Beguiled by Bourbon

Bohemia Bartenders Mysteries #5

by Lucy Lakestone

A barrelful of bonkers… As mixologist Pepper Revelle preps for the Bohemia Bartenders’ gig in beautiful Kentucky bourbon country, she finds a great new friend in distiller Royce Doucet. Even if her pup Astra makes an enemy of his crafty cat. But Pepper’s hopes of a smooth launch of Royce’s superb new bourbon go awry when a ghastly murder overshadows the festivities. As if Pepper isn’t shaken enough, one of Royce’s guests surprises her with news that will change her life. But is she ready to welcome someone new to her family? Especially when she’s still trying to figure out if she and chief bartender Neil are doing this romance thing or not. She hardly has time to consider the consequences as they encounter a troublesome set of Royce’s acquaintances—and suspects. It doesn’t help that Pepper’s irksome ex Mr. Mixy wants to interview her for his ego-trip memoir. Pepper just wants to make great drinks and solve the mystery. But her sleuthing puts her in terrible danger, and soon she realizes that nothing is as it seems. Can she and Neil find the killer before they’re toasted like the inside of a bourbon barrel? Beguiled by Bourbon is the fifth book in the Bohemia Bartenders Mysteries, funny whodunits with a dash of romance set in a convivial collective of cocktail lovers, eccentrics and mixologists. These quasi-cozy culinary comedies contain a hint of heat, a splash of cursing and shots of laughter, served over hand-carved ice.

Genres: Cozy Mystery

268 pages, Paperback

Published January 9, 2023

About the author

Lucy Lakestone is an award-winning author who lives on Florida's east central coast, among the towns that serve as an inspiration for the hot romances of her Bohemia Beach Series and the jumping-off point for the Bohemia Bartenders Mysteries. She's been a journalist, photographer, editor and video producer but prefers living in her imagination, where the moon is full and the cocktails are divine. In her spare time, she chases tornadoes.

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See you at the beach!

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I love this series and the characters in it! If you haven't read the others, this series is about a group of bartenders who participate in events to show off their skills and the alcohols. Recipes are included in many of the books. Oh, and somehow there's always a dead body turning up!

The characters are wonderfully written, not only the main characters, but lots of secondary characters who have become friends with the Bohemia Bartenders along the way, and by extension, my friends. Pepper and Neil's very slow burn romance is progressing, or is it? It's so hard to tell with those two but I keep routing for them.

There's more danger in this book than others in the series and a few hold your breath moments in this book. As usual, the location in Kentucky is beautifully described as is the distillery itself. I devour these books as soon as they come out!

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mixologist Pepper Revelle and the Bohemia Bartenders head to Kentucky for a local bourbon festival. Pepper is the first to arrive to set things up. She meets the distillery owner, Royce Doucet and his cat, Malvolio. Pepper’s dog, Astra, isn’t a fan of the distillery cat but they somehow make it work.

During a bourbon competition, things get dangerous and Pepper’s life is on the line. Not only hers but Royce and the chief bartender, Neil’s, life as well. Pepper is anxious to figure out what’s going on before someone gets seriously hurt. Of course, there is a mysterious person out there who will do whatever it takes to stop her.

This is the fifth book in this delicious cozy mystery. There’s a secondary storyline that runs throughout the series which is intriguing. Rest assured, if you only read this book, the main mystery is solved here. Still, I think it’s so much more enjoyable to start this series from the beginning. It's the only way to really get to know the characters.

The characters range from quirky to witty to lively and even dark and dangerous. Each one is well-crafted and each has their own personality.

The author does a great job of describing the process that goes on in a distillery. She made me feel as if I was there. I definitely wanted a cocktail when I finished this book.

It’s a captivating, gripping whodunit, but it’s so much more. There’s family drama, romance, betrayal and many hours of enjoyable reading.

I’ve enjoyed every book in this series with the current one being my favorite. I do hope for more books in this delightful series.





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

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I thought the cover design was eye-catching and colourful, and it looked like a fun, quirky book, which was why I was interested in it.

This was a fun cosy mystery, entertaining and pleasant to read. I found most of the characters likeable, although one or two of them did things that made them seem quite unlikeable.

I think it would have made more sense to read the previous books in the series first, but I still enjoyed it, and would consider reading some of the others.

Thank you to Booksirens and the author for a free copy to review.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is So Good! I really enjoyed the Bohemian Bartenders. This is book five in series and now want to read them all! A cozy mystery with lots of vivid descriptions of distillery and Kentucky that made a quick fun read. *I was given an advanced reader copy via BookSirens and am voluntarily giving my honest review.

[Sarah Woodhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books. Every single one of them keeps getting better and better. Lucy Lakestone has the ability to suck you in and then you cannot stop reading. Pepper is one of my favorite characters in all of the books that I read. She's witty, humble, independent, quirky, funny, and just plain fun. I love that she has the ability to see the human side of things and takes a moment to step back and analyze whether or not she is making a mistake when it comes to people or other decisions. She tries not to judge too harshly or to jump to rash conclusions. She is definitely someone that I could see myself hanging out with.

I love all of the gang of the Bohemian Bartenders. They're all very special to me in their own way. And Neil! OMGOSH, I just love him. He is such a proper gentleman and obviously cares a lot about Pepper. Out of all the guys in the book, he is the one that I would definitely pick for her. He is exactly what she needs and vice versa. He needs her to help open him up just a bit more. I know that being a gentleman can come off as being very staid, however, I think that as time goes on that he will be able to loosen up more and really enjoy our heroine.

All of these books are fantastic. I haven't read a single one of them that I have not liked. I do not know a lot about mixology, but I have always been curious about it, and I learn so much from just reading these books.

I think this has been one of the best books in the series so far, the ending comes out of nowhere and the truths that get dropped all over are eye opening to say the least. And wow! When everything comes together, I find myself realizing that I had kind of guessed at this question throughout the books.

Read these books. You will not regret it. You will learn things, you will have fun romping all over different places with the gang, and you will fall in love with the critters in this book too.

Thanks to BookSirens for the ability to read and review this book. All my opinions are my own and are completely honest.

[Ale · Rating 4 out of 5]

ENG
Pepper Revelle is invited by Royce to attend with her colleagues of the Bohemia Bartenders the launch of a new Bourbon done by Royce.
The day before the DD Royce’s colleague, Gavin, got killed while bringing some money to the bank.
The story is not that much “Mystery”, even if Pepper, together with Royce and Neil, try to understand who killed Gavin and why, but it is also mixed with description of the Bourbon event, and I think that’s a very nice combination.
It's a bit of a mystery but also you really have the sensation that a good drink will do good to you too while reading!
I wanted to start from book one, because this book is the fifth, and I got curious with this book. However, I don’t know what I can say not to spoiler that much… whatever.
At the end of the book there’s a recipe to make a cocktail… interesting.
Thank you so much to BookSirens for letting me read this book, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

ITA
Pepper Revelle viene invitata da Royce a partecipare, e lavorare, insieme con i suoi colleghi del Bohemia Bartenders al lancio del suo nuovo Bourbon.
Il giorno prima del lancio, il suo collega e amico Gavin, viene ucciso con un colpo di arma da fuoco mentre sta per fare un versamento in banca.
La storia non è molto un “giallo”, cioè sì Pepper, Royce e Neil tentano di capire chi ha ucciso Gavin e perché, però è mista alla descrizione dell’evento, cose da baristi insomma. E viene proprio voglia di accompagnare la lettura con un buon… drink (io tisane ovviamente).
Volevo iniziare dal primo libro, questo è il quinto, e mi ha incuriosito effettivamente.
Alla fine del libro c’è la ricetta per fare un cocktail… bono.
Ho ricevuto una copia gratuita dalla casa editrice tramite Book Sirens, che ringrazio per avermi permesso di leggere questo libro. Questa recensione contiene la mia opinione ed è pubblicata liberamente.

[Karen Temme · Rating 5 out of 5]

FOUR PAWS UP!

*I received the book as an advanced reader copy, and am submitting this as an honest review.

The mixologists are back again in another riveting Bohemia Bartenders mystery! This one is appropriately set in Kentucky bourbon country, with yet another batch of new and quirky characters added to the fun and mayhem. Don’t worry though, your favorites – Pepper, Neil, Barclay, Luke, Melody, the annoying Mr. Mixy, and of course the lovable little dog Astra – are all there to keep the drinks pouring. Astra of course just eats the garnishes. In fact, just as Pepper seems to be doing, I found myself falling just that little bit more in love with Neil myself, and also sensed the main characters becoming part of my world and friends of my own. Lucy Lakestone’s detailed writing shines again, as I discovered myself right there in the Coppercopia distillery, smelling and tasting the bourbon, seeing the fall colors of Kentucky, and laughing along with my friends. So as not to be in a state of constant high spirits, there is of course a murder near the beginning of the story which weighs heavily on everyone’s mind, especially Pepper’s, and she finds herself in yet another couple of unfortunate situations. Added to the craziness that is Pepper’s life, the possibility of a new family member surfaces as well. The book was an entertaining and quick read, as all of the Bartenders mysteries are. And by the way, you can read them stand-alone for sure, but after five “gatherings” with these Bohemian friends of mine, I do feel like I know them well enough now to picture their looks, their styles, and sometimes even how their voices may sound! This of course helps with keeping who’s who straight. To top it all off, there’s a brilliant distillery cat who happens to be one of the heroes of the story.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fifth book in a very fun series with great characters! The author gives us great descriptions of the setting in this book of Bourbon, Kentucky. How appropriate a place for the our protagonist, Pepper and her Bohemian Bartender crew to show their mixology talent. The group of quirky, but lovable characters are so much fun to follow. Little Asta is as adorable as usual. Even having to deal with the egomaniac, Mr. Mixy wasn't going to stop the gang from showing their talent. But when there is a murder of a Bourbon employee things go awry. Add to that a musician shows up and claims to be Pepper's long lost brother. How much more can will happen to disrupt the event? With so many twists and turns and red-herrings you will be surprised at the end. It seems Pepper and Neil's relationship is growing. I really like Neil and how he really adores Pepper. I really like this series and the characters the author writes are very likable as well. I can't wait to see what will happen next to Pepper and the rest of the Bohemian Bartenders. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Becky Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pepper and Neil and the rest of the Bohemian bartenders are in Kentucky for Royce’s new bourbon release. This is the 5th book in the Bohemia bartenders series and my favorite so far. Pepper was invited down earlier than the rest of the bartenders to Royce’s place and I think Neil may have been a little jealous. But soon they all arrived and then they discover a murder. Gavin was murdered and he was a small partner with Royce. This time though Pepper and Neil was in a race sort of scavenger hunt and Pepper was driving Royce’s car and a truck ran them off the road and who other than Mr. Mixy had to get them back on the road. I laughed out loud and the beard getting caught on fire and how it was successfully put out. Then poor Pepper ends up in a not so good situation. Does Pepper find her long lost brother?

This book took us through many more escapades than the other books. The lost brother, car in ditches, harrowing escapes and more.

I received this ARC from Booksirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jessica Barhight · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was more fun than a barrel of bourbon…or maybe just as fun! It’s hard to decide. Anywho, this fast-paced who dunnit will have you on the edge of your seat and leave you wanting more.

Follow the Bohemia Bartenders as they invade bourbon country try to help catch a killer, the plot to a family mystery thickens, and some romantic sparks fly.

The cast of characters was charming, and if you don’t LOL at least once while reading this book, you need to get your sense of humor checked. I was left guessing up until the very end, and I loved all the twists and turns along the way. I was truly sad that the story had to end.

You can read this book as a stand-alone, but I felt like I was missing some context and background by not reading the first four books. I think this could have been a five star read if I read the other books in the series first.

If you love mysteries with a heavy dose of humor and a shot of romance, check this book out! It goes down smooth neat or on the rocks!

I received an advance reader copy for free, but I am voluntarily choosing to leave this review.

[Dena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 5th in the series and I recommend reading them all and in order. Lucy Lakestone has created a character we can all relate to. Pepper lives up to her name by being fiery and impulsive while being a stand-up sort of person who would always have your back. Pepper is the person we all wish was at the party with us. Plus the cocktails continue to delight the senses even though I am not a bourbon drinker. Maybe Bohemia Bartenders so do a mock-tail event.

I love all the characters of the Bohemia Bartenders and really appreciate getting to know all of them. I look forward to meeting the parents in an upcoming book. Mr. Mixy continues to delight with his own antics including him ruining his one chance of being a knight in shining armor. I am a big fan of Neil and continue to root for him.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an Advanced reader copy from Book Sirens. I think I have read another book in this series. The setting is in Kentucky at a bourbon distillery. A team of bartenders have been brought in for a long weekend. The town holds a festival with judges, and fun activities. The history of bourbon and distilling is interesting. A murder, a possible brother, and attempts at murdering others brings out a list of suspects. Pepper brings her dog everywhere she goes. I found this unrealistic. How many bartenders bring their dog to work, especially for private events? The dog does play a key role, so I had to get past that. There is still a loose end at the end of the story. Maybe this will be addressed in the next book in the series. It was a quick read. Lots of cocktail tips. Bourbon is a main ingredient in the drinks, however, an old fashioned in Wisconsin uses Brandy.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beguiled by Bourbon was the first book in the series by Lucy Lakestone I read but it won't be my last. The writing and characters really pulled me in and kept my interest throughout. The characters are wonderfully written and the reader can easily picture each person based on their descriptions. I actually read the entire book in a day!

The series features a group of bartenders known as the Bohemia Bartenders. Pepper finds herself drawn into several mysteries in this book including a mysterious death as well as news that affects her personally. The story takes place at a bourbon distillery in Kentucky and includes a great drink recipe. There are several twists to discover in this book.

I highly recommend this book and will certainly continue on with the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beguiled by Bourbon is Book 5 in the Bohemia Bartenders b Lucy Lakestone. I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. I think the characters are great and I like how the author builds the character relationships from one book to the next book. Pepper Reville is a solid character and I enjoy how her relationship with Neil is growing. I felt that the author had several themes in the story and it led to more depth and not just a murder to solve. I believe that this story has several surprises and makes me wanting Book 6, Shocked by Champagne, to read now and see what happens next! I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a charming story in the cozy mystery category. There's much to unpack about this book: the simmering romance between Pepper and Neil, the continuing adventures of a group of mixologists from Bohemia, Florida, the mystery of who killed Gavin and tried to kill several others, and meeting one's half- sibling. As an adoptee who recently found half-siblings, I can really appreciate the many emotions tied in with finding a new sibling.

Altogether, a wonderful way to spend a weekend, reading a delightful book, maybe even sipping a new bourbon cocktail.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 5 in Lakestone's Bohemia Bartenders Mysteries series and can be read as a standalone easily - as this is the first book in the series I've had the pleasure of reading. Amazing characters, fun, cozy mystery storyline that is captivating from the beginning and well written. I really adored this book and I hope there is more to come in this series. This is one of my favorite mysteries I've read in such a long time! Great descriptions and perfectly quirky characters made every moment reading a pleasure!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jeanne Chepko · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think these books are very well done. Hilarious quirky characters, some just can’t seem to stay out of trouble.

The Bohemia Bartenders are in Kentucky for another bourbon fest. Pepper once again finds herself involved with a murder investigation. This one certainly takes a number of twists and turns!

Is Beau real? Can Pepper and Neil get it together, can a romance bloom? Is Royce really who he says he is?

So much going on, can’t wait for the follow up.

In the meantime, I will enjoy some bourbon… all the recipes make your mouth water.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions in this review are my own.

[MommyO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having visited the Bourbon Trail in the southern states of the US, this book was a thoroughly enjoyable. The author has a way of writing that allows the reader to “see” the setting. A tasting room, the tour of a distillery, a brilliant fall day with the leaves changing and the wind slightly blowing. The story line had numerous twists and turns, along with a few surprises and a great set up for the next story in the series. I can’t wait to read the next installment and see what adventures await the Bohemia Bartenders!

[Barb Foerst · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bohemia Bartenders are off to Bourbon Country. There’s a festival going on and the introduction of a new exclusive bourbon. But there’s mischief afoot. Pepper has gone ahead for the prep work and has enjoyed her time. But once the rest of the group arrives things seem to go awry. A musician arrives and admits to Pepper the he's her long-lost brother. Then a bourbon employee turns up dead while making a bank deposit. There’s a lot of fun and a lot of deadly maneuvers. There’s also a lot of good bourbon information. I loved this book and I always enjoy the Bohemia Bartenders.

[Edi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun book about the Bohemian bartenders and their escapades. Although it is amongst a series, it can be easily read as a standalone. Characters are fun and quirky and always in an interesting setting. Lots of new drink recipes included along the way. I received an advanced review copy at my request but was under no obligation to provide a review. The opinions expressed are my own. Thanks to the author publisher and BookSirens for allowing me to read this book. Read and enjoy!

[Millie Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the Bohemian Bartenders!

Superb writing with twists and turns to make you keep reading. Love the author's descriptive way of telling the adventures Pepper gets into and of Neil trying to rescue her. If you like entertaining, quick reads, you’ll like Lucy Lakestone’s Bohemian Bartenser series.

[Heather (Bookedwithheather) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucy has done it again! This was such an excellent story of who dunnit. The perfect combination of laugh out loud moments and mystery. The writing was descriptive and flowed easily making it a quick read to finish.

Can’t wait to read the next one in the Bohemian Bartenders series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy reading this series, each book deals with a crime, but also includes humor, interesting places, good cocktail, and drinking tips. The stories consistently reinforce the importance of family, partnership and team spirit in different ways. I am looking forward to the next book in the series!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[KayCee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book of this series that I read and now I am very excited to read the previous books, and look forward to more in the future. The characters are fun, and Astra is adorable. This book is exactly what I look for in a cozy mystery.
I received a review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sherry Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is loaded with twists and turns. Pepper and friends are mixologists for a bourbon event. She has some very interesting things happen to her (which I can't tell you about. Enjoy the story. I know I did.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tiffany Townsend · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author sure knows how to throw curveballs!
In the best way
Book moved wayyyyy slow until after the tasting event got underway.
But then I was furiously moving pages.
Definitely took a few turns but the ending, WOW!
Did NOT expect.

Worth the read-glad I finished

[Dottie Armstead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beguiled...

Each Bohemian Bartenders installment is better than the last. I am thoroughly drunk on the suspense, mayhem and almost romance delivered in these quirky and delicious mysteries! On to the next one!!

[Heather McQuillen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's great to be back with Pepper and the gang! I absolutely love this series! Pepper and the Bohemia Bartenders are in Kentucky for a Bourbon competition. More action, and little twists in this installment. If you like a humorous cozy mystery with a pinch of romance, and learning about liquor, then this is the series for you. The books also include recipes for the cocktails made in the story.

*I was given an advanced copy for my honest review

[Nadia Vriendt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still loving Pepper's adventures. And oh, the opening scene with Astra and Malvolio... Priceless!

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh this one was so incredibly tense. So much going on. Many secrets. I am very excited to read book 6.