The Boys We Meet In Bars

by Cara McClelland

What if the boy who helped fix your walls was the one who tore down your defences?

Quinn thought she had it all figured a fiancé, a fixer-upper, and a future. But when the foundation cracks, literally and emotionally, she’s left with a half-renovated house, a broken engagement, and a whole lot of questions about who she is without him.

Enter a quietly capable builder who shows up to lend a hand. But somewhere along the way, Quinn realises he’s not just fixing walls, he’s helping her remember who she is.

As Quinn rebuilds her home, she finds herself piecing together more than drywall. She’s forced to face the healing isn’t linear, and love doesn’t always come in the package you expected.

Heartfelt and hilarious, The Boys We Meet in Bars is a debut romance about the endings we survive, the people who help us rebuild, and the unexpected ways we come home to ourselves.

Genres: Romance, Fiction

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 9, 2025

About the author

Cara McClelland writes romance for people who feel things deeply…even when they wish they didn’t. Her debut, The Boys We Meet in Bars, is equal parts healing, humor, and emotional chaos, written for anyone who’s ever rebuilt themselves one cocktail and confession at a time. She’s a Brisbane girl, drinks her feelings in margarita form, and swears every bad date she’s ever had in the past is just character research.

Reviews

[Emily Papa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect little nod to things we all experience as girlies! Such a fun little read leaving us wanting more!! It reminded me a little of the movie the holiday with Iris and Jasper hehe

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Boys we meet in Bars is a beautifully written story about new beginnings, trusting in yourself and believing love still exists. I loved everything about this story, the slow burn, the real, raw emotions and genuine, relatable characters. I loved the pace, it had me devouring the story one minute, staring at the wall the next. I highly recommend reading this book and I look forward to reading more from this author……Sophie’s story maybe???

[Taylah Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of getting this into my hot little hands before its release date (thanks queen x) and girllllllllll. Cole is to die for, the secret pining behind closed doors, Cole is patient, kind, and a handyman in many ways. We love Cole. Quinn is cute, she’s learning how to love and trust again after her heart is broken by a shitty ex (we’ve all been there). This was such a fun read that shows you healing isn’t linear and that’s okay. Some things take time, but Cole would confirm that the best things are worth waiting for 🤍

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so honoured to have had the privilege of reading this book before it's officially published!

I did not expect to laugh as much as I did or get addicted to Quinn & Coles story while also tearing up a bit. 🥹

It was too good to put down, so beautifully written that I read it in a day!

Absolutely loved how some of the characters have been written to possibly get their own book! If so, cannot wait to read them too 😍

[Shan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get my hands on an early copy of this book.

WOW. This was so addicting from the first page. Immediately I needed more.

Quinn is such a relatable character. Who hasn’t had their hearts broken by some drop kick boy who we thought was our forever?

Don’t even get me started on COLE. He is officially my favourite book boyfriend. He’s gentle, sweet, protective and that mouth 🫣❤️‍🔥

Desperately needing book 2 asap.

[Angus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not much of a romance reader but could not put this book down. The character building was incredible and every person felt real. The storyline flowed really well and the relationships felt authentic. It was honest and well written. If you are someone who doesn’t typically reach for romance, give this one a chance. Ready for book 2!

[Amber Starbuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the year of indie authors I swear. This book has humor, love, tears, and everything in between. The dynamic between the FL and ML is incredible. The relationship with the FL and her bestie is fun, I could read a book all about them on their own. Reading this made me think back to when I was in my twenties and all of the sorts of boys you meet in bars...a truly relatable and fun read!

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely love this book. The tension between the characters was chefs kiss. Watching Quinn grow and heal was very heart warming and I was glad I got to read about her journey. Had me smiling from the beginning and laughing through out. I can’t wait to see what’s to come.

[Ava Houston · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get my hands on this early and honestly it was so worth it. I loved all the little Aussie references and the girls’ relationships — and Cole, omg 🥵. As someone who’s dealt with complex trauma, the healing journey in this was really relatable. Such an amazing book :)

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put it down! A book that is very relatable and easy to read

[Getpast40pages · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book started out so cute and so nostalgic of my younger bar years. It had so much potential, but I just couldn't look past the constant plot holes.

The first chapter starts with the MC's ex sending her "I miss you" texts and her friends telling her to ignore him, but then a few chapters later, the ex is going on a 3-month trip with his girlfriend (who he was cheating with the MC with) and basically says byeeeeee and then disappears.🙄

Then, within a day of meeting each other, the MC invited a stranger she met at a bar to move in with her. Now, I can see myself doing that at 21, 22, or 23 years old when I was young and stupid, but the MC is about 30....so very unrealistic or age appropriate.

And I think what finally dropped the rating down to a 2-star was halfway through the book when Cole, the love interest, is leaving in a few months on a 12-month trip around the world....which obviously makes *perfect* sense because the first half of the book he's just gained ownership of a new bar/club and is trying to turn a profit from it in honor of his parent who left it to him. The bar hasn't even been open for more than a few months and he's still doing construction on it, but suddenly he's leaving for a year? Also, what happened to the idiot stepbrother who was dead set on destroying all his bar efforts? No way would you leave with all that going on.

It's an enjoyable, cute, but unrealistic read with whiplash plot holes that don't make sense. But, if you take the book for what it is, it's not a bad read.

[Grace Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off I just want to thank the amazing Cara for sending me this book before it even been released!

This book was amazing! I loved how the main character Quinn is relatable and how it shows just how much an ex can stay in someone’s mind, The reality of some men just being absolute dicks and the at there is someone out there that you meet when it’s unexpected.

This was such a fun read, I definitely recommend!!!

[Terri Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved that this was such an easy read, I stayed up longer than anticipated most nights to keep reading. It’s light & not a heavy read. The characters are easy to understand & create a visual & story line. Triggering to admit I’ve had a Josh first hand 😂 Anyone who’s lived or dated in the Gold Coast can also relate to the hooters date.
Chase infuriates me, but love his role in the storyline.