When Jonathan Kechter agrees to a blind date with Cole Fenton, he expects nothing morethan dinner and a one-night stand… but he gets more than he bargained for in Cole. Cole is arrogant, flamboyant, and definitely not Jon’s type. Still, when Cole suggests an arrangement of getting together for casual sex whenever they’re both in town, Jon readily agrees.
Their arrangement may be casual, but Jonathan soon learns that when it comes to Cole Fenton, nothing is easy. Between Cole’s fear of intimacy and his wandering lifestyle, Jonathan wonders if their relationship may be doomed from the start—but the more Cole pushes him away, the more determined Jon is to make it work.
*****
Selected as one of Smart Bitches, Trashy Books: Best Romance of 2010.
2nd Place winner for Contemporary Gay Romance in the 2010 Rainbow Awards.
Also took 9th place in the 2010 Preditors and Editors Poll for romance.
A finalist in the 2010 DA BWAHA.
One of Dear Author’s Best of 2010
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*****
This story is for everyone who ever asked me, ”What about Cole?”
I found this picture the other day and immediately thought of Jon and Cole. Interestingly enough, the picture was on a blog that I watch by somebody named Angelo. Coincidence? I think not. Here’s a link, if you’re interested in seeing more.
Well I have just started reading sfd today, despite my reservations. So I have just experienced dinner with Cole, Jonathon and George, OMG!, I am off to a charity ball myself in about an hour and thank christ I haven’t put any make up on yet coz I have got tears running down my cheeks, I’m laughing so much. So thanks for that Ms Sexton, you are a genious.
Thanks, Pam. I hope you continue to enjoy the book.
Aww! I really loved that, it was told so beautifuly, it was like admiring a favourite painting. Thats all the coda books read now, just waiting for the final one like everyone else, excitedly! I have loved all the couples in the books, there relationships are all perfect in there own individual ways.
Oh, good! I’m glad you liked it.
Do any of the other Coda boys feature in Strawberries for Dessert?
Not really. It’s just Jon and Cole. They talk a bit about Jared and Zach, but none of the other boys show up.
FWIW, I’ve had a lot of people say they didn’t want to read about Jon and Cole, but most of them change their minds by the end of the book and say this is their favorite. (Not all, of course. But most.)
Thankyou, I have read loads of brilliant comments about the book, so no doubt I will give it a go. Can’t imagine feeling about Jon and Cole, the way I do about the other four boys. However also cant imagine not being blown away by another one of your stories. Thankyou for the amazing experience it is too read your work
Thanks, Pamela! I hope you enjoy it.
Hi! I read the whole book in one day: I just couldn’t stop! It’s well written, with a very good description of the characters. All along I felt like you were slowly painting the story, adding, stroke after stroke, all the details and with the “recipe box” you added a wonderful revealing touch that shows the real depth of Cole’s feelings. Cole’s guarded behavior bothers Jon when they start dating, but Jon manages to break through Cole’s walls and build up trust. I love the way both Cole and Jon change as they slowly fall in love with each other, with Jon finally realizing that his pride is not worth loosing the love of his life! I’ve always preferred stronger, more masculine characters, but I have to say that I fell in love with Cole.
When I finished the book, I found out that it is part of a series. So, now I’m definitely going to read the other books!!! Thank you for your wonderful work!
Thanks Maria! I’m so glad you liked the book. Cole seems to win over a lot of readers.
I hope you enjoy the rest of the series as well.
Okay… I found one when I googled and found one…
http://www.google.com/search?q=guys+pictures&hl=en&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=oK4jT8rXLPPciQKX06DtBw&ved=0CCwQsAQ&biw=1024&bih=643
they guy in the black dress shirt.. what do you think?
Oh, he could work! Fun to look through those pics, too.
Happy to search… But there is not a good description for him… How you you describe him?
I don’t have as strong of a mental image of Jon, which is probably why he’s not described much. He’s a runner, so he’s fairly slender. Tall. Has dark hair. I picture it slightly curly.
I guess that’s about it.
Marie, is there a picture for Jon?
I actually don’t have a picture for Jon! If you see one you think is him, let me know!
Hello Marie,
Hello pretty baby, I’m a fan of yours from Brazil, I love his books and I’m crazy apixonada by Fenton Cole, and well that you could do a cu rta or even long history on the subject of them children, I’m sure this would be a wonderful father he really ….. I love your books, so I have to buy them on the net, and then translate because my English sucks …. kisses beautiful …
Rubianni Lenzi
Hello Marie,
I love your Coda Series!! My favorite characters are Cole and Angelo, though I find myself going back to Cole more often. I love Cole’s beauty, vulnerability, generosity and humor. I love Angelo and Zach’s commitment and willingness to explore their sexual desires no matter how unconventional. I hope they never allow critics to put their love in a box. I hope to read more about the Coda men. Thanks for your great work!!
Thanks very much, Candace! I’m glad you’ve enjoyed them.
Dear Marie
I just finished Strawberries for Dessert for a while and can’t help falling in love for Cole&Jonathan…and just can’t wait for the sequel!!!
Really want to tell you that your books is so amazing, it took the reader to another beautiful world.
I also LOVE “Promise”,”A to Z”(and of course their sequel as well) BUT
SFD is the brightest jewel of my romance bookshelf now
ps. as English language is not my native toung,Pls forgive me if I wrote something wrong.
Your new fan from Thailand ^ ^
Thanks so much for your comment! I’m really glad you’ve enjoyed the series. Jon and Cole were a lot of fun.
I really enjoyed this book. The only time I felt like I was reading a book was at toward the end, when they were Jon was trying to figure out that he can’t live without Cole. Like it was not obvious already… Up to that point I just felt like flying, or like I was carried away into another world. Sometimes it made me smile, sometimes there were tears in my eyes, but it was exiting all the way. I don’t always know if a book is going to be what I want from a romance, probably because I do not always know what I want myself, but this story was definitely IT. This was the first novel I read from you, but not the last. Just keep writing novels like this, even if it is not about these characters, as long as you love the characters, you will make the readers love them too.
Thanks Eszter! I hope you enjoy the rest of the series as well!
Ms. Sexton, I totally agree with you. In fact, I was actually hoping that the JonXCole sequel would be written from Jon’s perspective, just like in SFD. I love seeing Cole through Jon’s eyes, you know? It allows me get to know him, and not… not be overtaken by his personality all in one go…if that makes any sense. heh. Initially, like Jon, I also dismissed Cole as just another capricious fruitcake. But through Jon’s eyes, I got to learn about him, see more of who he is, grow to like him, hate him, miss him, fall in love with him…and by the end of the book, all I wanted to do was hold tight to his hands and not let go. He’s my favorite character among all your current books, Ms. Sexton. ^^
So yeah, I’m glad you’re not writing too much of the sequel from Cole’s perspective. Plus…haha… I don’t know if I would like seeing what’s going on in Cole’s head…which reminds me….I love your use of those email messages in SFD to give us a glimpse into Cole’s mind. It revealed just enough about him to help us understand him, yet not so much that it destroys that enigmatic aura that surrounds him, you know. I was mighty impressed. Such incredible writing. I look forward to reading this sequel.
As for Paris A to Z…heh, well it’s always nice to get an update on Matt and Jared now and then (Putting out Fires was a treat…it was my Valentine’s day present to myself), though I can’t say I still care much for Ang and Zach after reading The Letter Z. It’s not that I’m too much of a self-righteous prick to understand their open relationship… it’s just, try as I might, it’s still… just… not my cup of tea, you know? heh. Hope you don’t mind my saying that. ^^
Anyway, you’re one hell of an author and I love your books to pieces! Keep up the awesome work. XD
Thanks JJ!!
Sequel! Sequel! Sequel! Sequel! Sequel!
lol, Sorry for the crazed chanting. I’m just so excited by this book and so in love
with this couple. Thank you for this awesome book! And thank you for writing it in Jon’s perspective. I admit, I wasn’t a fan of the back and forth switching of the narrative in A to Z and The Letter Z, so I’m so giddy and relieved and pleased as all hell to find that you’ve gone back to writing from just the perspective of one character in this book. It was beautifully written from beginning to end. Didn’t think any couple could rival my love for Jared and Matt, but you’ve outdone yourself with this one, Ms. Sexton. Bravo
Thanks JJ! I’m glad you liked SfD. I will confess that the upcoming release (Paris A to Z) also has two perspectives – Zach and Matt – but if and when I get back to Jon and Cole, it will be only one POV again. I’ve written a bit from Cole’s POV, and while he’s tons of fun, he is way too verbose and way too flighty to be of much use as a narrator.
Thanks again!
I just finished reading Strawberries for Dessert and I loved it. I feel like I’ve been through the wringer (just like the characters) – I laughed, I cried, I crossed my fingers hoping for a HEA. And I loved the message at the end…that love embraces all of who you are. And that last line!!! I so hope you keep writing more in the Coda series…I feel berefit now.
I’m glad you liked it!
Hi Marie,
))
let me tell you, I liked Cole in the previous books already, but now I’m in love with him up to the sky and back! Really, my dilemma is now, who I like better, him or Jared, I can’t decide.
Really, Marie, you’re a genius.
I never would’ve thought that strawberries can be so bittersweet, and that I’d love it so much. And I’m happy that they’re sweet after all. It’s just perfect. *sigh*
My one and only problem with your books is that I can’t read any other m/m novels anymore without comparing them to yours. I just try to find those things in them which I’m obsessed with in your books, but I hardly can find them. Gives me a hard time to find a new book that I really, truly can enjoy without the feeling “something’s missing”. So please write more more more beautiful stories!!
Love you~~!
Kasmodiah
Kasmodiah-
Thanks so much for your comment. I’m not sure I really am a genius, but I’m thrilled you’re enjoying the books so much.
Thanks again!
Marie
I loved Cole’s character in the other books (one of the few?), but I wasn’t sure how that would translate into having his own book. The result? Absolutely amazing. So looking forward to the Paris story, but would love another book centered solely on Jon and Cole.
Zach and Angelo edged out Jared and Matt when I read their stories, but Jon and Cole have now blasted way past. They’re all so enjoyable. I wish I could say I’ll be waiting patiently for the next installment, but that would be a lie. I am already impatient *grin*.
Thanks Danae! From the moment I wrote Cole into Promises, he started to grow in my head. My husband actually advised that I cut him out of Promises, but I liked him too much already. After it was published, I had enough fans ask me about him that I decided to give him his own book. It wasn’t until it was written and about to be published that I started hearing people say they didn’t like him or didn’t want to read about a flamboyant character and I started to worry. But when it was all said and done, it seems that it turned out well. I’ve been really blown away by the response (in a good way). He seems to have an ability to win people over.
Anyway, I’m so glad you liked it. The Paris story is done now, and I think will be available around May.
Thanks again!
Marie
Amazing, the 2 people I liked the least from the previous books now own my heart. Cole and Jon were so perfect with their imperfections. I loved how their love grew. It wasn’t an instant liking to each other. I think that’s what I love most about your books. I’m hoping to see them again and to see George again. That man deserves grandchildren.
I’m glad Cole and Jon were able to change your mind.
And I agree, George really should get to be a grandfather.
Thanks for your comment!
Woww!! I’m so glad I started reading this series. My friend recommended Promises to me and I’ve been so hooked I bought and read the rest of the books in two days! Up until this book Matt was my favorite character, but cole, COLE, COLE!! I love him to tiny bits and pieces. I didn’t have a very good feel for him during his first appearance but in The Letter Z I already knew I was going to love him and hoped to God that you had a book for him as well. Needless to say I was beyond excited to buy Strawberries for Dessert! Regardless of my favorite character here, I would also say that this book is your most well written as well. It was very engrossing and I hope you finish Jon and Cole’s second story soon!!
Jess-
Thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoyed my boys. We’re trying to buy a new house and move, but hopefully I’ll be able to finish the rest of the stories before too long.
Thanks again!
First of all…WOW! Second of all…**TEARS**!
If someone would have told me before I started reading these books that Jared’s flaming booty call would end up being my favorite character of the series, much less one of my favorite characters of ALL time I would have never believed them. From the very first email I was drawn to Cole and throughout this entire book my heartstrings were pulled in every direction. I was also very happy that I grew to like Jonathan. I didn’t like him much after the stunt he pulled in Vegas. My favorite moment was when they were on the plane and Cole started talking about Jon’s mothers recipes. It was the first of my cries that I had throughout this book. Actually, the whole NYC trip was very emotional…just beautiful.
Now I’m anxious to read more. I’d love to see some interaction between Cole and Jared since it’s obvious that they are really close friends. It would be funny to see Matt’s reaction being around Cole. Wonder how Zach is going to react to Jonathan and Cole!? Interesting….
I loved it, Marie!
Thanks!
Thanks Heather! Glad you liked it. And yes, much of the fun in Paris is making Matt deal with Cole. Hopefully I’ll be able to finish that story soon.
Thanks again!
I absolutely LOVED this book. At the beginning I wasn’t sure I was going to like Cole, but as I got further into the book I got to know him more and love him more. I read this book on my kindle and from 90% onwards I just cried and cried some more. This book had everything for me, the sex was HOT but it was also very emotional, intimate and loving. I still can’t believe here I am loving m/m books, who would have thought it, but I really am beginning to find a whole new world. Cole was extremely funny with his one-liners and he just wanted someone to love him. I also loved Jonathan and his dad George, I loved when Cole cooked one of Jonathan’s mums favourite dinner – this was another teary moment for me. I really enjoyed the e-mails Cole sent to Jared and thought you got an insight into how Cole was really feeling.
There were lots of lines in this book that I loved but one of my favourites was “Then how could you possibly love me?” I held him tighter, kept kissing his neck, “How can I not?” I just melted.
Marie if you are reading this, please, please, please hurry with the next book ……… because I NEED MORE
Sandy – Thanks so much. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Cole and George were both a lot of fun to write. It’s funny how many people have told me that they didn’t expect to like Cole, but loved him by the end. I’m glad it worked out that way.
And for what it’s worth, I have people here at Yaoi-Con also nagging me to write more and write faster. I’ll see what I can do.
Thanks again!
Finished Strawberries For Dessert….and I didn’t think I was gonna like Jonathan after what he did to Zach…even though Zack and Angelo are PERFECT together…you know, the whole he broke his heart FOR NO GOOD REASON thing…..but, turns out Cole and Jonathan are really good together, and the last line? Has me grinning from ear to ear. Awesome, as always Marie. Thanks for another great read
Zach wasn’t entirely without blame in that relationship. Don’t forget, he cheated on Jon, more than once. They both ended up with broken hearts. But Zach and Jon just weren’t meant to be. They’re both stuck on the ground, and I think they both long to fly. Now Zach has his angel, and Jon gets his butterfly, and everybody gets to be happy.
Anyway, thanks so much. I’m really glad you ended up liking it!
I had a migraine from hell last night when I responded, and now that I look at it, I’m worried it sounded like I was scolding you! Which wasn’t my intent AT ALL. I was just having a hard time thinking.
Anyway, I’m glad you liked Cole and Jon.
Congrats on your #1 at Dreamspinner!
Thanks!!
And it’s killin’ me when you’re away, I wouldn’t leave and I wouldn’t stay.
I’m so confused, So hard to choose.
Between the pleasure and the pain.
And I know it’s wrong, and I know it’s right.
Even if i try to win the fight, my heart would overwhelm my mind
And I’m not strong enough to stay away.
Album was released yesterday and this is the first time I’ve heard the song. And while I doubt Cole listens to Finnish power metal…I immediately thought of that email he sends Jared asking “what have I done?”
The lyrics were submitted by a moron. It’s supposed to be…I wanna leave, I wanna stay. And overwhelm should be “overrule”.
That is very fitting.
Corrected the blundering morons that uploaded it…and removed the repetitions. I think the whole song is actuall pretty appropriate…the metal background notwithstanding
I’m not strong enough to stay away,
Can’t run from you,
I just run back to you.
Like a moth, I’m drawn into your flame,
Say my name, but it’s not the same.
You look in my eyes I’m stripped of my pride.
And my soul surrenders and you bring my heart to its knees
I’m not strong enough to stay away
What can I do
I would die without you
in your presence my heart knows no shame
im not to blame
cause you bring my heart to its knees
There’s nothing I can do
My heart is chained to you
And I can’t get free
Look what this love’s done to me
And it’s killin’ me when you’re away,
I wanna leave and I wanna stay.
I’m so confused, So hard to choose.
Between the pleasure and the pain
And I know it’s wrong, and I know it’s right.
Even if i tried to win the fight,
my heart would overwhelm my mind.
And I’m not strong enough to stay away
Not Strong Enough
–Apocalyptica
Hi! Just finished Strawberries for Dessert and LOVED IT! I really enjoy reading books that get my emotions invested. Seems I started at the end of your books so now I’m going to get the others and get caught up on the rest of the characters. Thanks for writing and I’m looking forward to more!
Thanks Marsha! I’m glad you enjoyed it, and hope you like the rest of my boys as well.
Ms. Sexton,
Thank you for this book! I have to admit I was not expecting to like it, but I’m so glad I took the chance to download and read it.
Cole is such a unique and lovable person. I don’t think I’ve read any other m/m book that has a character like him. He may not appear to be…likable, at first, but, wow, it would be amazing if I could meet someone like him in real life.
I especially like the parts you wrote about Jon’s mother. Those were some honest, beautiful, and thoughtful writing.
Please consider writing more about Cole and Jon in the future. That last line leaves me hoping.
Again, thank you!
Latin-
Thank you so much! I’m really glad you enjoyed it. It’s funny, actually. Going into this story, I had one group of people who already loved Cole and couldn’t wait to read about him. And on the other side, I had a larger group of people who I think wondered why I was writing about him. I’m happy to win over a few of those people from the latter group.
Thanks again!
Oh, wow, you reply fast!
Well, I haven’t read any of your older books, so I had no idea what to expect from Cole other than what was written in the book summary, and Jon’s first impression really wasn’t favorable towards Cole. But there’s something about him, and I’m trying to figure out what it is, that made me want to know him more and more. He is such a compelling person.
He’s really a lot of fun to write, so I’m glad he’s fun to read as well!
Ok, maybe it’s because i’m ill, or maybe it’s just because Strawberries For Dessert is possibly the most amazing book I have ever read…Either way (Or both), I’m sat here weeping, sobbing, bawling like a baby.
Absolutely stunning, truly truly stunning, Cole and Jonathan are just so perfectly perfect together and the last line was just….*wipes tears from eyes*
Thankyou for writing such an amazing book, I only write fanfiction myself and can only hope to be as amazing at writing as you are some day.
A truly beautiful read from start to finish.
Vikki xx
Thanks so much, Vikki! I’m really glad you liked it. Jon and Cole were a lot of fun to write.
I just had to pop on to say that i am halfway through the book and….Wow…just WOW.
I SO want to quote my favourite line so far, but dont want to ruin it for anyone so i wont, but…just….wow!!
I am seriously in love with Cole…so SO SO in love with him and i never thought i could love anyone as much as Angel (just dont tell him – Lol)
Anyway, I’m off to read the rest, but once again….Wow!!!!!
I mean Angelo….Oops. lol.
Angelo’s getting used to being upstaged by Cole. He rolls his eyes a bit and says, “What the fuck ever, man.”
I’m glad you’re enjoying it!
Hi Marie,
I just wanted to tell you how much I loved Cole and Jon’s story. I absolutely fell in love with all of your boys, Matt and Jared (I adore how Matt feels about Jared’s hair and just grabs him by it…sighs dreamily), Zach and Angelo. Considering that you haven’t disappointed me yet, I had high hopes for Cole and Jon, even if Cole had me more than a little wary and Jonathan hadn’t impressed me very much in the past. But, as I thought I would be, I was blown away by their love story. It was full of humor, sadness, gripping reality, and such a unique and unforgettable love. Sigh… I loved it so much. It’s my favorite thus far. I do hope we get to see more of Cole and Jon and see what Cole’s last email brings about. Until then, however, I’ll happily wait for the next story in the making, especially if all of your/our boys will be in it. Thanks again for sharing yet another wonderful and touching story!
Thanks Rein! I’m really glad you liked it!
Just received my autographed copy in the mail! So very exciting! Thank you!
You’re welcome!
Hi Marie,
I’ve read this entire series now, in a few days, and I’m dying to get my hands on this book. I didn’t much care for either Jon or Cole in the previous books, but that was because they were involved with the other couples. *lol*
I can’t wait for their own story though. I know it comes out tomorrow, but it’s way to long! I want it now. *g*
After the Paris story, are you planning more stories in this universe??
TT.
TT –
Thanks for your comment! I’m so glad you liked the first books in the series. After the Paris story, I do have one more short story planned for Cole and Jonathan. But after that? I’m just not sure yet. I’ll have to wait and see if the boys are satisfied, or if they have more to say.
Strawberries for Dessert is actually available now from Dreamspinner Press. Go here for the ebook.
Thanks again, and happy reading!
Short stories are dig. You won’t have to wait forever for it to be published. *lol* I sure do hope they have more to say, because I’m enjoying these characters.
It’s available already, huh? Norway is several hours ahead of the States, so I’d expected to have to wait for late tonight, or maybe even not before tomorrow morning… But maybe Dreamspinner isn’t based in the States? Hmm, I don’t know. *lol*
I’m going over and buying Strawberries right now!
The books tend to pop up on the DSP site the evening before the release. I don’t actually know why. It’s a bit odd. Anyway… hope you like it!!
I’d be your best bet, darling. The men here are horrific. All except Gerard Butler, but he’s hopped it to Hollywood now, become quite the little manwhore.
*sigh*
The best thing to come out of Scotland in years and your nation has to steal him. I hope you’re proud of yourself!
Still, I’ll leave it to you to choose the wine, although we might have to resort to vodka. Us Scots aren’t well known for our sophistication and- I’ll stop there, and assure you there is at least one Scot who knows her Louboutin from her Cox.
And that’s not a euphemism, darling.
Message for Cole:
If you ever decide to turn, darling – I’m all yours.
Scarlett, I’m completely flattered doll, really I am. I’m sure we’d get along famously. There’s just that little problem of the naughty bits not matching up quite the way we’d both like. Such a shame, isn’t it? But I’ll certainly keep your offer in mind, if I’m ever in Scotland. A few glasses of wine, and who knows what could happen.