He was sweet and hot, but totally straight. ...Until he kissed me on New Year’s Eve.
Andy: Working at the convenience store isn’t exciting. I’m just here to help out my grandmother, take care of the store, and try to stay out of fights with shoplifters. But when Chase, the hot flower delivery guy, walked through our door, my world turned upside down. He was shy, but deeper than anyone I’d ever known.
So I took a chance. I invited him to a New Year’s Party. It wasn’t a date—he was straight, after all. But then I ended up with his arms wrapped around me, kissing as the clock struck midnight. But I know I can’t get my hopes up for anything real. It’s hot as fire when we’re together, but life keeps pulling us apart.
Chase: My New Year’s Resolutions were simple. Stop being so shy, go out with people, and finally come out of the closet.
If only it were that easy.
When I walked into the convenience store and saw Andy, I nearly passed out. He’d been my crush for over a year, but with his tattoos and bad-boy popularity, I never thought he’d give me a second look. So when he invited me to a New Year’s party, I had to say yes. And a few drinks later, when my lips were on his, all I wanted was more.
But being with Andy means facing something I’d been hiding my whole life: I wasn’t straight. If I wanted any chance of being with him, I knew I had to get over my fears.
----- Champagne Kiss is a 55,000-word gay romance novel. It features a local convenience store and its crazy cast of customers, forbidden love, and two guys who are opposites in every way… but can’t get enough of each other. It’s the third book set in the small, quirky town of Rose Falls, but can always be read as a standalone novel on its own.
Maybe I'm super grumpy today, but even though I've enjoyed Raleigh Ruebins' past stories, I wasn't feeling this book at all.
Reasons:
- MCs who don't act their age: Chase and Andy are in their early 20s, but they act like high schoolers. Chase especially is really childish, lashing out at Andy, lying to his mom, sneaking out of the house. I had no sympathy for him and no idea why Andy felt so "lucky" to have Chase in his life.
- One MC (in this case, Chase) fucks up, but it's the other MC who comes groveling. UGH. Andy's no-fucks-left-to-give shtick got old, but he was a much nicer guy than Chase. Chase should have begged Andy to take him back (preferably on his knees).
- The cover doesn't match the story: Andy has wild dark hair and lots of tattoos. Do you see a guy matching that description on the cover? Yeah, me either.
- Unearned love/HEA: I didn't even care about the epilogue. The relationship was frustrating and totally uninspired. Not much happened, and then they moved in together. The end.
Note: Champagne Kiss is a standalone; MCs from previous books in the series aren't even mentioned.
This one seems like it was written by someone else. I liked the first two in this series but this one was just dumb. The MC's act like little kids and the relationship felt like complete bullshit. Chase has no backbone and Andy is crazy. I was turned off and began to skim the pages. Chase frustrated me to no end and I was not happy with the way their relationship played out. Epilogue was crap because the lead up made me completely not give a shit. No es bueno!!!!
Shy Chase has his new years resolution written out. He just needs the confidence to take the steps Andy is happy serving in his Man's mini Mart and doing his art. Not sure if I missed something along the way but I wondered about his parents as his Man was his sole guardian.
Putting that aside it was a college romance with one person wanting to come out but lack the confidence. I was sort of annoyed with Chase as he kept running hot and cold. This was ok not great.
This cover has nothing to do with the book. I’m not sure if that’s in a good way or a bad way? These are some awesome characters and I even liked the way the plot unfolded. The teaser indicates Chase may be straight, but that’s not entirely true and I think the book is better (in this context) for it. I loved Andy. He’s completely the guy I would have crushed on from afar and I love he idea of him with Chase. There are some very cute scenes between them, though this was almost too much insta-love? Sorted like too much sweet champagne can be too much? I also struggled a bit with the ending and how much of it ended up being due to Andy. Nothin here is groundbreaking. The book happens almost exactly like you think it will. But none of that is particularly bad. I think I’ve just been spoiled lately with really outstanding books that this was just didn’t float up to the top or leave me with a fuzzy bubbly feeling.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Plot: 2 stars -- it was okay, though Chase really lacked a backbone for most of this, and (as with Ruebins' first book in this series) issues were introduced and then simply dropped (which annoyed me to no end). It was especially frustrating
Main characters: 3 stars -- I liked Andy a lot, although, as mentioned above, I felt like some very clear possibilities were missed to develop him more; Chase was okay. I didn't get a great handle on him because his character seemed to change.
Smut level: Meh -- too much sex for the plot, in my opinion.
World/setting: 2.5 stars -- again, this town isn't developed as much as I think it could be.
Romance: 2.5 stars -- I didn't really get the chemistry/connection between these two, but it definitely had romantic moments.
This was such a sweet story. I just kept reading and reading. This author really captured the hearts of Andy and Chase. Chase, the shy and slightly awkward boy, and Andy, the seemingly bad boy, but with a heart of gold. They are so good for each other. They can see beyond first appearances and really see the other how they are deep inside. You only have to find the right person with whom you can be yourself. Andy let Chase set the pace and never pressures him. And I loved how Andy still loved and believed in Chase, even though he was disappointed and hurt by the things Chase had said. That is really a sign of having grown up. Some adults can learn from him. And it was equally wonderful to see that Chase had the courage to come out to his mother, and that he fought for himself and for Andy when his mother didn’t accept them all the way. This is what a new adult romance is all about. Maturing and growing up. Being true to yourself and standing up for yourself and your loved one. Dealing with the expectations of your family and learning to know what important is for yourself. This author has described this process beautifully with a good insight of young people’s minds.
This is the sweet love story of Andy and Chase that begins with flowers and ends in an HEA. I would certainly classify this as a new adult story, the maturity and age of the characters are clearly shown. Both Andy and Case think that they have found true love but because they are young, they are still at the stage where you let outsiders influence your relationship. Chase’s mom still treats him as a child and because Chase worries about her opinion, he continually hurts Andy with his hot and cold responses.
I was so glad when Chase finally stood up to his mom, although throwing a temper tantrum and running away are a rather childish ways to get your parent to treat you like an adult. You can overlook that when you see how cute Andy and Chase are together. Because their love story was a first time love, it was both sweet and sensual. It was nice to see that their relationship brought them happiness amid the stresses in their lives.
I don’t really have any complaints for this story: its short, sweet and filled with adorable moments.
It started out really great and I was expecting a great romance with conflict and passion, but it sort of fizzled out somewhere in the middle. It turns out that the main antagonist / villain is Chase’s mother. Ugh. She doesn’t like Andy because he has tattoos. She doesn’t care that Chase is gay, she’s actually very accepting at the end. She just doesn’t want him to date Andy for absolutely no real reason, and I couldn’t understand where she was coming from. This didn’t make sense to me. It was very sweet when Chase and Andy began talking. I loved it when Andy reads Chase’s list of New Year’s resolutions, where Chase mentions that he wants to be less shy and more open. Andy was absolutely adorable, even more so than Chase. I’m glad Chase grew a backbone at the end, but it took a while. I didn’t realize the characters were so young when I picked up the book, so that didn’t help. I loved all the flower references, the tattoo and the cala lilies, it was very romantic. And I also loved the New Year’s Eve party when they kiss for the first time, and it’s also Andy’s 21st birthday.
* I received an ARC copy in exchange for a honest review *
I like Raleigh Ruebins writing style but as much as I loved her My Winter Family this one was just an okay read. I loved Andy and his grandma, they are nice people, but Chase was annoying, spoiled, childish little boy. Both Andy and Chase are (almost) the same age but the difference between them is unbelievable. While Andy is seen as a bad boy who has problems with fighting too m;uch Chase is seen as a perfect son, good student and hard worker. In reality Chase is just a COWARD. In my opinion he got too many chances from Andy - I wouldn't look at him twice.
The story about a relationship between a so-called bad boy and a closeted Chase is super extra sweet, unfortunately quite unbelievable (or it might be just me) and extremely ANNOYING. There is a lot of drama and angst, which is all caused by Chase. He is so scared of his mama it gets ridiculous when he keeps saying he's an adult and can make his own decisions. Obviously not. He hurts everyone around him, especially Andy.
The story is fast paced, Andy and his grandma are lovable and the story is enjoyable. I recommend this to everyone who's looking for something uncomplicated with a closeted character.
I love this series and Champagne Kiss is my favorite book so far. I loved everything about it and I could not put it down. It is beautifully written and the characters drew me in immediately. Andy and Chase are perfect for each other even though they are complete opposites. Chase is a super shy college student that has had a crush on Andy since he first noticed him in class. They meet when Chase delivers flowers to the convenience store owned by Andy's grandma. Andy has to be patient and understanding while Chase tries to find a way to tell his very domineering mother that he is not straight. Because of his mom's dislike of Andy they have many obstacles to deal with if they want their HEA. This book was sweet, hot and very entertaining. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I was given an ARC to review by the author.
Young love!! I was waiting on Andy's story and the author delivered a great one. He has worked on his grandma's convenience store forever and now he is in college. Andy's character is lovable and funny even with his rough exterior. Then the shy flower delivery guy comes into the store, nervous but with a New Years resolution. Chase is not out yet and has a very meddling and controlling mom. But Andy is persistent and so very understanding. I enjoyed how Andy grows up and how Chase is so determined to love who he loves yet afraid to come out to his mom, and that with all the obstacles in their way they do get their happy ending. One champagne kiss was all it took!!
👍💘🔥A real treat, this well-written👬 romance in Rose Falls was as satisfying as the earlier two in the series! The young couple, Andy the sculptor and Chase the introvert who's henpecked by his florist mom, have major issues to confront and they somehow manage on their way to a very satisfying conclusion. The heat is there but their growing relationship is full of sweet, supportive moments, interspersed with a bit of angst, rage and self doubt. I found them both easy to like, despite their flaws, or maybe because of them. :-)
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Andy is cocky, self confident and outgoing, everything Chase is not. But Chase has had a crush on him since the first time he saw Andy a year and a half ago. Making a delivery for his mom's flower shop, Chase is surprised to find Andy working at the mini mart where he's dropping the flowers. He's barely even able to speak to Andy, but something about him captures Andy's attention. So the next time Chase comes in, Andy is ready and strikes up conversation.
Andy is out and proud. Chase wishes he had the courage to be like Andy. With Andy's help, Chase starts to come out of his shell, but there is still one secret he needs to share if he wants to be with Andy.
I love this author's work and have binged at least 7 or 8 books. But this one wasn't for me. I already struggle with certain Friends to Lovers books, and I think this one was one of them.
I loved Andy and loved the first portion of the book. But I felt like Chase should have stepped up more. Even if he feels the need to hide his sexuality, that's fine, come out when you are ready... but defend your friend a little more.
Overall I am happy they found love but I did find some of the book a little boring. That being said, I believe I gave every other book by this author 4.5 or 5 stars. I will definitely read the next book in the series.
This story is number three in the series but can be read as a standalone. It follows two young men, Andy who works in a convenience store owned by his mother and Chase who works for his mother at her florists. They meet when Andy's grandmother decides to sell flowers and it is Chase who delivers them They begin a friendship which grows into love and we follow them as Chase comes to terms with the way he feels, both pushing Andy away when he feels overcome and then as he finally stands up to his mother when she tries to put a stop to their relationship. A well written story with a HEA
This one is another great treat from Raleigh Ruebin. This one really is an opposites attract romance and Andy and Chase make a perfect couple once they both admit their fears and inadequacies. I have to admit, it took me sometime to warm up to 'bad boy' Andy but his support of the shy and sweet Chase, allows him to grow on you!
Once again Raleigh has produced a romance worth taking the time to read and I am seriously falling for the Rose Falls characters.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book
I had wondered what would be of Andy, the young grandson of the owner of Rose Falls convenience store. After seeing his interaction with customers in the previous two books in the series I was hoping he'd have his happy ending. I really enjoyed reading this story and getting to know the real Andy. Chase was a great match for him and I loved how sweet and grown up they were to each other despite their own insecurities. The story can be read as a standalone but I recommend also checking out the previous two books. They are longer full-size novels.
This is the first book I have read from this author. It was very good. I liked hoW the Author focused on the romance-love in this story it is not all sex it's about the relationship between the two main characters one that needs to face his relationship with his mother and growing up. The other needs to put on his big boy pants and start taking life seriously so that others will also take him seriously. It is a great coming out story worthy of Champagne and tons of kisses.
I'm happy to read this story after reading the second book. Somehow I realized Andy's character was different in this book. Andy seem more knowledgeable in romance in book two but in his own story, he seem loss. I understand the challenges from both characters but I found it a little force. The relationship seem to go too fast, their emotions seem to be different from their characters as described at the beginning of the book. I got the message of self-acceptance. I would of enjoyed more dialogue and interaction between Angelica and Chase.
Looks can be deceiving, Andy knows his bad boy looks can cause trouble but his I don’t care attitude allows him to be himself and live his life. Chase wants to start living as the real him, come out, not be so shy but he needs to make the effort. When the two meet, it’s insta-like and it seems they balance each other out. Andy’s issues with fighting seemed to be a bit of a stretch for the Andy we met in the previous books or maybe didn’t quite fit for me but Chase saw beyond that. Enjoying the series.
Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.
The story of an out and proud man, and an apparently straight one, and how they find love in each other. A very nice story, entertaining and sweet, ideal for curling up on a couch with a glass of wine or some chocolate.
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Loved the story of Chase and Andy. The story had a nice pace to it. The two characters had great chemistry. I was happy to see Chase's mom come around. Chase and Andy made me mad at them at couple of spots in the story, but not for long. Very good story hope to keep reading from the author.
Thank you for sharing your book with us. I got for an honest review
Chase is a shy guy many can relate to who needs Andy from the mini mart. The authors tells a great tale of love, of coming out of the closet and of caring for one another. A great follow on to the other two books in the series. No new characters were introduced so thinking this may bethe last of the Rose Falls series. Love Raleigh’s stories.
I'm SO glad that Raleigh wrote a book about Andy! I was so hoping to learn more about him. I have to admit, Chase is perfect for him. My only issue is not really knowing a little more about Andy's parents and why only his grandmother is in the picture, but overall this was a great story!!
I really liked this book. My one problem was with Andy; Chase loved him right away, but in real life he would have a huge amount of red flags. The fighting, the tattoos, the drinking, the clunking of classes. I thought Chase's mom was too narrow minded, but hello, Chase was too accepting of all those flaws.
Book number 3 in the series is about Andy from the previous books and Chase who's had a crush on Andy for quite a while. Chase are not out though and has never been with a guy before, but the attraction between them is undeniable and if they just look a little closer they would see that they are perfect together.
Chase and Andy were two great characters in this wonderful book. Chase, after an altercation with his mom, decided it's now or never, comes out the closet. Then he blows up at Andy who only wanted to help the situation. But, love does prevail. They fall deeply in forever love.
I can't not love this. Andy is a confident guy and pretty much everything Chase isn't. It's pretty simple, Andy is an extrovert and Chase is an introvert. They are completely different, but they fit together perfectly. Chase helps Andy with his studies while Andy helps Chase gain some confidence. I love it. I love THEM.
I've loved Andy since Book 1 of the Rose Falls series, and finally getting his own story was amazing!
Chase (so sweet, shy and smart) was/is perfect for Andy, and although I wish we could have dived in more (going back to school, graduating, etc), it was a fun, and very sweet story, with a beautiful hea!🥂🍾
Andy and Chase are just to sweet. Falling in love for the first time isn't easy. Chase hasn't told his mom that he is into guys. That causes a few issues for him and Andy. Andy is a little hot headed at times. This is just an over all sweet love story. I received a copy for an honest review.