Lunch With the Do-Nothings at the Tammy Dinette

by Killian B. Brewer

When Marcus Sumter, a short order cook with dreams of being a chef, inherits a house in small town Marathon, Georgia, he leaves his big city life behind. Marcus intends to sell the house to finance his dreams, but a group of lovable busybodies, the Do Nothings, a new job at the local diner, the Tammy Dinette, and a handsome mechanic named Hank cause Marcus to rethink his plans. Will he return to the life he knew, or will he finally put down roots?

Genres: M M Romance, LGBT, Contemporary, Fiction, Romance, Adult, Gay

232 pages, Paperback

First published January 12, 2017

About the author

Killian B. Brewer grew up in a family where the best way to be heard was to tell a good story, therefore he developed an early love of storytelling, puns and wordplay. He began writing poetry and short fiction at 15 and continued in college where he earned a BA in English. He does not use this degree in his job in the banking industry. He currently lives in Georgia with his partner and their dog. Growing up in the South gave him a funny accent and a love of grits. The Rules of Ever After is his first novel.

Reviews

[~Mindy Lynn~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

This is one of those books where the side characters were more fun to read about then the main character. It's unfortunate, but our dear Marcus got lost on the pages with the Do-Nothings or Skeet came on the page.

I had a hard time getting to know Marcus and even as the book was ending I still felt I didn't really know much about him. The things we were given was that he lived on the road going from town to town with his restless mother. We learned that his grandmother, who he had never met and who was his fathers mother, left him her home and some money when she passed away. We learn he has an abusive ex that he ran from. We learn he loves to cook. But we really don't get an intimate relationship with him. Nor do you really feel like he gets too close to any of the characters in the book. His love interest, Hank really didn't even feel like a love interest because we were left out of the intimacy they shared at the end. So I guess what I am trying to say is I didn't feel the emotional draw to the book. Did I enjoy it? Yes. It was a very character driven book. It had great characters who were a lot of fun and who made me laugh. But would I call this a romance? No.

In the end I liked the book and I thought it was really well written and the characters were awesome. Very creative when it came to all of the different characters. But I wanted Marcus to let his walls down and let us get to really know him instead of us getting snippets. I wanted to see more of him and Hank growing into something instead of a few shared moments. I guess in the end I wanted more than what I got. STILL enjoyable though. I would definitely recommend it to those who love a good character driven book with awesome characters driving it.

Happy reading dolls!

**This ARC was given to me in exchange for an honest review by Netgally and the publisher**

[Riina Y.T. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've only heard good things about this book, how charming it is, how delightful. And okay, so, in a way it was. I agree, it is a nice story, about finding family, making friends, settling down.

Sadly, the most important thing for me was a miss; The main characters fell flat, as did the romance.

Probably just wasn't my kinda story, the way it was told. Feels like I know a lot more about the group of old ladies (who instantly adopted Marcus as one of their own) than I did about Marcus. Hardly felt like I got to know Hank either, Marcus's love interest.

The Do-Nothings play a huge part of the book and in Marcus's life, which was sweet. Lovely bunch! But they took over probably 50% of page time and their random chatter bored me to death at times. I just didn't care much about a lot of what was being said :(

But yeah, most of all, in my eyes, the book lacked FEELINGS AND EMOTION.

It was flat. So much telling. I felt nothing. Didn't connect with Marcus. Very saddening.

So, I guess it was a personal miss? The story was nice enough but felt unnecessarily drawn out and the drama? We all saw it coming... I mean, it was quite cliche and I don't know. Didn't feel necessary to make it a good story.

I adored the author's other book The Rules of Ever After - so this outcome came as a surprise to me.

[Les Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was all kinds of delightful fun. There really is just something so very appealing about books set in a small town, and Killian Brewer's Lunch With the Do-Nothing's at the Tammy Dinette captured all the charm of small town life, complete with quirky characters and a vibe that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and keep it there from beginning to end. Seriously, I read this straight through because I couldn't put it down.

Marcus Sumter arrives in Marathon, Georgia having absolutely no idea what to expect. He's used to small southern towns thanks to the nomadic life his mama continually dragged him through ... well, until the day she abandoned him at a diner on the side of the road with nothing more than his suitcase. Nice, huh? But when he receives a letter from a lawyer letting him know he's inherited a house from a grandmother he's never met, he heads to Marathon thinking he'll stay just long enough to settle the estate and sell the house and get on to something bigger and better. Too bad a gaggle of old women have other plans for him immediately upon meeting him. Well, once he wakes up after an encounter with one of Marathon's worst drivers lands him in the hospital, battered and bruised. Not the best introduction, right?

From here we meet Helen and Skeet, Inez, Francine, Priss, and of course Hank. Hank of the greasy hands, nice ass, and a southern drawl that makes Marcus swoon. Hank who just happens to be the only mechanic in town and the one who Marcus hopes can fix the mangled mess of his car so he can get out of Marathon pronto. Only problem is that the repairs will take time and money so what's a boy to do but start working at the Tammy Dinette? Especially since Marcus has spent years being a short-order cook and has dreams and aspirations of being a big-time chef someday. Of course the more time he spends in Marathon, the more he comes to love the town and the people (especially Hank) and the more the idea of setting down roots begins to well ... take root.

Really guys, this book was all kinds of fun. From Sarge and his two "friends" who love to dress up in drag and sing karaoke, to Skeet and his dreams of going to New York City to be a big Broadway star to the meddlesome but with a heart of gold Do-Nothing's there is much to love. The writing was tight and the characters so well-developed and engaging. The slow burn romance between Marcus and Hank was sweet to watch, and the little bit of drama with Marcus's ex-boyfriend, while a tad on the melodramatic side, helped Marcus develop a backbone and decide what he wants out of life. I enjoyed every page of this and highly recommend Lunch With the Do-Nothing's at the Tammy Dinette to all of you. You'll thank me after, preferably with a glass of sweet tea!

*this reveiw will also be posted on: www.diversereader.blogspot.com*

[Isabella ~Mikku-chan~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

*~~*ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest review *~~*

This was a book where a majority of the side character made the foundation for the rest of the book. The title was picking my interest not only because it was helish long. The blurb also did the rest and when I started the book, I was hooked.

I liked Marcus right from the start and the way how life hit him hard is... some heart clenching but also you see he is a fighter.

The books stars pretty in medias res, we get the background of Marcus' past, of course a few events are confusing first but if you recall them later or keep them generally in mind it makes pretty sense.

Although it has a funny title and promise a light story it isn't this light as you might expect. There is a slight angst when you realise what's the reason for Marcus' sudden escape from his former life.

The story is actually unexpected deep and next to see how a person who hasn't a family gains something from a passed member, from a family member who cares for one, the book is about finding a home in the unexpected way and in places you never thought about.

I liked the light, absolutely hilarious atmosphere in the dinette Marcus is finding himself during the book daily, the people around him, the "Do-Nothings", a club of old ladies, who's major task is... actually doing nothing. These ladies stir the cities life up, they gossip and banter, have to say to nearly every topic somethings but you can't be mad of them. :D

The southern charme in the book is really sweet and you are enchanted by the way how everybody in the city, Marathon, is in genuine interest to make you happy - and don't care if they overstep bounderies because they mean no harm.

Between the banter and witty chatter of the old's ladies and the dinette's staff there is the love story of Marcus and Hank, the local mechanic, set. And it is pretty sweet but has here and there a slight angst, reaches its dramatical peak near the end of the book. Luckily the HEA is guaranteed although you have worries until the very end. :)

A story which is unexpected deep, with charming, but slighty overwhelming characters, a love story set in a crazy community but as comforting as a housemade (apple) pie. :3
4.5 out of 5 stars. :)

Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words

[Yuè · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was wonderful. Whereas I am still not very fond of, let's call it, southern culture, this book was a delight to read. It follows Marcus, who drives to the south after he's inherited his grandmother's house. He's planning on selling it, taking the money, and leaving.

Unfortunately for him, a group of his grandmother's friends are not willing to let him go. They call themselves the Do-Nothings and they meet at the Tammy Dinette. Marcus basically grew up behind a grill, so he starts to work there, since his car is dead anyway. That is what happens when one resident runs into everyone.

This is a book about family, but not in a way you expect it. What many people do not realise is that you can choose your own family. You are not obligated to love people who hurt you and you do not have to look back. You can find your own family.

Has no one learned anything from Lilo & Stitch?

Then again, I shouldn't talk. I've never seen that movie.

Marcus wants to leave as soon as possible, but the Do-Nothings, Skeet, the sisters, and a certain man named Hank are making it very difficult for him. I must admit that in the beginning, it took me a while to get into it, but I can safely say I read the last 70% or so in one go.

All the characters are so well-cared for. They are not literary masterpieces, but that isn't necessary to write a great book and to tell a good story. Every Do-Nothing has her own traits and moments, from Helen being unable to cook, to Francine opening up about her past, to Annie just playing piano, to Inez being Inez, and to Priscilla inviting 10 random dudes to a gay meeting, because one in ten is gay.

Aside from the Do-Nothings, you have Skeet and Frankie aka the Broadway Babies, Sags and the twins, and of course Robert and Hank.

Robert... oh man. The entire time, the book had me when it came to Robert. It is clear from the beginning that he was not a good man, but the actual story is way worse. This was both emotional and physical abuse. I also wished Hank would've punched him harder.

Speaking of Hank, he is great. He is the man Marcus needs, so the Do-Nothings did well. He's also part of the "you can choose your own family" message, which is just such a huge and important message. His mum threw him out, and it sure as fuck hurt, but he's happy without her and he doesn't necessarily need her love.

Last, the ending. The entire book was about moving on, so it was very fitting it ends with settling down. At one point, Brewer had me convinced that Marcus was really leaving, and just like the other characters, I made peace with that. In fact, him staying was a bigger surprise to me.

In the beginning, I was a bit surprised he crumbled up his acceptance letter, since he's been wanting to attend that school, but I think I get it. The Tammy Dinette with Hank and the Do-Nothings is his new life now. Atlanta only reminds him of Robert, and that is definitely done.

Oh, and Miss Annie? I love her.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy reading, sweet and funny.

[Gillian]

https://justlovereviews.com/2017/01/1...

4 stars

There’s something about small towns and sassy, Southern women that’s very appealing. You don’t often see them in m/m romance, which is unfortunate, but after reading this book I definitely think there should be more of them. In fact, the whole time I was reading this charming, chaste little story, I kept imagining it as a novel and wondering who would play all the parts. I think it would lend itself to the big screen rather well. Someone should consider filming this as sort of an updated Steel Magnolias and get it scripted and casted post haste.

While the plot of this book revolves around Marcus, a young man chasing down an inheritance and ultimately falling for a local mechanic, the heart of it are the Do-Nothings, a group of nosy but well-meaning senior citizens who take Marcus under their wing (whether he wants it or not) with the hopes of thwarting his plans of moving on after arriving in their small town to claim an inheritance from a grandmother he never got to meet. Marcus is unsure of who these women are and why they seem so interested in his plans for the future.

“Marcus shrugged. “That’s fine. But the Do-Nothings?”

“Oh, that’s just a bunch of old women. We were all your grandmother’s friends. Have been for years and years.”

“So, you’re a bridge club or something?”

“No. It’s just what the name says. We do nothing.”

“I don’t understand.”

“You see your grandmother actually came up with the idea. Being the mayor’s wife, she had to take part in every last blasted thing that went on in this town….One day we were riding back from a PTA meeting, I think it was, and she said to me, ‘wouldn’t it be heaven to do absolutely nothing?’ And that was when we decided to create the Do-Nothing club. Once a week, we would get together and do nothing.”

The Do-Nothings are a complete misnomer, though. In fact, they are will to do anything to get Marcus to stay, going so far as to try and set him up with any available men, young or old, gay or straight, in the hopes that sparks will fly and he’ll settle into his grandmother’s house.

“We agreed we would each bring one suitable person for Marcus to meet. Why in the heck did you bring ten? And most of them were straight.”

“Well, what do I know from gay? I’ve always heard that one in ten men is gay so I figured if I just brought ten single men, then by the law of averages – "

Unfortunately, for the Do-Nothings, Marcus has other plans and none of them include staying in Marathon, Georgia no matter how lovely the ladies are or how much he loves helping out at the local diner or how cute he finds local businessman and mechanic extraordinaire, Hank Hudson. But maybe some meddling grannies, tasty home-cooking and a gentle lover will be enough to change Marcus’ mind.

I loved all the women in this book. They were smart, strong and independent minded, and even bickering amongst themselves, you could still feel how much they loved each other. Marcus seemed almost peripheral to the story in comparison but I still enjoyed his sweetly demure romance with Hank Hudson. Even the fade to black sex scenes, which sometimes annoy me, were cute and fit with the story perfectly.

Lunch with the Do Nothings at the Tammy Dinette exudes all sorts of honeyed-charm and feels like the kind of book you’d enjoy on a long, summer night with a tall glass of spiked iced-tea. But don’t let that stop you from letting it warm up a cold winter night. Pair it with some bbq ribs and a side of coleslaw for maximum effect :)

I received an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Killian B. Brewer asked me to be an advanced reader for Lunch with the Do-Nothings at the Tammy Dinette, he said “if anyone else knows growing up in small southern towns, it’s you.” And I do know small southern towns…being a native of Mississippi, after all. Full disclosure: most of my actual upbringing was in a bustling college town, with a major university in my backyard and the cosmopolitan faculty families that go along with it. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t spend a lot of time in the smaller towns of my parents, or grow up underfoot my own Helen Warners, Inez Coffees and Priscilla Ellingtons, of which there were many in my hometown. I went to high school and college with my own Skeets and Marcuses and Hanks. And CHRIST I have eaten in my share of small town diners and “Waffle Barns,” the black-and-yellow sign a beacon for many a drunk college student in need of sustenance and a hangover cure.

Brewer paints a picture with his words worthy of the folk artist Theora Hamblett and the WPA photos of Eudora Welty. Opening with the Prologue I can smell the grease of the Waffle Barn grill and the exhaust fumes of the highways, feel the heat radiating off the pavement of the parking lots. I can clearly picture the small town ER, the sign welcoming visitors to Marathon, the homes in Crepe Myrtle Manor…I can even hear the old upright piano in Eloise Sumter’s living room as Miss Annie plinks on the keys. And the characters are as rich and colorful as the settings. If they seem unbelievable…well you’ve never lived in a town like Marathon. They spring off the page and can’t wait to gossip with you…or about you!

While the Do-Nothings of the title are a definite highlight, full of humor and heart, make no mistake the center of the novel is Marcus Sumter, a man who has spent his whole life being led down other people’s paths. In this book, he finds his own path, and in his journey of the heart learns that there are many definitions to the words “family” and “home.” A truly enjoyable read from start to finish, you will be crying one moment and holding your sides from laughing so hard the next. So take a seat at the counter, give Georgette or Paulette your order, pick a Patsy Cline song from the jukebox, and see where the Tammy Dinette takes you!

I received an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Veronica of V's Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcus Sumter is a 22 year old man with no family--not since his diner-waitress of a mother literally left him at a roadside truckstop diner shortly after his 18th birthday. She'd raised him on her own, always on the run from one angry landlord or another, and his father had died before he was even born. Marcus had been living with an older man, Robert, who wanted to keep him as a kept-boy, but Marcus didn't like that, and Robert's anger too the form of a black eye. While staying home out of sight, Marcus receives a certified letter--the fifth one--informing him that his unknown grandmother has passed and he needs to come to Marathon, Georgia to claim her estate. Marcus packed what little he owned and took off.

His arrival in Marathon is immediately upset by an accident of car-crushing proportions. But, the good ladies of Marathon, the "Do-Nothings" friends of his late grandmother take him under their wing. They want nothing more than to keep Marcus with them, and even arrange for him to get a job at their beloved Tammy Dinette. And, meet men that favor his, uh, persuasion. It's a heartwarming and adorable set of romantic schemes, actually. Marcus loves being a short-order cook, and only applied for culinary school because Robert wanted to "make something" of him, but being in Marathon, surrounded by loving friends and neighbors teaches Marcus that he's something already, and the slow-burn romance between Marcus and Hank the local mechanic is something pretty special, too.

I loved the setting, and quiet cadence of the book, easily felling transported to rural Georgia and loving every second of that. Marcus is a good guy, and he deserves a home. I kind of wished we'd learned what happened to his mother, but that's a small complaint. I really enjoyed how Marcus dealt with Robert, and the big and small eccentricities of life in small town Georgia. The collection of characters was a loving portrait of people I just wanted to know better! Don't expect any sheet-burning sexytimes though. This one's pretty-much fade-to-black, but the center of the story is love, and family, and making your own when you get the chance. Highly recommend.

[Lynn Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Baby, it’s time to move on.”

He’d grown up hearing the call from his mother every time trouble would come knocking. She’d wrap up her apron, throw everything in the car, and she and her son would be off to another town, another diner, another life.

And after trouble knocked on Marcus’ door, he decided to take her lead and move on: another town, another diner. With a letter in hand from an attorney in Marathon, Georgia, he was on his way to the town that claimed, “The name sounds like running away, but we know you’ll want to stay!” Marcus had no intention of staying.

This book is a delightful tale of Marcus Sumter and his accidental (literally… poor guy makes an entrance in town by wrecking his car) journey to the town that raised his daddy, loved his grandmother, and now, by proxy, planned on doing the same for him. The only problem is, he has no connection to his father, his grandmother, or the house that she left him after her death, even if he is the spitting image of every Sumter that Marathon has ever known.

Brewer introduces us to Marathon and its characters—and man, are they characters—with the skill of a man who has encountered his own variety of Do Nothings. But, the best part of the Do Nothings, they do so much more than nothing. Oh, they might fumble and misstep in their earnest desire to do the best for who they care about, but they do plenty, all in the name of love. I’m still trying to decide if I’d like a gang of Do Nothings in my life, or if I might be approaching that age where I should start my own gang.

With southern charm and witticisms, we’re taken on a journey of coming home to a place you’ve never been, of hot mechanics that not only fix cars, but also broken hearts. The characters are vibrant to the point that you not only pick at least one to relate to—Inez, thank you for asking—but ones you’d love to meet again in another novel.

It might be time to move on—to the Tammy Dinette. They’ll save you a seat at the counter.

[The Novel Approach · Rating 4 out of 5]

I get nervous about new or new-to-me authors sometimes; I know I’m not the only one. Having not read Killian B. Brewer before, I didn’t know if Lunch with the Do-Nothings at the Tammy Dinette would be a hit or a miss. But I’ve had such good luck with Interlude Press, and I couldn’t resist that cover or the fun title, so I went for it. Turns out I had nothing to be nervous about. This book was absolutely endearing and fun.

The most endearing thing about it is, undoubtedly, the characters. Brewer has put together a wonderfully quirky ensemble that includes Marcus and Hank, of course, as well as the Do-Nothings—Helen, Inez, Priscilla, and Francine—Helen’s grandson Skeet; Francine’s daughters Paulette; Georgette and Frankette (Frankie), named after Francine’s three husbands; and the Tammy Dinette. I think since the diner is in the title, and is pretty much at the epicenter of the story, it can be considered a character.

[Alysia Constantine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somehow, this book slipped past me when it was released back in January, and I only came to it in the past few weeks. It was a sort of late blooming, I suppose.

LUNCH… is the story of Marcus, who travels to a little (some would say “Podunk”) town when his grandmother—a grandmother he has never met, due in large part to a rootless mother who kept his life moving from town to town when he was a child—dies and leaves him her house. He comes to town, then, with the intention of quickly tying up any death-related loose ends, selling her property and getting the heck out of Dodge and back to Atlanta, where he’s got a life. (Of course, he’s leaving that life, too—his partner, Robert, is a controlling, manipulative jerk who hit Marcus hard enough to blacken his eye, so Marcus has left him behind in Atlanta and is trying to think himself into a new life.) While in town trying to settle his business, Marcus meets a gaggle of his grandmother’s friends (I think “gaggle” might not be the term for groups of people, but I’m not sure “group” really conveys the real Bodysnatchers-like conspiratory power of this bunch), who call themselves The Do-Nothings and hold regular meetings at a local diner, and who decide to sneak together to get him fixed up with a “good man” and make him stay in town. Despite their misguided efforts, Marcus finds Hank, who is, by all accounts, a “good man.” As a consequence of finding what he wants in a place he doesn’t want, Marcus is faced with questions about what to do with his life: where he will live, what he will do for a living (oh, yes, I forgot to mention the career crisis for Marcus that’s throwing a wrench in the works here), how he will be happy. (It’s another sort of late blooming, I suppose.)

There’s the kind of Southern Charm here about which all of us Northerners seem to fantasize—tough, stubborn, a bit weirdly-executed and don’t-mess-with-us-dangerous, but loving, protective and well-meaning—that reminds one a bit of those great woman-focused south-set stories like Fried Green Tomatoes and Steel Magnolias, but without that icky schlock stories like that seem intent on doling out. (It feels like the author is not a Northern Fantasizer, but Real Life Southerner.) One is in no danger of choking on pink chintz or juleps or too much saccharine, Poor-Fragile-Diabetic-Shelby-Who-Dies-So-We-Learn-a-Lesson oversentiment (I may have an extra bug up my butt about *Steel Magnolias*, since I am a juvenile diabetic like Shelby, but I think my point still stands). There’s a light-touch comedy, too, that comes from taking delight in irony: tough-as-nails, ostensibly past-prime Southern belles protecting a young gay man by the means with which they’re familiar (socials, gossip, rifle-wielding).

This novel strikes the right balance between danger and quirk, serious and funny, moving speedily through the plot when it needs to, slowing down when there’s a rose to smell or a point to develop. The characters are lovable and relatable, even to a somewhat cynical Northerner like me. The humor is gentle but easy and fun; the comedy comes from strong character development and not situation (which, in my book, is the best kind of humor).

The romance that Marcus finds is, yes, with a charming and attractive man, but this is not the only romance offered—there’s also the romance of Marcus with his past, with the feeling of family and fitting in and care that the Do-Nothings offer, with the open possibilities of his future, his love of cooking (he discovers this here), even the town’s easy charm. Taken together, all these love stories add up to a person figuring out what (and whom) he loves, how he wants to live, who he is at heart. It’s actually a kind of second chance at this since, though Marcus is quite young, he’s already settled into a life in Atlanta, one which is uprooted and shaken about when he meets the Do-Nothings.

I guess you could call it a kind of late blooming.

[Harker · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @ 45%

The thought of a book about a small town centered around a place of comfort and tasty diner food was what drew me Lunch With the Do-Nothings..., but the book that I picked up wasn't really comforting nor would I describe it as tasty, the kind of book I want to read again and share with everyone.

The writing gave me the sense that it was trying to be a charming women's fiction novel, full of quirky characters and small town heart. It didn't attain that level of substance, in my opinion, because the characters, Helen Warner in particular, felt like cardboard cutouts that the author was using to map out the book rather than full-fledged people.

Another thing was that, while I couldn't tell the time period Dinner With the Do-Nothings... took place in for sure. Not having confirmation, I think it was somewhere between 1997 and current day because Netflix and GPS in a car are mentioned. Still, I found myself shaking my head when Marcus arrived in Marathon, the beneficiary of his grandmother's will, and had his sexuality revealed. The attitude and things Inez Coffee, one of Helen's and Marcus's grandmother's friends, said were baffling. It wasn't horrible, I don't think, but it was kind of weird.

There was something amiss in Marcus's story, too. I can't speak for if anyone else will notice this, but to me the story, his interactions with people and so on, felt like the author had written the book with a female main character and then switched the gender to make it a man (aka Marcus). The examples were subtle, just the way something was said or the way Marcus responded. This isn't to say the actions were wrong, but something felt off around 27% and I kept noticing it as I went further.

The final reason why I decided to stop reading the book at 45% was that I felt like I'd read it all before. There are overreaching archetypes and all, but Lunch With the Do-Nothings felt so bland that I could almost swear this same book was on the shelf a dozen times over. There wasn't anything unique to give it life, so I set it aside to look for something that did.



I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Baby, it’s time to move on.”

He’d grown up hearing the call from his mother every time trouble would come knocking. She’d wrap up her apron, throw everything in the car, and she and her son would be off to another town, another diner, another life.

And after trouble knocked on Marcus’ door, he decided to take her lead and move on: another town, another diner. With a letter in hand from an attorney in Marathon, Georgia, he was on his way to the town that claimed, “The name sounds like running away, but we know you’ll want to stay!” Marcus had no intention of staying.

This book is a delightful tale of Marcus Sumter and his accidental (literally… poor guy makes an entrance in town by wrecking his car) journey to the town that raised his daddy, loved his grandmother, and now, by proxy, planned on doing the same for him. The only problem is, he has no connection to his father, his grandmother, or the house that she left him after her death, even if he is the spitting image of every Sumter that Marathon has ever known.

Brewer introduces us to Marathon and its characters—and man, are they characters—with the skill of a man who has encountered his own variety of Do Nothings. But, the best part of the Do Nothings, they do so much more than nothing. Oh, they might fumble and misstep in their earnest desire to do the best for who they care about, but they do plenty, all in the name of love. I’m still trying to decide if I’d like a gang of Do Nothings in my life, or if I might be approaching that age where I should start my own gang.

With southern charm and witticisms, we’re taken on a journey of coming home to a place you’ve never been, of hot mechanics that not only fix cars, but also broken hearts. The characters are vibrant to the point that you not only pick at least one to relate to—Inez, thank you for asking—but ones you’d love to meet again in another novel.

It might be time to move on—to the Tammy Dinette. They’ll save you a seat at the counter.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Interlude Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*

Marcus grew up on the go, never settling down for long with his mother. Once she had dated all the available men in the little town she chose to stop in, she'd leave her job and run out during the middle of the night with Marcus to the next adventure. Until Marcus was 18, and then she decided she decided to move on without him. Marcus did what he was raised to do, he got a job as a short order cook and lived his life. But, in repeating his mother's behaviors, he looked for love and stability with the wrong kind of man and when he received a letter from his unknown grandmother's attorney, he decided to get away from his life and head to the small town. He's not in the town long and finds himself in the hospital with a head injury and a wrecked car. When he wakes up in the hospital, he finds himself wheeled out and left on the curb and told someone would be along to pick him up. And so begins a town and people unlike anything Marcus has ever experienced.

With the encouragement from his grandmother's friends, Marcus decides to stay in her house while he settles her estate and sells the house. His grandmother's friends are called the Do Nothings, and through them Marcus is taught about his grandmother and nurtured like he's never been before. Even though he'd prefer to get out of town and on the road, the Do Nothings are unwilling to just let him leave. This group of women are funny, sassy, smart, gossipy, whirlwinds of love that refuse to let Marcus just walk away. His grandmother's dying wish to her friends was that Marcus found happiness, and that is exactly what the Do Nothings are going to do. And, the benefit to Marcus growing up the way he did, he really is laid back and easy going. I don't think many young men are going to deal with the antics of these women but he just goes along with it and learns to embrace their behaviors.

Marcus ends up working as a cook for one of the Do Nothings, which allows him to do what he loves. Though he dreams of being professionally trained, his heart is in the kitchen of the diner where he can cook food for those around him. The Do Nothings also decide they need to find him a boyfriend and set about introducing him to any available man in their town, regardless of them being gay or not. For such a small town, they really are an open-minded, supportive community. Marcus isn't interested in any of the men, but there's someone who's caught his eye and when Marcus finds out he's gay, he doesn't keep his interest to himself. And, Marcus finds himself at the point where decisions have to be made and he has to realize that maybe once he stops and looks around, he already has everything he could want.

This book is Marcus' POV and is about his journey to find himself, and yes, there is a romantic interest but that comes later in the story and is really just a small part of this book with no on page sex. I had a hard time putting this book down once I started reading, it sucked me in from the very first page of the Prologue. The characters and town in this story were so well developed, and I fell in love with them. The Do Nothing ladies were a riot and made me laugh out loud many times! Each woman was such a character and they truly helped to make this story so fantastic. They're full of inappropriateness and I absolutely loved Hank's interactions with them at the end of the book. This is a must read book, and was such a delightful surprise!

Rating: 5+++ stars!!!

[Abi (The Knights Who Say Book) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ebook copy provided by netgalley for an honest review — 2 stars

Ugh, this book is so hard to review because I just... feel nothing. It's hard to come up with opinions on a book when you can't even point to specific things and say that I liked this, or I didn't like that. All I can do is vaguely gesture at the entire thing and say, this failed.

The blurb promises "lovable busybodies", but the titular Do-Nothings did not inspire any love in me. While I could see the effort to put a distinct personality in each lady, they all felt sort of bland and almost caricature-ish. In fact, most of the characters in this book felt that way. And the Do-Nothings' meddling in Marcus's love life felt too heavy handed for me to think it was adorable.

As for the romance... I just don't know what was missing. Maybe we didn't see enough of it before the book ended for me to be invested in it, or maybe it took too long to get off the ground (their second interaction doesn't happen until halfway through the book, and the time spent in between their first and second meeting is hardly filled with pining). But while I didn't dislike Hank or Marcus, I just didn't care all that much about whether they got together.

I feel bad giving a perfectly nice ownvoices book such a lackluster review, but while this book wasn't bad, under no circumstances was it good. The time when I most enjoyed the story was in the first 3% of the set up, which quickly gave way to jerky transitions and too much filler chatter. It could have been so good, but it just wasn't.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and interlude Press for the review copy.

This was, well… would folksy be the right word? Homely? Perhaps just a tad twee? 3.5 stars

Marcus has had a nomadic upbringing as his Mom moves from place to place, diner job to diner job, from man to man…and drinking. Abandoned by her at eighteen, he drifts into cooking at a diner and into a relationship with an older, jealousy-prone man, Robert.

Just at the right time, rescue appears in the form of an inheritance from a never-encountered grandmother and Marcus heads for Marathon, Georgia.

There he meets a nurturing band of elderly ladies, the “Do Nothings” and hunky mechanic, Hank. He gets work at the Tammy Diner.He makes friends with young Skeet.

A relationship develops between him and Hank, but Robert turns up out of the blue to put a spoke in things.

Will it all turn out happily?

This question is answered to an extent, but many others are left unresolved, perhaps for a sequel.

There is nothing inherently wrong with this novel. It is well-written, at times amusing, at times rather sad. However, it is all a bit flat. The characters do not leap off the page. Even the drama is low-key.I was left rather unsatisfied, as after a meal that the chef does not quite pull off.

[Cyrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lunch With the Do Nothing's is a book that will make you laugh, cringe and clutch at your heart. The small town is interesting, and although there are a lot of characters hey don't overwhelm you, they fit comfortably because of the gossip. The romance doesn't come first, it's but one part of the story. That works well because that lets the reader see Marcus grow as a whole person for example getting back behind a grill. Our author did well at character building. Although there were many characters introduced each with a part had a distinct personality. I felt the embarrassment Marcus felt and I had to put the book down to take a moment to cringe, I felt the hurt when Hank met Robert, I felt the character and that's important.
This is a book that gave me the sad feeling because it ends. I will recommend it hands down.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally adored this book, it had me chuckling and smiling all the way through.

Marcus was a fun and interesting MC, with a good back story that was linked into the current story realistically. You could argue that the love interest Hank, wasn't developed enough but I can forgive that because honestly the book is so much more than the (slow burn) romance. It's about the small town and its cast of amazing characters.

So many wonderful, quirky characters each with a distinct voice. It was a joy to read about them all and feel there should be a series about this fabulous small town.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

In reading reviews, I thought this looked amusing, and I wasn't disappointed. Loved, loved, the Do-Nothings - each one is drawn so specifically and with distinctive voices. Marcus is interesting, and I thought his issues with his mother and his boyfriend were portrayed in a realistic way, adding to a better understanding of his character. And while I wanted him to find a new love, I don't think Hank's character was as developed as I hoped, so their relationship wasn't quite as developed as it needed to be. Still, it was a fun read and I'm glad I picked it up.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was largely light-hearted and a joy to read. I admit that I love reading books set in small towns with cozy characters, and this book provided in spades. The Southern charm rings true in this book's telling, and the revelation of Marcus' sudden departure from his former life make you love these characters even more.

I have never read anything from this particular (LGBTQA) genre before, and this was a nice introduction.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this digital ARC in return for a fair review.

[Clwseattle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was expecting a book with cute, stubborn Southern ladies and I absolutely got that. Somehow in reading the blurb I missed the romance part so I wasn't quite expecting that!

At times the dialog left me a bit confused - like something might have been missing - but all in all I enjoyed the book and the graciousness of those Southern ladies.

[A · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was like reading a Hallmark Channel movie. It was cute and fluffy, but lacked the emotional impact I really was looking for based on the description. It did have me giggling a few times, and the little old ladies were a delight. If there was ever another book set in this town, I might not rush right out to pick it up, but if I could get it as a library book I would definitely read it.

[Angelique · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really sweet and fun story.
I loved the little town Do-Nothings and their lovely meddlesome ways.
to keep Marcus from leaving.I loved the romance with Hank.
It is well written and simply a fun read.
I hope for more

[Dan And His Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book blew me away! It was such a beautiful story, I smiled every time I picked this book up.
It was the perfect summer read. This book was so fun, I want more. I will definitely be checking out other titles by the author.

[Tracy~Bayou Book Junkie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet and funny read about a small town of nosey do-nothings. A unlikely place for Marshall to find a home, as well as a romance and love. This was an enjoyable read filled with laugher and love. recommendable!

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the idea, but the story fell a little flat.

[Joann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very fun and enjoyable!

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young gay man from Atlanta claims his legacy in a small Georgia town and finds happiness under the watchful eyes of his grandmother's four best friends. Sweet and comic.

[Christina Wade · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is nothing better than small town America. I’ve never lived in a small town buy my folks have and this depiction of it is SPOT ON. But that’s what makes those towns so great. I love all the busy bodies that insist on knowing everything because when you need them, they’re there for you. And you’re family no matter what so no one will mess with you because the shotgun wielding old ladies will get you!

Marcus was dealt a pretty crappy hand in life. He had no stability and it seems not too much love. With the help of his grandmother whom he never met, he was able to claw his way out of his latest crappy situation. He is pretty sweet and seems to flourish in the small town where there is lots of love to give. Hank was born into a similarly crappy situation and dug himself out on his own. He’s looking for stability and love just like Marcus. They work pretty well together because they understand each other and they seem to need each other.

This is a really quick read with a bit of fluff mixed in with a couple of serious situations that weren’t too angsty. The entertainment value in this book is really high and it was very fun to read; definitely worth the time!