Best Kind of Trouble

Babes of Brewing #3

by Angela Casella

**Spicy version**

He should be off limits, but he's the best kind of trouble.

Briar
My father gave me the family brewery as an early Christmas present.

Generous, right? Except every single person on staff just quit, and I only have a budget that'll last through the end of the year.

I need a miracle.

Lucky for me, my best friend Hannah's big brother, Liam, is a genius brewer, and she convinces him to quit his job and come work for me. She only has one condition: I can never date him.

It's an easy agreement to make. I've vowed to stay away from men after an embarrassing breakup, and I'd never get involved with someone who works for me. Besides, Liam's an amateur boxer and frankly a bit terrifying.

Only...it turns out my best friend's brooding, insanely talented big brother is the only man who's ever really understood me.

Liam
I promised my sister not to date any more of her friends, because the last time I tried, it ended badly. Very badly.

I took this job thinking it wouldn't be a problem to stay away from Briar. She's a daddy's girl who looks like a princess and talks like a boarding school teacher. Not my type.

But the woman I wrote off knows a lot about beer, and she's a whole lot tougher than I gave her credit for. I want to run this brewery with her...and I want her too.

To my complete shock, I'm falling hard for my boss, and if my sister finds out, there will be hell to pay...

**A standalone romcom in the Babes of Brewing series**

Note: There are TWO different versions of this romcom:
1) A spicy open door version with some strong language and sex scenes
2) A closed door version with mild language and only kissing.
Please choose the version that's best for you!

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Found Family, Spicy, Rom Com, Contemporary

402 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 29, 2026

About the author

ANGELA CASELLA lives in Asheville, North Carolina with her husband, her daughter, and their ill-behaved corgi in an extremely small bungalow. She spends her days writing and pretending to market. She writes solo romcoms and also has three co-written series with Denise Grover Swank.

You can subscribe to her newsletter for exclusive free content and updates on her projects! http://subscribepage.io/AngelaCasella...

Reviews

[Isabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to wish a very happy pub week to Angela Casella and Best Kind of Trouble!

Best Kind of Trouble was a spur of the moment add to my ARC list, but I’m really glad I decided to read it. It was really fun and one I’ll happily recommend to my friends. What’s really cool about this series is that there’s a spicy version and a sweet one (closed door with mild language) so it can work for a wider variety of readers. I read the spicy one of course cause… it’s me…

Both of the main characters were likable from the start, even if they were a bit rough around the edges, and I was happy to cheer them on right away, despite my secondhand embarrassment getting the better of me at the very beginning of the book. Though slow burn isn’t something I often enjoy, it worked well for these two because they gave me just enough fun along the way to make the yearning worth it for me. Their banter was so fun and I enjoyed how they held each other up through various situations. One of my favorite details about them was how their rules slowly got more and more personal.

The side characters were awesome too. I love an old no-nonsense lady that gives characters a kick in the butt when they need it, and I’m looking forward to catching up on the previous books to get their back stories. I also loved that I was able to picture everything so well since I really enjoyed my (sadly short) time in Asheville. It made me want to go back to visit again so badly. A friend and I are considering a writing weekend there soon.

So if you’re looking for great banter, fun spice, a good bit of spite, and a found family that makes your heart melt, give this one a try!

Tropes:

✨ Best Friend’s Brother
✨ Workplace (she’s the boss)
✨ Off Limits
✨ Close Proximity
✨ Bad Boy Boxer Hero
✨ Protective MMC
✨ Found Family

Thank you to @angelacasellaauthor and @hambright_pr for the review copy and helping me start my year with a great reading month!

[Tammy Moldovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, beer and miracles

This story had most of my favorite tropes beautifully blended together into a sister’s best friend, forbidden, boss-employee, forced proximity, bad boy-good girl, opposites attract, grumpy-sunshine phenomenal romance. All this goodness in one story. I loved, loved it. It’s a heartwarming, swoony and spicy story with two intense, strong and passionate characters who are both a little wounded. Plus it’s got some big feels so prepare for tissues, teeth gritting, and squeeing. Briar is the heir apparent to the Silver Star Brewery but first she had to survive her father’s increasingly onerous tasks that ultimately had her entire staff quitting en masse right before the business was turned over to her. Now she has a few short weeks to make everything work before the business fails. Despite her internal scars and insecurities, she looks like a Disney princess who was raised with all the advantages. Liam is a brewmaster at a rival brewery and the brother of Briar’s best friend, Hannah. He is grumpy, irreverent, solitary, and a little rough around the edges for reasons. He agrees to be Briar’s brewmaster at the urging of Hannah. Despite both promising Hannah they would not date, Liam and Briar’s chemistry sizzled off the page and it pulled them together no matter how hard they tried to resist. The push pull of the will they, won’t they, get out of their own way and get together, was delicious perfection. The story has baggage unpacking, female empowerment, and quirky side characters like the other books in the series but with its own unique and fresh twist making this a wonderful edition to the first two books in the series. This book made my heart so happy while I was reading it. I love this group of women and the group of wise elders with their unlikely friendships and strong sense of welcoming community. I am excited to read the final book of the Babes of Brewing especially with Dottie working her usual crystal centered magic.

[Lynn_G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another swoony, steamy, satisfying romance in the brewery-centric series based in Asheville, NC in which four women in the industry were strung along by the same philandering creep but became friends and allies in revenge and building community and better lives moving forward.

This particular volume focuses on Briar, whose parents are unfathomably cruel and her father in particular is trying to set her up for failure as he sets untenable terms up to transfer ownership of his brewery (only one of many ruthlessly run going concerns he operates to plunder and sell), and Liam, extraordinary brewmaster and the brother of Hannah, another jilted woman who’s become a dear friend to Briar. While Hannah makes it clear to both her friend and her brother that they should not become involved in any personal way with each other, their attraction won’t be denied. Working together on making the brewery as successful as possible, they become very close, but Liam initially insists he has no interest in anything but a good, brief time, while Briar leads in all matters with her heart, gamely offering it to those in her orbit, even those who would abuse it.

When the lengths of her parents’ treachery become apparent, Liam takes the position of champion and defender of Briar, hoping against hope to keep both the brewery and their delicate, nascent romance afloat.

This was a very enjoyable read, with lots of help from many characters we met in the previous books, and moments of courage small and large worth cheering. I was fortunate to have received an advance reader copy from the author and bookfunnel, and I’m pleased to share my honest review.

[Patty Baumeister · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review
Best Kind of Trouble
A Novel Written By Angela Casella
Fiction - Romance
Published January 2026
402 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is a romance between two people who probably should not get together. She is the boss. He is the brewer at her brewery. His sister is her best friend. Hannah, the sister, has warned both privately not to get involved with the other. Like with so many romance books, the heart wants what the heart wants.

Briar Sterling was born with a silver spoon in her mouth to parents who are not very nice. Her father has gifted her his brewery that is struggling.

Liam is the best brewer in the business. His sister has persuaded him to work for Briar. He wants to keep their relationship professional.

As Briar and Liam bring the brewery back to life, they are finding it difficult to hold back the feelings they have for each other.

I liked how Briar gained confidence in her abilities to run a business. Liam had a role in this. I loved that he braids her hair! This book had a cast of quirky characters.

There is a unique feature to this book. It comes in two versions, an open door version and a closed door version. I read the spicy open door version.

“Life is a game, Liam. Winning and losing are part of it, and they can both hurt. But we don’t get to experience any of it if we refuse to play.”

[Kara C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided to request this ARC because it sounded like a fun spin on a contemporary romance, and I’m glad I did! The story takes place in Asheville, NC (I love Asheville) and our FMC owns a brewery and our MMC is a brewer (I love breweries), so I thought this would be right up my alley.

This is part of an interconnected series and I have not read the other books in the series but still found it very easy to follow and I really enjoyed the found-family aspect of this story!

This book had a great balance of plot, banter, depth, and character development, with a lot of parts that had me giggling and kicking my feet. I definitely recommend it if you’re in the mood for a fun contemporary romance.

Thank you to Hambright PR for the eARC!

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved being back with these women! 4 women all are with the same guy and become friends. This is briar story and I’ve been waiting for her and Liam!!
I love that he got briar out of her shell.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Babes of Brewing series by author Angela Casella is so much fun – and keeps getting better and better. Sexy, steamy, spicy and heartwarmingly sweet. Laugh-out-loud funny but also addressing serious topics and past trauma that have an impact on today. And a cast of unique characters you won’t be able to resist, interconnected in so many unexpected ways that you almost need a chart at the beginning to keep track. But as you get to know them they feel like old friends. Best Kind of Trouble, the third book in the series, is just fine as a standalone, but if you start at the beginning you will get all the backstories and learn how their connections were made. I strongly recommend you do that.

Once upon a time there were four amazing women – Sophie, Hannah, Briar and Nora – all with some tie to a brewery in Asheville, NC. All four dating (or engaged to in Sophie’s case) one Jonah Price, who declared each the love of his life, his one and only. They discovered the truth in book one and the series was off and running. Each subsequent book has focused on one of these women. Brewing is the common denominator, but there’s so much more: the band, crafting, boxing, tea, crystals and reading tea leaves with Dottie and the other Wise Old Ladies. Grandmothers, brothers, cousins, all deliciously tangled up together. There’s even a couple still feuding over something that happened in high school twelve years ago whose parents found love later in life and are now together. Lots of PDA from them. Can you say awkward?

But Best Kind of Trouble is Briar and Liam’s story. Briar is talented, beautiful, sweet, good to her core. Which is amazing considering her cruel and controlling parents. Her father obviously wanted her to be a boy and he’s been trying to make a man out of her her entire life. He’s “giving” her Silver Star Brewery but there are so many conditions, a tangled web of non-help and trials. She’s been taken advantage of so often, and always feels like she’s failing, like she’ll never measure up. After the big Jonah Reveal she’s declared a moratorium on men for a year. Good thing, because she has enough to worry about when her entire staff quits just before Christmas and the deadline for satisfying Daddy Dearest’s conditions is looming.

Enter Liam. All we know about him is that he’s Hannah’s brother, big (really big), strong, handsome (really handsome), a fighter in and out of the ring with anger issues and an aversion to relationships since the last couple have ended disastrously. Hannah has made him swear he’ll never date any of Jonah’s other victims and that’s fine with him, since he doesn’t think he has what it takes to be a good partner anyway.

Two people with past trauma who feel like they’ve failed so many times they shouldn’t even bother again. But Briar (almost) owns a brewery and Liam is a really good brewer who hasn’t been able to use his creativity at his current job. Just what they both need to save her brewery and for him to finally be able to use his talent. Sure, he knows she’s beautiful; everybody can see that, but this will just be employer-employee, maybe eventually friends, working hard together to succeed pairing. Plus Hannah extracted that same promise from Briar, as if she even needed to. No men, remember?

Except . . . Liam sees the inner strength and capability Briar doesn’t realize she has and starts to feel protective, wanting to hurt anyone who hurts her. Not sure where this is coming from, but he intends to honor his promise to his sister so he’ll just deal with it. And beyond recognizing Liam’s talent and feeling hopeful that his delicious brews will save her business, Briar feels safe with him, which comes out of the blue and takes her off guard, because she doesn’t feel safe with anyone and hasn’t since she was about six years old.

Hannah is a valued sister to Liam and a valued friend to Briar and neither of them want to lose that but their initial physical attraction and the professional respect and the shoulder-to-shoulder hard work now feels like a snowball gaining momentum and speeding downhill or a train gather steam and barreling down the tracks – or whatever metaphor you like – because this is starting to feel like real feelings, an internal unlocking of things that were all tied up and held close, a trust and comfort. Can’t be, can’t happen. What about Hannah, what about their resolve to not become involved, what about the fact that they always fail. Well, guess we’ll see about that.

Author Angela Casella makes us “see about that” in a delightful, funny, romantic way with some tearful moments woven in as well as some well-deserved anger (and consequences) directed at Briar’s parents and others. The rules for making their partnership a success that they write and tuck behind her father’s picture on the bar will have you sighing and wiping your eyes, some of their more adventurous encounters will have you sighing again but for a different reason and maybe fanning yourself.

I received an advance copy of Best Kind of Trouble. Such a feel good, warm, tender, often hilarious story by this talented author. I recommend you read Best Kind of Trouble, the entire series and everything else Angela Casella writes. All fantastic and all leave you with a satisfied smile on your face. I can’t wait for Nora’s story. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.

[Gina Blades · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ 2🌶️ ARC REVIEW - BEST KIND OF TROUBLE By Angela Casella. This a touching, sweet, funny small town, best-friend’s brother romance where the FMC comes into her own, and the MMC is a 6’5” bearded/tattooed brewmaster that calls her Princess. It’s book 3 of 4 in a series but can be read as a standalone. The ending was fantastic, and the side characters were great. 80-yr old Dottie is a treasure! Then you have Sophie, Hannah & Nora, Briar’s great aunt, friends, cousins, etc. all supporting Briar and creating a wonderful found family. 💕

Briar Sterling loves Silver Star Brewery, and her dad said he’d give it to her if she agreed to do everything he says for 1 year, including weekly family dinners. She wants to be strong but feels the crushing weight of the success of the brewery and her dad’s arbitrary demands. Her dad manipulates her, thinks she’s too accommodating, and sets her up for failure because she’s ‘weak/not tough enough’. She’s feeling defeated after her staff quits but her friend Hannah gets Liam (Hannah’s brother) to agree to leave his job at a rival brewery to come work as the brewer at Silver Star.

Liam wants Briar to show she’s got fight in her. He sees how sad she is, and wants her to get her emotions out rather than holding them in. She thinks she’s her parents’ greatest disappointment 🥺 He’s mad that her father (or anyone) never stood up for her. At first he assumed she was just the poor little rich girl but now he sees her differently - he respects her. He truly sees her, understands her, and wants her to have her time to shine.

There’s an attraction that they keep fighting because she’s his boss (and he promised his sister he wouldn’t get involved with her friends) but she feels the pull to him. He’s torn between acting on it and not wanting to disappoint his sister but also feeling like he is unworthy and hard to love. His mom left when he was a kid, so he pushes people away before they get close. He not only wants to see the brewery survive because it would be a personal accomplishment, he also wants it to happen for Briar because she deserves it. I loved seeing them work through their own insecurities and build something together, and how their friends rallied around them to save the brewery.

❤️ Tea shop girl group meetups
❤️ Siamese Cat 🐈 named Karma that hates everyone (except Liam 🤣)
❤️ He holds her hair when she’s sick 🤢
❤️ She’s the seen-but-not-heard obedient daughter
❤️ Boxing 🥊 ring fun 🤫
❤️ He washes her hair
❤️ Shower 🚿 time

Favorite quotes:
‘Liam and Briar's Recipe for Success’

“And you're stronger than anyone gives you credit for. You're going to show them, Briar. You're going to show them, and they're never going to forget it."

"Did someone hurt you?"
"A lot of people have hurt me.”

‘It's not my fault she's cute when she's mad.’

“We're all invested in making the brewery work. You've made us want it as much as you do."
My eyes fill with tears. All my life, I've longed to hear those words. It's still hard to trust them, but I want to stuff them into my soul and keep them forever. I want to keep him.

‘He might think he's incapable of protecting people, but I've never felt this safe with anyone else.’

‘No one else has ever made me feel like Liam
does. Valued and seen. Understood. Wanted.’

‘I might have fought my feelings for her in the beginning, but I'm not fighting anymore. Instead, I'm going to fight for her.’

"You're not a princess anymore, Briar. You're the motherFing queen."

Read this if you like:
*Small town romance
*Best friend’s brother
*Workplace romance (she’s the boss)
*Protective MMC
*Close proximity
*Off limits
*Bad boy boxer hero
*Found family
*Brewery setting
*F-it moment

Content warning: anxiety, therapy, parental abandonment, anger management

I can’t wait too see Nora get her HEA in the next book!

Thank you to Angela Casella and The Author Agency for the gifted ARC!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Kind of Trouble is Angela Casella’s third book in the Babes of Brewing series. This book is being released in both sweet and spicy version, and this review is for the sweet version only. I recommend that people read Best Served Cold and especially Worst Nanny Ever before starting Best Kind of Trouble. The Babes of Brewing series is an offshoot of the author’s popular Asheville Brewing series.

In Best Served Cold, Jonah was introduced as a man who was engaged to Sophie, but also secretly dating three other women. None of the four women were aware of the others. Sophie broke up with Jonah and formed friendships with two of the “other women”, Hannah and Briar. Then she eventually formed a romantic relationship with Jonah’s brother, Rob.

Hannah Moroney was the heroine in Worst Nanny Ever, and she begged her older brother, Liam, to quit his brewer job at Big River Brewery and go help out her friend, Briar, at Silver Star Brewing. Hannah was trying to regain the closeness that she and Liam once shared. Liam had a romantic relationship with Hannah's best friend at the time, and when the relationship ended, Margaret destroyed a batch of beer and Hannah had to fire her. So Hannah made Liam swear not to have any kind of romantic or sexual involvement with Briar, just be an employee.

Briar Sterling is the heroine of Best Kind of Trouble and is a doormat to her wealthy, sadistic father and alcoholic, socialite mother. Briar’s father makes her fire her employees, among other unsavory tasks, in order to assume control of his brewery. With help from Liam, her friends, and the Wise Elders, Briar only has a few weeks to get her brewery profitable. Liam takes her to his boxing gym to help her work out her frustrations. She quickly becomes attracted to him, and they fight their feelings because they are afraid of Hannah’s reaction.

Most of the story involves Hannah and Liam fighting their mutual attraction and trying to keep their burgeoning relationship a secret from Hannah. Briar confides in Nora Applebaum, Jonah’s fourth “other woman”. There’s suspense on two fronts: what is Hannah going to do when she finds out about Liam and Briar, and are they going to save the brewery in time? When Hannah finally does have a conversation with Liam, It’s sheer perfection. Cormac Peebles becomes more prominent, and it’s obvious that he and Nora will have their own story next.

I really loved this story because of the deep characterizations. Briar wasn’t a typical rich girl and had suffered a lot of childhood trauma. I kept waiting on Nicole to pop in and orchestrate vengeance on both Mr. Sterling and Melly. However, the lack of revenge is more realistic, so I understand. Otis, Ann, and Dollie were precious, and I hope that they will appear in future stories. The romance between Mrs. Applebaum and Eugene Peebles is both sweet and funny.

I absolutely loved Best Kind of Trouble and spent several nights reading until 2:30am. Everything in this story is perfect: the family relationships, friendships, and romance. The plot moves at just the right pace, and there are multiple interesting subplots that keep the reader guessing. The reader knows that Liam and Briar will make their relationship work, but they are kept in suspense wondering how explosive Hannah’s reaction is going to be. Now I can’t wait to read Nora and Cormac’s story, Worst Faking Idea!

I received an Advance Review Copy (ARC) from The Author Agency for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kayla ELSIE · Rating 5 out of 5]

“If I only get to see you like this once, I want to remember”.

What a fun romance read this was! I absolutely loved this story and the relationship between Briar and Liam. This was my first Angela Castella novel, and I am so happy to have found her and this wonderful series. Yes, that's right - there are more couples to read about in the Babes of Brewing series - and I cannot wait to get my hands on Nora and Cormac next! I have a feeling the banter will be on point!
__ __ __ __ __ __
Briar Sterling was given a brewery from her wealthy father… but was she? Set up for failure, with outrageous conditions and a struggling business, Briar works with her best friend's brother and brewmaster, Liam, to build the Silver Star Brewery into something original. But of course, this handsome brewmaster is off limits…

Briar is determined, smart, and I loved how she just wanted to build something that was solely hers. Following her through her dreams, past struggles, and new love interest was such a treat - a true woman finding her inner power and learning to stand up for herself, even when it is hard. And the romance side, through terrible luck with men, she finds strength in friends and her new connection with Liam which is sweet, supportive, and swoony.

“I want to do stupid shit, like reach into the sky and pluck out a star for her”.

Liam was a perfect mix of broody and secretly sweet. Complicated, but so endearing and designs specialty beers for you? Yes please! We start to see a protective side to him, especially once his feelings for Briar start to surface. The dual POV was perfection; I loved seeing both character personalities come to life, especially after the struggles they both faced in the past. Their relationship was sweet and playful together, with a slow burn that adds all the chemistry we love.

I thought the writing was easy and descriptive, with a small town charm feel and side characters that brought many quirks to the table. I really loved the setting in a brewery - such a different atmosphere with a chill vibe. Castella really brought some emotional depth to the two MCs as well - both had clear struggles which we navigated with them, and watching their growth was so satisfying.

Overall, absolutely recommend for those who love engaging stories, strong characters, and an authentic romance that hits in all the right places. Loved the spicy version (there is an option for spicy OR sweet) - it was not overly done but gave you the goods.

Thank you to Angela Castella, and Hambright PR for the Advanced Reading Copy (eARC)! All opinions are my own and have not been influenced by the publisher or the author.

OFF LIMITS | CLOSE PROXIMITY | SECRET LOVERS | FAMILY DRAMA | SLOW BURN ROMANCE | FEEL GOOD READ | SPICY |BOOKSTA | BOOK COMMUNITY | BOOK LIFE | IM HERE FOR THE PLOT | READ WITH ME | BOOK OBSESSED | READING COMMUNITY | BOOK POST | CANADIAN READERS | BOOKSTAGRAMMER, | ROMANCE BOOKS | ARC BOOKS | READING LOVE | BOOK LOVE | BOOK WORM | ROMANCE BOOK LOVER | KINDLE LOVER | AVAILABLE NOW ON KU

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[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
2🌶️

🍻Bad Boy X Good Girl
🍻Best Friend's Brother
🍻Off Limits
🍻Workplace Romance
🍻Forced Proximity
🍻Protective MMC

This was another fantastic rom-com from one of my absolute favorite rom-com authors, and it has some of my favorite tropes on top of that? OK, I'll read it and fall in love with Briar and Liam... Just go ahead and twist my arm, why don't you?! 😉

These two were so funny and cute together, and I loved Liam's 'big protective Alpha who's only soft for Blair' vibes. He was so supportive and kept pushing her to step out of her comfort zone and trust herself, and he was ready to lose her if he had to because he thought he wasn't good enough for her; as if that could ever be possible, you enormous, intimidating teddy bear!

Briar has been given the impossible task of running a brewery that's just lost all of its employees due to her dad's horrible management style being forced on her, and Liam owes his sister Hannah a big favor, and so this dynamic duo is born.

"𝑼𝒏𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒂 𝒎𝒊𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒍𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒔, 𝑰’𝒎 𝒔𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒘𝒆𝒅."

"'𝙈𝙧. 𝙈𝙞𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙡𝙚, 𝙝𝙪𝙝?' 𝙖𝙨𝙠𝙨 𝙖 𝙜𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙮, 𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙡𝙮-𝙝𝙖𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙜𝙪𝙮 𝙄’𝙫𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚. 𝙃𝙚 𝙜𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙨 𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙𝙡𝙮 𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙮 𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙖𝙜.
𝗛𝗶! 𝗠𝘆 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝐌𝐑. 𝐌𝐈𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐋𝐄, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝐖𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐃𝐍’𝐓 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖."

They were truly meant to be! 😂

Really though, these two go through some serious emotional growth and development together and separately, and Liam becomes the biggest, baddest simp there ever was for Briar, and we love him for it. 😍
"𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝘽𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙧 𝙎𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙛. 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙤 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙥𝙞𝙙 𝙨𝙝--, 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙠𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙡𝙪𝙘𝙠 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙖 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙧, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙉𝙚𝙬 𝙔𝙚𝙖𝙧’𝙨 𝙀𝙫𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝘼𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚, 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙄’𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙉𝙚𝙬 𝙔𝙚𝙖𝙧’𝙨 𝙀𝙫𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙖 𝙟𝙤𝙠𝙚."

"𝑵𝒐 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒆𝒍𝒔𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝑳𝒊𝒂𝒎 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔. 𝑽𝒂𝒍𝒖𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒆𝒆𝒏. 𝑼𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒐𝒅. 𝑾𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅."

"𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒊𝒕’𝒔 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆. 𝑴𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒆 𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒔𝒂𝒇𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎." ❤️❤️

Angela is also such a pro at integrating past MCs and side characters throughout each book in a series that you never feel like you lose them or have to miss them for long. You get to visit with them as you continue reading her books, and it's another one of the reasons I keep picking them up because I love seeing how they all fit in each other's lives and what everyone's been up to!

I'm very excited for the next book in the series, and I recommend you pick Angela's books up immediately if you're looking for swoony, funny, hot, emotional, sweet vibes. You don't have to read them in order, but the characters overlap throughout each series and many overlap in different series, so it's fun to know where everyone fits as you read but you can always read out of order and still be able to fully enjoy each story. 🥰

*I received an advanced copy of this book from the author and am leaving an honest review.

[Renae Simangan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The best kind of trouble is the 3rd installment to the Babes of Brewing series but it can be read as a standalone. It’s is a small town romance the follows the story of Briar and Liam.

Briar comes back to town to in hopes of earning her father’s approval and brewery that was promised to her. I’ve never read of a parent so manipulative than Briar’s own father. This man lives to put his daughter down and is constantly sabotaging her and setting her up for failure. He does not believe she could run the brewery and so he’s constantly trying to manipulate her. And Briar being the “good daughter” just takes it… until Liam.

Liam is Hannah’s older brother (Briar and Hannah unknowingly dated the same man, through their revenge they became besties). He hates socializing and doesn’t do “feelings” or “relationships” but he is a master brewer! He’s been finding life to be so monotonous so when Hannah asks Liam to become Briar’s brewer he jumps at the offer. However, Hannah makes both Liam and Briar promise her that they will not date whatsoever and they both agree.

Both Liam and Briar have a strong attraction to one another and for some reason Liam is always there ready to protect Briar from any of her bullies even when it’s her own parents. I love a man that’s able to bring out the confidence in his women. I also liked that she was his boss and he didn’t mind that. There was no power play between the two of them. He was perfectly secure, in fact he always made sure she knew how much of a boss she was, a queen to be exact!

Let’s not forget the side characters as well they were all so cute. I feel like any small town book has to have great side characters that are always willing to help out the main characters. Dottie is absolutely my favorite. When I picture an older woman who owns a tea shop, reads tea leaves, and carries crystals at all times this is who I think of.

This was a fun, slow burn, romantic read. I liked how helpful and mature the entire town was. Everyone is so understanding. Both characters were so up front with one another. I love couples who can communicate.

🍺 best friend’s brother
🍺 boss/employer
🍺 small town
🍺 secret dating
🍺 found family
🍺 protective MMC

[Petals & Pages Romance Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a romantic comedy that perfectly balances high-stakes business drama with a slow-burn, forbidden romance, Angela Casella’s Best Kind of Trouble is exactly the "trouble" you need to get into. As the third installment in the Babes of Brewing series, this spicy rom-com delivers a masterclass in the "best friend’s brother" trope, set against the high-pressure world of craft brewing.

The tempo of the romance is flawless. Angela Casella utilizes forced proximity, late nights at the brewery, collaborative problem-solving, and shared moments of exhaustion…to build a bridge between these two contrasting characters.

The chemistry isn't just physical; it’s intellectual and emotional. They challenge each other. Liam pushes Briar to stop asking for permission, while Briar pushes Liam to open up his life to more than just work and boxing. When the "spice" (there is a spicy and sweet version) finally arrives, it feels like an explosion of all the tension that has been expertly warped throughout the first half of the book.

As this is the "Spicy Version," you can expect high-tension banter that leads to some seriously steamy, well-written scenes. The intimacy is used to further the plot and deepen the connection between Briar and Liam, rather than just being there for shock value.

Why You Should Read It:
This isn't just a book about a brewery; it's a book about:

The courage to fail: Briar’s willingness to risk everything for a chance at independence.

The power of being seen: Liam recognizing Briar’s strength when no one else, including herself, could see it.

Complex family dynamics: Exploring how the people who are supposed to love us most can sometimes be the biggest obstacles to our happiness.

Final Verdict
Best Kind of Trouble is a rich, multi-layered romance that satisfies the "spicy" craving while providing a meal’s worth of emotional substance. Angela Casella has a gift for writing dialogue that feels snappy and modern without losing its heart. If you want a story that will make you blush, cheer, and perhaps even tear up a little at the beauty of a woman finally finding her voice, this is it.

Rating: 5/5 Hops 🍻
Spicy Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️(for the spicy version)

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Babes of Brewing welcomes book 3 to the series and what an amazing addition this book is! Angela Casella brings us Best Kind of Trouble, having a sweet version and a spicy version, as she is known for, to ensure all readers can enjoy her books. The yearning in the book is off the charts. Two people who have both promised one person to never date, can’t help but fall for each other as they spend more time together. I love the way Angela writes and how she develops characters that are easy to relate and connect to.

Briar isn’t someone who fails. Her dad, cruel as he is, agrees to transfer ownership of his brewery, but the terms are impossible to meet. She is determined to prove her father wrong and earn the brewery. When her best friend offers to convince her brother to come brew for Briar, she agrees to that and to not date him. The problem is the closer they get and the more she gets to know him, the harder she finds it to keep that promise.

Liam doesn’t think staying away from Briar is going to be difficult. The woman he believes her to be is not his type at all. Agreeing to work for her, but not date her, per his sister’s rules, isn’t a hard decision and he isn’t worried about wanting to date her. Except, he is! Briar is nothing like he expected. The more they work on turning the brewery into a success, the more Liam falls. He gives her comfort, safety, and even defends her when she needs it. This MMC will make you swoon!

I have enjoyed this series thus far, each book focusing on a strong, determined FMC. Angela always gives her MMCs the deep desire to protect their women, but not block their need to grow and succeed. As each MC works through their own traumas, they find companionship with one another and that grows into a deep, trusting love. Bringing the best of out each other, Liam and Briar truly open their hearts to one another and let in a love they both fiercely deserve.

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
🍺Best Friend’s Brother
🩷Workplace Romance
🍺Close Proximity
🩷She’s His Boss
🍺Forbidden Romance
🩷Protective MMC

[Daisy Knox · Rating 5 out of 5]

More reviews posted at Tales of Love, Life, and Murder

Briar sees her father as a shrewd, cutthroat shark in the business world, but the guy really comes off as a sadist. He’s worked hard to sow discontent and turn the staff against Briar as she prepares to take over the brewery. She wants to believe that he means well but that’s pretty tough to believe, since the entire staff just quit and Daddy Dearest is only giving her enough operating capital to last a few weeks. Her own father is setting her up for failure but Briar doesn’t give up easily. She has a plan and is going to prove him wrong. Once she gets a brewer. And staff.


Hannah comes to the rescue, suggesting Liam consider the job and he accepts it on the spot. He’s been bored and unfulfilled the entire time his current brewery, so a change of pace is the thing he wants most in the world. He’s got plans too so they make a good team, but their increasing attraction to one another really complicates things. They’re already working under incredible pressure to meet aggressive deadlines with minimal resources so the last thing they need is another problem. And kissing your boss/employee, is always a problem. It’s not even the big one though, that honor belongs to Hannah. Liam once dated her bestie and when their relationship ended badly, it cost his sister her BFF. Briar and Liam have both vowed not to even look at one another, but the more time they spend together, the tougher it gets to keep that promise.


I loved these characters and their story. The banter is great, it’s a funny and sweet slow burn that I couldn’t put down. They’re surrounded by a great supporting cast, including some new regulars and we finally start getting to know the mysterious Nora. I liked everything about it.

[Jenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Thank you to the author, Angela Casella, and The Author Agency for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. *

I love this series. Last year, I read Worst Nanny Ever, which was my first book by Angela Casella. I have been curious about Briar since the last book. Especially after that ending, I wanted to read Briar’s book right away. Although I loved Hannah’s story, I loved Briar’s even more. Briar has a kind heart and wants to please everyone, even if it means doing something she doesn’t like. Briar reminds me of myself; I used to be the same way, wanting to please everyone. I think that was one of the reasons that I felt such strong connection with Briar. I hated when her father made her go through it to get Silver Star Brewery. I had a feeling that there was a reason behind it, and I was curious to find out what it was.

Liam, how can you not love him? I loved how he stepped up to help Briar, even though he could easily say no. It’s clear that Liam felt something for Briar before he started working for her, just based on the way that he had watched her. I was curious to see how long he would be able to stay away from Briar. I liked all those rules they came up with, and I wasn’t curious about whether they could stick to them, but about how long it would take them to break them. You could tell that Briar and Liam had a strong connection with each other.

I loved Briar’s friends, Hannah, Sophie, and Nora, and how they tried to help her. I feel that if it weren’t for them and Liam, Briar would have given up. I loved Liam even more when he offered to go with Briar to her parents' dinner, so she wouldn’t have to deal with them alone. Even though Liam and Briar both promised Hannah, they wouldn’t date each other, I hoped they would find a way around it. I wanted them to get together. I’m excited to read Nora’s story next.

[Sonja Charters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since reading Best Served Cold and Worst Nanny Ever at the end of last summer, I've been highly anticipating the next book in The Babes Of Brewing series - and it was worth the wait!

I'm obviously already obsessed with this series, but if it's possible, this book was even better than the last 2.
I think being the third book there's a lot more development in the setting and we also see connections between the characters we've already grown to love and this adds another layer to each of the stories.

These definitely still work well as a standalone read though, so don't be put off if you're just coming into this series here.
However, I'd definitely recommend reading all the books as they're just so much fun.

I absolutely love a bad boy off limits trope and Liam was the perfect MMC for this book.
After her father promised that hard work would gain her the brewery, Briar returns home to take on the challenge.
What she didn't anticipate was the bumps she'd encounter along the way.

This is where Hannah (from book 2) steps in and offers up her brother to help out - but with only one condition - and it's the one thing both Liam and Briar just can't control!

We all knew this romance was off the table - but oh how we were totally rooting for them to let down their walls and ignore the rules - the chemistry was obvious and the tension was palpable from the start.

This does get spicy and yes! we were ready for it - but remember that although I would always opt for the spicy version - these books also come with sweet edits too so that everyone can enjoy the stories.
(the first author I've seen do this)

I absolutely love this series and this author's writing - some great storylines and characters you can really relate to.
I know that as soon as I open the first page, I'm going to be immersed until the end.

Another great read and I'm already looking forward to book 4!

[Kady M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best Kind of Trouble is another spicy, sweet and fun read from Angela Casella! This is the third book in the Babes of Brewing Series, and to be completely honest, my feelings are hurt that I hopped onto this train a book too late. I loved Worst Nanny Ever (Hannah + Travis), and now, just as obsessed with Briar + Liam .

As with previous books, the author offers you the spicy or sweet version. The spicy version is my preference, and, in my opinion, it is written very well. It's spice for sure but it's not so explicit that it's cringy.

Briar + Liam . Insert ALL the 😍😍😍. Briar has been given her father's brewery- this is amazing- except for the fact that he has left her with a budget that will *maybe* last until the end of the year, which is just a few months away, and all of her staff just quit. Her dad is a complete jerk, and his character made me want to throw something🤣 Never fear though.... whenever there is a damsel in distress, there's a MMC to make you swoon. Liam (Hannah's brother) just happens to be an amazing brewer and is able to step in and help Briar. Liam though, he's trouble (of course, the best kind 😉). He has already made a promise to his sister that all of her friends will be off-limits after a disaster and lost friendship because of his lack of commitment in the past and Briar has made the same promise to Hannah- she will absolutely stay away from her brother, that is until they have to spend every day together in an effort to save the brewery- those promises become a little bit harder to keep.

My favorite thing about Angela Casella's writing is how well-developed the side characters are. They have their own stories that are perfectly intertwined with the main characters. It's fun to have multiple points of engagement in a novel and this author definitely knows how to make it happen!

Worst Faking Idea is next and I am ready for it! Nora + Cormac are sure to bring us some entertainment!

Thank you to the author and Hambright PR for this advanced reading copy. All opinions are my own.

[Linda McCutcheon · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Did someone hurt you?"

“I’ve never been on a motorcycle before.”
“All you need to remember is to hang on tight, Princess. Don’t ever let go.”

“You’re not a princess anymore, Briar. You’re the motherf$cking queen.”

Best Kind of Trouble, by gifted RomCom author Angela Casella, is the best kind of romance. It's filled with just the right amount of swoon, comedy, angst, protective bad boy, and a beautiful woman finding her power.

Briar's awful father "gives" her the brewery he has set up for failure with a lot of conditions, including only a few weeks to make a profit or she loses it. Her best friend Hannah suggests hiring her brother Liam, a boxer who is also the best brewer in town. The only rule is he's off limits as a boyfriend. Hannah has already lost a friend because Liam.

Liam's excited for a change and has so many ideas for new brews. He just has to remember he promised Hannah to not fall for Briar.

Everything changes the night Liam takes her to his gym where he practices for his fights. As Briar hits the punching bag she lets out her anger and finds her fight. It's the first of their failed attempts to keep their hands off each other.

There's a bit of a Rapunzel theme in this romance. Briar's long hair is her protection after a horrific bullying episode. It explains so much about her and how, despite the cruelty in her world, she's the kindest person.

Liam and Briar are just enchanting as they give in to their well fought for love. She softens him and he toughens her up. It's a perfect match

Best Kind Of Trouble is a workplace, best friend's brother, grumpy sunshine, forced proximity, bad boy fairytale romance that will leave you drunk on love.

Babes of Brewing series:
Book 1. Best Served Cold
Book 2. Worst Nanny Ever
Book 3. Best Kind Of Trouble
Book 4. Worst Faking Idea (5/14/26)

I received a free copy of this book from Hambright PR for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Heather Angeli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some books just hit that sweet spot of chaos, heart, and slow-burn tension—and Best Kind of Trouble absolutely lives there.

Briar Sterling inherits her father’s brewery, Silver Star, with a catch (because of course there is): she has three weeks to make it work. No pressure. Except the entire staff walks out, her father’s expectations feel less like guidance and more like emotional warfare, and failure isn’t really an option. Watching Briar scramble while still refusing to fold was one of my favorite parts—she’s overwhelmed, but she’s not weak.

Enter the best-friend cavalry. Truly, bless them. They rally the troops, secure a brewer, and somehow help pull together a full staff before the clock runs out. And that brewer? Liam. Competent, stubborn in the best way, and absolutely not here to quit when things get messy.

The tension Briar’s father puts her through is heavy and constant, but Liam becomes this steady presence who refuses to give up—on the brewery or on her. And yes, there’s a scene where they gather everyone to sing to the beer to make sure it’s ready for the NYE relaunch, and honestly? Iconic behavior. That alone sold me on him.

The chemistry between Briar and Liam simmers beautifully. Stolen glances. Secret touches. Lingering moments that say way more than words. They even make their own list of rules… and then proceed to break every single one of them. As they should.

Liam’s determination to make Silver Star succeed—no matter what—adds such depth to his character, and watching him and Briar navigate attraction, pressure, and unspoken feelings made the payoff that much sweeter.

Best Kind of Trouble is about proving yourself, found family, taking risks, and realizing that sometimes the messiest paths lead to the best things. Equal parts stressful, swoony, and heartfelt—this one had me hooked from start to finish. 🍻💫

[P.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Kind of Trouble is the third installment in the Babes of Brewing series, which is an interconnected standalone. Briar's father lured her home by promising her their brewery - IF she passed his "Briar Boot Camp" and had dinner with her parents every Friday. He decides to give it her her early...but only after the entire staff quits and he "generously" gives her the budget for the remainder of the year, which is just a few weeks. If she can't make the business successful again by then, she'll fail. Luckily, her friend Hannah has a brother who is one of the best brewers in town. And he owes Hannah a favor. After Liam last dated one of Hannah's friends and ruined their friendship, she made him promise that he wouldn't date any her friends ever again. He didn't think it would be a problem since, while Briar is beautiful, her rich girl background had him believing she wasn't his type. As much as he adores his sister, he doesn't think he can keep his promise this time.

I absolutely love this series! It's such a great mixture of humor, spice, and heart. Anytime Dottie and her Wise Elders Group shows up, you know things are going to get a bit weird. I think it's great how Briar and her friends took a bad situation (they were all unknowingly dating the same man) and turned it into a close friendship. Briar never really struck me as a main character in the other books - Hannah always had that kind of energy - and I really appreciated how the Angela gave Briar her story and still kept the character the same as we had previously known. Liam has an energy very similar to his sister Hannah so Liam and Briar really complement each other.

Thanks to Angela Casella for the ARC via Booksprout in exchange for my honest review.

[MN Book Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

He led her to the right amount of trouble!

Briar is the good girl who always does what she's told and is always trying to get her father's approval. Now she's handed the brewery she was promised, ahead of schedule, and the entire staff walks out after her father makes her fire two people. Good thing her best friend knows someone who can help her. Enter Liam, her best friend's older brother and the one she's told to stay away from. He's also an amazing brewer. Only, her dad's now set her up for failure with only a budget to get through the end of the year. Friends step up to help, but the more Briar tries to stay away from Liam, the more she falls. Good thing he's falling too. But when a message comes across his phone from a dating app, Briar wonders if he's just like her ex and pushes him away.

Briar and Liam get their happy ending in this standalone book in a series.

I love that the author offers this book in two versions to appeal to everyone!

I don't think there was ever going to be a chance that Briar was ever going to please her father, and I am so happy she started living for herself. I do wonder if her father ever came into the brewery he gifted her to see how she had improved the place, or if he was too hurt after she refused to accept the end and failure on his part, so he could sell the building for a profit. I would loved to have known what Liam's dad and younger brother thought of Briar, or if there were too many hurt feelings there, and it only mattered what his sister thought. I would love to read some of the stories of the Golden Years ladies who helped out, as it seems like they all have fantastic stories as well!

I received an advance review copy from Hambright PR, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Brooke ✌︎㋡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have fallen more and more in love with Angela’s books and this one definitely did not disappoint!

First off check out these tropes!

TROPES ✨
🧍 Best Friend's Brother
🏢 Workplace (she's the boss)
🚫 Off Limits
🤏🏼 Close Proximity
🥊 Bad Boy Boxer Hero
💪🏻 Protective MMC

She’s damaged because she has no one she can trust. Not even her parents. He’s damaged because he doesn’t want to ever let anyone in again because he thinks he’ll just let them down.

Briar is due to inherit her dad’s brewery but it falls unexpectedly early into her lap after her dad basically runs it into the ground. All workers quit on the spot and it’s up to her to prove to everyone she can do it. She enlists the help of her friend Hannah who’s like, “My brother will do whatever I want so he’s all yours!” Enter Liam, who actually turns out to be an expert brewer of beers and now Briar and Liam are going to attempt to single handedly save the brewery. Turns out they slowly start to save each other.

I LOVED the redemption angle of this book! Omg I ate it up! Liam makes sure she never feels alone again and protects Briar from her parents conniving ways once and for all.

And Liam, even though his sister, Hannah, swore him to never ever date one of her friends again, finds himself helpless against the pure need to protect Briar and turn her into the strong, confident woman he knows is inside.

The book kept getting better and better in the end. From Liam telling her to turn around and hold onto the ropes 😏 to Briar and Liam playing pranks on her parents to hopefully one day get UNinvited to weekly dinners 🤣.

Add this to your TBRs! Let’s go! You’re going to love this!

Thank you HambrightPR and Angela Casella for the awesome opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review!

[Tiffany Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Best’s Friend Brother Can Make Everything Better!**

"Best Kind of Trouble" is the third book in the "Babes of Brewing: Spicy Version" series, and I absolutely love Briar and her girl gang! The way these women meet each other is refreshing; instead of being catty and hateful, they bond and form a true sisterhood, supporting and celebrating one another through the ups and downs.

When Briar finds herself in need of help, Hannah jumps in and asks her brother Liam, the best brewmaster, to assist in saving Briar’s struggling business. The chemistry between Briar and Liam is intense from the start, but both of them are hesitant to act on it because they don’t want to disappoint Hannah. They try hard to keep their hands to themselves, but ultimately fail spectacularly.

After their first hookup, Liam attempts to push Briar away, and it’s during this time that we learn why he keeps people at a distance. I love that as he begins to let down his walls with Briar, he also starts to open up to others. He even forms his own group of guy friends, which is hilarious to read about. Their camaraderie and the antics they get into are quintessential "guy stuff."

When Liam and Briar finally give in to their feelings and stop trying to push each other away, it’s incredibly satisfying to witness their happily ever after. I thoroughly enjoyed how this book made me smile and laugh, and I found myself reaching the end much too quickly, wishing it would never end. I truly love getting lost in this world, and I’m looking forward to the next book because I have a feeling it’s going to be a wild ride with those two!

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

[HEATHER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angel Casella has done it again! This series has been a BLAST! I love these characters so much! It's not just the main characters you fall in love with but all the side characters as well. This was another wonderful story that had me smiling and laughing throughout the entire book.

OH BRIAR!!! This poor girl needed a lot of hugs through this story. Her father is an AWFUL man! But this girl is one tough cookie and I loved her for it. She is finally getting to take over the brewery that her dad owned but he left her with stipulations attached to it. She has to jump through so many hoops but with all her amazing friends and Liam anything is possible!

Liam will have you swooning like crazy!!! He was just the sweetest man and there is nothing he won't do for Briar. I loved how he helped her get her anger out at the gym with him. It's all the little things he does that make you smile.

I always have a great time anytime Dottie is in a scene. Her love for this town and everyone in it is so beautiful and she's just such a fun character.

Liam & Briar will work hard together to make this brewery come together so they can open in time for thei New Years Eve Party. They will have a lot of struggles along the way but these two work well together. If you want a book that will make you happy and take you away from things in the real world and just make you forget for awhile then this is the PERFECT book for you! I HIGHLY recommend this book and this series!

Thank you Angela Casella and The Author Agency for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.

[Beatriz Killion · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, thank you so much to Hambright PR and author Angela Casella for sending me an ARC of Best Kind of Trouble. It is always an honor to get an ARC from an author. 🥹

Best Kind of Trouble was honestly so refreshing. It is the story of a Woman that gets her dad’s failing brewery passed on to her, with the condition that she gets everything back to running within three weeks. Sounds crazy right?? But this woman (Briar), has the most supporting group of friends that will do anything to help her succeed. Specially one of her best friend’s brother (Liam), that has been looking to ditch his current job and start something more adventurous. (And might find Briar very attractive 🫣)

Liam ends up working as the heat brewer for Briar, and that my friends… Is the start of a great love story.
This book is not just another romance. But a story that teaches us that anything can be achieved with the support of the people we love.
Briar and Liam are not perfect, but together they learn how to conquer their fears and obstacles to save the Brewery.

*Another thing I loved about this is that there’s this group of elderly ladies that are hilarious (specially Dottie and her tea shop ahaha)
I absolutely adored this book and I cannot wait to read more books from this author!!

*I 100% recommend this to my book besties if they are looking for a fun read to escape the high fantasy world.

Some of the tropes from the book:
🧍 Best Friend's Brother
🏢 Workplace (she's the boss)
🚫 Off Limits
🤏🏼 Close Proximity
🥊 Bad Boy Boxer Hero
💪🏻 Protective MMC

[Tiffany ✨️ Bergamot Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Briar has finally been given the brewery of her dreams, right after her father pushed her to manage it terribly based on his demands, and all of the staff quit in one fell swoop. With only a couple weeks of financial support to see her through, he's left her high and dry to prove herself to him once and for all, or to fail again.

*****

I'm obsessed with this series! I love that each of the FMC's is a little bit broken by Jonah's betrayal, but it pushes them towards growth in other ways. Briar is cautious and reserved, especially with her past failures, trauma and emotionally abusive parents, and yet she still has a heart of gold that guides all of her interactions with others. Her quiet dedication to doing what's right, while trying to tamper down her own impulses and wants made such a great contrast to how impulsive and unrestrained Liam is.

He's almost gleeful in trying to disappoint people and push them away, and when we finally get a peek into why, while also seeing him fight his attraction to Briar, it just makes him the best cinnamon roll lead hiding under all of that grumpy exterior. I also loved that he was enamoured with Briar's beauty, but more so her character. He stood up for her every moment he could, and constantly gave her a reason to believe in herself, and that growth really fueled the story as a whole.

Overall this one is sweet, and spicy, and has the perfect found family moments as Briar and Liam find their HEA.

*****

Thank you to The Author Agency for the advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Angie (mushmysteriesandmore) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is one of the best when it comes to giving readers what they want. By this, I mean that Angela Casella is one of few authors who offer two versions of her books. One sweet, closed-door, mild swearing and the other spicy, open door and more cursing. This allows readers to decide their comfort level without having to skip pages or wish there was more.

I chose the sweet version, I’m not against spice and I will read it, but I’m more comfortable with the sweeter version, I can focus on the story and not the bedroom action. And I don’t feel there was anything missing from the story for it not being there.

I loved Briar. She was a strong woman, even if at times people put her down or backed her into a corner. She knew what she wanted and she was determined to make the brewery a success. I hated the way her parents treated her, they deserve to be buried in a desert somewhere, smeared with jam and left for the ants.

Which brings me to her protector and off limits bad boy Liam. I loved him from the start, he was definitely an alpha male but he was also ready to do anything to help Briar. He not only stood up for her against her parents and helped her with the brewery, but he also gave her the knowledge to defend herself. The boxing gloves, oh that was so cute.

The support network of Briar’s friends was awesome, I adored nerdy little Otis and his huge crush, plus the older ladies were frightfully funny as well as being there for Briar and Liam. I haven’t read Hannah or Sophie’s stories yet but they are now on my radar for the future, and I am also loking forward to seeing more of Nora and Cormac.

[Stephanie Corbett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third instalment in the Babes of Brewing series, which just keeps getting better and better. This is an interconnected standalone book, so can be read by itself, but you get so much more from it if you read the books in order. The main characters from previous books and the side characters across the series add so much colour and depth to the story. The premise is that four women find out they were all dating the same man, but they don’t blame each other, instead they find solidarity and friendship. All this is within the backdrop of the brewing world in NC, and they then go on to deal with their issues and find love - and Briar is the third fabulous brewing babe to find her HEA.

Briar's father promised her that coming home and working hard would result her ownership of their brewery, but he is throwing up roadblocks at every turn. Liam is a fabulous brewer, but is known best as the angry brother of Hannah (another brewing babe), who is commitment adverse and doesn’t care what anyone thinks.

Briar needs help, and Liam may be the only person to help her… and maybe not just with the brewery issues!?

I absolutely love this series, it is a wonderful spicy romcom (although sweet versions are available too). It is packed full of humour, friendship, romance, chemistry and all wrapped up in a quirky brewing town.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Gina Dutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

🍻 This book is funny, flirty and laced with spice! I was easily captured by the story of Briar and Liam - their entire dynamic is messy and crazy, yet perfect for them. They are so great at writing rules, but terrible at following them! There is sharp banter, nonstop & intense chemistry, and spice, still none of this overshadows the emotional connection that develops between Briar and Liam. I truly enjoyed watching them slowly come to realize they understand each other better than anyone else.

🍻 The brewery setting is creative and refreshing, and I loved it. It suits Briar’s discovery of her true self and what she is truly capable of with every roadblock that threatens her and her brewery. And despite his grumpy, almost aloof nature, Liam compliments Briar well. He has an intense talent, an intense personality and an intense desire for her. He falls hard for her and their level of chemistry is perfect. I enjoyed the distinct differences in their personalities that made it possible for each to compliment - and even help - the other in so many aspects of their lives.

🍻 This book is a fun time! Some of the best tropes are found in the book - best friend’s brother, boss/employee, very off-limits—and they are addictive. Briar and Liam had my heart the entire time. A definite must for the TBR list!

✨While is book is part of a series it can be read as a standalone. Whether you read the series or just one book - this rom-com is the best! ✨