Reviewed by Becca
TITLE: Savor Me
SERIES: Kitchen God’s #3
AUTHOR: Beth Bolden
PUBLISHER: self-published
LENGTH: 342 pages
RELEASE DATE: September 29, 2018
BLURB:
When Chef Xander Bridges leaves the warmth and safety of his car on a cold, stormy night and approaches a stranger, the last thing he expects to find is a future. He’s wanted to leave his job for awhile, but with no good opportunities on the horizon, he’s been stuck in a long, painful rut. But when he befriends the stranger viciously tearing up his own vineyard, Xander discovers something inexplicable. Maybe he’s not the bitter, sarcastic man that everyone, including himself, has endured for years.
Maybe, with someone like Damon in his life, he could be something more. Something better.
Damon Hess doesn’t just want more, he demands it. With his alcoholic past, there are no gray areas for him. Only black and white. In love or not. Sober or drunk. But the chance meeting with Xander opens Damon’s eyes, and gives him a vision full of something he hasn’t experienced in years: hope.
Hope that he can expect companionship and affection, hope that he doesn’t have to grapple with his family’s questionable Napa legacy any longer, and most importantly, hope that there’s a future worth believing in. But the longer he and Xander spend cultivating that future, the more Damon realizes that the key is so much simpler than he ever imagined–it’s Xander.
REVIEW:
I just want to say first, this story deals with alcoholism. And some of the effects of it. If it triggers you in any way, be careful. This is a really good book, but it pulls no punches. Alcoholism is a very real disease that affects a lot of people. I like that the author didn’t back down with this book. It shows that ups, downs and in betweens. And it’s not always a pretty picture. This was such a good book and I was glad to see this kind of subject matter.
For Damon, life every day was a struggle. A struggle to stay sober, a struggle to fight the guilt and depression, and a struggle to fight the bad feelings his family, especially his father has left him with. For Damon, it was time to make a change. Starting with ripping out the vines that have been in his family for years as a supplier for the wine they produce. Damon wants no part of any of it anymore. As he is pulling out vines in the middle of a rage one dark and stormy night, he is ‘greeted’ by outrage from a passerby. Xander can’t believe someone is pulling out those vines, years of history in this land. Damon somewhat explains, not giving away all of his secrets, and Xander gives him an idea on how to finally use his inheritance. But it takes time and patience.
A year later, Damon comes back to Xander with a proposal. A partnership in a restaurant Damon wants to open. Xander jumps at the chance to see his dreams come true. But with the attraction between them, Xander isn’t sure it won’t turn into a disaster. The problem, though, isn’t the attraction. They act on an have a relationship going. The problem is the only rule Damon has for this restaurant. Damon has allowed Xander free rein with everything this restaurant entails. He wants Xander to know he’s serious about him being Damon’s partner in this endeavor. But he will not budge on this rule. And this rule is enough to cause a rift between them, and cause Damon to rethink his sobriety. Both are wondering if it’s worth the risk.
I love the storyline in this book. Alcoholism is subject you don’t see a lot of. Or at least I haven’t. Maybe I missing it. I love Damon. I love his bravery, his strength and everything else. Trying to deal with guilt, regrets, depression as well as staying sober is not an easy task. It’s also hard when you are interested in someone and you know you are going to have to explain why it is you don’t and can’t drink. That is just excruciating. Especially with no support system. When Damon met Xander that crazy rainy night, he knew he had been struck with attraction. But all the doubts and fears were surfacing. Plus it would be his first time with a man. He knew he was bisexual but never got to explore it before get married to a woman. Now he’s ready to explore and more. But he doesn’t know if Xander can handle his baggage or if he’s worthy enough for Xander.
Xander was struck too. But he’s hesitant because he seems to constantly fall for the wrong guy. And his past was horrible, but the ‘relationship’ he did have was awful. He was hurt bad by it. So his trust levels were very low. But the appeal of being executive chef was too much. And being a partner. If they couldn’t be ‘together’, maybe they could still work together. It was the dream of a lifetime. But his doubts and fears and his blunt mouth, caused some trouble and he didn’t know if they could get past it. Hopefully. He hoped. He wanted the restaurant, yes. But he really wanted it to work with Damon.
Both of these guys have issues and baggage. It comes in any relationship. Everyone has some of some sort. But we have to deal with it or share the load to have some kind of successful relationship. Sometimes we need a kick in the pants to do so. Like these guys. But if it’s what you really want in life, it’s worth the work and effort. I really enjoyed this book. I hope you guys do too.
RATING: 
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