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nicki_theoverflowingbookcase's review against another edition
4.0
Cutest story I have read in a long time. Combining a crazy dog, a man who needs help not only with his dog but with his self esteem as well and a hot and hunky dog trainer makes for a great read. Charlie and Mason are instantly one of my favorite couples and this was a great addition to the Bold Brew Series. This was my first book by Allison Temple but it will not be my last!!
apappashorii's review
3.0
Puppuccino by Allison Temple was a fun, short novel that has both kink and romance all wrapped together. Charlie is still hurting from a past abusive relationship when he hires Mason to help him train his lovable but unruly husky Athena. Sparks immediately fly upon their first meeting and the novel goes from there, showing how Charlie and Mason come together first as friends-with-benefits and then something more.
I appreciated Temple's sensitivity in introducing the topic of abuse into the story. Thankfully, none of the abuse Charlie was subjected to by his ex appears on the page. Instead, the novel primarily focuses on how Mason helps Charlie grapple with the realization that his ex had been abusive. Through his care and attention, Mason demonstrates for Charlie healthy and consensual kink practices, rewriting the narrative Charlie's ex left behind. Watching Mason patiently support Charlie when they played together was both incredibly hot and tender.
That being said, the reason for the 3 star rating is because I wished the book was a bit more developed. The immediate sexual tension between Charlie and Mason could have been supported by more follow-up scenes that stressed their growing attraction for each other. Their first kiss, which was also immediately followed by sex, felt too early in the novel's overall plot. I wanted more pining. Also, thinking back, I'm having trouble remembering Mason's character, which is a shame. I loved Mason, but his side of the story seemed slightly overwhelmed by the novel's emphasis on Charlie and his past. A little more characterization of Mason would have helped the overall balance of the book.
Still, after reading both the first and second book of the Bold Brew series, I have a feeling that I'm going to like each successive novel more and more. I just hope not all of them are restricted by length. I want MORE not less.
I appreciated Temple's sensitivity in introducing the topic of abuse into the story. Thankfully, none of the abuse Charlie was subjected to by his ex appears on the page. Instead, the novel primarily focuses on how Mason helps Charlie grapple with the realization that his ex had been abusive. Through his care and attention, Mason demonstrates for Charlie healthy and consensual kink practices, rewriting the narrative Charlie's ex left behind. Watching Mason patiently support Charlie when they played together was both incredibly hot and tender.
That being said, the reason for the 3 star rating is because I wished the book was a bit more developed. The immediate sexual tension between Charlie and Mason could have been supported by more follow-up scenes that stressed their growing attraction for each other. Their first kiss, which was also immediately followed by sex, felt too early in the novel's overall plot. I wanted more pining. Also, thinking back, I'm having trouble remembering Mason's character, which is a shame. I loved Mason, but his side of the story seemed slightly overwhelmed by the novel's emphasis on Charlie and his past. A little more characterization of Mason would have helped the overall balance of the book.
Still, after reading both the first and second book of the Bold Brew series, I have a feeling that I'm going to like each successive novel more and more. I just hope not all of them are restricted by length. I want MORE not less.
sharingthebooklove's review against another edition
3.0
I sort of wanted this to be a bit longer, I didn't feel like we had enough time to know the characters. I mean how did Mason live off like so few clients? And I get insta connection but there was basically no communication about kinks before anything happened...it does get props for using safe words.
It was a cute quick quirky read with cute puppies and coffee but I didn't love it.
It was a cute quick quirky read with cute puppies and coffee but I didn't love it.
flattrash's review
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.5
Charles Beech (adult content copywriter); Athena(11 mo. husky); Gavin (ex); Vann (BFF)
Mason Dupuis (dog trainer 25 yrs); Dante(5y rescue collie); Juniper (15y choco. lab); Pamela (yorkie)
Charlie is saddled with the responsibility of an energetic husky puppy after catching his ex-bf cheating.
On their first training session, Athena and Charlie can't disobey Mason's commands.
Charlie goes farther than he is comfortable with during their first scene because of his experience with his ex-Gavin (bad dom).
Mason picks up a yorkie from a couple he's training. Her human male will toss her out on the street if Mason doesn't take the dog.
Athena gets dognapped. By Gavin.
Mason Dupuis (dog trainer 25 yrs); Dante(5y rescue collie); Juniper (15y choco. lab); Pamela (yorkie)
Charlie is saddled with the responsibility of an energetic husky puppy after catching his ex-bf cheating.
On their first training session, Athena and Charlie can't disobey Mason's commands.
Charlie goes farther than he is comfortable with during their first scene because of his experience with his ex-Gavin (bad dom).
Mason picks up a yorkie from a couple he's training. Her human male will toss her out on the street if Mason doesn't take the dog.
Athena gets dognapped. By Gavin.
toshi21's review against another edition
4.0
Swoon worthy and magical
I thought this book was absolutely magical.
Charlie and Mason were a delight to read as they discover how they fit with each other.
As Mason helps to train Charlie’s dog, he also helps Charlie find himself and the courage to speak up about what he likes.
I ached for Charlie as he tried to hold back and be what Mason wanted, not realizing it wasn’t what Mason wanted.
The writing is beautiful and I hung on to every word.
Allison does a beautiful job with creating a caring loving relationship.
Highly recommend
I thought this book was absolutely magical.
Charlie and Mason were a delight to read as they discover how they fit with each other.
As Mason helps to train Charlie’s dog, he also helps Charlie find himself and the courage to speak up about what he likes.
I ached for Charlie as he tried to hold back and be what Mason wanted, not realizing it wasn’t what Mason wanted.
The writing is beautiful and I hung on to every word.
Allison does a beautiful job with creating a caring loving relationship.
Highly recommend
piperclover's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I like the characters a lot and I really do enjoy the story itself. Charlie's back story and the growth arc that he goes through are compelling but Mason doesn't have much interest for me on his own. They're good together and I like the couple but something feels too shallow or incomplete for me. I think if this were longer by about a hundred pages, I'd like it more? I think i just feel a little rushed
galleytrot's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
k8books's review
3.0
This was an adorable quick read with a shot of kink.
Left with a broken hear after kicking out his cheating ex Charlie is determined to be the best puppy dad ever except his energetic rambunctious husky puppy, Athena, hasn't quite leaned that yet. Luckily his best friend serves a guy at the coffee shop who is a dog trainer.
Mason understands dogs. They aren't complicated and he knows how to communicate with them without drama and muddy feelings. He never expect a long winded rambling message to set him on his course of his future.
Within moments of meeting Charlie, Mason knows exactly what he needs and how to give it to him. Unfortunately neither of them are looking for long term. What starts with an unruly husky and nervous ramblings lead these two men on a course of exploration and discovery.
I loved the communication between the two MC's. After everything that Charlie has been through in his past relationship it was beautifully written how Mason was able to take care of him but also to help him realize the confidence that was taken away was still there and allowed him to shine.
Left with a broken hear after kicking out his cheating ex Charlie is determined to be the best puppy dad ever except his energetic rambunctious husky puppy, Athena, hasn't quite leaned that yet. Luckily his best friend serves a guy at the coffee shop who is a dog trainer.
Mason understands dogs. They aren't complicated and he knows how to communicate with them without drama and muddy feelings. He never expect a long winded rambling message to set him on his course of his future.
Within moments of meeting Charlie, Mason knows exactly what he needs and how to give it to him. Unfortunately neither of them are looking for long term. What starts with an unruly husky and nervous ramblings lead these two men on a course of exploration and discovery.
I loved the communication between the two MC's. After everything that Charlie has been through in his past relationship it was beautifully written how Mason was able to take care of him but also to help him realize the confidence that was taken away was still there and allowed him to shine.