Make My Heart Malt

Brews & Flings #2

by Gia Stevens

A sizzling hate to lovers, unrequited crush, standalone sports romance by romantic comedy author Gia Stevens…

Dessa should have been mine... until my brother kissed her first.

Ten years is a long time to be infatuated with your former best friend, especially when she’s dating your brother. So, when I receive a wedding invitation with his name embossed on the front, it feels like a fastball to the heart. But it turns out, my unrequited crush isn’t the blushing bride after all.

Now’s my only chance to make amends for my past mistakes and give her the kiss I’ve desperately been holding onto. Unfortunately, she thwarts my efforts with each drink she throws at me.

When we find ourselves locked in a storage closet, we’re forced to hash out the real reason I left town—and it wasn’t for baseball. Turns out, there’s a fine line between anger and passion and it doesn’t take long for her to scream my name.

Even after hitting third base, she still hates me. However, I’m determined to prove I’m not the man who ghosted her all those years ago. This time I’m not walking away.

My last game ended in a devastating miss—costing us the postseason, but this is one game I refuse to lose.

Because when it comes to Dessa… I’m playing for keeps.

Make My Heart Malt is an unrequited crush, former best friend turned enemies, sports romance. Be prepared to laugh-out-loud one minute and swoon the next in this steamy standalone romcom. The Brews and Flings series is a spin-off of the Harbor Highlands series. You’ll see a lot of familiar characters but also new ones. Each book in the Brews and Flings series is set in the same world, and delivers a guaranteed happily ever after.

Genres: Sports, Sports Romance, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Baseball, Friends To Lovers, Second Chance

Kindle Edition

About the author

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Gia Stevens is a romantic comedy author who believes love should come with plenty of laughs—and maybe a little heat. Known for her fun, lighthearted, and spicy stories, Gia writes the kind of books that let readers escape into swoony romances filled with witty banter, quirky characters, and happily ever afters that feel both cozy and exciting.

She lives in Northern Minnesota with her husband and their cat, forever counting down the days until summer and surviving long winters with tea, blankets, and a stack of romcoms. When she’s not busy writing your next book boyfriend, you can usually find her binge-watching shows everyone else finished years ago or curled up with a romance novel.

If you’re looking for stories that guarantee laughs, swoons, and plenty of LOLs, you’ve come to the right place.

Reviews

[Ink_Drinker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything Gia Stevens writes and Make My Heart Malt is an fun, heartfelt second-chance, enemies-to-lovers story that may just have you blushing at times and will certainly have you laughing out loud.  This is book 2 of the Brews and Fligs series, but can be read as a standalone.

⚾️Garrett and Dessa were inseparable childhood best friends until one day, Garrett abruptly leaves town (to become a big baseball star/playboy), disappearing from Dessa’s life without a word for ten years. He had no choice....he had to leave because the girl he loves is dating his brother.

⚾️Garrett has harbored feelings for Dessa for the last ten years.  He comes back to town to attend his brother's wedding (not to Dessa) knowing he'll see Dessa.  He sees it as his final opportunity to mend old wounds and confess his long-hidden feelings to the girl who got away.

⚾️The chemistry between Garrett and Dessa is electric, even if she tries to fight it. Their dynamic is filled with witty banter, playful teasing, and undeniable attraction.....oh, and baseball⚾️

⚾️As their relationship evolves, you can't help but root for them to overcome their differences and finally embrace their feelings. It's a delightful mix of sweet and steamy moments that keeps you hooked.

[Gia Stevens]

Make My Heart Malt is a sizzling hate to lovers, unrequited crush, standalone sports romance by romantic comedy author Gia Stevens.

Read Make My Heart Malt Today!
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[Lark _thebookchamber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy Gia’s books and this one was no different. This series is going to keep getting better and better in my opinion 🤭

Dessa and Garrett’s relationship was full of emotion, hurt, and chemistry. Their characters were relatable and lovable! I enjoyed the side characters and getting glimpses of characters of past books as well! There was plenty of spice but also some heartwarming moments squeezed in! Overall, this was a cute read! It will have you laughing, make you angry (looking at you Tony), and have you swooning at all the right moments!

[Aliyah Potts · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

i really enjoyed this book as it was a second chance, friends to lovers, childhood best friends situation.

you follow Dessa, a bartender who never left their hometown and has made quite the name for herself with her signature drinks.
you also follow Garrett, the hotshot mlb player who left Harbor Highlands -and Dessa- 10 years prior and never looked back.

Garrett comes back to town for his brothers wedding as a way to try to mend their brotherly relationship, but Tony -Garrett’s brother & Dessa’s exboyfriend- set out to actually make Garrett’s life a living hell.

it was nice to see Garrett and Dessa fall back into a friendship and even nicer to see them finally embrace their romantic connections. the only caveat to this is that this took place over quite a few months, i genuinely couldn’t tell you how long because in my opinion, the timeline was rather jumpy and hard to follow at times as there could be multiple month long gaps before they see each other next but it’s just the next chapter.
i also really enjoyed a lot of the side characters, not you Tony, fuck you. however, it seemed like even our main characters just weren’t fully fleshed out. you got a bit of their back story, but with all the time jumps it was like they had barely just started dating, had one conversation of how they could make it work with her career and them being in 2 different states, and then almost instantly, he proposed.

all in all, it was a nice fluffy romance read if you’re just here for the vibes.

[Tanja OMGReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dessa and Garrett haven't spoken to each other for over a decade. They used to be best friends but when his brother got involved with her, he split and left with out a word. Now his brother is getting married and he sees this as his chance to finally try and convince Dessa that they're meant to be. But coming back might not be enough. She has her walls up high and it will take more than simple sorry to make up for the hurt his departure left behind.

But when they finally talk and do try again, the resentment is still present and when his brother tries to come (again) between them, Garrett can only hope that Dessa believes his when he tell her he loves her and wants her as his forever.

I got to say at first i was a bit upset with Garrett and the way he thought that saying sorry would delete all the hurt. But then Dessa boiled my blood when she was hesitant to believe him even though everyone knew what kind of a man his brother was. So they balanced it out and with the HEA I'm was pleased worth the result. I think this might be my second book by the author and I'm looking forward to see where this series goes next.

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***

[Mel (whilemelwasreading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"While I couldn't catch the ball to win the championship, maybe I can finally catch the girl. The one who should have been mine all those years ago."

10 Years. That how long Garrett's been in love with his former bestfriend Dessa. The bestfriend that just so happened to start dating his brother all those years ago. So when he gets a wedding invite in the mail from said brother, he's shocked to see that it's not to his long time unrequited crush Dessa. So he's going back to his hometown to take a chance. To tell her why he left in the first place. Only he doesn't get the warm welcome he was hoping for. But he's not walking away this time.

This was a fun spicy read but for some reason unbeknownst to me, I had a little trouble connecting to the storyline. It brings the steam fairly quickly and that fire burns bright throughout. Despite this fiery connection, Dessa can hold a grudge, and she makes him WORK. But he's not giving up this time. And the way he was so dedicated to her was swoony. It also has great family connections, not just blood family, but work family too that I enjoyed. The author does a great job at drawing you in with characters for upcoming stories. Looking forward to Lach's next after that snippet in the end, but I have to say- I truly can't wait for broody bar owner Jake's!

3.5 Stars ⭐

*Thanks to the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own and given freely. Quote subject to change upon release.

[Nicole (NicoleIsBooked) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dessa and Garrett were childhood best friends, but they haven't spoken in 10 years. Garrett had a huge crush on Dessa, but his brother, Tony, kissed Dessa and dated her for years. Now, Tony is getting married, and Dessa and Garrett will see each other at the wedding.

Garrett is a baseball player, and Dessa is a bartender. When Garrett walks into Dessa's bar, she faints and wants nothing to do with him. When they get trapped together in the bar one night, they finally get to share their first kiss. Sparks start to fly between the two of them. If they want to be together, they will have to have a long distance relationship. Will they be able to make it work long distance?

Garrett and Dessa's relationship was so sweet to read, but it was also spicy. There were hand necklaces, banter, and steamy dual POV.

This book made me smile and laugh too. It's the second book in the Brews & Flings series, but it could be read as a standalone.

Thanks to the author, Gia Stevens, for an ARC of this story.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me with the humor, but also Garrett being a catcher. Ask anyone in my life they will tell you I love me some catchers when it comes to baseball. This was such a fun delightful read. Garrett and Dessa were best friends 10 years ago, but that all changed when she started dating his brother. After no communication all these years Garrett is back in Dessa's life. This time Garrett is playing for keeps. I love they get a second chance of what could have been. There is no denying they have burning hot chemistry. You can easily see even after all these years the deep connection they still have. I give Garrett major props for really investing into Dessa making sure she can realizes her dreams. I loved Garrett's Nana. She's a hoot and just loved her. She reminded me of my grandma. I really love this group of coworkers at Porter's. I love the camaraderie they have. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Make My Heart Malt is such a cute and fun sports romance with a mix of friends-to-enemies-to-lovers and second-chance romance. I loved the dynamic between the main characters, especially with the unrequited crush aspect that added so much tension. There’s no third-act breakup (which I appreciated!), but there was one character I never fully trusted, which kept things interesting.

If you’re wondering about the spice—there are seven steamy chapters, so keep that in mind depending on your preference! I also enjoyed seeing a few familiar faces from Love is Ale You Need, including the main couple and several side characters. Overall, this was an engaging, swoony, and entertaining read that had me hooked from start to finish!

[Dee Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Right brother
Dessa, Garrett and his older brother, Tony were best friends since forever. But twin secret crushes, seemingly unrequited love, a jealous brother, a major league career, and broken hearts have kept Dessa and Garrett apart for 10 years.
This best friends-to-enemies-to-lovers is a lot of fun, with an awesome friend group, witty banter and humour. It also has drama, family dysfunction, tension, angst, redemption, revenge, sweetness, steam and swoons.
Dessa and Garrett have such a deep connection and sparky chemistry, I loved their reunion journey and look forward to more in this entertaining series.

[Stephani Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author. I can 100% say it won't be the last. It definitely checked all the boxes. It has whit, sass, charm, humor, and LOTS of spice!

[Reading by Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

No matter how long Dessa stares at the envelope, it doesn't change into anything but what it is... a wedding invitation.

An invitation to her ex-boyfriend's wedding. Who does that? Not only that, but her ex-boyfriend is the brother of her ex-best friend. The best friend who ghosted her ten years ago. Left without a word of goodbye.

And now he just waltzed into the bar she works at like no time has passed with a smirk on his face.

I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. Dessa is a mixologist, and besides her hair, nothing has changed in her life for the last ten years. Going to her ex-boyfriend's wedding is the last thing she wants to do. Especially since Garrett - the major league Home Run Playboy will be attending his brother's wedding.

This is a ex-boyfriend, ex-best friend, second-chance baseball romance. This is book two of the Brews and Flings series and revolves around Porter's Bar with recurring characters. This book is action-packed and laugh out loud funny. Dessa doesn't hold back. This book has some surprising twists that will keep you turning the pages.

If you love smoking hot baseball romance this is the book for you. Highly recommend!

[Jami Birnbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

*An advance reader copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.*

Dessa Mitchell grew up hanging out with brothers, Garrett and Tony Dawson. Being the only kids in the neighborhood, they gravitated towards each other. In high school, they were inseparable. By senior year, Dessa and Garrett had real feelings for one another, but neither one was brave enough to admit it. Around Graduation, Dessa decided to make her feelings known, although subtle, and Garrett still didn’t catch on. But Tony did and swooped in to claim the girl. Garrett leaves town, not wanting to watch his brother and the girl of his dreams together, to pursue a baseball career in the majors.

Ten years later, Garrett returns to Harbor Highlands, not just to shake off the bad play that cost his team the World Series, but to attend his brother’s wedding (thankfully not to Dessa). He’s hoping to make amends with his childhood best friend, who he hasn’t stopped thinking about since he left home all those years before. But Dessa’s not having it and doesn’t show Garrett any mercy the first time he shows up at Porter’s.

It only took a week of him showing up at the bar and then getting them locked in the storage room, although by accident, for them to have an honest conversation. With the truth out there was nothing keeping them apart any longer… that scene in that storage room was streaming off the page. It was good to see Dessa happy.

To say that their renewed friendship didn’t sit well with Tony would be an understatement. Although Tony’s wedding was the main reason Garrett was back in town, it didn’t stop Tony’s jealousy of his little brother. I’m not to going to spoil the story, but what happens next is definitely triggering to some.

This book had lots of my favorite genres… second chance romance, sports, enemies to lovers, grumpy (her)/sunshine(him). I love how Garrett’s family brought Dessa right back into the fold and the way that Garrett’s baseball family in Seattle included her when she was visiting. Gia Stevens knows how to write a fun, witty, smexy book with great characters, banter and heart.

[Books, Booze & Bon Voyage (Krista Webster) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Make My Heart Malt by Gia Stevens is the second book in her romantic comedy series, Brews and Flings. We are back in Harbour Highlands for this very steamy second chance, sports romance between Garrett Dawson and Dessa Mitchell. A wedding invitation is the catalyst which brings this couple back together in a best friends to enemies to lovers tale.

Growing up Dessa spent all her time with the Dawson brothers. She and Garrett became best friends but they had an unrequited crush on each other. Things changed in their senior year and then he left after graduation to play baseball. She was heartbroken as he didn’t say goodbye and severed all contact with her. Ten years later she is surprised to receive an invitation to Tony’s wedding, then is shocked when Garrett walks into the bar she works at.

Garrett plays baseball for the Seattle Warblers, he is the star catcher and known as the Home Run Playboy. Feeling down after missing an important catch for his team, he finds himself reminiscing about Dessa. He’d loved her but couldn’t tell her and knows deep down he still loves her. He decides his brother’s wedding is a good excuse to finally return home and see if he can persuade her to take a chance on him. He’s never stopped thinking about her and wants to explain why he left. He knows he needs to make a good impression as its now or never. Will she understand why he abandoned her.

“You’re the sunshine after the rain, and I’ve had nothing but rain clouds looming over me.”

Dessa has never got over Garrett but is still full of hurt and anger over his leaving and ghosting.
His appearance stirs up all her feelings for him and she knows her life will never be the same. Their chemistry is undeniable and after ten years apart the passion explodes and they certainly set the sheets on fire. They both have regrets over what happened but he’s determined to make it up to her because to him she’s worth it. Could he finally catch the girl?

With their complicated history there is some angst as Dessa needs to work through her doubts and fears. The rift between the brothers increases and causes some drama due to jealousy and resentment. I was pleased Dessa realises all those years ago she’d picked the wrong brother.

Can they survive a long distance relationship? Will the baseball life be too much for her?

There is a funny scene in the bar’s storage room and some very saucy press-ups. I really liked both set of friends and the banter between them. There is a lovely romantic ending as the Home Run Playboy finally gets his ‘Tates’ after working hard for his second chance. We get a tease at the end about Lach and a mysterious blonde, however, I’m still waiting for Jake’s story as he seems to get more closed off and grumpy with each book.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book of Gia Steven's that I have read. She does such a wonderful job of world building and making the story feel real. I will recommend any book of hers over and over again.


Dessa and Garret were childhood best friends. They were a part of a trio that included Garrett's older brother Tony! 10 years ago, Garrett left to go to college and chase his dream of being a professional baseball player. When he left, Dessa and Tony were dating. What brings him back home is a white envelope with script writing on it. A wedding invitation. He ignores it for months. When he finally opens the invitation, he realizes that Tony isn't marrying Dessa. His one true love. The girl he left behind because he thought that she was in love with his brother. He realizes that he has messed up. And that he wants to make Dessa his.
When he returns to town, he goes to Porter's where Dessa is a mixologist with the hopes of talking to her. Shen tells him to get bent, in not so many words. He keeps trying, and eventually he gets them locked in the storage room at Porter's because he kicked the piece of wood that held the door open.
One thing leads to another, and one thing is for sure, you can feel the love between these two. Hate turns to passion, and new friendships are formed. Tony keeps popping up in the most unfortunate ways, and tries to keep them fron finding happiness with each other. In the end, they find each other, and refuse to let another day pass without making their relationship a priority. This is a great love story, and you feel like you are there with these charachters.

[Emilee Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dessa Mitchell and Garrett Dawson were best friends for quite some time until Garrett’s brother, Tony, makes a move and kisses Dessa first. When Garrett couldn’t stand it anymore watching his best friend (secret crush) and brother be together, he took off and didn’t speak to Dessa again. For 10 years. When Garrett received the embossed envelope with a wedding invite that doesn’t include his brother and Dessa’s name, he decided that now is the time to take action and see Dessa. When Garrett shows up at Dessa’s work - local bar in town - she throws a drink (or three) at his face. When they get stuck in a closet together they decide to try to hash it out and it doesn’t take long for Dessa to be screaming Garrett’s name. Despite their slight sexual relationship, Dessa puts up a wall until Garrett tells her why he left all those years ago. Once the secrets and miscommunication is figured out, Garrett doesn’t want to let Dessa go.

I was so excited for Dessa and Garrett’s story and it didn’t disappoint. Their friendship from earlier on in their lives allowed for there to be an already deep connection when they finally started their relationship. I love the childhood friends to hate to love parts of the story as well. Some tropes included are long distance relationship, one bed scene, ex boyfriend’s brother, childhood friends to hate to lovers, sports romance (baseball), and found family. Some TWs to consider: cheating (off page and happens to FMC by MMC’s brother), cheating or attempted cheating by MMC’s brother to wife, divorce (not between the MCs). Please be cautious and take care of yourself.

[Caitlin Loggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is SO GOOD! It's the perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and funny. 🙂 I love a good second chance romance story and Make My Heart Malt is just that. It also has a friends to lovers aspect between Garrett and Dessa so that made it even better as I absolutely love friends to lovers romances.

One of my favorite scenes was when Garrett was trying to bake the cookies for Dessa, that part was so funny! Another favorite for me was when they danced together at Garrett's brothers wedding and the proposal scene at the end of the book was adorable! 🩷

These were some of my favorite lines/quotes from Make My Heart Malt;

“Distracted by baseball pants. It’s okay.” Nora pushes off the bar. “It happens to the best of us. In fact, I firmly believe the invention of baseball pants was intended to attract women to the sport. Spoiler alert: it worked.”

“I don’t know how you have so much will power to resist him. Garrett Dawson on TV, gorgeous. Garrett Dawson in person disintegrates my panties.”

"With one hand, he takes off his cap and flips it backwards. A guy wearing a cap, hot. A guy who flips it backwards turns my panties to ash. Some girls like forearm porn, but I ladygasm over the backwards cap."

“What are you trying to insinuate, Mr. Dawson?” My voice is low and husky. I’d like to think I sound like a sexy vixen, but it’s probably closer to a drunk cat. I was never good at flirting."

I absolutely loved Make My Heart Malt and look forward to reading more of Gia's books including more of the Brews & Flings series! 🙂

*I received an ARC from Indie Pen PR and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tiffany W · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, what’s a girl to do when she sees her ex-best friend for the first time in 10 years after he left without saying a word? Well, she faints at work and then throws two beers at him… obviously.

Dessa and Garrett were childhood best friends who secretly liked each other, but when Dessa started dating Tony (Garrett’s brother), Garrett couldn’t handle seeing them together, so he left town without a word. Fast forward 10 years: Garrett is now a successful baseball player, but after a terrible game that cost his team a win, he returns home to clear his head—and that means trying to apologize to Dessa.

I completely understood where Dessa was coming from, and I get why she held a grudge. It was so frustrating to see her not believe Garrett, even when the proof was right in front of her. But you know who was even more upset than Dessa? Garrett’s brother, Tony! He tried once again to come between them, and while I really wished we’d seen him suffer some consequences for his actions, I was glad to see Dessa and Garrett finally find happiness together—especially with Garrett helping make Dessa’s dreams come true.

Overall, I enjoyed this book! Dessa and Garrett had great chemistry and banter. And I can’t end this without mentioning how hilarious Nana was—I wish I could visit Porter’s Bar and hang out with the whole gang! See y’all next time for Lacy’s book, and I can already tell it’s going to have us laughing a lot!

[Travis Peak · Rating 1 out of 5]

Embarrassing

This was pathetic. I read through first book in this series. I didn't like it, but i didn't hate it. I liked Dessa's character so I took a chance on her story. I made a mistake. This isn't a romance. All they do is hook up. I'm not exaggerating. They're either talking about it, thinking about it or doing it. The "story" only moves forward when they're not together and the author gives the bare minimum effort at telling a cohesive story. There is no explanation for why she chooses Tony over Garrett in the past. Tony is apparently a raging physcho but she dated him for 4 years and never saw a hint of this? That makes no sense. Garrett leaves and never speaks to either of them for 10 years but we're supposed to believe that his mother wouldn't have mentioned to him that Tony and Dessa broke up? He doesn't realize this until he gets a wedding invitation for Tony and Georgia. That makes no sense? I was desperate for any hint of romance but the author only cares about shoving spice down the reader's throat. I get that spice is the most important thing to most readers but when is it enough? I wish I could properly describe how happy I am that this book is over. I will never read another one of her books again and I'm embarrassed I read this one.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish I could give this more than five stars, it's definitely worth more. This is the second book in this series and the best so far, but Gia always gives the story her all. Dessa loves her job, friends and hometown in Harbour Highlands. She still has regrets and now their highlighted more with the wedding invite for her ex's wedding. Seriously who invites their ex, and does this mean Garrett will come back for it, except he left ten years ago without a backward glance. Garrett sits staring at the invite for his brothers wedding, how can he go and watch her marry his brother. When he finally reads it he realises its not Dessa he's marrying. Maybe his second chance has just come knocking, can she forgive him. This is not only a second chance story but also a steamy spicy love story. I can't recommend this book enough the characters are perfect, the friendships are enviable and Garrett is certainly most readers perfect BBF. Finding the pictures part way through helps you imagine main characters perfectly which I found brilliant. I can't wait for the next installment and please make sure to add to your tbr list. ❤️❤️❤️

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will ten years be too long to get your best friend back or will it be a homerun? Make My Heart Malt is a charming, entertaining frenemies to lovers romance that will surely grab your heart. Ms. Stevens tells us the story of Dessa, a broken-hearted bartender who is trying to live her life but in walks the man who was her best friend, Garrett, but walked away with no good-byes, no calls, or texts for ten years. Garrett, Dessa and his older brother Tony grew up together, but a lack of communication and jealousy saw Dessa and Tony lose their friendship. Ten years later Garret shows up for his brother's wedding and hopefully to get the one woman he has loved all his life back, but is it too late?
Dessa and Garrett's story is full of angst, some laughs, and a love that stood the test of time. Garrett was swoon-worthy with trying to show Dessa she was the one for him and the way that he made sure she knew how sorry he was for what happened. When truths are shared thanks to a forced proximity hearts begin to mend.
I can't wait to see what the next installment in the Brews & Flings series has in store for us.

[Lillian Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Make My Heart Malt
by Gia Stevens

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I thought this was a cute and spicy read! Garrett and Dessa were the perfect friends to enemies to lovers! I loved how they had feelings for each other the whole time and never knew! 🍺

The book starts with Garrett coming back to town for his brother’s wedding. Dessa used to date Garrett’s brother. Garrett wants Dessa to notice him but it’s been about a decade since they last talked and she does not like him AT ALL at this point after he left without saying goodbye. Garrett plans to win her back as not a friend but a lover but how? You’ll have to read to find out!

Dessa felt so realistic. I honestly saw a lot of myself in her! I can react just the way she did at times. I thought Dessa was amazing with her work family and I really enjoyed reading about them! 🍻

Garrett was so sweet in my opinion but oh so spicy! I loved how hard he worked to win Dessa’s heart. I loved how Garrett brought in the element of sports romance since he’s a catcher in Seattle baseball. The friends to lovers and brother’s ex just made this book so amazing!

Read this if you love sports romance with a dash of spice, second chance, banter, and pining! 💕

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Home Run by Gia!

I really enjoyed this story! Dessa is easily one of my favorite characters in the series. She’s sassy, confident, and fiercely loyal, and it was so easy to root for Garrett, the good guy caught in a tough situation trying to come back into Dessa's life YEARS later to make things right. This had all the best second-chance romance vibes, mixed with friends-turned-frenemies-turned-lovers... a tension that kept me hooked.

Gia definitely kicked the spice up a notch in this one, and the chemistry between Dessa and Garrett was chef’s kiss. A fire was started between them that seemed impossible to put out (iykyk), and their connection felt both passionate and real.

That said, this was a tricky one to review because even though I loved it, it’s probably my least favorite in the series so far. The Tony situation was a little too wild for me, and the ten-year ghosting stretch was hard to fully buy into—I think a few years would’ve been more believable.

I still very much enjoyed this one and LOVE the series. I’m already counting down the days to book four in 2026!

[Lou Li Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty sure Garrett has melted my heart and some! What a delicious MMC, his feelings for Dessa never falter. Swoon central. Dessa is a bartender at Porters, having grown up in Harbor Highlands and never left. Garrett was her best friend growing up but suddenly, 10 years ago, he left and ghosted her. Unfortunately for her, he’s a superstar baseball player and so he’s never been far from her mind in his absence. From best friends, she moves to enemies having resenting him for ghosting her for all that time. But now he’s back, in Harbor Highlands, he vows to make things right and plead for a second chance. From enemies to the steamiest lovers, this book is addictive, I just couldn’t put it down! Of course there is the sweetest HEA for this pair, and it’s a long time coming! This is book 2 from the Brews & Flings series, a stand alone with interconnected characters from book and the Harbor Highlands series. Another absolutely brilliantly written book from Gia.

I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own.

[…Welcome to My World &#x1f30e.. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this was such a steamy, heartfelt story of a second chance. Garrett and and Dessa were best friends years ago. Garrett left town without saying goodbye to Dessa breaking her heart and shattering their friendship. Years later he is back and he wants to make amends with Dessa. At first Dessa isn’t having it. She fights him at every turn, not being able to get over the hurt and the betrayal of being abandoned by the guy she was in love with. As time goes by, Garrett breaks down Dessa’s walls that she has kept around her heart. Garrett was so intense and sweet and so caring. Dessa was our feisty hero heroine who fought him at every turn. I adored the fact that Garrett didn’t give up on her. From the first beginning, he was always protective of her. Every time Dessa needed him he never hesitated to be there. I also loved the family dynamic between these two. It’s alway refreshing when two families share their love and affection. I really enjoyed this cute story.

I received ARC copy and I’m voluntarily leaving my review.

[the_romance_regent · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Make My Heart Malt" is the second book in Gia Stevens' Brews and Flings series, and it's a fun story full of second chances and old flames! Garrett, his brother Tony, and Dessa were childhood best friends, but things got complicated when both Garrett and Tony developed feelings for Dessa. Tony made the first move, and Garrett, heartbroken, left town to chase his baseball dreams, ghosting Dessa for a whole decade. He doesn’t come back until he gets an invitation to Tony's wedding—and surprise, the bride isn’t Dessa.

After a bad play that cost his team the World Series, Garrett can’t stop thinking about Dessa and decides it’s time to return home and make things right. When he shows up at the bar where Dessa works, she’s been angry with him and is just not interested. Garrett keeps trying, though, and he and Dessa get locked in the storage closet! Slowly but surely, he breaks through Dessa’s walls, and the sparks between them are undeniable. The twists and turns keep you hooked, and their chemistry is seriously hot as they work toward their happily ever after. I’m already excited for Lachlan’s story next!

Thank you authorgiastevens and indie_pen_pr for the #gifted ebook arc. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Celina Rosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Make My Heart Malt follows Dessa and Garrett, high school best friends until Garretts brother begins dating Dessa. Garrett, devastated leaves town to follow his dreams in baseball and after 10 years with no communication he finds out his brother is getting married, but the bride is not Dessa. Coming off a hard season he decides going back for the wedding would be a perfect time to finally express his feelings for Dessa the only woman he has ever loved. Anger, a broken heart and resentment leaves Dessa not willing to listen to Garretts apologies and explanations but he refuses to give up.

Dessa is a spitfire and provides some great laugh at loud banter including when Garrett first comes back into town. I wanted to be so mad at Garrett, but he is actually so sweet, and I felt like I was rooting for him especially with his brother's shenanigans. If you are looking for a cute, spicy, rom com that has some twists and turns than I suggest reading, Make My Heart Malt. I definitely will be keeping my eyes open for the next book in the series.

[Ashley Jeffers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Gia's stories. They're such a fun, fast, and easy read. The characters are so loveable and you just find yourself flying through the pages, lost in your imagination. I swear that each book just keeps gets better and better and I'm telling you she's hands down one of the best rom-com writers out there. I love how Make My Heart Malt is in its own series, but still apart of the Harbor Highlands family. We get to watch Dessa find love but while still keeping previous characters involved.

If your looking for a best friends to enemies to Lovers but with sports, then this is for you. Pro baseball player Garrett decides it's time to visit his hometown after an upsetting loss in his career. But when he reappears back in his ex best friend's life, Dessa is sent into a whirlwind of emotions of anger, love and confusion. The two are set on a path of repairing their friendship only to realize they want more. You'll experience everything you're looking for in this story including small town, hate to lovers, hand necklace, and it was always her! It's steamy, entertaining, and a page-turner. My favorite part would have to be the airport scene "Have you seen my Taters?" This had me rolling with laughter.

Here's some of my favorite quotes

"I'll spend the rest of eternity giving her the sun, the moon, and all the stars."

"A guy wearing a cap, hot. A guy who flips it backwards turns my panties to ash. Some girls like forearm p0rn, but I Ladygasm over the backwards cap."

"What's wrong with my grip? "You're choking the bat." "I thought it like to be choked."

[Kell X · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like Dessa's and Garret's story. It made me thing of several 'what if's'. Mainly the what if I had the guts to tell my feelings. Sometimes fear can really take the lead and makes us choose badly and in this book, we see what happens when the fear wins at first. 

Garret wanted to go pro at baseball, and he did. But he feared that he couldn't keep Dessa because of that way of life. So his brother took the lead and got the girl, and he just couldn't see them together and ignore his own feelings, so he disapeared from her life. 
Past 10 years, he realises they are not together anymore, and he surely misses her. So he grows some courage and goes back to find her and to win her back. 

I really like both characters they were relatable, and easygoing, and their chemistry was off the chart. All the side characters were amazing. I'm hoping to know their story next.. but I just hated Tony. I felt off from the start, but as the story progressed i wanted to punch him. What a jerk. 
I'll surely be waiting for the next one.

[Noreen Hussain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dessa hates Garret Dawson after he ghosted her ten years ago.They were best friends and he left without a backward glance.When she gets a wedding invite to her ex-boyfriends wedding,who is also Garrett's brother she does not want to attend.
Garrett left town ten years ago because the girl he had a crush on ended up dating his brother.
When he recieves the wedding invite to his brother's wedding he is dreading opening it.The name on the card is not Dessa's.
He heads to town to see if he can get a second chance with Dessa,but she will not talk to him.
He eventually gets her to listen to him and it takes them getting locked in a storeroom together to try and clear the air.They work out their past issues and get to their happily ever after.
Really enjoyed this romantic comedy with lots of funny moments,banter,friendships,steam,swoony moments,family,romance and a happily ever after.
I cannot wait for Lach's story next
I recieved an ARC of this book for free via The Indie Pen PR and am voluntarily leaving my review.