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A Love Story #5
Stirred
If only life were as simple as choosing between shaken or stirred.
Sage Jeffries grew up an overachiever. She studied, excelled, and became a mechanical engineer for a firm in San Francisco. Yet much to her family’s surprise, at age thirty, she made a bold move to Los Angeles and became a bartender at The Yard. Now, she spends her time mixing drinks and trying new things. Her life is good, fun . . . except for two teeny tiny challenges—she’s in love with her best friend’s older brother, and her sister bought her a book, Nice to Naughty in Ten Easy Steps, and dares her to master every step. Sage never backs down from a challenge.
Garrett Rye is Ryeland Farms. He grew up under his father’s wing and has now taken over operations. Working the fields was nothing compared to the hassle of managing, but keeping the farm running without hiccups is what’s expected. His brother and sister may run The Yard, but Ryeland Farms is the rock of their family. No matter how many changes swirl around him, Garrett intends to keep it that way.
It’s New Year’s Eve and Sage, who’s had too much tequila, is realizing it’s easier to read about “naughty” than actually put it into practice. Instead of a wild night, she ends up tucked into Garrett’s truck, spilling her heart. Now, Garrett is finding it impossible to concentrate on keeping things business as usual when the woman he’s only noticed behind the bar suddenly wants to raise the bar.
Both stirred and shaken, Sage and Garrett will have to decide whether to keep mixing things up or if they should put their feelings on ice.
Note: Each Love Story is a standalone. There are some shared characters throughout the books (siblings, friends, etc.) Closely related books are often distinguishable by the similar covers. The book order so far is as follows:
-Premiere
-Candidate
-Taste
-Reserved
-Stirred
-Vacancy
-Playbook
-Exposure
-Brew
-Smooth
-Tap
-Blow
Sage Jeffries grew up an overachiever. She studied, excelled, and became a mechanical engineer for a firm in San Francisco. Yet much to her family’s surprise, at age thirty, she made a bold move to Los Angeles and became a bartender at The Yard. Now, she spends her time mixing drinks and trying new things. Her life is good, fun . . . except for two teeny tiny challenges—she’s in love with her best friend’s older brother, and her sister bought her a book, Nice to Naughty in Ten Easy Steps, and dares her to master every step. Sage never backs down from a challenge.
Garrett Rye is Ryeland Farms. He grew up under his father’s wing and has now taken over operations. Working the fields was nothing compared to the hassle of managing, but keeping the farm running without hiccups is what’s expected. His brother and sister may run The Yard, but Ryeland Farms is the rock of their family. No matter how many changes swirl around him, Garrett intends to keep it that way.
It’s New Year’s Eve and Sage, who’s had too much tequila, is realizing it’s easier to read about “naughty” than actually put it into practice. Instead of a wild night, she ends up tucked into Garrett’s truck, spilling her heart. Now, Garrett is finding it impossible to concentrate on keeping things business as usual when the woman he’s only noticed behind the bar suddenly wants to raise the bar.
Both stirred and shaken, Sage and Garrett will have to decide whether to keep mixing things up or if they should put their feelings on ice.
Note: Each Love Story is a standalone. There are some shared characters throughout the books (siblings, friends, etc.) Closely related books are often distinguishable by the similar covers. The book order so far is as follows:
-Premiere
-Candidate
-Taste
-Reserved
-Stirred
-Vacancy
-Playbook
-Exposure
-Brew
-Smooth
-Tap
-Blow
298 pages, Paperback
Published May 10, 2016
65 people are currently reading
363 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Ewens
15 books191 followersTracy Ewens is the contemporary romance author of fifteen Love Story books.
She lives and writes in Arizona, has a dog named Jack, and takes her tea with almond milk.
Stop by www.tracyewens.com to sign up for updates and news.
She lives and writes in Arizona, has a dog named Jack, and takes her tea with almond milk.
Stop by www.tracyewens.com to sign up for updates and news.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
dnf
June 30, 2016 Copy Provided by NetGalley for an honest review
DNF @ 50%
Hero was an asshole, and the heroine was a doormat. Life is too short to waste it on subpar books...
DNF @ 50%
Hero was an asshole, and the heroine was a doormat. Life is too short to waste it on subpar books...
July 23, 2019
Overall I liked this. However, I will admit that so far Sage and Garrett are my least favorite couple. Sage admits that she likes Garrett. He goes with it after awhile. Yet he seems determined to be alone and that got old. Thankfully in the end he finally got smart and won the woman.
May 3, 2016
Shaken, not Stirred, might be a more appropriate title for this one, my fellow romance book-loving friends. At 40%, I found myself wanting to grab the hero by the shoulders and shake some awareness/sense into him. You see, it took Garrett that long just to kiss the girl, Sage, who has been head over heels infatuated with him since she began working for his family’s restaurant bar 18 months ago. Of course, you could also claim he’s finally been stirred out of his self-imposed romance deprived existence by her, as well.
In all fairness, Sage, the heroine also needed the same treatment. Honestly, how many times does it take for this guy to rip her heart out, stomp on it, and hand it back to her? Yes, my fellow romance book-loving friends, she is pretty much a doormat through most of the book. If I hadn’t liked how kind, funny her character was, I would have given up on this story about half way through. It’s just a shame Garrett didn’t realize/wouldn’t commit to her until the bitter end.
You know Garrett is OTT too dedicated to the family farm when, in his own words, perfect pH soil makes his blood boil more than the sultry glance of a gorgeous woman. Sage may feel at times she could end up a spinster living with a houseful of cats, but I’m thinking it is more likely Garrett who could easily become “cat man”, folks. With all those close to him finding their soulmates and pairing off, a misdialed text followed by a drunken admission by Sage finally has him seeing what’s been behind the family bar and right in front of him for almost two years. Does he act on it? Not at first. He tells her he just doesn’t think of her that way. Eventually he does pursue her, pushes her away, then becomes intimate with her (@ 60%), pushes her away (62%). At 70%, calls her too big of a distraction. Well, I think you see the repeating pattern here, right?
For this true romantic, that makes my heart bleed more than just a little. I’m unashamedly a big fan of instant love/attraction with a hero who falls for the heroine but has to work to win her over. Not so much of watching her moon over a guy who barely knows she’s alive. Then finally is intimate with her but stubbornly, stupidly keeps rejecting her. That’s pretty much what happens here, folks. Until the very end, in no uncertain terms, Garrett repeatedly makes it clear Sage is secondary to his farm….and always will be. I lost count of the number of times he did or said something that hurt her. Every time he would say he was sorry she would forgive him too easily. Sure, she finally grew a backbone at the end, but I found myself shaking my head in dismay it took so long.
Since I’ve read book 3, Taste, which I absolutely loved, I can attest all the books appear to be stand-alones with a reoccurring cast. However, Stirred was a frustruating read for this reviewer. I couldn’t keep track of all the numerous “Oh, no, he didn’t just say that!” moments. It simply wasn’t as heart warmingly romantic as Taste, more like heart wrenching. But then again I’m a fan of the hero fighting for the girl, not fending her off. It’s up to you to decide which is your preference. Hope my review was helpful in deciding which side of the fence you are on.
Title: Stirred, Series: A Love Story (Book 5), Author: Tracy Ewens, Pages: 298, wonderful/classy book cover, stand-alone but part of a series, hero runs the family farm, heroine is bartender at his family restaurant, reluctant hero with no interest/time for love, infatuated heroine, only a couple not overly steamy scenes which become fade-to-black.
Book 1 – Premiere, 10/27/14, Pages: 272 (Samantha & Peter)
Book 2 – Candidate, 6/23/15, Pages: 315 (Katherine & Grady)
Book 3 – Taste, 10/27/15, Pages: 312 (Kara & Logan)
Book 4 – Reserved, 2/9/16, Pages: 298 (Makenna & Travis)
Book 5 – Stirred, 5/10/16, Pages: 298 (Sage & Garrett)
(This review is based on ARC generously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. No compensation was paid to the reviewer nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher.)
In all fairness, Sage, the heroine also needed the same treatment. Honestly, how many times does it take for this guy to rip her heart out, stomp on it, and hand it back to her? Yes, my fellow romance book-loving friends, she is pretty much a doormat through most of the book. If I hadn’t liked how kind, funny her character was, I would have given up on this story about half way through. It’s just a shame Garrett didn’t realize/wouldn’t commit to her until the bitter end.
You know Garrett is OTT too dedicated to the family farm when, in his own words, perfect pH soil makes his blood boil more than the sultry glance of a gorgeous woman. Sage may feel at times she could end up a spinster living with a houseful of cats, but I’m thinking it is more likely Garrett who could easily become “cat man”, folks. With all those close to him finding their soulmates and pairing off, a misdialed text followed by a drunken admission by Sage finally has him seeing what’s been behind the family bar and right in front of him for almost two years. Does he act on it? Not at first. He tells her he just doesn’t think of her that way. Eventually he does pursue her, pushes her away, then becomes intimate with her (@ 60%), pushes her away (62%). At 70%, calls her too big of a distraction. Well, I think you see the repeating pattern here, right?
For this true romantic, that makes my heart bleed more than just a little. I’m unashamedly a big fan of instant love/attraction with a hero who falls for the heroine but has to work to win her over. Not so much of watching her moon over a guy who barely knows she’s alive. Then finally is intimate with her but stubbornly, stupidly keeps rejecting her. That’s pretty much what happens here, folks. Until the very end, in no uncertain terms, Garrett repeatedly makes it clear Sage is secondary to his farm….and always will be. I lost count of the number of times he did or said something that hurt her. Every time he would say he was sorry she would forgive him too easily. Sure, she finally grew a backbone at the end, but I found myself shaking my head in dismay it took so long.
Since I’ve read book 3, Taste, which I absolutely loved, I can attest all the books appear to be stand-alones with a reoccurring cast. However, Stirred was a frustruating read for this reviewer. I couldn’t keep track of all the numerous “Oh, no, he didn’t just say that!” moments. It simply wasn’t as heart warmingly romantic as Taste, more like heart wrenching. But then again I’m a fan of the hero fighting for the girl, not fending her off. It’s up to you to decide which is your preference. Hope my review was helpful in deciding which side of the fence you are on.
Title: Stirred, Series: A Love Story (Book 5), Author: Tracy Ewens, Pages: 298, wonderful/classy book cover, stand-alone but part of a series, hero runs the family farm, heroine is bartender at his family restaurant, reluctant hero with no interest/time for love, infatuated heroine, only a couple not overly steamy scenes which become fade-to-black.
Book 1 – Premiere, 10/27/14, Pages: 272 (Samantha & Peter)
Book 2 – Candidate, 6/23/15, Pages: 315 (Katherine & Grady)
Book 3 – Taste, 10/27/15, Pages: 312 (Kara & Logan)
Book 4 – Reserved, 2/9/16, Pages: 298 (Makenna & Travis)
Book 5 – Stirred, 5/10/16, Pages: 298 (Sage & Garrett)
(This review is based on ARC generously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. No compensation was paid to the reviewer nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher.)
May 5, 2016
Sage is a mixologist at her best best friend Kenna's family restaurant, The Yard. She met and fell in love with Kenna's oldest brother, Garrett, even though they barely speak. One night she gets drunk and texts Kenna to pick her up at the bar but finds out that she actually texted Garrett. When Garrett gives her a ride home she confesses her feelings for him. After that Garrett starts to notice her more and finds that he can't stop thinking of her. Eventually they decide to give it a try but Garrett has to decide if he's ready for change and a relationship or if he just wants things to stay the way they've always been: just him and his farm.
I've read all of the other books in this series so I was excited to read about another brother from the Rye family, but I feel like this one let me down a bit. I struggled with how I wanted to rate this one. Normally I would give this type of book a 2 but I rounded it up to 3 anyway. I loved Sage's personality in the last book and thought she was going to be a lot of fun in this one but I felt like she was just a doormat. She was pining after Garrett the entire book and kept letting him get away with anything. I wanted her to completely flip out on him because when he pushed her away every one of those times he said awful things and was so cold. Then he would show up again and all would be forgiven. I hate that!! Then to win her back at the very end he . Really?! How does that fix anything?! I want to hear about how he intends to pull his head out of his butt and make the relationship work. Honestly, by the end of this one I almost hoped she ended up with the Chris guy...
** I received an ARC of this title via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. * *
I've read all of the other books in this series so I was excited to read about another brother from the Rye family, but I feel like this one let me down a bit. I struggled with how I wanted to rate this one. Normally I would give this type of book a 2 but I rounded it up to 3 anyway. I loved Sage's personality in the last book and thought she was going to be a lot of fun in this one but I felt like she was just a doormat. She was pining after Garrett the entire book and kept letting him get away with anything. I wanted her to completely flip out on him because when he pushed her away every one of those times he said awful things and was so cold. Then he would show up again and all would be forgiven. I hate that!! Then to win her back at the very end he . Really?! How does that fix anything?! I want to hear about how he intends to pull his head out of his butt and make the relationship work. Honestly, by the end of this one I almost hoped she ended up with the Chris guy...
** I received an ARC of this title via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. * *
June 25, 2016
4.5 Stars!
Stirred is the final installment in A Love Story, a five part series from new to me author Tracy Ewens. Each individual book can be enjoyed as a standalone, and because I liked this one so much, Reserved, (the fourth book in the series), is next on my TBR list. This read is humorous, slightly emotional, and does the best friend's older brother romance trope proud.
Sage Jeffries tends to march to the beat of a different drummer. She is extremely smart as well as inventive, so leaving her job in engineering to pursue a career as a bartender ends up being a very good decision. She loves working in her best friend's restaurant, where she develops tasty libations, while making each and every customer feel welcome. Sage's life is never dull as she attempts to shed her "nice" persona, engage in new experiences, and deal with her huge crush on Garrett Rye, her best friend's older brother.
Garrett is the ultimate son and older brother. He always puts his siblings, their father, and the every expanding family farm that he runs, ahead of his own needs and wants. Garrett's life will never be the same since meeting Sage and discovering that she is in love with him. He cannot get her out of his mind, which disrupts his 24/7 work schedule.
This is an engrossing read, and Sage and Garrett are likable, complex and genuine. They work hard to learn to trust each other and find their forever. Their chemistry is captivating and Ms. Ewens does a great job of creating seduction behind closed doors. The secondary characters and subplots are almost as equally as engaging as Sage and Garrett's love story. Overall, this is a solid romantic read.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Stirred is the final installment in A Love Story, a five part series from new to me author Tracy Ewens. Each individual book can be enjoyed as a standalone, and because I liked this one so much, Reserved, (the fourth book in the series), is next on my TBR list. This read is humorous, slightly emotional, and does the best friend's older brother romance trope proud.
Sage Jeffries tends to march to the beat of a different drummer. She is extremely smart as well as inventive, so leaving her job in engineering to pursue a career as a bartender ends up being a very good decision. She loves working in her best friend's restaurant, where she develops tasty libations, while making each and every customer feel welcome. Sage's life is never dull as she attempts to shed her "nice" persona, engage in new experiences, and deal with her huge crush on Garrett Rye, her best friend's older brother.
Garrett is the ultimate son and older brother. He always puts his siblings, their father, and the every expanding family farm that he runs, ahead of his own needs and wants. Garrett's life will never be the same since meeting Sage and discovering that she is in love with him. He cannot get her out of his mind, which disrupts his 24/7 work schedule.
This is an engrossing read, and Sage and Garrett are likable, complex and genuine. They work hard to learn to trust each other and find their forever. Their chemistry is captivating and Ms. Ewens does a great job of creating seduction behind closed doors. The secondary characters and subplots are almost as equally as engaging as Sage and Garrett's love story. Overall, this is a solid romantic read.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
April 28, 2016
Sage and Garrett's story is so heartwarming that it grabs you from the very beginning and pulls you along for the ride until way past the end of the book. Since this is the fifth book in the series, Sage and Garrett have grown on me throughout the reading of the books that came before this one. I've known all along that they'd make a dynamite couple, but I didn't realize just how tremendous they would be together.
Ms Ewens has a wonderful way of depicting her characters in such a light that they are multi-dimensional...Sage's softness was the perfect compliment to Garrett's rock hard stalwartness. Seeing them come together in the way they did, parting ways and coming together again for their HEA was done exactly as their characters' nature determined they should.
I'm just so sorry that the stories of these marvelous characters has come to and end, I will definitely miss the whip smart dialogue, the quick witted banter, and most of all, the love they shared for each other.
This book was provided by Netgalley for my honest review. G
Ms Ewens has a wonderful way of depicting her characters in such a light that they are multi-dimensional...Sage's softness was the perfect compliment to Garrett's rock hard stalwartness. Seeing them come together in the way they did, parting ways and coming together again for their HEA was done exactly as their characters' nature determined they should.
I'm just so sorry that the stories of these marvelous characters has come to and end, I will definitely miss the whip smart dialogue, the quick witted banter, and most of all, the love they shared for each other.
This book was provided by Netgalley for my honest review. G
April 28, 2016
Tracy Ewens wrote a good book that keeps you in the story the entire time. I love these characters and the flow of the story line. Garrett and Sage were a cute and even shy couple. Sage was dabbling into trying to be a sexy, bold seductress when she was actually a fun, down to earth, love wholeheartedly gal who was as pure as the soil Garrett loved.
Sage had me embarrassed for her over her drunken talk on New Year's Eve, but it was super cute! Garrett has his eyes opened and sees things that were right in front of him for years. I wanted to be mad at Garrett and his aloofness but, as his family pleads, he really doesn't know how to act with Sage. The old adage holds true- You don't know what you got until it's gone- and Garrett finds himself re-prioritizing things to get it back.
Loved the family bonds in this book and the reminder of the simpler things in life being the most important things.
Sage had me embarrassed for her over her drunken talk on New Year's Eve, but it was super cute! Garrett has his eyes opened and sees things that were right in front of him for years. I wanted to be mad at Garrett and his aloofness but, as his family pleads, he really doesn't know how to act with Sage. The old adage holds true- You don't know what you got until it's gone- and Garrett finds himself re-prioritizing things to get it back.
Loved the family bonds in this book and the reminder of the simpler things in life being the most important things.
May 2, 2016
I did really enjoy this book but wanted to shake (pun intended) Garrett a couple times. He was so determined to be alone and unhappy that he really almost blew it with Sage. They make a great couple and their incursions behind each others' shields are really fun to watch. If you like a little alcohol mixing things up, you should try this sexy farmer story.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and words contained here are entirely my own.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and words contained here are entirely my own.
August 11, 2016
This author and her books deserve more recognition!
Stirred is the 5th book in the series A Love Story. While the stories are connected by shared characters, each book does quite well as a standalone. If you love reading series in order as much as I do, you might want to consider starting at the beginning but I don’t think you will be sorry either way. Stirred is now tied with Reserved as my favorite in the series.
I would put this book and series in the same class as ones I love by authors Susan Mallery or Robin Carr, although maybe not quite as spicy. There is a lot of sexual tension between Garrett and Sage but nothing explicit and the coarse language isn’t at all overdone like it is in some books these days.
Sage Jeffries is a bartender – sorry, she says mixologist – at The Yard, a restaurant that has appeared in the last few books in this series. She studied and excelled as a mechanical engineer so her family doesn’t quite understand why she gave it all up to become a bartender at a restaurant. But her job fulfills something in her – it feeds her creative spirit – and she loves it. The only thing missing in her life is a relationship with the man of her dreams – Garrett Rye – her best friend’s brother. Unfortunately he doesn’t really even notice her beyond her presence at The Yard, which is owned by his brother.
Garrett Rye is the oldest of the three Rye siblings. After his mother left them he took it upon himself to always be available and watch out for them. But now things are changing and his siblings are getting married. Garrett thrives on hard work and routine; change is difficult for him. He takes his responsibilities very seriously and rarely takes time for himself. Until the night that Sage needs a ride home, and texts him by mistake, Garrett has no idea how she feels about him. During the ride to her house Sage catches him by surprise and confesses her love for him. At first he just takes it as nonsensical talk because she’s had too much to drink but then he begins to look at her differently.
Stirred is so much more than a love story; it’s about family, obligations and relationships. Here’s one of my favorite scenes in the book involving Garrett and his young niece, Paige:
This story is filled with lots of ups and downs of Sage and Garrett’s relationship. Garrett doesn’t really do relationships and he’s up front about that with Sage. She decides to take whatever he will give her but soon realizes that’s not enough. At times I just wanted to knock some sense into Garrett while also commending him for his dedication to the farm and his family. I think Sage is a fairly strong woman. She’s made major life changes simply in her quest to experience new things. Her one weakness, however, is Garrett. No matter how much he hurts her, deep down she believes it’s not exactly deliberate – it’s the way he is – and she still loves him.
I don’t tend to do a lot of analyzing when I read a book, I read for the pleasure and sometimes escape and this book was definitely a pleasure for me to read. It’s one of those I couldn’t wait to finish and at the same time I never wanted to end. My emotions were all over the place while reading Stirred – just what I like from a book!
Tracy Ewens has now firmly cemented herself on my growing list of authors whose books I must read. I would recommend this book and series to anyone who loves a good romance that has interesting characters, is slow to build and has a very satisfying HEA. Ms. Ewens also provided a nice lead-in for the next book in the series, Vacancy, without making you feel any part of the story was left unresolved.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my review.
Stirred is the 5th book in the series A Love Story. While the stories are connected by shared characters, each book does quite well as a standalone. If you love reading series in order as much as I do, you might want to consider starting at the beginning but I don’t think you will be sorry either way. Stirred is now tied with Reserved as my favorite in the series.
I would put this book and series in the same class as ones I love by authors Susan Mallery or Robin Carr, although maybe not quite as spicy. There is a lot of sexual tension between Garrett and Sage but nothing explicit and the coarse language isn’t at all overdone like it is in some books these days.
Sage Jeffries is a bartender – sorry, she says mixologist – at The Yard, a restaurant that has appeared in the last few books in this series. She studied and excelled as a mechanical engineer so her family doesn’t quite understand why she gave it all up to become a bartender at a restaurant. But her job fulfills something in her – it feeds her creative spirit – and she loves it. The only thing missing in her life is a relationship with the man of her dreams – Garrett Rye – her best friend’s brother. Unfortunately he doesn’t really even notice her beyond her presence at The Yard, which is owned by his brother.
Garrett Rye is the oldest of the three Rye siblings. After his mother left them he took it upon himself to always be available and watch out for them. But now things are changing and his siblings are getting married. Garrett thrives on hard work and routine; change is difficult for him. He takes his responsibilities very seriously and rarely takes time for himself. Until the night that Sage needs a ride home, and texts him by mistake, Garrett has no idea how she feels about him. During the ride to her house Sage catches him by surprise and confesses her love for him. At first he just takes it as nonsensical talk because she’s had too much to drink but then he begins to look at her differently.
Stirred is so much more than a love story; it’s about family, obligations and relationships. Here’s one of my favorite scenes in the book involving Garrett and his young niece, Paige:
Paige ran after him. “Uncle, Uncle.” He swooped her up in his arms, thankful for something familiar.
“Why don’t I have a nickname?” The question suddenly came to him as he searched for answers.
Paige looked at him, puzzled. “What do you mean? You’re Uncle.”
“I know, but I’m not Uncle Rogan or Donk or My Travis. I’m only Uncle.”
Paige nodded, as if she was following along but still didn’t see the problem. “You don’t need a name because you’re. . . you’re the first, like the original. It’s like if I look up ‘horse’ on my ’puter, there’s the main title and then all the different kinds of horses go down from there. You’re a horse, Uncle. You’re the top guy so”—she scrunched her face and Garrett could feel the lump in his throat—“you don’t got time for silly nicknames. You’re Uncle. Get it?”
His chest squeezed and for a second, it was as if a dam somewhere was about to break. Putting his face into her strawberry hair, he hugged her tight. “I do. I get it. Thank you.”
This story is filled with lots of ups and downs of Sage and Garrett’s relationship. Garrett doesn’t really do relationships and he’s up front about that with Sage. She decides to take whatever he will give her but soon realizes that’s not enough. At times I just wanted to knock some sense into Garrett while also commending him for his dedication to the farm and his family. I think Sage is a fairly strong woman. She’s made major life changes simply in her quest to experience new things. Her one weakness, however, is Garrett. No matter how much he hurts her, deep down she believes it’s not exactly deliberate – it’s the way he is – and she still loves him.
I don’t tend to do a lot of analyzing when I read a book, I read for the pleasure and sometimes escape and this book was definitely a pleasure for me to read. It’s one of those I couldn’t wait to finish and at the same time I never wanted to end. My emotions were all over the place while reading Stirred – just what I like from a book!
Tracy Ewens has now firmly cemented herself on my growing list of authors whose books I must read. I would recommend this book and series to anyone who loves a good romance that has interesting characters, is slow to build and has a very satisfying HEA. Ms. Ewens also provided a nice lead-in for the next book in the series, Vacancy, without making you feel any part of the story was left unresolved.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my review.
May 10, 2016
This review was originally posted on www.125pages.com
There is just something about Tracy Ewens’ books that I enjoy. Smart, sharp romances with intelligent females and good guys. There is no posturing, no reforming a bad boy, just two people on a path to each other. Stirred is the story of Sage a mixologist and Garrett, who runs his big family farm. He puts work first, family second and his love life last. Sage has loved him quietly for almost two years and has given up on him ever getting his crap together. She embarks on a self-help book’s plan to open up and embrace her inner naughty girl. Garrett has taken care of his family since his mother left him and his two younger siblings and doesn’t have time for dating or romance. But suddenly, Sage is breaking through his barriers and he just might want a little more than friendship.
The plot of Stirred was great. A love story with a lot of heart, some steam and some people who really deserve happiness. I have always enjoyed the writing of Tracy Ewens. She is able to craft smart women who know what they want and are willing to go after it. She has a way of writing to the emotions of a story and letting that be her guide. The pacing did have a few small bumps where a larger than expected period of time passed, but the story would quickly take over and it did not hamper my enjoyment at all. The world built for the main story was minimal. This is the fifth book in the series and all of the players and places have already been structured. However, there was build up to, what I believe, will be the next group of people that will be featured in the series. I felt that some of that transition was clunky and interfered with the main story, but it does make me wonder what will happen next. There were plenty of emotions in this read. It was nice to see a male character struggle with his feelings and not just be a macho man. The characters are where Ewens shines. Full of life and attitude, I loved Sage and found her to be a refreshing lead. Garrett was a sexy farmer with a hardened heart, so of course I had to love him.
Tracy Ewens’ A Love Story series is one I will happily continue to read. Fun and fast, they are a welcome break from some of the more serious books I read. Now, don’t take that as a bad thing, because it is not at all. Sometimes we just need a book that will make us happy and Stirred is one of those. I was unsure of where the series would arc after this book, as everyone featured in the world has been paired, but I am pretty sure I see where the next three books will go. If there are another three in the A Love Story series I happily say, sign me up.
Favorite lines - This was worse than the wooden roller coaster at Belmont Park. He suddenly wasn’t sure what to do with his hands, whether to scream or laugh. He had no idea what to do with her. Well, actually he did, lots of ideas it turned out, but this was a farmers market.
Biggest cliché - I have no time for love, there are crops to grow.
Have you read Stirred, or added it to your TBR?This book was most likely received free from the publisher/author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
There is just something about Tracy Ewens’ books that I enjoy. Smart, sharp romances with intelligent females and good guys. There is no posturing, no reforming a bad boy, just two people on a path to each other. Stirred is the story of Sage a mixologist and Garrett, who runs his big family farm. He puts work first, family second and his love life last. Sage has loved him quietly for almost two years and has given up on him ever getting his crap together. She embarks on a self-help book’s plan to open up and embrace her inner naughty girl. Garrett has taken care of his family since his mother left him and his two younger siblings and doesn’t have time for dating or romance. But suddenly, Sage is breaking through his barriers and he just might want a little more than friendship.The plot of Stirred was great. A love story with a lot of heart, some steam and some people who really deserve happiness. I have always enjoyed the writing of Tracy Ewens. She is able to craft smart women who know what they want and are willing to go after it. She has a way of writing to the emotions of a story and letting that be her guide. The pacing did have a few small bumps where a larger than expected period of time passed, but the story would quickly take over and it did not hamper my enjoyment at all. The world built for the main story was minimal. This is the fifth book in the series and all of the players and places have already been structured. However, there was build up to, what I believe, will be the next group of people that will be featured in the series. I felt that some of that transition was clunky and interfered with the main story, but it does make me wonder what will happen next. There were plenty of emotions in this read. It was nice to see a male character struggle with his feelings and not just be a macho man. The characters are where Ewens shines. Full of life and attitude, I loved Sage and found her to be a refreshing lead. Garrett was a sexy farmer with a hardened heart, so of course I had to love him.
Tracy Ewens’ A Love Story series is one I will happily continue to read. Fun and fast, they are a welcome break from some of the more serious books I read. Now, don’t take that as a bad thing, because it is not at all. Sometimes we just need a book that will make us happy and Stirred is one of those. I was unsure of where the series would arc after this book, as everyone featured in the world has been paired, but I am pretty sure I see where the next three books will go. If there are another three in the A Love Story series I happily say, sign me up.
Favorite lines - This was worse than the wooden roller coaster at Belmont Park. He suddenly wasn’t sure what to do with his hands, whether to scream or laugh. He had no idea what to do with her. Well, actually he did, lots of ideas it turned out, but this was a farmers market.
Biggest cliché - I have no time for love, there are crops to grow.
Have you read Stirred, or added it to your TBR?This book was most likely received free from the publisher/author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
June 7, 2016
4.5 Stars!
"Everyone has life experiences, things they did when they were young and stupid. I..well, I guess I woke up one morning, or maybe after a few mornings, and realized that I don't have anything tucked away. I don't have any cool stories or experiences. I wanted those. I still do."
Sage is a mixologist at her friends' bar/restaurant and loves her job. Her background is in mechanical engineering, but she found herself unhappy, unfulfilled, and wanting more of a life. She wants to have that metaphoric "bottom drawer" filled with tucked away memories, secrets, and adventures to look back upon. She decides to find herself by being her own friend... along the way she makes some real and true friends that become like family to her. The older brother of her best friend turns out to be the man of her dreams.
Garrett is Sage's best friend's oldest brother and a hard-working, serious farmer. He's so used to being the one in control, running the show, shouldering responsibility, that he hasn't had the time or inclination to realize that something was missing from his life.
"He's spent his life letting other people shine."
Until Sage gets drunk and reveals her feelings. After that, neither one finds it possible to move on.
Stirred is a love story that kind of explores "what if?" your fantasy finally came true. Both Garrett and Sage have been hurt before--different ways, but still-- and have to work past their own emotional baggage to find out if they are willing to open up all the way and let love, true and real, in.
I loved the way Ewens crafted the development of Garrett & Sage's love story... it wasn't insta-love at all. Yes, Sage was "in love" with Garrett from the beginning, but once she got closer, she realized what love really is. Through each other's eyes, they are able to see the worth in opening up for another, and they each deserve that kind of happiness.
Sage was a cool character. She had a great sense of humor, and could stand on her own two feet. I loved how intelligent she is, and that she wasn't afraid of personal growth and being honest about her feelings. There is nothing more annoying than a female MC that hides her feelings.
Ah, Garrett. What is there not to like love? He's most women's fantasy: a hot farmer/business owner that cares about his family, takes great care of his dog, and is strong enough to pick Sage up like she's a feather... the scene at the end with the dresser. Swoon!
"You probably have a bigger bottom drawer than you realize, Sage."
I also loved the way Ewens mixed steaminess and romance without getting graphic. The kiss in the wine cellar had me holding my breath... and the scene in the barn during the rain storm... WOW.
Although this is part of a series (this is #5), it works well as a stand alone. Ewens provides the perfect amount of background information to fill in gaps & explain relationships, without going off on tangents.
When NetGalley sent me this ARC in exchange for an honest review, I had no idea that it was a series but now that I've read the last, I want to go back to the beginning and read them all.
My rating: 4.5/5
"Everyone has life experiences, things they did when they were young and stupid. I..well, I guess I woke up one morning, or maybe after a few mornings, and realized that I don't have anything tucked away. I don't have any cool stories or experiences. I wanted those. I still do."
Sage is a mixologist at her friends' bar/restaurant and loves her job. Her background is in mechanical engineering, but she found herself unhappy, unfulfilled, and wanting more of a life. She wants to have that metaphoric "bottom drawer" filled with tucked away memories, secrets, and adventures to look back upon. She decides to find herself by being her own friend... along the way she makes some real and true friends that become like family to her. The older brother of her best friend turns out to be the man of her dreams.
Garrett is Sage's best friend's oldest brother and a hard-working, serious farmer. He's so used to being the one in control, running the show, shouldering responsibility, that he hasn't had the time or inclination to realize that something was missing from his life.
"He's spent his life letting other people shine."
Until Sage gets drunk and reveals her feelings. After that, neither one finds it possible to move on.
Stirred is a love story that kind of explores "what if?" your fantasy finally came true. Both Garrett and Sage have been hurt before--different ways, but still-- and have to work past their own emotional baggage to find out if they are willing to open up all the way and let love, true and real, in.
I loved the way Ewens crafted the development of Garrett & Sage's love story... it wasn't insta-love at all. Yes, Sage was "in love" with Garrett from the beginning, but once she got closer, she realized what love really is. Through each other's eyes, they are able to see the worth in opening up for another, and they each deserve that kind of happiness.
Sage was a cool character. She had a great sense of humor, and could stand on her own two feet. I loved how intelligent she is, and that she wasn't afraid of personal growth and being honest about her feelings. There is nothing more annoying than a female MC that hides her feelings.
Ah, Garrett. What is there not to like love? He's most women's fantasy: a hot farmer/business owner that cares about his family, takes great care of his dog, and is strong enough to pick Sage up like she's a feather... the scene at the end with the dresser. Swoon!
"You probably have a bigger bottom drawer than you realize, Sage."
I also loved the way Ewens mixed steaminess and romance without getting graphic. The kiss in the wine cellar had me holding my breath... and the scene in the barn during the rain storm... WOW.
Although this is part of a series (this is #5), it works well as a stand alone. Ewens provides the perfect amount of background information to fill in gaps & explain relationships, without going off on tangents.
When NetGalley sent me this ARC in exchange for an honest review, I had no idea that it was a series but now that I've read the last, I want to go back to the beginning and read them all.
My rating: 4.5/5
July 24, 2019
Tracy Ewens, ‘Stirred’, a love story.
As an ARC reader I received this book for free. And promised an honest review. Here it is. English isn’t my first language. Sorry for errors.
Rating: 4 stars (of 5).
In general: Two people in their thirties find love after intense single twenties.
Leading characters:
- Sage Jeffries.
Grown up in a family with lovely parents and three very competitive sisters. Now about 33 years old. Being very intelligent she studied math. And got an excellent job, but around her 30th anniversary she decided to change. She bowed out of her corporate life in Frisco to become a bartender in LA and she wanted stories and adventures: went to festivals, jumped out of planes, traveled, hiked, loved her new job, competed in cocktail competitions and became involved in her local community center to teach bridge.
- Garret Rye.
An organic farmer, who delivers especially to the Yard, the restaurant/bar of his brother Logan, where Sage is the attractive, talented bartender. Sage has a secret crush on him but he’s too involved in his work and caring for his family to notice that she wants to be more than a friend.
Then Sage realizes that she has to become more active to get Garret’s attention and buys for her Kindle “Nice to Naughty in Ten Steps” to learn how she can get rid of the shyness she feels when Garret is around. At a New Year’s Eve party she tries out her new naughtyness but she drinks too much and accidentally calls Garret to drive her home. During this drive a very tipsy Sage confesses her love for a confused Garret.
Garret feels honored and glad for he admired Sage already for a long time but after arriving at her home he limits himself to caring that the tipsy Sage safely reaches her bed. Next day Sage learns from Kenna, Garret’s sister and her best friend that she in detail informed Garret why and what she loved in him.
The author, Tracy Ewens, then describes how Garret and Sage find their HEA with a lot of ups and downs. Among other things: fear commitment; for Garret it’s difficult to realize that while being a workaholic and caring a lot for his family, he’s completely forgotten to forward to his own happiness; and at first Sage fears that her detailed love confession is the reason that Garret seems to be more interested in her good looks while she wants more than a sexual relationship. It results in funny dialogues, interesting info about farming, running a bar/restaurant and many scenes of a sweet family life. Perhaps the stubbornness of both main characters to let go of the (sometimes wrong) opinions they have about each other and the (too many?) changes of their minds after conversations with friends makes the story a bit unnecessary long, but all in all it was - for me - again a pleasure to read this book of Tracy Ewens.
R. Huiszoon.
As an ARC reader I received this book for free. And promised an honest review. Here it is. English isn’t my first language. Sorry for errors.
Rating: 4 stars (of 5).
In general: Two people in their thirties find love after intense single twenties.
Leading characters:
- Sage Jeffries.
Grown up in a family with lovely parents and three very competitive sisters. Now about 33 years old. Being very intelligent she studied math. And got an excellent job, but around her 30th anniversary she decided to change. She bowed out of her corporate life in Frisco to become a bartender in LA and she wanted stories and adventures: went to festivals, jumped out of planes, traveled, hiked, loved her new job, competed in cocktail competitions and became involved in her local community center to teach bridge.
- Garret Rye.
An organic farmer, who delivers especially to the Yard, the restaurant/bar of his brother Logan, where Sage is the attractive, talented bartender. Sage has a secret crush on him but he’s too involved in his work and caring for his family to notice that she wants to be more than a friend.
Then Sage realizes that she has to become more active to get Garret’s attention and buys for her Kindle “Nice to Naughty in Ten Steps” to learn how she can get rid of the shyness she feels when Garret is around. At a New Year’s Eve party she tries out her new naughtyness but she drinks too much and accidentally calls Garret to drive her home. During this drive a very tipsy Sage confesses her love for a confused Garret.
Garret feels honored and glad for he admired Sage already for a long time but after arriving at her home he limits himself to caring that the tipsy Sage safely reaches her bed. Next day Sage learns from Kenna, Garret’s sister and her best friend that she in detail informed Garret why and what she loved in him.
The author, Tracy Ewens, then describes how Garret and Sage find their HEA with a lot of ups and downs. Among other things: fear commitment; for Garret it’s difficult to realize that while being a workaholic and caring a lot for his family, he’s completely forgotten to forward to his own happiness; and at first Sage fears that her detailed love confession is the reason that Garret seems to be more interested in her good looks while she wants more than a sexual relationship. It results in funny dialogues, interesting info about farming, running a bar/restaurant and many scenes of a sweet family life. Perhaps the stubbornness of both main characters to let go of the (sometimes wrong) opinions they have about each other and the (too many?) changes of their minds after conversations with friends makes the story a bit unnecessary long, but all in all it was - for me - again a pleasure to read this book of Tracy Ewens.
R. Huiszoon.
August 10, 2016
I received a free copy of Stirred from Netgalley, in exchange for my honest review.
What first caught my eye about this book, besides the lovely cover, was the description of a sort of restaurant based foodie romance. I’ve read a couple of those, and enjoyed every one, so I gave this one a click. It was a good little story, light hearted and reminiscent of a rom-com. Although I noticed that this book was the fifth in a series, it stood alone well enough that I was not confused as to what was going on.
Sage is driven, creative and only slightly neurotic. She puts flavors together in her custom made drinks that blow the minds of anyone lucky enough to try one. I would love to know the secret of making a drink evoke the feeling of sunshine over a field - she’s got a real talent for it. She’s also got a competitive streak a mile wide, and when her sister challenges her to become more “naughty” with the help of a book, Sage jumps in with both feet. She already harbors a secret (not so secret) obsession with her best friend’s brother, so why not use her newfound knowledge to ring his bell?
Garrett, like Sage, is also driven, and has had some serious responsibilities laid on his shoulder from a very young age. He is the “farm” portion of the “farm-to-table” restaurant, The Yard, which is owned by his family and is where Sage plys her trade as the resident mixologist. He’s noticed her before, but it’s not until her alcohol-fuel dashboard confessional that he truly looks at her.
What follows is a tale of two fairly stubborn people, engaged in the push-me, pull-you back and forth most common to these types of stories. There’s some miscommunication, and some displays of both male and female hard headedness that makes the reader want to reach into the book and slap some sense into the characters. I ain’t gonna lie, they both made me want to scream at points, between Garrett’s constant waffling over the farm vs. having a relationship, and Sage’s attempts to use the methods that this self help book suggests. When she finally just gives up and decides to be herself it was a relief. All in all, I found Stirred to be a nice few afternoon’s read, but not intense enough that I couldn’t put it down.
What first caught my eye about this book, besides the lovely cover, was the description of a sort of restaurant based foodie romance. I’ve read a couple of those, and enjoyed every one, so I gave this one a click. It was a good little story, light hearted and reminiscent of a rom-com. Although I noticed that this book was the fifth in a series, it stood alone well enough that I was not confused as to what was going on.
Sage is driven, creative and only slightly neurotic. She puts flavors together in her custom made drinks that blow the minds of anyone lucky enough to try one. I would love to know the secret of making a drink evoke the feeling of sunshine over a field - she’s got a real talent for it. She’s also got a competitive streak a mile wide, and when her sister challenges her to become more “naughty” with the help of a book, Sage jumps in with both feet. She already harbors a secret (not so secret) obsession with her best friend’s brother, so why not use her newfound knowledge to ring his bell?
Garrett, like Sage, is also driven, and has had some serious responsibilities laid on his shoulder from a very young age. He is the “farm” portion of the “farm-to-table” restaurant, The Yard, which is owned by his family and is where Sage plys her trade as the resident mixologist. He’s noticed her before, but it’s not until her alcohol-fuel dashboard confessional that he truly looks at her.
What follows is a tale of two fairly stubborn people, engaged in the push-me, pull-you back and forth most common to these types of stories. There’s some miscommunication, and some displays of both male and female hard headedness that makes the reader want to reach into the book and slap some sense into the characters. I ain’t gonna lie, they both made me want to scream at points, between Garrett’s constant waffling over the farm vs. having a relationship, and Sage’s attempts to use the methods that this self help book suggests. When she finally just gives up and decides to be herself it was a relief. All in all, I found Stirred to be a nice few afternoon’s read, but not intense enough that I couldn’t put it down.
July 21, 2019
Sage is quirky, funny and a really great character... the type of person you want in your corner. She is pushing her own limits... she doesn’t want to be safe and boring, she wants to be naughty and feisty....wants to put herself outside her comfort zone... but can she achieve it and keep it up or is she just better accepting who she is and living her life for herself.
Garrett has spent his whole life looking out for his siblings and worrying about his father and their farm. He is struggling with the realisation that they don’t need him in the same ways anymore... they all have new lives and are happy, yet he is still there in the sidelines keeping everything working.
It’s not until Sage professes her love for him and admits that she noticed him and wants to get to know him that he suddenly starts to question the quality of his own life.... but is it too late for him to change and let someone in? Can he finally put himself and his own feelings first?
There are some negative reviews about this story, but I have to say I really liked this book and the characters... I didn’t see Sage as a doormat, I felt she had a good heart and was prepared to give Garrett the time and patience to finally see what was in front of him.. She set time aside for herself and didn’t allow herself to wallow in self pity.... she also wasn’t afraid to tell him how it is.
Garrett was totally singleminded about his life and the role he held in the family... he couldn’t see that he was lonely, or that he too deserved his own happiness without having to live life vicariously through his siblings... Sage was the wake up call he needed.
Another winner from Tracy... I am slowly working my way through these titles and I am enjoying them all.
I received an arc from hidden gems and I chose to leave a review.
Garrett has spent his whole life looking out for his siblings and worrying about his father and their farm. He is struggling with the realisation that they don’t need him in the same ways anymore... they all have new lives and are happy, yet he is still there in the sidelines keeping everything working.
It’s not until Sage professes her love for him and admits that she noticed him and wants to get to know him that he suddenly starts to question the quality of his own life.... but is it too late for him to change and let someone in? Can he finally put himself and his own feelings first?
There are some negative reviews about this story, but I have to say I really liked this book and the characters... I didn’t see Sage as a doormat, I felt she had a good heart and was prepared to give Garrett the time and patience to finally see what was in front of him.. She set time aside for herself and didn’t allow herself to wallow in self pity.... she also wasn’t afraid to tell him how it is.
Garrett was totally singleminded about his life and the role he held in the family... he couldn’t see that he was lonely, or that he too deserved his own happiness without having to live life vicariously through his siblings... Sage was the wake up call he needed.
Another winner from Tracy... I am slowly working my way through these titles and I am enjoying them all.
I received an arc from hidden gems and I chose to leave a review.
June 12, 2016
This is my second book from this author and while I still find the work overly wordy ,the story is well developed and the characters interesting.This is about another member of the Ryeland family of farmers, this time Garrett the oldest. He runs the family farm and provides produce for the restaurant owned by his younger brother Logan.Garrett is basically clueless to the feelings of bartender Sage,who has been in love with him from the moment she met him.Garret makes daily trips to the restaurant, encountering Sage everyday but it takes a drunken confession one night to open his eyes to really see her.As time goes by, they get to know each other very well and develop an affair of sorts, but events from his childhood subconsciously dictate his behavior and glaring holes start appearing in their relationship.Sage remains strong and makes adjustments in her life to reflect her new adage to be happy.When the grovelling takes place, it is so atypical and unique that I never saw it coming and was pleasantly surprised.The members of his family has words of advice for the couple and play a part in what eventually happens with them.
All the characters were three-dimensional,had traits specific to them and added depth to the story. Special mention has to be made of Garrett's niece Paige-she is such an intelligent, precocious and caring child that you just want to reach in and hug her close.There was a good balance of angst and lighter moments that made the story an interesting read and made me want to finish it without any interruptions.I would recommend reading other standalone books in the series to see what happens with the other family members, you won't be disappointed.
This was a free read from NetGalley.
All the characters were three-dimensional,had traits specific to them and added depth to the story. Special mention has to be made of Garrett's niece Paige-she is such an intelligent, precocious and caring child that you just want to reach in and hug her close.There was a good balance of angst and lighter moments that made the story an interesting read and made me want to finish it without any interruptions.I would recommend reading other standalone books in the series to see what happens with the other family members, you won't be disappointed.
This was a free read from NetGalley.
May 10, 2016
3.5 stars
This story is about Garrett and Sage. Garrett, the hero is quite dedicated to the family business. He hasn’t had time or perhaps made time to be in a relationship due to the demands of Rye Farms. Sage, the heroine is academically gifted and working as a bartender at Garrett’s brother’s restaurant. Her mechanical engineering background is evident in the way she creates cocktails.
Sage has been fascinated with Garrett since she started working for Logan (Garrett’s brother). Makenna (Garrett’s sister and the heroine of the previous story) is Sage’s best friend and is aware of Sage’s attraction towards her brother. In my opinion, Garrett is gun shy about relationships due to his mother walking out on the family. On the other hand, Sage is enjoying her singlehood having lost friends and in essence, herself when she was in a relationship. I absolutely love how Sage went about finding herself and going after what she wants out of life.
The two did not get together right away. Garrett was clueless of Sage’s interest in him. However, the future and success of their relationship will hinge on Sage’s commitment and understanding of Garrett. I just feel like he has yet to realize the amount of time he will need to dedicate to be in a relationship. Categorically, they are happy for now.
ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This story is about Garrett and Sage. Garrett, the hero is quite dedicated to the family business. He hasn’t had time or perhaps made time to be in a relationship due to the demands of Rye Farms. Sage, the heroine is academically gifted and working as a bartender at Garrett’s brother’s restaurant. Her mechanical engineering background is evident in the way she creates cocktails.
Sage has been fascinated with Garrett since she started working for Logan (Garrett’s brother). Makenna (Garrett’s sister and the heroine of the previous story) is Sage’s best friend and is aware of Sage’s attraction towards her brother. In my opinion, Garrett is gun shy about relationships due to his mother walking out on the family. On the other hand, Sage is enjoying her singlehood having lost friends and in essence, herself when she was in a relationship. I absolutely love how Sage went about finding herself and going after what she wants out of life.
The two did not get together right away. Garrett was clueless of Sage’s interest in him. However, the future and success of their relationship will hinge on Sage’s commitment and understanding of Garrett. I just feel like he has yet to realize the amount of time he will need to dedicate to be in a relationship. Categorically, they are happy for now.
ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2016
Sage had quit corporate life to be a bartender . Sage never backed away from a challenge. Sage had been in L A almost three years- she had been almost thirty when she left to be a bartender. Sage wanted stories and adventures , she was up for anything she felt brought her closer to life. Sage’s best friend was Kenna but Sage was also in “ love” with Kenna’s older brother Garrett even though she had never even kissed Garrett until the one day in the wine cellar then it was worse instead of better she only wanted more instead of being cured.. Sage bartender for Kenna’s other brother at The Yard which was a restaurant with a full bar here Sage could make up her own drinks.
I really loved this story and the plot was great also. Garrett and Sage didn’t fall l right into bed and didn’t make love easy and it didn’t flow like a calm river.The story showed how love can be messy, intrusive, and confusing as can be. Also showed how love can hurt and seem to almost drive you insane. A truer picture of love then most stories portray. But when it’s right nothing like love even if you really have to sacrifice for each other and work at making it right for each other. I loved all the characters especially Garrett and Sage and all the ups and downs they go through. I highly recommend.
I received an ARC of this story for an honest review.
I really loved this story and the plot was great also. Garrett and Sage didn’t fall l right into bed and didn’t make love easy and it didn’t flow like a calm river.The story showed how love can be messy, intrusive, and confusing as can be. Also showed how love can hurt and seem to almost drive you insane. A truer picture of love then most stories portray. But when it’s right nothing like love even if you really have to sacrifice for each other and work at making it right for each other. I loved all the characters especially Garrett and Sage and all the ups and downs they go through. I highly recommend.
I received an ARC of this story for an honest review.
June 5, 2016
Sage Jeffries is trying to change. An overachiever by nature, she has brains and a mechanical engineer degree to prove it, yet it's as a bartender at The Yard that she finds her happy place. But she is tired of being alone. Seeing love all around her, she wants some of her own. Too bad she fell into it with the last likely man to ever return her feelings. The big brother of both her best friend and her boss, Garrett Rye is Ryeland Farms. For as long as she knows him, Garrett hasn't paid her any mind. But that all changed when her big sister gave her a book teach her to change from nice to naughty. Garrett wasn’t looking for a relationship. He wasn’t even looking for a hook up, but when a drunk Sage spilled her heart to him on the bench seat of his truck, Garrett found himself taking a second look at the beautiful woman that was already a part of his life. But no matter how good they could be together, Garrett wasn’t ready for her and Sage was done waiting for him. Stirred is the fifth installment of the Love Story series. It tells the tale of the eldest Rye brother. The stoic, brooding, lonesome brother. The one who is determined to take care of his whole family no matter the cost to himself. His is however the center of Sage's world and she is hopeful he will be able to keep him. Another endearing, sexy romance that will get readers drunk in love.
July 23, 2019
First off, I was not aware that this is book five in the Love Story series where each book is a different couple. I have not read the series and this may be why I did not feel that this book was a great read for me. Sage came off as such a strong, independent woman that was confident in uprooting herself and changing her career from a mechanical engineer to a bartender. She gives the appearance of fun, adventurous and of course, very challenge accepting. She takes on the challenge that her sister lays out for her which is to read and put to use the Nice to Naughty in 10 Steps book. Garrett has grown up learning the family business, Ryeland Farms, and now he is taking it over and has to meet the needs and demands to keep it the center rock of their family. Sage and Garrett are attending a New Year's Eve party and Sage has had too much to drink. They get talking and there appears to be some chemistry and attraction between these two. As the story unfolds, there is not a lot of drive to it. I am not sure if I am missing things with the other characters or even Sage and Garrett's pasts that I would get from reading the rest of the series first. This was a good book but without reading the series, it falls short on my expectation list as only a good read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book as an ARC from Hidden Gems.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book as an ARC from Hidden Gems.
November 29, 2022
#5 in the Love Story romance series
We finally get to know Garrett, older brother to Logan and Kenna from previous books in this series. After their mom left them, Garrett took over as pseudo-parent to his siblings, closing himself off to most emotions and spending his time working and getting back control of his life. Now that he's gotten to know Sage better (the bartender at his brother's restaurant), he is discovering that there might be more to life than working on the farm. Love the fact that he's very close to his family. Love that he's sometimes an emotional guy. Distressed that he's closed himself off to love and feelings, supporting his siblings, keeping the family together. He's such a great guy that it's a waste. Sage, having deviated from her original plan and become a mixologist, is loving her life (and loving Garrett from afar), but she wants to live a richer life, which she calls "filling her bottom drawer" with experiences and excitement. She thinks Garrett might be able to help her with that, but they struggle because of his hang-ups and her concerns about putting herself completely out there. Loved them as a couple and was rooting for their success. It was also great to revisit with Logan and Travis and Kenna at The Yard. I look forward to Hollis's story next (Sage's sister).
We finally get to know Garrett, older brother to Logan and Kenna from previous books in this series. After their mom left them, Garrett took over as pseudo-parent to his siblings, closing himself off to most emotions and spending his time working and getting back control of his life. Now that he's gotten to know Sage better (the bartender at his brother's restaurant), he is discovering that there might be more to life than working on the farm. Love the fact that he's very close to his family. Love that he's sometimes an emotional guy. Distressed that he's closed himself off to love and feelings, supporting his siblings, keeping the family together. He's such a great guy that it's a waste. Sage, having deviated from her original plan and become a mixologist, is loving her life (and loving Garrett from afar), but she wants to live a richer life, which she calls "filling her bottom drawer" with experiences and excitement. She thinks Garrett might be able to help her with that, but they struggle because of his hang-ups and her concerns about putting herself completely out there. Loved them as a couple and was rooting for their success. It was also great to revisit with Logan and Travis and Kenna at The Yard. I look forward to Hollis's story next (Sage's sister).
May 20, 2016
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for a review. This was my first time reading anything by Tracy Ewens, and while I enjoyed the characters and some of their interactions, I ended the book thinking that not much had happened.
Some of the things that worked for me include the hero being the older brother of the heroine's best friend, farming, a father who quotes Oprah, and flirty dialogue making way for shared vulnerability. Garrett is one of my favorite types of heroes in that he's a strong and slightly clueless guy who's always looking out for his family and forgets himself in the hustle and bustle, and seeing him warm up to Sage and realizing what they could have made me smile.
The part of the story that didn't work for me is the story itself. Garrett and Sage kept bumping in and out of each other's path without much explanation. They both needed to deal with some internal things to be in a place for the relationship that could happen between them, but I never saw that happening in the pages to the extent that I bought their HEA. They still have a long row to hoe for that to be believable.
Some of the things that worked for me include the hero being the older brother of the heroine's best friend, farming, a father who quotes Oprah, and flirty dialogue making way for shared vulnerability. Garrett is one of my favorite types of heroes in that he's a strong and slightly clueless guy who's always looking out for his family and forgets himself in the hustle and bustle, and seeing him warm up to Sage and realizing what they could have made me smile.
The part of the story that didn't work for me is the story itself. Garrett and Sage kept bumping in and out of each other's path without much explanation. They both needed to deal with some internal things to be in a place for the relationship that could happen between them, but I never saw that happening in the pages to the extent that I bought their HEA. They still have a long row to hoe for that to be believable.
May 11, 2016
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
This is Garret and Sage’s story.
I totally loved Sage’s quirky personality. She’s always looking for new experiences that take her out of her comfort zone, her interesting choice in clothes, her mixing of unexpected ingredients in new drinks. And she likes to tinker with things using her engineering background. She’s been in love with Garrett, her best friend’s brother, for over a year.
Garret is the oldest of 3, and the caretaker . He runs the family farm. I have to say, he is a bit of a blockhead. Totally oblivious to Sage, and most things that don’t involve the farm or the restaurant his brother owns and his sister manages. I got frustrated with him A LOT in this book. It took a drunk Sage telling him she’d been in love with him for a long time for him to take a second look at her. Even after he did, he was really slow on the uptake.
I loved Garret’s dad and his Oprah-isms! I felt bad for Chris, he seemed like a nice guy.
I loved the proposal! I would love to see a wrap up book of where they are all a few years down the road.
This is Garret and Sage’s story.
I totally loved Sage’s quirky personality. She’s always looking for new experiences that take her out of her comfort zone, her interesting choice in clothes, her mixing of unexpected ingredients in new drinks. And she likes to tinker with things using her engineering background. She’s been in love with Garrett, her best friend’s brother, for over a year.
Garret is the oldest of 3, and the caretaker . He runs the family farm. I have to say, he is a bit of a blockhead. Totally oblivious to Sage, and most things that don’t involve the farm or the restaurant his brother owns and his sister manages. I got frustrated with him A LOT in this book. It took a drunk Sage telling him she’d been in love with him for a long time for him to take a second look at her. Even after he did, he was really slow on the uptake.
I loved Garret’s dad and his Oprah-isms! I felt bad for Chris, he seemed like a nice guy.
I loved the proposal! I would love to see a wrap up book of where they are all a few years down the road.
May 31, 2016
Stirred is book five in the 'A Love Story' series by Tracy Ewans. Although it is part of a series, each book stands on it's own. This one is Sage and Garrett's story. Sage has been in love with her best friend Kenna's older brother, Garrett, since she first laid eyes on him. He knows her as his sister's friend and the bartender at his brother Logan's restaurant, The Yard, but other than that he doesn't take much notice of her. While actively trying to change her life around and get over her feelings for Garrett she ends up getting noticed by him.
While I did enjoyed this book, it didn't pull me in as much as the previous two which were Logan's, and Kenna's stories. Garrett seemed like his own worse enemy at times, doing his best or maybe his worst, to shut down any chance at happiness. Luckily the author was able to get them together in the end, although that ending did seem a bit rushed to me. I liked the main characters, and how the story worked out in the end.
I did like the book and would give it four stars, and recommend it to others.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in return for my honest review.
While I did enjoyed this book, it didn't pull me in as much as the previous two which were Logan's, and Kenna's stories. Garrett seemed like his own worse enemy at times, doing his best or maybe his worst, to shut down any chance at happiness. Luckily the author was able to get them together in the end, although that ending did seem a bit rushed to me. I liked the main characters, and how the story worked out in the end.
I did like the book and would give it four stars, and recommend it to others.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in return for my honest review.
August 23, 2016
Tracy Ewens has a gift for telling a sophisticated love story, and she does that again with Stirred.
Sage is the nontraditional bartender, who is not good at flirting and trapping a man. She only really has eyes for Garrett Rye, but she gets tongue-tied and shy around him. At her sister's recommendation, she attempts to move from the nice bartender to the naughty one in an attempt to attract suitors and take her mind off Garrett, but it has the opposite effect. Garrett is the typical oldest son, who manages the family farm and takes on more than his share of the responsibilities.
I loved the strong character of Sage and her interactions with her sister and best friend Kenna. For me, she was a well-developed character with lots of intelligence, creativity, and spunk and just enough angst to doubt herself. Garrett was not as well-developed and felt like a bit of a cliche. While I liked the development of the story and the dialogue, I am never really became enamored with Garrett because I am not sure that he deserved Sage.
Regardless of my feelings for Garrett, Ms. Ewens knows how to tell a good story and does in Stirred.
Sage is the nontraditional bartender, who is not good at flirting and trapping a man. She only really has eyes for Garrett Rye, but she gets tongue-tied and shy around him. At her sister's recommendation, she attempts to move from the nice bartender to the naughty one in an attempt to attract suitors and take her mind off Garrett, but it has the opposite effect. Garrett is the typical oldest son, who manages the family farm and takes on more than his share of the responsibilities.
I loved the strong character of Sage and her interactions with her sister and best friend Kenna. For me, she was a well-developed character with lots of intelligence, creativity, and spunk and just enough angst to doubt herself. Garrett was not as well-developed and felt like a bit of a cliche. While I liked the development of the story and the dialogue, I am never really became enamored with Garrett because I am not sure that he deserved Sage.
Regardless of my feelings for Garrett, Ms. Ewens knows how to tell a good story and does in Stirred.
May 17, 2016
This was really cute! At first, I wasn't sold on Garrett and Sage though. The fact that he hadn't noticed her before and then turned her down sort of gave me pause. But both characters are great and you realize how good they are together by the halfway mark.
Something I have appreciated about this series is how normal the issues the couples face are. You don't get melodrama and overreactions, you get real emotions with real reactions. The problems that arise for Sage and Garrett are some that most people have experienced themselves, which makes them that much more relatable.
As with previous books in the series, the world Tracy Ewens has created is wonderful. All of the characters have so much heart and you feel as though you are reading about friends.
Don't let my references to previous books steer you wrong though - each book really is standalone. Though why you wouldn't want to read them all, I can't imagine! :)
Something I have appreciated about this series is how normal the issues the couples face are. You don't get melodrama and overreactions, you get real emotions with real reactions. The problems that arise for Sage and Garrett are some that most people have experienced themselves, which makes them that much more relatable.
As with previous books in the series, the world Tracy Ewens has created is wonderful. All of the characters have so much heart and you feel as though you are reading about friends.
Don't let my references to previous books steer you wrong though - each book really is standalone. Though why you wouldn't want to read them all, I can't imagine! :)
May 9, 2016
I was excited to see Sage and Garrett getting their story told, having been featured in Reserved. Sage has been in love with her best friends brother for over a year. Garrett seems to be clueless, he is so consumed with running the family ranch.
He doesn't take time for a life outside of work, but when Sage calls him by accident while letting loose she also mentions how she feels about him. Sage questions if they will ever be equal in their feelings. I loved Sage's desire to learn herself and not get lost in others, and Garrett is the responsible one, never really getting involved.
There is a push and pull and it interesting to see Garrett try and work through it all. I felt connected to Garrett, and his internal struggle. I really enjoyed their love story, and don't want this series to end.
I received a free copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
He doesn't take time for a life outside of work, but when Sage calls him by accident while letting loose she also mentions how she feels about him. Sage questions if they will ever be equal in their feelings. I loved Sage's desire to learn herself and not get lost in others, and Garrett is the responsible one, never really getting involved.
There is a push and pull and it interesting to see Garrett try and work through it all. I felt connected to Garrett, and his internal struggle. I really enjoyed their love story, and don't want this series to end.
I received a free copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 9, 2016
Stirred is a book that has been provided by NetGalley for a review.
Stirred was a great romance novel, which told the story of Sage and Garrett. Sage is an intelligent character that decided to give up her previous life to become a mixologist. She is always trying to experience new things and decides to get out of her comfort zone with men and try to be naughty (a thing she certainly isn’t). In the midst of trying to be naughty, she ends up confessing her long lasting crush for her best friend’s brother, Garrett. He is a farmer who had to grow up quickly as a child to help support his father and farm. As a result, his first priority is his family and farm. He doesn’t know that Sage is madly in love with him until that night, and starts to see her in a new light. The book continues through their romance and understanding themselves as individuals and together as a couple. A great novel and characters that I enjoyed!
Stirred was a great romance novel, which told the story of Sage and Garrett. Sage is an intelligent character that decided to give up her previous life to become a mixologist. She is always trying to experience new things and decides to get out of her comfort zone with men and try to be naughty (a thing she certainly isn’t). In the midst of trying to be naughty, she ends up confessing her long lasting crush for her best friend’s brother, Garrett. He is a farmer who had to grow up quickly as a child to help support his father and farm. As a result, his first priority is his family and farm. He doesn’t know that Sage is madly in love with him until that night, and starts to see her in a new light. The book continues through their romance and understanding themselves as individuals and together as a couple. A great novel and characters that I enjoyed!
August 29, 2016
I was provided a copy of Stirred by Tracy Ewens in exchange for an honest review.
I very much enjoyed this book, not only was the writing superb, but the characters, plot and plot development sucked me right in and didn’t let me go until I was shaken!
It was a light read, very easy to get into, but still very original and teaching.
Sage, someone who I want to be friends with, and our heroine, and Garrett, someone who I want to bone (a lot), and our hero, are definitely made for each other...
If Garrett would finally open his eyes and use his brain.
Thank God, or thank alcohol, he’s finally going to have a clue, and it’s going to be oh so juicy, I promise you!
I also haven’t read the previous works in the Love Story series, and have not, at any point, felt that I was missing something.
If you’re a fan of cocktails, banter, love and nosy people- you’ve arrived at your destination!
I very much enjoyed this book, not only was the writing superb, but the characters, plot and plot development sucked me right in and didn’t let me go until I was shaken!
It was a light read, very easy to get into, but still very original and teaching.
Sage, someone who I want to be friends with, and our heroine, and Garrett, someone who I want to bone (a lot), and our hero, are definitely made for each other...
If Garrett would finally open his eyes and use his brain.
Thank God, or thank alcohol, he’s finally going to have a clue, and it’s going to be oh so juicy, I promise you!
I also haven’t read the previous works in the Love Story series, and have not, at any point, felt that I was missing something.
If you’re a fan of cocktails, banter, love and nosy people- you’ve arrived at your destination!
October 25, 2016
I read this book and I was pleasantly surprised. It is one of those wonderfully romantic but not raunchy. The best part of this book as that the characters and situations are very believable. There is no over the top billion dollar romance, although I am a fan of those too. Sage is passionate about what she does and her crush, Garrett is trying to find his way after being the head of the family helping out his father when his mother left. Garrett has the bigger issues when dealing with letting himself be free of the burden of family and allowing himself to be his own person. I realized after a few chapters that this was actually the 3rd in a series however, I was not lost. I just wanted to know more about some of the other characters and I may go back a read to find out. So, if you have not read the other titles in the series do not let that discourage you. This is a wonderful, pleasant read and I enjoyed it.
June 4, 2020
A great story using the farm to table philosophy as the background. There's so much information packed into this tale. What a wonderful way to introduce those who don't understand this philosophy in a interesting romance. The Rye family have a farm growing organic produce which they use in a restaurant owned by a family member as well as selling to other businesses in the area. Growing the business further is uppermost in the family business. Sage is a bartender\mixologist working for the restaurant. Sage has the knack of creating drinks that are out of the ordinary and delicious. Garrett is the brother running the farm with his father. Sage is a nice girl who's sister suggests that Sage be a little naughty. Sage has feelings for Garrett that she has never acted on and so the story goes. I really enjoyed this informative and romantic tale.
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