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Palm Springs Poolside Novel #1
Martini Mondays
At her aunt’s funeral, Laurel stumbles across an irate woman shouting at a gorgeous man, calling him a jerk, a prick, and a grumpy asshole. Then she meets Sebastian and adds a few names to that list. Because he may be hot as sin, but he has the personality of a rabid, prickly porcupine.
And Laurel has enough trouble. She’s graduating from law school, but it’s not to pomp and circumstance. No, it’s to a mountain of debt, unemployment, and her father disowning her. But the most brutal blow was her beloved aunt’s death. So after graduation, she escapes to her deceased aunt's enchanting home in Palm Springs, California to heal.
As an ugly confrontation with her father looms, and Laurel struggles to protect her mischievous little brothers, suddenly the “grumpy asshole” is everywhere. She tries to stay away from Sebastian and keep her temper and libido in check. But fate, circumstance, and her aunt’s meddling from the grave have other plans
And Laurel has enough trouble. She’s graduating from law school, but it’s not to pomp and circumstance. No, it’s to a mountain of debt, unemployment, and her father disowning her. But the most brutal blow was her beloved aunt’s death. So after graduation, she escapes to her deceased aunt's enchanting home in Palm Springs, California to heal.
As an ugly confrontation with her father looms, and Laurel struggles to protect her mischievous little brothers, suddenly the “grumpy asshole” is everywhere. She tries to stay away from Sebastian and keep her temper and libido in check. But fate, circumstance, and her aunt’s meddling from the grave have other plans
369 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2023
96 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
J. L. Brannick
11 books58 followersJ. L. Brannick works as an attorney by day and detoxes at night with crunchy Cheetos and red wine. She's an introvert who likes to socialize but then needs a few days to recover. J. L. lives in the mountain desert with her family and hikes every day to keep her dog happy. Her favorite stories have smart, quick-witted characters and enough spice to curl your toes. Visit her website to sign up for new releases, updates, and bonus material.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 13, 2023
Great start to the Palm Springs Poolside Novels with likable main characters you want to know and a great story line set in Palm Springs, a wonderful friends dynamic, laugh out loud moments and some serious ones too, family drama and so much more that kept me glued to the book from start to finish. I loved the attraction and off the charts chemistry between Laurel and Sebastian as they tended to set the pages on fire. If you enjoy spicy reads with heart, don't miss Martini Mondays. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
June 29, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
2.5 🌶
First person single pov
Found family
Laurel first meets Sebastian at her aunts funeral and things do not start off well. When Laurel moves to stay in the aunts now empty house, Sebastian always seems to be around.
I really liked the writing and the storyline in Martini Mondays, the palm springs setting was great and the main characters background made the story interesting. However I just wasn't a big fan of the mmc and something about him really rubbed me the wrong way. I also found the spicy scenes a little cringy (my sheath, my folds, my passage, my channel, etc.)
I would still recommend this book as an enjoyable summer read, and will be picking up the next book in the series when this is available.
Thank you to Netgalley and Smart Mouth Publishing for sending me an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own
2.5 🌶
First person single pov
Found family
Laurel first meets Sebastian at her aunts funeral and things do not start off well. When Laurel moves to stay in the aunts now empty house, Sebastian always seems to be around.
I really liked the writing and the storyline in Martini Mondays, the palm springs setting was great and the main characters background made the story interesting. However I just wasn't a big fan of the mmc and something about him really rubbed me the wrong way. I also found the spicy scenes a little cringy (my sheath, my folds, my passage, my channel, etc.)
I would still recommend this book as an enjoyable summer read, and will be picking up the next book in the series when this is available.
Thank you to Netgalley and Smart Mouth Publishing for sending me an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own
Read
September 8, 2025DNF after 4%. Slow depressing start.
June 19, 2023
I love this book. It left me wanting to try all kinds of new martinis! FYI: The story deals with death, domestic violence, grief, and has open door scenes (open pool, spa, backyard scenes might be more accurate). Great characters, funny banter, and love that it took place in Palm Springs. The whole Story behind the Martini Monday parties is “fabulous”. Highly recommend.
October 5, 2024
Awesome Book Series!!!
I really enjoyed reading Martini Mondays: Book 1 in the Palm Springs Poolside Series( Palm Springs Poolside Novels)!!!! All about Laurel Payne and twenty-four year old law student and Ferns niece & Sebastian Mendoza a twenty-six year old part owner of security firm and part owner of construction/remodeling firm and a part time bartender. Laurel is getting ready to graduate from law school in Las Vegas, Nevada when she gets the call from Jonathan that Fern is very close to the end. She’s two exams left before she graduates in three weeks. She packs her car, and heads for Palm .springs. She’s able to spend three days with her Aunt Fern before she slips away in the early morning. The breast cancer took a huge toll on her life, but she was able to live out her last months in Palm Springs surrounded by all her friends & confidants Ramona & Jonathan her lawyers. Fern was the last relative that Laurel had in this world and she was her second mom, after her own mother passed when she was twelve years old. Even though she knew this was coming Laurel was beside herself, good thing Jonathan & Ramone had her back. They were lifetime friends of Fern & her late husband Jackson. They would be in Las Vegas when Laurel graduates in two weeks. A small intimate gathering will be hosted by the boys set-up in advance by Fern. And Laurel will be coming back to Palm Springs for a few months to take care of everything before returning to NY. She has not taken the bar yet cause she has not decided where she will live. At the life celebration for Fern she meets Sebastian the bartender, he’s a world class ass, even though he is gorgeous. Turns out he’s a partner of Ferns in the construction/remodeling business, and will be dealing with Laurel. Read about Laurel & Sebastian as then traverse life in each others orbit. Lots of emotion and plenty of toe curling does occur. The author has created a very unique group of friends in a very diverse location. And in each of the books the various friends will appear, during the different drink nights. Fern started the tradition with Martini Mondays, and each book represents a different drink tradition. Come explore Palm Springs Poolside novels based on a different drink. Up next is Tequila Tuesdays and I can’t wait to read it!!! This is a very addicting series, please read them in order so you have a reference for each of the friends you will meet. I read Thirsty Thursdays before reading book one, and I wish I had read them in order. But if you’re looking for a fantastic story with lots of heat, this series is the one to read!!!!
I really enjoyed reading Martini Mondays: Book 1 in the Palm Springs Poolside Series( Palm Springs Poolside Novels)!!!! All about Laurel Payne and twenty-four year old law student and Ferns niece & Sebastian Mendoza a twenty-six year old part owner of security firm and part owner of construction/remodeling firm and a part time bartender. Laurel is getting ready to graduate from law school in Las Vegas, Nevada when she gets the call from Jonathan that Fern is very close to the end. She’s two exams left before she graduates in three weeks. She packs her car, and heads for Palm .springs. She’s able to spend three days with her Aunt Fern before she slips away in the early morning. The breast cancer took a huge toll on her life, but she was able to live out her last months in Palm Springs surrounded by all her friends & confidants Ramona & Jonathan her lawyers. Fern was the last relative that Laurel had in this world and she was her second mom, after her own mother passed when she was twelve years old. Even though she knew this was coming Laurel was beside herself, good thing Jonathan & Ramone had her back. They were lifetime friends of Fern & her late husband Jackson. They would be in Las Vegas when Laurel graduates in two weeks. A small intimate gathering will be hosted by the boys set-up in advance by Fern. And Laurel will be coming back to Palm Springs for a few months to take care of everything before returning to NY. She has not taken the bar yet cause she has not decided where she will live. At the life celebration for Fern she meets Sebastian the bartender, he’s a world class ass, even though he is gorgeous. Turns out he’s a partner of Ferns in the construction/remodeling business, and will be dealing with Laurel. Read about Laurel & Sebastian as then traverse life in each others orbit. Lots of emotion and plenty of toe curling does occur. The author has created a very unique group of friends in a very diverse location. And in each of the books the various friends will appear, during the different drink nights. Fern started the tradition with Martini Mondays, and each book represents a different drink tradition. Come explore Palm Springs Poolside novels based on a different drink. Up next is Tequila Tuesdays and I can’t wait to read it!!! This is a very addicting series, please read them in order so you have a reference for each of the friends you will meet. I read Thirsty Thursdays before reading book one, and I wish I had read them in order. But if you’re looking for a fantastic story with lots of heat, this series is the one to read!!!!
November 3, 2023
A new author to me so I thought I would give this book a try and I have to say I really loved listening to this story by J.L.Brannick.
This is book one in a series and I definately want to listen to the other books.
This one is narrated by Katie Thompson and John Lane..
Katie does the majority of the story telling in this story but then when John Lane suddenly starts narrating as Sebastian I nearly fell off my seat !!..Because Holy Hell that voice gave me tingles...he was the perfect grumpy asshole in Sebastian.
Katie did an excellent job in carrying the biggest load of narration in this story and I enjoyed her voice.
This book does start off on a sombre note as Laurel the main female character well her auntie passes away from Cancer...It was really sad and emotional..But it was this death in the book that would initiate Laurel's first meeting with Sebastian,and she get his cold shoulder in the process.
Sebastian is a man of few words..he hardly speaks to Laurel and always treats her with clipped words and indifference so obviously Laurel thinks that Sebastian does not like her.
Laurel recieves a hefty inheritance from her auntie including a house which Sebastian needs to fit the security for.
Laurel is in the process of becoming a lawyer going to school etc..and styaing at the house her aunt left her would give her a bit of reprieve,while she contemplates what she wants to do when her exam results come through.
Sebastian is so bad at communicating so even though he already has in his mind that Laurel is his..He never exactly tells her that, he just gives off moody vibes and cryptic words.
So when Laurel starts to avoid and ignore him he doesn't like it and soon enough emotions get tense and they cross that line.
When they are together they are so hot and steamy and Sebastian is so dominant and demanding and they easily fall into a relationship.
Beside the budding love story between Laurel and Sebastian there is another story alongside it,which involves her abusive father and her step mum and twin brothers.
She has a strained relationship with her father ,but a wonderful one with her brothers who are so much younger than Laurel.
She will do anything to help them escape from their horrible father,so much so it could destroy her relationship with Sebastian.
I really liked listening to this book and loved J.L.Brannick's writing the story entertained me throug-out the book.
Martini Monday is a great audio that I relished
5 Stars.
This is book one in a series and I definately want to listen to the other books.
This one is narrated by Katie Thompson and John Lane..
Katie does the majority of the story telling in this story but then when John Lane suddenly starts narrating as Sebastian I nearly fell off my seat !!..Because Holy Hell that voice gave me tingles...he was the perfect grumpy asshole in Sebastian.
Katie did an excellent job in carrying the biggest load of narration in this story and I enjoyed her voice.
This book does start off on a sombre note as Laurel the main female character well her auntie passes away from Cancer...It was really sad and emotional..But it was this death in the book that would initiate Laurel's first meeting with Sebastian,and she get his cold shoulder in the process.
Sebastian is a man of few words..he hardly speaks to Laurel and always treats her with clipped words and indifference so obviously Laurel thinks that Sebastian does not like her.
Laurel recieves a hefty inheritance from her auntie including a house which Sebastian needs to fit the security for.
Laurel is in the process of becoming a lawyer going to school etc..and styaing at the house her aunt left her would give her a bit of reprieve,while she contemplates what she wants to do when her exam results come through.
Sebastian is so bad at communicating so even though he already has in his mind that Laurel is his..He never exactly tells her that, he just gives off moody vibes and cryptic words.
So when Laurel starts to avoid and ignore him he doesn't like it and soon enough emotions get tense and they cross that line.
When they are together they are so hot and steamy and Sebastian is so dominant and demanding and they easily fall into a relationship.
Beside the budding love story between Laurel and Sebastian there is another story alongside it,which involves her abusive father and her step mum and twin brothers.
She has a strained relationship with her father ,but a wonderful one with her brothers who are so much younger than Laurel.
She will do anything to help them escape from their horrible father,so much so it could destroy her relationship with Sebastian.
I really liked listening to this book and loved J.L.Brannick's writing the story entertained me throug-out the book.
Martini Monday is a great audio that I relished
5 Stars.
December 20, 2023
Twin Faults, Immediately Exposed
I enjoy audiobooks so much that I try out a variety of nonfiction subjects and fiction subgenres, more than I typically explore in eBooks. This one was already going to be a little out of my typical reading or listening preferences, but I've been surprised by how much the audiobook format makes a variety of subjects and types of stories more interesting. However, I was soon disappointed with this audiobook. It suffered from immediate twin faults. The first, one which I abhor in audiobooks or ebooks, is the much dreaded, much reviled—at least by readers!—information dump. This one started with quite a prodigious one. Why authors love it so much—aside from the expediency of getting information across—I have no clue, but there are certainly more clever ways to deliver needed backstory. After suffering through this, it was quickly revealed that this would be a very shallow story with no depth of character or plot. While not every fiction book I read needs to be a literary masterpiece, I at least want it to display some measure of character development and an interesting plot. This book delivered neither. If you're looking for your next good listen, I recommend you keep looking.
I received a promo code for this audiobook, but that did not affect my review.
I enjoy audiobooks so much that I try out a variety of nonfiction subjects and fiction subgenres, more than I typically explore in eBooks. This one was already going to be a little out of my typical reading or listening preferences, but I've been surprised by how much the audiobook format makes a variety of subjects and types of stories more interesting. However, I was soon disappointed with this audiobook. It suffered from immediate twin faults. The first, one which I abhor in audiobooks or ebooks, is the much dreaded, much reviled—at least by readers!—information dump. This one started with quite a prodigious one. Why authors love it so much—aside from the expediency of getting information across—I have no clue, but there are certainly more clever ways to deliver needed backstory. After suffering through this, it was quickly revealed that this would be a very shallow story with no depth of character or plot. While not every fiction book I read needs to be a literary masterpiece, I at least want it to display some measure of character development and an interesting plot. This book delivered neither. If you're looking for your next good listen, I recommend you keep looking.
I received a promo code for this audiobook, but that did not affect my review.
August 13, 2023
I'm sure that "Martini Mondays" novel will apeal to many others, however from the very first page, I just couldn't feel invested in the main character, Laurel. I wasn't sure if it was because the author portrayed her to have suffered from loss early on in life (which we can relate to) but I think it was the reference to her father having disinherited her and now she's going to go take care of her dying aunt that made me question her values and motive. But as I kept reading, I looked for ways to feel for her, and just never got there. When she meets Sebastian, a man who doesn't really value women other than their sexual appeal, their relationship is a predictable tease of physical attraction, lacking a sense of other romantic or intellectual connection. I think that's what I saw missing in this book, however for anyone looking for reading about a lot of sex without any particular strong intellectual connections behind it, then a lot of readers will enjoy this novel. Sorry,just not for me. I was hoping for something a bit deeper with meaning.
January 9, 2024
2/5 ⭐
3/5 🌶
I want to start by saying that I loved the premise of this book and think it could very well be a lot of people's jam, but it wasn't mine...
It's a slow burn, and not talking them getting down and dirty. I'm talking about there being little to no romance for like 20% of the book. We don't even meet him until then and if it wasn't for her describing him as a tall drink of water, I'd have no clue it was him. I actually found something off about him too... He was a grump, which I usually love, but he went from stand offish to jealous and possessive in 2.2 seconds flat. And when they finally get spicy, it becomes an inferno.
And unfortunately, not a good inferno... I skipped most of the spice before DNFing because I found it so cringy. She says vagina multiple times in two kindle pages and at least one of them should have been vulva. And she talked about how red and inflamed she was constantly too... It just took me out of the story so much, and when they started miscommunicating and a third act breakup seemed imminent, I bailed...
3/5 🌶
I want to start by saying that I loved the premise of this book and think it could very well be a lot of people's jam, but it wasn't mine...
It's a slow burn, and not talking them getting down and dirty. I'm talking about there being little to no romance for like 20% of the book. We don't even meet him until then and if it wasn't for her describing him as a tall drink of water, I'd have no clue it was him. I actually found something off about him too... He was a grump, which I usually love, but he went from stand offish to jealous and possessive in 2.2 seconds flat. And when they finally get spicy, it becomes an inferno.
And unfortunately, not a good inferno... I skipped most of the spice before DNFing because I found it so cringy. She says vagina multiple times in two kindle pages and at least one of them should have been vulva. And she talked about how red and inflamed she was constantly too... It just took me out of the story so much, and when they started miscommunicating and a third act breakup seemed imminent, I bailed...
July 5, 2023
I’m all for the Grumpy/sunshine romance because we all know how does end up! PURE STEAM! I love the make MC, Latino and possessive and over protective, sometimes it was a little too much, but it was cute to see. I love Laurel, she was the perfect balance because she is a no nonsense type of woman who can keep you on your toes and gives you all the banter but also sensitive at times.
Laurel went through a lot when she was younger, and her aunt Fern is all she has left, but when she passes away and leaves her with everything she will ever need and then some, including Sebastian!!! Come on!!! But other than that the chemistry, between these two was everything I wanted to read in this fast paced romance. I also love the build up into the other characters, it’s making me look forward to the other books that I know will come along featuring the characters I already adore.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
Laurel went through a lot when she was younger, and her aunt Fern is all she has left, but when she passes away and leaves her with everything she will ever need and then some, including Sebastian!!! Come on!!! But other than that the chemistry, between these two was everything I wanted to read in this fast paced romance. I also love the build up into the other characters, it’s making me look forward to the other books that I know will come along featuring the characters I already adore.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
August 7, 2023
Laurel’s beloved aunt dies from breast cancer and leaves her entire estate to Laurel. While trying to figure out what she’ll do with everything, Laurel also has to prepare for her upcoming bar exam. If that isn’t enough, she makes the acquaintance of the gorgeous, and equally annoying, Sebastian. Underneath all of this, Laurel has to deal with an abusive father, and protect her twin half-brothers from the same man.
There’s a lot going on this story. The action moves well, although there are some parts where it drags a little. Some sections could be shortened, or removed, to speed things up. The twins are adorable, and the budding romance between Laurel and Sebastian is sweet, even if it seemed to take forever for them to figure it out. But when they did, it was worth the wait.
A good cast of supporting characters rounds out this story. The dialogue is fresh, and believable. The writing is well done. The author does a good job of weaving an interesting story.
There’s a lot going on this story. The action moves well, although there are some parts where it drags a little. Some sections could be shortened, or removed, to speed things up. The twins are adorable, and the budding romance between Laurel and Sebastian is sweet, even if it seemed to take forever for them to figure it out. But when they did, it was worth the wait.
A good cast of supporting characters rounds out this story. The dialogue is fresh, and believable. The writing is well done. The author does a good job of weaving an interesting story.
November 6, 2023
Laurel and Sebastian
I loved this story, and am looking forward to the next one! Laurel is going to college to be a lawyer. She comes from a dysfunctional family (who doesn’t?).She changed schools to be with her terminally ill aunt. Her father withheld her college fund, as a control to make her do what he wants. Ha, it did not work. After the aunt passes, Laurel inherits property. One house she is having security cameras installed. Grumpy Sebestian does the camera install. She picks at him, and gets under his skin. Laurel has a big heart, and helps her step-mother and brothers escape from her abusive father and get a protective order. Cameras are great for evidence. I thought the idea of friends getting together every Monday for a friendly night of drinks is sweet. Characters well developed. The narration was excellent. I received a free copy of this audiobook from BookSprout and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I loved this story, and am looking forward to the next one! Laurel is going to college to be a lawyer. She comes from a dysfunctional family (who doesn’t?).She changed schools to be with her terminally ill aunt. Her father withheld her college fund, as a control to make her do what he wants. Ha, it did not work. After the aunt passes, Laurel inherits property. One house she is having security cameras installed. Grumpy Sebestian does the camera install. She picks at him, and gets under his skin. Laurel has a big heart, and helps her step-mother and brothers escape from her abusive father and get a protective order. Cameras are great for evidence. I thought the idea of friends getting together every Monday for a friendly night of drinks is sweet. Characters well developed. The narration was excellent. I received a free copy of this audiobook from BookSprout and am voluntarily leaving my review.
June 24, 2023
At her aunt’s funeral, Laurel stumbles across an irate woman shouting at a gorgeous man, calling him a jerk, a prick, and a grumpy asshole. Then she meets Sebastian and adds a few names to that list. Because he may be hot as sin, but he has the personality of a rabid, prickly porcupine.
Laurel struggles to like Sebastian yet can't help herself either, she's drawn and attracted to him both at the same time. The feeling is mutual.
So what happens....
I loved this book it was funny, romantic and the characters were loveable and likeable.
Laurel is sassy, smart and kind.
Sebastian is grumpy, definitely hot and kind to those he loves.
This is a slow burn romance and perfect for a quick read. Well written with a cute story I mean so cute. I had that warm happy feeling at the end. A definite must read!
Kerry Kennedy Author
Laurel struggles to like Sebastian yet can't help herself either, she's drawn and attracted to him both at the same time. The feeling is mutual.
So what happens....
I loved this book it was funny, romantic and the characters were loveable and likeable.
Laurel is sassy, smart and kind.
Sebastian is grumpy, definitely hot and kind to those he loves.
This is a slow burn romance and perfect for a quick read. Well written with a cute story I mean so cute. I had that warm happy feeling at the end. A definite must read!
Kerry Kennedy Author
June 26, 2023
Who is ready for Martini Monday?
I was excited to read this book and it looks like it is the start of a great series. It starts off slow and builds from there. It does deal with death, grief, and domestic violence. While it has difficult topics, it also has a lightness with great banter, sexual tension, and budding friendships.
I enjoyed reading the slow burn of Laurel and Sebastian. They had good chemistry and sexy banter. I loved how Martini Mondays brought all the characters together to enhance the book more. I did feel parts of this book were slow while near the ending it went too quick. This was a quick and enjoyable read. I hope the series continues as there is an array of great characters to build on.
What to Expect:
❤️ Slow burn
❤️Loveable characters
🔥Steamy scenes
❤️HEA
Thank you to Netgalley for the free eARC, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was excited to read this book and it looks like it is the start of a great series. It starts off slow and builds from there. It does deal with death, grief, and domestic violence. While it has difficult topics, it also has a lightness with great banter, sexual tension, and budding friendships.
I enjoyed reading the slow burn of Laurel and Sebastian. They had good chemistry and sexy banter. I loved how Martini Mondays brought all the characters together to enhance the book more. I did feel parts of this book were slow while near the ending it went too quick. This was a quick and enjoyable read. I hope the series continues as there is an array of great characters to build on.
What to Expect:
❤️ Slow burn
❤️Loveable characters
🔥Steamy scenes
❤️HEA
Thank you to Netgalley for the free eARC, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 8, 2025
Laurel & Sebastian
Laurel is a graduating law school student who lost her mother at a young age, and then grew up with an abusive father and a doting aunt. When Aunt Fern falls ill, Laurel switched law schools to be closer to her in Palm Springs.
Sebastian is a playboy with a wide variety of skills but he primarily manages properties and flipped several homes with Fern before she passed away.
When Laurel inherits Fern's properties, she decides to stay in Palm Springs and cannot escape Sebastian, even though he's a grumpy a$$ to her most of the time.
They quickly get over his surliness and start a hot relationship. Sebastian's moody possessiveness comes off almost as a Dom and Laurel is all too happy to comply.
There's a whole side story with Laurel's father, his new wife, their twin boys and traumatic cycles repeating.
3/5 spicy
Laurel is a graduating law school student who lost her mother at a young age, and then grew up with an abusive father and a doting aunt. When Aunt Fern falls ill, Laurel switched law schools to be closer to her in Palm Springs.
Sebastian is a playboy with a wide variety of skills but he primarily manages properties and flipped several homes with Fern before she passed away.
When Laurel inherits Fern's properties, she decides to stay in Palm Springs and cannot escape Sebastian, even though he's a grumpy a$$ to her most of the time.
They quickly get over his surliness and start a hot relationship. Sebastian's moody possessiveness comes off almost as a Dom and Laurel is all too happy to comply.
There's a whole side story with Laurel's father, his new wife, their twin boys and traumatic cycles repeating.
3/5 spicy
November 13, 2023
I loved the dual narration of Katie Thompson and John Lane, perfect for this book.
Laurel wants to become lawyer, who comes from a dysfunctional, who has is has to change her college to be with her terminally ill aunt. Her father wants to control her, so he has withheld her college fund, as a control to, it did not work. When her aunt dies, Laurel inherits her property. Laurel wants to install security cameras . Sebastian installs the cameras . The two get under each others skins. Laurel helps her step-mother and brothers escape from her abusive father. The cameras help her in the cause. While this is all happening grumpy Sebastian is everywhere. Making it hard to stay away for him, but her aunt’s meddling from the grave have other plans
Laurel wants to become lawyer, who comes from a dysfunctional, who has is has to change her college to be with her terminally ill aunt. Her father wants to control her, so he has withheld her college fund, as a control to, it did not work. When her aunt dies, Laurel inherits her property. Laurel wants to install security cameras . Sebastian installs the cameras . The two get under each others skins. Laurel helps her step-mother and brothers escape from her abusive father. The cameras help her in the cause. While this is all happening grumpy Sebastian is everywhere. Making it hard to stay away for him, but her aunt’s meddling from the grave have other plans
June 18, 2023
A big thank you to NetGalley and Smart Mouth Publishing LLC for the eARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I believe that this is the first in a new series. This was a fantastic book to read. Lots of emotion-sadness, laughter, love. The characters felt real. I enjoyed Laurel's innocence about certain things. Laurels relationship with Sebastian started out very rocky. He was a grump! Her aunt Fern had Martini Monday's at her home and Laurel continues this tradition. A truly interesting book, probably predictable but well worth the read. 4 stars I would highly recomment this book to romance readers.
September 5, 2023
Loved the setting of Palm Springs and the Hollywood 1950s references. If you’ve been PS you’ll recognize some of the locations. This is a slow burn but be aware that when it heats up there are some pretty explicit scenes. There’s also some solid advice for dealing with trauma from those who are supposed to love us the most. Laurel, the MFC, is sweet, smart, and traumatized from childhood abuse and tragedies. Some of my favorite supporting characters were the five year olds, Willie and Lennie. Sebastian, the MMC, is a grumpy asshole but is hot, protective, and redeems himself. Looking forward to the rest of the series!
July 14, 2023
This book had those things I really enjoy in a romance: a likable female character who is reasonably intelligent, a plot that has a few twists but is believable, a great setting that draws me in (Palm Springs in this case), and a nice high spice level. I also want someone to call me mi cielo. I loved the martini parties, and Fern andher friends, and Laurel’s found family at the end. I wanted to throat punch Sebastian, but Laurel calling him out on his arsehole-ness with humor was probably the better way to handle it. Maybe.
October 31, 2023
As a new reader to the author I was impressed with this book and couldn't put it down! It's full of loss, grief, heartache, cruel parents, witty banter, passion and more throughout! This book follows smart, sassy and determined Laurel and Sebastian... Will they end up being more than then sparing partners?... Can't wait to read the next book in the series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 28, 2024
Loved this book!
If u like grumpy alpha men and a romance that really brings the heat, while at the same time has you hoping there is a happily ever after for all the characters at the end you will love this book. It was full of fun quirky characters who were dealing with some really hard issues. There was an abusive father, so if that is a trigger for you then you might want to pass on this one, but I would recommend it to anyone else.
If u like grumpy alpha men and a romance that really brings the heat, while at the same time has you hoping there is a happily ever after for all the characters at the end you will love this book. It was full of fun quirky characters who were dealing with some really hard issues. There was an abusive father, so if that is a trigger for you then you might want to pass on this one, but I would recommend it to anyone else.
September 19, 2025
I liked the way that Laurel and Sebastian took the time to get to know each other before all the spice started, and boy was there ever spice. I also liked getting to know all the side characters, too, especially Martina, Laurel’s friend and Sebastian’s cousin, Laurel’s little brothers, Lennie and Willie. There were some editing problems that were somewhat bothersome, but overall, I had a good time reading this novel, and I plan to read the others in the series.
September 20, 2025
This author desperately needs to hire an editor. There were distracting typos and even a comma in the middle of a word.
The relationship went from 0-100 for Sebastian and Laurel. She’s clueless and he’s a dickhead and then out of nowhere, he’s got a pet name for her and all of his family weirdly is worried about them fucking.
Sebastian states “Mi cielo” means something about blue eyes but it means darling?? So confusing
I stuck it out to the ending but it was very predictable
The relationship went from 0-100 for Sebastian and Laurel. She’s clueless and he’s a dickhead and then out of nowhere, he’s got a pet name for her and all of his family weirdly is worried about them fucking.
Sebastian states “Mi cielo” means something about blue eyes but it means darling?? So confusing
I stuck it out to the ending but it was very predictable
October 3, 2025
Growth amongst Grief
Laurel lead through several tough challenges with Sebastian by her side. I learned a world of information about martinis and how a man can really show you are his cielo.
J.L. keeps this story drenched and delicious. I have to see what the remainder of the week poolside in Palm Springs will pour onto the pages.
I received a copy of this book from J.L. Brannick. I have chosen to leave a review. All opinions are my own.
Laurel lead through several tough challenges with Sebastian by her side. I learned a world of information about martinis and how a man can really show you are his cielo.
J.L. keeps this story drenched and delicious. I have to see what the remainder of the week poolside in Palm Springs will pour onto the pages.
I received a copy of this book from J.L. Brannick. I have chosen to leave a review. All opinions are my own.
July 21, 2023
Rating : 3.5 stars
I actually was so close to dropping this book cause the beginning was so boooring but I ended up carrying on
Surprisingly I enjoyed it Sebastian and Laurels relationship was cute I did find their relationship rushed tho I didn’t understand how they fell in love. We weren’t really shown how they fell in love so their relationship sort of felt flat to me.
I actually was so close to dropping this book cause the beginning was so boooring but I ended up carrying on
Surprisingly I enjoyed it Sebastian and Laurels relationship was cute I did find their relationship rushed tho I didn’t understand how they fell in love. We weren’t really shown how they fell in love so their relationship sort of felt flat to me.
November 10, 2023
74 procent. Gestopt want hij heeft besloten dat hij binnenkort perzik wil , zonder eerst te vragen of ze dat ook wilt. Opeens was hij possessive naar haar terwijl hij eerst onaardig was ... En wat is haar persoonlijkheid? Oke ze studeert rechten.. en dan? Verder niks eigenlijk. En eigenlijk weer fboys vs bijna maagd...
November 17, 2023
I love the light hearted scenes with Laurel and friends when they continue the tradition of Martini Mondays, in remembrance of her dear aunt.
The secondary characters add fun, some drama .
Sebastian once he lets his personality shines, he is the ultimate,.alpha male.
I enjoyed lthis story told by Katie Thompson and John Lane. It was a pleasure to listen
The secondary characters add fun, some drama .
Sebastian once he lets his personality shines, he is the ultimate,.alpha male.
I enjoyed lthis story told by Katie Thompson and John Lane. It was a pleasure to listen
March 22, 2024
I liked this contemporary audiobook. It dealt with the loss of loved ones and the disappointment and betrayal of those who should love unconditionally. Laurel arrives to find her way in the world post graduation. Her first impression of Sebastian is not good. Turns out he hates everyone. The narrators did a good job.
September 4, 2023
This was a bit of a chore to get through. The writing was pretty bad and 70% of it was just describing what various characters were wearing and eating. There were also a lot of typos which was frustrating. There were a couple okay 🌶️ scenes but overall, this book did nothing for me.
June 4, 2024
Great summer read
This is the first time I've read this author and I am very glad I picked the book up. The characters are all so enjoyable and relatable. I love the author's writing style and storytelling. I will read more of her books.
This is the first time I've read this author and I am very glad I picked the book up. The characters are all so enjoyable and relatable. I love the author's writing style and storytelling. I will read more of her books.
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