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Brews & Flings #4
Stout of My League
Not yet published
Expected 6 Apr 26
A spicy opposites attract, fake dating standalone romance by romantic comedy author Gia Stevens…
He has something I want. I have something he needs. The tradeoff… fake dating.
Bartending pays the bills while I develop OneDate, an app for finding a plus-one. But Miles Kayson, hopeless romantic and walking first-date disaster in black-rimmed glasses, is determined to use my app to charm his dream girl.
Until one small rescue turns into a huge mistake.
Now his entire family thinks I’m his soulmate.
To keep up the lie, we strike a deal. I’ll be his fake girlfriend for his help in return.
Strictly business. Zero feelings.
Except our fake relationship includes practice dates.
The practice dates turn into spicy lessons.
And suddenly we’re standing too close, touching too long, and kissing like we forgot it’s only for show.
Miles is sweet, earnest, and dangerously good at proving nice guys do it better. He listens. He learns. And he’s very eager to please. But he’s not my type and definitely out of my league.
If I’m not careful, I’ll forget this was only supposed to be fake.
Stout Of My League is an opposite attract, fake dating, spicy lessons romantic comedy. 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.
He has something I want. I have something he needs. The tradeoff… fake dating.
Bartending pays the bills while I develop OneDate, an app for finding a plus-one. But Miles Kayson, hopeless romantic and walking first-date disaster in black-rimmed glasses, is determined to use my app to charm his dream girl.
Until one small rescue turns into a huge mistake.
Now his entire family thinks I’m his soulmate.
To keep up the lie, we strike a deal. I’ll be his fake girlfriend for his help in return.
Strictly business. Zero feelings.
Except our fake relationship includes practice dates.
The practice dates turn into spicy lessons.
And suddenly we’re standing too close, touching too long, and kissing like we forgot it’s only for show.
Miles is sweet, earnest, and dangerously good at proving nice guys do it better. He listens. He learns. And he’s very eager to please. But he’s not my type and definitely out of my league.
If I’m not careful, I’ll forget this was only supposed to be fake.
Stout Of My League is an opposite attract, fake dating, spicy lessons romantic comedy. 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.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 6, 2026
83 people want to read
About the author
Gia Stevens
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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.
Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/authorgiaste...
Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/authorgiast...
TikTok ➜ https://www.tiktok.com/@authorgiastevens
Website ➜ https://authorgiastevens.com
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.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 27, 2026
4.25 stars
This was a first. I’ve never read a book where the two MCs were into other people at the beginning of the book.
Nora is so relatable. She put her life on hold in order to help her mother who battles with MS. She’s puts her needs above her own and rarely remembers to do things for herself.
Miles is the cutest!! He’s so awkward and nervous on dates. Omg I was dying for him when he started talking about the sea cucumbers lol!! I mean, we’ll all been there in some way right? A situation or a specific person that makes you so nervous you can’t even think straight and you can’t stop saying or doing something.
I can’t remember the last time I read such sweet things in a book! The fact that Miles barely knew Nora’s mom, but he researched foods she could eat. How he was there to help, even when he didn’t know he was helping. The drone ….i was crying! Giving her mom the ability of feeling alive again ..priceless! The scene in the hospital!!!! He showed up even when he didn’t have to 🥰🥰
I loved when Nora thought Miles went with someone else and how it forced her to confront her feelings and stop running from them.
Such a cute story! Unique, heart warming, with a dash of spice!
This was a first. I’ve never read a book where the two MCs were into other people at the beginning of the book.
Nora is so relatable. She put her life on hold in order to help her mother who battles with MS. She’s puts her needs above her own and rarely remembers to do things for herself.
Miles is the cutest!! He’s so awkward and nervous on dates. Omg I was dying for him when he started talking about the sea cucumbers lol!! I mean, we’ll all been there in some way right? A situation or a specific person that makes you so nervous you can’t even think straight and you can’t stop saying or doing something.
I can’t remember the last time I read such sweet things in a book! The fact that Miles barely knew Nora’s mom, but he researched foods she could eat. How he was there to help, even when he didn’t know he was helping. The drone ….i was crying! Giving her mom the ability of feeling alive again ..priceless! The scene in the hospital!!!! He showed up even when he didn’t have to 🥰🥰
I loved when Nora thought Miles went with someone else and how it forced her to confront her feelings and stop running from them.
Such a cute story! Unique, heart warming, with a dash of spice!
Review of advance copy
Thank you to Happily Booked PR and the author for an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.
Let me note that I have not read the first three books in this series, but after reading this, I will definitely do so!
I didn't know what to expect - this is a new author for me, and so I was cautious.
I didn't have to be - the characters and setting sucked me in right away. Nora and Miles were absolutely adorable together, even when they weren't.
The idea of a dating app for people who need dates to functions and family gatherings hit home for me - and it was fun to see there wasn't any single shaming, any wry and cutting remarks from family members as happens in a lot of romance books.
It felt modern, realistic and plausible.
I also appreciate the side story of Nora's mother's fight with MS. It was realistic, honest and compelling. It showed someone with independence accepting the help of her loved ones, but still living her life as she wanted within the parameters of the disease. I loved that Miles was all in - researching, accepting and reassuring to both Nora and her mother. The idea of the drone flight and the possibilities it presented to her mother when she couldn't get out like she used to touched a soft spot in my heart. Tech used right for a change!
Both characters had growth and resilience, and I really enjoyed seeing their journey progress. I also liked the touch that Miles was the inexperienced one, as so often it is the other way around. The author didn't make it feel condescending to the reader, and it felt honest.
I am looking forward to reading the first three and to read the fifth book with Maggie's story.
Let me note that I have not read the first three books in this series, but after reading this, I will definitely do so!
I didn't know what to expect - this is a new author for me, and so I was cautious.
I didn't have to be - the characters and setting sucked me in right away. Nora and Miles were absolutely adorable together, even when they weren't.
The idea of a dating app for people who need dates to functions and family gatherings hit home for me - and it was fun to see there wasn't any single shaming, any wry and cutting remarks from family members as happens in a lot of romance books.
It felt modern, realistic and plausible.
I also appreciate the side story of Nora's mother's fight with MS. It was realistic, honest and compelling. It showed someone with independence accepting the help of her loved ones, but still living her life as she wanted within the parameters of the disease. I loved that Miles was all in - researching, accepting and reassuring to both Nora and her mother. The idea of the drone flight and the possibilities it presented to her mother when she couldn't get out like she used to touched a soft spot in my heart. Tech used right for a change!
Both characters had growth and resilience, and I really enjoyed seeing their journey progress. I also liked the touch that Miles was the inexperienced one, as so often it is the other way around. The author didn't make it feel condescending to the reader, and it felt honest.
I am looking forward to reading the first three and to read the fifth book with Maggie's story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was one of my most anticipated reads for 2026 and it did not disappoint! I absolutely adored this book, I seriously had a smile on my face the entire time.
This was everything I want in a rom-com!! It was hilarious, flirty, and so full of heart. The fake dating trope is delivered so well here. Watching their “strictly business” arrangement spiral into something real (with those practice dates 👀) was equal parts laugh-out-loud and swoony.
Miles completely stole the show for me. He’s incredibly awkward while absolutely charming. I thought he was sweet, earnest, and proof that the “nice guy” can be just as irresistible... if not more. The way he learns and tries? Ugh, I melted. And the chemistry? Off the charts. Those “just for show” moments had me kicking my feet like a toddler.
I also loved the opposites-attract dynamic. She’s scared yet independent and focused, he’s persistent with all heart and loads of optimism, and together they just clicked into place. The tension of “this isn’t real” vs. their very real feelings kept me hooked the whole time.
And can we talk about the humor? I genuinely laughed out loud more than once. It had that perfect balance of lighthearted moments and emotional depth that made their romance hit even harder.
If you love fake dating, cinnamon roll heroes, and steamy rom-coms that give you butterflies, this one is a must-read. I’ll be thinking about these two for a long, looong time 💕
This was everything I want in a rom-com!! It was hilarious, flirty, and so full of heart. The fake dating trope is delivered so well here. Watching their “strictly business” arrangement spiral into something real (with those practice dates 👀) was equal parts laugh-out-loud and swoony.
Miles completely stole the show for me. He’s incredibly awkward while absolutely charming. I thought he was sweet, earnest, and proof that the “nice guy” can be just as irresistible... if not more. The way he learns and tries? Ugh, I melted. And the chemistry? Off the charts. Those “just for show” moments had me kicking my feet like a toddler.
I also loved the opposites-attract dynamic. She’s scared yet independent and focused, he’s persistent with all heart and loads of optimism, and together they just clicked into place. The tension of “this isn’t real” vs. their very real feelings kept me hooked the whole time.
And can we talk about the humor? I genuinely laughed out loud more than once. It had that perfect balance of lighthearted moments and emotional depth that made their romance hit even harder.
If you love fake dating, cinnamon roll heroes, and steamy rom-coms that give you butterflies, this one is a must-read. I’ll be thinking about these two for a long, looong time 💕
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Happily Booked PR and Gia Stevens for this gifted eARC!
This is such a sweet book! Nora and Miles's story is so wholesome and well written.
Nora and Miles both live in the same town and they have mutual friends. Nora develops an app called One Date which is an app that allows people to match with others who need dates to events but aren't looking for anything romantic. Enter Miles who is an awkward and nerdy guy who flies drones and is in desperate need of dating help. He and Nora come to an agreement that she will be his dating coach and they commence fake dating. This does not go as planned and they fall for one another, albeit somewhat reluctantly at first. Stevens addresses themes such as acceptance of yourself, accepting love from others, and confidence building. She does a great job of weaving these themes into the story.
This books is a really fun romantic comedy and if you're looking for something lighthearted this is the book for you!
Tropes:
Fake dating
Cinnamon role hero
Spicy lessons
Opposites attract
Romantic comedy
This is such a sweet book! Nora and Miles's story is so wholesome and well written.
Nora and Miles both live in the same town and they have mutual friends. Nora develops an app called One Date which is an app that allows people to match with others who need dates to events but aren't looking for anything romantic. Enter Miles who is an awkward and nerdy guy who flies drones and is in desperate need of dating help. He and Nora come to an agreement that she will be his dating coach and they commence fake dating. This does not go as planned and they fall for one another, albeit somewhat reluctantly at first. Stevens addresses themes such as acceptance of yourself, accepting love from others, and confidence building. She does a great job of weaving these themes into the story.
This books is a really fun romantic comedy and if you're looking for something lighthearted this is the book for you!
Tropes:
Fake dating
Cinnamon role hero
Spicy lessons
Opposites attract
Romantic comedy
Review of advance copy
I love a fake dating trope! This is the first book I have read where the MMC was a drone pilot.
Miles is a good guy. He has a great family and is just the kind of guy you would want dating your daughter.
Nora has a lot of weight on her shoulders. Her mom had MS and she takes care of her. She is creating an App for people who just need a date to things like a wedding. Nothing romantic.
Miles has been on two dates with the same woman and the second worse than the first. Nora allows him to join the app to he practice with no risk dates. Through a series of events they become friends, student/teacher for spicy lessons and finally fall in love. Nora made me a bit crazy at times. I get why she was protecting herself. That said she runs and that makes me nuts. One time in particular made me really angry but overall a good book.
Miles is a good guy. He has a great family and is just the kind of guy you would want dating your daughter.
Nora has a lot of weight on her shoulders. Her mom had MS and she takes care of her. She is creating an App for people who just need a date to things like a wedding. Nothing romantic.
Miles has been on two dates with the same woman and the second worse than the first. Nora allows him to join the app to he practice with no risk dates. Through a series of events they become friends, student/teacher for spicy lessons and finally fall in love. Nora made me a bit crazy at times. I get why she was protecting herself. That said she runs and that makes me nuts. One time in particular made me really angry but overall a good book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Stout of My League is the first book by Gia Stevens that I've read and I'm hooked! This book is #4 in the Brews & Flings series and can be read as a standalone. That said, I'm excited to start reading the other 3 books in this series, so I can immerse myself in the other characters books that are also present in Nora and Miles story.
I love this very entertaining and emotional story that has heart, laughter, emotionally charged situations that had me sniffling, and very real, relatable characters. Let's not forget the sensual and steamy connections between Nora and Miles. Totally fanning myself from their encounters and gotta love that Miles was very enthusiastic and eager to follow Nora's guidance.
This is a wonderful story that will have you invested in the characters and wanting their HEA!
I received an early copy for my honest review.
I love this very entertaining and emotional story that has heart, laughter, emotionally charged situations that had me sniffling, and very real, relatable characters. Let's not forget the sensual and steamy connections between Nora and Miles. Totally fanning myself from their encounters and gotta love that Miles was very enthusiastic and eager to follow Nora's guidance.
This is a wonderful story that will have you invested in the characters and wanting their HEA!
I received an early copy for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Patiently waiting for book 4 in the Brews & Flings series, I love the Porter house! - A standalone in an interconnected series, following the bartending staff. For a hot minute, I thought Nora and Beck would be a thing, but it seems Nora has a soft spot for our little nerd and slightly socially awkward Miles. I love these two together, between the "practice" sessions and the deadpan banter, they are not even trying and they still click. A slow burn, because slow and steady wins the race and they two are masters at it -Nora is a runner (perfect for the race) but Miles is steady as a rock. I've got to say Miles is probably one of my most favourited characters from Gia so far! Loved this instalment!
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own.
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW:
This was just wonderful! I adored Miles & Nora! their opposites attract connection was beautiful and the way they complimented each other was such a gorgeous thing.
Gia has always been one of my favourite authors, she is my go-to writer when I just need to feel something special and smile.
Her characters and storylines never fail to make my heart happy and this book is just another shinning example of why she is one of the best at what she does, which is give us beautiful love stories.
Thank you Gia for letting me read this beauty early! it was exactly what my heart needed right now.
This was just wonderful! I adored Miles & Nora! their opposites attract connection was beautiful and the way they complimented each other was such a gorgeous thing.
Gia has always been one of my favourite authors, she is my go-to writer when I just need to feel something special and smile.
Her characters and storylines never fail to make my heart happy and this book is just another shinning example of why she is one of the best at what she does, which is give us beautiful love stories.
Thank you Gia for letting me read this beauty early! it was exactly what my heart needed right now.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Stout of My League is a book that is sure to make you laugh out loud and make you swoon for Miles. Your cheeks will hurt from smiling so big. He's nerdy with random facts at the most awful times, BUT he is definitely a keeper. I've always heard you can tell a lot about a man by how he treats his mother and this book will make you realize you can also tell a lot about a man by how he treats your mother, especially with a debilitating disease. This was such a sweet love story that is sure to stay with me for a long time.
Thank you to Gia Stevens for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to Gia Stevens for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read
March 18, 2026I've got a few words.
But primarily I have the words:
This is my favorite book Gia has put out there.
Miles and Nora are *chef's kiss* when it comes to banter and want and yearning...
All while Gia delivers her (at this point) quick wit and easy dialogue she's known for.
Absolutely recommend this book to anyone who loves a fake dating, teach me, rom com. Pick it up. read it. Live. In. It.
Fall for Miles just like I did. Fall for the consent. Fall for the unknown. Fall for the man in his slutty little glasses.
But primarily I have the words:
This is my favorite book Gia has put out there.
Miles and Nora are *chef's kiss* when it comes to banter and want and yearning...
All while Gia delivers her (at this point) quick wit and easy dialogue she's known for.
Absolutely recommend this book to anyone who loves a fake dating, teach me, rom com. Pick it up. read it. Live. In. It.
Fall for Miles just like I did. Fall for the consent. Fall for the unknown. Fall for the man in his slutty little glasses.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4⭐2🌶️ ARC Dual POV First Person
Book #4 in Brews and Flings series, 310pgs
Miles and Nora
Such a sweet and funny story. Miles is awkward and nerdy, but such a sweetheart. Nora appears confident but has her own issues too. I had no problem jumping in at book #4, but am intrigued by the others stories.
Embrace your awkward. There's someone out there who will love you for it.
"Love doesn't show up when you're finished. It shows up when you find someone willing to help you finish it."
"Careful keeps you breathing. But being brave will let you live."
Book #4 in Brews and Flings series, 310pgs
Miles and Nora
Such a sweet and funny story. Miles is awkward and nerdy, but such a sweetheart. Nora appears confident but has her own issues too. I had no problem jumping in at book #4, but am intrigued by the others stories.
Embrace your awkward. There's someone out there who will love you for it.
"Love doesn't show up when you're finished. It shows up when you find someone willing to help you finish it."
"Careful keeps you breathing. But being brave will let you live."
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is book is my introduction to Gia Stevens...can I just say hell yeah!
It's a great rom com...the storyline is fantastic, the characters are amazing and you honestly can't put it down. I needed to see if there was a HEA at the end.
I can't lie...I was halfway in love with Miles about 2 chapters in and he just kept getting more adorable. Nora is a beautiful mess of a human that you just want to be happy.
Thoroughly invested and can't wait for the next book.
It's a great rom com...the storyline is fantastic, the characters are amazing and you honestly can't put it down. I needed to see if there was a HEA at the end.
I can't lie...I was halfway in love with Miles about 2 chapters in and he just kept getting more adorable. Nora is a beautiful mess of a human that you just want to be happy.
Thoroughly invested and can't wait for the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Perfect book if you are looking for an adorably dorky, cinnamon roll of a MMC and a fiercely opposite FMC.
A cute fake dating, opposites attract romantic comedy. Gave off a bit of Big Bang Theory vibes. He's awkward on dates and needs practice. She just happens to be building a dating app for those looking for a date not commitment. Perfect.
So awkwardly cute to watch them fall for each other.
Highly recommended for fans of the opposites attract genre and how messy can be!
A cute fake dating, opposites attract romantic comedy. Gave off a bit of Big Bang Theory vibes. He's awkward on dates and needs practice. She just happens to be building a dating app for those looking for a date not commitment. Perfect.
So awkwardly cute to watch them fall for each other.
Highly recommended for fans of the opposites attract genre and how messy can be!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Super cute read. Fake dating is the main premise, with a super awkward mmc who can't figure out the dating world and fmc who is a commitment phobe and creating a dating app focused around fake dates for awkward events, rather then the premise of love. Super slow burn, barely toasty, but the story itself is excellent with plenty of banter between the characters. And honestly, it's just the sweetest, most awkward mmc I have ever read. Excellent, low angst read.
Review of advance copy
I love sweet innocent Miles 😭 He was goofy and awkward in the best of ways. Nora was a jaded hurt soul that I grew to love quickly. The fake dating trope was done so well because it never even felt fake. The chemistry was glaringly obvious for both of them. Nora's mom made my heart break, but the way Miles went out of his way to include Nora's mom made me love him all the more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Miles is awkward at dating and has a crush, but keeps screwing up his dates. So he ask Nora for help, Nora created an app called OneDate where you request a date for any event. After a few dates Miles is still not comfortable so he asks Nora to give him lessons. Will these lessons help Miles or will he fail still? Can Nora and Miles do the lessons without falling for each other?
Review of advance copy received from Author
Love, Love, LOVE this book! Miles is the true star of the show for me. We get to know his nerdy, awkward and incredibly adorable personality better. I’m pretty sure he holds ALLLLLL the green flags at this point.
Tension builds between him and Nora after she becomes his fake date at his niece’s birthday party and it is delicious. Their story is the perfect example of a slow burn that grows under the guise of “practice makes perfect” until the volcano erupts and they can’t take the heat. It doesn’t come without some heavy emotion towards the end though that may have you a little teary eyed in the best way. My favorite line from the book is “Love doesn’t show up when you’re finished. It shows up when you find someone willing to help you finish it.”
Tension builds between him and Nora after she becomes his fake date at his niece’s birthday party and it is delicious. Their story is the perfect example of a slow burn that grows under the guise of “practice makes perfect” until the volcano erupts and they can’t take the heat. It doesn’t come without some heavy emotion towards the end though that may have you a little teary eyed in the best way. My favorite line from the book is “Love doesn’t show up when you’re finished. It shows up when you find someone willing to help you finish it.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
A delightful addition to the Brews and Flings series! Miles is a green flag kind of guy and his awkwardness is totally endearing. Nora is a lovable hot mess and Miles is the perfect foil for her chaos. A romantic comedy with deep emotions and delicious spice, this one is in a league of its own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
My normal thing is dark romances, but you just can't help but love Miles and his awkwardness. it makes him so hot!! Miles is just the right person for Nora and her issues. He is so adorable.
Review of advance copy
March 23, 20263.25⭐
thank you Happily Booked PR and Gia Stevens for this ARC 🫶🏻
if you want a super fun and easy read rom-com this book is definitely for you!!!
thank you Happily Booked PR and Gia Stevens for this ARC 🫶🏻
if you want a super fun and easy read rom-com this book is definitely for you!!!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews