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Brewing Up Bedlam
Life is a glass-half-full for thirty-eight-year-old Ariela Adler. Her craft cider brewery is thriving—filling the century-old building with good times and great drinks. She’s got a cute (okay, ugly) dog, a Gen Z best friend with a rad cryptid podcast, and a supportive family at her back. Her plans for the future of Canyon Rose Cider are crystal-clear.
But change can happen in the blink of an eye.
When a greedy property developer sends her a strong-arm email, things start to get complicated and Ariela’s roadmap gets bumpy. Scrabbling to find a solution, she crosses paths with Chanson Roche—a tall, dark, and brooding woman who happens to own the historic bank building across the street. They find themselves united in a common goal—preserving both Hollywood history, and Ariela’s beloved cidery.
Teaming up with the mysterious (and very attractive) Chanson, Ariela dives headfirst into a campaign to protect the life she’s built, though it may tie the two women together in more ways than one. Between the door-to-door campaign and City Council meetings, something unexpected starts to brew—feelings. Real, confusing, possibly winged feelings.
Saving the neighborhood might just mean saving each other. And maybe, if they’re lucky, finding a love that’s set in stone.
But change can happen in the blink of an eye.
When a greedy property developer sends her a strong-arm email, things start to get complicated and Ariela’s roadmap gets bumpy. Scrabbling to find a solution, she crosses paths with Chanson Roche—a tall, dark, and brooding woman who happens to own the historic bank building across the street. They find themselves united in a common goal—preserving both Hollywood history, and Ariela’s beloved cidery.
Teaming up with the mysterious (and very attractive) Chanson, Ariela dives headfirst into a campaign to protect the life she’s built, though it may tie the two women together in more ways than one. Between the door-to-door campaign and City Council meetings, something unexpected starts to brew—feelings. Real, confusing, possibly winged feelings.
Saving the neighborhood might just mean saving each other. And maybe, if they’re lucky, finding a love that’s set in stone.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 22, 2025
9 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Heather Nix
11 books98 followersHeather Nix writes magical lesbians and takes a lot of baths.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 30, 2025
If you're looking for a lighthearted read including monsters and humans, the lifestyle dichotomies of being a small business owner versus dealing with corporations and gentrification, and a very queer cast of delightful misfits, you're not going to want to skip Brewing Up Bedlam.
I've never run to write a review so fast. I typically don't self-insert into any books I read, preferring to read the story for the story's sake, but the moment Nix mentioned an elder-emo millennial FMC who is single because the idea of dating just seems like too much work, I was hooked. Honestly, I felt like Ariela and I are pretty close to the same person.
I also loved the stone top references. They made me giggle.
This book had everything from relevant modern-day references of political issues, an amazing partner, queer-normative worldbuilding and character development, but also a critique on capitalism that was genuinely refreshing to read.
Thank you so much to Heather Nix for the ARC!
I've never run to write a review so fast. I typically don't self-insert into any books I read, preferring to read the story for the story's sake, but the moment Nix mentioned an elder-emo millennial FMC who is single because the idea of dating just seems like too much work, I was hooked. Honestly, I felt like Ariela and I are pretty close to the same person.
I also loved the stone top references. They made me giggle.
This book had everything from relevant modern-day references of political issues, an amazing partner, queer-normative worldbuilding and character development, but also a critique on capitalism that was genuinely refreshing to read.
Thank you so much to Heather Nix for the ARC!
August 10, 2025
This has to be my favorite novel by Heather Nix! At least, so far! Each new book she puts out has her work getting even better. I could easily imagine the characters, buildings, businesses and even the food as it was described. Had me wanting to take a trip to SoCal right away. I probably wouldn’t find any gargoyles but I can dream!
July 30, 2025
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book and it did not disappoint! First of all, you had me at listing “judgy grandma” as a trigger warning, and the hilarity continued throughout the book with amazingly colorful and unique supporting characters like our MC Ariela’s bestie, Zola. Add in the killer banter between our MC’s and a refreshingly unique storyline WRT to the challenges they have to overcome together, and you’ve got the perfect formula for all of my favorite things and what author Heather Nix does best. Heather’s unique voice as an author and her ability to portray relatable characters as real-life people (albeit with paranormal elements sprinkled in) working through real-life problems without sacrificing humor and joy is what I love most about her work. I especially loved the chapters from Chanson’s POV - I may have developed a crush, so sue me. Anything Heather writes will always be an auto-purchase for me. Highly recommend!
August 8, 2025
4/5
I sat thinking on this for the last week, and I did bring this down from 4.25, I am glad to have read it but not my fav Heather Nix.
I enjoyed the parallels to life, socially and politically - feels night to rage against the machine a little bit, even if that means doing so quietly supporting those who do it loudly.
I thought this was a fun read that was easily relatable in a lot of ways. I love that Ariella was an elder emo, mad love to jeans, converse and t-shirts. I also do not come across many stone top representations at all, and I do love to find diversity in the genre.
I would really love to see a continuation of this story, maybe get a little bit more of Chanson and Ariella as a couple. I did appreciate Ariella trying to give Chanson the space to be vulnerable and in those moments I feel like there is a rich history in LA and Paris to be explored.
I received an eARC of Brewing in Bedlam in exchange for my honest review.
I sat thinking on this for the last week, and I did bring this down from 4.25, I am glad to have read it but not my fav Heather Nix.
I enjoyed the parallels to life, socially and politically - feels night to rage against the machine a little bit, even if that means doing so quietly supporting those who do it loudly.
I thought this was a fun read that was easily relatable in a lot of ways. I love that Ariella was an elder emo, mad love to jeans, converse and t-shirts. I also do not come across many stone top representations at all, and I do love to find diversity in the genre.
I would really love to see a continuation of this story, maybe get a little bit more of Chanson and Ariella as a couple. I did appreciate Ariella trying to give Chanson the space to be vulnerable and in those moments I feel like there is a rich history in LA and Paris to be explored.
I received an eARC of Brewing in Bedlam in exchange for my honest review.
August 2, 2025
I’m honestly kind of disappointed by this. As much as I’ve critiqued Mixing up Mayhem, that was a genuinely enjoyable read. Brewing up Bedlam didn’t really leave me with anything except dissatisfaction.
The main issue was the fact that the book didn’t really know what it wanted to be. A paranormal rom-com with a subplot and slight social issues talk? The paranormal/fantasy aspect is introduced kind of late into the story and whoever picks up the book knows there’s a paranormal aspect in it, so that the wait, with no hit of the matter, is quite frankly confusing. If Zola’s obsession with the paranormal was supposed to be an element of consistency…well it didn’t work.
The romance aspect was the most disappointing: the attraction between the main characters is instant. There’s no buildup, there’s no tension. I don’t know if it was mean to be like that for the sake of “cosiness” but even that would need to be the result of some prior relationship building. The result of this was that the impact of sex scenes was unproportionate to that of scenes where intimacy is build between the characters, so that the former are exceptionally unsatisfying to read. I honestly kind of skipped the last one/two.
Another thing that put a damper on the romance element were the characters (which is a pity because the world needs more masc lesbians). Chanson had a lot of potential, she was well written but the lack of a real backstory or context made her feel incomplete. In part because she’s the main paranormal element in the book, and as I said that was pretty lacklustre, in part because her backstory consists of a single infodump and a repetition of “I’ve had lovers in France”. Ariela however…we know everything of her, but she still felt like a cookie cutter romance lead: she’s quirky, she’s passionate, she has a great support system. I like when characters are flawed and I don’t like to see “therapy talk” to make characters some sort of perfectly mentally stable people, but I also find it maddening when a character of almost forty years old acts like an immature teenager. I know people don’t get magically wise and mature as they grow, and Ariela is still pretty young, but emotionally? She’s insufferably immature, acting offended and having childish reactions to what she instantly interprets as direct rejections of her. And this isn’t resolved by the end of the book, she doesn’t acknowledge it, she doesn’t grow, because that was never perceived as a problem, so that what feels like a shift of the attention to the issue of an overwhelming romance situation in the middle of her life of independence isn’t a shift at all. Her emotional immaturity was never meant to be an opportunity for growth.
As for the subplot…that was a joke. Resolved in the stupidest way. And the fact that Chanson knows that Ariela wouldn’t have appreciated the way she solved it and still didn’t tell her, made the whole thing feel incomplete, because they never talk about it. Another thing that I didn’t particularly liked was the use of “anxiety” and “panic attack” interchangeably. They’re not the same thing. I’m not even going to get into the whole “tasteful botox” talk because I don’t want this review to become a full blown…”arringa”, for lack of a better word.
Overall the book felt like a jumbled mess of half rendered intentions, never to be fully executed.
I received an e-ARC of the book from the author and this represents my honest opinion.
The main issue was the fact that the book didn’t really know what it wanted to be. A paranormal rom-com with a subplot and slight social issues talk? The paranormal/fantasy aspect is introduced kind of late into the story and whoever picks up the book knows there’s a paranormal aspect in it, so that the wait, with no hit of the matter, is quite frankly confusing. If Zola’s obsession with the paranormal was supposed to be an element of consistency…well it didn’t work.
The romance aspect was the most disappointing: the attraction between the main characters is instant. There’s no buildup, there’s no tension. I don’t know if it was mean to be like that for the sake of “cosiness” but even that would need to be the result of some prior relationship building. The result of this was that the impact of sex scenes was unproportionate to that of scenes where intimacy is build between the characters, so that the former are exceptionally unsatisfying to read. I honestly kind of skipped the last one/two.
Another thing that put a damper on the romance element were the characters (which is a pity because the world needs more masc lesbians). Chanson had a lot of potential, she was well written but the lack of a real backstory or context made her feel incomplete. In part because she’s the main paranormal element in the book, and as I said that was pretty lacklustre, in part because her backstory consists of a single infodump and a repetition of “I’ve had lovers in France”. Ariela however…we know everything of her, but she still felt like a cookie cutter romance lead: she’s quirky, she’s passionate, she has a great support system. I like when characters are flawed and I don’t like to see “therapy talk” to make characters some sort of perfectly mentally stable people, but I also find it maddening when a character of almost forty years old acts like an immature teenager. I know people don’t get magically wise and mature as they grow, and Ariela is still pretty young, but emotionally? She’s insufferably immature, acting offended and having childish reactions to what she instantly interprets as direct rejections of her. And this isn’t resolved by the end of the book, she doesn’t acknowledge it, she doesn’t grow, because that was never perceived as a problem, so that what feels like a shift of the attention to the issue of an overwhelming romance situation in the middle of her life of independence isn’t a shift at all. Her emotional immaturity was never meant to be an opportunity for growth.
As for the subplot…that was a joke. Resolved in the stupidest way. And the fact that Chanson knows that Ariela wouldn’t have appreciated the way she solved it and still didn’t tell her, made the whole thing feel incomplete, because they never talk about it. Another thing that I didn’t particularly liked was the use of “anxiety” and “panic attack” interchangeably. They’re not the same thing. I’m not even going to get into the whole “tasteful botox” talk because I don’t want this review to become a full blown…”arringa”, for lack of a better word.
Overall the book felt like a jumbled mess of half rendered intentions, never to be fully executed.
I received an e-ARC of the book from the author and this represents my honest opinion.
August 27, 2025
Steam Level: 3.5/5 Explicit Open Door
Ariela is the owner of Canyon Rose Brewery. She has spent the past 10 years building her brand and selling the best cider in California. One day, a shady land developer tries to put that to an end by trying to buy up the building and land where the brewery is housed.
Chanson Roche is Ariela’s neighbor across the way who ends up helping Ariela and her issue with the land developer. What she didn’t plan on was a development of her own, feelings for Ariela. She has a dark secret that she doesn’t want to tell Ariela because it might affect their budding relationship. Will Chanson tell Ariela? Will this secret push Ariela away.
I received this ARC from the author for my honest review. I know she probably doesn’t remember talking to me at Sinners & Stardust, but I told Heather that I had a huge problem while reading this book. Because Ariela has a cider brewery, many different types of cider drinks are mentioned in the book. My issue is that they all sound so good and now I want to try them and I can’t 😭 Jokes aside, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Ariela’s best friend runs the brewery social media and has a monster kink. A lot of the interactions she has with her friend usually provide some comedy to give a good laugh.
I also like how the author includes current sociopolitical events. Reading this book in the current climate makes it feel more real, if that makes sense. A little real-life mixed in with fiction. Ariela is absolutely adorable and a little dorky. In one of my notes, I called her a-dork-able and it is absolutely fitting for her. If you’re looking for a spicy and fun read with a tiny mix of fantasy, Brewing Up Bedlam is definitely one you should pick up.
🍺 Cider Brewery
🍎 Paranormal Rom-Com
🍺 Monster Romance
🍎 Mental Health Themes
🍺 Small Business Setting
Ariela is the owner of Canyon Rose Brewery. She has spent the past 10 years building her brand and selling the best cider in California. One day, a shady land developer tries to put that to an end by trying to buy up the building and land where the brewery is housed.
Chanson Roche is Ariela’s neighbor across the way who ends up helping Ariela and her issue with the land developer. What she didn’t plan on was a development of her own, feelings for Ariela. She has a dark secret that she doesn’t want to tell Ariela because it might affect their budding relationship. Will Chanson tell Ariela? Will this secret push Ariela away.
I received this ARC from the author for my honest review. I know she probably doesn’t remember talking to me at Sinners & Stardust, but I told Heather that I had a huge problem while reading this book. Because Ariela has a cider brewery, many different types of cider drinks are mentioned in the book. My issue is that they all sound so good and now I want to try them and I can’t 😭 Jokes aside, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Ariela’s best friend runs the brewery social media and has a monster kink. A lot of the interactions she has with her friend usually provide some comedy to give a good laugh.
I also like how the author includes current sociopolitical events. Reading this book in the current climate makes it feel more real, if that makes sense. A little real-life mixed in with fiction. Ariela is absolutely adorable and a little dorky. In one of my notes, I called her a-dork-able and it is absolutely fitting for her. If you’re looking for a spicy and fun read with a tiny mix of fantasy, Brewing Up Bedlam is definitely one you should pick up.
🍺 Cider Brewery
🍎 Paranormal Rom-Com
🍺 Monster Romance
🍎 Mental Health Themes
🍺 Small Business Setting
September 20, 2025
This was a perfect balance of sweet, sexy, and relatable 🍻
One thing I’m not gonna do is miss a Heather Nix book! I’m was so lucky to get to read this early and absolutely loved every minute of it.
If you want a story that you can connect to, characters you can root for, and romance you’ll swoon over this is the sapphic monster romance for you.
I blushed, I swooned, I even caught myself kicking my feet—Heather what are you doing to me. Chanson and Ariela were so perfect together, the definition of opposites attract IMO.
Ariela was so easily lovable, I was rooting for her from the moment she came on page. As someone who runs their own business (although not nearly as high stakes or complex) I could totally relate to her stress and love for what she created. I also really appreciated the on-page panic attack representation. IYKYK it’s something thats so easy to feel isolated in.
Chanson was stoic yet charming, and I immediately was tucking my hair behind my ear and giving her the old Debbie Ryan. As someone who can be closed off and take everything very seriously, I could relate. Even as someone who’s greyromantic, her past lack of romantic feelings resonated with me, which was a nice surprise.
The stone top being a gargoyle was such a cute idea, I loved that, too.
As someone who is very devoted to supporting local businesses, I was so invested in the plot and the future of the brewery. It felt so nice to see that small business feel and locality on page, it felt like this story existed in my own neighborhood.
It was just all around relatable and felt like I was hanging out with my friends in the best way.
All that said, I can’t recommend this book enough for those who are looking for something that will put them in a good mood!
One thing I’m not gonna do is miss a Heather Nix book! I’m was so lucky to get to read this early and absolutely loved every minute of it.
If you want a story that you can connect to, characters you can root for, and romance you’ll swoon over this is the sapphic monster romance for you.
I blushed, I swooned, I even caught myself kicking my feet—Heather what are you doing to me. Chanson and Ariela were so perfect together, the definition of opposites attract IMO.
Ariela was so easily lovable, I was rooting for her from the moment she came on page. As someone who runs their own business (although not nearly as high stakes or complex) I could totally relate to her stress and love for what she created. I also really appreciated the on-page panic attack representation. IYKYK it’s something thats so easy to feel isolated in.
Chanson was stoic yet charming, and I immediately was tucking my hair behind my ear and giving her the old Debbie Ryan. As someone who can be closed off and take everything very seriously, I could relate. Even as someone who’s greyromantic, her past lack of romantic feelings resonated with me, which was a nice surprise.
The stone top being a gargoyle was such a cute idea, I loved that, too.
As someone who is very devoted to supporting local businesses, I was so invested in the plot and the future of the brewery. It felt so nice to see that small business feel and locality on page, it felt like this story existed in my own neighborhood.
It was just all around relatable and felt like I was hanging out with my friends in the best way.
All that said, I can’t recommend this book enough for those who are looking for something that will put them in a good mood!
September 2, 2025
Little late on this one, but thank you to Heather Nix for the ARC!! This is my honest review ✨ (I rated it 4.25 stars but rounded down to 4 since I can't do partial stars here)
Brewing Up Bedlam is a cute monster rom-com centering a woman named Arie
la, who owns a cidery (I'm from WA, cider is HUGE here, so I was glad to see it represented in a different locale!) and Chanson, a mysterious French woman who owns the old, gorgeous bank building next to Ariela's cidery.
Right from jump, the sparks between these two were FLYING, even when they were both lying to themselves about it. I really liked how the main conflict in the story brought them closer together, rather than the conflict being between them! It made the foundation they were building their relationship on seem more solid.
I don't count this as a spoiler because you can honestly tell from the cover, but Chanson as a Gargouille (more commonly known as a gargoyle) and a STONE TOP will never not make me cackle. Heather Nix saw and took the opportunity to make that phrase VERY literal, while also applying the real life meaning to the character!
My only minor critique is that, there was a scene where Chanson did something a bit behind Ariela's back, and it was never brought to light or addressed. I don't think I would've noticed, except Chanson expressed nervousness about Ariela finding out a couple times, so it felt like it was being hinted at, only to never actually happen. This might've been changed in the final version of the book though, who knows! I still had a GREAT time reading this book.
If you love a cozy sapphic monster romance I would definitely give this one a try (and also Mixing Up Mayhem!!!)
Brewing Up Bedlam is a cute monster rom-com centering a woman named Arie
la, who owns a cidery (I'm from WA, cider is HUGE here, so I was glad to see it represented in a different locale!) and Chanson, a mysterious French woman who owns the old, gorgeous bank building next to Ariela's cidery.
Right from jump, the sparks between these two were FLYING, even when they were both lying to themselves about it. I really liked how the main conflict in the story brought them closer together, rather than the conflict being between them! It made the foundation they were building their relationship on seem more solid.
I don't count this as a spoiler because you can honestly tell from the cover, but Chanson as a Gargouille (more commonly known as a gargoyle) and a STONE TOP will never not make me cackle. Heather Nix saw and took the opportunity to make that phrase VERY literal, while also applying the real life meaning to the character!
My only minor critique is that, there was a scene where Chanson did something a bit behind Ariela's back, and it was never brought to light or addressed. I don't think I would've noticed, except Chanson expressed nervousness about Ariela finding out a couple times, so it felt like it was being hinted at, only to never actually happen. This might've been changed in the final version of the book though, who knows! I still had a GREAT time reading this book.
If you love a cozy sapphic monster romance I would definitely give this one a try (and also Mixing Up Mayhem!!!)
August 6, 2025
I loved this book. It was a cute monster romance with fairly low angst. Our main characters meet when a smarmy developer wants to buy the buildings on their block. Ariela owns a successful cidery business but her old building might not be up to current code building standards and could need an expensive retrofitting. Chanson is a gargoyle who guards a beautiful old art deco bank building. The cover of the book reveals that Chanson is a gargoyle but we actually don’t find out until about halfway through the book. I enjoyed the dynamics between all the characters. Ariela has an inclusive and queer friend group and a supportive Jewish family. Chanson has a group, her cadre of gargoyles, that takes turns guarding their building. Chanson and Ariela are instantly attracted to each other but the romance builds at the perfect pace. When the intimate scenes occur we learn Chanson prefers to be the giver and would be considered a touch-me-not or stone top, which is quite hilarious considering she turns into a stone creature. The only thing I didn’t really enjoy was the epilogue featuring two of the side characters. The whole time I was reading this book I kept thinking a spin-off with those two side characters would make a great second book. But for some reason their story was more wrapped up at the end than the story between our two main characters. This was a light and fun read and I’d definitely recommend it if you’re looking for something different in a monster romance.
August 28, 2025
📚✨ ARC REVIEW ✨📚
Brewing Up Bedlam by Heather Nix
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (3.5/5 stars)
Thank you to Heather Nix for providing a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Ariela runs a thriving cider brewery 🍎🍺 — and she’s not about to let a shady developer push her out. When she learns that the bank building next door is under threat, she joins forces with Chanson, the mysterious accountant who watches over the bank.
But Chanson isn’t just an accountant. She’s a gargoyle whose very existence is tied to protecting the old bank building. As her bond with Ariela grows, she faces a new dilemma: what happens when your devotion shifts from a building to a person?
This romance was a fun and accessible entry point into the monster romance genre. Set in the real world rather than a high fantasy realm, the story balances the fantastical with the everyday. Ariela and Chanson date, introduce each other to friends, and team up against greedy developers — proving that love (and community) can be just as magical as any supernatural element.
I especially loved Ariela’s character. She’s a caring boss and a savvy businesswoman, and her brewery feels like a found family for employees and patrons alike. Her unwavering acceptance of Chanson — no matter her form — was the heart of the story for me.
For fans of: 🗿 Human x gargoyle | 🌈 Sapphic romance | 🏡 Neighbors to lovers | 👩💼 Boss babe FMC | 👭 Found family | ✊ Fighting against the man | 📖 Dual POV
Brewing Up Bedlam by Heather Nix
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (3.5/5 stars)
Thank you to Heather Nix for providing a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Ariela runs a thriving cider brewery 🍎🍺 — and she’s not about to let a shady developer push her out. When she learns that the bank building next door is under threat, she joins forces with Chanson, the mysterious accountant who watches over the bank.
But Chanson isn’t just an accountant. She’s a gargoyle whose very existence is tied to protecting the old bank building. As her bond with Ariela grows, she faces a new dilemma: what happens when your devotion shifts from a building to a person?
This romance was a fun and accessible entry point into the monster romance genre. Set in the real world rather than a high fantasy realm, the story balances the fantastical with the everyday. Ariela and Chanson date, introduce each other to friends, and team up against greedy developers — proving that love (and community) can be just as magical as any supernatural element.
I especially loved Ariela’s character. She’s a caring boss and a savvy businesswoman, and her brewery feels like a found family for employees and patrons alike. Her unwavering acceptance of Chanson — no matter her form — was the heart of the story for me.
For fans of: 🗿 Human x gargoyle | 🌈 Sapphic romance | 🏡 Neighbors to lovers | 👩💼 Boss babe FMC | 👭 Found family | ✊ Fighting against the man | 📖 Dual POV
August 22, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of Brewing Up Bedlam in exchange for an honest review.
Although I had difficulty investing in the main conflict— a big bad developer trying to buy up the human FMC's brewery along with several other businesses on her street— I had no trouble investing in Chanson and Ariela. Their chemistry flies off the page and the heat will melt the stoniest panties.
I also really appreciate the Gargoyle lore. They're one of my favorite mythical creatures and I don't see them nearly enough as I'd like in fiction. Chanson's purpose and history kept my interest when the real estate drama didn't.
The side characters really round out a strong pairing. Ariela's friends and family are bright, colorful, and supportive and Chanson's Cadre helped round her out beautifully.
If you watched Gargoyles as a kid, love a good lesbian pairing and you're in the market for a top to star in your fictional fantasies, this will be a fun read for you!
Although I had difficulty investing in the main conflict— a big bad developer trying to buy up the human FMC's brewery along with several other businesses on her street— I had no trouble investing in Chanson and Ariela. Their chemistry flies off the page and the heat will melt the stoniest panties.
I also really appreciate the Gargoyle lore. They're one of my favorite mythical creatures and I don't see them nearly enough as I'd like in fiction. Chanson's purpose and history kept my interest when the real estate drama didn't.
The side characters really round out a strong pairing. Ariela's friends and family are bright, colorful, and supportive and Chanson's Cadre helped round her out beautifully.
If you watched Gargoyles as a kid, love a good lesbian pairing and you're in the market for a top to star in your fictional fantasies, this will be a fun read for you!
August 27, 2025
The Perfect Contemporary Monster Romance
The TENSION. The chemistry and draw of these two characters was off the charts. Even fingers brushing had me screaming. Nix knows how to write that burning desire like no one else.
I fell in love with Ariela and Chanson from the first page and only grew fonder as the story unfolded. But I also fell in love with Supportive parents, cryptid-obsessed they/them besties, historic buildings, mythos, pugs, and hard ciders.
Heather crafted a unique, gripping story full of passion and humor. Add to that the people and places that grace the pages feeling like old friends and family favorites and you have a perfect feel good sapphic romance.
What you’ll get:
•Monster/Human
•Sapphic Romance
•Stoic/Sunshine
•Stone Top
•Jewish MC
•Found Family
•Pug appreciation
•Protective MC
•Size Difference
•Caretaking
•So. Much. Tension
•Contemporary Setting (just add monster)
The TENSION. The chemistry and draw of these two characters was off the charts. Even fingers brushing had me screaming. Nix knows how to write that burning desire like no one else.
I fell in love with Ariela and Chanson from the first page and only grew fonder as the story unfolded. But I also fell in love with Supportive parents, cryptid-obsessed they/them besties, historic buildings, mythos, pugs, and hard ciders.
Heather crafted a unique, gripping story full of passion and humor. Add to that the people and places that grace the pages feeling like old friends and family favorites and you have a perfect feel good sapphic romance.
What you’ll get:
•Monster/Human
•Sapphic Romance
•Stoic/Sunshine
•Stone Top
•Jewish MC
•Found Family
•Pug appreciation
•Protective MC
•Size Difference
•Caretaking
•So. Much. Tension
•Contemporary Setting (just add monster)
August 21, 2025
✨ ARC Review ✨
Brewing Up Bedlam by Heather Nix was amazing. While I’m not surprised by this because I’ve loved everything I’ve read of Heather’s I am delighted to scream about it to anyone who will listen.
If you love sapphic monster romance you are going to love this book. And if you don’t are you sure you’re in the right place? Heather’s writing is so beautiful and romantic and I love how she pairs that with laugh out loud humor, historical tidbits and a myriad of pop culture references.
And then you add in the spice. Oh (wo)man. I was clutching my pearls throughout and some of these scenes I will not soon forget 🥵. There are a lot of discussions on boundaries and consent and so much vulnerability between our two FMCs that you can’t help but fall in love alongside them.
I cannot wait for you all to read this one.
Brewing Up Bedlam by Heather Nix was amazing. While I’m not surprised by this because I’ve loved everything I’ve read of Heather’s I am delighted to scream about it to anyone who will listen.
If you love sapphic monster romance you are going to love this book. And if you don’t are you sure you’re in the right place? Heather’s writing is so beautiful and romantic and I love how she pairs that with laugh out loud humor, historical tidbits and a myriad of pop culture references.
And then you add in the spice. Oh (wo)man. I was clutching my pearls throughout and some of these scenes I will not soon forget 🥵. There are a lot of discussions on boundaries and consent and so much vulnerability between our two FMCs that you can’t help but fall in love alongside them.
I cannot wait for you all to read this one.
August 25, 2025
This book was so cute! Who wouldn’t want to read about a tall, androgynous, suit wearing gargoyle that falls in love with an adorable, workaholic brewery owner? It’s low angst and full of sweet moments between Chanson and Ariela and between some side characters as well!
I loved all of the camaraderie and friendship in this book. The way that Ariela’s friends and community rally around her in her time of need was so wholesome and fun to read about. I also loved the way that most of the Cadre had Chanson’s back throughout the book and the way that they took such good care of Angelique. The sense of togetherness that book evokes is so heartwarming!
This book was so sweet and happy and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a chill, wholesome read with a fair bit of spice and some fantastic elements. Thanks so much to Heather Nix for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved all of the camaraderie and friendship in this book. The way that Ariela’s friends and community rally around her in her time of need was so wholesome and fun to read about. I also loved the way that most of the Cadre had Chanson’s back throughout the book and the way that they took such good care of Angelique. The sense of togetherness that book evokes is so heartwarming!
This book was so sweet and happy and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a chill, wholesome read with a fair bit of spice and some fantastic elements. Thanks so much to Heather Nix for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 6, 2025
Thank you so much Heather Nix for this lovely ARC. This was my first read from this local author and I was thrilled with how much I loved this romance.
I love supporting local authors and I appreciated the references in this book to familiar places in San Diego and LA. I felt like I was at home in a book which I didn't think was possible! The FMC owned a cidery in the book which I thought was so cool, all the cider talk was right up my alley!
This love story was wholesome and beautiful. I was invested in this plot and how it explored the preservation of historical properties. This read demonstrated the importance of community and our chosen families.
If you are looking for a heart-warming, unique love story then you should definitely read Brewing Up Bedlam. It's also essential as a California Native to pick this book up.
I love supporting local authors and I appreciated the references in this book to familiar places in San Diego and LA. I felt like I was at home in a book which I didn't think was possible! The FMC owned a cidery in the book which I thought was so cool, all the cider talk was right up my alley!
This love story was wholesome and beautiful. I was invested in this plot and how it explored the preservation of historical properties. This read demonstrated the importance of community and our chosen families.
If you are looking for a heart-warming, unique love story then you should definitely read Brewing Up Bedlam. It's also essential as a California Native to pick this book up.
dnf
August 22, 2025DNF @ 25%
Unfortunately, this book was not for me. I didn't really like the writing style, especially since it seemed like there were random things added in weird places (which sometimes gave me the ick). Also, I was a quarter of the way through the book, and Chanson's backstory was still not really explained, and the parts that were explained were confusing. Additionally, while I love social justice topics, I don't personally like to read about it in romance books since I'm usually looking for an escape. I also didn't like that the paranormal aspect still hadn't been introduced at this point in the book.
I received this book as an ARC from the author. I am providing my honest opinion and leaving a review voluntarily.
Unfortunately, this book was not for me. I didn't really like the writing style, especially since it seemed like there were random things added in weird places (which sometimes gave me the ick). Also, I was a quarter of the way through the book, and Chanson's backstory was still not really explained, and the parts that were explained were confusing. Additionally, while I love social justice topics, I don't personally like to read about it in romance books since I'm usually looking for an escape. I also didn't like that the paranormal aspect still hadn't been introduced at this point in the book.
I received this book as an ARC from the author. I am providing my honest opinion and leaving a review voluntarily.
August 20, 2025
This is a fun read. It features a cast of zany characters. I especially like Zola. She kind of had no filter, so you never really knew what she was going to say. All I know is that I laughed every time.
Chanson and Ariela are different from each other. Yet, as the saying goes, opposites attract. Chanson to me came off as prim and proper. So, to see her slowly let her guard down and she and Ariela start something was cute. I liked that the spice level was on the "mild" side. It felt right for Ariela and Chanson.
This book is a cozy romance. New readers to the author or even FF romances, will want to take a chance on this book.
Chanson and Ariela are different from each other. Yet, as the saying goes, opposites attract. Chanson to me came off as prim and proper. So, to see her slowly let her guard down and she and Ariela start something was cute. I liked that the spice level was on the "mild" side. It felt right for Ariela and Chanson.
This book is a cozy romance. New readers to the author or even FF romances, will want to take a chance on this book.
August 4, 2025
Holy hell, this was so freaking good! I LOVED the two fmc’s so much. They are both entirely different but yet so similar. This is the perfect monster/human sapphic romance. It’s messy, there’s secrets and drama and has a super sexy gargoyle who you can’t help but love from the very start. Both fmc’s are independent, strong, capable and badass in their own ways. I just love everything about this book. Also, reading older characters is so refreshing. This is a quick, easy read that is written so well. This book is absolutely worth your time.
August 20, 2025
If you want a sweet, spicy romance that also gets into the power of community and importance of community, Brewing Up Bedlam is the book for you. While I adored the romance between Ariela and Chanson, I ultimately most appreciated the emphasis on being a part of your community and getting involved and the value everyone brings to one another. This is a book that talks about being good to other people while also providing you with a loving, beautiful romance story, and that's precisely why I loved it as much as I did.
August 23, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up!
This was like the definition of a cozy paranormal romance. It was very sweet with intense insta attraction quickly into love, but the developer subplot added enough tension that it didn't feel too saccharine. I loved that this was a relationship dynamic, with Chanson being a stone top, isn't often portrayed, and it was done so so well. Chanson and Ariela were perfect for each other. I enjoyed the whole cast of characters which definitely adds to me looking forward to more in this series (even if the couple I expected was wrapped up in this one)
This was like the definition of a cozy paranormal romance. It was very sweet with intense insta attraction quickly into love, but the developer subplot added enough tension that it didn't feel too saccharine. I loved that this was a relationship dynamic, with Chanson being a stone top, isn't often portrayed, and it was done so so well. Chanson and Ariela were perfect for each other. I enjoyed the whole cast of characters which definitely adds to me looking forward to more in this series (even if the couple I expected was wrapped up in this one)
September 18, 2025
Ariela Adler, owner of a local brewpub, meets her neighbor Chanson and us instantly blown away by the woman. However, she's there on business.
A developer wants to buy up both their properties, presumably to tear down and replace with condos. Chanson is determined to prevent that, and she enlists Ariela's help.
(The cover kind of annoys me, as it gives away the secret. In the book while it's clear something is going on with Chanson, it's not clear what it is. Could be a vampire. Or moth man.)
Good cast of characters, good plot, decent resolution.
3.5 out of 5 stars.
A developer wants to buy up both their properties, presumably to tear down and replace with condos. Chanson is determined to prevent that, and she enlists Ariela's help.
(The cover kind of annoys me, as it gives away the secret. In the book while it's clear something is going on with Chanson, it's not clear what it is. Could be a vampire. Or moth man.)
Good cast of characters, good plot, decent resolution.
3.5 out of 5 stars.
August 22, 2025
I received this ARC for my honest opinion. Brewing Up Bedlam by Heather Nix was a fabulous read. I loved every minute of Chanson and Areila’s story. Both of them facing a property developer wanting the land for his own firms gain. Chanson helps Areila keep her brewery a float all the while romance ensues. The development of their relationship is amazing to read to see how it goes back and forth between them both not knowing and being out of touch with how relationships work. They learn together that they have to communicate effectively and their differences are what make them work. I could not put this book down. I love Heather’s writing style and books I have read. I highly recommend.
October 8, 2025
Another top notch story by this author! The inner world building is perfect, I feel like I’m a part of the story able to walk along or sit and chat at the table.
If you’re looking for fun, pretty low angst, well written, entertaining with sapphic monster/human romance and love, then strap up and enjoy the ride!
I would love an extra scene or two in the future featuring Chanson and Ariela, especially after that ending!
Highly recommend!!
If you’re looking for fun, pretty low angst, well written, entertaining with sapphic monster/human romance and love, then strap up and enjoy the ride!
I would love an extra scene or two in the future featuring Chanson and Ariela, especially after that ending!
Highly recommend!!
August 21, 2025
I love love love this book! Ariela and Chanson were just...*chefs kiss*! The chemistry between them was just perfect on so many levels and I adored every moment of their story. This book was so fun to read and I felt like I was right with Ariela and Chanson throughout it all. I didn't want to put this story down and I never wanted it to end. Heather Nix outdid themselves with this one!
August 23, 2025
What a cute book! If you love sapphic romcoms that make you wanna giggle and kick your feet the entire time with a little bit of the paranormal look no further. This series is by far my favorite of Heather’s and it always feels so cozy when I read it. The spice is a plus. 😉 Hoping for a third book! 🩷
August 25, 2025
This was a cute book. The two characters both have their hearts hardened against love, one of the almost literally lol. The non romance plot of the book is so relevant to now and the struggles is Californians face. But it also highlights our resilience and the power of community. The romance plot was sweet, spicy, and just wholesome.
September 2, 2025
I don’t care what the main characters are, identify as, become, transform into… these damn books always make me smile. Well, there’s a crap ton of blushing and wiggling about too, the steamy scenes? Woooo weee- Stone tops and all:) But sigh- the characters, the supernatural elements, the families, framilies, it all just make me smile all stupid. Bring on the next adventure!
July 31, 2025
I devoured this book!! Ariela is a relatable late 30s brewery owner. Chanson is a quietly endearing gargoyle. They work so well together to save their businesses and the community. This was like a warm hug of a read.
August 14, 2025
This was so sweet and sexy. Very relatable to the issues currently happening right now in the US with the feel good ending we all need. Lovely emotional intelligence and clear communication as well!
I received an advanced reader copy for free and am leaving a review voluntarily.
I received an advanced reader copy for free and am leaving a review voluntarily.
August 29, 2025
where can I find me one
Chanson is the perfect partner and I wish she was real I would steal her in a heartbeat. This was a very good story and I loved the prologue. I can’t wait to read whatever Heather writes next.
Chanson is the perfect partner and I wish she was real I would steal her in a heartbeat. This was a very good story and I loved the prologue. I can’t wait to read whatever Heather writes next.
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