Maybe Margaritas: Cocky Cocktails

by Dee Ellis

Walker Pine

Some call me rude. Some say I have a bad attitude. Maybe I do—but I earned that bad attitude. I bounced around most of my life looking for a place to call home. Home turned out to be a beachfront property in Sunset Springs, and the neon glow of Sunset Shots—the bar my best friend Jameson lets me bartend at. Turns out all that bad attitude makes me the perfect bad guy when I need to be

When Winona Easton sits her pretty ass at the end of the bar suddenly, I want to be very, very nice.

Winona Harrison

Surely at this age I have run through all the bad romances I am going to have. I always pick complex guys. By that I mean ones who just complicate my life. When I escape one such complication, I find myself safe in the beach town of Sunset Springs. That is until one of the hot bartenders at the bar starts making eyes at me.

Once I notice him, it becomes impossible to not notice him. But the last thing I need is another romance. Even if this one feels like the first good thing I have ever had.

Sunset Springs is the hottest spot on the east coast for fun in the sun. And the hottest place to be every single night is Sunset Shots, the new bar just off the sandy beaches that draw the tourists. People come for more than the drinks—they come for the hot bartenders who mix up more than cocktails for your pleasure. Ladies love them because they serve more than fruity drinks and sour shots—they serve sex appeal. They mix drinks with flirty winks, their pecs and abs on full display.

Who will be able to get more than a taste of these hot bartenders? Read each intoxicating story with a promise of syrupy sweet romance and sunburn hot steam—and I promise no hangovers, just HEAs!

93 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 28, 2025

About the author

Born and raised in the Midwest, reading and writing have always been Dee's passion. Short stories became long stories that finally, became books. While playing grownup during the day, meaning working a job, Dee wrote her first book. When not reading or writing, which leaves less time than she's proud of, Dee loves spending her time with her four furbabies, her husband and lots of movies nights.

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Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walker Pine

Some call me rude. Some say I have a bad attitude. Maybe I do—but I earned that bad attitude. I bounced around most of my life looking for a place to call home. Home turned out to be a beachfront property in Sunset Springs, and the neon glow of Sunset Shots—the bar my best friend Jameson lets me bartend at. Turns out all that bad attitude makes me the perfect bad guy when I need to be

When Winona Easton sits her pretty ass at the end of the bar, suddenly, I want to be very, very nice.

Winona Harrison

Surely at this age, I have run through all the bad romances I am going to have. I always pick complex guys. By that I mean ones who just complicate my life. When I escape one such complication, I find myself safe in the beach town of Sunset Springs. That is, until one of the hot bartenders at the bar starts making eyes at me.

Once I notice him, it becomes impossible not to notice him. But the last thing I need is another romance. Even if this one feels like the first good thing I have ever had.

This contemporary summertime workplace insta love romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building in the safe beachtown of Sunset Springs and characters. Their journey is enthralling with maybe margaritas, cocky cocktails, mature, explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice, with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, drama, heartfelt emotions/emotional depth, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with maybe margaritas and cocky cocktails, and an explicit workplace romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly lustful and unforgettable.

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

[Liz M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winona had sworn off men. She had never really had a good relationship, and her last boyfriend had been abusive - verbally, emotionally and physically. She swore she would never let someone do that to her again. She and her two best friends took a girls trip to Sunset Springs. As soon as they walked into Sunset Shots, a local bar offering good drinks and great eye candy, one friend found the man of her dreams, and they decided to stay. Truth be told, Winona couldn't stop checking out one of the bartenders herself.
Walker noticed Winona the moment she walked into the bar, and he couldn't take his eyes off her. She was fun and flirty, but there was a sadness in her eyes, not to mention the bruises on her wrists. He knew someone had hurt her, and it was obvious she was trying to forget. Walker didn't want to be a rebound. He wanted to be hers. So he decided when Winona trusted him enough to tell him what happened, he would make sure she never felt that way again.
This was quick and hot and spicy, but also a bit serious. Winona had been abused by her ex, and she felt like she couldn't trust a man again. Walker set out to prove to her that she wasn't alone, and she would be safe with him. But he had her at margarita. Delicious!

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

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

MAYBE MARGARITAS is Book 2 of the Cocky Cocktails series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, girl gets her bartender romance. Walker is a hunky, somewhat grumpy bartender who had a tough upbringing. Winona is a lady who woman her abusive ex and came to the beach town of Sunset Springs to start over and be with friends. When Walker sees her at the bar, he knows he wants her but doesn't want to be a rebound as he can tell she is sad. She's not sure she wants any relationship after the horrible past she has had, but Walker calls to her. This was a sweet and steamy read about healing and connection. Walker was so patient with her. The chemistry was insane and the ending was happy after some angst and drama.

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

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Needing to distance herself from her ex, Winona has come to Sunset Springs to be close to her friends. She doesn’t believe she is ready to let another man into her life but Walker, the swoony bartender, is determined to break through her walls and show her that he is different from any man she has known.

Walker did not have an idyllic childhood, but he has created a life enjoys with a close group of friends. When he sees Winona he is drawn to her in a way he has never felt before but he also knows she has been hurt.

There is no denying the chemistry between them, and Walker is exactly who Winona needs in her life as he shows her that she can not only trust him but herself as well.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Walker and Winona
Heat- open door, explicit
Series? Y
Safety? Y
Triggers- discussion of abuse, violence, day drinking.
Tropes- Instalove, Abused Heroine On The Run, Cocktail.
What I liked- he certainly knew how to pay attention to certain of her body parts.
What I didn’t- the book seemed pretty average to me. And some things didn’t add up. The abusive ex was taken care of way too quickly and easily (I think his name was Mr. P. Lot Devicé). Most of the bar owners were named after alcohol— and they weren’t brothers or anything. What did the women do for a living? Why was a busy bartender/owner able to take entire weekends off?.

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

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the chemistry between Walker and Winona. They were flirty and he was so open with her, even though it was obvious she was keeping something from him. It was refreshing to find a story where the characters noted moral positions and maintained them, despite the pressures. Walker was determined not to be a temporary solution to a bigger problem, and I respect his stance - even when that stance ultimately put him in an unpleasant position. This is certainly a story I would recommend to others. There is reference to DV, so please be aware for possible trigger issues.

I received a gift copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 - 4 stars.

My goodness did these two have chemistry, they burnt brightly, publicly and privately. I believed in their connection and chemistry and I liked the support they got from their friends, the family they surrounded themselves with. I also liked that Walker never gave up on what could be between them, he knew he had to be patient and knew what he wanted, they brought out so much in each other and I thought they made a good couple.

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

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the Cocky Cocktails series is Dee Ellis' Maybe Margaritas. After writing off men, Winona's world is turned upside down when in a bar, of all places, she meets Walker. Bartender Walker is instantly drawn to Winona, but he quickly realizes she has been deeply hurt and wants to be more than a rebound. As he waits her out, he is swoony in his intent and care. A steamy, spicy read.

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

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short and quick read that is part of the "Cocky Cocktails" series about hot bartenders. It is "syrupy" sweet with some spicey goodness. This one is about Winona and Walker. These two are perfect for each other. I love how patient he is until she finally realizes the truth. Such a good story.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I'm glad Winona found someone who will truly love and protect her in Walker. It might have taken her a bit to get past old fears to realize she loves him too but they are happy together in the end.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a wonderful story that pulls us into the lives of Walker and Winona. The heartwarming story keeps us turning the pages with connection, fears, realizations and steam.

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

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walker is protective, hardworking, passionate and caring man. Winona is sweet, sassy and determined woman. Their story is exciting and passionate.

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

[Heather Gibbard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great second book in the series. Great characters with great chemistry. A great storyline that kept my attention from the start.

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

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful chemistry between them. Walker and Winona are wonderful characters, I enjoyed how he sticks to what he believes. A page turner,.

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

[Mylene Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the run from her ex, Winona makes a stop at a bar. Walker just happens to run this one but he is a grumpy one. When trouble catches up to Winona, Walker is there to help. But what will it cost them both?

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books written by Dee Ellis; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the second book in the Cocky Cocktails Series; it is a stand-alone short story. The story is about Wiona & Walker.

[Dee Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winona and Walker’s story is sweet and steamy. It deals with some difficult past relationship issues that may be triggering for some. This is full of found family, protective instinct and deep emotion.

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

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many great things about this story...small town romance, workplace romance and you can't go wrong with margaritas. Loved the characters and storylines...can't wait for the rest of the series.

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

[Esme Greiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winona has been hurt before so is at the bar with friends when she meets Walker, the bartender. They have instant chemistry but can Winona get over her trust issues to give a relationship with Walker a chance?

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walker knew she was the one. Winona needed to be seen. This was a flirty sweet story with a couple that found what they both needed in each other. Received a free copy.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good, quick story. Really liked Winona and Walker, their connection and chemistry.