Saturday, August 2, 2025

Review: All You Need Is Love by Meg Macy




 

About the Book


Genre
Romance, LGBTQA+

Format
E-ARC

Publisher
Grainger Press

Release Date
June 1, 2025

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Longtime friends Jack Riley and Juliette (aka Jules) Baxter are now partners in a new breakfast café, but they are surprised to be confronted by a wave of homophobia in a town known for its inclusive and diverse LGBTQA+ community. Their romantic lives are just as uncertain. Jack, a gay former actor and fashion model, has failed at committed relationships due to his unsavory past – until he meets Reese Baxter, his partner’s handsome, closeted cousin. Jules juggles several polyamorous relationships due to major trust issues, until she’s drawn to an intriguing artist. However his jealousy of her bestie Jack is getting out of hand. Is the vandalism against their café from conservative hate groups, or is it a focused personal attack?

My Review

Jack Riley and Juliette “Jules” Baxter are old friends from their days in culinary school.  They are best friends with very different lifestyles.  Jack is gay and had a very difficult childhood in foster homes.  Jules is polyamorous with many different relationships and was raised in a big, close family atmosphere with siblings and very loving parents.

They decide to open a breakfast cafe in a small town.  Although the town is known for their acceptance of the LGBTQA+ community, their new cafe has come under attack and has been hit by vandalism. 

As Jules and Jack try to juggle their romantic lives, they also are quite concerned about the attacks against their business.  Things start getting too dangerous for comfort.  They are determined to figure out who is doing this to them and why.

The author did a great job of writing Jack and Jules.  They are well developed characters who come to life on each page.  My heart went out to them, but especially Jack.  He has dealt with so much adversity in his young life.  

The supporting cast of characters are, also, well-written and complex.  Quite a variety of different personalities and situations.

The mystery surrounding the attacks on the breakfast cafe is intriguing.  I must admit I figured out early on who was behind the attacks.  I was more interested in how they were going to deal with this and how it would all wrap up.

This book has it all from drama to romance to suspense.  It’s all rolled up into one captivating story.  

Just as a side note, there is foul language and explicit sex scenes.  It all fit into the storyline, but I know some people want the warning.  

I’ve read this author’s cozy mystery series a few years back and thoroughly enjoyed it.  I’ll be keeping this author’s new releases on my radar.  I’m looking forward to more books by her.



FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my blog! I always love reading comments and getting to know my readers!

After some careful consideration, I've decided to become an award-free blog. Although I appreciate and am honored by each and every award I've received, your comments and friendship are enough award for me. Thank you all so much for your thoughtfulness.

Due to way too many spam comments, I disabled the Anonymous User comments. We'll see if this works, otherwise I'll have to go back to word verification.