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Sin and Tonic #4

Hot and Bothered

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A drunk, crying bride in a bar. That was me, after running away from my own wedding.

Luckily, the handsome bartender took pity on me.

He dragged me home to sleep it off. He fed me breakfast the next day. He listened to my sob story. And, when he found out what happened, he offered me a place to stay.

So now I’m temporary roommates with a hot, sympathetic, hot, generous, and did I mention *hot* bartender.

I’ve never felt this way about someone before. I’ve never had such confusing, exhilarating feelings. All of a sudden, being temporary roommates isn’t enough.

I know I can’t rely on his kindness forever, though. After all, I’m supposed to get married. My parents will never forgive me if I don’t. I have a life I need to get back to.

But how am I supposed to let him go when he gets me so hot and bothered?

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Published October 1, 2020

41 people are currently reading
120 people want to read

About the author

Athena Wright

51 books585 followers
Athena Wright is a USA Today Bestselling author of New Adult Romance. She loves to write about cocky rock stars and the women who tame their wild hearts. Hobbies include cooking, eating, and living out her rock star dreams at karaoke bars. Athena is perpetually on the hunt for her next caffeine fix.

Want a free taste of Athena's writing? You can receive an exclusive Newsletter-Only ebook, Hard Rock Poet, for free. Just subscribe and tell Athena where to send it. You'll also be notified of new book releases. https://athenawright.com/poet-sign-up

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for B. C. Booklover.
784 reviews55 followers
October 13, 2020
I love the concept of the Sin and Tonic series, it's been so much fun, especially since you never know which of Athena Wright's previous characters might show up for a drink, or an impromptu jam session. These love stories, each one unique and different, all center around this beautiful upscale bar, live music, game nights and an interesting group of clientele along with the people that work hard behind the scenes to make it all happen. What will it be this time in book 4- Hot and Bothered? 

It's just a night like any other, until soft hearted bartender, Evan, becomes the man of the hour as he rescues a woman from herself, dressed for a wedding that didn't happen...he's like her unexpected knight in shining armour.

Alice doesn't know what to do now that there's no one to turn to for help except a handsome stranger who she really hopes is as nice as he seems.  She'd been raised in a wealthy family, was sheltered and had everything done for her, now she's afraid to just live and be happy. 

Evan is a willing guide, vowing to help this helpless young woman who really doesn't know much at all about everyday life, it seemed. They're both hiding things in their lives from the other, so what will happen when it all comes to a head?  Watching these two as they fumbled their way through this budding relationship, one misstep at a time had me wondering more than once ...how Alice could be this clueless.

I enjoyed seeing old friends from other S & T stories popping in to lend some advice or words of wisdom to Alice and Evan, which at times they definitely needed! Getting another glimpse into the lives of those characters, further down the road of life, was a real plus for me in this latest Sin and Tonic book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book to read and this is my unbiased review of it.
Profile Image for Karin.
2,178 reviews
October 13, 2020
Alice meets Evan as a runaway bride and he’s the bartender who decides she needs protection and offers her a place to stay and try to get her back on her feet. For someone who was so sheltered she finally got the freedom she craved. Super cute story
Profile Image for Comfy Couch Book Reviews.
633 reviews47 followers
October 19, 2020
The Sin and Tonic series is a great sequel to Athena's Rock Star romances. Each story is different and features the staff that work at this awesome bar and of course you never know which rock star might show up! Once started Hot and Bothered it was impossible to put down. It was an unusual theme featuring a runaway bride and a knight in shining armour but it is a love story that will make you laugh, feel all the emotions and maybe even inspire you.

I have to admit that I really didn't feel so sorry for Alice at the beginning, she came across as a spoilt brat without a brain unable to do anything for herself, but she was determined to make a new life for herself. Evan is the hot and sexy bartender who offers to help her get back on her feet by giving her a job and a place to stay and they begin to fall for each other

Although Alice's flaws show on the surface, Evan keeps his hidden until a family drama brings them to the surface. Suddenly he is the one needing help and Alice is there to support him. Together they are able to overcome their problems and find happiness. It is a great "coming of age story" mostly for Alice as she very quickly learns to navigate life without her parents backing, but also for Evan as he learns that he does not have to do it all alone. Athena has written a heartwarming love story that will make you smile.
Profile Image for Kara Quade.
620 reviews4 followers
October 20, 2020
Alice is drowning her sorrows at Sin and Tonic after fleeing her wedding after she realizes she cannot marry a man she doesn't love for the sake of a business merger between the two families. When her credit cards are declined, Alice realizes her parents have cut her off, and she has no where to go. Sin and Tonic bartender, Evan, comes to Alice's rescue after she passes out in his arms. Evan offers Alice a place to stay and a job until she can get back on her feet. The chemistry between Evan and Alice slow burning and hot. Will Alice realize she is stronger than she thinks? Will Alice find that her knack for numbers can help Mason with his bookkeeping? Will Evan open up to Alice about his mother's illness? I love Athena Wright, and Hot and Bothered is another fantastic story in the Sin and Tonic series that has great characters who have their ups and downs but come out stronger together. I would highly recommend getting Hot and Bothered by Athena Wright. I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest review.
Profile Image for Anna Theurer (Anna's Bookshelf).
774 reviews59 followers
October 10, 2020

This author has been a favorite of mine for a while now as she consistently and expertly utilizes her superb writing style to create a story that is both original and interesting. Hot and Bothered is not overly angsty, but rather contains the perfect amount of drama mixed in with romance and steam. The way the author introduces the heroine is positively perfect. I immediately wanted to know more about Alice and what exactly her story was.

Alice and Evan’s characters are beautifully flawed, but relatable and easy to love. Thus this book was an enjoyable read that captured my attention and melted my heart. Going into this novel, I thought it a bit odd (and questionable) that a man would offer his spare room to a complete stranger & that a woman would accept rooming with an unknown male, but as I discovered more about the characters and their personalities, it just made sense.

I adored Evan’s kind-hearted nature and how supportive he was of Alice. Sure, he had his flaws, but it was what made him human. As for Alice, I loved watching how she grew as a character. Her path to self discovery and gaining confidence was great to witness. Evan and Alice make a great couple and have great chemistry. Their past experience played into some poor communication that threatened to unravel their burgeoning relationship, but these two were also able to bring out the best in each other.

The book flowed well for the most part, but I did find the ending a little rushed. Still, I really enjoyed this romance. While Hot and Bothered is a part of a series, it is able to stand on its own. It was lovely to see a few cameos from the characters in the previous 2 books. If you are looking for an engaging novel to lift your spirits and leave you swooning, then be sure to check out this book!
Profile Image for Paulette.
737 reviews20 followers
October 17, 2020
I read this book in one sitting I enjoyed it so much. It’s a fast read and will capture your attention as well as your heart. I immediately fell in love with Evan. However, he is a guy with his own issues and demons. Watching Alice blossom and come into her own was exhilarating and empowering. I would’ve liked it if this book was even longer. I didn’t want to let this couple go.
I want to talk about the story but I don’t do spoilers because I don’t think it’s fair to the author. I will tell you to read it for your own enjoyment. You won’t be sorry. At first I thought Evan was the hero of this story but the true heroine is Alice! What I most liked about this is it seems like an honest story. The characters reactions were ones you could actually identify with. I am hoping there’s another book in this series and also that I see these two characters again as well as Evans sister, Christie. Trust me you get all the feels and even get the villains. Although, I didn’t like Alice’s parents, I really detested her sister. I wouldn’t have minded seeing her get her comeuppance more. Well done Athena!
Profile Image for Jennifer G.
2,881 reviews54 followers
October 16, 2020
Take one drunk runaway bride and a kind, reserved bartender, mix in family drama and explosive chemistry and you have Hot and Bothered. Alice has never lived by herself, acted on her own, or even made her own decisions. She has followed her parent's plans for her since day one, never thinking about what she may want until her wedding day. The day she panicked and ran embarrassing and angering her family. Evan is there for her from the moment he first sees her. His patience, support, and kindness are unmatched but he won't share the harder parts of her life. Once again someone is making decisions about what she should know and how she's supposed to be.

I have loved this spin-off series but this book fell short for me. Alice was pitiful when we met her. A girl in her 20s with no skills, no ambition, no dreams, and no opinions. But so much fear and hesitancy. And Evan... He's a really good guy but one who won't open up and share his life. He wants superficiality. There was no communication, no depth to their relationship. In the end, there were declarations but no evidence that anything would change. Then it ended. I needed more.
188 reviews1 follower
October 12, 2020
This book by Athena Wright is like a fairytale to me. It's funny, well written and deals with real issues in an interesting way. I love the whole world and characters created in the Sin and Tonic series! It's a fairytale (to me) because I don't relate in any way to the characters in the book (this isn't a knock on the story, just my experiences). The heroine, Alice, is portrayed as totally incapable of doing anything due to being from a privileged family (think unable to boil water, wash dishes, never worked, etc). The situation reads a little bit unrealistic in her total lack of any life skills or survival instincts. The book opens with her sitting at a bar in her wedding dress and getting drunk. In enters our hot hero bartender, Evan, who saves the day and helps her when her credit cards are declined. He is almost too good to be true. In her own words she is like : "..a girl born a princess who has been forced to leave home and was now stuck doing manual labor..." (poor baby-right?) Hot and Bothered basically is our heroine's "coming of age" story with some hunky insta-love, family drama, and personal angst thrown in. The story is overall a fun screenshot in the Sin & Tonic world I love. Two lines from Alice and Evan describe the basic theme of the story: "They gave me anything I ever wanted."..."But they didn't give you what you needed." I received an ARC of this story to read and review.
904 reviews4 followers
October 18, 2020
Alice in "I Wonder?" Land

Alice is the runaway bride & is cut-off from her rich & entitled family ties. With no skills or how to cope with anything in the outside world, she has to choose whether to learn how to do menial work she had others do for her at the family home all her life or live on the streets with nothing. Landing at Sin & Tonic bar is where she lands her sorry butt & numbs her pain with liquor. With no money, Evan takes her home & takes care of her. She wonders a lot about herself, what to do & where Evan fits in her life.

A good story to read as one can't help but cheer Alice on & encourage her to take those baby steps in being independent & finding out what she is really good at. Having a goal & dreams are within her grasp & a HEA.

I volunteered to read this ARC & leave an honest review.
2,552 reviews22 followers
October 16, 2020
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "HOT AND BOTHERED" Alice comes from a very wealthy family and is expected to marry she's been sheltered her whole given anything and everything she ever wanted but she run from her own wedding.
Evan sees a young woman at his bar sobbing and getting drunk he goes to see if she's OK listens to her sob story feeling sorry for her he offers her a room at his til it wants off.
I loved how kind hearted Evan was with Alice hearing about her life story and helping to grow what her parents did for her wasn't what she needed she was willing to do things she's never done before to experience a different way of life.
Alice & Evan had great chemistry a few bumps miscommunication in their relationship both had secrets in their past with the help & advice from old friends she became stronger and he more willing to talk things out.
I definitely recommend to get this book full of drama, some humor, hot steamy scenes, so well worth the read I loved Evan & Alice together they were good for one anther a very enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Heather.
247 reviews2 followers
October 17, 2020
I love Athena's Sin and Tonic series and this book just adds to the already great reads she has produced. Hot and Bothered is book number four in the series, however it can be read as a standalone. I suggest reading the whole series though as you will see those other characters appear throughout the series. This book was a really interesting read with a runaway bride and a hot bartender, Alice and Evan. They end up becoming temporary roommates, and their chemistry is undeniable. Now Alice has a choice to make, does she go back to the life she knows and get married or does she take a major leap and stick with the hot bartender.

The writing, plot, and characters in this book are all truly amazing! 5 stars for sure!!!
Profile Image for Maria.
631 reviews29 followers
October 18, 2020
Alice is a runaway bride. Coming from a rich and sheltered family, she feels that her act of abandoning her future husband at the altar will have serious consequences. What she doesn’t know is that act will give her a chance to meet a wonderful guy, who will help her build her confidence and start a new life. Evan is the typical great guy with a big heart. When Alice stumbles in his bar, he feels that she needs someone to depend upon. With sweetness and encouragement, they both become great friends but soon they will both realize that there is more than just friendship. An enjoyable read of two souls that finally meet and build a great relationship together.
1,177 reviews4 followers
October 16, 2020
Alice is a run away bride ; dress and all, when she meets Evan . Evan , the bartender, where Alice has a mini melt down offers her a place to stay.
Alice is a shelter rich girl who has been controlled her whole life by her parents . This includes who she should marry.
Watching these impromptu roomies get to know each other was fun. Both characters have family issues and well as miscommunication issues that cause drama but nothing too overwhelming.
The characters are vulnerable, flaws and relatable in many ways.
Another great addition to this series. I am volunteering to leave a review for this book
Profile Image for Emily.
142 reviews4 followers
October 17, 2020
Another Athena Wright Winner

I’ve been a fan of Athena’s books and this story in her Sin and Tonic series is a hit. Her heartwarming characters and emotional tale allows you to feel everything they are. The ups the downs and the beautiful make ups are pure gold.

A must read and can be read as a stand-alone. But be forewarned, you will be hooked. And that’s not a bad thing.

♥️♥️♥️♥️
1,758 reviews12 followers
October 17, 2020
If it feels wrong, it is, if it feels right, it is...
This was a tender healing story with a twist. A privileged runaway about to be bride found herself getting drunk in a bar without money or sanity. She was given a lifeline but she knew nothing about sweeping floors, waiting tables, washing glasses & dishes etc. The bartender helped her find a new life & so much more, phew! I received an arc & this is my honest & voluntary review.
4,145 reviews25 followers
October 14, 2020
Exciting reconstruction
I loved the beginning of this excellent romance : Alice has run away from her arranged marriage and understands that she has absolutely nothing left as her life depended on her parents. After ending drunk in a bar, she is supported by the entire team of strangers who work there and help her rebuild, including Evan.
The story is tender, but also hot and it is very well written to describe the psychological state in which Alice is to rebuild herself and understand what she expects for her life. I liked this character a lot, more than Evan's who seemed to have gone from the attentive man, to a wall.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
Profile Image for Shelley Chastagner.
2,729 reviews38 followers
October 13, 2020
Alice is the poster child for the poor little rich girl. I liked that she understood how privileged she was and it impressed me that she was willing to really try to do things she never had before. Washing dishes, cooking, and customer service were new to her but she tried. Evan is struggling with his family and seems determined to compartmentalize them aside from his everyday life. The biggest problem is their communication issues. Both of them reacted at moments like petty children. It was great that they were willing to ask for forgiveness. Evan’s sister was a lovely addition to the story along with our favorites from past books.
Profile Image for Maria.
892 reviews7 followers
October 15, 2020
Alice just ran out of her own wedding the groom picked by her parents. She end up in a bar Sin and Tonic and the hot bartender Evan is so sweet to take her to his home after she got to much to drink. He offers her a job at the bar and invites her to stay in his apartment. The chemistry between the two of them is strong and soon they end up together. But Evan has his own problems and Alice has her parents to deal with. Is there hope for the two of them ? I loved this sweet romantic story. Evan is a dream guy and perfect for Alice. I loved it
Profile Image for Mindy.
1,117 reviews
October 15, 2020
Good read

Alice finds herself in a predicament, sitting in a strange bar drunk, wearing a wedding dress, no money and no home, really at a crossroads in her life. Evan's protective instinct went off went the runaway bride passes out at his feet. To Alice everything is going too well, she's waiting for the other shoe to drop. Can the girl that was given everything all her life survive working? Fun entertaining read with humor, steam and feels!

Volunteer KU based review
164 reviews3 followers
October 18, 2020
Hot and Bothered will take you on a journey of enlightenment as the hero helps the heroine find her voice and the happily-ever-after they deserve.
164 reviews3 followers
October 18, 2020
Hot and Bothered will take you on a journey of enlightenment as the hero helps the heroine find her voice and the happily-ever-after they deserve.
933 reviews7 followers
October 10, 2020
This felt a bit like a coming of age story for Alice. She starts as a runaway bride, drowning her sorrows at Sin and Tonic where she meets bartender Evan. His protective instincts immediately kick in when he sees what shape she is in and he ends up offering her a place to stay and a job to get her back in her feet. However Alice has lived an extremely sheltered life, she has wanted for nothing, yet never been able to speak up or stand up for herself.

Evan is the happy go lucky guy, happy to look after everyone else, but never wants to talk about himself or his family. They start to build a close bond, yet communication issues from both sides lead them to doubt their growing feelings for one another. They made a very cute couple and I was happy to see the progression Alice had made as a person, where she was able to stand up for herself and go after what she really wanted. Great read.
Profile Image for Kim.
600 reviews
October 14, 2020
Evan starts out being the guy every girl would want as their boyfriend- sweet, attentive, caring but life events happen and his flaws really come out to shine. Alice is a runaway bride who has grown up with a silver spoon in her mouth and zero life lessons learned. She is so naive in the ways of the world it’s scary. The love story of these two is sweet, how patient and encouraging Evan is majority of time, and how fiercely loyal Alice is makes them both endearing. Good easy read that can be read as a stand-alone.
508 reviews2 followers
October 15, 2020
I was surprised by how engross in this story I became, as Alice’s character isn’t something that I thought I would enjoy. But I really did enjoy how determined and courageous she was, as she learned how to be independent. Evan’s character also very easy to become attached to, he was very quiet and patient, which was hiding the stress he had with trying to deal with personal family issues. Over all I enjoyed this sweet romance HEA.
909 reviews6 followers
October 15, 2020
Alice and Evan. Where do I start? They are a cute couple. He is sweet and she is a disaster but still sweet, trying to break away from her rich, controlling family. It’s a sweet romance, but I felt like it didn’t have enough grit. I would call this a beach read. Kinda lazy, but cute. I received this ARC at no cost in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Cat.
2,196 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2020
Alice is a runaway bride,drowning her sorrows after leaving a bad situation .
Evan is the sexy bartender listening to her woes,were he offers her his help...and from there they embark on a journey together.
I loved reading their budding roommates romance,they are obviously attracted to one another and have amazing chemistry.
I adored Evan he is such a lovely,kind hearted guy and Alice although naive at first grew so much throughout the story and gained a confidence that she never possessed before meeting Evan.
I really enjoyed this book Athena as always captivated me with her words and wrote a beautiful,heartfelt ,sexy and sweet story that I highly reccommend.
Profile Image for Melissa Ledet.
2,144 reviews13 followers
October 15, 2020
Great Read

Love Alice and Evan’s story. Love how Alice starts living her life for herself and with Evan’s help becomes a better person. Love how she involved herself with his family and supported him.
47 reviews
October 15, 2020
I've read all the books in this series. They are all good, but this one for me, didn't quite live up to the 5 stars I normally give Athena's books. Evan and Alice are good characters, but they just didn't do it for me.
Profile Image for Jolene St Germain Triggs.
762 reviews9 followers
October 11, 2020
Hot and Bothered is a very apt title for this! Alice and Evan are the perfectly imperfect pair this author writes so well. Plenty of steam with these two as well as a happy world to get lost in for a few hours! I thought Evan's kind heart made him the perfect guy for Alice! Alice had her flaws but that just made her all the more relatable. Happy to see a few familiar faces pop up (if you read her previous books but if you did'nt it wouldn't take away from this story at all) just overall this book leaves you with a smile on your face!
Profile Image for Kimberly.
1,215 reviews
October 12, 2020
A woman in a wedding dress walks into a bar.. that sounds more like the beginning of a joke than Alice's life at the moment, but life didn't hand Alice lemons she got the whole dang tree. Cut off from all she knows she is determined not to run home with her tail between her legs. Taken in by a really hot bartender who has secrets he has been keeping Alice needs to decide for herself what she wants from life. Strength, courage to be who she is, love with her whole heart this is a fantastic book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews

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