A Serving of Love is the second book in the series ‘Of Love,’ all which center around the food industry. In this story, we again meet Sebastian Franklin the house manager at Café Belgie who appeared in book one. The other MC is Robert Fortier, soon to be the county’s newest judge. This story is told in third person from both Sebastian and Robert’s povs.



I liked the plotline of this book. It’s not fast moving, but covered Sebastian and Robert’s growing relationship and what happens when the public find out that Robert is gay. When Robert was up for election for the position of judge, he didn’t tell the voters he was gay because he wasn’t asked, also because he was just coming out at the time.

We didn’t learn much about Sebastian in the first book, but he seemed to be consistent with the character in this story. Robert at first seemed a strong, yet compassionate character, but as the story progresses he struck me as insecure. Maybe that was because he was shy about coming out and because he was a virgin. I’m not sure how old he was, but I think Robert was probably at least in his forties. I wasn’t convinced Robert could be an effective judge because of his insecurities and the way he behaved. He came across as weak and indecisive. I would say Sebastian was the stronger character.

As is usual with this author’s books, this one again had a lot of telling instead of showing. I wish the author’s writing would improve, but it hasn’t. At least the stories are entertaining and the subplots flowed well together in this book. I didn’t notice any plot holes or dropped storylines except where the twins call Sebastian 'Uncle Bunny' and we're never told where they heard it, only not in the restaurant. That kind of missing information bothers me and comes across as sloppy writing. I give A Serving of Love, 3 Stars.

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Sebastian Franklin is the front of the house manager at Cafe Belgie and is looking forward to the challenge of running the restaurant while his boss is on vacation. But it's just his luck that someone decides to rob the place the first night he's in charge. Luck strikes twice, however, when the robber is thwarted by a customer who stumbles on his way into the restaurant. And the third time's the charm when it turns out the customer, Robert Fortier, is tall, handsome, and possibly interested in Sebastian. They two spend time together and discover that their mutual attraction is quite strong. But there are some complications. For one, Sebastian's ex-boyfriend, Gabriel, has resurfaced in his life. Although Gabriel hurt Sebastian greatly, he's too kind-hearted to send Gabriel away when he's in need. And then there's the issue that Robert, recently elected as a judge, is just starting to come out. The fact that he wasn't open about his sexuality before the election might become an issue to some people in their small town. But even with all of their troubles, Sebastian and Robert might be best suited to get through this if they try to do so together.

This was a nice little gem of a story. The relationship is quite complex, but it builds in a very realistic and engaging way. The side characters really round out the world in which Sebastian and Robert live, making for a complete and interesting plot. I've read the first book (and you don't have to do so to enjoy this one, but I'd recommend it), and I'm really enjoying the crew of Cafe Belgie. There are two more, and they are on my to-read list! ( )

Like the first book in this series, 'A Serving of Love' is, primarily, a great love story. As ever with Andrew Grey's characters, both men are loveable, everyday men who could be your neighbors. I loved that the restaurant, Café Belgie, played a major role again, since Sebastian, the front house manager, is one of the main characters in this book. The setting in Carlisle added color, as did the second character's job of elected judge. It put his coming out into the very realistic (if unjustified) public spotlight, making the story more contemporary and real.

Sebastian is a waiter, and the front room manager for Café Belgie. He has been out 'forever', and badly burned by a previous lover who left him to 'sample the man buffet out there'. One, by the way, who appears in this book and forces Sebastian to deal with his past just by his mere presence. Sebastian has a lot of fear and inner obstacles to overcome, but he is ready to do so –for the right guy. It becomes pretty obvious that Robert may be that man, but with the battles Robert has to fight, Sebastian can't be sure.

Robert, a lawyer who has just been elected county judge, has known that he was gay from when he was very young, but has only ever told his mother. He is a man driven by his career, but meeting Sebastian suddenly changes the game for him. He now has someone to come out for – except that he is also a public figure and the bigots come after him soon enough. The tension inside him, the not-knowing-what-to-do, make things difficult for him, but he knows what is right. It becomes a matter of standing up for himself and is right to keep his private life just that – private.

As with all of Andrew Grey's books, the people fee real to me. They live their lives in today's world, fight today's battles, and deal with issues we see all around us. Andrew Grey has the ability to boil all of this down into characters that represent who we are, and issues that we recognize, then he adds a wonderful touch of romance and love, and presents us with a very touching story. If you like stories about men who could be your neighbors, if you enjoy reading about their struggle to do the right thing and how they make a life for themselves, and if you're looking for a tender love story with wonderful characters, you will probably like this book as much as I did.
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Reading the bio of this author, you learn he is indeed leaving in historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and so I assume the feeling of this small town is real life experience, a real life experience that would be nice to enjoy.

It’s not that there is no drama in Carlisle, it’s only that every drama seems manageable, something you can face and deal with your own strength and with a little help from your friends. Losing a job, dealing with an illness, growing without a parent, graduating and having a successful career, opening your business… everything you want, you can.

Robert is only 30 years old and he is already a judge for his county. He is also gay and a virgin, having spent all his earlier years committed to his studies and career, and maybe being also a little shy. Sebastian is more or less same age, but he played the field; he is no stupid at all, and from a good family, who supported him, but he decided to skip college and enjoy life.

Robert and Sebastian balance each other, even if, actually, Sebastian’s worry is that Robert will want to play the field as well before setting down with one man; and moreover, that Robert will realize that a simple waiter is not match for a county judge. But Robert sees in Sebastian everything he wants and desires, and Sebastian is really patient and kind with him, letting him take the steps at his own pace, kindly pushing him when it’s necessary but also stepping back when Robert has the feel they are hurrying too fast towards the unknown paths.

As I said, each drama is manageable, like when public opinion will try to question Robert’s private life; but this is not a big coming out story, there is no huge scandal and tears and separation. Sure, it’s not easy for Robert, and above all not pleasant, but they will manage together to overcome also this situation. Same for the illness of one of their friends or for any other trouble, the right solution is always there, ready for them to catch it.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1615819096/?tag=elimyrevandra-20