Tequila Tuesdays

Palm Springs Poolside Novel #2

by J. L. Brannick

Harley only knows the dominant, compelling man walking into her neighbor’s pool party as Dimples. But she made him bleed the last time they saw each other, and Dimples, a.k.a. Damien, holds a mean grudge.

She’d love to keep her distance, but Harley needs his help. And Damien wants his pound of flesh. Because the same man she tangled with last year also owns the best investigation agency in Palm Springs, and she needs to find someone fast. Her young, mouthy client is missing, and Harley has a bad feeling.

As they work together, Damien slowly uncovers her past heartache and trauma. Harley struggles and chafes at their explosive chemistry, but she can’t stop him from invading her life and stealing her heart. When old ghosts and new enemies threaten, will Harley run? Or will she stay and fight for the kind of life she gave up on years ago?

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Romance

360 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 17, 2023

About the author

J. 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.

Reviews

[Donna Feibusch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Book!!!

I absolutely loved reading Tequila Tuesdays: Book 2 in the Palm Springs Poolside Series(Palm Springs Poolside Novels)!!!! All about Harley Emerson and thirty something year old single criminal lawyer and fierce volleyball player & Damien Andreasen a part owner of a security firm with his two BFF’s is thirty-three years old plays volleyball and is part owner in a remodeling/construction business. Harley’s mom( Ava) drags her to a tequila party at her golf buddies house, it’s the weekly event that takes place in each of the friends in the groups homes. It’s the job of the host to come up with different recipes for each party, and the guests all bring an appetizer to share with the group. It’s at this event that Harley met Damien aka dimples her nemesis on the volleyball court. Apparently from a distance he liked what he saw, until he realized it was the Valkyrie who nearly broke his nose last fall. As the various events take place dimples & Harley start getting closer. Seems they are compatible in work mode & private mode.
Read about Harley & Dimples and see if they can go the distance!!! Lots of emotion and plenty of toe curling does occur. If you’ve read any of my other reviews I usually tell you if a series is good or not!!! This series is scorching hot and each of the books have a full novel to go with each alcohol event. And this series should be read in order, as the characters in one follow into all the other books. Definite Read!!!! I can’t wait to read Book 3!!!!

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tequila Tuesday by J.L. Brannick is the love story of Harley and Damien. I loved this book. I didn't realize it was the second book in the series, so I will be reading the first one soon. Both characters are written well and the storyline is good!

Trigger Warnings for child/domestic abuse and drug abuse.

Thank you to Booksiren and NetGalley for this ARC read!

[Angelik · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a really fun time reading this. Brannick had me kicking my feet, blushing and fanning my face like a schoolgirl!
"We were fireworks in July"
Let me just say that I would immediately fold for my man Damien. The chemistry between Harley and Damien is palpable. The way that their relationship progressed didn't feel rushed or overwhelming (not saying I don't love my insta-love romances but I just really liked how realistic this felt). The small signs, subtle hints and tension that occurred throughout was so well done. I really liked how the narrative didn't solely center on their relationship but also on Harley's profession as a lawyer.
I loved the story and all characters involved, I already have my guesses on who the next book will be about. I think I'll enjoy anything Brannick chooses to expand on in this universe.

"Life was fleeting, and maybe it was time for me to start fully living mine."
This quote really resonated with me. Brannick didn't shy away from the tough topic of moving forward after a trauma. I really enjoyed how Brannick was able to incorporate the impact that addiction can have on family dynamics and how death/loss may also impact a person's view on relationships.
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op for sending this ARC to me for a chance to review it.

[Jade Bowman · Rating 4 out of 5]

First person
Single pov (FMC)
2 🌶

I really enjoyed this addition to the palm springs poolside series. I loved the relationship between Harley and Damien and how patient and encouraging he was with her. The story didn't just focus on their relationship, and I really liked the insight into Harley's job and some of the background of those characters.
Slight miscommunication towards the end that was quickly resolved and wasn't a big part of the story.
Can't wait for the next book to find out if I've guessed the main characters correctly.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book.

[Nik.The.Nerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I didn't realize it was the second book in the series, so I'm getting ready to read the first one next! There is plenty of spice! There is a lot going on in this book-the characters professions have drama, romance, family issues, etc. There is some cases of domestic/child abuse and drug abuse, so keep that in mind if that is a trigger for you! I loved watching the characters fall for one another, and help each other through hard times. I would definitely recommend this to a friend!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[rosalinda.reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like how Damien and Harley met in the beginning and their code name for each other is cute.

At the beginning of the story, Harley is a strong, independent, brave woman. I know because of her back story why it seems like she became weak at the end of the story. I was sad because the Harley I knew at the beginning seemed to have changed. Something is missing, I don't know what.

[Shelby Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC

Harley is a criminal defense attorney, and begins working closely with Damien - a volleyball rival she once accidentally? (up for debate) hit in the face when spiking the ball. They shared mutual friends, tolerated each other’s presence, and had a cute banter - but Damien was instantly interested in taking care of her. The story follows their development into a relationship, as well as following the case they’re both working on. Things are just starting to heat up 😉🌶️

JL sent me a physical copy of Martini Mondays, so when I saw Tequila Tuesdays on NetGalley, I jumped at the chance to read it! I enjoyed the characters and the criminal stories. I also appreciated the dynamic of Harley’s family. One TW of violence against animals near the end. Great read if you like spice! 🌶️ I can’t wait to see what the rest of the week has in store. 😉🍹

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This ARC was so much fun to read. My favorite thing about these novels is that Brannick WAS an attorney, so when her characters are giving legal advice to their clients it feels so real and natural. I also love Damien and Harley, this is the second book in the Poolside novels, but I have to say that I think Damien and Harley are my favorite couple, their energy is absolutely electric. Anyone who likes beach-reads with open door steamy scenes would like this one.

[Janis Gharras · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this one! characters with depth, a heart wrenching loss, thigh clenching sexiness, swoony dominant hero and a satisfying HEA. I couldn’t ask for more!

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

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Two in this series and it was so entertaining,steamy,funny,sweet and also has some drama...I really enjoyed it.
I also had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook which was superbly narrated by Katie Thompson and Troy Duran.They both do a compelling performance of the characters and I loved listening to them both they brought this book perfectly to life.
Tequila Tuesdays is such a great story between Harley and Damien who don't really get off to a good start..They both play Volley ball on opposite teams Harley nearly breaks Damien's nose,while he insults her Volleyball team.
A year later at a pool party they meet again and things go better but not perfectly as Damien remembers that she left him bleeding last time they met...But I think he is very intrigued by this fiesty woman.
Harley is a criminal defence Lawyer and she needs help with the case she is on as her client has gone missing,a young woman who is in an abusive family.
The only person she can think of to help her is Damien as he owns the best investigation agency she knows...Of course he agrees to help her.
This senario means that Harley and Damien will be working closely together and as they spend time in eachothers company.eating meals,drinking ,talking and getting to know one another a friendships blossoms between them.
But there is also something else between them an unwavering attraction and a red hot chemistry that is too overwhelming to ignore.
The thing is Harley has a broken heart and so has guarded that heart for 5 years and so these feelings she has for Damien is scary for her.
But she didn't have to worry because Damien is just WOW.. He is gorgeous in every way kind,patient,understanding and super sexy with a dirty mouth...I LOVED him he is also the perfect Alpha male and very territorial and possessive when it comes to other mens interest in Harley.
Harley opens up to him and she flourishes under his adoration,I really liked her she is a strong independent intelligent woman,and takes no crap off other people.
She also has a strained relationship with her mother,who needs support with her recovery but she has a great relationship with her sister Olivia.
There is so much going on in this story between the blooming romance,there is the case Harley is involved with,and her family troubles..plus constantly having to prove herself to her male colleagues who are all ignorant asses...
J.L.Brannick has written a very intelligent and sexy romance the story kept me intrigued and I listened to it within a day.The narrators Katie and Troy made it even more engaging and I can't wait to see what the next story in the series will bring.
I Loved it.
5 Stars.

[Lupi_reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

You had me at hello, then you opened up your mouth. That's what I feel about this book, it started great but then did a free fall.

Tequila Tuesdays is a book about a criminal lawyer - Harley - who's playing volleyball with certain people she defends as a program for rehab or something (not the point) during one of the tournaments she hits a member of the opponent team - Damien - in the nose with the ball because he was mouthing off about her teammates. If that's not the perfect meet-cute, I don't know what is. So now they fall in love-ish (we'll get to that) and in the meantime, we insert a confusing central conflict that I personally didn't understand the meaning of in the book.

Well, first of all, I haven't read books about lawyers before, so this is a fresh take on romance for me, I liked that part.

Now I'm a person who doesn't mind spicy scenes okay, (and this one would be 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5). But I felt like Harley was so detached and plain and aloof mostly, there was nothing relatable about her. We see her get attached to her teammates and when one of them dies she cries for a minute and then she's having sex with Damien the next, tragedy forgotten. We see her full-on weeping over her dog who was almost poisoned and because someone is after her and wants her harmed apparently, the next thing you know, she's going at it with Damien again like catholic rabbits. We see her talk about her traumatic and tragic past and how sad it made her, and do you wanna guess what happened just thirty seconds after? Yup, you guessed it, she's moaning and screaming about how awesome Damien's manhood is.

Like, at a certain point, I just lost the plot. I didn't know what the heck was happening. The book kept dragging and there was no romance whatsoever, just two people lusting for each other calling it love and romantic, a woman who's been celibate for 5 years acting like she was a sixteen-year-old who just discovered sex for the first time, and Damien is this really hot god-like discovery who made her see the beauty and meaning of life again. There was no character development whatsoever. and then the last two chapters where we finally get some action, it doesn't even last for 3 pages. And it's not even about Harley.

I received an advance review copy for free, in exchange for my honest review.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two in the series is wonderful! The story continues with the adventures of the Palm Springs crew and their adventures at Martini Mondays and, on occasion, needing some Tequila on a Tuesday after a tough day at work.
The story is different from most stories in this genre (in my opinion at least), in that it is single POV, only from Harley’s perspective. I usually like getting both characters’s thoughts, but the author does a good job getting Damien’s voice out there while not having a chapter from his perspective.

Harley is a fun and kind of tragic character. She had to grow up pretty quick due to issues with her mom and her father passing, so she likes to be in charge and is fiercely loyal to those close to her. She, also, had some other personal tragedies which really made her guard her heart (and also terrible workplace encounters). I liked her drive and her care and all the effort she gives to take care of her clients. But perhaps, she should maybe take some time to have fun in a different way, rather than spiking a volleyball in anyone’s face.
Damien is introduced in the first book as Sebastian’s friend and coworker, so it was fun getting to know him for this story. He’s an interesting character with a great sense of humor and has no trouble making life interesting for Harley. I liked how he really made her step out of her routines and try new activities.

This story is a standalone. It is set in the Palm Springs Poolside series and characters from the previous book all make an appearance, plus some new ones! This story can be enjoyed without reading/listening to the first, but I wholeheartedly recommend enjoying book one prior because it’s a wonderful story and introduces some of the characters in this story.
The story is slow burn with a steamy second half. There is also a light BDSM element for one of the scenes.
There are some triggers in this story: talk of drug use and abuse, drug overdose, child neglect, some minor violence, and loss of family members.

I loved the narrators! It is primarily narrated by the female narrator, with the male narrator only voicing the dialogue from the main male character. The female narrator is the same from the last book and she does a wonderful job voicing Harley! I listened at 1.2x speed.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not even sure how to express my thoughts about the book. Let me start with a rating. I was going for 3.5 which always is a battle between a 3 and a 4. I settled on a 3, mainly because it took some time to get into the story. I even put it away. I also found numerous (small) errors.
But the hardest for me was how the story flowed. Or mainly, not flowed at all at the beginning.

Did I enjoy the book? Ultimately, yes. Did I finish it? Yes, but not without some effort. Readers have diverse tastes, so I understand that not everything will resonate with everyone. However, I initially struggled with the amount of information crammed into just a few pages. The abundance of names and connections quickly disengaged me. Yet, a few days later, feeling refreshed, I picked it up again and managed to read it to the end.

For me, the ability to put a book down midway or not even get through it usually speaks volumes. I have the bad habit of needing to finish a book once I start, sometimes forcing myself to go to bed in the middle of the night because I kept reading.

However, I eventually grasped the essence of the information, the names, and the relationships. In the end, there was even some suspense that piqued my interest enough to keep reading until the last page.

I genuinely admired Damien's patience, appreciated the nicknames, and found Harley's background and work to be intriguing elements in the story.

The one aspect that seemed lacking for me was the chemistry between Damien and Harley. While there was tension and spicy scenes, it sometimes didn't quite click. There was plenty of spice, but the fireworks they discussed never truly ignited in my imagination.

But the story improved, and I liked the drama. It was intriguing at times. Did it make me curious to read more? I don't know, I don't think so. It just couldn't keep my attention, really.
But it is good enough to keep reading, but you might have motivated yourself to keep going. It gets better after a few chapters!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Orazi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enemies to lovers grumpy/sunshine romance.

I absolutely loved this book! Fantastic characters, incredibly well developed, relatable and realistic. The story was heartbreaking, steamy, funny and heartwarming. Highly recommend! Must read!

Harley Emerson is a criminal defense attorney. She also serves as the juvenile drug court degender, is the captain of her recreational volleyball team (Addicts to Athletes) and overseas her mother Ava's well-being (she is a former addict). She has a younger sister Olivia and a dog Gary.

Damien Andreason is a former detective and runs a security & investigation business with his friends Zeke and Sebastian. He is a captain of a recreational volleyball team.

They meet on the volleyball court when their teams play against each other. They are both extremely competitive and athletic. Damien trash talks her team calling them Wal-Mart parking lot rejects, so she "accidentally" spiked a ball in his face. Her nickname for him is Dimples, his for her is Valkyrie.

Ava brings her to a neighbor's Martini Monday gathering and Harley makes friends with Laurel. Laurel decides to host a similar gathering and invited Harley. Her boyfriend Sebastian invited his business partner Damien. They get invited to several social outings and keep bumping into each other and she slowly warms up to him. The group of friends go camping/hiking where Harley and Damien share a tent. They eventually hook up and start a relationship. They have several bumps along the way due to personal baggage and work-related issues, but get their HEA in the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Eric Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harley is a tall, leggy blond who wears Viking braids on the volleyball court, deals with sexual harassment from other attorneys at juvenile drug court, and still finds time to golf with her recovering addict mother. When Damian "Dimples" Andreason is rude, insulting, and inappropriate during a volleyball game, Harley spikes a ball into his face, breaking his nose. She eventually begins to find him charming as they are forced into more interactions. The slow burn was executed well. There are some bumps on the way, some secrets, some misunderstandings, some client’s crazy ex-drug dealers, some work stuff, and in the style of the genre, a happily ever-after.

Tequila Tuesdays is a solid contemporary romance, well edited, with explicit sex, including mild BDSM. The characters were easy to imagine and their relationship grew at a steady pace that seemed reasonable. Sex scenes and dirty talking were hot. Their lives were realistic, but there was just enough urgency and danger in her work to keep the story going.

I didn't get a romantic comedy vibe, though. The men in Harley's life were terrible. I'm not convinced Damian was any better, no matter how hot she thought he was. I guess the judge behaved himself, though we didn't see him socially, and the boss finally grew a spine after taking his sweet time. There aren't enough volleyballs in the world to deal with the rest of them. Maybe I found it too believable to laugh.

[Tracye Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

So emotional

So, this is the second book in the series and I thought I was going to cry my eyes out in the first chapter of book one. The author has a way of making you feel so much in these books.

This book had a much different feel to it than book one. The MMC, Damian, works with Sabastian from book one. He has met the MFC, Harley, while playing recreational volleyball and they don't get along at first. Harley has a tough exterior due to many issues in her life. She is a defense attorney with a strained relationship with her mother and a lacking social life. Damon's social life is not revealed until later and it almost stops your heart for a moment. I was not sure how the blip in the relationship was going to go.

The author, being an attorney herself, is very knowledgeable of the legal system and it is refreshing to read story that reflect the truth nature of crime and the legal system. I really font lime to read stories that don't make sense or use inappropriate wording or situations that are so ridiculous that they take away from the actual story itself and, I'm happy to say that this author does not do that and I really enjoy her stories that go along with the romantic romantic element in each book so far.

Each book has just enough steam without being raunchy and each book focuses on one couple but sets you up for the next relationship in the following book.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tequila Tuesdays is a steamy, slow-burn, frenemies-to-lovers, grumpy-sunshine, romance with some comedy and serious themes. Harley is a serious lawyer who handles pro-bono cases, has a heart of gold, and has experienced some hard times. Damien is a hunky, retired detective turned private investigator also with a heart of gold. Harley and Damien first meet at a volleyball game where he is trashing her team. She promptly spikes the ball and gives him a bloody nose. Fast forward, and the two have mutual friends and continue to run into each other, at first being awkward. They develop a friendship and, over time, start dating. Both of these characters have trauma in their pasts, especially Harley, and have built up some serious walls. Can she let love in? There is some danger in the book with Harley's client and Damien assists. These two had incredible chemistry, and the characters were realistic and authentic. I loved their teasing and witty banter. We have some danger and drama and get our HEA in the end. This was my first book by this author but not the last.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara Abatzis · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good, until it wasn't

My rating: 3.5

Tropes: Enemies to lovers

Heat: 7/10
Emotion 7/10
Story: 6/10
Characters: 5/10
Interest: 5/10
POV: 1 pov (female)
No Cliffhanger

"Tequila Tuesdays" is a cute story, up to a point. After the ex-girlfriend thing it lost me.

What I did like:
- The romance develops slowly, growing in both characters
- It had good steam

What I didn't like:
- I don't like stories where there is involvement with other people after the MCs meet and start flirting or hang out together. This is a NO for me. The way it was approached left me with a bad taste, almost as if there was cheating. I can't say more because i will give spoilers and i never do.
- Too many details at some point made me skip pages.

Overall, it could have been a sweet story, but i hated so much what i mentioned above, plus the way it was approached afterwards that from then on the story lost me. I didn't care any more for any of the two MCs.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harley, a criminal defense attorney, meets Damien, ex detective now security specialist, when she nearly breaks his nose in a volleyball game. He referred to her teammates as inmates and she defends her team at all costs. She also goes all out to protect her juvenile court teens and needs him to help her with surveillance on one of her girls. After losing her dad and later her fiancé in a car accident, she has sworn off men until Damien. I loved this book. The relationship between Damien and Harley gets hot and heavy and his need to protect her has him showing up constantly. I love how Harley is the same with her friends as she is with those she fights for in juvenile court. Harley’s mother is a recovering addict. I felt her interactions with her mother were spot on. She got very frustrated yet tried to do what she could to maintain a relationship. There is so much in this book: love, dedication to occupation, care for family and friends, and intense scenes with drug addicts. Wonderful characters you love and hate.

[SassypantsReading · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tequila Tuesdays just didn’t do it for me. The author’s writing style felt immature and stilted to me. Each chapter began with something along the lines of “on Monday,” “the next day,” etc. It was very disjointed and didn’t flow. I also had a hard time following who the side characters were and how they were related. I realize this is the second book in a series, but they are standalone stories, so the author could’ve done a better job explaining the relationships. I also think this book would’ve benefited from being dual-POV. There was hardly any chemistry between Damian and Harley, and the author seemed like she tried to make up for that by making it extra steamy, when they FINALLY get together. Which leads me to how boring the first half of this book is. I almost DNF’d multiple times because it was dragging on and on and on.

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

[ElizabethLynnReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed the Poolside Series so far. I loved this book and Harley and Damien are a new favorite couple. I enjoyed how the book brought back characters from the first book and added more unique characters. The volleyball team are my new favorites. I love how J. L Brannick dives deep into her characters to bring out the story, humor and romance.

Harley and Damien are so amazing. I love how Damien is so supportive and understanding and patient as Harley overcomes past traumas. The steam between these two is hot! Another favorite are all the drinks you learn about. You can’t go wrong with a margarita or Laurel’s martinis. I am ready and guessing who is in Whiskey Wednesday!

What to Expect:
🍹Great Characters
🍹Steamy Scenes
🍹Humor and Depth
🍹The perfect HEA

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read the ARC of this book.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in Brannick's Palm Springs Poolside Series and can easily be read as a standalone although there are some returning characters and spoilers. Our main characters are Harley and Damien and are just perfect! I love their meet cute, their nick names the friends and colleges' - just a wonderful mesh of amazing characters but these two were just great! A smooth flowing, exciting storyline that gave me all the feels. Drama, danger and angst as well as the sweet and oh my stars some steamy scenes! There were a few things that felt overly repeated - the issues with Harley's mom and some insecurities but at the same time I really liked that as strong a character as Harley is - she has real vulnerability and I loved how that was portrayed. A great read and I can't wait for book 3!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damien is an ex police detective and now a private investigator. Harley is a public defender and works with a volleyball group of troubled kids. When she starts to worry a lot about one of the kids, she asks Damien to check on it. Will they find something horrible? Will they be in time to help? Can Harley keep it together around her mom's drug abuse? Will Damien and Harley let go enough to open up and care for each other? Loved the characters, their personalities, determination, chemistry and entertaining situations. The storyline flows well, with sassy banter, secrets coming out, twists, abuse, drugs, deep feelings and caring, danger, close calls and hope. Terrific ending and a great addition to this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did find this book really difficult to get into in the beginning, I just found the first quarter really slow with its build up. While I understand that its to set the scene and have you understand the character backgrounds, it struggled to hold my attention.
I stuck with it though and I'm so glad I did. The rest if the book was so packed with all the good stuff I was expecting, plenty of laughs, suspense and plenty of "intimate" moments between Damian and Harley, when they got the chance to be alone.

It is definitely a book I would recommend sticking with.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katelyn Welytok · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. I loved that it was a well rounded story. It didn’t focus just on romance. Harley the main female character is a lawyer and I enjoyed seeing the story hone in on that as well. Harley and Damien were a great couple but I enjoyed how the story showed the progression of that. It wasn’t a quick snap your fingers romance. It showed the chemistry and built up the relationship. Not saying anything against instant romances I have my love of those as well, but I feel that an instant romance here wouldn’t have worked. The author did a great job showcasing this romance in a way that felt just right. This story had romance, trauma, and happiness.

[Jane Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a stand alone in a series. Loved the MFC, Harley, who was smart and competent but had past trauma and scars she needed to work through. Also loved Damien, the MMC, who was possessive, dominant but tried to be patient and sexy AF. There are a lot of explicit spicy scenes in the second half of the book. I’m not complaining (like, at all) but informing. Don’t want to give away anything, but Harley’s relationship with her rec volleyball team was FAF, and her younger sister needs her own book. Loved the first book, really really loved this second book. High recommend.

[BBReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m really enjoying this series; the book can be read alone. The author discusses parental addiction, effects of childhood neglect, and working through one’s fears and emotional blocks for a rewarding, happy life. And it’s laugh out loud funny. I was emotional one chapter and snorting the next. I appreciate when an author can do this. It’s steamy and the second half is explicit. Harley’ teammate, Jaime, was one of my all time favorite characters. Looking forward to reading about several of the other characters in future books I hope. Read as an ARC for an honest review.

[Devons book corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tequila Tuesday was a great addition to the Palm Springs Poolside series. Harley is a public defender who works mostly with juveniles. She also runs a volleyball program for recovering addicts. Damien is a retired police officer who is now running an investigation firm. He plays volleyball and meets Harley when she spikes a volleyball into his face. I really enjoyed the characters, the plot, and the connection that Harley and Damien shared. If you haven't checked this series out yet, you are missing out.

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author and will certainly be looking for more. Tequila Tuesdays is a fun romance, but the rest centers around heartbreaking elements regarding addiction, broken families and abuse. Harley has spent so much time taking care of others, being competitive in sports and her job is very demanding, which leaves her very little opportunity to let down her walls. When she needs help with a case, she finally lets Damien in and the two are great together. Very enjoyable story.

[Britney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to booksirens and the author for letting me read this ARC.
The book did take a bit to get into, the beginning was a lot of descriptive information so it kind of made it drag. There are some grammatical errors in the book, but it doesn't prevent you from reading the book. The scenes got hot and heavy at times which I absolutely loved! I really enjoyed the whole story and loved the ending.