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Dino Martini Mysteries #2

Like Pizza and Beer

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Working for his ex and his boyfriend, Dino's past and present cross.

Dino is caught off guard when his ex shows up out of the blue asking for help. His current lover, Seth, is pushing him to find dirt on his sister’s boyfriend. Juggling between two cases – and his boyfriend and ex – isn’t easy, but what choice does he have?

Working with his ex takes Dino on a trip down memory lane, raising a few doubts and stirring up Seth’s jealousy. Now he must save his ex’s restaurant and his relationship with Seth before it’s too late.

Explicit sexual situations, M/M sex and mild violence.

292 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2010

8 people are currently reading
477 people want to read

About the author

Elle Parker

8 books112 followers
Elle Parker is a lover of romance in many forms. She writes erotic novels and short stories in several genres, most notably gay romance. She is a member of the Erotic Authors Association, Erotica Readers & Writers Association, and Romance Writers United.

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5 stars
304 (31%)
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418 (43%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
Profile Image for Tara♥ .
1,698 reviews111 followers
March 15, 2016
I want more.

And I want it now.



Still cheesy, still over the top and still awesome.

Oh Dino and Seth!!


Seth is just so amazing and in this he is still snarky and funny but we also get a look at his jealous side and he was at times completely unreasonable but Dino was also a bit of a douche at times and all I wanted to do was hug Seth. When he gives himself to someone he gives everything, no holding back any part of himself. With Dino only recently discovering he is bisexual it was never going to be a smooth ride for them and it would have been totally unrealistic if it had been plain sailing. I enjoyed their little bit of angst and understood that it needed to happen. I'm pretty sure they will hit a few more bumps and I hope to read about them soon. Seriously I want the next book right now.

I actually kind of enjoyed the mystery even if it was a bit cheesy and Gigi annoyed the heart and soul out of me but I liked the premise and I liked the restaurant, in the first book we had a recipe for Cioppino and in this we got descriptions of Italian dishes that made me so hungry I had to take a break in the middle to make pasta.

This one isn't as smexy as the first one but in the first book that lawn chair scene made me drool and is a hard one to outdo. (I think I need to read that again soon. So delicious.) But even though it's not as smexy we still get plenty of Seth and Dino lovin and there was even biting, Seth being all fabulously possessive and jealous. It was excellent.

So like in all seriousness, when is the next one coming?
Profile Image for Kaje Harper.
Author 91 books2,728 followers
June 14, 2013
This sequel to Like Coffee and Doughnuts is another sweet, occasionally poignant, and funny adventure in the developing relationship between Dino, a reliable private investigator, and his friend-turned-boyfriend, the more mercurial mechanic, Seth. In the first book, Dino acknowledged being bi, and discovered his love for Seth, but this is still a very new relationship. For Dino, who always walked on the straight side of bi, the public face of a gay relationship is unfamiliar and sometimes uncomfortable. Having his ex-girlfriend show up looking for help doesn't make it easier. And when the other case he's working has personal connections for Seth, Dino has to juggle time and attention, and try to do justice to both.

Dino vaguely realizes that for Seth, things aren't simple either. Seth has been with other men, but this is his first serious relationship. Seth is clearly aware that Dino is new to all things gay, and holding back sometimes, and suddenly hanging around the beautiful woman he used to love. Seth is on edge, and seems unsure when to push or step back. His reactions sometimes catch Dino by surprise.

This story has two mystery/PI plots to it, but they serve mainly as the backdrop for the relationship between Seth and Dino. I really enjoyed watching these two men together, and seeing Dino fumble to find his comfort zone, and yet do the right thing by the people around him. Some good secondary characters and a nice action plot round out the book. I recently heard that a third book, delayed by the author's real life demands, may be forthcoming. I will happily read whatever else she writes about these two guys.
Profile Image for Kassa.
1,117 reviews111 followers
October 5, 2010
Finally! I totally adored the first book of the series (Like Coffee and Doughnuts) and have eagerly awaited the sequel. Like Pizza and Beer reads very similar to the first book with good characters, a decent mystery, and a solid step by step resolution that’s interesting but without the crazy heroics that put mysteries over the top into ridiculous. There’s a few bumps in the road here but minor and those that liked the first book of the series will definitely be on board for the second. You should read the books in order though to properly follow Dino and Seth’s relationship but you can pick this up as a stand alone pretty easily too.

The sequel starts as per usual with a new case. This time Dino’s ex, Gigi, needs help to save her restaurant. Now it’s a bit of a stretch to believe this since Dino and Gigi haven’t spoken in ten years. Gigi thinks someone is sabotaging her restaurant and maybe even following her so she wants a private investigator to look into it. This makes sense but why choose an ex-boyfriend you haven’t seen or spoken to in a decade? Well that I don’t buy but getting over that, the mystery of what’s going on in Gigi’s restaurant runs parallel to Dino trying to help out Seth’s sister Molly. Molly has a sleazy boyfriend and Seth is worried something more sinister is going on.

The two cases (seemingly pro-bono for Dino) are the core of the story. Both are interesting in their own way and could have been their own books but the inclusion of both keeps the action moving smoothly and evenly. Since Dino is an old style PI and the book doesn’t go for flashy car chases and gun fights, the day to day of records checking, stake outs, and mundane details could get boring. The solid writing, clever dialogue, and good characters keep this from every happening but the use of two simultaneous cases helps cover any lull in the action. This also keeps Seth in and out of scenes, which is a very good thing. Both mysteries are not so much who dun it as following the clues to see how the resolution comes about in a very classic mystery way.

Equally important to the story though is some underlying tension between Seth and Dino. Dino’s been bisexual all his life but he’s never been with another guy before Seth so Dino still has some weirdness about coming out of the closet, which of course annoys the outgoing Seth. This storyline is very good and adds an emotional element to the characters and their relationship. The men come across as pretty typical guys in many ways. They have easy sex, drink beer, eat pizza, hang out or not but every so often they have some tension and fights.

Dino gets anxious after the fights, wanting to make up right away but his part in the tension is less defined. He’s assumes that being gay naturally means in the closet but only around people he knows. Dino is fine with sex on a dark beach or being seen together. Yet when it’s someone he knows, he’s careful to keep a distance and never acknowledge his relationship to Seth. Part of this is Dino’s natural private nature and the other is clearly paranoia. So Dino seems to ping back and forth being comfortable and not comfortable, which makes the outgoing and wired Seth equally back and forth. Eventually they find a compromise that feels honest and natural to their relationship. Their chemistry is undeniable and is constantly simmering in the background. All it takes is a look and the sensuality between the two comes alive.

Like Pizza and Beer is a good sequel with two interesting cases and a progression to Dino and Seth’s relationship. One of the best things is the classic mystery feel to the writing that instantly makes you feel like this is a modern take on noir. There are numerous touches from the character of Dino to the witty dialogue and great banter, even the old women around Dino that bring to life the feel and look of noir mysteries. Throw in modern details and good dynamic between the lead characters and once again, Parker has delivered a good story. I easily recommend it.
Profile Image for Vio.
677 reviews
December 10, 2011
4.5 stars
I didn't think I could love the guys much more, but I did, they are lovely and its the chitchat and teasing wisecracks that kill me, damn these two are fun. This sequel is fabulous and had even more to offer, Seth and Dino's relationship is deeper and we have more character development. A definite feeling of playful fun and sparks. Seth as always is an adorable shit who makes life bearable and wonderful for Dino. The inquisitive, lovely old ladies are back and are as delightful as ever. It's an undemanding and easy read, recommended. Good news apparently there will be a third installment to the series, *happy dance*.
Profile Image for Emma Sea.
2,214 reviews1,228 followers
June 6, 2012
Nothing exceptional here, but a pleasant way to spend an evening. Dino Martini is growing on me. Solid writing, a believable mystery, interesting secondary characters. I find Martini's growing collection of acquaintences in the dubious entrepreneurship/organised-crime field enjoyable.
Profile Image for Ami.
6,241 reviews489 followers
October 7, 2010
I read the first book (Like Coffee and Doughnuts) early this year. I didn't remember much of the story (blame my small capacity of memory term) BUT I did remember liking Dino and Seth, and had fun while reading their adventure. So, when I knew that there was a sequel, I definitely decided that I would be on board.

Like the 1st book, this story still written from Dino's point of view. This time, Dino handles two cases at one time. His mechanic boyfriend, Seth, (though Dino still don't know whether boyfriend is the right term) asks him if he can find enough proofs to help incriminate a low-life guy named Frank, who currently dating Seth's sister, Molly. The other case comes from Dino's ex-wife, Gigi, who needs Dino's help (and expertise as P.I.) to find out why her restaurant seems to be a target of pranks.

This last case, of course, puts a little dent on Dino's relationship with Seth. Dino and Gigi haven't met for ten years, however, Dino hasn't really been "out and proud" about his relationship with Seth as well -- even if Dino has been bisexual all his life. Working the case of an ex, doesn't sit well and dandy for Seth, added with the fact that Dino is rather adamant on keeping their relationship below the radar (including from the four older ladies in his apartment).

This is another FUN sequel and I think I will remember this more than the first book *lol*. Why? Because I'm a big fan of progress in relationship and this one has that. While sometimes I get annoyed of Seth being pushy but at one point, Dino needs a slap in the head for the way he handles his relationship situation. I'm so happy when the two guys decide to meet halfway because that's the mature thing to do :)

As for the mysteries, since this is taken from Dino's point of view, we find out about the progress as Dino finds it. It makes the story keeps on moving, not as quickly, but still flows nicely. I even enjoy the "slightly repetitive" details of the P.I. work (hey, that's what P.I.s do!). Best part, is the over-the-top mayhem near the end. If in the 1st book, it's all about the adventure of of stealing money and drugs at salvage yards, this time is an all-out brawls when Dino and Seth catching the bad guy responsible for Gigi's problem. OMG! I can imagine the all tangling hands and legs *lol*. There is secondary character in the form of a loan-shark, Tony G, whom I find interesting (he cooks!), and hope to see more if Elle Parker decides to make another book.

All in all -- this is a very good sequel. Good writing, likeable characters, fun mystery, over-the-top actions, and clever dialogs. The sex is not blatant -- and I love that. Nothing annoys me most than smut marketed as romance. Let's hope Elle Parker doesn't stop Dino and Seth's adventure here.
Profile Image for ttg.
451 reviews162 followers
July 10, 2012
4.5 stars. Like Pizza and Beer is the second Dino Martini mystery and the sequel to Like Coffee and Doughnuts. And like the first book, this one is also a very fun and enjoyable m/m mystery romance.

I do recommend reading Like Coffee and Doughnuts first, even though this sequel is a stand-alone mystery. You’ll get way more out of the character progression as well as see where Dino and Seth’s relationship started if you read the first one.

In this one, Dino is still figuring out what it means to be dating one’s best friend, as well as coming to grips with his bisexuality—he’s enjoying all the perks, but still is unsure of how to represent himself and “coming out” to others. Seth is still as fiery and forthright as in the first book, and his and Dino’s chemistry is very “spicy delicious.” Their back-and-forth and banter is really fun to read, and their warm, sexy, comfortableness with each other is very palpable. It’s also fun to watch Dino realize more and more how much he wants to be with Seth, even though this new relationship is so different from what he’s used to.

Along with that, Dino is being pulled between two mysteries—one for his ex-girlfriend Gigi whose restaurant is being vandalized, and one for Seth, who is trying to expose his sister’s boyfriend as the nogoodnik that he is. Dealing with both his past and current romances adds more tension to the mix than Dino is wanting, and he struggles to juggle his work/life balance, as well as assuaging the worries of the suddenly insecure Seth who is less keen on watching the returning easy familiarity between Dino and Gigi.

Fortunately, most of the conflict isn’t about whether to return to once was, but figuring out what’s going on right now, and along the way, Dino faces culinary loan sharks, saboteurs, possessive strippers, and his nosy (yet hilarious) Golden Girl neighbors.

My only niggle is that I do sometimes feel like Dino still over-narrates and tells (rather than shows) in his first person POV, but even with that, I still thoroughly enjoyed the book and highly recommend both it and the previous volume.

All and all, a very fun read, loved the continuing romance between Dino and Seth, and I would definitely get in line to buy #3 in the series if it comes out.
Profile Image for Nikyta.
1,460 reviews263 followers
June 1, 2011
I have to admit, I was hesitant to read this one because of the whole ex coming back into the picture theme. I'm not too fond of exes. In fact, I hate when they appear in my books. Thankfully, my lovely friend HC set me straight and basically told me to suck it up and read the thing... Kidding. Well, kinda.

Anyway, I'm really glad she reassured me it wouldn't be so bad because I absolutely loved this one as much as I loved Like Coffee and Doughnuts. Dino and Seth make sure a wonderful couple. They are so funny and cute, I can't help but love them. We get to see more into their relationship and how Dino is struggling with coming out and how he still, whether consciously or subconsciously, makes an effort to not advertise their relationship while Seth is struggling with being a bit insecure and worrying Dino will go back to Gigi. It was interesting to see them still acting the same way they did before, as friends, but then there's that little intimacy that pops out every now and then that leads to some hot smexing ;-P

And, you know, the ex really wasn't that bad. Her and Dino are kind of old-fashioned, though, and I was always waiting for her to just fling away the damsel, but not damsel, in distress attitude and throw herself at Dino to get him back but she never did so I didn't have any problems with this one.

On top of us getting more Dino and Seth (and their freaking hilarious banter that I could never get enough of) we see more of Dino and Seth working as PIs. Well, Dino is working the PI part but Seth is working undercover and they are both trying to figure out who is sabotaging Dino's ex, Gigi. We also get to meet Seth's sister who I kind of liked. At first she's just this goody two-shoes but by the end of the book I really liked her (especially since she was throwing out her cheating asshole of a boyfriend. Damn she's got as hot a temper as Seth does!).

Overall, I thought it was a great continuation to the Dino Martini Mysteries. I can't wait for the next one! Definitely recommended.
Profile Image for DaisyGirl.
1,206 reviews67 followers
May 17, 2013
3.5 Stars

I liked this one much better than the first book. Dino’s ex-girlfriend (the love of his life ten years prior) shows up out of the blue asking for his help. Her restaurant is being sabotaged and she’s at wits end about what to do. Meanwhile, Seth’s sister is dating a loser and Seth wants Dino to dig up dirt on the jerk. Between juggling the two cases, Seth’s jealousy, and Dino’s unwillingness to come out of the closet, I found this book truly engaging.

I like some angst in my m/m reads and I got that here. I also got to see more emotion from both Dino and Seth, not a whole lot mind you but enough that the characters felt real (as opposed to flat and one-dimensional in Like Coffee and Doughnuts). Likewise, I felt some chemistry (again, not a whole lot but some) between Dino and Seth. This book is an improvement over the last and saved me from giving up on the series.

Bottom line: A substantial improvement over book one.
Profile Image for Shelby.
3,348 reviews93 followers
January 30, 2016
This is one of those strange cases where I think I liked the second book better than the first. In a lot of ways because I knew what to expect going in. Knowing that this was going to be more of a day to day mystery and investigation and a lot less romance, especially since Dino and Seth are already together, made more enjoyable for me.

I liked seeing Seth and Dino again, and watching these two work out a few more of their issues was fun. The cases in this story were entertaining and a lot more realistic than I remember the first book being. I enjoyed seeing a jealous Seth as he tried to deal with Dino working for one of his exes. And Dino was having to come to grips with being ok with people knowing about them and being more willing to be out than he has previously.

All in all this was a fun little story and I enjoyed the light-hearted mystery.
Profile Image for Stacey Jo.
633 reviews202 followers
December 24, 2010
Elle Parker has gone and written another superb story. I swear it's so realistic it's like you are right there in the story. It's an excellently done mystery and the chemisty between Dino and Seth is absolutley awesome. I'm a sucker for angst and it's done well here with Dino and Seth and their issues. Seth is adorable when he's jealous. But it's great to see them get their relationship out of the bumpy and unsure beginnings to something that is more comfortable, trusting and established. This is really starting out to be a fun and HOT series. I'm looking forward to their next case together.
Profile Image for Chris.
2,882 reviews209 followers
October 10, 2010
Excellent m/m romantic suspense that you should not even pick up until you've read the first book, Like Coffee and Doughnuts. That won't be a hardship. :) Dino takes on two new cases: one for Seth, trying to find dirt on Seth's sister's scumbag boyfriend, the other for his own ex-girlfriend, which makes Seth very jealous. Add to that Dino's own discomfort with anyone knowing that he's dating Seth...
Profile Image for Skye Blue ☆*~゚ლ(´ڡ`ლ)~*☆.
2,796 reviews28 followers
April 24, 2016
I want the next book!!!!!

I'm really glad that the series is not over, I just with there was an estimate on the next book.

I liked Dino and Seth even better this round.
I liked the mystery, and how the investigation seems pretty realistic. Not way over the top, or clues coming in out of nowhere.

Dino and his love for Matilda! Parking at the strip club cracked me up.



I turned the corner and parked Matilda on the street, rather than put her in The Mermaid's parking lot. It wouldn't be dignified for her, and I didn't want the clientele smudging up her wax job.




I was right there with Seth, when he got angry. He should be angry. I'm glad they worked things out...but Dino's gonna have to work on that some more.

Hopefully the next book will be out soon...crossing my fingers.
Profile Image for MsMiz (Tina).
882 reviews114 followers
January 21, 2012
3.5 - I love stories like this and Elle Parker does it well. I will never get tired of Dino and Seth and really hope that we get more.

Dino and Seth are still feeling their way around this relationship. Dino being more reserved and not willing to be 'out and proud' causes some dust up with these two, but luckily we have two decently mature men in this story and the work they put in to fix issues is both logical, fun and very in character for them. They get added pressure when Dino's old flame walks back into his life as someone is sabotaging her restaurant. Add on top of that Seth has asked Dino to look into his sister's deadbeat boyfriend.

As always the cast of characters are fun and engaging. The old ladies in the building are a hoot and a half as always and now we have additional characters such as Tony G.



Profile Image for Teri.
1,801 reviews
April 20, 2014
4 stars. I seriously love these guys...I hope there are more to come. This one seemed a little less "hot" than the first one, but I enjoyed the side--investigation plot more than the last one. Overall, quick reads with good characters and realistic relationship issues. Hope to read more from this author in the future.
Profile Image for Kelly (Maybedog).
3,494 reviews240 followers
October 3, 2015

Like Pizza and Beer is an excellent follow up to Like Coffee and Doughnuts, the first book in this series. This time around the writing is tighter and the story runs more smoothly. Here there are two mysteries to solve. The first is that Dino's ex, Gina, has someone trying to sabotage her restaurant's business. The second is that Seth's sister Molly has someone possibly following her and Seth believes it's related to her lowlife boyfriend.

Can you guess the conflict yet? Yes, Seth is jealous of Dino's ex and yes, he perceives that more time is being spent on Gina's case than his sisters. However, Seth isn't the typical jealous boyfriend who overreacts with everyone and has temper tantrums and refuses to help. No, Seth apologizes almost immediately every time his jealous streak shows, and he's so good natured that he doesn't have a problem helping Dino and Gina. He's incredibly sane and easy going about it, actually.

I love Seth--he has the patience and kindness of a saint--and I would be a hell of a lot more threatened than he was. Dino isn't even out of the closet and he's constantly afraid of getting caught. This does bother Seth, but he doesn't make the obvious connection that maybe Dino would be happier being with a woman. It's very clear that Dino and Gigi never stopped loving each other, they just couldn't reconcile their work lives and Seth knows this. Dino does seem to put Gigi's issues above Molly's and at first Molly was in more danger. Seth was right to be irritated.

Although Dino reassures Seth, his own thoughts aren't always where I wanted them to be. For example, (medium spoiler)

Dino doesn't reassure Seth as often as he should and even evades the subject at times, which should only make Seth more concerned. I think there were points where Dino was being a jerk, exacerbated by the fact that he has never told Seth that he loves him. In fact, he isn't sure what to call Seth. He refers to Seth as his "boyfriend. Or whatever we were calling it," as if it was barely a relationship. They've been best friends for nearly a decade. The sexual part of the relationship hasn't been very long but how much time do you need when you know the person that well? (medium spoiler)

The closeted issue really was bad. (moderate spoiler) Seth is understandably upset but he gets over it much too easily (part of that easy going thing again) and Dino is way too oblivious and much too arrogant when he finally deals with it. (medium spoiler) That said, I think the actual resolution, how Dino dealt with stuff after his "apology" was just right for the character--not too sappy or drawn out or dramatic. Dino is a very private man and would probably be keeping any relationship close to the vest. So I don't think that to him, his actions were homophobic. The end of the whole issue was perfect when he

Little hurrahs:
I really liked when at one point Dino sees some strippers doing their thing and notices that none of them looked as if they enjoyed themselves. It always bugs me in books when it seems like a stripper's life is either glamorous or violent. I like that reality that it's a really sucky job.
The author uses this idiom correctly: "If he thinks...then he's got another think coming." So many people use it wrong and it drives me crazy. Brava!
The women were victims and a little blind to the dark side of others but at least they were strong, not wilting flowers, and one of them eventually (minor spoiler)
The detective work is really well done and believable. Dino plods through the boring stuff (without boring the reader), covering all bases, and even when he's pretty sure a subject is innocent, he doesn't remove the person from the suspect list. He a good at his job.

Nitpicks:
Dino drinks amaretto on the rocks which is such a girly drink and doesn't fit his personality as a closeted Italian ex New York cop at all.
They don't recycle at all, even beer cans. We've been recycling those since childhood. Don't all people know about recycling by now? At least newspaper and aluminum cans?
They use the term "wifebeater" to describe those tacky, low-class undershirt tank tops. Yes, we immediately know what is being described, but it's really unacceptably callous to use that word in such an offhand way. It drives me crazy.
Seth's like a golden retriever, all hyper and expressive and full of emotion but like that dog, he doesn't strike me as an angry person. In fact, he's very easy going. So the fact that he allegedly gets into bar fights frequently and he's the one that throws the first punch is hard to believe.
At least three times, Dino referred to a little thrill or tingle running up his spine when he was about to catch a break or onto something good. Each time it sounded like this was new information.
There were some continuity errors and blocking issues such as when someone knows something she hasn't been told yet or when Dino is taking photos of the back license plate of a car and is aware of the face of the person in the driver's seat.

Overall this was a strong story with a mostly believable cast (minor spoiler) and an interesting if not earth-shattering mystery. The ending was good. I wish there had been a little more danger in the action, but I'm one who loves that kind of deathly peril type of stuff. Most people would be perfectly satisfied with the action and suspense. I'm eager to read the new short that was recently released.


Profile Image for Ang -PNR Book Lover Reviews.
1,807 reviews145 followers
September 28, 2011
WOW!!!
Dino and Seth are my new Fave couple!!!

I loved this book, just as much even more then the first one i read yesterday!!

Elle Parker you have an awesome series here, i hope you continue with Dino and Seth i just Love them so much!!

I laughed my ass off so much, and the mystery was Awesome, Loved the Ending it was so funny!!

The romance and the Guys bonding with each other was perfect!! I couldnt have asked for more, every thing was so good!!!

“Listen, I need to ask you a favor.” Seth licked a gob of mayonnaise off his wrist. “Oh? What kind of favor?” “A professional one. I intend to pay you in blow jobs.” “Are you serious? You mean like hire me for a case?” “Yeah.” I could tell by his demeanor we weren’t talking about strong-arming someone who’d welshed on a bet, or doing collections. I did those kinds of things for him all the time.

Oh My this was such an awesome book!!

“You’re the detective, you have to figure it out.” “Seth, what the hell are you talking about?” I walked out into the parking lot and looked around to see if I could spot him hiding or watching me from an upstairs window. “If you want me, you have to find me. It’s like a scavenger hunt, and I’m your prize.” He sounded exceedingly pleased with himself. “You’re not serious.” “Oh, yes I am. I’ll even give you a hint. I’m not at Mama Gets anymore.” He hung up on me before I could fish for more information.

I could add so many more fave lines, and quotes and from this one!!
If you want a easy read you cant put down something funny and some thing real!!! then this is the book or series for you!!!


Im leaving you all with a little tease!!
Dino and Seth!!!

"Are you tellin me you can't jump that? Its barely more then seven feet."I planted my hands on my hips and stared up at him.

"I don't want to jump.I want to get my jollies sliding down your body.Now get your ass over here."

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Adrienne -kocham czytać-.
688 reviews60 followers
June 13, 2014
"'And don't let me catch you around here anymore, or I'll let her brother [Seth] be the one to come out here.'
'And he is somehow worse than you?'
'You ever see a rat terrier attack a chew toy?'
He looked mildly perplexed and put the car in gear."


:D

I did like this a bit less than the first, but it had a couple of solid mysteries for Dino and Seth to solve; good, sensible relationship drama dealing with Dino coming to terms with his sexuality and relationship with Seth; and the beautiful, gentlemanly Florida noir atmosphere that I love so much. (They just don't make them like Dino anymore, sadly.) I really did enjoy reading it, and would love to read more of them. This is a series that I wish was longer, much longer. There is a book 2.5, so I'm assuming it's a short story, but I want more of them. Honestly, they might just be one of my favorite couples. I love the differences between them, with Seth as a completely uninhibited, open, and proud guy, opposed to Dino's laid-back and private approach to life, and how they make it work regardless. And this second book showcases that as well as all the other features I like, all tied up with good-quality writing. I read this book straight through, and probably wouldn't mind a reread of both this and the first. Bottom line, it's completely worth the read.
Profile Image for Emanuela ~plastic duck~.
805 reviews121 followers
July 13, 2012
I liked it better than the first, because I finally saw in Dino what I thought was missing in the first book: his freaking out about his first male lover. See, Seth is quite a handful, he's open and apparently unshakable, but it was very fascinating to see how his insecurity turns to jealousy and also a bit of indignation. Dino and Seth are a great couple, they perfectly complement each other and I liked seeing how Seth brings out the sexy in the serious Dino.

The evolving relationship between the two men is more interesting than the cases Dino is investigating. The subplot about Seth's sister's boyfriend was funny and it involved a new character that will probably provide new occasions for Dino's job. By the way, I do hope there will be a sequel! The major case, about the sabotage of Dino's ex-girlfriend's restaurant, was more serious, but in the end I thought it was a bit drawn out, the pacing seemed just a bit too slow.

The series is very much like those elegant movie classics, but Seth's brattiness gives it that touch of naughtiness that makes it more modern. I enjoyed it very much.
Profile Image for Wendy❤Ann.
1,757 reviews48 followers
May 30, 2011
Loved this second book in the series even better than the first and hope the author plans more for the future! As with the first book, this one is told from Dino’s point of view and I had one of those aha moments when I realized that I’ve come to equate him to the actor that narrates the Geico commercials. The tone of voice and mannerisms completely fit how the book reads to me and how I envision Dino’s character as a somewhat prim and proper (not quite out) private eye – LOL! Seth is still his sassy, but adorable self. The dual mysteries in the book were really just a bonus for me because I got immersed in the characters. It would definitely be best to read these books in order – just kick back and enjoy!
Profile Image for Ravyn.
284 reviews34 followers
November 1, 2011
Excellent. Great balance of mystery and romance. Realistic romantic hurdles, with no sappy crap. And one of the few m/m romances out there that has me actually laughing out loud at the main characters' interactions and genuinely witty banter.
Profile Image for Paris.
176 reviews12 followers
July 28, 2011
I think about Dino Martini mysteries as Gay Noir :-) At least that's what it feels like to me. The pace, the taste of scenery, the characters. They also drink too much and drive at the same time (it's like The Thin Man all over again) :-)

Profile Image for Hal Evergreen.
287 reviews36 followers
June 25, 2013
I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as the first one. It didn't have quite as much humor, and the characters got on my nerves a bit. But it was still a fun, quick read, and I wish there were more books in the series.
Profile Image for Nadine.
493 reviews13 followers
September 12, 2012
So it doesn't look like there's going to be another book from this series? Too bad because now I'm actually hooked! I liked #2 even more than the first book tbh :)
Profile Image for Donna.
3,357 reviews42 followers
August 7, 2022
I am not sure what just shocked me more. The fact that there isn't book #3 or the amount of food consumed in this book, hmmm...

I was just starting to warm up to Dino, as Seth and I have been best buds from the start, and now I find out this is it... seriously? UGH!!!
Profile Image for LynnMarie.
856 reviews79 followers
December 21, 2010
Ren's Review

This is Elle Parker’s second novel in the Dino Martini Detective series and I have to say that even though I haven’t read the first one (which I am going to rectify, shortly) this carries on from the first novel without missing a beat.

I bet you’re saying: how do you know this?

Ms. Parker’s talent is clearly evident as she is able to bring the reader up to date without a series of dragging flashbacks and as such, Like Pizza and Beer can be read as a stand alone novel.

Dino Martini and Seth Donnelly are moving into the next stage of their relationship which gets tested by the sudden appearance of Dino’s ex-girlfriend who thinks that someone is trying to sabotage her business. Gigi needs Dino’s help at the same time that Seth wants Dino to find out dirt on Frank, his sister Molly’s boyfriend. Seth thinks that Frank has shady dealings and doesn’t want his sister dragged down with him.

Dino is still coming to grips with his sexuality and while he loves Seth, he has yet to feel comfortable going public with his relationship. Dino is more of the reserved quiet type, even-tempered and gentlemanly. Seth, on the other hand, is the wild and hot-tempered lover with an ego the size of Florida. He is Dino’s exact opposite and to see how they interact as a couple is refreshing and humorous.

What I truly liked about this story is that it so much more than the challenges that Dino and Seth face as a couple. Ms. Parker’s attention to detail during the blending and solving of the two cases, infused with the right amount of action, the hilarious banter between ALL of the characters, the intensity between Dino and Seth and so many other surprises, have made this a GREAT story.

Honestly, I was extremely annoyed when I got to the last page because I didn’t have anymore to read and now I have to wait until Ms. Parker writes the next one.


5 Tea Cups and a Recommended Read!

Profile Image for Daesy.
2,492 reviews7 followers
August 14, 2017
I must say that I was expecting these books to be way better,but most of the time I found myself skipping pages just to end it. Is not that I don't like the MCs, but they act like kids and don't really talk, if not with innuendos, and if they are not talking they are having sex or bickering or doing both. Like I said in the previous review about the first book, also the mystery in this book isn't so hard to understand and all the story was a bit boring.
I loved the old ladies, but for the rest...well....
In this book we see Seth being jealous bcs Dino is working on a case for his ex Gigi, a woman that is having problems with her restaurant and is sure someone is following her. At the same time Dino is working on Seth's case, and trying to find out if Seth's sister is being used by her boyfriend.

Like I said nothing really interesting happens, but the author keeps filling the pages with words and go on and on, and...on.

In the end all goes well and Dino and Seth are happier than ever, but they still have some issues. Dino doesn't want all the world to know that he is gay and he says that he isn't ashamed of being with Seth but just scared. At the same time Seth is trying to grow up (big word, he never will in my opinion) and try to understand Dino and this new thing they have, since he never was in a real relationship before and doesn't know how to act.

Idk why Dino kept saying he was gay, bcs he isn't. He is bisexual. Like he admits, he still likes women too, and this doesn't make him gay.

The thing about this book, is that I can't really fall in love with the MCs, they annoy me, they bore me, and I will read the 2.5 book (the one in the anthology "first frost") just to end it.

Idk if I'll read more books from this author, atm I'm not sure.
3 stars just bcs there wasn't something like rape, or cheat or shit like that, to rate it less. Luckily...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Khaoula.
277 reviews
October 18, 2013
this is a unique book , i like how Dino & Seth are so REAL , like: so i guess we are gay :D , i liked this book a little bit better than the first one because Dino said he loved Seth too but it was 07:57 AM & i was reading this book since last night, non stop! this line made me angry with him! & am considering a break!

so after i slept i continued to read the book & i laughed so hard at this when i crossed it XD

it's a great series i hope there will be more & i definitely recommend it to people who are just starting to read M/M :)

Re-read it 18/10/2013
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