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Cupid's Barrel: A Lesbian Romance
Will their hearts collide like a shot of whiskey—or shatter on the rocks?
As the owner of a thriving whiskey boutique in Brooklyn, Taylor Brooks has built her success one barrel at a time. Her charm, wit, and work ethic have made her a rising star in the spirits world. But beneath her confident exterior lies a romantic who secretly believes in finding the one person who can match her fire.
Vanessa Grayson doesn’t believe in love stories wrapped in pink bows. A powerhouse architect and owner of a prestigious New York firm, Vanessa is all about precision and control, both in her blueprints and her life. Having spent years in a marriage that didn’t fulfill her, she’s only recently begun exploring the part of herself she kept hidden for decades. A late in life lesbian, Vanessa has had her share of fleeting flings, but nothing serious—until Taylor Brooks storms into her life like a shot of whiskey. Strong and impossible to ignore.
When Taylor cheekily declares that she will get Vanessa to break all of her rules—on Valentine’s Day, no less—sparks fly in more ways than one. Taylor’s fearless pursuit of love softens Vanessa’s icy walls, while Vanessa’s thoughtfulness gives Taylor a glimpse of a love she never thought she’d find.
Can Vanessa let go of her need for control long enough to let Taylor in? And will Taylor’s belief in love be enough to bring them together, or will their hearts be left on the rocks?
Cupid’s Barrel is a steamy lesbian romance about finding love when you least expect it and daring to rewrite the rules.
As the owner of a thriving whiskey boutique in Brooklyn, Taylor Brooks has built her success one barrel at a time. Her charm, wit, and work ethic have made her a rising star in the spirits world. But beneath her confident exterior lies a romantic who secretly believes in finding the one person who can match her fire.
Vanessa Grayson doesn’t believe in love stories wrapped in pink bows. A powerhouse architect and owner of a prestigious New York firm, Vanessa is all about precision and control, both in her blueprints and her life. Having spent years in a marriage that didn’t fulfill her, she’s only recently begun exploring the part of herself she kept hidden for decades. A late in life lesbian, Vanessa has had her share of fleeting flings, but nothing serious—until Taylor Brooks storms into her life like a shot of whiskey. Strong and impossible to ignore.
When Taylor cheekily declares that she will get Vanessa to break all of her rules—on Valentine’s Day, no less—sparks fly in more ways than one. Taylor’s fearless pursuit of love softens Vanessa’s icy walls, while Vanessa’s thoughtfulness gives Taylor a glimpse of a love she never thought she’d find.
Can Vanessa let go of her need for control long enough to let Taylor in? And will Taylor’s belief in love be enough to bring them together, or will their hearts be left on the rocks?
Cupid’s Barrel is a steamy lesbian romance about finding love when you least expect it and daring to rewrite the rules.
195 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 20, 2025
65 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 19, 2026
Vanessa is a leading architect in New York, known for her tasteful and gentle re-imagining of historic buildings, making some of the best historic spaces in the city. After being married to a man for nearly three decades, she is freshly divorced, and finding her hidden sexuality with a series of flings with women. However, she keeps her fears and insecurities tightly walled within her ice queen persona, never letting the women stay the night.
Taylor is a specialist distiller and blender of high-end exclusive whiskeys for extremely discerning customers. She makes a different blend for each bar or restaurant, as well as having a large selection in her shop. Taylor is someone who is very sure in her own skin; a tough, hardworking woman with a very soft and gentle side to her.
When Vanessa is tasked with designing and converting a space for a new exclusive steakhouse restaurant, she meets Taylor. From that point on Vanessa’s control and authority is challenged by the one woman who can break down her walls.
After recently reading Mia Talks Dirty, heavily featuring Vanessa and Taylor, I felt I needed to read this book, the only recent book of Lauren’s I hadn’t read. I love this story, how Taylor manages to occasionally outdo ice queen Vanessa at her own game, but succumbs to her control too. This is a story of how these two strong stubborn women find a common ground. Both women are wonderful, but Taylor especially intrigued me, with her gentle, respectful but firm sense of poise and elegance but with a down-to-earth quality.
Another exceptional Lauren Hart story. I loved it.
Taylor is a specialist distiller and blender of high-end exclusive whiskeys for extremely discerning customers. She makes a different blend for each bar or restaurant, as well as having a large selection in her shop. Taylor is someone who is very sure in her own skin; a tough, hardworking woman with a very soft and gentle side to her.
When Vanessa is tasked with designing and converting a space for a new exclusive steakhouse restaurant, she meets Taylor. From that point on Vanessa’s control and authority is challenged by the one woman who can break down her walls.
After recently reading Mia Talks Dirty, heavily featuring Vanessa and Taylor, I felt I needed to read this book, the only recent book of Lauren’s I hadn’t read. I love this story, how Taylor manages to occasionally outdo ice queen Vanessa at her own game, but succumbs to her control too. This is a story of how these two strong stubborn women find a common ground. Both women are wonderful, but Taylor especially intrigued me, with her gentle, respectful but firm sense of poise and elegance but with a down-to-earth quality.
Another exceptional Lauren Hart story. I loved it.
February 17, 2025
Low angst ice queen age gap sapphic romance! Lovely quick read. While there is a fourteen year age gap, being close to forty and in early fifties didn’t feel like much of a gap or like different life needs as to where they each are in their lives and careers.
When our MCs met, there was a spark that flew off the page! Whew! The spice was nicely done. The relationship was well paced. The side characters were fun and supportive. Lots of cameos from the Lake Love series, it’s always exciting to see characters again ;).
When our MCs met, there was a spark that flew off the page! Whew! The spice was nicely done. The relationship was well paced. The side characters were fun and supportive. Lots of cameos from the Lake Love series, it’s always exciting to see characters again ;).
March 8, 2025
Loved it. Taylor and Vanessa have a one night stand that turns into more than just the night. Despite the 14 year age gap the women have great chemistry, hot sex scenes, sexual tension, great banter, and clearly care for one another. The women from the Lake Love series make appearances and that’s always exciting to read about. I love a good age gap story and Hart always delivers…and then some. You’ll fall in love with Taylor and Vanessa like I did.
February 25, 2025
I love Lauren Hart's writing for the fact that she introduces strong, fearless, successful women - more often than not, in relationships with other strong, fearless, and successful women. "Cupid's Barrel" is a perfect example, with the very confident Taylor Brooks, owner of a whiskey boutique, purveyor of exclusively crafted and blended luxury whiskeys, busting in on a conversation between rap star Shea Blaze, and NYC's best architect, Vanessa Grayson, to introduce herself. After overhearing their conversation about the high-end steakhouse Blaze intended to open as a pinnacle of luxury and sophistication, Taylor pitches herself and her whiskeys as the perfect match - even proposing a custom blend just for Blaze. One smoldering look at the younger woman, and one sip of Taylor's whiskey, and Vanessa was hooked. What followed was a terrific story, giving us an insider view of the project development for Blaze's restaurant - complete with the best creative team available - from the architect and decorator, to a renowned chef. Oh, and the development of one super hot relationship between Taylor and Vanessa, who was not shy about flaunting her dominance. The tale is engaging, the characters well-defined, strong, and likable. Oh, did Vanessa and Taylor make a go of it? Well ... no spoiler alert here! I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
January 29, 2025
Beautiful Romantic Book
An amazing story for taking chances with a lot of chemistry between the main characters and beautifully described intense scenes. Really enjoyable book
An amazing story for taking chances with a lot of chemistry between the main characters and beautifully described intense scenes. Really enjoyable book
January 4, 2025
This was the perfect book to start the new year off with. Cupid's Barrel is a low angst love story that follows the gradual progression of a relationship between two women. Vanessa is a successful, independent woman in her early fifties who is surprised to find herself challenged by Taylor, a charming, romantic younger woman. Over the course of many, many months, Taylor diligently chips away the walls Vanessa has built around herself. It was nice to see a relationship develop over a realistic amount of time. I especially enjoyed the humor and witty dialog found throughout. If you like low angst, ice queen, age gap tropes, I recommend this one. The characters from Lauren's Lake Love series make an appearance here, too. If you haven't read the series but would like to know about those characters, the Lake Love series is now available in a box set and I recommend it, as well.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 8, 2025
Taylor, the owner of a whiskey boutique and Vanessa, the owner of an architectural firm find themselves irresistibly attracted to one another when they meet at a design planning session of a music mogul's brand new restaurant. Although Vanessa is truly a take charge ice queen, she cannot help but be intrigued by the confidence and sauciness Taylor exudes.
I loved the great dynamic between the two main characters and their best friends and co-workers. An added bonus was bringing in so many favorites from Lauren's wonderful Lake Love series. There's sure to be a party if Luna is involved!
With each book she writes, I think Lauren's books get better and better. The characters are wonderful and the story very believable. This book is hot, spicy, sweet and humorous with lots of witty dialogue. It's a perfect read for Valentine's Day!
I loved the great dynamic between the two main characters and their best friends and co-workers. An added bonus was bringing in so many favorites from Lauren's wonderful Lake Love series. There's sure to be a party if Luna is involved!
With each book she writes, I think Lauren's books get better and better. The characters are wonderful and the story very believable. This book is hot, spicy, sweet and humorous with lots of witty dialogue. It's a perfect read for Valentine's Day!
January 20, 2025
Vanessa is the owner of her architecture firm and is called upon to work on a restaurant for a rapper called Shea.
Claire from book 5 of the Lake series is also called upon to design the interior.
Together they start working out logistics at a restaurant where Taylor is attempting to sell some whisky to the owner.
Vanessa decides she would like a single shot at Taylor but doesn’t want a refill and kicks her out into the night. But Taylor is smitten and working on how to entice Vanessa to try the full bottle instead.
I loved the dynamics between these two and laughed out loud at some of the dialogue.
We also were treated to a visit to the Lake where we had a catch up with Nickie and Kate, Wyn and Gwyn and of course Luna and Claire.
Maybe there’s a 6th book at the Lake to be tweaked out. I mean they didn’t buy any property at the Lake so there could be another book there maybe?? 🤣
Claire from book 5 of the Lake series is also called upon to design the interior.
Together they start working out logistics at a restaurant where Taylor is attempting to sell some whisky to the owner.
Vanessa decides she would like a single shot at Taylor but doesn’t want a refill and kicks her out into the night. But Taylor is smitten and working on how to entice Vanessa to try the full bottle instead.
I loved the dynamics between these two and laughed out loud at some of the dialogue.
We also were treated to a visit to the Lake where we had a catch up with Nickie and Kate, Wyn and Gwyn and of course Luna and Claire.
Maybe there’s a 6th book at the Lake to be tweaked out. I mean they didn’t buy any property at the Lake so there could be another book there maybe?? 🤣
January 20, 2025
Charming, strong, sassy women, sizzling chemistry, entertaining storyline, witty dialogue that captures your attention..and familiar friends entering parts of the scenes...keeps you reading till that ending!! I loved both Taylor and Vanessa's characters...both were relatable and driven, but still could see a slight difference one was a softer side...one more harden by life. Loved their lively banter...laughed alot. Definitely could see the sweet, sassy, boldness of both characters...liked the Valentines Day reference...funny!!😉
I received this as a free copy and leaving my honest review voluntarily.
I received this as a free copy and leaving my honest review voluntarily.
January 5, 2025
This is one of the best books I have read in a while. Taylor and Vanessa’s story is sweet, and the chemistry is hot. It is an age gap, ice queen book which is my two favorite tropes. Characters from the Lake Love Series shows up in the story and I loved getting an update on them. I am selfishly hoping there is going to be another book that Taylor and Vanessa builds them a house on the lake. This is the perfect Valentine story to start off the new year and you do not want to miss it. I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 20, 2025
Ice meets fire
What an amazing story. This is one of those stories that leave a smile on your face. A classic ice queen meets a younger woman who can stand up for herself and starts to chink the ice away, one piece at a time.
Add the visits from old friends, and even a quick weekend getaway to the Sylvan Lake, and you’ll be thoroughly entertained by this lovely story. You can definitely tell that Ms. Hart loves her characters.
"When it’s right, it’s simple. But you have to let yourself believe it can be."
What an amazing story. This is one of those stories that leave a smile on your face. A classic ice queen meets a younger woman who can stand up for herself and starts to chink the ice away, one piece at a time.
Add the visits from old friends, and even a quick weekend getaway to the Sylvan Lake, and you’ll be thoroughly entertained by this lovely story. You can definitely tell that Ms. Hart loves her characters.
"When it’s right, it’s simple. But you have to let yourself believe it can be."
January 29, 2025
Taylor Brooks owns a whiskey boutique in Brooklyn. Vanessa Grayson owns a prestigious architecture firm in NY. Vanessa, the Ice Queen, Taylor 14 years younger. A few characters from the author’s Lake Love Series make an appearance. Good to see them. Vanessa dislikes Valentine’s Day, yet shows up for her first “date” with Taylor that day. It’s funny how both try to be the one in control. It’s steamy right from the start. I found myself smiling through my entire read of the last chapter. I highly recommend this book, and any Lauren Hart book.
January 21, 2025
Taylor and Vanessa's worlds collide in this sweet romance romance story. The level of chemistry between them is absolutely amazing, the character development and the execution of the plot is on point. I was hooked from the first page and I cannot even stress how much happy I was meeting the rest of the lake gang, it was like a reunion.
I received an advance review copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 22, 2025
This book isn't good its wonderful !!!This story is about Taylor, an owner of a whiskey boutique storming into Vanessa's well controlled Architect life. I love age gap romances. Lauren has captured Taylor's and Vanessa's chemistry, the vibes togetner with their romantic coneections so well. This book is great, really steamy hot love scenes. Highly recommended. I was given a free book and has reviewed this story voluntarily. I want to read this book again.
February 8, 2025
Vanessa, is a successful architect. Was married to a man for a number of years. Has had a few encounters with women in the last year. However, she is always in control and doesn't let anyone get close.
Taylor is younger, confident and runs a boutique Whiskey company.
Can Taylor crack Vanessa's rules.
No overnight stays and definitely no dates on Valentines day.
Add in characters from the Lake Love Series and you have yourselves a good story.
Taylor is younger, confident and runs a boutique Whiskey company.
Can Taylor crack Vanessa's rules.
No overnight stays and definitely no dates on Valentines day.
Add in characters from the Lake Love Series and you have yourselves a good story.
June 9, 2025
If I didn’t love whiskey before, I do now!
What could possibly be bad with a signature whiskey blended just for your taste? It seems what ever Lauren Hart dreams up strikes gold! Pairing an in demand ice queen architect with an up and coming whiskey blender both of whom are gorgeous women just can’t go wrong. Classic setting in NYC and a side setting to the lake region helps in my mind. This is great reading for a HEA!
What could possibly be bad with a signature whiskey blended just for your taste? It seems what ever Lauren Hart dreams up strikes gold! Pairing an in demand ice queen architect with an up and coming whiskey blender both of whom are gorgeous women just can’t go wrong. Classic setting in NYC and a side setting to the lake region helps in my mind. This is great reading for a HEA!
January 9, 2025
Wow phenomenal now this is a story right up my allie I loved it I can't stop raving on about it, the ice queen Vanessa was the perfectly delicious ice queen the Taylor is ready to melt some ice with her whiskey and her bold confidence was hot as hell, Lauren Hart I knew you had it in you to write such a phenomenal, unforgettable book its highly recommend MUST READ congratulations
January 20, 2025
Vanessa is very commanding in business and the bedroom. Taylor is also used to taking the lead and when they come together it is hot and sexy. Taylor decides to pursue more with Vanessa and makes a bold more. Their dating is so romantic and perfect for Valentines day. This book is virtually angst free which I enjoy. Great beginning to a new year for author Lauren Hart.
January 7, 2025
A fantastic story that brings in the ice queen with an equally confident woman who can handle herself and the queen. Loved the dynamic between Taylor and Vanessa. Also loved to see the characters from the Lake Love Series, with Claire coming in with great advice. Also includes some amazing spice.
March 25, 2025
Whiskey Rules This Love Story
Don’t miss this wonderfully written book. Lauren Hart has created two beautiful heroines who will leave you wanting their story to continue. I couldn’t stop reading until the HEA ending.
Don’t miss this wonderfully written book. Lauren Hart has created two beautiful heroines who will leave you wanting their story to continue. I couldn’t stop reading until the HEA ending.
January 27, 2025
nice
Lovely, quick, low angst age gap love story. No big agonising scenes or traumas. Will pass a quiet afternoon in.
Lovely, quick, low angst age gap love story. No big agonising scenes or traumas. Will pass a quiet afternoon in.
March 6, 2025
5 star story
This is one author I would always recommend.
A series crossover is always welcome to the fans.
This author never disappoints
This is one author I would always recommend.
A series crossover is always welcome to the fans.
This author never disappoints
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews