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The Brotherhood: Legacy #5
Chef Charades
Two men on the verge of losing everything take a chance on each other…After failing to win a Michelin star for his London bistro and having a mini-meltdown, Walt Severance has taken a break from it all by visiting his sister in rural Dorset. When he stumbles onto Kit Courrier’s sheep farm, they both see an opportunity for Walt to clear his head with a little manual labor…and maybe a little something else. Anything to help Walt escape the heartache of the restaurant industry.But Kit may want more than Walt is able to give…The last thing Kit needs with his farm in financial danger is for a man that feels so right for him in every way to walk into his life. Even more, Kit believes that he has the skills and experience, as a dom, to help Walt through his anxiety issues and get him back on the path he is meant to be on. But how do you build a lasting relationship when you might not be compatible in the bedroom?The solution to both Kit’s and Walt’s problems just might be a different sort of collaboration altogether, and one that will definitely heat things up! Chef Charades is the fifth book in The Legacy series…which tells modern-day stories of the men of The Brotherhood. It involves a broken heart and shattered dreams, shenanigans with sheep (no, not that kind, get your mind out of the gutter! :-P), a hostile takeover from a nasty neighbor, discovering a dungeon in the basement, too many safe words, an epic feast, finally making it all click *wiggles eyebrows*, and, of course, the nearly two-hundred-year-old organization known as The Brotherhood. You can read more about the origins and Victorian doings of The Brotherhood in The Origins and The Brotherhood series.
- GenresBDSMM M Romance
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2024
66 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Merry Farmer
299 books1,142 followersUSA Today Bestselling author Merry Farmer lives in suburban Philadelphia with her two cats, Justine and Peter. She has been writing since she was ten years old and realized she didn't have to wait for the teacher to assign a creative writing project to write something. It was the best day of her life. Her books have reached the top of Amazon's charts, and have been named finalists for several prestigious awards, including the RONE Award for indie romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
March 2, 2024
Chef Charades is the fifth book in ‘The Brotherhood: Legacy’ series. This stars Walt Severance, a chef, and Kit Courrier, sheep farmer. This is told in third person from Walt and Kit’s povs.
I’ll start with the book cover. The cover model represents Kit and I think it suits him, although I’m not sure why it looks like there is a cityscape background. Kit’s farm is in the country.
The blurb does a good job of describing the plot so I won’t go over it much. This could be read as a stand-alone, but I think readers would get more out of this book if the series is read in order. For instance, Kit talks about Raeburn Kaufmann getting injured in this book. Raeburn was a main character in Book Four. Another character shows up who it appears will be one of the main characters in the next book.
Walt first appeared in the previous book, Footballer Follies, at the end of the story. We learn there, that he didn’t receive a Michelin star for his restaurant and he’s devastated. At the start of this story, Walt is already in the country visiting his sister who lives in a cottage on Kit’s sheep ranch. Kit and Walt have met before at the Brotherhood’s club, so when Walt sees Kit herding sheep, he stops by the ranch for a visit. And then their relationship starts.
I’ve read many books by this author. She is quite skilled at creating different worlds, time periods, and emotions. In this series I especially enjoyed books two and three, unfortunately this time, this book fell far short of the other ones. And that had to do with the character Kit, which I will explain in a bit later. First about Walt. He is an especially vulnerable emotional state when he arrives to visit his sister. He also isn’t into the BDSM scene. Walt has tried to live up to his father’s unrealistic expectations and win his love. The loss of the Michelin star hits at his core of who Walt is and what he loves to do which is cook. When he meets Kit, Walt is primed for the picking and for molding into who and what Kit wants him to be, and I was not on board for that. What Walt needed was to visit a therapist or psychiatrist to help work out his issues. Instead, he gets Kit. I did like Walt’s transformation from insecurity to a more confident man. He had great personal growth.
Now this is where I have difficulty with the story, BDSM, and Walt and Kit as a couple. First, I like BDSM stories. What I don’t like is a know-it-all Dom who thinks that BDSM can cure a person if they submit. It’s like the ‘Magic Peen,’ except it’s BDSM. Kit liked to think and say that he was a good, experienced Dom and he knew how to read and work with subs, that BDSM could really help Walt (the ‘Magic Peen’) effect. Except the very first time Walt and Kit started a serious play session, Kit kept pushing until Walt broke. If Kit was so observant and sensitive to his partner’s needs, he would have stopped far sooner than he did or at least proceeded slowly and asked how Walt was doing as they played. Kit played with Walt like he would an experienced sub, when he knew Walt had no experience and was fearful of being scrutinized. To me, that makes Kit a bad Dom, and I don’t think Kit ever apologized for that or anything when he was wrong, he just got upset and acted more ‘Dommy.’ There was no personal growth with Kit in this story, the growth was all on Walt’s part. Walt who had to change to merge into Kit’s life. Kit molded Walt, like a predator molds their victim. Kit was more into what turned him on, and pushed too hard and too fast. Walt needed a gentler dom, not what I consider Kit to be, a sadistic dom. When Kit and Walt fell in love, it didn’t ring true to me. I couldn’t believe in them as a couple.
There were some head-hopping happening which pulled me out of the story, and I had to re-read to figure out whose pov I was in. There was also the inconsistency during the dinner party that I’m confused on and can’t figure why it was written the way it was. It involved Walt’s father. Walt’s father is at the dinner party, but when he arrives, he wants to speak to Walt, which implies something important, he then apologizes to Walt, paraphrasing, “I’m sorry for everything.” Doesn’t that sound like a person who wants to makes amends? A different sort of person who may have learned some lessons and changed their ways? But then the author has the father say some mean things at dinner, giving his personality the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde treatment. I don’t understand that. What was the purpose? It’s like there was the idea about the apology from the father saying he’s improved, then the author decided to forget that and do something else. It didn’t make sense to me. I dislike when that happens to characters, especially without further clarification. If the father was going to be unkind, don’t have him apologize in the first place.
I normally like this author’s books, but this one didn’t work for me. The plot is good, as is the scenery. Walt is great, as are the secondary characters. However, I didn’t care for Kit, he wasn’t a good Dom, more like a male who likes to talk and posture about how great he is but really isn’t. Kit was annoying and irritating like the men who think they know better than others. I couldn’t stand him and took breaks from reading because I could only take so much at a time of his personality. Mostly because of Kit, I give Chef Charades, 3 Stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’ll start with the book cover. The cover model represents Kit and I think it suits him, although I’m not sure why it looks like there is a cityscape background. Kit’s farm is in the country.
The blurb does a good job of describing the plot so I won’t go over it much. This could be read as a stand-alone, but I think readers would get more out of this book if the series is read in order. For instance, Kit talks about Raeburn Kaufmann getting injured in this book. Raeburn was a main character in Book Four. Another character shows up who it appears will be one of the main characters in the next book.
Walt first appeared in the previous book, Footballer Follies, at the end of the story. We learn there, that he didn’t receive a Michelin star for his restaurant and he’s devastated. At the start of this story, Walt is already in the country visiting his sister who lives in a cottage on Kit’s sheep ranch. Kit and Walt have met before at the Brotherhood’s club, so when Walt sees Kit herding sheep, he stops by the ranch for a visit. And then their relationship starts.
I’ve read many books by this author. She is quite skilled at creating different worlds, time periods, and emotions. In this series I especially enjoyed books two and three, unfortunately this time, this book fell far short of the other ones. And that had to do with the character Kit, which I will explain in a bit later. First about Walt. He is an especially vulnerable emotional state when he arrives to visit his sister. He also isn’t into the BDSM scene. Walt has tried to live up to his father’s unrealistic expectations and win his love. The loss of the Michelin star hits at his core of who Walt is and what he loves to do which is cook. When he meets Kit, Walt is primed for the picking and for molding into who and what Kit wants him to be, and I was not on board for that. What Walt needed was to visit a therapist or psychiatrist to help work out his issues. Instead, he gets Kit. I did like Walt’s transformation from insecurity to a more confident man. He had great personal growth.
Now this is where I have difficulty with the story, BDSM, and Walt and Kit as a couple. First, I like BDSM stories. What I don’t like is a know-it-all Dom who thinks that BDSM can cure a person if they submit. It’s like the ‘Magic Peen,’ except it’s BDSM. Kit liked to think and say that he was a good, experienced Dom and he knew how to read and work with subs, that BDSM could really help Walt (the ‘Magic Peen’) effect. Except the very first time Walt and Kit started a serious play session, Kit kept pushing until Walt broke. If Kit was so observant and sensitive to his partner’s needs, he would have stopped far sooner than he did or at least proceeded slowly and asked how Walt was doing as they played. Kit played with Walt like he would an experienced sub, when he knew Walt had no experience and was fearful of being scrutinized. To me, that makes Kit a bad Dom, and I don’t think Kit ever apologized for that or anything when he was wrong, he just got upset and acted more ‘Dommy.’ There was no personal growth with Kit in this story, the growth was all on Walt’s part. Walt who had to change to merge into Kit’s life. Kit molded Walt, like a predator molds their victim. Kit was more into what turned him on, and pushed too hard and too fast. Walt needed a gentler dom, not what I consider Kit to be, a sadistic dom. When Kit and Walt fell in love, it didn’t ring true to me. I couldn’t believe in them as a couple.
There were some head-hopping happening which pulled me out of the story, and I had to re-read to figure out whose pov I was in. There was also the inconsistency during the dinner party that I’m confused on and can’t figure why it was written the way it was. It involved Walt’s father. Walt’s father is at the dinner party, but when he arrives, he wants to speak to Walt, which implies something important, he then apologizes to Walt, paraphrasing, “I’m sorry for everything.” Doesn’t that sound like a person who wants to makes amends? A different sort of person who may have learned some lessons and changed their ways? But then the author has the father say some mean things at dinner, giving his personality the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde treatment. I don’t understand that. What was the purpose? It’s like there was the idea about the apology from the father saying he’s improved, then the author decided to forget that and do something else. It didn’t make sense to me. I dislike when that happens to characters, especially without further clarification. If the father was going to be unkind, don’t have him apologize in the first place.
I normally like this author’s books, but this one didn’t work for me. The plot is good, as is the scenery. Walt is great, as are the secondary characters. However, I didn’t care for Kit, he wasn’t a good Dom, more like a male who likes to talk and posture about how great he is but really isn’t. Kit was annoying and irritating like the men who think they know better than others. I couldn’t stand him and took breaks from reading because I could only take so much at a time of his personality. Mostly because of Kit, I give Chef Charades, 3 Stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
March 1, 2024While this book takes us out of London and away from the central Brotherhood location, you can still feel it's reach as Kit and Walt struggle to build a future they both want together without losing everything... the relationship, the connection and the ability for Kit to read Walt's needs are strong and sweet throughout the book. Most of the angst comes from outside and that's where The Brotherhood comes into play to help these two have the HEA of their dreams...
Another beautifully written story that gives two men the best HEA and builds them up rather than tears them down, combining their talents with their connections to do something amazing for love. This book can easily be read standalone, but having some of the background on The Brotherhood may enhance your enjoyment of the story.
Another beautifully written story that gives two men the best HEA and builds them up rather than tears them down, combining their talents with their connections to do something amazing for love. This book can easily be read standalone, but having some of the background on The Brotherhood may enhance your enjoyment of the story.
March 20, 2024
not for me
I didn’t get far into the book about 30% and I just lost my interest. I like BDSM and whatnot but it just wasn’t keeping me interested and the chemistry just lost me. I liked others in this series but not this one.
I didn’t get far into the book about 30% and I just lost my interest. I like BDSM and whatnot but it just wasn’t keeping me interested and the chemistry just lost me. I liked others in this series but not this one.
April 1, 2025
I loved the original and origins Brotherhood books, the modern day era hasn’t quite had the same magic but have still been enjoyable reads…except this book.
I’ve picked this book up and almost immediately put it back down again for 4 consecutive days now. I’m a binge-reader, procrastinating is not a good sign. I don’t hate the idea of Walt and Kit falling in love on Kit’s farm but the reality of it has been a bit boring (I’m sorry!!) Normally I would press on, chances are it’ll get better, but the BDSM is proving to be the dealbreaker.
I like BDSM books, I love a good Dom (tmi? I’m envious of a good sub) but the BDSM in this book is terrible. I’m getting anxious and upset just reading it.
Kit is supposed to be this great, seasoned Dom, who is actually renowned locally as a Dom-instructor/Mentor and yet:
Walt stared at him, unblinking, for a long time.
“And if I don’t want you to hit me with things or leave bruises?“ he asked.
Kit smiled. “What you get is what I give you.”
Ex-f*cking-scuse me???
First of all, no. That’s not how it works, subs have limits and a Dom would DISCUSS and RESPECT those limits not “you’ll take what I give you”. That’s just abuse.
Walt should have seen that as the bright red flag it is and ended the conversation right there.
Walt is vanilla (or thinks he is) and it’s Kit who is suggesting they try playing together, that he thinks Walt might get some relief from his tension/anxiety out of it.
They don’t discuss boundaries or expectations—literally nothing but that above (threat?) for the completely vanilla guy, who has only porn for reference without any conversation.. It’s no wonder Walt is a vibrating bundle of nerves by the time he goes over to do the scene. This not even a ‘decent dom’, much less a GOOD one.
The scene starts and immediately Walt is reacting badly to what Kit wants to do—he’s literally trembling with anxiety and shame—and Kit isn’t taking any cues from Walt’s body language or asking, he carries on until he finally notices Walt is disassociating (and spanks him once to bring his attention back—yikes).
It’s so bad. I’m anxious all over again.
Maybe I would have liked this book if it were stripped of the BDSM aspect but I will not be finishing this one.
I’ve picked this book up and almost immediately put it back down again for 4 consecutive days now. I’m a binge-reader, procrastinating is not a good sign. I don’t hate the idea of Walt and Kit falling in love on Kit’s farm but the reality of it has been a bit boring (I’m sorry!!) Normally I would press on, chances are it’ll get better, but the BDSM is proving to be the dealbreaker.
I like BDSM books, I love a good Dom (tmi? I’m envious of a good sub) but the BDSM in this book is terrible. I’m getting anxious and upset just reading it.
Kit is supposed to be this great, seasoned Dom, who is actually renowned locally as a Dom-instructor/Mentor and yet:
Walt stared at him, unblinking, for a long time.
“And if I don’t want you to hit me with things or leave bruises?“ he asked.
Kit smiled. “What you get is what I give you.”
Ex-f*cking-scuse me???
First of all, no. That’s not how it works, subs have limits and a Dom would DISCUSS and RESPECT those limits not “you’ll take what I give you”. That’s just abuse.
Walt should have seen that as the bright red flag it is and ended the conversation right there.
Walt is vanilla (or thinks he is) and it’s Kit who is suggesting they try playing together, that he thinks Walt might get some relief from his tension/anxiety out of it.
They don’t discuss boundaries or expectations—literally nothing but that above (threat?) for the completely vanilla guy, who has only porn for reference without any conversation.. It’s no wonder Walt is a vibrating bundle of nerves by the time he goes over to do the scene. This not even a ‘decent dom’, much less a GOOD one.
The scene starts and immediately Walt is reacting badly to what Kit wants to do—he’s literally trembling with anxiety and shame—and Kit isn’t taking any cues from Walt’s body language or asking, he carries on until he finally notices Walt is disassociating (and spanks him once to bring his attention back—yikes).
It’s so bad. I’m anxious all over again.
Maybe I would have liked this book if it were stripped of the BDSM aspect but I will not be finishing this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2024
Kit and Walt
Merry Farmer has added “Chef Charades” in The Brotherhood: Legacy series. This is book five in the Legacy series which is still going strong with realistic, engaging plots and strong, emotional, intelligent, sexy characters. In this story we have Walt Severence, a top notch chef in his own busy London restaurant. Crushed when he misses out on a Michelin star, he retreated to his sister’s home situated in the farmlands of Dorset. He has been suffering from anxiety attacks, nightmares, and issues with his homophobic father. Out for a walk in an effort to clear his head, he runs into fellow Brotherhood member, sheep farmer Kit. Kit is perceptive and recognizes what Walt is going through. Kit believes bdsm sessions with Walt as a submissive and Kit the experienced Dom can help Walt clear the cobwebs in his mind, clarify his thinking, and help balance his emotional state. Kit and Walt’s relationship builds slowly as Walt begins strenuous manual labor on Kit’s farm. Walt then begins cooking again by preparing meals for Kit’s farmhands. Walt discovers everything on Kit’s farm isn’t as it should be. That leads to his discovery of the troubles other farmers in the area are having, all from the same source. Walt doesn’t have it in him to sit by and let the exceptional artisanal farms be gobbled up big business out to destroy their products and way of life. This story of Walt and Kat’s romance fits perfectly in the vast world of the Brotherhood. The story is well written and well paced, it doesn’t lag at any point. It is hard to put down the deeper you get into the story. There are strong emotions and sessions in Kit’s basement dungeon. This story is an m/m romance with open door intimate scenes. It concludes with a satisfying happy ever after. This can be read as a stand-alone contemporary m/m romance or as part of the ongoing series. I highly recommend this story to lovers of the genre.
Merry Farmer has added “Chef Charades” in The Brotherhood: Legacy series. This is book five in the Legacy series which is still going strong with realistic, engaging plots and strong, emotional, intelligent, sexy characters. In this story we have Walt Severence, a top notch chef in his own busy London restaurant. Crushed when he misses out on a Michelin star, he retreated to his sister’s home situated in the farmlands of Dorset. He has been suffering from anxiety attacks, nightmares, and issues with his homophobic father. Out for a walk in an effort to clear his head, he runs into fellow Brotherhood member, sheep farmer Kit. Kit is perceptive and recognizes what Walt is going through. Kit believes bdsm sessions with Walt as a submissive and Kit the experienced Dom can help Walt clear the cobwebs in his mind, clarify his thinking, and help balance his emotional state. Kit and Walt’s relationship builds slowly as Walt begins strenuous manual labor on Kit’s farm. Walt then begins cooking again by preparing meals for Kit’s farmhands. Walt discovers everything on Kit’s farm isn’t as it should be. That leads to his discovery of the troubles other farmers in the area are having, all from the same source. Walt doesn’t have it in him to sit by and let the exceptional artisanal farms be gobbled up big business out to destroy their products and way of life. This story of Walt and Kat’s romance fits perfectly in the vast world of the Brotherhood. The story is well written and well paced, it doesn’t lag at any point. It is hard to put down the deeper you get into the story. There are strong emotions and sessions in Kit’s basement dungeon. This story is an m/m romance with open door intimate scenes. It concludes with a satisfying happy ever after. This can be read as a stand-alone contemporary m/m romance or as part of the ongoing series. I highly recommend this story to lovers of the genre.
March 10, 2024
This is another very enjoyable book from The Brotherhood: Legacy series. Each book features a member of The Brotherhood, an old private club in London that was established for gay men more than a hundred years ago.
Walt is a Brotherhood member, a well known chef with his own fine dining restaurant in London. He has been working very hard to earn a Michelin star rating for his restaurant, and when he doesn’t achieve that goal, he has a breakdown of sorts and retires to Dorset to stay with his sister, Lucinda.
Kit is also a Brotherhood member, a Dorset sheep farmer, a Dom with his own dungeon in the basement, Lucinda’s next door neighbor, and an acquaintance of Walt’s.
After being in Dorset for awhile, Walt notices Kit on his farm and goes over to talk to him. In the course of the conversation, he learns Kit is short a couple of workers and Walt offers to pitch in and help. At the same time, Kit notices Walt is having anxiety issues and knows he can help Walt with that if he is willing to let Kit be his Dom and surrender control to him.
As Kit’s farm and those of the other local farmers are being threatened with forced takeovers, Walt and Kit work to try to find a way to save the farm and solve Walt’s problem, and possibly find a way to let their relationship become a long term thing.
These characters drew me in and I felt immersed in all the activities going on at the farm, getting involved with the drama, and applauding the solution. This series is very easy to get involved in, and previous MCs from the other books often show up for some continuity between the books, although each is a standalone. I highly recommend this series an am looking forward to more Brotherhood books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Walt is a Brotherhood member, a well known chef with his own fine dining restaurant in London. He has been working very hard to earn a Michelin star rating for his restaurant, and when he doesn’t achieve that goal, he has a breakdown of sorts and retires to Dorset to stay with his sister, Lucinda.
Kit is also a Brotherhood member, a Dorset sheep farmer, a Dom with his own dungeon in the basement, Lucinda’s next door neighbor, and an acquaintance of Walt’s.
After being in Dorset for awhile, Walt notices Kit on his farm and goes over to talk to him. In the course of the conversation, he learns Kit is short a couple of workers and Walt offers to pitch in and help. At the same time, Kit notices Walt is having anxiety issues and knows he can help Walt with that if he is willing to let Kit be his Dom and surrender control to him.
As Kit’s farm and those of the other local farmers are being threatened with forced takeovers, Walt and Kit work to try to find a way to save the farm and solve Walt’s problem, and possibly find a way to let their relationship become a long term thing.
These characters drew me in and I felt immersed in all the activities going on at the farm, getting involved with the drama, and applauding the solution. This series is very easy to get involved in, and previous MCs from the other books often show up for some continuity between the books, although each is a standalone. I highly recommend this series an am looking forward to more Brotherhood books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 16, 2025
Walt Severance, a London chef reeling from the failure to earn a Michelin star, retreats to rural Dorset to recover from heartbreak and burnout. There, he crosses paths with Kit Courrier, a sheep farmer struggling to keep his land afloat. What begins as Walt offering his hands for farm work quickly becomes something deeper — a chance for both men to heal and rediscover purpose. Kit, a dom with a strong sense of responsibility, sees in Walt not only a partner but someone he can guide through anxiety and help rebuild. Yet their budding connection faces obstacles: Kit’s farm is in financial peril, Walt doubts his ability to give more than temporary comfort, and their compatibility in the bedroom is uncertain. As they navigate shenanigans with sheep, a hostile neighbour’s takeover attempt, and even the discovery of a dungeon in the basement, Walt and Kit realise that their solution may lie in collaboration — blending passion, trust, and creativity. With the Brotherhood’s legacy as backdrop, their story becomes one of second chances, unconventional intimacy, and finding love where it’s least expected.
I loved this story with the two men risking everything to rebuild their lives, discovering that love, trust, and collaboration can turn shattered dreams into new beginnings. I liked how the farm became a healing ground, contrasting the high‑pressure glamour of London with the simplicity of rural life. I also loved that home was not just a physical space but the emotional stability found in their partnership. I loved that at its heart this story was about men learning that redemption and belonging come not from perfection, but from collaboration, vulnerability, and the courage to embrace unconventional intimacy. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content and a BDSM-like D/s dynamic.
I loved this story with the two men risking everything to rebuild their lives, discovering that love, trust, and collaboration can turn shattered dreams into new beginnings. I liked how the farm became a healing ground, contrasting the high‑pressure glamour of London with the simplicity of rural life. I also loved that home was not just a physical space but the emotional stability found in their partnership. I loved that at its heart this story was about men learning that redemption and belonging come not from perfection, but from collaboration, vulnerability, and the courage to embrace unconventional intimacy. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content and a BDSM-like D/s dynamic.
February 27, 2024
Walt is a complex character. Deep down still feeling the need to be accepted by his absent father, not gaining a Michelin star throws him out and he seeks refuge by his sister in Dorset - next to his Brotherhood friend, Kit, a sheep farmer and Dom.
His anxiety is spiking high and he doesn't know what he wants in his life.
Helping Kit with the farm starts to unwind him, mutual attraction though is throwing another spanner into it - Walt is vanilla as they come and Kit has a whole basement kitted out for play.
The storyline is going two ways - Walt learning to let go, readjusting what he wants and needs in his life and Kit's struggle with his fellow small farmers to survive financially while being bullied to sell to a large corporation.
I like how Walt learns to let go and re-discover what he loves most, feeding people but not the high stress London scene. Kit is a partner who guides him without smothering or taking over. Both share their respective burden and work on solutions.
Kit's story line is a bit too easily solved but I find it quite satisfying.
My only negative point is that Walt's expectations for BDSM were narrow and based on a very limited idea and Kit didn't really worked on reassuring him or even explaining as I think Walt's biggest fear of pain was never really addressed.
Bring on the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
His anxiety is spiking high and he doesn't know what he wants in his life.
Helping Kit with the farm starts to unwind him, mutual attraction though is throwing another spanner into it - Walt is vanilla as they come and Kit has a whole basement kitted out for play.
The storyline is going two ways - Walt learning to let go, readjusting what he wants and needs in his life and Kit's struggle with his fellow small farmers to survive financially while being bullied to sell to a large corporation.
I like how Walt learns to let go and re-discover what he loves most, feeding people but not the high stress London scene. Kit is a partner who guides him without smothering or taking over. Both share their respective burden and work on solutions.
Kit's story line is a bit too easily solved but I find it quite satisfying.
My only negative point is that Walt's expectations for BDSM were narrow and based on a very limited idea and Kit didn't really worked on reassuring him or even explaining as I think Walt's biggest fear of pain was never really addressed.
Bring on the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 25, 2024
After failing to win a Michelin star for his London bistro, Waltz and having a mini-meltdown, Walt Severance has taken a break from it all by visiting his sister Lucinda in rural Dorset. When he stumbles onto Kit Courrier’s sheep farm, they both see an opportunity for Walt to clear his head with a little manual labour.
The last thing Kit needs with his farm in financial danger is for a man that feels so right for him in every way to walk into his life. Even more, Kit believes that he has the skills and experience, to help Walt through his anxiety issues and get him back on the path he is meant to be on.
The fifth book in the series & it’s easily read on its own. I loved both Kit & Walt who had met previously at Brotherhood events & had even shared a kiss on New Year’s Eve, that kiss had lingered with them both & meeting again heightens their attraction. I loved how their relationship changed & developed with Walt learning to trust & to come to terms with his issues & I loved how he faced his demons. There’s also the problems local small farmers were facing & how it was Walt, with help from Lucinda, who thought of a solution. A lovely romance with strong characters who will melt your heart
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The last thing Kit needs with his farm in financial danger is for a man that feels so right for him in every way to walk into his life. Even more, Kit believes that he has the skills and experience, to help Walt through his anxiety issues and get him back on the path he is meant to be on.
The fifth book in the series & it’s easily read on its own. I loved both Kit & Walt who had met previously at Brotherhood events & had even shared a kiss on New Year’s Eve, that kiss had lingered with them both & meeting again heightens their attraction. I loved how their relationship changed & developed with Walt learning to trust & to come to terms with his issues & I loved how he faced his demons. There’s also the problems local small farmers were facing & how it was Walt, with help from Lucinda, who thought of a solution. A lovely romance with strong characters who will melt your heart
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
March 1, 2024
Wonderfully sweet, heartwarming hurt/comfort romance. I really liked the dynamic between Kit and Walt; the care and trust and warmth they share is so inspiring. The story touches on some difficult topics, but on the whole the tone is still light and hopeful. I especially loved Kit, the farmer/Dom who is so earnest and kind. Kit and Walt come together very naturally. I loved that they needed to overcome some hiccups, though, and that not everything went perfectly from the get-go, however much they wanted it to. There’s a learning curve, which made everything feel even more genuine. Love wins, of course, and the good guys win too. This is very much a feel-good romance. I liked how Walt’s and Kit’s worlds came together and how they began to really begin building a future together, with the support of friends and neighbors, their community. Near the end, it maybe got a tiny bit too mushy for me, the victory over their foes a tiny bit too drawn-out, but that’s nit-picking. Definitely recommend.
March 10, 2024
This is the 5th book of The Brotherhood: Legacy series and the first that I have read in this series. I was able to fully enjoy it without having read the previous books. This is the story of Walt Severance and Kit Courrier. Walt is a chef and owner of Waltz restaurant. After working hard for a year to achieve a Michelin Star rating, Walt has collapsed upon himself. He is physically and emotionally shut down. Staying in the countryside with his sister Lucinda, Walt runs into his NY Eve kiss. Kit is the owner of his family's sheep farm, Clovertop Farm. He is struggling with trying to keep his small farm afloat. When Walt and Kit meet up again, Kit can see how hard Walt is struggling. He offers Walt to come out and help on the farm. This is their story. It is written well and is easy to read. I enjoyed Kit's patience while trying to build Walt's confidence back up. A fun story to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 18, 2024
Loved Walt
After seeing poor Walt distraught at the end of Footballer Follies, I wanted to see him happy. Kit piqued my interest too, so the idea of them together was intriguing.
I loved Walt, such a lovely character, with all his anxieties and his sweet nature. Food was his love language, and seeing him feed the customers in his restaurant in the previous book then Kit and the farm workers here, his passion shining through, was wonderful.
I liked Kit as a character too but I wasn't convinced that his dungeon was the answer to all Walt's problems. They did actually spend time in the bedroom and their relationship there seemed perfect for Walt, especially the cuddling and the closeness, and also for Kit, much to his surprise. The BDSM aspect just seemed a stretch too far, as Walt was a complete novice and I thought Kit pushed him too hard. BDSM isn't the answer to mental health issues, as Kit seemed to believe.
I am very happy that Casper is next and I look forward to getting to know Sawyer after meeting him at the end here.
After seeing poor Walt distraught at the end of Footballer Follies, I wanted to see him happy. Kit piqued my interest too, so the idea of them together was intriguing.
I loved Walt, such a lovely character, with all his anxieties and his sweet nature. Food was his love language, and seeing him feed the customers in his restaurant in the previous book then Kit and the farm workers here, his passion shining through, was wonderful.
I liked Kit as a character too but I wasn't convinced that his dungeon was the answer to all Walt's problems. They did actually spend time in the bedroom and their relationship there seemed perfect for Walt, especially the cuddling and the closeness, and also for Kit, much to his surprise. The BDSM aspect just seemed a stretch too far, as Walt was a complete novice and I thought Kit pushed him too hard. BDSM isn't the answer to mental health issues, as Kit seemed to believe.
I am very happy that Casper is next and I look forward to getting to know Sawyer after meeting him at the end here.
April 16, 2024
Walt is spiraling after not getting a Michelin star for his restaurant, that he'd put his heart and soul into. Holding up in the country at his sisters house puts Walt near an old friend, Kit. Both are members of the Brotherhood in London. Walt knows that Kit us known to have more kinky tastes than Walt and the attraction he feels has him willing to play a little on the wild side of sex. But Walt has panic attacks that are debilitating at times. Kit knows that a bit of bondage play will help Walt get his life in focus and the fear will take a back seat.
Kit's sheep farm is in a spot of trouble, as well as the other small family farms nearby. Add in a pesky neighbor that is trying to buy up all of the farms, including Kit's. But a delicious meal and the right people together can help them all out.
Sweet story that is part of the Brotherhood series! Enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kit's sheep farm is in a spot of trouble, as well as the other small family farms nearby. Add in a pesky neighbor that is trying to buy up all of the farms, including Kit's. But a delicious meal and the right people together can help them all out.
Sweet story that is part of the Brotherhood series! Enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 27, 2024
The Sheep won me over :) This is an absolutely delightful story. The cast of characters are wonderful and I fell in love with Kit and Walt right from the beginning.
There are many positive messages and ideas throughout that lifted up my spirit and left me with that warm fuzzy feeling.
For fellow mood readers and those with potential triggers, this story does contain a homophobic family member, BDSM, and Walt is dealing with anxiety. There is angst but I would say it is on the low side for this one. It has humor, heat and feel good vibes.
This is a new to me author and I look forward to reading more of her works.
*MM Romance
*Friends to Lovers
*BDSM
*Slow Burn
*Found Family
*Hurt Comfort
*Sweet and Spicy
*HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There are many positive messages and ideas throughout that lifted up my spirit and left me with that warm fuzzy feeling.
For fellow mood readers and those with potential triggers, this story does contain a homophobic family member, BDSM, and Walt is dealing with anxiety. There is angst but I would say it is on the low side for this one. It has humor, heat and feel good vibes.
This is a new to me author and I look forward to reading more of her works.
*MM Romance
*Friends to Lovers
*BDSM
*Slow Burn
*Found Family
*Hurt Comfort
*Sweet and Spicy
*HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 26, 2024
Tough love is what the doctor orders
Walt, despised by his father for being gay, has pumped all his energy into his restaurant in the hope of getting a Michelin star. When that star fails to materialize, he falls in a deep depression and burnout. He leaves London and finds a refuge with his sister in Dorset. There, he meets Kit again. Kit is a sheep farmer, also member of The Brotherhood, who faces attempts of aggressive take-over by a representative of a major farming group. They reconnect and Walt offers his help when yet another farm hand is poached from Kit. Will Kit’s brand of tough love help Walt out of his panic attacks?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Walt, despised by his father for being gay, has pumped all his energy into his restaurant in the hope of getting a Michelin star. When that star fails to materialize, he falls in a deep depression and burnout. He leaves London and finds a refuge with his sister in Dorset. There, he meets Kit again. Kit is a sheep farmer, also member of The Brotherhood, who faces attempts of aggressive take-over by a representative of a major farming group. They reconnect and Walt offers his help when yet another farm hand is poached from Kit. Will Kit’s brand of tough love help Walt out of his panic attacks?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 2, 2024
Merry Farmer has brought her Brotherhood series into the modern day and they just keep getting better. I love the way all the couples of this series are so different and have such unique stories. Ms. Farmer seems to have one of those brains that allows her to bring these characters to life and make their stories so real. I love the way that Walt and Kit compliment each other and fit into each other’s lives so beautifully and the tension is mostly external to their relationship. I love how Ms Farmer brings up issues like sustainable farming and works it into the story so smoothly. She always manages to bring things like this into her books and educates without ever seeming to lecture. Marvelous read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 18, 2024
I loved Chef Charades by Merry Farmer. It's the fifth book in The Brotherhood: Legacy series. I loved Kit and Walt's story. After reading the story's beginning and laughing multiple times, I knew that I would love it. I loved their chemistry and the scenes they did together, although I was surprised that there were no contracts, lists of likes and dislikes, or discussions about what would happen in the scene. Kit is an experienced Dom and has trained other Doms, but Walt is a newbie to BDSM and being a sub. Kit should have done a better job explaining things. That aside, I loved the small farm ranchers, and the supper club dinner was fabulous.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 26, 2024
4.5 stars
This is a wonderful story that has amazing characters and is full of intense emotions and personal growth.
Walt and Kit are two men who's lives are currently in upheaval, they feel drawn to one another despite the turmoil, and slowly find an unexpected yet deep connection that leads to love and a magnificent HEA.
While the entire book was engaging and entertaining, I found I really loved chapter 20. It had more healing and was so packed full of emotions it brought tears to my eyes.
I would absolutely recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a wonderful story that has amazing characters and is full of intense emotions and personal growth.
Walt and Kit are two men who's lives are currently in upheaval, they feel drawn to one another despite the turmoil, and slowly find an unexpected yet deep connection that leads to love and a magnificent HEA.
While the entire book was engaging and entertaining, I found I really loved chapter 20. It had more healing and was so packed full of emotions it brought tears to my eyes.
I would absolutely recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 28, 2024
I loved Walt but hated to see how devastated he became by not getting the Michelin star but going to his sister’s was his saving grace. Meeting Kit was the best thing to happen to him but first he had to work through his own demons and with Kit’s help he came out stronger. It’s a great story that was well written and very entertaining. There is usually a villain lurking and Grant and Walt’s father played the roles so well no one cared for either man. I loved how Kit saved Walt when he was at his lowest and from there a great love came about. A wonderful story that is worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.
March 5, 2024
This story was very sweet, and very sexy, and does many of the things that set Farmer apart as such a good storyteller. However, I don't think it went quite far enough in leaning into many of the story elements, leaving me feeling a bit unsatisfied by all of them. Both the kink aspect of the potential relationship is not explored to its full potential, and the external conflict (and a bit of Walt's internal conflict) is solved in a neatly pat (but still enjoyable) fashion over dinner. Don't get me wrong--this is still a fantastic story. But part of the problem with enjoying such a good writer is holding them to a higher standard.
March 9, 2024
This series really stands out for me due to the wide range of characters. Walt's struggles were well written and his slowly growing acceptance of himself throughout the book was excellent. I would have preferred a bit more for Kit - that he gave more explanations to Walt regarding the kink dynamics and that this version of support wouldn't be a magic tool to cure Walt. I didn't understand Walt's father at the end - apologising for everything in the kitchen and then attacking him at the dining table made no sense.
I'm very much looking forward to the next book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Booksprout and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
I'm very much looking forward to the next book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Booksprout and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
March 11, 2024
When you're too close, take a step back. Walt, faces depression over his unmet professional expectations. He goes to the country to visit with his sister to regroup. He meets kit, who has a sheep farm and thinks manual labor will clear his head. Kit's farm is going through a few financial shortfalls. He thinks his Dom nature may be the answer to Walt's anxieties. The story adds a lot of spice to their budding relationship and a few old friends stop by. Excellent cover art! Good flow, Walt and Kit are really nice guys. This is a story of recovery and working toward one's personal goals. Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 9, 2024
Walt is a chef whose world tilts sideways after his restaurant did not get the review it needed. Needing to escape, Walt finds himself at his sister and helping on a farm.
Kit is a sheep farmer, who is struggling to keep it going, while loosing employees and someone is grabbing up the land.
Kit hires Walt, and soon realizes he is better in the kitchen than the farm. Together they find away to help the business and farm around them while exploring their connection.
Good read that melts your heart.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kit is a sheep farmer, who is struggling to keep it going, while loosing employees and someone is grabbing up the land.
Kit hires Walt, and soon realizes he is better in the kitchen than the farm. Together they find away to help the business and farm around them while exploring their connection.
Good read that melts your heart.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 7, 2024
steamy contemporary MM
This was an enjoyable read that delved into BDSM with an experienced dom/beginner sub. One of the MC has anxiety and felt this was written well with how he manages his thoughts and attacks. Even with all that, overall it still felt lighthearted.
Both MC are lovable and work together on overcoming external obstacles, as it becomes obvious early on they have a connection and don’t waste time in sharing those feelings.
I love to dislike the villain in this author’s books because they’re usually just not a nice person but get their due by the end.
This is super steamy with four encounters but only one of them is on the upper end of kink and BDSM.
This was an enjoyable read that delved into BDSM with an experienced dom/beginner sub. One of the MC has anxiety and felt this was written well with how he manages his thoughts and attacks. Even with all that, overall it still felt lighthearted.
Both MC are lovable and work together on overcoming external obstacles, as it becomes obvious early on they have a connection and don’t waste time in sharing those feelings.
I love to dislike the villain in this author’s books because they’re usually just not a nice person but get their due by the end.
This is super steamy with four encounters but only one of them is on the upper end of kink and BDSM.
February 28, 2024
Chef Charades is the 5th book in The Brotherhood Legacy series. It can be read as a standalone but I love reading the stories in order including the ones from The Brotherhood: Origins and The Brotherhood series set in the Victorian era.
This is Walt and Kits story. Walt leaves London to visit his sister after failing to win a Michelin star. He meets Kit a sheep farmer and they are just right for each other. I loved the characters and how Merry Farmer writes them. This is a great addition to the series and I would definitely recommend it.
This is Walt and Kits story. Walt leaves London to visit his sister after failing to win a Michelin star. He meets Kit a sheep farmer and they are just right for each other. I loved the characters and how Merry Farmer writes them. This is a great addition to the series and I would definitely recommend it.
March 30, 2024
A New Beginning For Something Great
Walt is on the cusp of a breakdown when he flees London for Dorset. When he bumps into Kit in the sheep’s pasture, he gets the opportunity for a much needed distraction. I loved Kit - he was such a wonderful teddy bear of a man, perfectly steadying. Walt was wonderful as well - not so neurotic to be annoying, yet introspective enough to be interesting. These two were absolutely amazing together. Plus, I loved the rallying cry of the other small farms in the area, that part made me want to cheer. An uplifting and entertaining read.
February 25, 2024
Wonderful story of Walt Severance, anxiety-ridden owner of Waltz, an amazing restaurant in London, and Kit Courrier, sheep farm owner and neighbour of Walt's sister. The attraction between these two is instant but Walt is not sure he's up for a relationship right now and may never be when he finds out what Kit is into. Amazing to watch these two navigate all the ups and downs and finally get everything "tied up" to their liking. Part of the Brotherhood: Legacy series but can easily be read as a standalone.
February 26, 2024
The sheep farmer and the chef finds their happy ending. Walt, was burned out after being turned down for a Michelin star for his restaurant in London, needing to escape he visits his sister in the countryside and meets up with Kit who he has been attracted to especially after their New Years kiss. It is another cute story to the series of the men of The Brotherhood.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 7, 2024
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I like how Walt retreating to the country gives him everything he truly needed. Kit is struggling with his farm. Walt and Kit run into other and soon are in relationship that is right for both of them. I truly enjoyed reading how working together, Kit and Walt achieved everything for both themselves and the other small farmers nearby.
March 10, 2024
Chef Charades is the fifth book in the Brotherhood Legacy Series. This is Kit and Walt's story. bruised by life, Walt goes to see his sister in Dorset. There he runs into Kit who is having struggles of his own. As the reconnect, they find refuge within each other. It was wonderful watching them work their way to their own HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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