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Powder & Pavlova: Southern Lights #1 Kindle Edition

4.5 out of 5 stars 1,310 ratings

"Powder and Pavlova is charming, sexy and poignant; funny at one moment, heart-breaking the next, and I loved every minute of it." —All About Romance

ETHAN SHARPE’s life is a hot mess. His mother has died, his fifteen-year-old brother is going off the rails and the café he’s inherited is failing. The last thing he needs is another complication—like the man who just walked into his café.

A much older…

sinfully hot…

EPIC complication.

But Ethan can’t get Tanner out of his head, and maybe some no strings attached stress relief might actually help him get through the day. A little fun, a little time for himself away from the chaos of his life. It couldn’t hurt, right? Then they’d go their separate ways and Ethan’s world might look a little brighter, for a while.

It was a good plan, until it wasn’t.

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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jay Hogan is a New Zealand author writing in m/m romance and romantic suspense. She has travelled extensively, living in a number of countries. She's a cat aficionado especially of Maine Coons, and an avid dog lover (but don't tell the cat). She loves to cook (pretty damn good), loves to sing (pretty damn average), and as for loving full-time writing-absolutely... depending on the word count, the deadline, her characters' moods, the ambient temperature in the Western Sahara, whether Jupiter is rising, the size of the ozone hole over New Zealand, and how much coffee she's had.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B083JNHHT9
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Southern Lights Publishing
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 23, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.0 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 335 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1646061983
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 4 ‏ : ‎ Southern Lights
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 1,310 ratings

About the author

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Jay Hogan
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Jay Hogan. 'Heart, Humour, & Keepin' It Real.'

Two times Lambda Literary Award Finalist in Gay Romance— 2020 Digging Deep and 2024 The Art Of Husbandry.

2021 New Zealand Romance Writers Book of the Year for Off Balance.

I am a New Zealand author writing mm romance and romantic suspense primarily set in New Zealand. I write character-driven romances with lots of humour, a good dose of reality and a splash of angst. I've travelled extensively, lived in many countries, and in a past life, I was a critical care nurse and nurse educator. I am owned by a huge Maine Coon cat and a gorgeous Cocker Spaniel.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,310 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book engaging and well-written, with believable characters and plenty of reasons to laugh out loud. The romance receives positive feedback, with one customer noting how it defies the odds, and customers appreciate its emotional depth, with one review mentioning how it explores real life challenges. Customers describe the book as lovely and endearing, with one review highlighting its beautiful scenery.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

32 customers mention "Story quality"32 positive0 negative

Customers love the story of this book, finding it engaging and captivating, with one customer noting how it draws readers into the narrative.

"...They really had to fight for their HEA, but there was no unnecessary drama added...." Read more

"...book has an enticing story with a depth and complexity that will captivate readers; Jay Hogan interweaves several plot lines about love and family..." Read more

"...There’s also her spectacular knack at bringing those characters to life—all the good, the bad, the ugly, and the beautiful parts...." Read more

"...I could tell that Tanner's career just didn't fit him. I absolutely loved this book...." Read more

24 customers mention "Romance"24 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, describing it as a sweet story with lots of love and happy endings, with one customer noting it's a great couple together.

"...Tanner and Ethan were a great couple together, despite both having their problems with their difference in age...." Read more

"...trauma, personal struggle, instant attraction, age gap and a love that defies the odds...." Read more

"...A wonderful epilogue. Enjoy ! ======" Read more

"...to laugh out loud, and enough heat to warm a chilly night, plus lots of love, the most important thing of all." Read more

18 customers mention "Character development"18 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, finding them believable, with one customer noting the detailed backstories for both primary and secondary characters.

"...Such as the fact her characters are unique, with their hopes, dreams, demons, and stories all being somewhat different from the norm...." Read more

"...This was one of the best stories I’ve read in awhile. It has a cast of very likable and relatable characters and a storyline that flows quite well...." Read more

"Touching, sweet, sexy and funny with great characters. Good story with unexpected twists...." Read more

"I did enjoy this book a lot. The characters were very likable and I enjoyed getting to know them...." Read more

12 customers mention "Humor"12 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book, with plenty of opportunities to laugh out loud, and one customer particularly appreciates the playful interactions between characters.

"This book had me in tears one page and laughing hysterically the next...." Read more

"...But don’t worry, there’s plenty of reasons to laugh out loud, and enough heat to warm a chilly night, plus lots of love, the most important thing of..." Read more

"Touching, sweet, sexy and funny with great characters. Good story with unexpected twists...." Read more

"...You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll get your happy ending, and you’ll want to buy a plane ticket to see if all the beautiful scenery is real...." Read more

11 customers mention "Emotional content"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book emotionally engaging, describing it as heart-wrenching and making them cry, with one customer noting how it deals with past trauma.

"...It has just about everything you could ask for: past trauma, personal struggle, instant attraction, age gap and a love that defies the odds...." Read more

"This book had me in tears one page and laughing hysterically the next...." Read more

"...It’s a busy tale, much has happened, guilt and grief are tackled, school bullying, and work and family come into play...." Read more

"...This author had a way with the emotional pain and sadness that Ethan and Kurt went through that had me in tears...." Read more

7 customers mention "Reality"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's realistic portrayal of personal struggles and real-life challenges.

"...The struggle Ethan went through after his mother died, felt like real life...." Read more

"...It has just about everything you could ask for: past trauma, personal struggle, instant attraction, age gap and a love that defies the odds...." Read more

"...I loved the real life challenges explored, especially the different kinds of loss and grief people live through...." Read more

"...and Tanner was not only off the charts but do incredibly tender and believable. It made me laugh and cry and I can't wait to read ot again...." Read more

6 customers mention "Beauty"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book lovely and endearing, with one customer noting that the beautiful scenery is authentic.

"...those characters to life—all the good, the bad, the ugly, and the beautiful parts. And her ability to weave a creative and fascinating story...." Read more

"...and you’ll want to buy a plane ticket to see if all the beautiful scenery is real...." Read more

"...It’s endearing and enduring. Buy it. And when Jay Hogan gets this book on Audible you better buy that version too!..." Read more

"...for Ethan, add in supportive character of friends, a brother, and cute little dog and you'll get an enjoyable read. I highly recommend their story!..." Read more

6 customers mention "Writing quality"6 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, with one noting it can be read as a standalone.

"...Otherwise, I think it was well written and I'd definitely read this author again." Read more

"...I loved that this is one of those "real stories" that have a proper well-written story, likable characters and that properly, slowly developing..." Read more

"I love this author’s writing, characters and storylines. This one is no exception! Cannot wait to read the next one!" Read more

"...Loved Ethan and Tanner’s story. It was steamy, snarky, and so well written I couldn’t put it down. Jay Hogan’s books are on my automatic buy list!" Read more

Beautiful Story
5 out of 5 stars
Beautiful Story
This is an amazing story about heartbreak, sadness and unbelievable love. I love this authors writing style and the connection she has between the MC’s is so special. I highly recommend this book and author and it is the start of a brilliant series.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2020
    Well, this was a very sweet read!
    To be honest, it was a bit too insta love for my liking, but it did feel real and there was a slow burn as well, so it wasn't too hard to accept. All in all, it was a story that gave me all the warm and fluffy feelings and sometimes that's all a story needs to do. It was my first read by Jay Hogan, but certainly not my last. I really enjoy the way she writes!

    Despite all the warm and fluffy feelings, this story was not all about the nice and easy things in life. The struggle Ethan went through after his mother died, felt like real life. His fight to keep the café, open (for one moment I was afraid the bad guy, who was determined to not give him a chance, would play a too big part in the story, but fortunately he didn't), his strayed relationship with his younger brother Kurt and his grief...Instead of taking the easy way out, Jay Hogan allowed her MC's to make mistakes, to hurt and admit that they were wrong and then pick up the pieces and try to do better. It wasn't like some sort of miracle healed everything and that made it feel all too real, which I really liked about this book.

    Tanner and Ethan were a great couple together, despite both having their problems with their difference in age. It took Tanner a bit longer to get over that than Ethan, but they did have great chemistry. I think he was exactly what Ethan needed to feel safe and anchored again. And in exchange for that, Ethan gave Tanner the confidence to fight his own demons from this past. They really had to fight for their HEA, but there was no unnecessary drama added. The decisions they had to make in order to have a life together, weren't easy to make for neither of them and that made it all seem more realistic.

    I added the rest of Jay Hogan's back catalogue to my TBR; even after only one book I can tell she will fast become one of my favorite authors!
    Highly recommend this one!
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2022
    Powder & Pavlova is a solid, satisfying start to the Southern Lights series! It has just about everything you could ask for: past trauma, personal struggle, instant attraction, age gap and a love that defies the odds. That’s not even mentioning the snarky barista, angsty teen brother, and cheeky best friend you can’t help but adore.

    Ethan’s working hard to hold onto his mother’s legacy after losing her a year ago, but it seems the cards are stacked against him. His struggling cafe is a local gem facing numerous challenges: the bank, local competition, and a PITA landlord. Fighting to keep the doors open means Ethan has no time for distractions, and that includes one sexy, older businessman temporarily living in Queenstown. Lucky for us, Ethan is terrible and doing what he should. 😉

    Overall this book has an enticing story with a depth and complexity that will captivate readers; Jay Hogan interweaves several plot lines about love and family that are at times difficult and emotional but also heartwarming. I’m not going to lie, there were parts that ripped my heart out and stomped all over it. (Keep the kleenex handy!) But in the end, Hogan puts in the work and brings the pieces back together in a way that only she can.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2020
    This is a new to me author who I first discovered a little over a month ago, and just last night, finished my fifth book of hers. What initially drew me into her world was spotting a book of hers during a search through Amazon. The book, Flat Whites & Chocolate Fish, had close to 80 reviews at the time, with an average of five stars. What transformed me into a voracious reader of her tales was everything that made her one-hundred-percent worthy of those five stars. Such as the fact her characters are unique, with their hopes, dreams, demons, and stories all being somewhat different from the norm. There’s also her spectacular knack at bringing those characters to life—all the good, the bad, the ugly, and the beautiful parts. And her ability to weave a creative and fascinating story. These are just a few of the reasons that had me devouring her books. But instead of listing them all, I’m going to urge you each to take a chance and check one out for yourself.

    The five books I’ve read so far are: From the Southern Light Series—Powder & Pavlova, Tamarillo Tart, and Flat Whites & Chocolate Fish. And from the Auckland Med Series—First Impressions, Crossing the Touchline, and I’ll be starting my sixth, Up Close and Personal, tonight.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2023
    This book had me in tears one page and laughing hysterically the next. The whole book I was trying to come up with ideas for Ethan and what he could do to save his cafe or start something! I could tell that Tanner's career just didn't fit him. I absolutely loved this book. I can't imagine what would be worse, having to walk away knowing that you both love each other or it Neil g one sided love. I think they would both be just as heart crushing. I really look forward to reading more of this series!!!
    Edit: After reading this on my Kindle, I decided to purchase all 4 hardcopies of this series! I am excited to dig in when they arrive!

Top reviews from other countries

  • Bridgemar
    5.0 out of 5 stars Coffee and Snowsport
    Reviewed in Germany on March 24, 2020
    This was a very entertaining read. The storyline had a few surprises, some deep emotion and honest struggles, quite a bit of snark and humour.
  • Cliente Kindle
    5.0 out of 5 stars Healing with sweetness
    Reviewed in Brazil on May 15, 2023
    I've just read Powder & Pavlova, picturing two brothers trying to cope with the loss of their mother. The main character found unexpected love, struggled with trying to restore his relationship with his teenager brother, had help from true friends, and met a former snowboarder dealing with his own healing process. There were a few sad moments, but also very happy ones, with a sweet HEA. It was a great book I've finished exactly on Mother's day, and it brought me sweet memories of my late mom's cooking. I recommend this book.
  • Klaus Kreitz
    5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging, Entertaining, Enjoyable
    Reviewed in Canada on March 27, 2024
    An interesting read: I appreciate how Jay Hogan paints "word pictures" of the beauty of New Zealand, and weaves a plot that flows freely - not unlike a skilled skier flowing effortlessly down a snowy mountain pass. The plot is interesting, offering us interesting characters, fascinating twists, and an authenticity that lets us know that a healthy relationship takes time to unfold ... and is very realistic in its stumbles. I enjoyed the description of the various characters, as well as the ways they cope with challenges. I appreciate especially the humour which gives the main characters a more rounded appeal. Definitely a story I would read again, from an author whose other books I have enjoyed.
  • Avidreeder22
    5.0 out of 5 stars A bit of snark and emotions
    Reviewed in Australia on April 21, 2024
    I enjoyed reading Powder and Pavlova. It is so well written with characters that read real with just the right amount of snark, angst and all the emotions.
  • Edga
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another Great Book from Jay Hogan
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 23, 2020
    Since reading 'First Impressions', Ms Hogan's first book, I've been a massive fan of this lady's work. All of her books are up there on my favourite reads list, I've read and reread them numerous times. Powder and Pavlova is no exception...I LOVED it!

    Ethan and Tanner drew me in from the first page, it totally had me hooked. They're both very real,(mistakes are made by both), and likeable. The story has everything, loadsa humour, a fair bit of heartbreak, a truckload of romance, and finally finding out what you really want from life.

    Basically, Powder and Pavlova is slow burn romance, which sees Ethan and Tanner build their relationship from friendship to so much more. The ending is lovely. It's a truly touching and charming romance, so well written with beautifully written main and secondary characters. I can't wait to read their stories.

    I can definitely recommend it, as I do all of Ms Hogan's books. A first class beginning to a new series.

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