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A Love Story #9
Brew
If only life came with instructions.
Boyd McNaughton is working on balance. He is a father, a brewmaster, and the oldest brother of four. When he's not running Foghorn Brewery with two of his brothers, his days are packed with carpools, teenage angst, and well-intentioned school moms determined to send him on the perfect blind date. After a simple argument ends with a visit to the emergency room, Boyd discovers the one thing he’s been neglecting—his life.
Ella Walters is working on connection. Having grown up in a less-than-affectionate family of overachievers, she moved to Petaluma for a slower pace and to escape her past. She has friends now instead of accolades, chooses chocolate croissants over super foods, and cherishes the peace that’s replaced the drama. Sure, she occasionally misses the buzz of the San Francisco General Hospital ER, but Ella is learning that navigating a fuller life can be just as exciting.
When Boyd’s son, Mason, seeks out Dr. Ella for “advice” and Boyd stumbles all over her newly healed heart, she finds herself longing for something she never knew existed. But families are messy, and they’ll both need to let go of the past if they want to find a future that’s more than by the book.
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
Boyd McNaughton is working on balance. He is a father, a brewmaster, and the oldest brother of four. When he's not running Foghorn Brewery with two of his brothers, his days are packed with carpools, teenage angst, and well-intentioned school moms determined to send him on the perfect blind date. After a simple argument ends with a visit to the emergency room, Boyd discovers the one thing he’s been neglecting—his life.
Ella Walters is working on connection. Having grown up in a less-than-affectionate family of overachievers, she moved to Petaluma for a slower pace and to escape her past. She has friends now instead of accolades, chooses chocolate croissants over super foods, and cherishes the peace that’s replaced the drama. Sure, she occasionally misses the buzz of the San Francisco General Hospital ER, but Ella is learning that navigating a fuller life can be just as exciting.
When Boyd’s son, Mason, seeks out Dr. Ella for “advice” and Boyd stumbles all over her newly healed heart, she finds herself longing for something she never knew existed. But families are messy, and they’ll both need to let go of the past if they want to find a future that’s more than by the book.
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
304 pages, Paperback
Published September 19, 2017
60 people are currently reading
476 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 77 reviews
September 26, 2017
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Dr. Ella Walters has embraced the small town life, the everybody-knows-everybody thing has grown on her, and she's even managed to slowly let go of her past and accept her single status. Boyd McNaughton is a ruggedly handsome man, Ella can't deny that, but beyond his looks the only charming thing about him is his son, Mason. Ella is working on connections though and Mason brings out the best in her and soon even Boyd can't deny that he wants to be her friend or maybe something more. Mason helps break down Ella's walls and when she embraces hugs she embraces Boyd too. They'll both have to let go of their idea of what's best for themselves in order to see that the best is right in front of them.
"It was one of his favorite brews. Her eyes were more of an oatmeal stout, deep brown with a hint of amber, kind of like last year's Golden Polish."
"That was a good year. Great beer. Great eyes. He allowed himself one more look."
I had no idea how much I needed a sweet romance read to fall into until I opened up the pages of Brew. It's a slow burn romance of the best kind, nothing stands in the way of the characters and their love story except for themselves. Alternating between Ella and Boyd's perspectives, we get to see the characters as they battle their pasts, their heads, and their hearts as they recognize that things between them are more than just lust-driven chemistry. I loved that Brew features a small town, that I know well actually, and the drama that drives the story is wholesome and true to reality. Ella and Boyd were dealing with things like broken hearts, raising teenagers, and navigating the bumpy roads of siblings, friendship, and how much monkey bread is considered too much. Brew is all about the relationships that shape you, whether they are good or bad and it's definitely emotional as the good finally wins out. It's obvious from the very beginning that Boyd and Ella are meant to be, that everything just needed to be sorted out with a bit of help from their very own cupid, Mason, and all the citizens of Petaluma.
"every time she said his name, it was like hearing a song he thought he knew but realizing the new version was better."
Tracy Ewens is a new-to-me author, but she's made a fan out of me with Brew. I could easily find happiness as Ella with a man like Boyd and his adorable son by my side. I'll be going back and reading the entire A Love Story standalone romance series. Fans of easy romance and emotional love stories will fall head over heels for Brew, just as I did. Plus, it features beer, and if you know me or have read my blog at all, you know I love my craft beer!
Dr. Ella Walters has embraced the small town life, the everybody-knows-everybody thing has grown on her, and she's even managed to slowly let go of her past and accept her single status. Boyd McNaughton is a ruggedly handsome man, Ella can't deny that, but beyond his looks the only charming thing about him is his son, Mason. Ella is working on connections though and Mason brings out the best in her and soon even Boyd can't deny that he wants to be her friend or maybe something more. Mason helps break down Ella's walls and when she embraces hugs she embraces Boyd too. They'll both have to let go of their idea of what's best for themselves in order to see that the best is right in front of them.
"It was one of his favorite brews. Her eyes were more of an oatmeal stout, deep brown with a hint of amber, kind of like last year's Golden Polish."
"That was a good year. Great beer. Great eyes. He allowed himself one more look."
I had no idea how much I needed a sweet romance read to fall into until I opened up the pages of Brew. It's a slow burn romance of the best kind, nothing stands in the way of the characters and their love story except for themselves. Alternating between Ella and Boyd's perspectives, we get to see the characters as they battle their pasts, their heads, and their hearts as they recognize that things between them are more than just lust-driven chemistry. I loved that Brew features a small town, that I know well actually, and the drama that drives the story is wholesome and true to reality. Ella and Boyd were dealing with things like broken hearts, raising teenagers, and navigating the bumpy roads of siblings, friendship, and how much monkey bread is considered too much. Brew is all about the relationships that shape you, whether they are good or bad and it's definitely emotional as the good finally wins out. It's obvious from the very beginning that Boyd and Ella are meant to be, that everything just needed to be sorted out with a bit of help from their very own cupid, Mason, and all the citizens of Petaluma.
"every time she said his name, it was like hearing a song he thought he knew but realizing the new version was better."
Tracy Ewens is a new-to-me author, but she's made a fan out of me with Brew. I could easily find happiness as Ella with a man like Boyd and his adorable son by my side. I'll be going back and reading the entire A Love Story standalone romance series. Fans of easy romance and emotional love stories will fall head over heels for Brew, just as I did. Plus, it features beer, and if you know me or have read my blog at all, you know I love my craft beer!
March 23, 2021
I picked up this book because of the cover. I thought the cover was good for romance story. This is my first read by miss Ewens.
I like the story. The slow burn, the lazy life of small town and Mason. Brew is a romance book where Miss Ewens focusing on each character development before bringing them together. The romance is not sizzle hot dan dirty but slow pace.
I am not particular enjoy this book very much. I prefer the romance hot and sizzle. But it is nice to read slow burn like this for a chance of scenery.
Overall this is an OK read.
3 stars
I like the story. The slow burn, the lazy life of small town and Mason. Brew is a romance book where Miss Ewens focusing on each character development before bringing them together. The romance is not sizzle hot dan dirty but slow pace.
I am not particular enjoy this book very much. I prefer the romance hot and sizzle. But it is nice to read slow burn like this for a chance of scenery.
Overall this is an OK read.
3 stars
February 22, 2018
Considering the fact this book is only 304 pages long... That felt like a lifetime.
To be honest, I put this book into the DNF pile because my god! I love a slow burn romance but this was pushing it too far! But ever since I put it aside, I got this nagging feeling so i gave it another go. It still felt long but thankfully by the last 30%, the paced increased and I was able to finish it.
Now, back to the characters- Ella and Boyd... I liked them. There really isn't much to say about them to be fair... nothing special. For me the star of the book was Boyd's son, Mason. He was the ray of sunshine to this rather pale novel....
Brew is what I would consider a sweet love story with a dash of sexiness way way way down in the book hahaha.
For more ...
www.jemimajamir.com
September 18, 2017
A seemingly dead heart could spring to life in an instant, under the proper care
Dr. Ella Walters left the big city to start over and put distance between her and her past. The small town of Petaluma is close knit and she begins to settle in. Even makes friends and starts to collect hobbies, all in an attempt to reconnect with people. An unexpected ER visit brings Boyd McNaughton into her life.
A single father, Boyd is seemly content with his life. He has an amazing relationship with his son, he has a supportive and loving family and the Brewery keeps him challenged. Meeting Ella throws Boyd’s routine life into a whirlwind of emotions and complications he isn’t expecting and isn’t sure he’s ready to face.
Brew is a story of forgiveness, friendship and love. It’s about opening yourself to new experiences and obstacles and facing your fears head on. If you’re in the mood for a small town romance with strong ties to family and a second chance love story, Brew will be just the thing.
What I liked:
For starters, I really liked this cover. Maybe the color is a bit neutral but I loved the design and it really represented the story. The cover to this one isn’t bright or bold but still grabbed my attention. I think it’s really pretty :)
When it comes to the story itself, I loved the author’s voice. Her way with words, especially the inner dialogue of the characters, it was a really engrossing and comfortable read. It was funny, sad, happy and angsty at times but each character shined through as his/her own person and moved the story along as just the right pacing.
It’s been awhile since I’ve loved so many characters in one book. I loved Ella with her determination and optimism. Because even though she’d been burned before, she was ready to be happy. I loved Mason, he was a great character. The author managed to make him both wise beyond his years but enough of a kid still to find him endearing. He really was a great secondary character I wouldn’t mind reading more about in the future. I loved Boyd for his love of family, for his devotion to his kid and for being an awkward but sweet guy, even with his hang-ups and indecision. These three clicked and their emotional connections made the story for me.
I also loved the friendship that springs between Ella and Mason. Their connection was a strong one and seeing them interact, especially with the whole dating/girl advice, it was funny and cute.
The secondary characters were also really amazing. I loved Cade and Trick with their sage advice, unconditional love and unwavering support for their family. I’m definitely going to check back in for their stories. I loved Ella’s friends, fingers crossed they’ll feature in their own HEA in this series. I have a hunch Aspen and Trick will end up together but Cade is still up in the air.
I’m happy I got the chance to read and review this new (for me) author and can’t wait to see what else she has in store for the Foghorn Brewery.
What I didn't like:
This is just my reading preference here, and might bother no one else but what kept this from being a full on five star read is a two part-er. One, although Boyd had his reasons, his waffling back and forth with Ella had me at the edge of my seat and biting my nails. Everyone around him knew what was going on and he still played the avoidance game. At pro level! Which is fine, only if you’re going to give me equal groveling time. Ella, to me, had more reason to be hesitant about a relationship, especially because Boyd had already done this song and dance in the beginning of their relationship, but she was way more mature and fearless about her second chance than Boyd was.
The second part that kept this at a 4 star rating was
Favorite Line(s):
“…he made her feel things that had her wishing he’d been her first everything. That he’d touched her brand-new heart before it broke and healed differently.
“Fine is such a screwed-up word. It’s like … neat or nice. It says nothing. Being fine is like being barely alive.”
Memorable Moments:
There were a lot of sweet moments sprinkled throughout this story but these were at the top of the list:
1) Boyd’s outlook of Mason’s mother (his ex) and their atypical situation.
Boyd knew what people thought. That she was a heartless bitch only concerned with her career and money. Over the years, when people learned their story, he’d heard the grumbling about how a woman could abandon her son, but he ignored it. It might not be typical for a mother to leave her son with his dad in lieu of a career, but men did it all the time. Men chose career over parenting …
2) Ella standing up for herself and demanding respect. There isn’t accusations or tears or an all-out scream fest. She is honest and truthful and I loved that she wasn’t a doormat about it.
”I know you have your ‘stuff’ as you put it. I respect that, but you need to respect mine. I need to be the only woman, my person’s only woman.”
3) And last but not least, the proposal scene with Mason putting in his two cents. Adorable!
”She likes you, probably loves you by now and besides,girls go for clumsy and nervous, remember? You’re in Dad. She digs your weirdness.”
* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
SAFETY
June 2, 2020
Boyd McNaughton is the oldest of four sons. The three eldest: Boyd, Cade and Patrick, own and run Foghorn Brewery and are in the process of opening a tap house to showcase their brews. Boyd is the brewer, Cade will run the tap house and Patrick does the marketing. Boyd is also the father of a 13 year old son, Mason, born of a short-lived college romance. Boyd is the primary care-giver and he balances his work with bringing up a son with aplomb, he just doesn't have time for a relationship.
Dr Ella Walters moved to the small city of Petaluma, California from San Francisco two years ago after a relationship went terribly wrong (fair warning, we don't find out exactly what went wrong for quite a long time - at page 126 I made a rather exasperated comment asking what had happened). Naturally reserved, her family are, at best snobs and at worst vicious sociopaths, distant and her recent romantic failure has caused her to shrink further into her shell of work, work, work. She doesn't believe in love and isn't looking for someone.
After a disagreement with Patrick over the latest brew results in Boyd cutting his hand on a keggle and needs a trip to the ER where he meets Ella. Although the sparks are there aplenty it is really Mason and Ella who hit it off as Ella gives him advice about the girl he likes at school.
What I liked about this book. I liked Ella and I liked Mason, I liked Patrick and Cade and West (the fourth brother who is a movie star), most of the time I liked Boyd. I liked the way in which a working dad was portrayed and I liked the tentative romance as it blossomed between two thirty-somethings who had been burned by love before.
So what didn't I like? At some point in the books I have read by Tracy Ewens the characters just seem to get stuck in a loop of denial or self-doubt which goes too far, the point at which I start using more profanities and exclamation marks than are strictly necessary. Luckily Boyd only did this once, page 233 if you are interested, but I did feel he needed to pull his big girl pants up. But, as always, what I really didn't like was Ella's 'friend' Bri, her gentle teasing was more like a sledge-hammer, she overstepped the bounds of friendship and was a bit of a bully. Also the way in which the group of women friends talk is completely unnatural (in my opinion), I mean who asks their friend if they have told a man that they love him, particularly if that friend is in denial/ hasn't realised it herself?
Despite my loathing of all things Bri, this series is like catnip for me and I am gagging for Cade's story - is it with Bri, please tell me no?
Dr Ella Walters moved to the small city of Petaluma, California from San Francisco two years ago after a relationship went terribly wrong (fair warning, we don't find out exactly what went wrong for quite a long time - at page 126 I made a rather exasperated comment asking what had happened). Naturally reserved, her family are, at best snobs and at worst vicious sociopaths, distant and her recent romantic failure has caused her to shrink further into her shell of work, work, work. She doesn't believe in love and isn't looking for someone.
After a disagreement with Patrick over the latest brew results in Boyd cutting his hand on a keggle and needs a trip to the ER where he meets Ella. Although the sparks are there aplenty it is really Mason and Ella who hit it off as Ella gives him advice about the girl he likes at school.
What I liked about this book. I liked Ella and I liked Mason, I liked Patrick and Cade and West (the fourth brother who is a movie star), most of the time I liked Boyd. I liked the way in which a working dad was portrayed and I liked the tentative romance as it blossomed between two thirty-somethings who had been burned by love before.
So what didn't I like? At some point in the books I have read by Tracy Ewens the characters just seem to get stuck in a loop of denial or self-doubt which goes too far, the point at which I start using more profanities and exclamation marks than are strictly necessary. Luckily Boyd only did this once, page 233 if you are interested, but I did feel he needed to pull his big girl pants up. But, as always, what I really didn't like was Ella's 'friend' Bri, her gentle teasing was more like a sledge-hammer, she overstepped the bounds of friendship and was a bit of a bully. Also the way in which the group of women friends talk is completely unnatural (in my opinion), I mean who asks their friend if they have told a man that they love him, particularly if that friend is in denial/ hasn't realised it herself?
Despite my loathing of all things Bri, this series is like catnip for me and I am gagging for Cade's story - is it with Bri, please tell me no?
January 2, 2018
I was not familiar with Tracey Ewens’s A Love Story series before this but based on how Brew swept me away, I’m going to need to acquaint myself with them stat.
This was a heartwarming story. Ella and Boyd have both suffered blows in their past which make them wary of connecting with others. Single father Boyd figures he’ll be content enough with his 13 year old son Mason, his family, and their brewery. Ella throws herself into work, even when she trades being Head of Trauma in San Francisco for settling in Petaluma as an ER doctor.
Despite wanting to lick her wounds, Ella is befriended by Bri and Vienna and the rest upon arriving in town but she still holds back. She keeps her secrets to herself and there’s a lot in her life that simply isn’t up for discussion. That is, until Mason shows up to ask his dad for advice while Ella removes Boyd’s stitches.
This is how the story grows. As Ella connects with Mason, she begins to connect with Boyd and in the process, she becomes more connected to her own life and community. She becomes more empowered in every area of her life and this was incredible to see.
Boyd will admit he’s attracted to Ella but he’s not interested in a relationship. He doesn’t believe he can be both a good dad and a good boyfriend. Mason’s mom walked out of his life when Mason was a baby and he hasn’t had a relationship since and figures he can put one off for longer. But life has a funny way about it when it comes to our plans…and when it comes to the interference of teenage boys. Everyone in Ella and Boyd’s life thinks they could be a good pair but Mason is the only one that tries to lend a helping hand.
This is a love story, it’s true. But it’s not just the story of Ella and Boyd falling for one another. It’s a love story between them and their respective communities. It’s about the ways friends can be like family and family can go above and beyond in helping us and just how much we need one another. It’s about recognizing our worth and moving toward healthy people and cutting out the ones that are toxic.
Boyd and Ella have different wounds in their pasts. They have different work to do as a result. And it doesn’t always line up perfectly. Mistakes are made. Lines are drawn. But there is such good between these two and I was rooting for them the whole time. I loved seeing them take risks for one another and I loved the way they took care of one another and how they made it up to one another when they screwed up.
It felt just like a real relationship. I also really loved that Ella is 36 and Boyd is 37. (I also loved that Boyd was this big, burly man, pretty much my dream man!) I’m all in favor of love stories between people in their mid to late 30s! Please let there be more.
The way brewing figured into the story was both thoughtful and insightful. Not only because it’s Boyd’s passion and the business he shares with his brothers but because of the way the metaphor of brewing added to the story itself.
This book plain made me happy. There were times I ached for the characters but by and large, this was a fun, heartwarming read and I can’t wait to catch up on the 8 books that came before it. Clearly this can be read as a standalone and I’m glad for it.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a heartwarming story. Ella and Boyd have both suffered blows in their past which make them wary of connecting with others. Single father Boyd figures he’ll be content enough with his 13 year old son Mason, his family, and their brewery. Ella throws herself into work, even when she trades being Head of Trauma in San Francisco for settling in Petaluma as an ER doctor.
Despite wanting to lick her wounds, Ella is befriended by Bri and Vienna and the rest upon arriving in town but she still holds back. She keeps her secrets to herself and there’s a lot in her life that simply isn’t up for discussion. That is, until Mason shows up to ask his dad for advice while Ella removes Boyd’s stitches.
This is how the story grows. As Ella connects with Mason, she begins to connect with Boyd and in the process, she becomes more connected to her own life and community. She becomes more empowered in every area of her life and this was incredible to see.
Boyd will admit he’s attracted to Ella but he’s not interested in a relationship. He doesn’t believe he can be both a good dad and a good boyfriend. Mason’s mom walked out of his life when Mason was a baby and he hasn’t had a relationship since and figures he can put one off for longer. But life has a funny way about it when it comes to our plans…and when it comes to the interference of teenage boys. Everyone in Ella and Boyd’s life thinks they could be a good pair but Mason is the only one that tries to lend a helping hand.
This is a love story, it’s true. But it’s not just the story of Ella and Boyd falling for one another. It’s a love story between them and their respective communities. It’s about the ways friends can be like family and family can go above and beyond in helping us and just how much we need one another. It’s about recognizing our worth and moving toward healthy people and cutting out the ones that are toxic.
Boyd and Ella have different wounds in their pasts. They have different work to do as a result. And it doesn’t always line up perfectly. Mistakes are made. Lines are drawn. But there is such good between these two and I was rooting for them the whole time. I loved seeing them take risks for one another and I loved the way they took care of one another and how they made it up to one another when they screwed up.
It felt just like a real relationship. I also really loved that Ella is 36 and Boyd is 37. (I also loved that Boyd was this big, burly man, pretty much my dream man!) I’m all in favor of love stories between people in their mid to late 30s! Please let there be more.
The way brewing figured into the story was both thoughtful and insightful. Not only because it’s Boyd’s passion and the business he shares with his brothers but because of the way the metaphor of brewing added to the story itself.
This book plain made me happy. There were times I ached for the characters but by and large, this was a fun, heartwarming read and I can’t wait to catch up on the 8 books that came before it. Clearly this can be read as a standalone and I’m glad for it.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 16, 2017
NO Skimming this novel it was not an option!! My first Tracy Ewens read but I will say that she is an amazing story teller that held my interest to the very end. Characters Boyd, a Brew master, his son Mason, and Ella a trauma doctor grow and heal through each other. This is a stand-alone read even though it says it is #9. Both Boyd and Ella have had unlucky past romantic encounters and are struggling to be HAPPY. Just really enjoyed reading this one. "This book was provided by author through NetGalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion."
Want to read
November 16, 2017Can we just take a moment to appreciate beauty of this cover? I got it yesterday from NG and looks great in my dinosaur old tablet as well.
September 7, 2017
This is a new to me author. It looks like this is part of a series although I think all the books are stand alone. I grabbed this one based on the synopsis. Love single parent tropes and with a brewery in the background---I was one clicking.
Although the story follow a pretty simple and fairly common outline, I found myself really caught up in this small town and all the secondary characters. Honestly, this author needs to write everyone of those McNaughton brothers their own HEA. A family of beer making brothers--come on--a no brainer there! Hopefully the rest of the gang speaks to her so we can see more of Boyd and Ella as time goes on.
A bit of heartache, but mostly healing hearts, a quirky teenage boy, meddling family and great best friends. I enjoyed the older age group of this couple as well as their developing friendship before things went further. Enjoyable read!
*Complimentary copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
Although the story follow a pretty simple and fairly common outline, I found myself really caught up in this small town and all the secondary characters. Honestly, this author needs to write everyone of those McNaughton brothers their own HEA. A family of beer making brothers--come on--a no brainer there! Hopefully the rest of the gang speaks to her so we can see more of Boyd and Ella as time goes on.
A bit of heartache, but mostly healing hearts, a quirky teenage boy, meddling family and great best friends. I enjoyed the older age group of this couple as well as their developing friendship before things went further. Enjoyable read!
*Complimentary copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
September 1, 2017
I was surprised to see that Brew is under 300 pages; it feels much longer than that. The first 25% or so of the book is incredibly slow with lots of time being spent inside our two main characters heads as they ruminate and re-ruminate about their lives. When we finally get to the part where they've said more than a handful of words to each other, there is no chemistry. I found both Ella and Boyd to be dull.
I did, however, enjoy some of the secondary characters. Boyd's son, Mason, was the much needed comic relief and there were also cute moments between him and his father as well as him and Ella. I also liked Boyd's brothers, Cade and Patrick. They had some personality whereas I felt Ella and boyd had none.
I did, however, enjoy some of the secondary characters. Boyd's son, Mason, was the much needed comic relief and there were also cute moments between him and his father as well as him and Ella. I also liked Boyd's brothers, Cade and Patrick. They had some personality whereas I felt Ella and boyd had none.
January 18, 2019
More a 3.6
I liked it, both protagonists had interesting issues to deal with and the interactions between them and with other characters seemed well done.
However, the pace wasn't always a good one. I liked things happened slowly but the pace of the action and the pace of the character's emotional development wasn't a good match in my opinion.
Some thoughts they had were easy to understand. Some situations were sort of heavily discussed but I couldn't help to feel there was also some superficiality here and there... the end was sweet but could have been done better too.
I liked it, both protagonists had interesting issues to deal with and the interactions between them and with other characters seemed well done.
However, the pace wasn't always a good one. I liked things happened slowly but the pace of the action and the pace of the character's emotional development wasn't a good match in my opinion.
Some thoughts they had were easy to understand. Some situations were sort of heavily discussed but I couldn't help to feel there was also some superficiality here and there... the end was sweet but could have been done better too.
January 5, 2018
I was very pleasantly surprised with this book. At first I was a bit apprehensive about how a story with beer as the main premise could be interesting and get my attention, but once I started it, I didn't want to put it down. You'll fall in love with the multi-faceted characters and find yourself rooting for them. Definitely a book I will recommend to friends and family.
September 20, 2017
*** An ARC provided by the author for an honest review ***
Tracy Ewens is a new author for me and after reading Brew, I am definitely checking out her other installments. I am a huge fan of emotional romantic novels, and this was a quick read and one I think others will enjoy.
Brew follows the lives of Ella Walters and Boyd McNaughton. Dr. Ella Walters wanted to change things in her life. She needed to start over, but starting over can be hard. When she finds herself in the small town of Petaluma, she feels like she can finally make a new life and get the fresh start that she needs. She makes friends and her life new life is looking up, then fate makes an appearance in the form of Boyd McNaughton.
Boyd’s life is fine the way it is. His time is occupied raising his son and running his brewery. He doesn't need anything, or anyone else taking hours out of his day. He's content with his family and his business. One night in the presence of Dr. Ella Walters and he begins to rethink what life has in store for him.
Brew is packed with a whirlwind of emotions. Tracy gives you a look at how the forgiveness of others and the meaningful friendships can shape your life. Ella and Boyd show the obstacles a relationship faces in the early stages and a look at the experiences of finding a love you didn't think you could have again.
I thoroughly enjoyed every second of reading Brew. If you are looking for a light and emotional romantic novel, then you need to check out Tracy's new release. I give 4 stars to Brew!
Tracy Ewens is a new author for me and after reading Brew, I am definitely checking out her other installments. I am a huge fan of emotional romantic novels, and this was a quick read and one I think others will enjoy.
Brew follows the lives of Ella Walters and Boyd McNaughton. Dr. Ella Walters wanted to change things in her life. She needed to start over, but starting over can be hard. When she finds herself in the small town of Petaluma, she feels like she can finally make a new life and get the fresh start that she needs. She makes friends and her life new life is looking up, then fate makes an appearance in the form of Boyd McNaughton.
Boyd’s life is fine the way it is. His time is occupied raising his son and running his brewery. He doesn't need anything, or anyone else taking hours out of his day. He's content with his family and his business. One night in the presence of Dr. Ella Walters and he begins to rethink what life has in store for him.
Brew is packed with a whirlwind of emotions. Tracy gives you a look at how the forgiveness of others and the meaningful friendships can shape your life. Ella and Boyd show the obstacles a relationship faces in the early stages and a look at the experiences of finding a love you didn't think you could have again.
I thoroughly enjoyed every second of reading Brew. If you are looking for a light and emotional romantic novel, then you need to check out Tracy's new release. I give 4 stars to Brew!
May 22, 2019
So this took me a while to get in to, but when I did connect with the authors style I found myself totally invested in these rounded characters. Sometimes the self narrative went on a bit but the dialogue more than made up for it. Witty, real and engaging.
Boyd is a single father determined to ensure that his teenage son grows to be a well rounded, kind and strong young man. He is also determined that his brewery business with his brothers will not fail.
Ella is an accomplished trauma doctor, living a quiet, yet fulfilling life working in the ER of the small town hospital... it’s no where near the hustle and drama of her Previous post but it is a world away from her failed embarrassments and controlling, unfeeling family.
A deep hand laceration, 20 teenage questions and a lot of self doubt ensures that Boyd and Ella start to form an interesting if sometimes bumpy relationship... but can her fear of connection and his fear of failure be put aside long enough for them to make a real go of it...
Ms Ewens is a new to me author, however I think I will continue to follow the Mcnaughton brothers as they totally captured my heart.
I received an arc from hidden gems and I am choosing to leave a review
Boyd is a single father determined to ensure that his teenage son grows to be a well rounded, kind and strong young man. He is also determined that his brewery business with his brothers will not fail.
Ella is an accomplished trauma doctor, living a quiet, yet fulfilling life working in the ER of the small town hospital... it’s no where near the hustle and drama of her Previous post but it is a world away from her failed embarrassments and controlling, unfeeling family.
A deep hand laceration, 20 teenage questions and a lot of self doubt ensures that Boyd and Ella start to form an interesting if sometimes bumpy relationship... but can her fear of connection and his fear of failure be put aside long enough for them to make a real go of it...
Ms Ewens is a new to me author, however I think I will continue to follow the Mcnaughton brothers as they totally captured my heart.
I received an arc from hidden gems and I am choosing to leave a review
September 2, 2017
I received a copy of this story from NetGalley for a honest review.
4 1/2 stars
This is my second Tracy Ewens story and both times I've really enjoyed them. This story is about Elle and Boyd, two very enjoyable characters. Elle has moved to the small town of Petaluma because she pretty much got burned out and had no life in San Fransisco, I love stories that involve a person re-evaluating their life because they are not happy and so they seek change. Boyd on the other hand has what seems like a full life with his son and his brothers, yet as we see this is not entirely true. I loved reading about these two falling in love, I loved the fact they didn't jump into the relationship. Boyd annoyed me sometimes but he also touched my heart, Elle was great, feisty but not annoying. I also found all the secondary character's enjoyable and they added to the overall feel of the story. I'm looking forward to her next story.
4 1/2 stars
This is my second Tracy Ewens story and both times I've really enjoyed them. This story is about Elle and Boyd, two very enjoyable characters. Elle has moved to the small town of Petaluma because she pretty much got burned out and had no life in San Fransisco, I love stories that involve a person re-evaluating their life because they are not happy and so they seek change. Boyd on the other hand has what seems like a full life with his son and his brothers, yet as we see this is not entirely true. I loved reading about these two falling in love, I loved the fact they didn't jump into the relationship. Boyd annoyed me sometimes but he also touched my heart, Elle was great, feisty but not annoying. I also found all the secondary character's enjoyable and they added to the overall feel of the story. I'm looking forward to her next story.
November 11, 2020
Book three of the "Love Story" stories. The cover completely reeled me in but it was Tracy Ewens writing that ensnared me! If you are looking for a funny romantic story, Brew is definitely it. I really enjoy Tracy’s style of writing, and while it is not the usual story that I go for, it was definitely a welcome break from all the murder mysteries that I have been reading. I really liked that the characters, Boyd and Ella, are a little but older.
Ella, is a doctor who left the big city after being involved in a disastrous affair with another doctor. She meets Boyd, who is a master brewer with a teenage son, Mase, who is just delightful. What results in this book is that we experience the ups and downs of dating and falling in love. I honestly recommend this book and will definitely be reading more of Tracy’s books!
Ella, is a doctor who left the big city after being involved in a disastrous affair with another doctor. She meets Boyd, who is a master brewer with a teenage son, Mase, who is just delightful. What results in this book is that we experience the ups and downs of dating and falling in love. I honestly recommend this book and will definitely be reading more of Tracy’s books!
June 11, 2024
In all honesty, I picked up this book because I needed a brewer for a challenge. I'm so glad I did as I absolutely loved it from start to finish.
The characters are fantastic - Boyd, Patrick, Cade, Ella, Bri, Vienna and especially Mason, who utterly stole the show. They deal with real life, drama, family, disappointments and of course friendship and fun. The interactions between the brothers - Boyd, Patrick and Cade were spot on and hilarious at times. I loved that they picked at each other but no one ever got butt-hurt about it. It was all in fun and it came across that way as well. And the friendship between Ella, Bri and Vienna was spot on as well.
Ms. Ewens has a way with words and she certainly didn't hold back on the angst or the love. And that ending! A complete tear jerker. I can't wait to continue the series and see who she brings to the table for Patrick and Cade.
The characters are fantastic - Boyd, Patrick, Cade, Ella, Bri, Vienna and especially Mason, who utterly stole the show. They deal with real life, drama, family, disappointments and of course friendship and fun. The interactions between the brothers - Boyd, Patrick and Cade were spot on and hilarious at times. I loved that they picked at each other but no one ever got butt-hurt about it. It was all in fun and it came across that way as well. And the friendship between Ella, Bri and Vienna was spot on as well.
Ms. Ewens has a way with words and she certainly didn't hold back on the angst or the love. And that ending! A complete tear jerker. I can't wait to continue the series and see who she brings to the table for Patrick and Cade.
July 18, 2018
4.25 / 4 Stars
I accidentally read this series out of order (read Smooth before Brew), but that was fine. I've enjoyed both books...
Ella leaves the ER in San Fran and takes a job in a small town. She needed to get away from her life in SF and start over. Boyd is the brewmaster at Foghorn Brewery, a business that includes his brothers. He has an accident that requires a trip to the ER and Ella is the doctor who takes care of him.
Both Ella and Boyd have baggage and are reluctant to open their hearts, or move on from their past, as they should. Although there are issues from the past there isn't a ton of angst in the story, which I like. It's a slow burn romance between 2 people who have bruised hearts.
I accidentally read this series out of order (read Smooth before Brew), but that was fine. I've enjoyed both books...
Ella leaves the ER in San Fran and takes a job in a small town. She needed to get away from her life in SF and start over. Boyd is the brewmaster at Foghorn Brewery, a business that includes his brothers. He has an accident that requires a trip to the ER and Ella is the doctor who takes care of him.
Both Ella and Boyd have baggage and are reluctant to open their hearts, or move on from their past, as they should. Although there are issues from the past there isn't a ton of angst in the story, which I like. It's a slow burn romance between 2 people who have bruised hearts.
January 6, 2018
I WANT A BOYD!!! This story was a joy to read and I found myself smiling a few times. It's a quick read and sometimes that doesn't give the reader a chance to really enjoy the characters, but that's NOT the case here. There is just something about Boyd (maybe it's the single parent connection I felt with him) and Ella (maybe it's her struggle to be ALL IN) and Mase (maybe I mentally relate him to my own boys) that just truly enjoyed without feeling like they were too good to be true or cheesy. :-)
May 21, 2019
This wasn't a bad read. It did feel slow at times. Luckily Boyd's son Mason was a fun character. I did feel bad for Ella. Her family was terrible and I can understand why she didn't want anything to do with them. I was happy for the couple in the end. Although, I just wished that Boyd hadn't been so stubborn and let it drag on for so long.
June 30, 2018
DNF. Got a third of the way through and was super bored.
September 21, 2025
I am enjoying Tracy Ewens’ “A Love Story” series which are Stan’s-alone books often with connected characters. These are full of real characters - nothing cardboard - sometimes in tough situations needing strength and resolve and vulnerability to move through. Fortunately, Ms. Ewens has a light, compassionate touch with hope and friendship foundational.
May 16, 2025
Boyd’s an idiot but it was good.
September 16, 2017
This author once again serves up a sweet blend of romance with a heaping dose of relationship uncertainty angst. The first 40% or so was mostly main couple inner monologues as these two, perfect for each other knuckleheads try to reason and rationalize the feelings brewing inside and between them. They both seem set on convincing their heads and hearts that true love is too messy and complicated for their hectic lives.
Ella is an ER doctor who has jumped off the fast track of success to hopefully get some needed life perspective and slow things down a bit, much to the perpetual disappointment of her selfish, uncaring, elitist family. Still reeling from hurt and betrayal two years ago, she finds herself unable to resist falling for Boyd and his 12 year old son, Mason. Surprisingly, she’s the one who mans up more than once and puts her heart on the line.
Boyd is a single father in a small town trying to juggle a job and fatherhood to a 12 year old boy. He foolishly thinks a relationship will just get in the way of what needs to be his sole focus in life, Mason. Deep down though, he has an even greater fear, falling for someone then having to endure watching them walk away again. Let me warn you upfront. It causes him to do quite a bit of hand wringing and a knucklehead moment or two.
With writing that flows, this slow burn romance finally starts to smoulder after quite a bit of circling around each other with a first kiss at the 45% point. However, it continues to be a rocky road right up until the finish line. The main couple do spent some smexy time together, but it is not overly done, folks. The majority of the book focuses on their relationship angst, with the hero being the most conflicted.
If you like a sweet romance in a small town setting that does not have steamy scenes hijacking the storyline, you might want to consider this new release by Tracy Ewens.
Romance Safety Gang:
Title: Brew, Series: Love Story (Book 9), Author: Tracy Ewens, Pages: 304, stand-alone but part of a series, afraid to love hero, reluctant at first heroine, a few not overly graphic steamy scenes, lots of relationship angst, ex-boyfriend appearance, a few cameos of baby mama, no love triangle, no cheating, both have been celibate for quite awhile, great cast of sub-characters, pushes her away, some knucklehead moments.
Book 1 - Premiere
Book 2 - Candidate
Book 3 - Taste
My review - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Book 4 - Reserved
My review - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Book 5 - Stirred
My review - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Book 6 - Vacancy
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Book 7 - Playbook
Book 8 - Exposed
Book 9 - Brew
(I received a free advanced reader copy via NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. No type of compensation was given to this reviewer. There is no relationship/affiliation between the reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)
Ella is an ER doctor who has jumped off the fast track of success to hopefully get some needed life perspective and slow things down a bit, much to the perpetual disappointment of her selfish, uncaring, elitist family. Still reeling from hurt and betrayal two years ago, she finds herself unable to resist falling for Boyd and his 12 year old son, Mason. Surprisingly, she’s the one who mans up more than once and puts her heart on the line.
Boyd is a single father in a small town trying to juggle a job and fatherhood to a 12 year old boy. He foolishly thinks a relationship will just get in the way of what needs to be his sole focus in life, Mason. Deep down though, he has an even greater fear, falling for someone then having to endure watching them walk away again. Let me warn you upfront. It causes him to do quite a bit of hand wringing and a knucklehead moment or two.
With writing that flows, this slow burn romance finally starts to smoulder after quite a bit of circling around each other with a first kiss at the 45% point. However, it continues to be a rocky road right up until the finish line. The main couple do spent some smexy time together, but it is not overly done, folks. The majority of the book focuses on their relationship angst, with the hero being the most conflicted.
If you like a sweet romance in a small town setting that does not have steamy scenes hijacking the storyline, you might want to consider this new release by Tracy Ewens.
Romance Safety Gang:
Title: Brew, Series: Love Story (Book 9), Author: Tracy Ewens, Pages: 304, stand-alone but part of a series, afraid to love hero, reluctant at first heroine, a few not overly graphic steamy scenes, lots of relationship angst, ex-boyfriend appearance, a few cameos of baby mama, no love triangle, no cheating, both have been celibate for quite awhile, great cast of sub-characters, pushes her away, some knucklehead moments.
Book 1 - Premiere
Book 2 - Candidate
Book 3 - Taste
My review - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Book 4 - Reserved
My review - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Book 5 - Stirred
My review - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Book 6 - Vacancy
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Book 7 - Playbook
Book 8 - Exposed
Book 9 - Brew
(I received a free advanced reader copy via NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. No type of compensation was given to this reviewer. There is no relationship/affiliation between the reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)
March 29, 2018
Brew: A Love Story by Tracy Ewens is a contemporary romance. Boyd McNaughton is working on balance. He is a father, a brewmaster, and the oldest brother of four. When he’s not running Foghorn Brewery with two of his brothers, his days are packed with carpools, teenage angst, and well-intentioned school moms determined to send him on the perfect blind date. After a simple argument ends with a visit to the emergency room, Boyd discovers the one thing he’s been neglecting, his life. Ella Walters is working on connection. Having grown up in a less-than-affectionate family of overachievers, she moved to Petaluma for a slower pace and to escape her past. She has friends now instead of accolades, chooses chocolate croissants over super foods, and cherishes the peace that’s replaced the drama. Sure, she occasionally misses the buzz of the San Francisco General Hospital ER, but Ella is learning that navigating a fuller life can be just as exciting. When Boyd’s son, Mason, seeks out Dr. Ella for “advice” and Boyd stumbles all over her newly healed heart, she finds herself longing for something she never knew existed. But families are messy, and they’ll both need to let go of the past if they want to find a future that’s more than by the book.
Brew: A Love Story is a modern romance full of the trials of connection and letting go. None of us come into a new relationship without our past shaping how we see things and react, this is particularly true with the main players of this story. Ella comes to the story with a less than pleasant family, and something that sent her running from her perfectly ordered life. She is just starting to let people in, and start feeling with the help of great friends. Boyd is a dad first, and everything else second. When he took charge of raising his son he did everything he could o give Mason the best life he could, but things are changing, because Mason is growing up (as they tend to) faster than he is really prepared for. Neither Boyd or Ella is quite ready to jump on in, but their attraction and the support of those around them urge them in the right direction. Now they each just need to get out of their own heads and pasts, and work on figuring out what they want and need. I love the reality of this story, because none of use are in a vacuum. Family, past troubles, friends, and everything around us effects how we interact with others and perceive he world. I love that there was movement in the relationships and characters around them as well, showing just how fluid and changeable life really is. Boyd and Ella each have things to work out, and those that support them and give them the straight talk that they occasionally need to open their eyes. The honesty and heart break her was very well done, and while there were moments when I wanted to kick one or both of them, I was glad to see them find their way.
Brew: A Love Story is a heart warming story of two people finding each other, and themselves. I enjoyed the read, and hope to explore more from this author in the near future.
Brew: A Love Story is a modern romance full of the trials of connection and letting go. None of us come into a new relationship without our past shaping how we see things and react, this is particularly true with the main players of this story. Ella comes to the story with a less than pleasant family, and something that sent her running from her perfectly ordered life. She is just starting to let people in, and start feeling with the help of great friends. Boyd is a dad first, and everything else second. When he took charge of raising his son he did everything he could o give Mason the best life he could, but things are changing, because Mason is growing up (as they tend to) faster than he is really prepared for. Neither Boyd or Ella is quite ready to jump on in, but their attraction and the support of those around them urge them in the right direction. Now they each just need to get out of their own heads and pasts, and work on figuring out what they want and need. I love the reality of this story, because none of use are in a vacuum. Family, past troubles, friends, and everything around us effects how we interact with others and perceive he world. I love that there was movement in the relationships and characters around them as well, showing just how fluid and changeable life really is. Boyd and Ella each have things to work out, and those that support them and give them the straight talk that they occasionally need to open their eyes. The honesty and heart break her was very well done, and while there were moments when I wanted to kick one or both of them, I was glad to see them find their way.
Brew: A Love Story is a heart warming story of two people finding each other, and themselves. I enjoyed the read, and hope to explore more from this author in the near future.
May 17, 2019
Tracy Ewens, ‘Brew: a love story’.
As an Hidden Gem 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: Romantic second chance love story .
Main characters:
- Boyd McNaughton (37).
Living in a small city, Petaluma (CA). With his brothers, Patrick and Cade, he just started the Foghorn Brewery. He has a son, Mason, who is 13 years old. The mother of his son, Claire, left him when Mason was a 6 month old baby. Boyd being a single dad, did a good job to raise his son with love.
- Ella Walters (36).
Doctor in Petaluma. Settled in this little city near Sonora after a bad break up with her colleague/boyfriend and hating the stress of her work in the trauma center San Francisco General.
Boyd and Ella meet when Boyd cut his hand while preparing the brewery for the grand opening. It’s a difficult start of their acquaintance. Boyd is ill-tempered because of his painful wound and Ella’s very tired and has little patience after a shift of 24 hours. Their second meeting (to remove the stitches) goes better. Boyd’s son Mason (13) is with him; Ella and his son have a click when Ella gives him a sound advice how to treat a girl he has a crush on.
The author, Tracy Owens, describes with feeling how - with ups and downs - Boyd and Ella’s relationship develops. Both have negative experiences with relations in their past and hesitations to commit in a permanent relationship. Mason is a successful go-between.
Sometimes this reader didn’t quite understand Boyd’s doubts: one moment he doesn’t dare to say ‘I love you’ when his feelings are very clear and - while there’s hardly a chance in the situation - shortly thereafter he asks Ella to marry him. We just keep it up: I’m a man, so I’ve too little sense of romantic complications.
But all in all, for me, ‘Brew’ was a charming, well written book.
R.Huiszoon.
As an Hidden Gem 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: Romantic second chance love story .
Main characters:
- Boyd McNaughton (37).
Living in a small city, Petaluma (CA). With his brothers, Patrick and Cade, he just started the Foghorn Brewery. He has a son, Mason, who is 13 years old. The mother of his son, Claire, left him when Mason was a 6 month old baby. Boyd being a single dad, did a good job to raise his son with love.
- Ella Walters (36).
Doctor in Petaluma. Settled in this little city near Sonora after a bad break up with her colleague/boyfriend and hating the stress of her work in the trauma center San Francisco General.
Boyd and Ella meet when Boyd cut his hand while preparing the brewery for the grand opening. It’s a difficult start of their acquaintance. Boyd is ill-tempered because of his painful wound and Ella’s very tired and has little patience after a shift of 24 hours. Their second meeting (to remove the stitches) goes better. Boyd’s son Mason (13) is with him; Ella and his son have a click when Ella gives him a sound advice how to treat a girl he has a crush on.
The author, Tracy Owens, describes with feeling how - with ups and downs - Boyd and Ella’s relationship develops. Both have negative experiences with relations in their past and hesitations to commit in a permanent relationship. Mason is a successful go-between.
Sometimes this reader didn’t quite understand Boyd’s doubts: one moment he doesn’t dare to say ‘I love you’ when his feelings are very clear and - while there’s hardly a chance in the situation - shortly thereafter he asks Ella to marry him. We just keep it up: I’m a man, so I’ve too little sense of romantic complications.
But all in all, for me, ‘Brew’ was a charming, well written book.
R.Huiszoon.
May 21, 2019
Both Boyd and Ella are having bad days when they meet in Petaluma's ER. Boyd has a large gash in his hand that he got while working on perfecting a new brew for his and his brothers’ new brewery. Ella is at the end of a double shift, and she sent the nurse she was working with home. All she wants is the finish up, get out of the hospital, and move on to her bagel. Boyd is also a single dad of a 13-year-old son, and the younger man gets some good advice from the doctor when his father returns for his stitch removal.
If you're expecting a typical romance with a fair amount of angst and excitement, this is a meandering tale that not only looks at the couple and their evolving relationship but also the hero's and heroine’s relationships with friends and family. It ends up making a story feel more organic and natural than what is usually presented in romances. Both the leads have complicated pasts, and while they are good at their jobs and other areas of their lives, the romantic aspect has taken a back seat for both of them for a long time. There are definitely some great characters here beyond the hero and heroine, and I would be interested to read their stories. I particularly liked Vienna.
I am a registered nurse, and I didn't feel like hospital life was accurately depicted in this book, but despite this, I feel that the book is a good read in terms of the romance and relationships.
I was initially drawn to this book because of where it took place. My father grew up in Petaluma, and I spent many childhood days in that town. It has changed so much in my lifetime, but I think the author has done a good job of portraying this small town that has turned into a suburban city.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
If you're expecting a typical romance with a fair amount of angst and excitement, this is a meandering tale that not only looks at the couple and their evolving relationship but also the hero's and heroine’s relationships with friends and family. It ends up making a story feel more organic and natural than what is usually presented in romances. Both the leads have complicated pasts, and while they are good at their jobs and other areas of their lives, the romantic aspect has taken a back seat for both of them for a long time. There are definitely some great characters here beyond the hero and heroine, and I would be interested to read their stories. I particularly liked Vienna.
I am a registered nurse, and I didn't feel like hospital life was accurately depicted in this book, but despite this, I feel that the book is a good read in terms of the romance and relationships.
I was initially drawn to this book because of where it took place. My father grew up in Petaluma, and I spent many childhood days in that town. It has changed so much in my lifetime, but I think the author has done a good job of portraying this small town that has turned into a suburban city.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
October 4, 2017
“There’s bad and good in everything. It’s like beer.”
“Of course, it is.”
“You have malt, which can be wheat or barley. I’ll always choose barley, but that’s not the point. The malt is the sweet. It’s usually a pretty color and it smells good when it’s milled. But no one makes a beer with only malt. If they do, they’re idiots because it’s so syrupy it has no right to be called beer. Any brew master will tell you the key to a good beer is balance, so you add hops. Hops are funky looking, sticky to touch when it’s wet, and bitter. It takes down the sweetness of anything. There’s all kinds of other crap that needs to be adjusted too, but you get the point.”
Sweet, cozy, and just the perfect read I didn't know I needed! This is a lovely standalone about letting go of the past and letting in love. My favorite takeaway from the book was that settling on being "fine" in order to avoid being hurt by someone again just means you're hurting yourself.
While I loved the themes, it was the characters that really made this book. I especially loved the interactions between Boyd, Ella and Mason. I also liked that both Boyd and Ella realized that they needed to change, and I liked that Ella It felt like there was a lot of growth on both sides. I also loved Boyd's brothers and am looking forward to reading more about Trick and Cade!
This is a clean romance (of the fade-to-black type) but the description of their attraction and kisses (especially that first one, wow!) was plenty spicy for me.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 18, 2018
A wonderful single father love story.
Why do I always wait so long to read a new book by Tracy Ewens? (I've had this one for several months and got derailed by a hurricane back in September 2017.) I love her writing and every single book that I've read in her "A Love Story" series has been at least a 4-star read for me.
The "A Love Story" series books are somewhat connected but also stand alone. Brew begins a new group of stories about brothers who own Foghorn Brewery. Each brother will get a book. If you haven't read any of the others in the series, Brew would be a great place to start.
Boyd is a single father trying to raise his son and maintain balance in his life. Ella is a doctor who moved to Petaluma to get away from a disaster of a relationship. Boyd and Ella meet when he goes to the ER after cutting his hand.
I'm a fan of slow-burn romance stories and this one is a gem. Boyd has neglected his personal needs in order to give all of his attention to his thirteen-year-old son. When he feels attracted to Ella he's not quite sure how to handle it; he's been out of the game too long.
There is a fair amount of angst to this story, but not too much in my opinion. Boyd screws things up royally with Ella and has to get advice from his brothers (even though he's the oldest) on how he can fix things.
I just can't say enough good things about this book and the entire series.
A review copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley but this did not influence my opinion or rating of the book.
Why do I always wait so long to read a new book by Tracy Ewens? (I've had this one for several months and got derailed by a hurricane back in September 2017.) I love her writing and every single book that I've read in her "A Love Story" series has been at least a 4-star read for me.
The "A Love Story" series books are somewhat connected but also stand alone. Brew begins a new group of stories about brothers who own Foghorn Brewery. Each brother will get a book. If you haven't read any of the others in the series, Brew would be a great place to start.
Boyd is a single father trying to raise his son and maintain balance in his life. Ella is a doctor who moved to Petaluma to get away from a disaster of a relationship. Boyd and Ella meet when he goes to the ER after cutting his hand.
I'm a fan of slow-burn romance stories and this one is a gem. Boyd has neglected his personal needs in order to give all of his attention to his thirteen-year-old son. When he feels attracted to Ella he's not quite sure how to handle it; he's been out of the game too long.
There is a fair amount of angst to this story, but not too much in my opinion. Boyd screws things up royally with Ella and has to get advice from his brothers (even though he's the oldest) on how he can fix things.
I just can't say enough good things about this book and the entire series.
A review copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley but this did not influence my opinion or rating of the book.
March 2, 2018
A sweet and tender story
3.5 stars
Ella is a doctor in a small city hospital and loves it. She used to to be big time at a big city hospital but circumstances caused her to re-evaluate her priorities. It’s in this capacity that she first meets Boyd and all her girly bits start to flutter. He’s big, broad, sexy and makes her want to be feel again. She’s not sure she ever wants to give her heart away again, but a girl can dream!
Boyd is struck stupid when he first meets Ella. She’s gorgeous and her smile brightens up his day. But, after considering the time he spends raising his teenage son, crafting the next great brew (hence this book’s name) and opening a restaurant with his brothers, his life is full. Perhaps not completely fulfilling, but you can’t have everything you want; or so he keeps telling himself. So, for now, he’ll keep Ella at arms length.
But outside forces (namely Boyd’s son Mason, Boyd’s brothers and various friends of Ella’s) have decided that these two should be together and will do their part to help them get their happily ever after.
This was a lovely book that handled self doubt, past relationship baggage and anxiety well. I do wish we got to know more about Ella’s family, in particular her sister.
(And, if there isn’t a book about how Vienna and Thad hooked up, please consider writing one! I need to know more about the resident baker/bakery owner and fire chief!)
3.5 stars
Ella is a doctor in a small city hospital and loves it. She used to to be big time at a big city hospital but circumstances caused her to re-evaluate her priorities. It’s in this capacity that she first meets Boyd and all her girly bits start to flutter. He’s big, broad, sexy and makes her want to be feel again. She’s not sure she ever wants to give her heart away again, but a girl can dream!
Boyd is struck stupid when he first meets Ella. She’s gorgeous and her smile brightens up his day. But, after considering the time he spends raising his teenage son, crafting the next great brew (hence this book’s name) and opening a restaurant with his brothers, his life is full. Perhaps not completely fulfilling, but you can’t have everything you want; or so he keeps telling himself. So, for now, he’ll keep Ella at arms length.
But outside forces (namely Boyd’s son Mason, Boyd’s brothers and various friends of Ella’s) have decided that these two should be together and will do their part to help them get their happily ever after.
This was a lovely book that handled self doubt, past relationship baggage and anxiety well. I do wish we got to know more about Ella’s family, in particular her sister.
(And, if there isn’t a book about how Vienna and Thad hooked up, please consider writing one! I need to know more about the resident baker/bakery owner and fire chief!)
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