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Table for Two #3
Blue Plate Special
Giving orders in the kitchen is chef Noah Becker’s specialty. He’s made a name for himself dishing up seasonal, farm-to-table comfort food at the local diner. A name that isn’t really his.
The last person Ezra Rosin expects to find while he’s on sabbatical in a small town is his son’s best friend. The one he helped disappear thirteen years ago. The one who’s grown into a hauntingly beautiful man.
Noah and Ezra grow closer, reconnecting over their shared love of food and wine until their friendship smolders into more. They agree to explore the unexpected dynamic, to enjoy each other while Ezra finishes the semester, but when past and present collide, Noah and Ezra must decide if their chemistry across the table and between the sheets is enough to cook up a delicious future together.
Blue Plate Special is a stand-alone M/M foodie romance novella in the Table for Two universe. It features an age-gap romance between mature characters, family finding their way back to each other, and lots of noshing.
The last person Ezra Rosin expects to find while he’s on sabbatical in a small town is his son’s best friend. The one he helped disappear thirteen years ago. The one who’s grown into a hauntingly beautiful man.
Noah and Ezra grow closer, reconnecting over their shared love of food and wine until their friendship smolders into more. They agree to explore the unexpected dynamic, to enjoy each other while Ezra finishes the semester, but when past and present collide, Noah and Ezra must decide if their chemistry across the table and between the sheets is enough to cook up a delicious future together.
Blue Plate Special is a stand-alone M/M foodie romance novella in the Table for Two universe. It features an age-gap romance between mature characters, family finding their way back to each other, and lots of noshing.
145 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 24, 2023
9 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Layla Reyne
57 books1,032 followersLayla Reyne is the author of What We May Be and the Agents Irish and Whiskey, Fog City, and Perfect Play series. She writes sexy, intense LGBTQIA+ romance featuring competent adults in kitchens, sports arenas, car chases, and other high-stakes situations. Whether it’s adrenaline-fueled suspense, rival athletes, vampires and shifters in alt-realms, or love mixed with mouth-watering foodie goodness, queer folks finding happily-ever-afters is guaranteed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
October 31, 2023
A GLORIOUS HOMAGE TO BOTH FOOD AND LOVE
This is another wonderful homage to the glory of good food which is wrapped up in a lovely age gap romance coupled with the perfect best friend’s dad side order.
Anyone who’s read Layla’s previous work, or follows her on social media, knows how much of a gastronome she is and so this book’s dedication to the way food can be a symbol of affection and love should come as no surprise.
It’s loosely connected to What We May Be as it’s set in the same town as Ezra is a temporary professor at the same university that Trevor taught at.
It’s also directly connected to both Dine with Me and to The Last Drop and so there are guest appearances from characters related to those stories.
At its heart though, this is a book about trust, about love and an understanding that comes from being able to build a life with someone when you’ve given up all hope of ever being able to settle down.
I loved it.
This is another wonderful homage to the glory of good food which is wrapped up in a lovely age gap romance coupled with the perfect best friend’s dad side order.
Anyone who’s read Layla’s previous work, or follows her on social media, knows how much of a gastronome she is and so this book’s dedication to the way food can be a symbol of affection and love should come as no surprise.
It’s loosely connected to What We May Be as it’s set in the same town as Ezra is a temporary professor at the same university that Trevor taught at.
It’s also directly connected to both Dine with Me and to The Last Drop and so there are guest appearances from characters related to those stories.
At its heart though, this is a book about trust, about love and an understanding that comes from being able to build a life with someone when you’ve given up all hope of ever being able to settle down.
I loved it.
January 26, 2023
I think I mentioned in a previous review that this author’s books somehow fail to hit the mark for me. The premises are always good but they somehow end up being lukewarm, and this one here was no exception. I loved that we had an older character and I loved Ezra so much but I found 33 years old Noah/Hudson very bland and fleshed out very poorly. His character was very subdued and unassuming ……forgettable (I liked the 20 years old Hudson from the prologue much more) ..Also , because it’s a novella a lot of things were glossed over or happened off page . The premise announced a mild Dom/sub sex relationship but they only talk about it, negotiate it but we don’t get to see it. We get a lukewarm sex scene where Noah tries to give orders to Ezra and to boss him around like Ezra asked and not really succeeding. Noah’s heart really didn’t seem to be in it, he didn’t have a Dom type of character..
I wanted a normal length book with them and maybe Noah would have been better portrayed and the relationship would have had more depth and emotion.
I wanted a normal length book with them and maybe Noah would have been better portrayed and the relationship would have had more depth and emotion.
January 17, 2023
Tropes:
- age gap (33/58)
- best friend’s father
- small town romance
Thirteen years ago Noah Becker escaped his abusive father, and now lives safely in a cozy North Carolina town where he’s head chef at a local diner. The last person he expects to see at the diner is his childhood best friend’s father, Ezra Rosin, the man who helped him get away all those years ago.
As the pair reconnect and catch up on the last decade, an unexpected chemistry kindles between them, and they decide on a no-strings type arrangement to explore their desires. Everything is easy and fun, but reality crashes in when Ezra gets an unexpected visitor and his future with Noah becomes uncertain.
I’ve never read anything by Layla Reyne, but needless to say I will be rectifying that shortly. I was instantly sucked in to Noah and Ezra’s story, and found their dynamic to be super organic and not at all cringe/taboo like some other friend’s dad romances can be. The spice was also 👌🏻, definitely a quality over quantity situation, but I didn’t really care because I loved their growing relationship more.
- age gap (33/58)
- best friend’s father
- small town romance
Thirteen years ago Noah Becker escaped his abusive father, and now lives safely in a cozy North Carolina town where he’s head chef at a local diner. The last person he expects to see at the diner is his childhood best friend’s father, Ezra Rosin, the man who helped him get away all those years ago.
As the pair reconnect and catch up on the last decade, an unexpected chemistry kindles between them, and they decide on a no-strings type arrangement to explore their desires. Everything is easy and fun, but reality crashes in when Ezra gets an unexpected visitor and his future with Noah becomes uncertain.
I’ve never read anything by Layla Reyne, but needless to say I will be rectifying that shortly. I was instantly sucked in to Noah and Ezra’s story, and found their dynamic to be super organic and not at all cringe/taboo like some other friend’s dad romances can be. The spice was also 👌🏻, definitely a quality over quantity situation, but I didn’t really care because I loved their growing relationship more.
December 23, 2023
I sort of think I would have been better served by going back and reading the first novella in this series again to remember the connections and I had started the third one before this and had to stop and switch to this one because I was VERY confused about the connections. But I liked this! Age gap is something I can take or leave but I liked the way that it was handled here, where it's acknowledged but not the point.
January 12, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, combine food, age gap, family, and a HEA and I am a happy girl. This book is great story of survival and second chances. This Novella is packed full. I am loving these characters and can't wait for the 3rd book in the series.
October 19, 2023
4.5 stars
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Blue Plate Special is the second addition to the Table for Two novella series by Layla Reyne. While the book takes place in the same universe as the first novella, the characters paths to actually cross and can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone.
Thirteen years ago, Noah Baker escaped from his abusive father with the help of his best friend's parents. He left, changed his name, and cut off all contact with his past in order to protect them. He worked his way through different kitchens to his current job, moving every few years, but he's not anticipating the next one. When a blast from his past walks through the dinner's door it might have to be sooner than he planned. Ezra never expected to see his son's best friend again. Noah is not the young boy he knew, and the mature man before has fully captured his attention. He wants to know everything about the man he has become and can't hide his attraction to him. Will Noah be able to look past their complicated history in order to take a chance on what they could be in the future.
"You're a survivor, Noah. I admire you. I'm the lucky one who got to know you again, who gets to share our dreams and more together."
I loved both our leading men. Noah broke my heart with his trauma from his abusive father. He is such a kind soul and during and after everything he went through his main concern was keeping those he cared for safe. He was cautious when it came to exploring his feelings for Ezra. It was wonderful to see him trust himself and Ezra both in and out of the bedroom. I loved Ezra's character as a whole. I appreciated that even from the start we are shown that Ezra is queer and that his reactions towards Noah aren't coming out of the blue. (Bonus points for the healthy positive relationship with his ex-wife, their situation made me smile. ) I love the way Ezra and Noah were together. Starting out shy and hesitant and when they both give into their feelings it results in banter and quality steam. Ezra is submissive and Noah is new to kink, but he takes the time to explain it and set limits for both of them.
"So if I told you to kiss me right now?"
"You don't have to order me to kiss you. You just have to ask."
I can't decide on my rating for this one because I loved it so much yet I was left wanting more. I wanted more intimate scenes, more domestic scenes, more of them living their happy. It's one of those situations where I really wish it was a full length novel.
Overall, Blue Plate Special by Layla Reyne is a fantastic novella. An age gap romance with the best friend's father trope filled with mouthwatering food, truck bed picnics, date nights, trust, light kink, and steam.
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Blue Plate Special is the second addition to the Table for Two novella series by Layla Reyne. While the book takes place in the same universe as the first novella, the characters paths to actually cross and can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone.
Thirteen years ago, Noah Baker escaped from his abusive father with the help of his best friend's parents. He left, changed his name, and cut off all contact with his past in order to protect them. He worked his way through different kitchens to his current job, moving every few years, but he's not anticipating the next one. When a blast from his past walks through the dinner's door it might have to be sooner than he planned. Ezra never expected to see his son's best friend again. Noah is not the young boy he knew, and the mature man before has fully captured his attention. He wants to know everything about the man he has become and can't hide his attraction to him. Will Noah be able to look past their complicated history in order to take a chance on what they could be in the future.
"You're a survivor, Noah. I admire you. I'm the lucky one who got to know you again, who gets to share our dreams and more together."
I loved both our leading men. Noah broke my heart with his trauma from his abusive father. He is such a kind soul and during and after everything he went through his main concern was keeping those he cared for safe. He was cautious when it came to exploring his feelings for Ezra. It was wonderful to see him trust himself and Ezra both in and out of the bedroom. I loved Ezra's character as a whole. I appreciated that even from the start we are shown that Ezra is queer and that his reactions towards Noah aren't coming out of the blue. (Bonus points for the healthy positive relationship with his ex-wife, their situation made me smile. ) I love the way Ezra and Noah were together. Starting out shy and hesitant and when they both give into their feelings it results in banter and quality steam. Ezra is submissive and Noah is new to kink, but he takes the time to explain it and set limits for both of them.
"So if I told you to kiss me right now?"
"You don't have to order me to kiss you. You just have to ask."
I can't decide on my rating for this one because I loved it so much yet I was left wanting more. I wanted more intimate scenes, more domestic scenes, more of them living their happy. It's one of those situations where I really wish it was a full length novel.
Overall, Blue Plate Special by Layla Reyne is a fantastic novella. An age gap romance with the best friend's father trope filled with mouthwatering food, truck bed picnics, date nights, trust, light kink, and steam.
January 24, 2023
4 Stars!
I liked Ezra and Noah, I think they were good together. What I wasn't that fond of was the age gap between them, 25 years, even when Noah was 33, it still felt a bit too large for me, even if they make it work. They have chemistry, and while Noah had never explored his dominant nature in any place other than the kitchen, their desires seemed to mesh quite well once they talked about what Ezra was into in bed.
This was a steamy, kinky, short read, with some angsty parts, it probably wasn't quite what I expected, but it was still entertaining, the writing was great as always and the food descriptions were scrumptious, so I have no trouble recommending it.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
I liked Ezra and Noah, I think they were good together. What I wasn't that fond of was the age gap between them, 25 years, even when Noah was 33, it still felt a bit too large for me, even if they make it work. They have chemistry, and while Noah had never explored his dominant nature in any place other than the kitchen, their desires seemed to mesh quite well once they talked about what Ezra was into in bed.
This was a steamy, kinky, short read, with some angsty parts, it probably wasn't quite what I expected, but it was still entertaining, the writing was great as always and the food descriptions were scrumptious, so I have no trouble recommending it.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
January 14, 2023
I enjoyed this novella. For the most part, it doesn't read as a novella, it's written in such a way that it feels like a full-length novel. Of course, there was the kink element that I wish was explored more, and maybe it would have been if it wasn't so short, but overall it was well done.
I liked the characters and how this connects to her other worlds. It's a fun book a little emotional because of Noah's past, but overall the perfect read if you like the author and have a few hours to kill, or even if you're new to the author and don't know where to start.
I liked the characters and how this connects to her other worlds. It's a fun book a little emotional because of Noah's past, but overall the perfect read if you like the author and have a few hours to kill, or even if you're new to the author and don't know where to start.
January 29, 2023
I'm afraid I didn't care for this novella much. It started with a dad and son rescuing a neighbor boy from his brutally violent father. Then we skip to years later, the boy has changed his name and become a chef and runs into the dad that helped him escape at his restaurant. The boy is a grown man now but still afraid of his father finding him. No mention of police involved or trying to get legal justice for himself, just super afraid his father will locate him through friends and family some 15 years later. Okay...
Then the rescue dad and the boy still hiding start hitting it off, even with their age difference. At the very beginning of the book there was a moment that hinted that the dad and his then wife were in the BDSM scene. In current time the boy and the dad have dinner together and the dad drops his wine glass, it shatters on the floor and the boy yells at the dad to be careful. Wham, BDSM trigger alert. Dad gets blown pupils and goes into sub mode. What? I'm sorry but this made me laugh and pretty much ruined the story for me.
I don't intentionally make fun of author's. They work hard and I appreciate their efforts. I just mentioned this one moment because the story went so downhill. Please don't hate me.
Then the rescue dad and the boy still hiding start hitting it off, even with their age difference. At the very beginning of the book there was a moment that hinted that the dad and his then wife were in the BDSM scene. In current time the boy and the dad have dinner together and the dad drops his wine glass, it shatters on the floor and the boy yells at the dad to be careful. Wham, BDSM trigger alert. Dad gets blown pupils and goes into sub mode. What? I'm sorry but this made me laugh and pretty much ruined the story for me.
I don't intentionally make fun of author's. They work hard and I appreciate their efforts. I just mentioned this one moment because the story went so downhill. Please don't hate me.
January 21, 2023
3.5 🍷
Encore une bien jolie nouvelle pleine de romantisme et de délicieuses saveurs !
Layla Reyne a décidément l'art de mettre à l'honneur les métiers de bouche, qu'ils soient chefs, barman, apprentis ou encore vignerons (en herbe), cette fois encore j'ai eu l'eau à la bouche en lisant les noms de plats préparés par Noah, des saveurs automnales et réconfortantes que j'aurais adoré déguster tout en lisant !
La romance joue sur différents tropes, mais au-delà du fait qu'il y ait une grande différence d'âge entre les deux héros, et que l'un soit le père du meilleur ami d'enfance que l'autre, c'est surtout l'histoire de deux hommes qui osent se donner une chance et explorent une attirance mutuelle explosive, partagent le même amour de la bonne nourriture et ont une vision commune de ce que devrait être un bon restaurant. Je reste néanmoins sur ma faim en ce qui concerne le développement de cette relation, le format nouvelle pouvant parfois être terriblement frustrant, même si l'ensemble est cohérent et peut se suffire à lui-même.
Une nouvelle à la fois gourmande, sexy et romantique, vraiment bien écrite, qui donne envie d'en avoir plus !
Encore une bien jolie nouvelle pleine de romantisme et de délicieuses saveurs !
Layla Reyne a décidément l'art de mettre à l'honneur les métiers de bouche, qu'ils soient chefs, barman, apprentis ou encore vignerons (en herbe), cette fois encore j'ai eu l'eau à la bouche en lisant les noms de plats préparés par Noah, des saveurs automnales et réconfortantes que j'aurais adoré déguster tout en lisant !
La romance joue sur différents tropes, mais au-delà du fait qu'il y ait une grande différence d'âge entre les deux héros, et que l'un soit le père du meilleur ami d'enfance que l'autre, c'est surtout l'histoire de deux hommes qui osent se donner une chance et explorent une attirance mutuelle explosive, partagent le même amour de la bonne nourriture et ont une vision commune de ce que devrait être un bon restaurant. Je reste néanmoins sur ma faim en ce qui concerne le développement de cette relation, le format nouvelle pouvant parfois être terriblement frustrant, même si l'ensemble est cohérent et peut se suffire à lui-même.
Une nouvelle à la fois gourmande, sexy et romantique, vraiment bien écrite, qui donne envie d'en avoir plus !
January 26, 2023
I received a free copy through Netgalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Blue Plate Special is part of the Table for Two series. I really like this series as it has great romances and a strong foodie theme. Blue Plate Special was a great read. I liked seeing Ezra and Noah meet each other again and how they grew closer and fell in love. There are plenty of scenes with food in it and it feels like an important part of the book.
This book starts off with a short prologue where Noah back when he still was called Hudson escaped from his abusive dad. It was a sad and tough scene to read, but sets the stage for the rest of the book and introduces both main characters. The story is told from both their point of views and I liked reading about Ezra and Noah. They have an instant connection when they meet again after all these years, but it takes some time for it to grow into a romance and turn physical.
I liked the romance between Ezra and Noah. Age gap isn't a trope that I read a lot, but I found it worked well here as the connection between the two was clear and I liked them together. There is a bit of steam later in the book, but the main focus is on the connection and deepening bond between the two characters. I liked how it wrapped up with a satisfying conclusion.
There are plenty of scenes involving food. Noah works as a chef in a kitchen and he cooks for Ezra. There's also Ezra cooking for Noah or providing food. I liked the integral part the food played in the story as well as reading about all the dishes they made.
To summarize: I like this series, it's a great series to pick up if you like foodie romances. The romance in this one was great with the connection between Ezra and Noah building throughout the book. I liked the two of them together. I liked how the author wrote these characters and how they were together and I enjoyed the ending and how it wraps things up. There's plenty of food and the character sharing meals in this book and it was fun to read about all the dishes.
Blue Plate Special is part of the Table for Two series. I really like this series as it has great romances and a strong foodie theme. Blue Plate Special was a great read. I liked seeing Ezra and Noah meet each other again and how they grew closer and fell in love. There are plenty of scenes with food in it and it feels like an important part of the book.
This book starts off with a short prologue where Noah back when he still was called Hudson escaped from his abusive dad. It was a sad and tough scene to read, but sets the stage for the rest of the book and introduces both main characters. The story is told from both their point of views and I liked reading about Ezra and Noah. They have an instant connection when they meet again after all these years, but it takes some time for it to grow into a romance and turn physical.
I liked the romance between Ezra and Noah. Age gap isn't a trope that I read a lot, but I found it worked well here as the connection between the two was clear and I liked them together. There is a bit of steam later in the book, but the main focus is on the connection and deepening bond between the two characters. I liked how it wrapped up with a satisfying conclusion.
There are plenty of scenes involving food. Noah works as a chef in a kitchen and he cooks for Ezra. There's also Ezra cooking for Noah or providing food. I liked the integral part the food played in the story as well as reading about all the dishes they made.
To summarize: I like this series, it's a great series to pick up if you like foodie romances. The romance in this one was great with the connection between Ezra and Noah building throughout the book. I liked the two of them together. I liked how the author wrote these characters and how they were together and I enjoyed the ending and how it wraps things up. There's plenty of food and the character sharing meals in this book and it was fun to read about all the dishes.
January 24, 2023
This is book two in the Table for Two series of novellas. As a dedicated and obsessive Reyne fan it was also a fun Easter Egg hunt. The mentions of people featured in earlier Reyne books had me smiling in remembrance and happy to be in on the reference. I really enjoyed this story and I love the way it was presented.
The book starts with a prologue describing events that occurred 13 years before the action of this book. It introduces us to the MCs but in a completely different context. Flash forward 13 years. Noah is an accomplished and well-loved cook at a diner in NC. Ezra is a former business executive teaching a couple courses for the semester at Hanover University. When they run into each other the past comes back to haunt them but they cannot deny the attraction despite their history and the 25 year age gap.
The story arc moves well and the character development allows us to really get to know the MCs. There are some clear hurdles…Noah’s traumatic past and his fears, the age gap, their history…but the very obvious attraction is strong. My one complaint, and the reason I couldn’t give the book five stars, is all the veiled references to Noah’s father and Noah’s fear of him without any detail. Who is the guy? Why so powerful? Noah isn’t a scrawny kid any more. I needed more concrete rationale for why Noah (physically imposing, 33 years old, well established in his profession and not without resources), and now his friends, should be afraid of the man. Is he a mob boss? A powerful politician? Has he hurt people besides Noah and his friend when they were young and vulnerable 13 years ago? Without out those details I was left wondering if the fears were actually still valid which impacted my buy in on the crisis element.
And some more specifics on how Noah got his new identity, his dealings with the lawyer re his trust fund, etc would have helped me more fully understand his actions.
However the rest of the book is wonderful. The way the relationship develops, the clear way the characters care about each other, is sweet. The expression of their love through food offerings is a tremendous plot device. Though not a foodie myself, and having little to no interest in any of the food mentioned, I could still appreciate and be impacted by the way food is used in the story. It reminded me of Reyne’s two previous food related books, Dine With Me which is still one of my favorite all time books, and the novella The Last Drop which is the first book in this series.
Because I am not a fan of Dom/sub I skimmed through the steamy parts. I didn’t lose anything in appreciating the relationship or the story by doing so and got just enough to comprehend how the scenes enhanced the relationship. So if that is a concern for those with similar feelings don’t let it stop you from reading. Abuse is a strong theme though the scenes of abuse took place off page and are only presented via memories. If this is a trigger you may want to skim through those parts. They were all presented in italics in the version I read so it should be easy for someone to skip the detailed accounts.
I definitely want to know more about these characters so I hope we will get more info when the third book in the series comes out. Strongly recommend this book.
**I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion.**
The book starts with a prologue describing events that occurred 13 years before the action of this book. It introduces us to the MCs but in a completely different context. Flash forward 13 years. Noah is an accomplished and well-loved cook at a diner in NC. Ezra is a former business executive teaching a couple courses for the semester at Hanover University. When they run into each other the past comes back to haunt them but they cannot deny the attraction despite their history and the 25 year age gap.
The story arc moves well and the character development allows us to really get to know the MCs. There are some clear hurdles…Noah’s traumatic past and his fears, the age gap, their history…but the very obvious attraction is strong. My one complaint, and the reason I couldn’t give the book five stars, is all the veiled references to Noah’s father and Noah’s fear of him without any detail. Who is the guy? Why so powerful? Noah isn’t a scrawny kid any more. I needed more concrete rationale for why Noah (physically imposing, 33 years old, well established in his profession and not without resources), and now his friends, should be afraid of the man. Is he a mob boss? A powerful politician? Has he hurt people besides Noah and his friend when they were young and vulnerable 13 years ago? Without out those details I was left wondering if the fears were actually still valid which impacted my buy in on the crisis element.
And some more specifics on how Noah got his new identity, his dealings with the lawyer re his trust fund, etc would have helped me more fully understand his actions.
However the rest of the book is wonderful. The way the relationship develops, the clear way the characters care about each other, is sweet. The expression of their love through food offerings is a tremendous plot device. Though not a foodie myself, and having little to no interest in any of the food mentioned, I could still appreciate and be impacted by the way food is used in the story. It reminded me of Reyne’s two previous food related books, Dine With Me which is still one of my favorite all time books, and the novella The Last Drop which is the first book in this series.
Because I am not a fan of Dom/sub I skimmed through the steamy parts. I didn’t lose anything in appreciating the relationship or the story by doing so and got just enough to comprehend how the scenes enhanced the relationship. So if that is a concern for those with similar feelings don’t let it stop you from reading. Abuse is a strong theme though the scenes of abuse took place off page and are only presented via memories. If this is a trigger you may want to skim through those parts. They were all presented in italics in the version I read so it should be easy for someone to skip the detailed accounts.
I definitely want to know more about these characters so I hope we will get more info when the third book in the series comes out. Strongly recommend this book.
**I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion.**
January 11, 2023
At 20 years of age Hudson's abusive (and powerfully rich) father discovers Hudson is gay, and Hudson knows he has to escape, and otherwise fears the consequences. His best friend Tyler, along with Tyler's parents Ezra and Al, help him to do so.
Hudson never returns but changes his identity, and continues to look over his shoulder for 13 years. As Noah, he settles into a quiet, fairly safe life as a cook (chef) at a local diner in North Carolina. He doesn't expect over a serving of breakfast one morning to lay eyes on Ezra, who is recently divorced from Al, but still friends. He's in town for the semester on a teaching sabbatical. Noah and Ezra are drawn to one another but they both know the exploration of whatever it is between them is time limited. It can't last whilst the past is forever looming large behind them?
Props to Layla Reyne for the depiction of Noah's found family in North Carolina, and his growth and development, giving consideration to his background of trauma. Noah is tough, and guards his heart fiercely, whereas Ezra is written with a gentleness, that belies his entrepreneurial success. He softens Noah's edges, and provides a sense of safety, though different to what he provided when Noah (Hudson) was a 20 year old. There's some discussion about the philosophical shift (which the reader also deals with) from Hudson and Ezra's relationship as young man and father of his best friend, to their possible romance. There's also the issue of a 25 year age gap (one of the larger age gaps I have read about in any recent romance novel).
I sometimes feel novellas give you a small snapshot, and you're left wanting much more from the stories - and you're left unsatisfied in a sense. And whilst this is a relatively quick read, I didn't feel this way at all, because the story moves deftly, there's some angst and banter, some challenge to the relationship, and the conclusion. There is a combination of open door steam and spice though the majority occurs off the page. There is discussion of preferences and kinks between the characters and description of an early scene that is voyeuristic, in case this is not your thing. The character's connections with food and beverages, fine dining, and the food industry are a point of difference in this series - with the meals described in this book being a source of shared passion for Noah and Ezra.
Thanks to Valentine PR for an advanced digital copy of this book to read and review.
4.5 stars
Hudson never returns but changes his identity, and continues to look over his shoulder for 13 years. As Noah, he settles into a quiet, fairly safe life as a cook (chef) at a local diner in North Carolina. He doesn't expect over a serving of breakfast one morning to lay eyes on Ezra, who is recently divorced from Al, but still friends. He's in town for the semester on a teaching sabbatical. Noah and Ezra are drawn to one another but they both know the exploration of whatever it is between them is time limited. It can't last whilst the past is forever looming large behind them?
Props to Layla Reyne for the depiction of Noah's found family in North Carolina, and his growth and development, giving consideration to his background of trauma. Noah is tough, and guards his heart fiercely, whereas Ezra is written with a gentleness, that belies his entrepreneurial success. He softens Noah's edges, and provides a sense of safety, though different to what he provided when Noah (Hudson) was a 20 year old. There's some discussion about the philosophical shift (which the reader also deals with) from Hudson and Ezra's relationship as young man and father of his best friend, to their possible romance. There's also the issue of a 25 year age gap (one of the larger age gaps I have read about in any recent romance novel).
I sometimes feel novellas give you a small snapshot, and you're left wanting much more from the stories - and you're left unsatisfied in a sense. And whilst this is a relatively quick read, I didn't feel this way at all, because the story moves deftly, there's some angst and banter, some challenge to the relationship, and the conclusion. There is a combination of open door steam and spice though the majority occurs off the page. There is discussion of preferences and kinks between the characters and description of an early scene that is voyeuristic, in case this is not your thing. The character's connections with food and beverages, fine dining, and the food industry are a point of difference in this series - with the meals described in this book being a source of shared passion for Noah and Ezra.
Thanks to Valentine PR for an advanced digital copy of this book to read and review.
4.5 stars
January 23, 2023
I don't love age gap romances, so I approached this romance between a man and his childhood best friend's dad with a bit of a leery attitude. But I really loved the first book in this series, The Last Drop, so I dove in anyway. While age gap still isn't my jam, I really did enjoy this relationship between Noah and Ezra. I appreciated that their best friend's dad trope romance was less cringey than this trope can sometimes be, and felt a lot more organic and natural after over a decade of estrangement and Noah being 33 (while Ezra is 58), which seems like less of a gap than if it had been 20/45.
Despite the dark content (abuse, Noah changing his entire identity and being on the run because he's terrified of his father), the romance between Noah and Ezra is so cozy and sweet. Also this book made me HUNGRY! I love that Noah's love language seems to be cooking for/feeding people.
There also seems to be some overlap with another series, I assume, that has some Shakespeare serial killer? I tried poking through the blurbs of some of Layla Reyne's other books and I'm not sure if this is in one of those series, or if it's just some VERY elaborate backstory/side story. It took me out of the story a bit because I kept going searching seeing if there was some book about what they were talking about.
This is the second book in the Table for Two series, and can be read as a standalone. As far as I can tell, there's very minimal overlap with book one (The Last Drop) aside from book two Noah's childhood best friend Tyler being an investor in book one Greg's restaurant (I think, I might have the wrong guy there, even, but they do mention Dram very briefly in this book).
Despite the dark content (abuse, Noah changing his entire identity and being on the run because he's terrified of his father), the romance between Noah and Ezra is so cozy and sweet. Also this book made me HUNGRY! I love that Noah's love language seems to be cooking for/feeding people.
There also seems to be some overlap with another series, I assume, that has some Shakespeare serial killer? I tried poking through the blurbs of some of Layla Reyne's other books and I'm not sure if this is in one of those series, or if it's just some VERY elaborate backstory/side story. It took me out of the story a bit because I kept going searching seeing if there was some book about what they were talking about.
This is the second book in the Table for Two series, and can be read as a standalone. As far as I can tell, there's very minimal overlap with book one (The Last Drop) aside from book two Noah's childhood best friend Tyler being an investor in book one Greg's restaurant (I think, I might have the wrong guy there, even, but they do mention Dram very briefly in this book).
January 25, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Blue Plate Special is the second book in Layla Reyne’s Table for Two series. While there is passing mention of the MCs, Greg and Tony, from The Last Drop, from a story perspective this one stands alone just fine. I never read the first book and had no issues at all jumping in here. That said, this story is set within the larger world of some of Reyne’s other books. We get casual mention of Miller and Clancy from Dine with Me, and the story takes place in the same town as What We May Be, and some characters and events from that book are referenced here.
This story starts out intensely as Tyler is bringing a severely beaten Noah to the Rosins for help. We see them provide medical treatment and help Noah escape out of town (Noah is about 20 at this point, so old enough to be on his own). Reyne does a nice job conveying the intensity and the danger Noah is in from his father here, even in a few pages.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Blue Plate Special is the second book in Layla Reyne’s Table for Two series. While there is passing mention of the MCs, Greg and Tony, from The Last Drop, from a story perspective this one stands alone just fine. I never read the first book and had no issues at all jumping in here. That said, this story is set within the larger world of some of Reyne’s other books. We get casual mention of Miller and Clancy from Dine with Me, and the story takes place in the same town as What We May Be, and some characters and events from that book are referenced here.
This story starts out intensely as Tyler is bringing a severely beaten Noah to the Rosins for help. We see them provide medical treatment and help Noah escape out of town (Noah is about 20 at this point, so old enough to be on his own). Reyne does a nice job conveying the intensity and the danger Noah is in from his father here, even in a few pages.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
January 17, 2023
Another example of why I fell in love with Layla’s writing! She continues to deliver heartfelt messages, regardless of whether they’re espionage or escaping, the story will grasp your attention and cautiously turning the page with suspense. Though this story was not as intense as her other novels, she delivers a compelling story with a strong love of food.
“𝐼’𝓋𝑒 𝑔𝑜𝓉 𝒶 𝓈𝑒𝓍𝓎 𝑔𝒾𝓃𝑔𝑒𝓇 𝒷𝑒𝓃𝑒𝒶𝓉𝒽 𝓂𝑒. 𝐼’𝓂 𝒽𝑜𝓇𝓃𝓎 𝒾𝓈 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝐼 𝒶𝓂.”
My heart completely shattered for Hudson, but witnessing his life change and convert into Noah, slowly putting his pieces and life back together, is a true testament to his strength and determination. Ezra coming back into his life unexpectedly was a blessing, and a treat, igniting a fire inside both men, leading to a very intense and emotional connection with intensified chemistry.
“𝒴𝑜𝓊’𝓇𝑒 𝒶 𝓈𝓊𝓇𝓋𝒾𝓋𝑜𝓇, 𝒩𝑜𝒶𝒽. 𝐼 𝒶𝒹𝓂𝒾𝓇𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊.“
I absolutely love and appreciate a
the support of Noah’s family/friends in this story. Overcoming abuse is difficult enough, but to have a support system like Noah did is what true friendship is made of. I also loved Ezra’s patience with Noah, always allowing him the opportunity to decide whether he wanted to stay or leave. Cannot wait to read more of this series!
“𝐼’𝓋𝑒 𝑔𝑜𝓉 𝒶 𝓈𝑒𝓍𝓎 𝑔𝒾𝓃𝑔𝑒𝓇 𝒷𝑒𝓃𝑒𝒶𝓉𝒽 𝓂𝑒. 𝐼’𝓂 𝒽𝑜𝓇𝓃𝓎 𝒾𝓈 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝐼 𝒶𝓂.”
My heart completely shattered for Hudson, but witnessing his life change and convert into Noah, slowly putting his pieces and life back together, is a true testament to his strength and determination. Ezra coming back into his life unexpectedly was a blessing, and a treat, igniting a fire inside both men, leading to a very intense and emotional connection with intensified chemistry.
“𝒴𝑜𝓊’𝓇𝑒 𝒶 𝓈𝓊𝓇𝓋𝒾𝓋𝑜𝓇, 𝒩𝑜𝒶𝒽. 𝐼 𝒶𝒹𝓂𝒾𝓇𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊.“
I absolutely love and appreciate a
the support of Noah’s family/friends in this story. Overcoming abuse is difficult enough, but to have a support system like Noah did is what true friendship is made of. I also loved Ezra’s patience with Noah, always allowing him the opportunity to decide whether he wanted to stay or leave. Cannot wait to read more of this series!
January 27, 2023
Oh, this was sweet.
Everyone who knows me a bit, knows that I am normally not a fan of novellas.
But this one did decidedly not feel like one
The characterization and the relationship development was better done than in some full novels and I loved the story .... so, never doubt Layla Reyne in that regard
There was only one small issue which was not perfect .... besides, that I still would have loved more page time with them .. which was the sexual chemistry. The chemistry was good but the kink didn't really fit, or not wholly.
Nevertheless, a lovely read, which I will read again.
An ARC was provided by GRR and I am happy to give my honest opinion
Everyone who knows me a bit, knows that I am normally not a fan of novellas.
But this one did decidedly not feel like one
The characterization and the relationship development was better done than in some full novels and I loved the story .... so, never doubt Layla Reyne in that regard
There was only one small issue which was not perfect .... besides, that I still would have loved more page time with them .. which was the sexual chemistry. The chemistry was good but the kink didn't really fit, or not wholly.
Nevertheless, a lovely read, which I will read again.
An ARC was provided by GRR and I am happy to give my honest opinion
Read
January 18, 2023𝐵𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝑃𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑙, an M/M foodie romance, featuring:
🍴Age-gap with Mature MCs (33/58)
🍴Best friend's father
🍴Short-term fun that turns into more
🍴Lots of noshing!
𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑑𝑒𝑟 ➡️ https://www.books2read.com/BluePlateS...
𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑚𝑜 𝑆𝑖𝑔𝑛𝑢𝑝 ➡️ https://airtable.com/shrW2ADp1hTahZXPY
🍴Age-gap with Mature MCs (33/58)
🍴Best friend's father
🍴Short-term fun that turns into more
🍴Lots of noshing!
𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑑𝑒𝑟 ➡️ https://www.books2read.com/BluePlateS...
𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑚𝑜 𝑆𝑖𝑔𝑛𝑢𝑝 ➡️ https://airtable.com/shrW2ADp1hTahZXPY
January 24, 2023
Thank you Layla Reyne and Valentine PR for an ARC
This book started off tense and ended so lighthearted that I was so thankful for
Noah (Hudson) has left his home years earlier than planned. His new home is set up in North Carolina. He doesn’t get too comfortable for fear of being found
Ezra needs a sabbatical. He’s worked non-stop for decades that it quite literally almost killed him. When he runs into someone from his past, sparks can’t help but fly
This is my biggest age-gap that I’ve read so far (25 years 🤭) and it was delicious! This book had mentions of a couple other characters, but it didn’t take away from the story and it’s not necessary to read those before this. I loved Noah and Ezra together. Noah helped Ezra lightened up. And Ezra helped Noah plan for a future
•age-gap
•MM
•best friends dad
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
🌶️🌶️
This book started off tense and ended so lighthearted that I was so thankful for
Noah (Hudson) has left his home years earlier than planned. His new home is set up in North Carolina. He doesn’t get too comfortable for fear of being found
Ezra needs a sabbatical. He’s worked non-stop for decades that it quite literally almost killed him. When he runs into someone from his past, sparks can’t help but fly
This is my biggest age-gap that I’ve read so far (25 years 🤭) and it was delicious! This book had mentions of a couple other characters, but it didn’t take away from the story and it’s not necessary to read those before this. I loved Noah and Ezra together. Noah helped Ezra lightened up. And Ezra helped Noah plan for a future
•age-gap
•MM
•best friends dad
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
🌶️🌶️
January 21, 2023
This is my first read from this author and I am HOOKED!! I loved everything about this story--from the actual storyline to the second chance for Noah...I couldn't put it down!! Marvelous!!
Read
February 6, 2023Ezra and Noah were lovely together. Devoured this in one sitting.
January 16, 2023
This was such a pleasant age gap romance. There is Noah who changed his identity to get away from his abusive family in order to get the chance to completely start over. The way he meets Ezra his best friend's father again year later was by chance, but I could feel the destiny. Despite the large age gap these two just fit. Both gentle and kind of shy tentative men when it came to each other. Seeing Ezra and Noah open up to what they felt for each other was endearing and heartwarming.
January 25, 2023
Noah and Ezra’s entertaining age-gap romance is laced with complications, but that doesn’t overshadow the undeniable chemistry and steaminess. A sweet read that can be devoured in a weekend.
December 29, 2022
I knew this would be good considering who wrote it. No one handles the heat and spice, danger and suspense, and love all together in one neat package like Layla Reyne. Noah and Ezra were absolute fire. ❤️🔥🔥 I don’t mind an age gap between my MCs and we add in touch of son’s best friend to the recipe. Ezra may not know Noah as he is today, but he remembers Hudson and can’t help being drawn to younger man and seeing how he has grown. Noah needs to learn to trust again and not be constantly afraid of his own shadowed past. I loved it. They drew me in fast and didn’t let go.
January 23, 2023
Layla Reyne’s Blue Plate Special is a beautiful novella with some power play elements, a significant age gap and a son’s best friend/best friend’s dad trope done in a way that makes everyone happy.
Noah, once known as Hudson, is a chef at a diner in Hanover. They cater mainly to those associated with the University there, but all the locals (and tourists) love to come to the Blue Plate to sample Noah’s wares. His boss, Candice, took a chance on hiring him even though his resume was full of short stints at different diners, etc. She didn’t ask a lot of questions, but it was clear that Noah had been running from something for a long time. Noah Becker used to go by the name Hudson Selby. His father, a mean drunk, liked to use his fists, his belt and his venomous words to let Hudson know how much he hated him, hated who he was, hated his sexuality and hated that he was there and his mother wasn’t. The last day that Noah went by Hudson, his best friend, Tyler, took a few lashes with a belt while rescuing Hudson from his father during a particularly vicious attack. He drove him out to his parents’ vacation house where they stumbled across a sight Hudson had never expected to see – Tyler’s father servicing another man orally while Tyler’s mother was acting as Domme. When they see the boys, particularly Hudson, they spring into action and help Hudson to escape his father. Even when he was Noah, he never quite forgot Ezra Rosin, the position he was in 13 years ago and the crush he had on his best friend’s dad.
When Ezra Rosin’s friend, Sheriff Abel Champion, insists that he accompany him to Blue Plate to taste the incredible food the chef serves. When Noah goes into the dining room at Abel’s request, Ezra can’t believe his eyes. Sure, this man is bigger, older, far manlier and unbelievably sexy, but there is no mistaking the chef as Hudson Selby. But when he calls out to Hudson, he panics and takes off out the back door, hoping to make a quick escape. If his past, even the best part of it, is in Hanover, his father can’t be far behind. When Ezra catches up to him, he apologizes, introduces himself and meets Noah Becker – Noah being Tyler’s middle name – a way Noah kept his best friend with him when he couldn’t be with him in person. Ezra lets Noah know that Tyler is married, has 2 kids and that he and Tyler’s mom, Al, are divorced but still best friends.
What happens from here is temporary. Well, it’s supposed to be temporary. Ezra is teaching at the University as a bit of a sabbatical before the winery he bought is officially his. Noah has been in Hanover for 3 years, the longest he’s stayed anywhere since he left his old life behind. They agree to be together, exclusively, until their respective time in Hanover is over. Ezra gives Noah love and Noah gives Ezra the break from being in charge that he needs. The best laid plans and all that, Tyler catches Noah about to… feast on Ezra on the breakfast bar. Though he takes off, Tyler finds Noah at the Blue Plate and enlightens Noah on the things Ezra has said about Noah and his feelings for him. When Noah’s father is unexpectedly tossed into Noah’s new life, can he overcome his past to embrace his future or is Ezra & Noah’s relationship doomed to be a one-time only daily special?
I received a complimentary copy of this book and, as always, my review is unpaid and honest.
Blue Plate Special
Layla Reyne
Noah, once known as Hudson, is a chef at a diner in Hanover. They cater mainly to those associated with the University there, but all the locals (and tourists) love to come to the Blue Plate to sample Noah’s wares. His boss, Candice, took a chance on hiring him even though his resume was full of short stints at different diners, etc. She didn’t ask a lot of questions, but it was clear that Noah had been running from something for a long time. Noah Becker used to go by the name Hudson Selby. His father, a mean drunk, liked to use his fists, his belt and his venomous words to let Hudson know how much he hated him, hated who he was, hated his sexuality and hated that he was there and his mother wasn’t. The last day that Noah went by Hudson, his best friend, Tyler, took a few lashes with a belt while rescuing Hudson from his father during a particularly vicious attack. He drove him out to his parents’ vacation house where they stumbled across a sight Hudson had never expected to see – Tyler’s father servicing another man orally while Tyler’s mother was acting as Domme. When they see the boys, particularly Hudson, they spring into action and help Hudson to escape his father. Even when he was Noah, he never quite forgot Ezra Rosin, the position he was in 13 years ago and the crush he had on his best friend’s dad.
When Ezra Rosin’s friend, Sheriff Abel Champion, insists that he accompany him to Blue Plate to taste the incredible food the chef serves. When Noah goes into the dining room at Abel’s request, Ezra can’t believe his eyes. Sure, this man is bigger, older, far manlier and unbelievably sexy, but there is no mistaking the chef as Hudson Selby. But when he calls out to Hudson, he panics and takes off out the back door, hoping to make a quick escape. If his past, even the best part of it, is in Hanover, his father can’t be far behind. When Ezra catches up to him, he apologizes, introduces himself and meets Noah Becker – Noah being Tyler’s middle name – a way Noah kept his best friend with him when he couldn’t be with him in person. Ezra lets Noah know that Tyler is married, has 2 kids and that he and Tyler’s mom, Al, are divorced but still best friends.
What happens from here is temporary. Well, it’s supposed to be temporary. Ezra is teaching at the University as a bit of a sabbatical before the winery he bought is officially his. Noah has been in Hanover for 3 years, the longest he’s stayed anywhere since he left his old life behind. They agree to be together, exclusively, until their respective time in Hanover is over. Ezra gives Noah love and Noah gives Ezra the break from being in charge that he needs. The best laid plans and all that, Tyler catches Noah about to… feast on Ezra on the breakfast bar. Though he takes off, Tyler finds Noah at the Blue Plate and enlightens Noah on the things Ezra has said about Noah and his feelings for him. When Noah’s father is unexpectedly tossed into Noah’s new life, can he overcome his past to embrace his future or is Ezra & Noah’s relationship doomed to be a one-time only daily special?
I received a complimentary copy of this book and, as always, my review is unpaid and honest.
Blue Plate Special
Layla Reyne
January 24, 2023
Amazon / Apple / Nook / Kobo / Google
The very last person Noah expected to see in his restaurant is his former best friend's father, Ezra, the man who helped him escape his abusive father years ago. Ever since, Noah has never allowed himself to get too comfortable, lest his past come back to find him. Now Ezra's here and he's finding it hard to resist the gorgeous ginger, even though he knows Ezra isn't going to be here permanently. But then again, perhaps neither is he...
Ezra's never forgotten his son Ty's best friend. Now laying eyes on him for the first time in more than a decade, he can't believe this gorgeous man is the young man he helped escape his abusive father. Though he may be more than 20 years older than Noah, there's something about him that calls to him. Now they're exploring their powerful attraction, exploring Ezra's desires and Noah's, and he's realizing he doesn't want it to end. How can he possibly make a relationship work when he's leaving town soon, and he gets the feeling Noah's own time here is about to end?
I will be the first to admit that age gap relationships are not always my thing, but Noah and Ezra's story works beautifully. Add in all the yummy culinary references, the light D/s, and what the reader gets is a wonderful story about found family, love, and healing, with a hot, hot couple at its center.
ARC provided by Valentine PR for an honest review.
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January 25, 2023
I don’t usually read age gap romances, but since I’m a fan of the author and the previous novella in the series, I figured I’d try this out anyway. I’m glad I did because it’s got the same foodie vibes and a heartbreaking backstory with a happy ending.
Noah ran away from his abusive father with the help of his best friend and his dad, Ezra. Though they were high-placed and well-off, Noah was afraid that his father would retaliate against them, so he cut all ties. The last thing he expects is for Ezra to walk into the diner he works at in a small college town in North Carolina. Retired and divorced, Ezra has just bought a winery/restaurant in Sonoma and he’s taking a semester teaching at the college before jumping back into another workaholic career. He instantly recognizes Noah, but it turns out the man is far different from the teen Ezra remembers. With attraction – and the specter of their past – simmering between them, can they trust each other enough to give their semester fling a chance?
Noah’s been on the run since he left his best friend, never staying in one place for too long so that his father can’t find him. He’s worked his way up to being the main cook for a diner near the college campus. While his coworkers are wonderful, he’s already feeling that itch to move on when Ezra pops back into his life. Sure, finding out that his childhood best friend is happily married and doing well is a relief. But Noah’s still terrified that anyone in his vicinity could be targeted by his father and it takes a little convincing before he’s willing to consider a friendship with Ezra. But while catching up, they both realize they’re attracted to each other. Noah’s bulked up from the scrawny teenager he was more than a decade ago, and Ezra is even more of a ginger fox. What harm could there be in a no-strings-attached fling for the rest of the semester?
Both men have several hurdles to overcome. For Noah, it’s how he’s let his past – his fear – drive all of his decisions. So while he can’t resist a relationship with Ezra, he wants to keep it secret, even from Ezra’s son and ex-wife. For Ezra, his hurdles have already scuppered his marriage, though he still remains good friends with his ex-wife. He’s more mindful of putting his relationship with Noah ahead of his work, of not neglecting everything else (including himself) in favor of it. There is a 25 year gap between the two, though they are both mature adults (35 and 58) in the book. Noah frequently read as much older anyway, so it wasn’t such a big deal to me. There’s a bit of mild kink, including discussions of boundaries that are respected on page. Overall there’s just a general comfort to this book, especially watching Ezra getting folded into the family that Noah has built.
There’s a lot to love about this book. Of course, there’s the food. Ezra’s never had any food work experience, but he still knows how to cook and appreciate a good meal. Noah may deny he’s a chef since he’s had no formal training, but his food is excellent and inventive and had my mouth watering. I also loved Noah’s work at the local youth shelter, his bone-deep understanding that providing good food is just as important as any other intervention for LGBTQ+ kids who may not have that same support at home. There’s also afew Whiskeyverse connections, from mentions of the triad from What We May Be and references to the restaurant from the previous novella.
Overall, a welcome change of pace for me! Lots of delicious food, found family, and a general comforting vibe!
I received an advance review copy of this book from Valentine PR. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Content notes:
Noah ran away from his abusive father with the help of his best friend and his dad, Ezra. Though they were high-placed and well-off, Noah was afraid that his father would retaliate against them, so he cut all ties. The last thing he expects is for Ezra to walk into the diner he works at in a small college town in North Carolina. Retired and divorced, Ezra has just bought a winery/restaurant in Sonoma and he’s taking a semester teaching at the college before jumping back into another workaholic career. He instantly recognizes Noah, but it turns out the man is far different from the teen Ezra remembers. With attraction – and the specter of their past – simmering between them, can they trust each other enough to give their semester fling a chance?
“It’s something, isn’t it? To see food you’ve poured your heart and soul into make someone else’s heart and soul happy.”
Noah’s been on the run since he left his best friend, never staying in one place for too long so that his father can’t find him. He’s worked his way up to being the main cook for a diner near the college campus. While his coworkers are wonderful, he’s already feeling that itch to move on when Ezra pops back into his life. Sure, finding out that his childhood best friend is happily married and doing well is a relief. But Noah’s still terrified that anyone in his vicinity could be targeted by his father and it takes a little convincing before he’s willing to consider a friendship with Ezra. But while catching up, they both realize they’re attracted to each other. Noah’s bulked up from the scrawny teenager he was more than a decade ago, and Ezra is even more of a ginger fox. What harm could there be in a no-strings-attached fling for the rest of the semester?
Both men have several hurdles to overcome. For Noah, it’s how he’s let his past – his fear – drive all of his decisions. So while he can’t resist a relationship with Ezra, he wants to keep it secret, even from Ezra’s son and ex-wife. For Ezra, his hurdles have already scuppered his marriage, though he still remains good friends with his ex-wife. He’s more mindful of putting his relationship with Noah ahead of his work, of not neglecting everything else (including himself) in favor of it. There is a 25 year gap between the two, though they are both mature adults (35 and 58) in the book. Noah frequently read as much older anyway, so it wasn’t such a big deal to me. There’s a bit of mild kink, including discussions of boundaries that are respected on page. Overall there’s just a general comfort to this book, especially watching Ezra getting folded into the family that Noah has built.
There’s a lot to love about this book. Of course, there’s the food. Ezra’s never had any food work experience, but he still knows how to cook and appreciate a good meal. Noah may deny he’s a chef since he’s had no formal training, but his food is excellent and inventive and had my mouth watering. I also loved Noah’s work at the local youth shelter, his bone-deep understanding that providing good food is just as important as any other intervention for LGBTQ+ kids who may not have that same support at home. There’s also afew Whiskeyverse connections, from mentions of the triad from What We May Be and references to the restaurant from the previous novella.
Overall, a welcome change of pace for me! Lots of delicious food, found family, and a general comforting vibe!
I received an advance review copy of this book from Valentine PR. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Content notes:
April 17, 2023
When I'm going through a massive depressive episode, I really struggle to connect with books, films, TV shows, or any kind of media. Layla sent me an ARC of Blue Plate Special right before my latest episode started, and when the haze began to lift, I grabbed onto this with both hands and finished it in a single night.
It was exactly what I needed, and the relief and happiness I felt when I finished was such a blessing after feeling nothing for several months.
I've read enough of Layla's books to know that even if there's angst or struggles, the final HEA is totally worth the journey there. This book does delve into some heavy territory, but it's handled with grace and delicate touch.
The true heart of this book is the romance between Noah and Ezra and what I loved most was the way this story was more trope-adjacent than nail on the head (which Layla is incredibly good at in every book).
Second chance romance? In spirit, but because they'd never been in a relationship before, the trust and respect they had for each other transformed in a different way.
May-December romance? Yes, but with a very clear understanding that Noah is very much an adult who knows himself, his desires, and the lines he won't cross. The emotional maturity between the two men meant there wasn't useless angst or agonizing over their relationship; the issues they overcome have different root causes and seeing them figure out how to communicate in a healthy way that respects each other's life experiences was believable and understandable.
Found family? Hell yes, as Layla does best. The balance of characters, their pasts, and the web of ties between them is artfully done and allows this book to blend in seamlessly with her other books/series.
Of course, there's also food descriptions that make you want to go stuff your face, good humor, steamy love making, and such a wonderful sense of place and setting that you feel like you're walking down the streets of the town as you read. When you need a break from the real world, or just an evening to put yourself back together, order yourself a Blue Plate Special and enjoying the escape!
It was exactly what I needed, and the relief and happiness I felt when I finished was such a blessing after feeling nothing for several months.
I've read enough of Layla's books to know that even if there's angst or struggles, the final HEA is totally worth the journey there. This book does delve into some heavy territory, but it's handled with grace and delicate touch.
The true heart of this book is the romance between Noah and Ezra and what I loved most was the way this story was more trope-adjacent than nail on the head (which Layla is incredibly good at in every book).
Second chance romance? In spirit, but because they'd never been in a relationship before, the trust and respect they had for each other transformed in a different way.
May-December romance? Yes, but with a very clear understanding that Noah is very much an adult who knows himself, his desires, and the lines he won't cross. The emotional maturity between the two men meant there wasn't useless angst or agonizing over their relationship; the issues they overcome have different root causes and seeing them figure out how to communicate in a healthy way that respects each other's life experiences was believable and understandable.
Found family? Hell yes, as Layla does best. The balance of characters, their pasts, and the web of ties between them is artfully done and allows this book to blend in seamlessly with her other books/series.
Of course, there's also food descriptions that make you want to go stuff your face, good humor, steamy love making, and such a wonderful sense of place and setting that you feel like you're walking down the streets of the town as you read. When you need a break from the real world, or just an evening to put yourself back together, order yourself a Blue Plate Special and enjoying the escape!
January 14, 2023
Blue Plate Special is yet another wonderful little nugget from the talented Layla Reyne. Proving that no matter the length of her stories, you get the right amount of steam and heart. It's an engaging age-gap romance featuring Ezra Rosin and Noah Becker and the past that threatens to get in the way of what could be everything they've always wanted.
We get the full story of how a younger Noah has to move away from his best friend Tyler and the rest of the Rosin family who had given him so much in his troubled life. The mere coincidence of Noah seeing Tyler's sexy father again jolts him into almost wanting to flee yet another town and another chef's job just to keep those he cares for most, safe. Safe from the homophobe father who beat Noah way too often and whose presence despite his absence all these many years, still looms over the talented culinary artist.
But heated looks across a restaurant to sharing a few meals between two lonely apartment dwellers lead to so much more between Ezra and Noah yet it continues to remain in Noah's court as to whether or not he is up to the task of loving his former best friend's father even when he shouldn't. These two, however, have a chemistry that neither can deny thank goodness and their erotic trysts become everything and more to both of them. Not to mention cooking side by side and simply just being themselves which seems to be the easiest thing either of them has ever done.
I loved getting cameos from prior Reyne books and I look forward to getting more from this Table for Two series. A series that doesn't shy away from the difficult but always maintains respect and true adoration for both the couple and those who care for them most. You can't help but get addicted to Reyne's characters and the love that is downright addictive each and every time.
Blue Plate Special is the perfect respite from more intense reads and is thoroughly enjoyable from beginning to end.
4 huge stars!
We get the full story of how a younger Noah has to move away from his best friend Tyler and the rest of the Rosin family who had given him so much in his troubled life. The mere coincidence of Noah seeing Tyler's sexy father again jolts him into almost wanting to flee yet another town and another chef's job just to keep those he cares for most, safe. Safe from the homophobe father who beat Noah way too often and whose presence despite his absence all these many years, still looms over the talented culinary artist.
But heated looks across a restaurant to sharing a few meals between two lonely apartment dwellers lead to so much more between Ezra and Noah yet it continues to remain in Noah's court as to whether or not he is up to the task of loving his former best friend's father even when he shouldn't. These two, however, have a chemistry that neither can deny thank goodness and their erotic trysts become everything and more to both of them. Not to mention cooking side by side and simply just being themselves which seems to be the easiest thing either of them has ever done.
I loved getting cameos from prior Reyne books and I look forward to getting more from this Table for Two series. A series that doesn't shy away from the difficult but always maintains respect and true adoration for both the couple and those who care for them most. You can't help but get addicted to Reyne's characters and the love that is downright addictive each and every time.
Blue Plate Special is the perfect respite from more intense reads and is thoroughly enjoyable from beginning to end.
4 huge stars!
January 22, 2023
Blue Plate Special was nothing like I was expecting. It was a wonderful tribute to food and how it can bring people together for all kinds of reasons. How food can help and heal. How it can mend relationships or start them. And of how it can be the way a young abused boy can say thank you for giving him somewhere safe to stay. As a big foodie myself I loved hearing about all the different recipes in this story. I swear I could taste some of them through their descriptions.
Noah has been on the run for 13 years. He left behind an abusive father, but what hurt the most was leaving behind his best friend Ty and Tys amazing parents who loved him like their own. It's pure chance that Noah and Ezra, Ty's father, run into each other again all these years later. Ezra has since divorced his wife, though they remain best friends. And Noah? Noah is all grown up and running a farm to table kitchen in a small town where Ezra is taking a sabbatical. He's also bulked up and is quite the male specimen in his adult years.
What follows is a slightly kinky, and very sweet age gap romance with of course some best friends father thrown in. I loved how adorable these two men were together. Noah may issue the orders in the bedroom, but as a couple they just worked so well. They respected and supported each other. My favorite part of the whole thing was how wonderful Ezra's family was. They accepted their relationship, no qualms about it. Love was beautiful in all its forms in the Rosin family and it was great not having to deal with any drama about the relationship. Even Ty, who it must have been slightly weird seeing his father and former best friend as a couple, was just so happy to have his best friend back in his life and to know he was safe. Though Noah's father hung over the novella like a knife waiting to fall, this was mostly just a feel good foodie novella and I enjoyed every bit.
Noah has been on the run for 13 years. He left behind an abusive father, but what hurt the most was leaving behind his best friend Ty and Tys amazing parents who loved him like their own. It's pure chance that Noah and Ezra, Ty's father, run into each other again all these years later. Ezra has since divorced his wife, though they remain best friends. And Noah? Noah is all grown up and running a farm to table kitchen in a small town where Ezra is taking a sabbatical. He's also bulked up and is quite the male specimen in his adult years.
What follows is a slightly kinky, and very sweet age gap romance with of course some best friends father thrown in. I loved how adorable these two men were together. Noah may issue the orders in the bedroom, but as a couple they just worked so well. They respected and supported each other. My favorite part of the whole thing was how wonderful Ezra's family was. They accepted their relationship, no qualms about it. Love was beautiful in all its forms in the Rosin family and it was great not having to deal with any drama about the relationship. Even Ty, who it must have been slightly weird seeing his father and former best friend as a couple, was just so happy to have his best friend back in his life and to know he was safe. Though Noah's father hung over the novella like a knife waiting to fall, this was mostly just a feel good foodie novella and I enjoyed every bit.
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