used to be. With his dog by his side, Travis raises his three children, manages his business, and works as a ranch hand. But every day, every minute, is an aching emptiness.

Wesley Ryan has fond memories of the small Ozark town of El Dorado. Seeing it as a safe place to put his failed relationships behind him, Wesley moves into his grandparents’ old home and takes over the local veterinary clinic. An early morning visit from Travis and his dog stirs feelings that Wesley seeks to push away—the last thing he needs is to fall for a man with baggage and three kids as part of the package.

Life, it seems, has other plans.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Then the Stars Fall is a beautiful slow burn novel by Brandon Witt. I loved it the first time I read it, and I love it again upon re-reading it.

It's the story of Travis, a bisexual man who's grieving the death of his wife. His pain is real and all-consuming; not an easy read at times. The reader is fully immersed in Travis's life, pain and all, by the time he meets the out and proud Wesley. What follows is an even more emotional journey as he's forced to deal with his bisexual feelings. 

This story is full of rage, fear, and a whole lot of painful barbs. Travis is not an easy man to deal with at the beginning, and he definitely takes out his anger on the cute vet. Of course, there are doubts on both sides, making for a great rollercoaster of emotions. There is also some great sexual tension, that ultimately is lyrically described. 

They live in a small town, with a history a homophobia. Luckily, they have some support with a slew of wonderful secondary characters, including Wendy and Travis' kids, who add immensely to the story.

Brandon's writing style is accomplished as usual. He tends to create deep and meaningful story lines and this one is just that. The plot and the characters are amazing. His almost lyrical writing style is not for everyone, but I definitely enjoy it. The author does a marvelous job switching things up by adding in some extra povs, which greatly adds to the strength of this story. 

Then the Stars Fall is truly a remarkable story of second love. This character driven story is a wonderful choice when you're in the mood for some angst. This is a lovely story of family that includes loss, grief, as well as happiness and healing.