What do you think?
Rate this book
Southern Lights #3
Flat Whites & Chocolate Fish
ADRIAN POWELL has a secret, a secret he’s guarded for 17 years. But it’s come at a cost—few friends, fewer lovers and a lifetime of loneliness. If he’s a bit grumpy and a tad pessimistic, who can blame him? So, exactly how he’s ended up with a bunch of nosy friends, a beautiful lakeside cottage and a successful business, is beyond him.
It’s a life he never imagined, and one that includes a problematic new neighbour, NIALL CARMICHAEL–an irritating, equally grumpy, sexy as hell silver fox, who kisses like a dream, shakes every one of Adrian’s walls, and who might just prove Adrian’s undoing.
But secrets have a way of catching up with you. And when Adrian’s past comes knocking, it might just threaten everything he’s built.
It’s a life he never imagined, and one that includes a problematic new neighbour, NIALL CARMICHAEL–an irritating, equally grumpy, sexy as hell silver fox, who kisses like a dream, shakes every one of Adrian’s walls, and who might just prove Adrian’s undoing.
But secrets have a way of catching up with you. And when Adrian’s past comes knocking, it might just threaten everything he’s built.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2020
154 people are currently reading
391 people want to read
About the author
Jay Hogan
25 books922 followersHeart, humour and keeping it real.
I am a two times Lambda Literary Award Finalist—2020 for DIGGING DEEP and 2024 for THE ART OF HUSBANDRY.
I have also received the The Romance Writers of New Zealand 2021 Romance Book of The Year Award for OFF BALANCE.
I am a New Zealand author writing mm romance and romantic suspense primarily set in my home country. I write character driven romances with lots of humour, a good dose of reality, and a splash of angst. I’ve travelled extensively, lived in many countries, and in a past life I worked as a critical care nurse and a counsellor. My family love and somehow put up with me, and my gorgeous Cocker Spaniel thinks I spend too much time at my desk but keeps my feet warm.
Join my reader group to keep up with my news.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/hogan...
You can also find me at:
https://www.jayhoganauthor.com where you can buy my audiobooks direct at a discount.
https://www.facebook.com/JayHoganAuthor
I am a two times Lambda Literary Award Finalist—2020 for DIGGING DEEP and 2024 for THE ART OF HUSBANDRY.
I have also received the The Romance Writers of New Zealand 2021 Romance Book of The Year Award for OFF BALANCE.
I am a New Zealand author writing mm romance and romantic suspense primarily set in my home country. I write character driven romances with lots of humour, a good dose of reality, and a splash of angst. I’ve travelled extensively, lived in many countries, and in a past life I worked as a critical care nurse and a counsellor. My family love and somehow put up with me, and my gorgeous Cocker Spaniel thinks I spend too much time at my desk but keeps my feet warm.
Join my reader group to keep up with my news.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/hogan...
You can also find me at:
https://www.jayhoganauthor.com where you can buy my audiobooks direct at a discount.
https://www.facebook.com/JayHoganAuthor
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
August 4, 2020
All of my friends seem to be in love with this story, but although I enjoyed it, the pacing and the characters never fully came together how I wanted them to.
I'm a big fan of Jay Hogan, and I've liked every book in the Southern Lights series. I was excited to start Flat Whites & Chocolate Fish, and I had really high expectations.
The plot threw me a bit. It was a bit... outlandish? At times, it was very over the top, and especially the ending seemed a bit cartoonish. I'm not a big thriller or suspense reader, so perhaps it just wasn't my type of story. I was sort of waiting for the other shoe to drop for the entire book. I'm also not a huge fan of the plot device used towards the end of the story.
The romance worked, though I wasn't 100% invested in these two and their relationship. I enjoyed it, but I just wanted more from both of them. The pacing of their romance felt a little slow, and though I loved the side characters, the main characters didn't quite shine for me.
I know I seem to be focused on the negatives, but this story wasn't quite what I was in the mood for. Still, I'm excited to continue this series and hopefully get some stories in this world.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
I'm a big fan of Jay Hogan, and I've liked every book in the Southern Lights series. I was excited to start Flat Whites & Chocolate Fish, and I had really high expectations.
The plot threw me a bit. It was a bit... outlandish? At times, it was very over the top, and especially the ending seemed a bit cartoonish. I'm not a big thriller or suspense reader, so perhaps it just wasn't my type of story. I was sort of waiting for the other shoe to drop for the entire book. I'm also not a huge fan of the plot device used towards the end of the story.
The romance worked, though I wasn't 100% invested in these two and their relationship. I enjoyed it, but I just wanted more from both of them. The pacing of their romance felt a little slow, and though I loved the side characters, the main characters didn't quite shine for me.
I know I seem to be focused on the negatives, but this story wasn't quite what I was in the mood for. Still, I'm excited to continue this series and hopefully get some stories in this world.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
May 24, 2025
Ever since the first book, I've been super curious about Adrian's story. This book was not at all what I expected. Talk about stupid assumptions …
If you're expecting a complaint, you're wrong. I love Jay Hogan's writing style. And this book has won me over again, even though the circumstances weren't ideal.
Adrian is a difficult character with many thorns and very unapproachable. Finding a character who can crack his shell without destroying him... oh, so difficult. And I would never have found Niall suitable for the role. Their first encounter went so wrong that I never thought I would warm to this story.
But as I said, the writing style... My goodness, I was sucked in and satisfyingly spat out at the end after hours of not being able to put it down...
“Your mother is right through this fucking wall. Oh, and you might have warned me she has mad interrogation skills. Words and even complete incriminatory sentences were falling out of my mouth before I even realised I was telling her stuff, and I don’t do that shit, as you well know.” He lowered his voice to a whisper. “Do the security and intelligence services know about her?” 🤭🤭🤭
“You drive me fucking crazy . . . in every way, do you know that? You’re frustrating and stubborn . . . and so fucking sexy I can barely think straight when you’re in the same room. I want to smack you in the jaw . . . and fuck you senseless . . . all at the same time . . . and no one has ever done this to me . . . no one.” 🫠🫠🫠
Well, I believe I must leave it at that. I made the mistake of putting aggressive music on and FFDP is definitely not something you can write reviews while listening to. Sorry, silly me.
If you're expecting a complaint, you're wrong. I love Jay Hogan's writing style. And this book has won me over again, even though the circumstances weren't ideal.
Adrian is a difficult character with many thorns and very unapproachable. Finding a character who can crack his shell without destroying him... oh, so difficult. And I would never have found Niall suitable for the role. Their first encounter went so wrong that I never thought I would warm to this story.
But as I said, the writing style... My goodness, I was sucked in and satisfyingly spat out at the end after hours of not being able to put it down...
“Your mother is right through this fucking wall. Oh, and you might have warned me she has mad interrogation skills. Words and even complete incriminatory sentences were falling out of my mouth before I even realised I was telling her stuff, and I don’t do that shit, as you well know.” He lowered his voice to a whisper. “Do the security and intelligence services know about her?” 🤭🤭🤭
“You drive me fucking crazy . . . in every way, do you know that? You’re frustrating and stubborn . . . and so fucking sexy I can barely think straight when you’re in the same room. I want to smack you in the jaw . . . and fuck you senseless . . . all at the same time . . . and no one has ever done this to me . . . no one.” 🫠🫠🫠
Well, I believe I must leave it at that. I made the mistake of putting aggressive music on and FFDP is definitely not something you can write reviews while listening to. Sorry, silly me.
October 3, 2025
This was one of those books you pick up, blink, and suddenly you’re staring at the epilogue wondering: when did that happen? 😳
From the very beginning, I was hooked. Niall and Adrian’s attraction was instant and gave me all the butterflies - their chemistry really leaps off the page. But while the lust was undeniable, I struggled a little to feel a deeper emotional connection between them. So lust? Yes. Love? Eh..
The suspense subplot also felt a bit over the top for me. It pulled focus away from what I thought was the real heart of the story: Adrian’s journey toward letting people in, learning to accept both friendship and love. That alone would have been a strong enough arc without his past coming back to haunt him in such a… hands-on way. And some threads, like the conflict over the B&B being built next door, just kind of… evaporated without real resolution.
Still, I still had a good time. The found-family shenanigans, the warmth of the community, the banter, and that gorgeous NZ backdrop carried me along nicely and Hogan’s writing was so immersive that I flew through it 😌
So 3,5⭐️ it is and now I’m finally ready for Kurt’s story which I have been waiting for since book 1, YAY!!!
From the very beginning, I was hooked. Niall and Adrian’s attraction was instant and gave me all the butterflies - their chemistry really leaps off the page. But while the lust was undeniable, I struggled a little to feel a deeper emotional connection between them. So lust? Yes. Love? Eh..
The suspense subplot also felt a bit over the top for me. It pulled focus away from what I thought was the real heart of the story: Adrian’s journey toward letting people in, learning to accept both friendship and love. That alone would have been a strong enough arc without his past coming back to haunt him in such a… hands-on way. And some threads, like the conflict over the B&B being built next door, just kind of… evaporated without real resolution.
Still, I still had a good time. The found-family shenanigans, the warmth of the community, the banter, and that gorgeous NZ backdrop carried me along nicely and Hogan’s writing was so immersive that I flew through it 😌
So 3,5⭐️ it is and now I’m finally ready for Kurt’s story which I have been waiting for since book 1, YAY!!!
November 7, 2024
Reread November 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed this all over. Loved the snark between Adrian and Niall, and rediscovering all those fun words Adrian uses. Great entertainment, even if the 'criminal element' of the plot is debatable.
original review
This book is abundant with one of my top favourite things: fun words!
I loved Adrian’s quirkiness with the English language, and from” bafflegab” and “horripilation” to “cockbuckets and pisswizzles”, I was totally charmed!
Of course, it was also really gratifying watching two guys, very similar in their outlook on relationships (avoid at all costs) and their reluctance to make and keep friends, slowly breaking down the walls they’ve built around themselves once they meet.
“On paper they should have never worked – two determined, closed-off, argumentative, independent men with eleven years between them.” But they do gel, maybe even because they are so similar. Loved how the author made this work.
Adrian and Niall reminded me of two springboks ramming their heads together again and again until they see stars (of like and attraction). The ensuing banter is chuckle-worthy, and the sparks that fly during their fights are more sensuous than hostile. And that was another definite highlight for me.
I was all ready for a 5 star rating up to about 67 %. That’s when the plot takes some slightly questionable and imo unnecessary detours which bordered a bit on the (very) unrealistic for me. And one action by Adrian in the last 10% of the book, in particular, felt OOC and wrong after all the trials he went through to come to terms with his past.
All in all, this was a very entertaining read I'd happily recommend.
Thoroughly enjoyed this all over. Loved the snark between Adrian and Niall, and rediscovering all those fun words Adrian uses. Great entertainment, even if the 'criminal element' of the plot is debatable.
original review
This book is abundant with one of my top favourite things: fun words!
I loved Adrian’s quirkiness with the English language, and from” bafflegab” and “horripilation” to “cockbuckets and pisswizzles”, I was totally charmed!
Of course, it was also really gratifying watching two guys, very similar in their outlook on relationships (avoid at all costs) and their reluctance to make and keep friends, slowly breaking down the walls they’ve built around themselves once they meet.
“On paper they should have never worked – two determined, closed-off, argumentative, independent men with eleven years between them.” But they do gel, maybe even because they are so similar. Loved how the author made this work.
Adrian and Niall reminded me of two springboks ramming their heads together again and again until they see stars (of like and attraction). The ensuing banter is chuckle-worthy, and the sparks that fly during their fights are more sensuous than hostile. And that was another definite highlight for me.
I was all ready for a 5 star rating up to about 67 %. That’s when the plot takes some slightly questionable and imo unnecessary detours which bordered a bit on the (very) unrealistic for me. And one action by Adrian in the last 10% of the book, in particular, felt OOC and wrong after all the trials he went through to come to terms with his past.
All in all, this was a very entertaining read I'd happily recommend.
July 7, 2020
Very definitely my favourite book yet in this series and possibly my favourite so far of Jay's (although I'm still debating with my love of Mark and Ed in Up Close and Personal so...)
But this book is just wonderful. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't a truly beautiful exploration of how finding the right person helps you to open up, be less afraid, less closed off to life, less guilty that you're somehow broken because you've made mistakes and you're a workaholic.
On paper, nothing should have worked with Adrian and Niall, they were so similar, both repressing emotions and avoiding making connections but for very different reasons. However, the sparks were flying from their first explosive meeting.
I really loved how Jay intertwined a number of different threads through this, the friendships which Adrian slowly began to believe in, his feelings that his past may not be an immovable object, Niall's awakening that not everything that had gone wrong in his marriage was his fault, the strength and support they gained from each other.
I'm not spoilering the main plot, I found it utterly compelling and something I suspect happens far more often than it really should. It felt believable and the actions of those involved weren't at all out of place or overly dramatic.
This whole series has been a delight, three quite radically different books in both the relationships at their heart but also in the secondary stories which fire the men's motivations. More please!
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
But this book is just wonderful. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't a truly beautiful exploration of how finding the right person helps you to open up, be less afraid, less closed off to life, less guilty that you're somehow broken because you've made mistakes and you're a workaholic.
On paper, nothing should have worked with Adrian and Niall, they were so similar, both repressing emotions and avoiding making connections but for very different reasons. However, the sparks were flying from their first explosive meeting.
I really loved how Jay intertwined a number of different threads through this, the friendships which Adrian slowly began to believe in, his feelings that his past may not be an immovable object, Niall's awakening that not everything that had gone wrong in his marriage was his fault, the strength and support they gained from each other.
I'm not spoilering the main plot, I found it utterly compelling and something I suspect happens far more often than it really should. It felt believable and the actions of those involved weren't at all out of place or overly dramatic.
This whole series has been a delight, three quite radically different books in both the relationships at their heart but also in the secondary stories which fire the men's motivations. More please!
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
July 31, 2020
LOL : I’ve just realized that all the books of this series written by Jay Hogan, an author whose writing style and stories work quite fine with me, have titles related to sweet. And yes, all the books in this series – that can be read as standalones - have been a sweet treat for me so far.
Of course, I’ve been intrigued by Adrian when he was introduced in Powder & Pavlova : taciturn, pessimistic, enigmatic…but beneath that armor, it’s easy to see a good and reliable man.
I was not disappointed with this “pot-meets-the-kettle” romance. It was really entertaining to see Adrian, relishing his privacy, butts head with Niall, his new and older, divorced and workaholic neighbor whose plans are to renovate his house as a B&B : the horror for Adrian.
They shouldn’t have worked together, but of course, they did and in a great steamy way, while settling their personal issues, with the help of Niall’s family and of Adrian’s friends and co-workers.
I liked the sense of humor, the pace of the relationship, the steam, the level of angst. A few passages that were borderline OTT for my tastes, but it didn’t last very long and I can say that it’s a nice addition to this series.
ARC of “Flat Whites & Chocolate Fish” was generously provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Of course, I’ve been intrigued by Adrian when he was introduced in Powder & Pavlova : taciturn, pessimistic, enigmatic…but beneath that armor, it’s easy to see a good and reliable man.
I was not disappointed with this “pot-meets-the-kettle” romance. It was really entertaining to see Adrian, relishing his privacy, butts head with Niall, his new and older, divorced and workaholic neighbor whose plans are to renovate his house as a B&B : the horror for Adrian.
They shouldn’t have worked together, but of course, they did and in a great steamy way, while settling their personal issues, with the help of Niall’s family and of Adrian’s friends and co-workers.
I liked the sense of humor, the pace of the relationship, the steam, the level of angst. A few passages that were borderline OTT for my tastes, but it didn’t last very long and I can say that it’s a nice addition to this series.
ARC of “Flat Whites & Chocolate Fish” was generously provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 9, 2021
Tease, tug, pull. Classic tug of war techniques and they were effectively done here. The title teased me…Flat Whites and Chocolate Fish. What’s that all about? Hmmm. Then the blurb gave me a healthy tug…secrets and stubborn men. Aww yeah, I’m in! And as soon as I began the first chapter I was quickly snagged and happily hooked. I’ve enjoyed Hogan’s books in the past but this felt slightly different. I can’t say it’s better or worse; instead, I would deem it complex or even elaborate. I didn’t think rationally about it because I was too anxious and excited. I couldn’t consider it over the top because I was flying along with them, caught and utterly captivated in their relationship/non-relationship. Yep, Adrian and Niall are ridiculously stubborn and refuse to consider that they need or even want a boyfriend. Their heated first encounter was like a match to fatwood kindling. There was no turning back from what they accidentally and unintentionally started. If I thought too hard I might have nitpicked. But I didn’t and couldn’t because I was swept off my feet, holding the rope in lax fingers. Jay 1. Sheri 0. And yet, I don’t feel like I lost in the slightest.
If you tend to follow sequential order as I do, I assure you this felt independent and complete. My OCD tendencies keep me from jumping around but I never felt lost or out of place. The only problem I had was the sudden urge to read the rest of the Southern Lights books. Jay 2. Sheri O. There’s no question that I will read the other books and I can’t wait to decipher the story behind the rest of the unusual titles. Now, back to this persnickety pair.
Adrian is a private man. He owns a café with his business partner and hides away in his quiet haven creating children’s books in his spare time. Despite the fact he’s a brilliant barista at the coffeehouse, he truly is a lone wolf. He guards his privacy and keeps everyone at arm’s length. Until his new neighbor crashes into his bubble. Suddenly everything begins to change. And Adrian isn’t prepared to welcome Niall or his big plans. Then an epic kiss throws his perfect balance off-kilter. Niall is different, determined, and dangerously sexy. Niall is still recovering from a painful split from his ex-husband. He has no time for dating, family, or friends. Having said that, he’s trying to make an effort with his family. They deserve better and he’s ready to turn over a new leaf. With a big project on his hands, the last thing he needs is any complications. His new neighbor is a spitfire and for some reason, he can’t stay away. Neither can deny their fierce attraction. I loved the playful banter and steamy chemistry. I loved their bullheaded arguments and obstinate denial. I loved how their passion ran deep and swiftly became so much more. They are seriously HOT. And I loved Niall’s hilarious family and Adrian’s fabulous friends. As you can see, there’s loads to love here…and I hope you have the chance to fumble over your feet and fall along with me.
Beware of: Ornery and obstinate men…prickly exteriors often protect a soft underbelly. Opposites, age gap, and secretive…which prove to be an irresistible combination. And a thrilling conclusion that may not be ‘the end’ after all.
This book is for: If you’re looking for a slightly older and studiously stubborn couple that burn up the sheets and fall madly and deeply while battling a threat from the past…why not grab the rope and discover why I’m merrily dusting off my backside and racing for book one.
If you tend to follow sequential order as I do, I assure you this felt independent and complete. My OCD tendencies keep me from jumping around but I never felt lost or out of place. The only problem I had was the sudden urge to read the rest of the Southern Lights books. Jay 2. Sheri O. There’s no question that I will read the other books and I can’t wait to decipher the story behind the rest of the unusual titles. Now, back to this persnickety pair.
Adrian is a private man. He owns a café with his business partner and hides away in his quiet haven creating children’s books in his spare time. Despite the fact he’s a brilliant barista at the coffeehouse, he truly is a lone wolf. He guards his privacy and keeps everyone at arm’s length. Until his new neighbor crashes into his bubble. Suddenly everything begins to change. And Adrian isn’t prepared to welcome Niall or his big plans. Then an epic kiss throws his perfect balance off-kilter. Niall is different, determined, and dangerously sexy. Niall is still recovering from a painful split from his ex-husband. He has no time for dating, family, or friends. Having said that, he’s trying to make an effort with his family. They deserve better and he’s ready to turn over a new leaf. With a big project on his hands, the last thing he needs is any complications. His new neighbor is a spitfire and for some reason, he can’t stay away. Neither can deny their fierce attraction. I loved the playful banter and steamy chemistry. I loved their bullheaded arguments and obstinate denial. I loved how their passion ran deep and swiftly became so much more. They are seriously HOT. And I loved Niall’s hilarious family and Adrian’s fabulous friends. As you can see, there’s loads to love here…and I hope you have the chance to fumble over your feet and fall along with me.
Beware of: Ornery and obstinate men…prickly exteriors often protect a soft underbelly. Opposites, age gap, and secretive…which prove to be an irresistible combination. And a thrilling conclusion that may not be ‘the end’ after all.
This book is for: If you’re looking for a slightly older and studiously stubborn couple that burn up the sheets and fall madly and deeply while battling a threat from the past…why not grab the rope and discover why I’m merrily dusting off my backside and racing for book one.
July 16, 2020
That was an impressive read. All the feelings. When I start reading I didn’t expect so many layers. A volcano preparing to erupt.
Adrian, thirty-five years, lives a quiet life in a beautiful house near the lake with an even more beautiful view, away from all the fuss.
Until one day it’s all over when a man, Niall, starts breaking down the ground near his property to build holiday houses.
Niall is a gorgeous, eleven years older, stubborn, grumpy man, just as stubborn and grumpy Adrian is.
Their lives are involved even they don’t want to. The pull of attraction is strong but their pasts
pull is stronger until it can’t be denied anymore.
Adrian has a heartbreakingly past, one I could never imagine. Niall’s story is deeply moving.
An overwhelmingly, absolutely stunning story, two men with strong-headed personalities are getting closer and closer. To watch them was breathtaking!
When that expected one word was spoken I got goosebumps all over. Thank fuck!
There are humor and witty attitude, there are angst and gravity and a lot of sexiness!
Devoted friends and family made this story complete.
An amazingly entertainingly written and captivating narrative, with a stunning plot.
All the stars!!
Adrian, thirty-five years, lives a quiet life in a beautiful house near the lake with an even more beautiful view, away from all the fuss.
Until one day it’s all over when a man, Niall, starts breaking down the ground near his property to build holiday houses.
Niall is a gorgeous, eleven years older, stubborn, grumpy man, just as stubborn and grumpy Adrian is.
Their lives are involved even they don’t want to. The pull of attraction is strong but their pasts
pull is stronger until it can’t be denied anymore.
Adrian has a heartbreakingly past, one I could never imagine. Niall’s story is deeply moving.
An overwhelmingly, absolutely stunning story, two men with strong-headed personalities are getting closer and closer. To watch them was breathtaking!
When that expected one word was spoken I got goosebumps all over. Thank fuck!
There are humor and witty attitude, there are angst and gravity and a lot of sexiness!
Devoted friends and family made this story complete.
An amazingly entertainingly written and captivating narrative, with a stunning plot.
All the stars!!
November 25, 2020
In New Zealand we get fun, drama, M/M hot sex and suspense. I was surprised at every turn. We have enemies, to friends to lovers, to even more here.
Adrian, 35, helps his friend run a coffee business,
and he writes children's books. He went through hell as a kid, and later an evil guy from the past shows up to either ruin or take Adrian's life.
Niall, 46, is the silver fox grouch
who is renovating next door to Adrian's peaceful cottage. Niall's crew is noisy and unsettling.
We get funny scenes, with lots of sass and snark, insults and comebacks. Slowly - these two see redeeming qualities, besides the fact that both are hot looking men. The guys challenge each other, and begin to talk and share bits of information, but Adrian is clinging to his big secret.
A mystery occurs with Zafa, Adrian's Siamese cat,
that leads to a huge upset for Adrian and Niall, which brings us suspenseful scenes.
Our author, once again, brings us great characters, a gripping tale and an HEA.
ENJOY !
=====
Adrian, 35, helps his friend run a coffee business,
and he writes children's books. He went through hell as a kid, and later an evil guy from the past shows up to either ruin or take Adrian's life.
Niall, 46, is the silver fox grouch
who is renovating next door to Adrian's peaceful cottage. Niall's crew is noisy and unsettling.
We get funny scenes, with lots of sass and snark, insults and comebacks. Slowly - these two see redeeming qualities, besides the fact that both are hot looking men. The guys challenge each other, and begin to talk and share bits of information, but Adrian is clinging to his big secret.
A mystery occurs with Zafa, Adrian's Siamese cat,
that leads to a huge upset for Adrian and Niall, which brings us suspenseful scenes.
Our author, once again, brings us great characters, a gripping tale and an HEA.
ENJOY !
=====
November 18, 2023
We first met Ethan in book 1 of this series Powder and Pavlova. Adrian Powell, one of our main characters in this story is his partner in business and one of his closest friends. He was the mysterious Barista in Ethan’s Mom’s Café. When the café went bankrupt Adrian finally told Ethan and Lucy that he writes children’s books, however his main passion had always been coffee, grounding coffee and coming up with mouth-watering ground coffee beans. Strange passion, but to each his own:) Adrian lives in a cottage without any close neighbors. He likes it that way since he loves peace and quiet. He is a Barista first and then a writer and has been travelling for quite a while before deciding to settle down in one place. He landed in Queenstown, met Ethan’s Mom, helped in her cafe until it closed down and then he finally decided to stay. When he saw the cottage, with a front and center view of Lake Wakatipu, it made him feel at home which is something he hasn’t felt in a long time, if ever! Now comes Niall. He just bought the property next to Adrian’s and he is planning to build a luxury B&B and add a few more cottages or suites for those who want peace and quiet. In other words, he will cater to rich people who want anonymity when they are trying to lay low and willing to pay the price for this out-of-the-way vacation spots. As first meetings go, theirs left a whole lot to be desired. Prickly and arrogant neighbors is not enough to describe them... they almost hate each other. The dynamic that went on when these two people met was way off the wall but seemed that it was what was going to be. They do finally realize that they each might have some saving graces. They took time to learn about one another. Adrian's awful childhood and what he had been forced to do was inconceivable. As a result, it had left him to not trust others and to keep his guard up. Thanks to Adrians cat, the two come to find that they not only like one another...they love one another and will go through fire to protect what they have. Things get worse but they do get better...much, much better. Jay Hogan has once again given us a story that has left me amazed and in love with the characters. I have learned so much from this story, and that includes all the unique and new words. I had no idea what a "flat white" or a "chocolate fish" was, but I was happy to learn. I am always amazed how English can have so many different meanings depending on where you live. I've heard that it's the hardest language for a non-speaker to learn, after Chinese. This series has been one amazing story after another.
December 4, 2024
I don't know what it was but I just couldn't get into this one!
I really like Adrian as a character, Niall was also interesting, and they did feel like they fit well together, but so much of the story was dominated by Adrian's past and the reappearance of Lander that I just lost interest. And then Kurt got hurt and I was just annoyed because I think he may be my favourite character in this series!
Weird one, but I'm looking forward to Kurt's book.
I really like Adrian as a character, Niall was also interesting, and they did feel like they fit well together, but so much of the story was dominated by Adrian's past and the reappearance of Lander that I just lost interest. And then Kurt got hurt and I was just annoyed because I think he may be my favourite character in this series!
Weird one, but I'm looking forward to Kurt's book.
August 19, 2020
I've given this a B+ at AAR, so that's 4.5 stars
When I read Powder & Pavlova, book one in Jay Hogan’s Southern Lights series, I was intrigued by the character of Adrian Powell, the handsome, enigmatic and tight-lipped barista who worked in the café owned by Ethan Sharpe and who, by the end of the book, had joined him in setting up a coffee roasting business. I was hopeful that the author would feature him as one of the leads in a future novel, so I was delighted to learn that Flat Whites and Chocolate Fish was to be ‘Adrian's’ book. Set once again amid the wonderful scenery of New Zealand’s South island – specifically, on the shores of Lake Wakatipu - Flat Whites and Chocolate Fish is an antagonists-to-lovers romance between two guys who have been knocked around a bit by life and who think that love is not for them. There’s an element of suspense to the story that amps up the tension in all the right places, but it never overshadows the romance, which, while it develops over a fairly short period of time, doesn’t feel rushed or undercooked.
When Adrian arrives at his lakefront cottage one afternoon in the pouring rain, he’s annoyed (to say the least) to discover a van blocking the driveway. He’s even more annoyed when, after several lengthy blasts of his horn, the guy who ambles over to his car and introduces himself as property developer Niall Carmichael informs him that he’s Adrian’s new neighbour. Adrian can’t help noticing the guy’s startling green eyes and rugged features, but not even the sex appeal oozing off him can tamp down Adrian’s growing horror at the news that his home, the place he’s come to regard as his retreat from the world, is going to have a building site next door and that the dilapidated property on the next plot is going to be renovated into a group of six luxury holiday homes.
He couldn’t keep the horror from his voice, his mind flying ahead to endless days of hammering and grinding and concrete mixers. And, after it was all done, people, goddamn people, coming and going and just being . . . people. Jesus, what had he done to deserve this?
Niall plans to stick around for a few months, until the building work is well under way and he can hand off to a manager before moving on to his next project. The distraction of a pissed-off yet gorgeous neighbour isn’t something he wants or needs, but something about Adrian’s sexy, prickly stubbornness is impossible to ignore.
Adrian and Niall make a point of avoiding each other as much as possible over the next few days, but even though they don’t cross paths, they’re each dismayed to find themselves unable to stop thinking about the other. A cautious truce leads to their becoming closer and starting to trust one another; both men have issues stemming from their pasts which have convinced them that they’re better off living solitary lives, and letting someone else in isn’t something either of them finds easy to do. Niall is divorced and knows he was a shitty husband, an arrogant arsehole and workaholic who was more concerned with his business than with making a life with the man he loved. Six years later, he’s convinced he’s not relationship material, unable to be open and honest with a partner about his feelings and incapable of giving another person what they need. Since his divorce, he’s contented himself with no strings hook-ups, sure he’s not cut out for anything else, but the feelings he develops for Adrian make him want to try again – and it scares the life out of him.
Adrian was a man of mystery in Powder and Pavlova, and even Ethan, whom he counts as his best friend, knows very little about him. Now, we find out why he’s been so cagey about his past and so determined to keep himself at a distance from those around him. Following a terrible childhood, he’s spent most of his adult life on the move, never making long-term connections, eschewing love and friendship in favour of trying to outrun his past. But now, for the first time ever, he’s got actual friends, people who care about him and are there for him, and a home and career he loves, yet he still finds it difficult to open up and let people in. Somehow, Niall is slowly getting past his defences and making a place for himself in Adrian’s life and heart, but when his past comes back to haunt him, the last thing Adrian wants is for the people he cares for to end up in the firing line.
The secondary cast includes members of Niall’s family as well as some of the characters we’ve met in the previous books, and I liked the various ways in which they showed both Niall and Adrian that they were important to them.
Jay Hogan crafts romances that are a lovely mix of tender, poignant, warm and sexy with a side of humour and snark – a combination that works really well for me. Her principal characters often fall into lust quite quickly, but she also takes the time to develop an emotional connection between them, so that by the end of the book the reader is left in no doubt as to their commitment to one another. Adrian and Niall are well-drawn and engaging characters who have good reasons to not want to get involved with anyone, but find it impossible to remember that when they start to really get to know each other. Beneath his grouchy exterior and all the layers of self-protection he’s built, Adrian is a sweet, caring man with a seriously geeky side, and I loved that Niall, while pretty down-to-earth and aware of his failings when it comes to romance, has no idea what’s hit him and falls hard for Adrian in spite of his determination not to.
A tender, emotional and steamy romance combined with a suspense plot that adds interest and depth, Flat Whites & Chocolate Fishis an entertaining read and one I certainly recommend. Although it’s the third in the Southern Lights series, it works fine as a standalone; there are cameo appearances from characters who appear in the other novels, but there are no ongoing story arcs or plotlines, so they can probably be read in any order. I don’t know if there are more books to come in the series (Niall’s flamboyant best friend Max seems to be begging for a story!), but if there are, I’ll certainly be picking them up.
When I read Powder & Pavlova, book one in Jay Hogan’s Southern Lights series, I was intrigued by the character of Adrian Powell, the handsome, enigmatic and tight-lipped barista who worked in the café owned by Ethan Sharpe and who, by the end of the book, had joined him in setting up a coffee roasting business. I was hopeful that the author would feature him as one of the leads in a future novel, so I was delighted to learn that Flat Whites and Chocolate Fish was to be ‘Adrian's’ book. Set once again amid the wonderful scenery of New Zealand’s South island – specifically, on the shores of Lake Wakatipu - Flat Whites and Chocolate Fish is an antagonists-to-lovers romance between two guys who have been knocked around a bit by life and who think that love is not for them. There’s an element of suspense to the story that amps up the tension in all the right places, but it never overshadows the romance, which, while it develops over a fairly short period of time, doesn’t feel rushed or undercooked.
When Adrian arrives at his lakefront cottage one afternoon in the pouring rain, he’s annoyed (to say the least) to discover a van blocking the driveway. He’s even more annoyed when, after several lengthy blasts of his horn, the guy who ambles over to his car and introduces himself as property developer Niall Carmichael informs him that he’s Adrian’s new neighbour. Adrian can’t help noticing the guy’s startling green eyes and rugged features, but not even the sex appeal oozing off him can tamp down Adrian’s growing horror at the news that his home, the place he’s come to regard as his retreat from the world, is going to have a building site next door and that the dilapidated property on the next plot is going to be renovated into a group of six luxury holiday homes.
He couldn’t keep the horror from his voice, his mind flying ahead to endless days of hammering and grinding and concrete mixers. And, after it was all done, people, goddamn people, coming and going and just being . . . people. Jesus, what had he done to deserve this?
Niall plans to stick around for a few months, until the building work is well under way and he can hand off to a manager before moving on to his next project. The distraction of a pissed-off yet gorgeous neighbour isn’t something he wants or needs, but something about Adrian’s sexy, prickly stubbornness is impossible to ignore.
Adrian and Niall make a point of avoiding each other as much as possible over the next few days, but even though they don’t cross paths, they’re each dismayed to find themselves unable to stop thinking about the other. A cautious truce leads to their becoming closer and starting to trust one another; both men have issues stemming from their pasts which have convinced them that they’re better off living solitary lives, and letting someone else in isn’t something either of them finds easy to do. Niall is divorced and knows he was a shitty husband, an arrogant arsehole and workaholic who was more concerned with his business than with making a life with the man he loved. Six years later, he’s convinced he’s not relationship material, unable to be open and honest with a partner about his feelings and incapable of giving another person what they need. Since his divorce, he’s contented himself with no strings hook-ups, sure he’s not cut out for anything else, but the feelings he develops for Adrian make him want to try again – and it scares the life out of him.
Adrian was a man of mystery in Powder and Pavlova, and even Ethan, whom he counts as his best friend, knows very little about him. Now, we find out why he’s been so cagey about his past and so determined to keep himself at a distance from those around him. Following a terrible childhood, he’s spent most of his adult life on the move, never making long-term connections, eschewing love and friendship in favour of trying to outrun his past. But now, for the first time ever, he’s got actual friends, people who care about him and are there for him, and a home and career he loves, yet he still finds it difficult to open up and let people in. Somehow, Niall is slowly getting past his defences and making a place for himself in Adrian’s life and heart, but when his past comes back to haunt him, the last thing Adrian wants is for the people he cares for to end up in the firing line.
The secondary cast includes members of Niall’s family as well as some of the characters we’ve met in the previous books, and I liked the various ways in which they showed both Niall and Adrian that they were important to them.
Jay Hogan crafts romances that are a lovely mix of tender, poignant, warm and sexy with a side of humour and snark – a combination that works really well for me. Her principal characters often fall into lust quite quickly, but she also takes the time to develop an emotional connection between them, so that by the end of the book the reader is left in no doubt as to their commitment to one another. Adrian and Niall are well-drawn and engaging characters who have good reasons to not want to get involved with anyone, but find it impossible to remember that when they start to really get to know each other. Beneath his grouchy exterior and all the layers of self-protection he’s built, Adrian is a sweet, caring man with a seriously geeky side, and I loved that Niall, while pretty down-to-earth and aware of his failings when it comes to romance, has no idea what’s hit him and falls hard for Adrian in spite of his determination not to.
A tender, emotional and steamy romance combined with a suspense plot that adds interest and depth, Flat Whites & Chocolate Fishis an entertaining read and one I certainly recommend. Although it’s the third in the Southern Lights series, it works fine as a standalone; there are cameo appearances from characters who appear in the other novels, but there are no ongoing story arcs or plotlines, so they can probably be read in any order. I don’t know if there are more books to come in the series (Niall’s flamboyant best friend Max seems to be begging for a story!), but if there are, I’ll certainly be picking them up.
July 21, 2020
4.5 stars!!!
THIS is definitely my favorite book of Jay Hogan so far. Yep, she is definitely one of my FAVORITE authors now in contemporary MM romance. I LOVED both Adrian and Niall, right from the very get go, when they were exchanging WORDS because Niall's car blocked Adrian's driveway. There were IMMENSE sparks, people!! And I knew I would be in for a hell of a ride.
I already loved Adrian from the previous books -- this grumpy barista that ended up as Ethan's business partner. Now, reading his full story, about his background, why he valued his privacy so much, it made me loved Adrian even more. He had been through a LOT but he survived. I couldn't help wanting to cheer and shout when Adrian was finally able to take back his 'power' when the people from his past returned.
It also warmed my heart reading how Adrian opened up about his past and slowly but surely welcome other people into his heart. First, with Niall... but then also with Ethan, Tanner, Stef, Kurt, and the rest of the gang. I'm sure it was difficult for him, so I couldn't help having a bit teary eyed during that scene in .
Niall, well, I couldn't help loving Niall because... he brought that crazy family of his *laugh*. Yes, Niall needs work in his relationship too, and if he brings up that eleven years age-difference between himself and Adrian, I wanted to smack his head hard. MY GOD, Niall, even with the 11-years-old gap, Adrian is still 35 years old... not like you're robbing the cradle! Jeez.
Having said that, I enjoyed reading how Niall learned ... that despite his mistake, this newfound relationship and FEELINGS he had for Adrian, could helped him become a better person. It was FABULOUS to read.
I loved the humor, I loved the SEX scenes even, and my GOSH Adrian's wordplay gave my brain an orgasm!!
The only thing that made me pouting real hard was that Hogan stopped the book before I could read about Stef's reaction, when he found out that . I mean, that would be EPIC, right?!?
I couldn't wait to read more stories coming from this universe. Please, please, PLEASE, make the next book about Max!!
THIS is definitely my favorite book of Jay Hogan so far. Yep, she is definitely one of my FAVORITE authors now in contemporary MM romance. I LOVED both Adrian and Niall, right from the very get go, when they were exchanging WORDS because Niall's car blocked Adrian's driveway. There were IMMENSE sparks, people!! And I knew I would be in for a hell of a ride.
I already loved Adrian from the previous books -- this grumpy barista that ended up as Ethan's business partner. Now, reading his full story, about his background, why he valued his privacy so much, it made me loved Adrian even more. He had been through a LOT but he survived. I couldn't help wanting to cheer and shout when Adrian was finally able to take back his 'power' when the people from his past returned.
It also warmed my heart reading how Adrian opened up about his past and slowly but surely welcome other people into his heart. First, with Niall... but then also with Ethan, Tanner, Stef, Kurt, and the rest of the gang. I'm sure it was difficult for him, so I couldn't help having a bit teary eyed during that scene in .
Niall, well, I couldn't help loving Niall because... he brought that crazy family of his *laugh*. Yes, Niall needs work in his relationship too, and if he brings up that eleven years age-difference between himself and Adrian, I wanted to smack his head hard. MY GOD, Niall, even with the 11-years-old gap, Adrian is still 35 years old... not like you're robbing the cradle! Jeez.
Having said that, I enjoyed reading how Niall learned ... that despite his mistake, this newfound relationship and FEELINGS he had for Adrian, could helped him become a better person. It was FABULOUS to read.
I loved the humor, I loved the SEX scenes even, and my GOSH Adrian's wordplay gave my brain an orgasm!!
The only thing that made me pouting real hard was that Hogan stopped the book before I could read about Stef's reaction, when he found out that . I mean, that would be EPIC, right?!?
I couldn't wait to read more stories coming from this universe. Please, please, PLEASE, make the next book about Max!!
August 19, 2021
Review to come
December 21, 2023
I've given this an A for narration and a B for content at AudioGals.
Jay Hogan returns to the spectacular scenery of the Southern Alps for Flat Whites & Chocolate Fish, book three in the Southern Lights series. It’s a steamy and emotional antagonists-to-lovers romance between a grumpy, enigmatic barista and a property developer who strike sparks off each other from their first meeting, but who have both come to the conclusion that love is not for them. A touch of suspense adds some tension to the story, but never overshadows the development of the various relationships in the story, both romantic and platonic.
In book one of the series, Powder & Pavlova , Adrian Powell worked at the coffee shop/bakery run by Ethan Sharpe, and by the end of the book, the two of them had set up a coffee-roasting business together. For all that Adrian has known and worked with Ethan for a few years now, he’s been very careful not to reveal much – if anything – about himself or his past, and fully intends to keep it that way. Keeping himself so fiercely to himself certainly makes for a lonely life – he doesn’t have friends or lovers (apart from the odd casual hook-up) – but it’s safer that way for everyone concerned, himself included.
He arrives home at the solitary cottage he owns on the waterfront of Lake Wakatipu (and I’m so jealous of the spectacular views!) one afternoon in the pouring rain – and is annoyed to find access to his driveway blocked by a van. This… isn’t good. The only other property near him is an old, run-down uninhabited place, so he doesn’t have neighbours – which is one of the reasons he decided to buy his solitary cottage, and as he isn’t expecting anyone – with or without a van – his annoyance starts ramping up. After several long blasts on the horn, a guy wrapped in a black oilskin comes over and knocks on the car window; he introduces himself as Niall Carmichael and explains that he’s bought the dilapidated property further around the lake and is going to be developing the site into a luxury B&B. Adrian can’t help noticing the guy’s striking green eyes and rugged features, but no amount of sex appeal can tamp down his horror at the thought that his home, his safe harbour from the world, is going to be next door to a building site – and that the privacy he’s spent a lifetime guarding is going to be shattered by a bunch of unwanted tourists once the redevelopment is finished.
Niall is planning on sticking around for a few months, just long enough to see the work well underway before he hands over to a manager and moves on to his next project. He certainly doesn’t need the added distraction of a gorgeous, pissed off neighbour, but there’s something about Adrian’s prickly stubbornness he just can’t ignore.
Adrian and Niall make a point of avoiding each other as much as possible over the next few days, although, much to their annoyance, neither of them can stop thinking about the other. Things don’t get off to the best of starts thanks to Niall’s noisy demolition activities, but a slow thawing of the frost begins shortly afterwards, and a cautious truce leads to them becoming closer and the beginnings of the development of a mutual trust. It’s not easy – both men have pasts which have convinced them they’re better off leading solitary lives – and for Adrian, concealing the truth has become such an ingrained habit that sharing himself with someone isn’t something he’s ever imagined being able to do.
In this book, we find out exactly why Adrian has been so cagey about his past, and why he’s been so reluctant to let anyone in. Following a terrible childhood, he’s lived his life on the move, never putting down roots or making connections, but now, even though he’s done his best to discourage them, he has actual friends, people who care about him and are there for him, he has a home and a career he loves… but he’s still looking over his shoulder and waiting for the other shoe to drop. He doesn’t know how he came to have people like Ethan and Tanner and Stef in his life, and even as he tries to tell himself they’d all be better off without him, he also craves the kind of affection and warmth they offer – they’re like the family he never had. And the last thing he wants to do is to put them in danger.
Niall is mid-forties and divorced; his ex husband insisted Niall was married to his work rather than to him, and Niall has come to admit that was true, he was a workaholic who was more concerned with his business than he was with making a life with the man he loved. He’s decided he’s not a good bet for a long term relationship, but there’s something about Adrian that makes him want to try again – which is wonderful and terrifying all at once.
The combination of steam, warmth, humour and poignancy Jay Hogan incorporates into her romances really works for me, and Flat Whites is no exception. Her characters often fall into lust quite quickly, but she takes the time to develop their emotional connection so that by the end of the story, the listener is left in no doubt about their commitment to one another. Adrian and Niall are likeable, three-dimensional characters who have good reason not to want any emotional entanglements, but they find that impossible to remember once they start getting to know each other and getting under one another’s skin. Their romance is well developed, with plenty of humour, genuine caring and affection.
The one thing that really struck a bum note for me in the story is the intrusiveness of Niall’s family. It’s not an uncommon trope in romance for there to be a family member or friend who is constantly nagging at one (or both) of the principals about their love life, and in this book, we have Niall’s mum, his sister and his bestie (whom I otherwise liked) all turning up whenever they feel like it to tell Niall how to live his life. Niall is forty-six, but his mum and sister are especially pushy and just don’t know how to take ‘no’ for an answer, and no matter how good their intentions, just bulldozing over someone’s personal boundaries isn’t endearing or amusing. When I read my 2021 review of the book, I didn’t single this out as a problem, but in audio, it made more of an impression on me. Thankfully it’s not too many scenes, but it’s enough for me to have noted it.
Gary Furlong has narrated a dozen of Jay Hogan’s books now, and he’s definitely grown more settled into the accent, which has slowly acquired more of a Kiwi ‘twang’ as time has gone on. As always, the performance is well-paced and he captures the personalities of the two leads perfectly – Adrian’s deep, prickly growl is nicely contrasted with Niall’s warmth and more upbeat manner – and the secondary cast is appropriately voiced and clearly differentiated. Mr. Furlong really delivers on the emotional content of the story – the chapters near the end are particularly charged and he conveys every last scrap of feeling in them – and he’s good in the intimate moments, too. Jay Hogan writes sex scenes that are quite earthy, and they’re performed confidently and without going over the top. Flat Whites & Chocolate Fish boasts a tender, sexy romance between two guys who have been knocked about a bit by life, plenty of humour, lots of steam and a terrific performance from Gary Furlong. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable listen and I’m happy to recommend it.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals.
Jay Hogan returns to the spectacular scenery of the Southern Alps for Flat Whites & Chocolate Fish, book three in the Southern Lights series. It’s a steamy and emotional antagonists-to-lovers romance between a grumpy, enigmatic barista and a property developer who strike sparks off each other from their first meeting, but who have both come to the conclusion that love is not for them. A touch of suspense adds some tension to the story, but never overshadows the development of the various relationships in the story, both romantic and platonic.
In book one of the series, Powder & Pavlova , Adrian Powell worked at the coffee shop/bakery run by Ethan Sharpe, and by the end of the book, the two of them had set up a coffee-roasting business together. For all that Adrian has known and worked with Ethan for a few years now, he’s been very careful not to reveal much – if anything – about himself or his past, and fully intends to keep it that way. Keeping himself so fiercely to himself certainly makes for a lonely life – he doesn’t have friends or lovers (apart from the odd casual hook-up) – but it’s safer that way for everyone concerned, himself included.
He arrives home at the solitary cottage he owns on the waterfront of Lake Wakatipu (and I’m so jealous of the spectacular views!) one afternoon in the pouring rain – and is annoyed to find access to his driveway blocked by a van. This… isn’t good. The only other property near him is an old, run-down uninhabited place, so he doesn’t have neighbours – which is one of the reasons he decided to buy his solitary cottage, and as he isn’t expecting anyone – with or without a van – his annoyance starts ramping up. After several long blasts on the horn, a guy wrapped in a black oilskin comes over and knocks on the car window; he introduces himself as Niall Carmichael and explains that he’s bought the dilapidated property further around the lake and is going to be developing the site into a luxury B&B. Adrian can’t help noticing the guy’s striking green eyes and rugged features, but no amount of sex appeal can tamp down his horror at the thought that his home, his safe harbour from the world, is going to be next door to a building site – and that the privacy he’s spent a lifetime guarding is going to be shattered by a bunch of unwanted tourists once the redevelopment is finished.
Niall is planning on sticking around for a few months, just long enough to see the work well underway before he hands over to a manager and moves on to his next project. He certainly doesn’t need the added distraction of a gorgeous, pissed off neighbour, but there’s something about Adrian’s prickly stubbornness he just can’t ignore.
Adrian and Niall make a point of avoiding each other as much as possible over the next few days, although, much to their annoyance, neither of them can stop thinking about the other. Things don’t get off to the best of starts thanks to Niall’s noisy demolition activities, but a slow thawing of the frost begins shortly afterwards, and a cautious truce leads to them becoming closer and the beginnings of the development of a mutual trust. It’s not easy – both men have pasts which have convinced them they’re better off leading solitary lives – and for Adrian, concealing the truth has become such an ingrained habit that sharing himself with someone isn’t something he’s ever imagined being able to do.
In this book, we find out exactly why Adrian has been so cagey about his past, and why he’s been so reluctant to let anyone in. Following a terrible childhood, he’s lived his life on the move, never putting down roots or making connections, but now, even though he’s done his best to discourage them, he has actual friends, people who care about him and are there for him, he has a home and a career he loves… but he’s still looking over his shoulder and waiting for the other shoe to drop. He doesn’t know how he came to have people like Ethan and Tanner and Stef in his life, and even as he tries to tell himself they’d all be better off without him, he also craves the kind of affection and warmth they offer – they’re like the family he never had. And the last thing he wants to do is to put them in danger.
Niall is mid-forties and divorced; his ex husband insisted Niall was married to his work rather than to him, and Niall has come to admit that was true, he was a workaholic who was more concerned with his business than he was with making a life with the man he loved. He’s decided he’s not a good bet for a long term relationship, but there’s something about Adrian that makes him want to try again – which is wonderful and terrifying all at once.
The combination of steam, warmth, humour and poignancy Jay Hogan incorporates into her romances really works for me, and Flat Whites is no exception. Her characters often fall into lust quite quickly, but she takes the time to develop their emotional connection so that by the end of the story, the listener is left in no doubt about their commitment to one another. Adrian and Niall are likeable, three-dimensional characters who have good reason not to want any emotional entanglements, but they find that impossible to remember once they start getting to know each other and getting under one another’s skin. Their romance is well developed, with plenty of humour, genuine caring and affection.
The one thing that really struck a bum note for me in the story is the intrusiveness of Niall’s family. It’s not an uncommon trope in romance for there to be a family member or friend who is constantly nagging at one (or both) of the principals about their love life, and in this book, we have Niall’s mum, his sister and his bestie (whom I otherwise liked) all turning up whenever they feel like it to tell Niall how to live his life. Niall is forty-six, but his mum and sister are especially pushy and just don’t know how to take ‘no’ for an answer, and no matter how good their intentions, just bulldozing over someone’s personal boundaries isn’t endearing or amusing. When I read my 2021 review of the book, I didn’t single this out as a problem, but in audio, it made more of an impression on me. Thankfully it’s not too many scenes, but it’s enough for me to have noted it.
Gary Furlong has narrated a dozen of Jay Hogan’s books now, and he’s definitely grown more settled into the accent, which has slowly acquired more of a Kiwi ‘twang’ as time has gone on. As always, the performance is well-paced and he captures the personalities of the two leads perfectly – Adrian’s deep, prickly growl is nicely contrasted with Niall’s warmth and more upbeat manner – and the secondary cast is appropriately voiced and clearly differentiated. Mr. Furlong really delivers on the emotional content of the story – the chapters near the end are particularly charged and he conveys every last scrap of feeling in them – and he’s good in the intimate moments, too. Jay Hogan writes sex scenes that are quite earthy, and they’re performed confidently and without going over the top. Flat Whites & Chocolate Fish boasts a tender, sexy romance between two guys who have been knocked about a bit by life, plenty of humour, lots of steam and a terrific performance from Gary Furlong. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable listen and I’m happy to recommend it.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals.
July 16, 2020
Jay Hogan has another winner with this latest addition to her Southern Lights series. I’d loved the glimpses of Adrian in the previous books which hinted at a past he wasn’t prepared to share, but not the extent of the horrible life he’d had growing up. I really felt for him. No kid should have to go through that. The author pulls no punches about his past, which I appreciated, and thought made Adrian’s story all the more real and emotional.
Niall’s a good fit for Adrian, yet it takes them both a while to see that as they’re both as strong willed and stubborn as each other, although they connect on so many levels. I loved their story, and reading about their attraction, and denial. Their friendship is a wonderful read, and the physical attraction hot as. Adrian’s wordsmithing, and his vocab, was an added bonus. I appreciated his use of words, and the reactions from others when he uses them quite naturally and they have no idea what they mean.
Niall’s family is a force to be reckoned with, and I wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of either his mother or his sister. Zafar the cat needs a mention as well. She’s a character in her own right, and a catalyst—no pun intended—for getting these guys together.
The suspense part of the book had me reading late at night as I always end up doing with one of Jay’s books. She writes those so well, and puts these guys through hell. And not just these guys, but their found family as well. But considering who they’re up against, it makes a lot of sense.
One of the reasons I love series is revisiting characters from previous books, and seeing them through other perspectives. I loved catching up with Ethan and Tanner again, and Stef is wonderful as usual. I’d love to see a scene following on from the ending of the book just for his reaction. I’m very happy there will be more in this series and that we haven’t seen the last of these characters as I’ve grown very fond of them, and there are some who still need their own HEA.
More please.
Niall’s a good fit for Adrian, yet it takes them both a while to see that as they’re both as strong willed and stubborn as each other, although they connect on so many levels. I loved their story, and reading about their attraction, and denial. Their friendship is a wonderful read, and the physical attraction hot as. Adrian’s wordsmithing, and his vocab, was an added bonus. I appreciated his use of words, and the reactions from others when he uses them quite naturally and they have no idea what they mean.
Niall’s family is a force to be reckoned with, and I wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of either his mother or his sister. Zafar the cat needs a mention as well. She’s a character in her own right, and a catalyst—no pun intended—for getting these guys together.
The suspense part of the book had me reading late at night as I always end up doing with one of Jay’s books. She writes those so well, and puts these guys through hell. And not just these guys, but their found family as well. But considering who they’re up against, it makes a lot of sense.
One of the reasons I love series is revisiting characters from previous books, and seeing them through other perspectives. I loved catching up with Ethan and Tanner again, and Stef is wonderful as usual. I’d love to see a scene following on from the ending of the book just for his reaction. I’m very happy there will be more in this series and that we haven’t seen the last of these characters as I’ve grown very fond of them, and there are some who still need their own HEA.
More please.
August 22, 2020
Wonderful!
I love this series, I love all the books by this author and this one didn't disappoint me, it was really beautiful.
More please!!!
I love this series, I love all the books by this author and this one didn't disappoint me, it was really beautiful.
More please!!!
Read
July 16, 2020A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Adrian has been a somewhat elusive character in Jay Hogan’s Southern Lights series. He is now business partners with Ethan (whose story is in Powder and Pavlova) and settled into the quiet town, but no one still knew anything about Adrian. Adrian has kept his past so hidden for so long that he has no idea how to open himself up, even if he wanted to, and he’s starting to think he might want to. However, he definitely knows that he does not want to open himself up to Niall, who tests Adrian’s last nerve the moment they meet.
At first glance, Adrian and Niall are an unlikely pair. They are both set in their ways and they are both closed off and they are both stubborn. But that doesn’t stop the heat between them. Niall is in town to convert the vacant property to upscale vacation cabins and if he disturbs Adrian’s privacy and quiet surroundings, he thinks Adrian should just deal with it. Niall is also in town to reconnect with his family, as he is not the best at staying in touch with them.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Adrian has been a somewhat elusive character in Jay Hogan’s Southern Lights series. He is now business partners with Ethan (whose story is in Powder and Pavlova) and settled into the quiet town, but no one still knew anything about Adrian. Adrian has kept his past so hidden for so long that he has no idea how to open himself up, even if he wanted to, and he’s starting to think he might want to. However, he definitely knows that he does not want to open himself up to Niall, who tests Adrian’s last nerve the moment they meet.
At first glance, Adrian and Niall are an unlikely pair. They are both set in their ways and they are both closed off and they are both stubborn. But that doesn’t stop the heat between them. Niall is in town to convert the vacant property to upscale vacation cabins and if he disturbs Adrian’s privacy and quiet surroundings, he thinks Adrian should just deal with it. Niall is also in town to reconnect with his family, as he is not the best at staying in touch with them.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
March 8, 2022
Update 08.03.2002
Moje zrzędy po drugim czytaniu mają się równie świetnie, jak po pierwszym 😁
* * * * * * *
Na Adriana miałam oko od samego początku - wiecznie zrzędliwy, mrukliwy, szczery do bólu i pesymistyczny barista przykuwał uwagę natychmiast 😁 A że dostał do pary irytującego, apodyktycznego, równie zrzędliwego jak on sam i będącego totalnie do dupy we wszelkich możliwych związkach oraz relacjach międzyludzkich Nialla, to nie mogło nie być wybuchowo - pod różnymi względami 😁 A że warstwy, maski, warstwy, maski... mają prawie wszyscy, to było również i interesująco 😁 Fajną charakterystykę Nialla dał Max, jego najlepszy i jedyny przyjaciel:
“You’re a pussy cat with grumpy bear aspirations,”
(...)
“He’s interesting because he’s gotten under that tough crocodile skin of yours.”
“I thought I was a pussycat?”
“You are. You just don’t know it yet.”
“So I’m a pussycat who wants to be a bear with a crocodile skin.”
“Now you’re getting it. Smile and be happy, sunshine. Talk later.”
I choć historia - zwłaszcza Adriana - wcale do łatwych nie należała, to autorka ma duży dar w pisaniu dialogów oraz rozjaśniania i ocieplania nawet trudnych opowieści. Dodatkowo prowadzi bardzo konsekwentnie swoich bohaterów z tomu na tom - zarówno głównych, jak i tych, którzy głównymi już byli lub będą - nie ma się wrażenia, że nagle, choćby Ethan czy Tanner z pierwszej części, są inni i się ich nie poznaje (bo w końcu nie raz tak bywało, że człowiek łapał się za głowę, co to się wydarzyło i czy aby autorce/autorowi coś się pomyliło 😁). Nie - ich pojawienie się wywołuje zdecydowanie uśmiech na twarzy, bo są niezmiennie sobą, a nie jakimś obcym przebranym w ich skórę i czuć połączenie wszystkich części poprzez wszystkich bohaterów 😁 Książki JH są urocze w najlepszym tego słowa znaczeniu, zostawiają Cię na koniec ze zdecydowanie lekką głową i optymistycznym nastawieniem do świata 😁
Mam nadzieję, że oprócz historii Kurta, dostaniemy jeszcze coś więcej, bo aż się prosi, aby swoje książki mieli również Thomas i Max 😁 A może byłaby to jedna historia, a nie dwie osobne... 😉
Moje zrzędy po drugim czytaniu mają się równie świetnie, jak po pierwszym 😁
* * * * * * *
Na Adriana miałam oko od samego początku - wiecznie zrzędliwy, mrukliwy, szczery do bólu i pesymistyczny barista przykuwał uwagę natychmiast 😁 A że dostał do pary irytującego, apodyktycznego, równie zrzędliwego jak on sam i będącego totalnie do dupy we wszelkich możliwych związkach oraz relacjach międzyludzkich Nialla, to nie mogło nie być wybuchowo - pod różnymi względami 😁 A że warstwy, maski, warstwy, maski... mają prawie wszyscy, to było również i interesująco 😁 Fajną charakterystykę Nialla dał Max, jego najlepszy i jedyny przyjaciel:
“You’re a pussy cat with grumpy bear aspirations,”
(...)
“He’s interesting because he’s gotten under that tough crocodile skin of yours.”
“I thought I was a pussycat?”
“You are. You just don’t know it yet.”
“So I’m a pussycat who wants to be a bear with a crocodile skin.”
“Now you’re getting it. Smile and be happy, sunshine. Talk later.”
I choć historia - zwłaszcza Adriana - wcale do łatwych nie należała, to autorka ma duży dar w pisaniu dialogów oraz rozjaśniania i ocieplania nawet trudnych opowieści. Dodatkowo prowadzi bardzo konsekwentnie swoich bohaterów z tomu na tom - zarówno głównych, jak i tych, którzy głównymi już byli lub będą - nie ma się wrażenia, że nagle, choćby Ethan czy Tanner z pierwszej części, są inni i się ich nie poznaje (bo w końcu nie raz tak bywało, że człowiek łapał się za głowę, co to się wydarzyło i czy aby autorce/autorowi coś się pomyliło 😁). Nie - ich pojawienie się wywołuje zdecydowanie uśmiech na twarzy, bo są niezmiennie sobą, a nie jakimś obcym przebranym w ich skórę i czuć połączenie wszystkich części poprzez wszystkich bohaterów 😁 Książki JH są urocze w najlepszym tego słowa znaczeniu, zostawiają Cię na koniec ze zdecydowanie lekką głową i optymistycznym nastawieniem do świata 😁
Mam nadzieję, że oprócz historii Kurta, dostaniemy jeszcze coś więcej, bo aż się prosi, aby swoje książki mieli również Thomas i Max 😁 A może byłaby to jedna historia, a nie dwie osobne... 😉
April 22, 2021
THAT’S how you do a character’s backstory. Wow.
I loved this. I wasn’t prepared for the drama that would be included due to Adrien’s upbringing but I loved it nonetheless.
I loved Adrian. Niall was fine. He was great for Adrian. I loved his backstory as well. Their chemistry was fantastic and I loved watching two grumpy men falling in love. The pacing was great, and the previous characters featured were perfect.
I loved Adrian’s cat, I loved how well Niall showed how he cared for Adrian, and I loved the meet the family scene with Niall’s family.
I don’t typically love age gaps but it was nothing here. Not nearly as obvious as book one.
Adrian really shines in this story though, with that delicious, delicious character development.
I loved this. I wasn’t prepared for the drama that would be included due to Adrien’s upbringing but I loved it nonetheless.
I loved Adrian. Niall was fine. He was great for Adrian. I loved his backstory as well. Their chemistry was fantastic and I loved watching two grumpy men falling in love. The pacing was great, and the previous characters featured were perfect.
I loved Adrian’s cat, I loved how well Niall showed how he cared for Adrian, and I loved the meet the family scene with Niall’s family.
I don’t typically love age gaps but it was nothing here. Not nearly as obvious as book one.
Adrian really shines in this story though, with that delicious, delicious character development.
July 17, 2020
Jay Hogan does it again with another epic tale of two unlikely men who find their way to each other, in this weirdly sweet and strangely adorable book, with an equally strange and adorable title – Flat Whites & Chocolate Fish (it’s a New Zealand thing!). This third book in the Southern Lights series can be read as a standalone, but you get more depth from the other characters if you’ve read the previous two stories (and they’re wonderful)
Adrian is a vault, hard to know and even harder to love, and he is content that way. After all – it’s safest. He has his coffee, his books and a few friends – who don’t really know him, but he’s ok with that because it keeps them safe. They don’t even know his real name. Little by little they begin breaking down his walls. And when the new neighbour turns up, all disarming smiles and with no regard for Adrian’s peace and serenity, Adrian finds himself unsure how to react. At least the neighbour is only staying for a short time, to renovate and turn the property next door into a B&B development – like that’s not going to ruin his peace and quiet! But the neighbour isn’t quite the cold-hearted property developer he makes out to be – especially when Adrian meets the man’s nephew and learns some truths that make him smile.
Niall hurts people. He doesn’t mean to, but he does – that’s why he keeps them at a distance. It’s better for everyone concerned, including him. But when he meets the shockingly hot neighbour from hell, he can’t help but seek him out. When Adrian opens up by the tiniest fraction, Niall is intrigued and both men begin to get lost to each other – little by little. When a dangerous situation occurs, Niall’s protective side comes out and Adrian tries desperately to protect the one person who has come to mean more to him than he ever thought possible.
Flat Whites & Chocolate Fish is not all intrigue and tension though. This book also has a wonderful group of relations, painting a hilarious familial portrait: a matriarch with seemingly mysterious powers of persuasion, a sassy sister who is unapologetic in her nosiness and two kids who – as only kids can – peel back any dignity and subterfuge and tell it how it is! I thoroughly enjoyed the dialogue, the banter between characters and the slow build of tension throughout this story. It’s a fully engaging read, with multiple layers that readers will enjoy on many levels.
Jay Hogan has done an outstanding job of bringing New Zealand to life in Flat Whites & Chocolate Fish. The descriptions of the landscape, food and culture add a richness to the story and I simply adored the journey of two locked-up men who find -the keys to each other’s hearts
Adrian is a vault, hard to know and even harder to love, and he is content that way. After all – it’s safest. He has his coffee, his books and a few friends – who don’t really know him, but he’s ok with that because it keeps them safe. They don’t even know his real name. Little by little they begin breaking down his walls. And when the new neighbour turns up, all disarming smiles and with no regard for Adrian’s peace and serenity, Adrian finds himself unsure how to react. At least the neighbour is only staying for a short time, to renovate and turn the property next door into a B&B development – like that’s not going to ruin his peace and quiet! But the neighbour isn’t quite the cold-hearted property developer he makes out to be – especially when Adrian meets the man’s nephew and learns some truths that make him smile.
Niall hurts people. He doesn’t mean to, but he does – that’s why he keeps them at a distance. It’s better for everyone concerned, including him. But when he meets the shockingly hot neighbour from hell, he can’t help but seek him out. When Adrian opens up by the tiniest fraction, Niall is intrigued and both men begin to get lost to each other – little by little. When a dangerous situation occurs, Niall’s protective side comes out and Adrian tries desperately to protect the one person who has come to mean more to him than he ever thought possible.
Flat Whites & Chocolate Fish is not all intrigue and tension though. This book also has a wonderful group of relations, painting a hilarious familial portrait: a matriarch with seemingly mysterious powers of persuasion, a sassy sister who is unapologetic in her nosiness and two kids who – as only kids can – peel back any dignity and subterfuge and tell it how it is! I thoroughly enjoyed the dialogue, the banter between characters and the slow build of tension throughout this story. It’s a fully engaging read, with multiple layers that readers will enjoy on many levels.
Jay Hogan has done an outstanding job of bringing New Zealand to life in Flat Whites & Chocolate Fish. The descriptions of the landscape, food and culture add a richness to the story and I simply adored the journey of two locked-up men who find -the keys to each other’s hearts
December 19, 2020
This is what you get when Mr Dark-Horse McGrumpy meets Mr Grouchy McGrumpier i.e. Adrian (who was my favorite character from Powder & Pavlova) and his unexpected new neighbor Niall respectively. Both MCs are running from dark pasts and memories, and both predictably fall into insta-lust at the near start of this book.
Don't get me wrong - this offering is definitely more interesting and enjoyable than the previous title in the series, but there were still passages that I fast-forwarded through in the first half of the book. Take a tried and tested recipe where the repeated refrain goes somewhat like "who the hell are you and what the F are you doing disturbing my neck of the woods?" ... "OMG those sexy-as butt" ... "you don't get to ask me personal questions!" ... "WTF why am I oggling his nether-regions?". Now take the same refrain up a minor third sequence ... and then another round yet again, and before you can count in one (cat called Zafa), two (adorable children), three (violent/physical attacks by a bad-ass antagonist) and four (meddling besties and family members) - and voila! You have a M-M romance ready to go!
The second half of the book (once Adrian's past catches up with him) proved a more engaging read. 3.5 stars overall.
Don't get me wrong - this offering is definitely more interesting and enjoyable than the previous title in the series, but there were still passages that I fast-forwarded through in the first half of the book. Take a tried and tested recipe where the repeated refrain goes somewhat like "who the hell are you and what the F are you doing disturbing my neck of the woods?" ... "OMG those sexy-as butt" ... "you don't get to ask me personal questions!" ... "WTF why am I oggling his nether-regions?". Now take the same refrain up a minor third sequence ... and then another round yet again, and before you can count in one (cat called Zafa), two (adorable children), three (violent/physical attacks by a bad-ass antagonist) and four (meddling besties and family members) - and voila! You have a M-M romance ready to go!
The second half of the book (once Adrian's past catches up with him) proved a more engaging read. 3.5 stars overall.
June 22, 2024
Another winner, but that's no surprise at this point. I loved getting to know Adrian and his secrets and meeting Niall. Their romance was perfect and there was also a bit of suspense thrown into the story to keep me on the edge of my seat.
On another note, I've been craving age gap romances where the actual age gap wasn't an issue for either or both MC's. I am happy to report that I didn't find that in this series so far. Maybe a little bit at first, but it's kept to tolerable levels. Unlike many other books, where it's such a big, ridiculous, unreasonable issue that it makes me want rip my hair out out of pure frustration. Not the case here, and I am very very glad for it.
On to book 4, Kurt's story!
On another note, I've been craving age gap romances where the actual age gap wasn't an issue for either or both MC's. I am happy to report that I didn't find that in this series so far. Maybe a little bit at first, but it's kept to tolerable levels. Unlike many other books, where it's such a big, ridiculous, unreasonable issue that it makes me want rip my hair out out of pure frustration. Not the case here, and I am very very glad for it.
On to book 4, Kurt's story!
July 17, 2020
5 stars for the relationship. Adrian and Niall were perfect together, I love a grumpy recalcitrant character and to get two and them be attracted to each other was a joy.
Unfortunately I couldn't give the whole book 5 stars because the situation Adrian found himself in (and his past) gave me a level of anxiety that impacted on my overall enjoyment of the book, but that was totally on me as a reader.
Can't wait for the next book in the series. Tomas? Max? Kurt? The cute doctor...
Unfortunately I couldn't give the whole book 5 stars because the situation Adrian found himself in (and his past) gave me a level of anxiety that impacted on my overall enjoyment of the book, but that was totally on me as a reader.
Can't wait for the next book in the series. Tomas? Max? Kurt? The cute doctor...
July 21, 2020
4.5!! this one is definitely my favorite! i love Adrian and Niall together, they brought the best out of the other. i love these kinds of relationships, being the best version of yourself and bring out the best version of your partner and vice versa.
my only complaint is they always skip the best part like Stef's reaction at the end. i want to know ffs, hoping for an extra how could you do this to me.
my only complaint is they always skip the best part like Stef's reaction at the end. i want to know ffs, hoping for an extra how could you do this to me.
October 5, 2023
[3.5] a double serving of unexpected dramatique but grumpy grumps are always fun
June 16, 2022
Two grumps is an entirely underrated trope. Seriously, move over sunshine, I want grump on grump action any time of the day. I mean angry, closed-off, and frustratingly sexy men are definitely my kink.
This was definitely darker than the other books in the series, with a dark past for Adrian and a fair amount of suspense and mystery to move the story along (which gives these men a push in the right direction to admitting their feelings).
I enjoyed the development of these two, their growth, and their recovery from their pasts and perceived notions of themselves. Helped in part from their found families. And, the ending, awww. In the end, it turned out these two grumps were really pussycats. (okay, slightly cranky pussycats, but still)
This was definitely darker than the other books in the series, with a dark past for Adrian and a fair amount of suspense and mystery to move the story along (which gives these men a push in the right direction to admitting their feelings).
I enjoyed the development of these two, their growth, and their recovery from their pasts and perceived notions of themselves. Helped in part from their found families. And, the ending, awww. In the end, it turned out these two grumps were really pussycats. (okay, slightly cranky pussycats, but still)
July 16, 2020
This book begins with Adrian arriving at his cabin... a place of absolute solitude and peace to discover that someone has brought the property right next door. Not only has someone bought the place... he is renovating it into a high-end hotel. Oh yes, and he's completely gorgeous.
If I had to sum up this book... I think I would say that it's about overcoming the past. These two main characters come from very different backgrounds but they are both trying to move forward in their own ways. The story is very character-driven which is always something that I enjoy.
Adrian runs Southern Lights Coffee Co. He went into business with his "friend" Ethan... although Ethan sure doesn't know him very well. Why? Because Adrian keeps to himself. He doesn't want people to get to know him... this is demonstrated by the fact that his friends don't even know his sexual orientation at the beginning of the novel. You have to really have something to hide about your past if you go to that length to keep your distance from people.
Niall has come to renovate the cabin not only for the work but because his family lives nearby. He has become distanced from them because he's just not the kind of guy who stays in touch with people. Family and friendships are complicated and he feels as though he's not particularly good at those kinds of relationships. Maybe it's because he got divorced from his husband because he just couldn't be the man he needed him to be. His ex has even stayed in touch with Niall's family when he hasn't found the time to do it himself.
So - there are two characters who are both grumpy and isolated by choice and they are forced to be neighbors. They are attracted to one another immediately but it's a natural kind of thing. The progression to a sexual relationship is at a good pace... and that's when things get complicated.
There's a lot going on in Adrian's life because of his past... and it's showed up full force by about midway in the book. When his life is threatened.. then the lives of those around him Adrian becomes acutely aware of the fact that the people he's been trying to keep at a distance... aren't.
There's a real lack of trust in the main characters. Both of them have to learn to trust themselves before they can extend that to others. Hogan has really hit home that you can't move on when you blame yourself for what's happened in your past. Sometimes, other people need our forgiveness but more often I think we need to forgive ourselves.
This book is well-written and set at a great pace. I would suggest you read the warnings because there are some sensitive topics broached that may be triggers for some readers. This book is definitely on the heavier side of the emotional spectrum, but I loved it.
If I had to sum up this book... I think I would say that it's about overcoming the past. These two main characters come from very different backgrounds but they are both trying to move forward in their own ways. The story is very character-driven which is always something that I enjoy.
Adrian runs Southern Lights Coffee Co. He went into business with his "friend" Ethan... although Ethan sure doesn't know him very well. Why? Because Adrian keeps to himself. He doesn't want people to get to know him... this is demonstrated by the fact that his friends don't even know his sexual orientation at the beginning of the novel. You have to really have something to hide about your past if you go to that length to keep your distance from people.
Niall has come to renovate the cabin not only for the work but because his family lives nearby. He has become distanced from them because he's just not the kind of guy who stays in touch with people. Family and friendships are complicated and he feels as though he's not particularly good at those kinds of relationships. Maybe it's because he got divorced from his husband because he just couldn't be the man he needed him to be. His ex has even stayed in touch with Niall's family when he hasn't found the time to do it himself.
So - there are two characters who are both grumpy and isolated by choice and they are forced to be neighbors. They are attracted to one another immediately but it's a natural kind of thing. The progression to a sexual relationship is at a good pace... and that's when things get complicated.
There's a lot going on in Adrian's life because of his past... and it's showed up full force by about midway in the book. When his life is threatened.. then the lives of those around him Adrian becomes acutely aware of the fact that the people he's been trying to keep at a distance... aren't.
There's a real lack of trust in the main characters. Both of them have to learn to trust themselves before they can extend that to others. Hogan has really hit home that you can't move on when you blame yourself for what's happened in your past. Sometimes, other people need our forgiveness but more often I think we need to forgive ourselves.
This book is well-written and set at a great pace. I would suggest you read the warnings because there are some sensitive topics broached that may be triggers for some readers. This book is definitely on the heavier side of the emotional spectrum, but I loved it.
September 26, 2024
Having just read Flat White & Chocolate Fish, completes the Southern Lights Series and what a joy all these have been. I love Jay Hogan’s books, her use of words, and her sense of humour.
Here she has introduced a heap of weird words and put them in the mouth of Adrian Powell, a 35 year old children’s book writer and barista extraordinaire, coffee shop/ bakery owner, and a loner, who lives in a cottage by the lake with his cat, miles from town and neighbours. He doesn’t want or need anyone, even his business partner isn’t allowed visit him or know his personal business.
All that changes when, one night in the pouring rain, access to his driveway is blocked by a truck and he keeps blasting the horn for the driver to move. When a face appears in his side window he is spooked by a pair of gorgeous green eyes and a chin covered in gorgeous stubble.
Adrian lets loose with all the verbals in his writers encyclopaedic brain but unruffled ‘green eyes’ calmly explains that he is not the driver and can’t move the truck. The only other property nearby is a run down, derelict deserted shack with a garage. No one has lived there for years.
‘Green eyes’ introduces himself as Niall Carmichael, he is now the owner of said derelict building and he has plans to build a holiday compound with several cottages for rent. Adrian more or less, tells him, ‘over his dead body’.
So starts an ongoing disagreement between these two men. Niall is a 46 year old divorced property developer with a mother and sister who constantly invade his space and life. He moved miles away years ago and hasn’t kept in touch with them much since. He too likes being alone to get on with his property business.
But neither Adrian or Niall had a clue what Fate had in store for them.
It was such a fun read with all the verbal sparring between neighbours Adrian and Niall, it was laugh out loud but then, months later events from Adrian’s past life crashed back with a vengeance and Adrian is fearful of what could happen in hushed fledgling new life and those who are involved in it.
Also here we get to meet characters from earlier in the series and an inkling of another new one which I had read before this one. I so hope Jay will write more in this series as I feel Stef, the fabulous, sassy guy who is engaged to another character here should get to tell his story.
I’ve read all Jay’s series now and I’m left wanting more stories from New Zealand from this great storyteller.
Here she has introduced a heap of weird words and put them in the mouth of Adrian Powell, a 35 year old children’s book writer and barista extraordinaire, coffee shop/ bakery owner, and a loner, who lives in a cottage by the lake with his cat, miles from town and neighbours. He doesn’t want or need anyone, even his business partner isn’t allowed visit him or know his personal business.
All that changes when, one night in the pouring rain, access to his driveway is blocked by a truck and he keeps blasting the horn for the driver to move. When a face appears in his side window he is spooked by a pair of gorgeous green eyes and a chin covered in gorgeous stubble.
Adrian lets loose with all the verbals in his writers encyclopaedic brain but unruffled ‘green eyes’ calmly explains that he is not the driver and can’t move the truck. The only other property nearby is a run down, derelict deserted shack with a garage. No one has lived there for years.
‘Green eyes’ introduces himself as Niall Carmichael, he is now the owner of said derelict building and he has plans to build a holiday compound with several cottages for rent. Adrian more or less, tells him, ‘over his dead body’.
So starts an ongoing disagreement between these two men. Niall is a 46 year old divorced property developer with a mother and sister who constantly invade his space and life. He moved miles away years ago and hasn’t kept in touch with them much since. He too likes being alone to get on with his property business.
But neither Adrian or Niall had a clue what Fate had in store for them.
It was such a fun read with all the verbal sparring between neighbours Adrian and Niall, it was laugh out loud but then, months later events from Adrian’s past life crashed back with a vengeance and Adrian is fearful of what could happen in hushed fledgling new life and those who are involved in it.
Also here we get to meet characters from earlier in the series and an inkling of another new one which I had read before this one. I so hope Jay will write more in this series as I feel Stef, the fabulous, sassy guy who is engaged to another character here should get to tell his story.
I’ve read all Jay’s series now and I’m left wanting more stories from New Zealand from this great storyteller.
July 24, 2020
Amazon
Can two grumpy, scowly men with a decade between them and miles of baggage make a relationship work? Adrian is someone who doesn't let others in, doesn't make friends, keeps to himself as much as possible. Then he meets silver fox Niall, and he's just annoyed at first. He's blocking his access to his cottage and has plans to renovate the neighboring land into a resort and such. There's something about Niall, though, that draws Adrian in as he's never been drawn to another before. Can he allow himself to be a little open with him enough for a relationship to flourish? Or will have both their pasts damaged them too much?
I liked this age gap story. I haven't read a story with two more broken, alike souls in a long time. I like how they came around, though, opened themselves up to love, to intimacy, not just with each other, but with their respective friends too. And most of all, I love how Adrian defeated the ghosts from his past. It was dramatic to be sure, but necessary for him to really move on. This is a wonderful installment in this new to me series, emotional, complicated, and thoughtful, and makes me want to read the first two and any others to come.
ARC via Gay Romance Reviews for an honest review.
Blog | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews