Walkers Boys #2, Dreamspun Desires #35
by
Pages: 190
Size: 4.20 x 7.00 in
Pages: 190
From the frying pan into the fire.
After a critic’s review attacks both Chef Liam Walker’s culinary skills and his personal life, Liam can no longer take the heat of the cutthroat New York City restaurant scene. He needs to get out of the kitchen—at least long enough to cool down and regroup.
At the Overlook Resort in North Carolina, Liam meets owner Carter Galloway. Carter has a passion for the hospitality business to rival Liam’s own, and it’s not hard to see where their shared interests—and attraction—could lead. But Carter has no interest in a fling, and Liam has no intention of walking away from the career he fought so hard for. If they want a taste of happiness together, they’ll have to find the courage to break the bonds threatening to pull them apart.
- 1 To Be Read list
- 1 Read list
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Editors:
Cover Artists:
Genres:
Pairings: M-M
Heat Level: 3
Romantic Content: 3
Ending: Click here to reveal
Character Identities: Gay
Tropes: Office / Workplace Romance
Languages Available: English
Series Type: Same Universe / Various Characters
The writing duo known as Ari McKay is new to me, so Breaking Bonds was the first chance I’ve had to enjoy their work. The second in their The Walker Boys series this is easily read as a standalone.
Initially drawn to this one because it was narrated by Dorian Bane, and he’s never let me down, I found this book to be much more than I expected.
The story is full of wonderful surprises: The characters are creative, the relationships are interesting, and there is an original story with a great message as well.
When big city chef Liam Walker has a complete meltdown he decides a little R&R might be in order. He escapes to a struggling little resort in the mountains of North Carolina, where there is a serious need for some help in the kitchen. Liam’s attraction to the resort’s owner, Carter Galloway, is immediate (and mutual). Carter helps Liam reexamine his priorities and see there’s more to life than fame and fortune.
Carter is a strong character, sticking true to his values against all the odds. Facing prejudice, insufficient finances, and an inexperienced staff, Carter sets out to do his best. When an unexpected visit from his parents shows Carter he will never live up to his family’s expectations, he summons the strength to overcome this devastation and remain true to himself and hold fast to his goals.
There is an entertaining group of secondary characters which make this story so enjoyable.
Dorian Bane always excels at providing a wide variety of voices and this is the best I’ve heard from him to date.
The staff at the lodge are adorable, and I particularly enjoy the voice Bane uses for Marco, the restaurant owner and Liam’s boss, from New York City.
There’s a lovely message in this book about being true to oneself, prioritizing goals, and finding happiness in life. The authors paint a beautiful picture of the mountains of North Carolina which adds to the tale and comes across nicely with Bane’s expressive voice.
There was a smile on my face through this entire narration and I highly recommend Breaking Bonds to anyone who just wants a pick-me-up.
It is a really fun, sweet story.
