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A Little Bit of Spice
Andrea Blake’s life has order. Everything is meticulously laid out and planned, from her house in its quiet neighborhood to her career path at Hagan’s, the largest supermarket chain in the Northeast. Andrea knows what she wants.
Enter Kendall Foster, the distractingly attractive woman in charge of sales for her family’s local microbrewery, and somebody who wants very much to get her beer onto Hagan’s shelves. A decision that happens to be Andrea’s.
The physical attraction is immediate and hard to resist, but Andrea doesn’t need a complication like Kendall in her life, not when she’s rocketing toward predictable security. But Kendall is fun. And smart. And oh-so-sexy. Can she convince Andrea that her rather flat, flavorless life could be way better with just a little bit of spice?
Enter Kendall Foster, the distractingly attractive woman in charge of sales for her family’s local microbrewery, and somebody who wants very much to get her beer onto Hagan’s shelves. A decision that happens to be Andrea’s.
The physical attraction is immediate and hard to resist, but Andrea doesn’t need a complication like Kendall in her life, not when she’s rocketing toward predictable security. But Kendall is fun. And smart. And oh-so-sexy. Can she convince Andrea that her rather flat, flavorless life could be way better with just a little bit of spice?
250 pages, Paperback
First published July 8, 2015
59 people are currently reading
565 people want to read
About the author
Georgia Beers
61 books1,497 followersLambda and Golden Crown Literary Award-winning author Georgia Beers lives in Rochester, New York. She has been writing for as long as she can remember, and published her first lesbian novel in 2000.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
October 22, 2025
*** 4 ***
Kendall and Andrea. Another adversaries-to-lovers contemporary romance - the second one in a row!!! And I am obviously in the mood for this romantic formula, because I enjoyed this one as well ☺.
So, Andrea is a very sporty and attractive red-head who is in a recreational volleyball league. She is pissed at the ref, who missed a call and Andrea is going at her. The ref of the game is an old school rival of hers, Kendall. Kendall is mortified with embarrassment and retrieves to a bar with some friends and some beers. Turns out, she has no love lost for Andrea either, despite the physical awareness and secret attraction she harbors for her. I understand - a sporty red-head with fiery green eyes and bossy as hell, I think I would have difficulty not being attracted to her either...
Kendall is single at this time, her last relationship falling apart because of her work schedule. She works as a part owner of the family beer brewing company. She is a workaholic and still lives at the family farm.. The next day after being berated at the game, she and other brewery representatives are to meet with a large national store and pitch their product. Getting in business with the large chain would mean a significant boost in profit for whomever gets the contract. Imagine the HORROR when the chain representative is Andrea!!! But Kendall's initial shock turns to pity when it becomes obvious that Andrea knows next to nothing about beer. This is how Kendall becomes a personal tutor to Andrea on everything 🍺!
The beginning animosity quickly turns into attraction and despite some conflict of interest, the two find a way to get together,☺☺.
The story is very light, sugary sweet and predictable. However I thought the two of them had some sizzle and I am all for escapism and Happily Ever Afters at the moment. Not for you if you are looking for an edgy, dark or moody. Only gentle romance here and more information about beer brewing than you might possibly need☺.
Now I wish you all Happy Reading and many more wonderful books to come!
Kendall and Andrea. Another adversaries-to-lovers contemporary romance - the second one in a row!!! And I am obviously in the mood for this romantic formula, because I enjoyed this one as well ☺.
So, Andrea is a very sporty and attractive red-head who is in a recreational volleyball league. She is pissed at the ref, who missed a call and Andrea is going at her. The ref of the game is an old school rival of hers, Kendall. Kendall is mortified with embarrassment and retrieves to a bar with some friends and some beers. Turns out, she has no love lost for Andrea either, despite the physical awareness and secret attraction she harbors for her. I understand - a sporty red-head with fiery green eyes and bossy as hell, I think I would have difficulty not being attracted to her either...
Kendall is single at this time, her last relationship falling apart because of her work schedule. She works as a part owner of the family beer brewing company. She is a workaholic and still lives at the family farm.. The next day after being berated at the game, she and other brewery representatives are to meet with a large national store and pitch their product. Getting in business with the large chain would mean a significant boost in profit for whomever gets the contract. Imagine the HORROR when the chain representative is Andrea!!! But Kendall's initial shock turns to pity when it becomes obvious that Andrea knows next to nothing about beer. This is how Kendall becomes a personal tutor to Andrea on everything 🍺!
The beginning animosity quickly turns into attraction and despite some conflict of interest, the two find a way to get together,☺☺.
The story is very light, sugary sweet and predictable. However I thought the two of them had some sizzle and I am all for escapism and Happily Ever Afters at the moment. Not for you if you are looking for an edgy, dark or moody. Only gentle romance here and more information about beer brewing than you might possibly need☺.
Now I wish you all Happy Reading and many more wonderful books to come!
January 31, 2022
Beer.
My second read. This time, I listened to the audiobook version instead because it's on the Audible plus catalogue and what a good listen this was. I've always loved Georgia Beers' books. There's something about them that attracts me and I think it's the chemistry between the characters. She knows how to write the initial attraction, the longing and the sexy banter, all of which always makes me want to root for them.
It's the same for the main characters of this book, Andrea and Kendall, who started with some volleyball and work friction but end up bonding and liking each other over some beer lessons instead. Beer lessons because in gist, Kendall's family owns a microbrewery and Andrea is in charge of the beer account at a supermarket chain but knows nothing about beer and things lead to beer lessons. Andrea is a bit brash especially at the start but I don't think that side of her really showed up after the initial stage and Kendall is very nice. I love them both.
Abby Craden narrated this and like every lesbian audiobook listener, I'm a fan. But Craden uses a low voice on Andrea which I didn't find all that appealing.
My second read. This time, I listened to the audiobook version instead because it's on the Audible plus catalogue and what a good listen this was. I've always loved Georgia Beers' books. There's something about them that attracts me and I think it's the chemistry between the characters. She knows how to write the initial attraction, the longing and the sexy banter, all of which always makes me want to root for them.
It's the same for the main characters of this book, Andrea and Kendall, who started with some volleyball and work friction but end up bonding and liking each other over some beer lessons instead. Beer lessons because in gist, Kendall's family owns a microbrewery and Andrea is in charge of the beer account at a supermarket chain but knows nothing about beer and things lead to beer lessons. Andrea is a bit brash especially at the start but I don't think that side of her really showed up after the initial stage and Kendall is very nice. I love them both.
Abby Craden narrated this and like every lesbian audiobook listener, I'm a fan. But Craden uses a low voice on Andrea which I didn't find all that appealing.
May 8, 2016
People. Georgia Beers wrote a story...involving BEER. My god, could I be more observant? (The answer is yes.)
Georgia Beers is quickly becoming my go-to for pleasant, happily-ended slow burn romances when I'm craving lesbian fiction that'll leave me fuzzier than a gay peach.
I got the necessaries: attractive women with distinctly believable personalities, cheeky humor, sexual chemistry, and animals! What more could a gal want? Zeke was a hyper little cutie. However, I found myself taken by Buster, Kendall's black Labrador mix. I want his square head to rest on my lap after a stressful day.
I learned so much about beer. I find the stuff gross, but those fancy craft brews may convince me otherwise. There must be at least one that I'll enjoy, right?
Gorgeous epilogue, by the way. Kendall's spiced, symbolic gesture for Andrea had me fanning myself of major swooning. Adorable.
Georgia Beers is quickly becoming my go-to for pleasant, happily-ended slow burn romances when I'm craving lesbian fiction that'll leave me fuzzier than a gay peach.
I got the necessaries: attractive women with distinctly believable personalities, cheeky humor, sexual chemistry, and animals! What more could a gal want? Zeke was a hyper little cutie. However, I found myself taken by Buster, Kendall's black Labrador mix. I want his square head to rest on my lap after a stressful day.
I learned so much about beer. I find the stuff gross, but those fancy craft brews may convince me otherwise. There must be at least one that I'll enjoy, right?
Gorgeous epilogue, by the way. Kendall's spiced, symbolic gesture for Andrea had me fanning myself of major swooning. Adorable.
November 15, 2021
I completely forgot that I listened to this in 2019, and just re-listened to it, then came to review it and lo and behold: found this review. Don't you love it when you laugh out loud at your OWN review? *pats on back* I stand behind these same sentiments, including the boots.
I'm going to bump this rating up to 4 though, I thoroughly enjoy Ms. Craden's narration, the chemistry just clicked, and something about it felt more "on" to me this read-around.
-----------------------------------------
From this tale, I found out that Ms. Beers has a thing for boots. So I wrote a song:
She likes boots!
Big boots tall boots
Short boots small boots
ANY KIND OF BOOTS!
A boot on the floor
A boot on the bed
A boot on the pavement
A boot to the head.
SHE LIKES BOOTS.
copyright: hubsie, all rights reserved.
A Little Bit of Spice, narrated by the one and only cool-cat Abby Craden, was a decent listen. I'd read the book last fall and remember liking it fine, but found the long talk of beer making somewhat tedious. This also reigned true in my second read/listen, and I admit I skimmed a little. Now if it were whisky distilling-speak, I'd have been all over it like water on a tight white t-shirt.
The story was fine (and I say "fine" in the most positive aspects....Not Ross Gellar's version of "fine"), and even though it starts with the two MCs basically hating each other over questionable volleyball referee calls, this angst died out really fast. I would have liked to see more jabs taken, more sharpness to add to the layers of the couple. But for some reason, I really liked the two MCs, Kendall and Andrea (beer maker and grocery store manager, respectively). Their spark was bright, and the lead up super hot. The sex was awesome. There is the obligatory drama about 75%, which in a sense I understood, as Andrea has to make a big decision about where to seek out her dream job, and has only dated Kendall for less than a month so wondering how she factors in was believable.... much was unsaid for a reason. But another part of me was like, "JUST ASK HER." And Ms. Beers takes many pains to describe their numerous outfit changes and choices, all of which are paired with....wait for it......boots (take time to sing the above song to yourself).
Overall a solid 3.5/5 for me.
I'm going to bump this rating up to 4 though, I thoroughly enjoy Ms. Craden's narration, the chemistry just clicked, and something about it felt more "on" to me this read-around.
-----------------------------------------
From this tale, I found out that Ms. Beers has a thing for boots. So I wrote a song:
She likes boots!
Big boots tall boots
Short boots small boots
ANY KIND OF BOOTS!
A boot on the floor
A boot on the bed
A boot on the pavement
A boot to the head.
SHE LIKES BOOTS.
copyright: hubsie, all rights reserved.
A Little Bit of Spice, narrated by the one and only cool-cat Abby Craden, was a decent listen. I'd read the book last fall and remember liking it fine, but found the long talk of beer making somewhat tedious. This also reigned true in my second read/listen, and I admit I skimmed a little. Now if it were whisky distilling-speak, I'd have been all over it like water on a tight white t-shirt.
The story was fine (and I say "fine" in the most positive aspects....Not Ross Gellar's version of "fine"), and even though it starts with the two MCs basically hating each other over questionable volleyball referee calls, this angst died out really fast. I would have liked to see more jabs taken, more sharpness to add to the layers of the couple. But for some reason, I really liked the two MCs, Kendall and Andrea (beer maker and grocery store manager, respectively). Their spark was bright, and the lead up super hot. The sex was awesome. There is the obligatory drama about 75%, which in a sense I understood, as Andrea has to make a big decision about where to seek out her dream job, and has only dated Kendall for less than a month so wondering how she factors in was believable.... much was unsaid for a reason. But another part of me was like, "JUST ASK HER." And Ms. Beers takes many pains to describe their numerous outfit changes and choices, all of which are paired with....wait for it......boots (take time to sing the above song to yourself).
Overall a solid 3.5/5 for me.
February 3, 2022
I was rolling along pretty well until the end. The beginning was rocky and a little off-putting. But as the story wore on, I became engaged and was enjoying myself well-enough. And then tragedy struck. (the "dun dun dun" is silent)
Andrea is a hot-headed jerk in the beginning, and that includes in her own head. I mean, we're in her perspective as she takes Kendall's apology phone call and it wasn't pleasant. I was all, "what does Beers want me to take away from this opening? Andrea is a selfish user who reaches for antagonism as a primary response. Not attractive." I stuck around for Kendall because she's kind of lovely.
And then Beers progresses the story just as if Andrea wasn't a huge snot to begin with. And Kendall goes along with that, so okay. It was an enemies-to-strike-that-not-enemies-after-all story. You could just as easily have started from Kendall helping her understand beer things because there's no follow-up from Andrea's awfulness.
Anyway, things were going well until near the end where I thought, "hey a dark moment would about fit in right here." And sure enough. Kendall gets the stupids, . And my charity with the story ended just like that. Only it's worse than that because Beers pulls one of those "it takes them two months to figure out they are sad" things. Why do authors do this? It takes Kendall two months to figure out she did something that hurt both of them dreadfully? Really? And then her brother solves her problem for her? It was weak and I finished the story from there on pure inertia.
I'm giving this three stars because I was engaged through most of the story. The beginning wasn't that bad and the ending wasn't so bad I want to blow it all up. Still, that was a painful ending and it destroyed my belief in them as a couple.
A note about Steamy: There are three(ish) explicit sex scenes putting this in the middle of my steam tolerance. Beers actually does something interesting here by having the subsequent scenes vary in detail and length. So one is mostly generalities, painting as if from focused out a bit. And the next is tighter focused and more intimate. It was an interesting effect and rather perfect for the couple in each stage of their developing relationship.
Andrea is a hot-headed jerk in the beginning, and that includes in her own head. I mean, we're in her perspective as she takes Kendall's apology phone call and it wasn't pleasant. I was all, "what does Beers want me to take away from this opening? Andrea is a selfish user who reaches for antagonism as a primary response. Not attractive." I stuck around for Kendall because she's kind of lovely.
And then Beers progresses the story just as if Andrea wasn't a huge snot to begin with. And Kendall goes along with that, so okay. It was an enemies-to-strike-that-not-enemies-after-all story. You could just as easily have started from Kendall helping her understand beer things because there's no follow-up from Andrea's awfulness.
Anyway, things were going well until near the end where I thought, "hey a dark moment would about fit in right here." And sure enough. Kendall gets the stupids, . And my charity with the story ended just like that. Only it's worse than that because Beers pulls one of those "it takes them two months to figure out they are sad" things. Why do authors do this? It takes Kendall two months to figure out she did something that hurt both of them dreadfully? Really? And then her brother solves her problem for her? It was weak and I finished the story from there on pure inertia.
I'm giving this three stars because I was engaged through most of the story. The beginning wasn't that bad and the ending wasn't so bad I want to blow it all up. Still, that was a painful ending and it destroyed my belief in them as a couple.
A note about Steamy: There are three(ish) explicit sex scenes putting this in the middle of my steam tolerance. Beers actually does something interesting here by having the subsequent scenes vary in detail and length. So one is mostly generalities, painting as if from focused out a bit. And the next is tighter focused and more intimate. It was an interesting effect and rather perfect for the couple in each stage of their developing relationship.
February 3, 2022
So this is a re-read. when I first read this book in like 2018 I remember not liking it as much as other Georgia Beers books, causing me to rate it a low three star when I made my goodreads account. But after I saw a couple more recent reviews, especially the recent audiobook review by Pipsqueekreviews made me wonder if my initial rating was fair, as this does seem to be one of the more popular Georgia Beers books. And since this is included with Audible accounts, I decided to jump right in and listen to the Audiobook. And as I was listening to it and enjoying the book, I remembered why I didn't like it as much- and that was I read this book immediately after my favorite book by Georgia Beers Olive Oil and White Bread, so this book didn't seem as great to me at the time. But it really is a good book and my first impression was wrong. I'm glad I got encouraged to reread it!
This book follows Andrea Blake and Kendall Foster. Andrea and Kendall have been vaguely aware of each other for years after being volleyball rivals all through school, then adult club teams and they have never gotten along at all. But they get thrown together when the grocery store chain Andrea works at decides to display some craft beers from local breweries, which Kendall helps run her families brewery. When Kendall inadvertently outs Andrea to other brewers about knowing nothing about beer, Kendall volunteers to teach Andrea, and over the course of her beer lessons maybe there is more to each other than they previously thought.
This is a really enjoyable book! I'm really questioning why it didn't resonate with me the first time. I love beer and tasting different kinds of beer- I was taught about craft beers by a friend in undergrad and how to pick up different tastes and I always try to experience some local beers when I travel (my girlfriend and my first date was to a brewery lol). And the cats are adorable, the chemistry between Kendall and Andrea was sizzling, and this book was just a lot of fun.
I really loved the chemistry between Kendall and Andrea- it makes me wonder why Georgia Beers doesn't do way more enemies to lovers as this was done so well. I really felt it when they didn't like each other initially, and then when that same passion turned positive it was really engrossing too.
Speaking of that passion, this book does have a bit more steam (or spice??) than most Georgia Beers books than I can think of off the top of my head. And that's not a complaint just an observation.
If I were to complain about anything in this book is that the middle did slow down, especially when Andrea and Kendall aren't together yet. But the pacing came back up when they finally gave into their feelings.
I really enjoyed this. I'm glad I gave it a second chance- it deserves it. 4.25/5
This book follows Andrea Blake and Kendall Foster. Andrea and Kendall have been vaguely aware of each other for years after being volleyball rivals all through school, then adult club teams and they have never gotten along at all. But they get thrown together when the grocery store chain Andrea works at decides to display some craft beers from local breweries, which Kendall helps run her families brewery. When Kendall inadvertently outs Andrea to other brewers about knowing nothing about beer, Kendall volunteers to teach Andrea, and over the course of her beer lessons maybe there is more to each other than they previously thought.
This is a really enjoyable book! I'm really questioning why it didn't resonate with me the first time. I love beer and tasting different kinds of beer- I was taught about craft beers by a friend in undergrad and how to pick up different tastes and I always try to experience some local beers when I travel (my girlfriend and my first date was to a brewery lol). And the cats are adorable, the chemistry between Kendall and Andrea was sizzling, and this book was just a lot of fun.
I really loved the chemistry between Kendall and Andrea- it makes me wonder why Georgia Beers doesn't do way more enemies to lovers as this was done so well. I really felt it when they didn't like each other initially, and then when that same passion turned positive it was really engrossing too.
Speaking of that passion, this book does have a bit more steam (or spice??) than most Georgia Beers books than I can think of off the top of my head. And that's not a complaint just an observation.
If I were to complain about anything in this book is that the middle did slow down, especially when Andrea and Kendall aren't together yet. But the pacing came back up when they finally gave into their feelings.
I really enjoyed this. I'm glad I gave it a second chance- it deserves it. 4.25/5
March 3, 2020
Not a fan of beer but definitely a huge fan of Beers.. I must admit the pace was a little slow and a little dull initially but it got better as I read on.
Andrea and Kendall, two MCs, who were ‘cold’ towards each other; in fact the story began with Andrea cursing Kendall in a Volleyball match! As they crossed each other’s path, both got friendlier and you can just feel the attraction building and brewing under the surface. And when the attraction is finally unleashed, it was sizzling...
For all the romantics out there, this book might just do it for you...
Andrea and Kendall, two MCs, who were ‘cold’ towards each other; in fact the story began with Andrea cursing Kendall in a Volleyball match! As they crossed each other’s path, both got friendlier and you can just feel the attraction building and brewing under the surface. And when the attraction is finally unleashed, it was sizzling...
For all the romantics out there, this book might just do it for you...
September 16, 2020
It had been a good many years since I read this book and I hadn't remembered how sexy it was. Of course, in the hands of Abby Craden completely in her "zone" - it was ridiculously so. But really - I don't know if I enjoyed it even more because Abby did such an incredible job with it or what, but regardless - I loved it. There was one aspect that bothered me - and it happens in almost all of Beers' books - one of the MCs does something hurtful/stupid that causes unnecessary pain to both her and her love interest. WHYYYY?!? Because there needs to be some "hurdle" to overcome?! Can't Beers do that without handling it in this manner? After reading stories by authors that believe in healthy communication, this irks me more than ever. In this case, there was enough of a hurdle for the lovers to overcome - and being hurtful didn't need to be added to it. That said - I still recommend it. Because if nothing else, Abby's Andrea voice and those love scenes curl the toes. 4.5 stars rounded to 5.
August 1, 2015
I feel... Disappointed, don't get me wrong, this is a good book and I liked it, it's a light feel good traditional romance, but it could have been so much more! It had a lot potential, unfortunately it didn't live up to my expectations.
Let's see, the premise is simple, two "rivals" women, who knew each other for years and on the surface hate each other, the book start with Kendall (the volleyball ref) getting yelled at by her old high school volleyball rival Andrea. Turns out even though years have passed since their high school rivalry both women still don't get along.
So far I was super exited, I absolutely adore stories with funny banters, with the main characters getting in situations that makes them questions each other motives, and obviously try to fight the heavy sexual tension they feel, add to that their business connection and we get ourselves an explosive romance. I honestly thought "A Little Bit of Spice" was going to to have it all but unfortunately it does not.
After the 5th or 6th chapters and 3 small confrontations, the characters fall in love (lust) and the rest as they say is history. The volleyball thing? Forget it, it was just a few paragraph to introduce the characters, their old high school rivalry? Forget it too, it was just there to give us the "You're my soul mate thing".
Expect a few chapters with the MC's having the same internal monologue about why they should not be together, it was almost a copy/past, kinda lazy from Ms Beers to say the least.
We get an extended course of beer making..etc. Which felt like reading a wikipedia entry and frankly I didn't care for it at all.
All in all, it was still a good romance and I liked it enough to give it 3 stars, and I'm sure others will like it too, it's just too bad that Ms beers took the easy route with the traditional romance formula and didn't take any risk.
Let's see, the premise is simple, two "rivals" women, who knew each other for years and on the surface hate each other, the book start with Kendall (the volleyball ref) getting yelled at by her old high school volleyball rival Andrea. Turns out even though years have passed since their high school rivalry both women still don't get along.
So far I was super exited, I absolutely adore stories with funny banters, with the main characters getting in situations that makes them questions each other motives, and obviously try to fight the heavy sexual tension they feel, add to that their business connection and we get ourselves an explosive romance. I honestly thought "A Little Bit of Spice" was going to to have it all but unfortunately it does not.
After the 5th or 6th chapters and 3 small confrontations, the characters fall in love (lust) and the rest as they say is history. The volleyball thing? Forget it, it was just a few paragraph to introduce the characters, their old high school rivalry? Forget it too, it was just there to give us the "You're my soul mate thing".
Expect a few chapters with the MC's having the same internal monologue about why they should not be together, it was almost a copy/past, kinda lazy from Ms Beers to say the least.
We get an extended course of beer making..etc. Which felt like reading a wikipedia entry and frankly I didn't care for it at all.
All in all, it was still a good romance and I liked it enough to give it 3 stars, and I'm sure others will like it too, it's just too bad that Ms beers took the easy route with the traditional romance formula and didn't take any risk.
August 16, 2015
uninspired, cheesy, unrealistic.
I'm so disappointed, I am used to SO much better by Georgia Beers. Seriously, what happened? and how the hell did this get such a high average rating? This read like a debut novel.
The story was promising. Rivals? Who've known each other since high school? exciting. But the execution is so terrible. The characterisation is superficial at best. The protagonists themselves are nothing special, neither interesting nor intriguing enough. Apart from one hot first kiss I didn't feel much chemistry and the rivalry lasts no more than 2 chapters. A bit rushed, don't you think?
When I read that first scene that took place on a volleyball court, I was excited! I thought "yay! some sport! and real competition! Probably some SEXY SWEATY competition!". Turns out the volleyball thing was just an excuse for Beers to kickstart her plot. Instead I was left with endless chapters about types of beers and how to produce them....
I was also very frustrated that their past as high school rivals wasn't explored, like at all. Why write about it if you're not going to use it as fuel for a really passionate romantic story? I don't get it. Where was the spark? Where was the slow burn of love? Where was the angst?
It's so ironic that the story is called A Little Bit of Spice, because this is one of the blandest stories I have read in a long time. So vanilla. So uninteresting.
So sloppy.
I'm so disappointed, I am used to SO much better by Georgia Beers. Seriously, what happened? and how the hell did this get such a high average rating? This read like a debut novel.
The story was promising. Rivals? Who've known each other since high school? exciting. But the execution is so terrible. The characterisation is superficial at best. The protagonists themselves are nothing special, neither interesting nor intriguing enough. Apart from one hot first kiss I didn't feel much chemistry and the rivalry lasts no more than 2 chapters. A bit rushed, don't you think?
When I read that first scene that took place on a volleyball court, I was excited! I thought "yay! some sport! and real competition! Probably some SEXY SWEATY competition!". Turns out the volleyball thing was just an excuse for Beers to kickstart her plot. Instead I was left with endless chapters about types of beers and how to produce them....
I was also very frustrated that their past as high school rivals wasn't explored, like at all. Why write about it if you're not going to use it as fuel for a really passionate romantic story? I don't get it. Where was the spark? Where was the slow burn of love? Where was the angst?
It's so ironic that the story is called A Little Bit of Spice, because this is one of the blandest stories I have read in a long time. So vanilla. So uninteresting.
So sloppy.
December 11, 2020
4.25 stars. God, I am LIVING for the Andrea/Kendall dynamic. Their chemistry was off-the-charts! And Andrea, oh my god, what a crush-worthy character.
I thought the beginning and end of this book were absolutely divine. I did think that the story sagged a bit in the middle, though. Plus, there were some instances of...ableist language (e.g. describing the weather as “bipolar”).
Despite my gripes, this book was a joy to read, and I am loving Georgia Beers lately!
I thought the beginning and end of this book were absolutely divine. I did think that the story sagged a bit in the middle, though. Plus, there were some instances of...ableist language (e.g. describing the weather as “bipolar”).
Despite my gripes, this book was a joy to read, and I am loving Georgia Beers lately!
April 26, 2016
I really liked this book, it was a very smooth read, the characters had a good development through the book and i felt the spark between the main characters from the very beginning. Obvs i love enemies to friends sort of books. Definitely a nicely written romance, a hard thing to find lately.
June 17, 2017
Loved Abby Craden in this as the voice actress. She always does the MC voices different in a way when you know someone's speaking versus story narration. I laugh but I was like her voice is so familiar. So I looked and I've listened to 8 other books from Georgia Beers and Gerri Hill.
2023
January 14, 2023Okay, so, this is what happened. A Little Bit of Spice is currently included free with Audible, I put it on last night and promptly fell asleep.
I forgot to set my timer thing. I liked the start! I woke up in middle of the night to a decent sex scene, fell back asleep, woke up around six, and there was some drama, and by the time I woke up properly everything seemed sorted.
So, I ruined this book for myself, BUT in terms of life lessons - when faced with difficult decisions, just sleep through it, and by the time you wake...it, it'll all be grand.
I forgot to set my timer thing. I liked the start! I woke up in middle of the night to a decent sex scene, fell back asleep, woke up around six, and there was some drama, and by the time I woke up properly everything seemed sorted.
So, I ruined this book for myself, BUT in terms of life lessons - when faced with difficult decisions, just sleep through it, and by the time you wake...it, it'll all be grand.
December 18, 2019
The audiobook was simply wonderful. The characters were lovable and the story sweet. I'm not a beer lover, but I still enjoyed hearing about the business.
November 9, 2015
I was disappointed by this one, it goes completely counter to the way it's set-up. The rivalry we're told of at the beginning doesn't amount to anything, and the obvious conflict of interest isn't actually really an issue. Developing either of those might have provided an interesting storyline.
I did learn something though - beer is boring. There are endless sections devoted to the crafting of beer, and none of them are interesting. Unfortunately, there's not much else happening here to keep you interested. The romance is pretty standard, and features the usual contrived breakup at the 85% mark, and even that is fixed very easily.
When the kitten is the most interesting character in a book, you're in trouble. Georgia usually writes better stories than this, but this one seemed phoned in. The only highlight for me was seeing Gretchen and Kylie featured again, the book would have been a complete loss without that. Can't recommend this one, but if you haven't already read it, I'd suggest you head for Starting From Scratch instead.
I did learn something though - beer is boring. There are endless sections devoted to the crafting of beer, and none of them are interesting. Unfortunately, there's not much else happening here to keep you interested. The romance is pretty standard, and features the usual contrived breakup at the 85% mark, and even that is fixed very easily.
When the kitten is the most interesting character in a book, you're in trouble. Georgia usually writes better stories than this, but this one seemed phoned in. The only highlight for me was seeing Gretchen and Kylie featured again, the book would have been a complete loss without that. Can't recommend this one, but if you haven't already read it, I'd suggest you head for Starting From Scratch instead.
July 17, 2015
Georgia Beers' books always end a little to quickly. Meaning I want them to keep going. I always fall in love with one of the characters, more often than not both of the lead characters. The dialogue and chemistry in this book is amazing. How can you resist an auburn haired, green eyed beauty? I even think I will have to try a couple of new beers this summer, just because they sounded so good!
September 1, 2015
Not a terrible read, and not badly written exactly, just not all that riveting. I was waiting for more sparks to fly, as the book began with promise, but it just kind of fizzled out.
Some nice scenes, but overall it won't stick in my memory anywhere near as much as some other books by this writer.
Some nice scenes, but overall it won't stick in my memory anywhere near as much as some other books by this writer.
February 10, 2022
This book had the perfect amount of sweet and sultry, especially with Abby Craden's narration. The romance is built up well, and both Andrea and Kendall were likeable characters. I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook.
August 5, 2024
A new to me author - I liked this one a lot. Good tension between the 2 MCs, interesting enough storyline and believable ending.
Abby Craden narrating is always fabulous.
Abby Craden narrating is always fabulous.
January 6, 2016
"I like it". That's what went through my brain the entire time I read A Little Bit of Spice. Anytime you start a book and the first sentence has a well placed F word, you have my attention. This is a good romance novel.
The book introduces us to our two protagonists at a recreation league volleyball match. Volleyball, apparently brings out the beast in Andrea Blake. She is the dirty foul mouthed F-bomber. The referee, Kendall Foster, is our other lead and she is the one Ms. Blake is dressing down. Great start for love right.
When Kendall isn't being cussed out, she is one the partners, and the main sales rep for her family's microbrewery. Here is where things get sticky. The Foster's want their beer carried by the main supermarket chain in the area, Hagen's. Well, just who do you think got promoted to head of beer distribution? Well of course, the super hot, volleyball monster Andrea Blake. The only problem is that Andrea knows very little about beer. Then, after an ill timed outburst on Kendall's part, in a board meeting no less, Kendall begins to teach Andrea about beer and its varieties. This begins the olive branch towards friendship and then more.
This book revolves around missteps and preconceived notions the two have about each other. It has just enough angst, and a whole lot of chemistry. I liked the interactions between Kendall and Andrea. They were funny and sexy.
My one problem with the book is that while we started with the whole volleyball, high school rivals scenario, it was never explored again. Not even brought up in a casual conversation between the two ladies. More chapters please! Is there an unwritten rule out there that books must end before 300 pages are written?
The book introduces us to our two protagonists at a recreation league volleyball match. Volleyball, apparently brings out the beast in Andrea Blake. She is the dirty foul mouthed F-bomber. The referee, Kendall Foster, is our other lead and she is the one Ms. Blake is dressing down. Great start for love right.
When Kendall isn't being cussed out, she is one the partners, and the main sales rep for her family's microbrewery. Here is where things get sticky. The Foster's want their beer carried by the main supermarket chain in the area, Hagen's. Well, just who do you think got promoted to head of beer distribution? Well of course, the super hot, volleyball monster Andrea Blake. The only problem is that Andrea knows very little about beer. Then, after an ill timed outburst on Kendall's part, in a board meeting no less, Kendall begins to teach Andrea about beer and its varieties. This begins the olive branch towards friendship and then more.
This book revolves around missteps and preconceived notions the two have about each other. It has just enough angst, and a whole lot of chemistry. I liked the interactions between Kendall and Andrea. They were funny and sexy.
My one problem with the book is that while we started with the whole volleyball, high school rivals scenario, it was never explored again. Not even brought up in a casual conversation between the two ladies. More chapters please! Is there an unwritten rule out there that books must end before 300 pages are written?
January 4, 2016
This is Georgia Beers at her best. I think it might be my favourite of hers. Sweet, sexy, and all around fun. I will definitely be reading this again.
August 16, 2015
While I appreciate the diverse range of topics in today's lesfic, I have to admit beer is not something I'm really interested in. And while the author explains in her foreword she did not like beer at all when she started to research the topic for this novel and came to the conclusion she was wrong, and encourages us to at least try it. If that was the book's purpose, it failed for me (coffee-flavoured beer, really? Why?).
Two women, who have hated each other since highschool, are reluctantly thrown together when a silly question during a sales meeting upsets one of them and the proceeds to bribe the other to teach her the, supposedly, wonderful world of beer. This gives the author the oppurtunity to launch a lecture of brewing and its many virtues. Of course, sparks fly, relunctantly, and I'm patiently reading their voyage and the inevitable break-up and reconcilliation that is telepgraphed somewhere around the third page.
The supposedly hatred between Andrea and Kendall just doesn't show. Andrea says Fuck you twice and that's the extent of their hatred. If you want to read about two women that really hated each other since highschool and somehow end up together in the twenty years that followed, read Iza Morau's The News in Small Towns. That's how you do things.
The solution to get them back together is painfully obvious and the oppurtunity is too convenient.
The title is ecatly what's missing in this book. If you want to read about how an alcoholic beverage is made, I'd suggest The Crush.
Two women, who have hated each other since highschool, are reluctantly thrown together when a silly question during a sales meeting upsets one of them and the proceeds to bribe the other to teach her the, supposedly, wonderful world of beer. This gives the author the oppurtunity to launch a lecture of brewing and its many virtues. Of course, sparks fly, relunctantly, and I'm patiently reading their voyage and the inevitable break-up and reconcilliation that is telepgraphed somewhere around the third page.
The supposedly hatred between Andrea and Kendall just doesn't show. Andrea says Fuck you twice and that's the extent of their hatred. If you want to read about two women that really hated each other since highschool and somehow end up together in the twenty years that followed, read Iza Morau's The News in Small Towns. That's how you do things.
The solution to get them back together is painfully obvious and the oppurtunity is too convenient.
The title is ecatly what's missing in this book. If you want to read about how an alcoholic beverage is made, I'd suggest The Crush.
May 20, 2018
I'M SQUEALING THIS WAS SO CUTE AND I AM SO HAPPY.
I'm honestly not the greatest fan of contemporary romance books, I always feel like I need something else? But this was great. Mundane, but not boring. Enemies to friends to lovers is such a fucking top tier trope, and it was done so seamlessly and so well here. It didn't feel rushed or unnatural, and the building attraction and UST was just so damn good. And I'm HEAD OVER HEELS FOR BOTH MCS. I love these dumb lesbians. <3
I listened to the audiobook as read by Abby Crayden and that definitely influenced my enjoyment. She did an AMAZING job, not just because of her voice, which is just appealing to me, but her inflection and tone and the different voices for the different characters were spot on. I want to straight up marry her Andrea voice. Also, she managed to make the sexy bits actually sexy, as opposed to vaguely ridiculous. Kudos.
And jeez, I really liked their relationship. The part where Kendall comes back from the road-trip and goes to Andrea's to find that she'd left on the light for her is so sweet and tender I wanted to cry. And the ending was so amazing!! T__T
It's definitely not a perfect book; the author kind of dropped the ball with the whole volleyball thing (eyyy see what I did there) and I feel like their past in high school could have been explored more? But screw perfect, this book made me HAPPY and I'm so glad I listened to it.
<3
I'm honestly not the greatest fan of contemporary romance books, I always feel like I need something else? But this was great. Mundane, but not boring. Enemies to friends to lovers is such a fucking top tier trope, and it was done so seamlessly and so well here. It didn't feel rushed or unnatural, and the building attraction and UST was just so damn good. And I'm HEAD OVER HEELS FOR BOTH MCS. I love these dumb lesbians. <3
I listened to the audiobook as read by Abby Crayden and that definitely influenced my enjoyment. She did an AMAZING job, not just because of her voice, which is just appealing to me, but her inflection and tone and the different voices for the different characters were spot on. I want to straight up marry her Andrea voice. Also, she managed to make the sexy bits actually sexy, as opposed to vaguely ridiculous. Kudos.
And jeez, I really liked their relationship. The part where Kendall comes back from the road-trip and goes to Andrea's to find that she'd left on the light for her is so sweet and tender I wanted to cry. And the ending was so amazing!! T__T
It's definitely not a perfect book; the author kind of dropped the ball with the whole volleyball thing (eyyy see what I did there) and I feel like their past in high school could have been explored more? But screw perfect, this book made me HAPPY and I'm so glad I listened to it.
<3
June 14, 2020
The blurb didn't really say a lot about the book and even now I think that it doesn't really describe what the book is about.
Instead we get a really sweet romance. Kendall is a really likeable character, sweet and down to earth and I would say the nice girl next door but in a non annoying way. She has known Andrea from school volleyball, but not really, and they have an instant connection. Andrea is more aloof and driven and career oriented.
What I like about the book is that the MCs just click. They don't spend a lot of time asking themselves if the other is into her, but just head into it.
I would have liked a little more communication between the two because once they fall into bed, they don't really talk anymore. I liked the secondary characters, but the family plays a big role and the friends don't come up often so I couldn't even remember their names.
It's so obvious that they're the perfect couple and I don't really get it. But still, it was really sweet and I die like the ending. However, it came with a price for Kendall and I would have liked other options, that I could have imagined.
Instead we get a really sweet romance. Kendall is a really likeable character, sweet and down to earth and I would say the nice girl next door but in a non annoying way. She has known Andrea from school volleyball, but not really, and they have an instant connection. Andrea is more aloof and driven and career oriented.
What I like about the book is that the MCs just click. They don't spend a lot of time asking themselves if the other is into her, but just head into it.
I would have liked a little more communication between the two because once they fall into bed, they don't really talk anymore. I liked the secondary characters, but the family plays a big role and the friends don't come up often so I couldn't even remember their names.
It's so obvious that they're the perfect couple and I don't really get it. But still, it was really sweet and I die like the ending. However, it came with a price for Kendall and I would have liked other options, that I could have imagined.
October 25, 2021
This was sweet. Probably a 3.5. I’ve never encountered a Georgia Beers book that I didn’t go, “well, that was nice” at the end of so far. I’ve always enjoyed Abby Craden’s narration, too. I don’t drink, and I don’t care about beer, so all the brewing talk and such wasn’t really my jam, but it was nice to see the research of it and it rounded out the character of Kendall well.
August 20, 2015
A Little Bit of Spice Holy chemistry, batman!That is all.
June 19, 2019
Huh, I read it two days ago and I had to think to remember it.
I remember being bewildered when the two main, supposing hating each other since high school, become besties in one sec, thanks to a kitty picture.
Kitty picture are cute. But in the first scene, main 2 is publicly dressing down main 1 and it's never explain why. Main 2 still feel justified in her behavior before the kitty-picture-turn-over.
But they never discuss it afterwards. It's like this scene came from a completely different story, was put as the incipit here and completely forgotten by the writer afterwards.
I also had a bad vibe about main 1 family context that I can't really explain. They all seemed... weird. They all work together, but because she was the youngest, they keep putting her in a kid box and treat her in an odd way.
The rest is a really conventional romantic story.
I remember being bewildered when the two main, supposing hating each other since high school, become besties in one sec, thanks to a kitty picture.
Kitty picture are cute. But in the first scene, main 2 is publicly dressing down main 1 and it's never explain why. Main 2 still feel justified in her behavior before the kitty-picture-turn-over.
But they never discuss it afterwards. It's like this scene came from a completely different story, was put as the incipit here and completely forgotten by the writer afterwards.
I also had a bad vibe about main 1 family context that I can't really explain. They all seemed... weird. They all work together, but because she was the youngest, they keep putting her in a kid box and treat her in an odd way.
The rest is a really conventional romantic story.
May 29, 2021
The book starts as enemies-at-volleyball, but I feel the enemies-to-lovers theme was not well done. Their past playing volleyball in high school wasn't explored, and the "I hate you" tag just became a running joke. I like slow burn romances, and this was more on the insta-love side. This is the first book I read that featured phone sex, which felt awkward to me so I ended skipping through the scene. I was going to label the novel as fluff, but then the author decided to add a conflict right at the end to increase the drama before ending happily ever after.
My favourite scenes are with Zeke the kitten. They nuzzle and coo over the little baby, and I could totally relate. I enjoyed it when they made a DIY cat door and trained zeke to use it. I need to find more books where people bond over their dogs and cats.
My favourite scenes are with Zeke the kitten. They nuzzle and coo over the little baby, and I could totally relate. I enjoyed it when they made a DIY cat door and trained zeke to use it. I need to find more books where people bond over their dogs and cats.
October 13, 2018
I LOVED IT
I LOVE GEORGIA BEERS. I cannot day that enough. I love an “enemies to lovers” story and this one was nothing short of great. I loved the heat and the electricity between Kendall and Andrea. In my mind they made a beautiful couple and they complimented each other so well. Great love story.
I LOVE GEORGIA BEERS. I cannot day that enough. I love an “enemies to lovers” story and this one was nothing short of great. I loved the heat and the electricity between Kendall and Andrea. In my mind they made a beautiful couple and they complimented each other so well. Great love story.
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