Alternate-cover edition for ASIN B00W8DLGGE is located here: Ice Cold Mint Juleps
When a genuine misunderstanding is followed by a downright ridiculous jumping to conclusion, you know a relationship is heading south. But Ash didn't expect it to lead to one-hell-of-a momentous hockey fight.
Sent off the ice in disgrace, London Sinclair would be damned if she was going to let Ash Cooper get away with being such a jerk, but when their confrontation spills into the locker room, Ash has quite the revelation.
Ice Cold Mint Juleps is part of the Cocktail Series. These books are connected by characters and setting. Each is a standalone story and it is not necessary to have read all the books in the series. All the Cocktail Series books are gritty,steamy and contain strong language throughout. They are meant for an adult audience.
I admit, my heart stopped several times while reading this. The spark Ash and London have with each other is passionate and fiery and so full of life that it literally had me laughing and crying, and at one point I had to stop reading and flop on the bed just to calm down from all the feels their story gave me.
But don't get me wrong -this story isn't just full of drama, it has such genuinely hilarious moments of comedy sprinkled, sometimes in one or two simple sentences that voiced the character's (usually Ash) thoughts. I found myself snorting in laughter more than half the time, it was bloody fantastic!
I also like how this story tackles a very serious issue -teen pregnancy. I am so immensely grateful for how it was portrayed in the story, how it isn't the girl's fault alone and how, in London's words, it 'takes two to tango'. It was heartbreaking to realize that thousands, maybe millions of girls go through this situation -one small mistake from both parties that can so easily spiral into chaos.
no but the way london kept trying to leave ash after everything was out int he open was fucking frustrating like WOMEN GET YOSELF BACK TO YO MAN OR I'LL STRANGLE YOU
I really enjoyed reading this book -I simply don't have the words to even describe how much I loved it. I was planning on taking it slow and enjoying it, but that is something I have never been able to do. Once I get started on a book and it captivates me so, I devour it almost immediately because my brain keeps chanting, more more more more MORE. Again, as with the first book, I ended up finishing it in a single day.
Here's random bits and thoughts I had while reading:
First off -London is my spirit animal.
Right from the get-go I keep wondering why Ash is so...how to say it, put off kind of with London? She doesn't seem like she'd done anything wrong, though I do get it would be kind of awkward being around the girl who'd dated your dead best friend.
I love every character I meet, their strengths and their flaws -but good God Ash, dude knows hot to jump to conclusions faster than you can say 'howdy'!
"Small flappy ears, London," -- I am never going to forget this from Jude.
LONDON WHAT ARE YOU DOING GET THE FUCK BACK TO ASH OR GOD'S SAKE WOMAAAAANNNN Thank the Lord that Ash kissed Finn to shoo that broad away. I will never let go of this moment
Maya's a freaking god to be able to handle three kids under five. Wtf I can barely manage a child at eight, never mind five.
I swear to fucking god London's been doing this whole running away from Ash thing and freaking ripping my damn heart to shreds
Guys, from experience, I tell you you should have put London's mattress on top of Ash's. Two mattresses on top of each other is legit always better than one.
I love Ms. Stevens books. Her characters are so flawed, emotional and intense. In other words REAL !!! You don't feel like you are reading about some ones life but rather like you are right there apart of their lives. Her books make you think and feel. Ms. Stevens is a gifted writer I truly believe she could probably somehow figure out a way to turn a phone book into a gripping page turning emotion roller coaster ride best seller she's that good.
I loved the first book of this series it was dark and gripping. This second book is somewhat lighter of a read but no less gripping. And while it for the most part is a stand alone book it does have some interaction with the characters from the first book - Lemon Drops and Love. This story is about London and Ash. It takes place 5 years after the first book. Ash both hates and deeply loves London but both come with baggage that could keep them apart. If you want to know how the deal with it all buy the book. You will be glad you did.
A well written story with nice storyline. Likeable characters most of the time. Nice chemistry. Two characters that went to high school together and now meets again later in life. They are now going to work together. I like the update of the characters from the first book in this series. Recommendable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved Ash & London's story. Loved the characters. It was also a bit of an emotional read for me. Wow. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review for a copy of the book via booksprout.
This book takes place 5 years after book 1 but the drama starts right off the bat as Ash jumps to conclusions that his boss and friend Jude is cheating on his wife. Sooo not the case, but Ash's life is turned upside down when London comes into the picture. He knew her in high school as she was dating his best friend, so he took the back seat and did not let his feelings for her known. There were times in this book that I just wanted to smack both Ash and London for being pig headed and not talking. But seriously, this was a book that I just could not put down. Yes, there is eventually a HEA but it does take some work getting there. This is not an all is rosy book, there are deep issues in it but without those the characters would not develop the way they did.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received this as an arc from the book club (tbc) on fb in exchange for an honest review. Ash Cooper is loyal to the core but when that loyalty is tested by his boss and his dead friend's girlfriend, Ash's reasonable nature is tested to the limit. Wow. Another fantastic read from Angela. CNPID. Absolutely loved it. I loved the story and the characters. Ash and London were my favourite characters. I also loved Maya and Jude. I loved the ending too. I loved how Ash kept trying after he messed up and made mistakes. I had so many emotions while reading this. Happy sad angry. Such a wonderful moving read. Can't wait to read book 3. This is a must read and I would highly recommend this book. Definitely worth more than 5 *.
3.5/5 I wish I would have loved this book more than I did. I thought it was well written and I enjoyed seeing characters like Jude and Maya from the first book, but for some reason, Ash at the beginning of the book really irritated me and his random anger and mood swings threw me for a loop. I also didn't like how London didn't want to tell people about them dating and they were running around in secret for over a month. However, throughout the book, I did learn to love Ash and London together, I think they both brought out the best in each other and I love how strong of a heroine London was. She wasn't a wimp and was able to stick up for herself. They together shared moments of passion, pain, heartbreak and love. I wish London would have been more honest with Ash from the start, and a lot of the drama throughout the book could have been avoided but it was a well written book, I just didn't connect with it as well as I would have liked to.
This is the first Angela Stevens book I've read and... wow. I don't think I've read an opening quite like this before and I have to admit I got about 6 chapters in and had to put it down because I was so frustrated with Ash but it kept sucking me back and I just had to see what happened next. After that, I fell hook, line and sinker. I want my own Ash. He's so passionate, in all meanings of the word. As for London, she's amazing to have endured and finally overcome her past and the way she helps others in similar situations just melts my heart. They really are perfect together. The supporting characters are fantastic too - everyone in this book is multi-dimensional which makes for such an interesting read. My only gripe is that I want more. More Angela!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I volunteered to read this ARC for an honest review. I enjoyed this story about Ash and London. Ash and London went to school together but she dated his BFF, Billy. Fast forward 5 years and they haven't seen each other or talked. Billy was killed in an accident after they broke up, Ash thinks she broke up with Billy over something stupid. There is tension between them from day one, working together and sharing a condo. Ash accuses Jude is having an affair with her, unit he realized who she is. Things heat up between them but secrets may destroy what they have before it even really begins
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ash was in love with London but she was in love with his best friend so he backed off. 5 years later they met again and he acts like a jerk and keeps his distance until things get to hot with them. They have to talk things out and they do but she thinks she is not good enough for him so she runs away because of things from her past he don't know about. This book is a HEA
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the second book in a series. I have not read the first and enjoyed this one very much. The changes Ash and London go through in the course of the story are interesting. Ash really is a nice guy. This book touches on a serious social issue but is not preachy and doesn’t give any real-life solutions, just another perspective. Angela Stevens is becoming one of my favorite authors.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Ash and London have known each other since high school. London went with Ash's best friend Billy during high school and then broke his heart. It's been years since they've seen each other. London has had nothing but hurt in her life for more than five years.Will Ash be the one to heal her or does she have too many walls around her heart? I really liked this book. The characters were developed well and were interesting.
An intriguing and engaging read. The storyline is witty, funny, well developed, and engaging. The characters are likeable with intense chemistry between them. The drama and ups and downs will hold your interest from start to finish. I look forward to the next book. Definitely recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An amazing well written romance. The storyline is a fantastic emotional rollercoaster as Ash and London come to terms about what happened in the past. It includes lots if tension, action, surprises, surprises, drama, passion, teists and turns, and love. The characters are interesting, well developed and have great sizzling chemistry on their way to a wonderful HEA.
Absolutely Awesome Read, well written, great characters, Awesome story line, easy read to hold you on their journey, this genre might not be for everyone but it's a really wonderful story can't wait for more from this Author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Enjoyed the story, not as much as Lemon Drops and Love though. Character name consistency is something I am a stickler on and in this book Jude's father's name went from Callum when he was first mentioned to Cameron later on, a bit confusing!
Another great read by Angela Stevens. I read the first book in 1 day and couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. It did not disappoint. I couldn't stop reading ... now onto the third! I have a feeling I am going to be very sad when this series ends!
I’m giving this three stars because it was well written, but I did not like the characters or the storyline, also, the author thanks her editor for “marrying [her] English heritage for an American audience”... it is very obvious the author is English throughout the book.
Ash and London knew each other in high school; now they have to work together and it's not something they are thrilled about. Well written plot, great chemistry between the characters and some comedy too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A well written entertaining story that will have you laughing at moments and reading till the very end. This is the second book of this series and I can' wait to see what happens next. A great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was something that I will read again. The love they both had was great. How they were able to over come problems together as a couple
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
He can see all the games and cakes to stop the luck going into the net and then another arrives into his house. He is the one knocked for six. He wants to break into their heart. Can he? See what will happen
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved the read. Very emotional book. London and Ash’s story at First was doomed because Ash couldn’t say the right thing to save his life but in the end it all worked out. Very well written.
I will admit that I was hesitant to start this book, especially after reading book 1 just the other day, I was scared at what Angela had writen in this book.
Once I started reading 'Ice Cold Mint Juleps' I couldn't put it down, I was automatically drawn into Ash jumping into conclusions & causing fights. The drama just didn't stop... his hatred for London at the start of the book was a tad confussing. But things got better, as much as it could when people don't open up to one another... I'm not going to say to much more about this storyline, except where book 1 was alot harder to read, because of the content.... I found some of the content in this book just as hard to read, but for different reasons.
If you haven't picked up book 1 'Lemon Drops & Love' of the "Cocktail Series" I would only advise doing so, there are some triggers in the book... but 'Ice Cold Mint Juleps' can be read as a stand-alone. Although it is set 5 years after book 1, & the characters from book 1 are integrall to the storyline.
I wanted London to come out at the end feeling better within herself & Ash to be able to have the life he envisioned for them both..... I don't think I'll ever read a book by Angela & not have something tragic or difficult to read... I'm unsure how she can write such difficult subjects. But I found myself loving the growth made by London during this book. I can't wait to read what comes next in the "Cocktail Series".
I received this book for an honest review. The story starts off with confusion and a huge misunderstanding between Ash and his boss who also is his friend, concerning his friend Jude cheating on his wife. Ash walked in on Jude and a woman and totally got the wrong impression and went overboard on his reaction, so far as to take a swing at his boss and the scuffled a bit, but they get it cleared up and he realized it wasn't what he thought. Then after a crappy day he goes home to find that one of his room mates is getting ready to show the apartment to a new tenant and that folks is when it gets very interesting. Love the book so far, can't wait to see what happens next. Give it a read, you won't be disappointed.
Book 2 in the Cocktail series is another great read by Angela Stevens. Set a few years after book 1 and centres on the lives of Ash and London. They knew each other years before in high school and meet again as colleagues. But many misunderstandings by Ash will leave you wondering will they ever get a happy ever after. Also featured are Maya and Jude from book 1 and we get to see how their love and marriage has progressed. At the start I thought Ash was a bit immature but he steps up as the story progresses. I enjoyed the book. And would recommend it
Angela Stevens, you have done it again. This author manages to pull me head long into her novels. I feel every emotion depicted as if I was there in the minds of her wonderful characters. The torment and confusion these two people experience is expertly written. I felt like slapping Ash about the head with a wet fish on several occasions. His lack of reason when jumping to conclusions had be screaming at the screen. I can't wait for the next installment in The Cocktail Series. Well done Angela.
Ash has a blast from the past as a ex-girlfriend of his dead best friend comes back in his life. He loves and hates her all at the same time. But there is more that meets eye. London is also having a blast from the past and more so very very big reminders. Having a hard times dealing she runs from most stuff. Will Ash be able to deal and show his true feelings? Will London be able to over come obstacles of the past to come to terms with her self and those nearest and dearest to her or will she always be damaged goods in her mind.