Reviews

Cold Pressed by Allison Temple

bookish_notes's review against another edition

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5.0

It’s been awhile since I’ve finished reading a book all in one day but this did it!! I enjoyed this one even more than the first book and I adore firefighter dispatcher Nick and hipster Oliver. They didn’t start off on the right foot, and there were some bumps along the way, but they finally made it work.

This book made me tear up. Nick has his ex-wife, Anya, and his 15-year-old son, Hayden, living with him because Hayden is under house arrest. I feel bad for Hayden and just want to give him a hug. And I love a story where the ex-wife is super chill and supportive!!! Anya’s so sweet and I honestly would not be opposed to reading a story where she gets her HEA!

It was nice seeing Martin and Seb again. I really liked the moments where we got to see Seb and Oliver working out their issues and just being brothers.

The next book is with Avery, and he seems super energetic, but a lovely person so I’m excited to see who he finds his HEA with!

Trigger warnings for mentions of bullying, blackmail, and homomisia.

***Thanks to A Novel Take PR for providing me an ARC as part of a bookstagram tour***

toshi21's review against another edition

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4.0

In this second novel set in the Seacroft world, we are brought into the story of Nick and Oliver. Oliver being Seb’s brother from book 1.
Nick is a grumpy dispatcher for the local fire department and Oliver is attempting to open a juice bar.
Both men are frustrated by various aspects of their lives. Their first meeting is a disaster but they persevere and discover that the like being with each with no strings.
As with all secretive relationships, stuff happens and everything is blow out of proportion. But with clear communication, both men are able to work through it and find semblance of hope.

Allison Temple creates very real characters and you need to see what happens and hope all the best for them. She has an evocative way of writing and that keeps you turning the page. The road to a perfect home in this story definitely has bumps and it adds flavour to the story.
I can’t wait to see what happens in book 3

cutdeeptalkshit's review against another edition

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5.0

Oliver and Nick's story is one that will stick with me for a long time.

The first meeting was unconventional to say the least. I knew right away that the tall blonde Nick was checking out from across the parking lot was Oliver. And, I knew Cold Pressed by Allison Temple was going to be delightful read when Nick's car was towed because he parked in Oliver's "spot" at the Farmer's Market.

The relationship between Oliver and Nick was supposed to be casual. Oliver was still hurting from the loss of his long time boyfriend. Nick was dealing with complicated family issues. Neither had time for a relationship. Neither of them wanted anything complicated. From the first moment they were toe to toe it was anything but casual though. There was chemistry and heat and obviously something was bound to break.

As wonderful as the relationship between Oliver and Nick was I really appreciated the substance in Cold Pressed. It wasn't just a romance story. It explored the complicated nature of small towns, ex-boyfriends, friends, family and kids. The relationships Nick and Oliver had with the people around them were well developed and helped make Cold Pressed an enjoyable read.

Overall, if you're looking for a small town with interesting characters to keep you entertained while you fall in love with two sexy, charming men, I recommend Cold Pressed. It was a fun, quick read that I'll dive back into from time to time when I need a cute comfort read.

zelda75's review against another edition

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3.0

2/3

xanthe87's review against another edition

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3.0

**3.5**
After loving book one in this series, I was really looking forward to diving into Cold Pressed and Oliver's story but it just fell a little short for me.
Whilst there is an attraction between the two men, which you can especially feel when they are getting close, it took me a long time to believe there was anything between them and I got a little frustrated by how stuck both men seemed in their troubles for so long.
My heart went out to Nick and his family as they dealt with a hard situation and Allison has written well the relationship between Nick and his teenage son, filled with angst, anger and hurt. Oliver is struggling to carry on with his new business without the business partner he was meant to have. Stubbornness means he keeps things to himself and powers through but Nick gives him a lifeline and something to look forward to.
I enjoyed the story overall as these two men from different backgrounds come together with a surprising and quick attraction but I didn't feel the connection between them until close to the end. I wanted to see how things went for Oliver (Seb from #1 brother) though it fell just a little short for me. There are several other characters involved and I am really looking forward to the next book in the series as the character was adorable to meet.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

aster1123's review against another edition

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2.0

wow, i really didn't like this and i truly regret reading it. it started bad and only got worse. not my kind of storyline, and the characters didn't endear me to the story. oliver was awful, but nick was ok. seb's a piece of shit and i definitely won't be reading his story. i felt bad for everyone but didn't feel any chemistry between them and they didn't really do anything to help themselves. i hated them as a couple, they weren't believable at all. nick feels bad about his history as a parent but i don't really see him doing much now...never tells his son he loves him, spends no time with him etc. no wonder the kid hates him. thank god i didn't pay for this.

kumabear's review against another edition

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3.0

Cold Pressed is the second book in the Seacroft series by Allison Temple. It is about a divorced man, Nick, who lives with his troubled son and ex-wife. After a work accident, he is a fire station dispatcher, rather than the fireman he trained to be. Oliver, new to town, is an ex-lawyer turned juice maker. Neither has had luck with love but after a rocky start involving a towing truck and an odd blind date, they get to know each other. What starts as a hook-up ends up as so much more.

I liked how Nick supported his son. Even though he was divorced, he still allowed his ex and kid to move in. I do wish there was more kid/father bonding or bonding attempts; Nick seemed kind of cold. It’s obvious he loves his kid but besides getting upset at him, we don't see much effort. My favorite character has to be Oliver’s brother, whose book is the first one in the series.

I liked this book. I read this one without reading the first story and was not lost at all, so it can be read as a standalone. I honestly hope the next book ends up being Hayden’s. I know he is young but maybe fast forward a couple years? There was a time jump at the end which showed there was a happy ever after but I wish there were more interactions between Hayden and Oliver, with Hayden being more accepting. The twist that made them closer was very unexpected but I am happy it happened. I will read the next book as well.

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***

gabi90's review against another edition

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4.0

3.5 stars

endemictoearth's review

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emotional hopeful medium-paced

3.75

ktomp17's review against another edition

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4.0

I liked the last book, but I liked this one better. There was a little bit of baggage that both guys had, but it didn't really hinder their relationship growth. Oliver and Nick both think they want a no strings attached type relationship, but strings quickly form for both of them. I was really glad that there wasn't a lot of "oh no...I like him but he doesn't want strings...whatever shall I do...I can't tell him I like him". The guys didn't shy away from speaking how they felt and communicated well. I love that in a book. The relationship between Nick and his son was a bit difficult. I had a feeling it was something like it ended up being, but luckily there was enough of a surprise where I didn't see that whole storyline working out as it did. I wish there was a little more for their relationship healing, but I was glad to see that things were getting slightly better by the end. I liked the characters and the story, and I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series.

I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services