Speed Dating the Boss by Sue Brown

Will a mix of privilege and blue collar be a recipe for love… or disaster?

Dan’s pretty satisfied with his job at the working-class bar Cowboys and Angels. He enjoys his simple life, his apartment, and his cat, but he could do without the fights that break out in the bar, his boss’s meddling daughter, Ariel… oh, and a brutal, unrequited crush on his straight alpha boss, Gideon.

When Dan’s friend prepares to tie the knot, everyone insists that Dan needs a date for the wedding. Before he can protest, Ariel arranges a gay speed-dating event at the bar with Gideon as a participant. The unforeseen revelation that Gideon is bisexual raises Dan’s hopes, especially when Gideon announces that he wants to accompany Dan to the wedding. Could Gideon really be interested in Dan?

When Dan needs someone most, Gideon offers his unconditional support, and with genuine commitment, he shows Dan the kind of man he really is. Teaming up to save the wedding from a hungover groom and intolerant parents, can Gideon convince Dan they’re the best match since beer and pizza?

Book 1
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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angie – ☆☆☆
3 1/2 stars

The blurb got my attention and I couldn't wait to read this book. I'll have to say the book wasn't for me. I almost didn't continue reading it because it was so wordy, slow paced, and a little boring. I kept at it and it finally got better several chapters in. When I say this is slow paced, I mean it. The first real kiss between Dan and Gideon was at 85% and the book ended at 94%. I liked both Dan and Gideon, but I didn't feel connected to either, nor did I feel the chemistry between them. The story was just okay and when there was finally a bedroom scene I was underwhelmed. I am sure others will love this book, but it was a miss for me. That being said, I am curious about the next book in the series.

SUE BROWN is owned by her dogs and two children. When she isn’t following their orders, she can be found with her laptop in Starbucks, drinking latte and eating chocolate.

Sue discovered M/M romance at the time she woke up to find two men kissing on her favorite television series. The kissing was hot and tender and Sue wanted to write about these men. She may be late to the party, but she’s made up for it since, writing fan fiction until she was brave enough to venture out into the world of original fiction.

Connect with Sue

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Speed Dating the Boss (Cowboys and Angels #1) by Sue Brown to read and review.

The Fireman's Pole by Sue Brown

The flames of passion rise for the lord of the manor.

It’s springtime in Calminster village, but things are already heating up. Sexy firefighter Dale Maloney is new to the local station. When Dale backs the company fire engine into the village maypole, he attracts the ire—and attention—of Benedict Raleigh, the Baron Calminster.

Soon after meeting Dale, Ben breaks off his relationship with his girlfriend, and the sparks between Ben and Dale are quickly fanned into flames.

Unfortunately the passion between the two men isn’t the only blaze in the village. An arsonist’s crimes are escalating, and it’s up to Dale and his crew to stop them. Meanwhile, as they investigate, an unscrupulous business partner attempts to coerce Ben into marrying his daughter. The May Day parade is around the corner, but they have plenty of fires to put out before Ben can finally slide down the fireman’s pole.

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Dreamspinner Press

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆
M/M Romance
Triggers: Click HERE to see Avid Reader’s review on Goodreads for trigger warnings.

Dale and Benedict are an odd couple. You have a fireman and a baron. You have a guy who seems to get along with everyone and then someone who has power over everyone. One who is out of the closet and one who hides himself.

While I did enjoy the mystery – who done it – part of the story, I found that the romance fell a little short. Considering what I'm used to reading from Ms. Brown, I just thought that this was not as good as what I've come to expect.

It was a quick read, but I also was dissatisfied with the ending and resolution for a lot of the characters in the story. Maybe it's a set up for a second book, but I just wanted more.


Sarah – ☆☆☆
3.5 stars

It was the innuendo in the title that caught my attention – I didn’t bother with the blurb. And the story does live up to its title. This is a light and easy romance about a wealthy minor peer and the new fireman at his village fire house.

When he isn’t damaging the village maypole, Dale and his fellow firefighters are trying to identify the arsonist causing problems in Calminster. Ben Raleigh, Baron of Calminster, is fighting hard to keep his home and businesses safe from a dastardly competitor. The two don’t necessarily have much in common, but once Ben forgives Dale for the Maypole mishap, the attraction between the two blossoms into something more.

This is a low heat, traditional romance. Ben’s staff and Dale’s coworkers provide colour and Calminster village provides a traditional setting. The arson storyline adds some excitement. But this isn’t an action story – it’s not even Midsomer Murders. This is a slow, sweet romance that gets a little bit steamy at times.

I have no idea what Sue Brown’s nationality is but I feel like she might be an American who has seen one too many episodes of Downton Abbey. Calminster is a little bit too idyllic, titles and addresses don’t quite ring true, the quirky characters are a bit too obsequious around their feudal lord – and honestly – a Georgian house with a dungeon? This definitely isn’t a story for readers who need their stories to feel authentic.

SUE BROWN is owned by her dogs and two children. When she isn’t following their orders, she can be found with her laptop in Starbucks, drinking latte and eating chocolate.

Sue discovered M/M romance at the time she woke up to find two men kissing on her favorite television series. The kissing was hot and tender and Sue wanted to write about these men. She may be late to the party, but she’s made up for it since, writing fan fiction until she was brave enough to venture out into the world of original fiction.

Connect with Sue

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Blog  ~  Goodreads

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Fireman's Pole by Sue Brown to read and review.