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Swizzle Stick Romance #1
Shaken or Stirred
The only girl in a house of boys, Julia Martini worked extra hard to get noticed. That has made her business-minded and driven, and she’s determined to turn her family’s struggling bar around. Simple. All she has to do is remodel, re-staff, and rebrand the place, work insane hours and ignore the sexy blonde who comes in to...she’s flirting, right? ’Cause Julia’s rusty and has zero time for dating, even if their chemistry is off-the-charts steamy.
Savannah McNally’s needs always come last. A caretaker by trade, she also takes care of her widowed dad, her brother, her sister, and everybody else on the planet, it seems. When her dad finally starts dating, Savannah can focus on her own life for once—her career, her house, maybe even that super-hot bartender at Martini’s who has her thinking naughty thoughts.
When family feuds are exposed and a popular blog trashes the bar, the weight of business decisions, family loyalty, and life in general may outweigh their attraction that could lead to more.
Cover Artist: Ann McMan
Genres: Contemporary / Romance
86,000 words
Savannah McNally’s needs always come last. A caretaker by trade, she also takes care of her widowed dad, her brother, her sister, and everybody else on the planet, it seems. When her dad finally starts dating, Savannah can focus on her own life for once—her career, her house, maybe even that super-hot bartender at Martini’s who has her thinking naughty thoughts.
When family feuds are exposed and a popular blog trashes the bar, the weight of business decisions, family loyalty, and life in general may outweigh their attraction that could lead to more.
Cover Artist: Ann McMan
Genres: Contemporary / Romance
86,000 words
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 10, 2021
41 people are currently reading
565 people want to read
About the author
Georgia Beers
61 books1,505 followersLambda and Golden Crown Literary Award-winning author Georgia Beers lives in Rochester, New York. She has been writing for as long as she can remember, and published her first lesbian novel in 2000.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
June 17, 2024
**'Get rid of cliches. Always remember, structure is the key to having a really good narrative..'
Okay read!
Wasn't great but a good enough start to this 'Swizzle Stick Romance' series. Julia meets Savannah, falls in love, there's a bit of family drama, everything gets mediated, then they venture into coupledom.
Okay read!
Wasn't great but a good enough start to this 'Swizzle Stick Romance' series. Julia meets Savannah, falls in love, there's a bit of family drama, everything gets mediated, then they venture into coupledom.
July 30, 2021
4.5 Stars
“Shaken or Stirred” is the first book in Georgia Beers’ new Swizzle Stick Romance series. I don’t always love series but I was very excited when I heard about this one. Georgia has proven to be a consistent writer and this is no different.
Julia Martini comes from a large Italian family and has recently bought and remodeled her family’s bar, aptly named Martini’s. Savannah McNally is a home health nurse who is busy taking care of everyone. They meet when Savannah takes a rare night off to have a night out. There are immediate sparks but both are just too busy for love right now.
Beers sometimes asks questions on Twitter/Facebook and I think she honestly listens to the replies. Because here we have a rare book that doesn’t contain the ever-present black moment at the 80-90% mark. “Shaken or Stirred” isn’t a romance that has no issues, there are some, but they’re outside issues.
This is the epitome of a sweet romance. Julia and Savannah are attracted to each other pretty instantaneously and they slowly get to know one another. Their biggest hurdles are themselves and the priorities they have. Julia is very dedicated to her bar and being a small business owner. She spends almost all her waking moments at her bar trying to make it as successful as possible. She has no time for romance or so she thinks. Savannah is also very busy. Not only does she have her nursing job she also has two siblings and her father that she feels she needs to take care of.
I also want to mention the cousins, who are stars in their own upcoming books. I absolutely loved them! Vanessa and Amelia have big roles as Julia’s family/best friends and sometimes they have to deliver the hard truths. I can’t wait to for them to find their own loves, especially Amelia.
If you’re looking for a lot of excitement and thrills or lots of angst you may want to look elsewhere. This is chock full of sugary sweet romance that will leave you grinning at your kindle while you melt inside. Highly recommend!
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
“Shaken or Stirred” is the first book in Georgia Beers’ new Swizzle Stick Romance series. I don’t always love series but I was very excited when I heard about this one. Georgia has proven to be a consistent writer and this is no different.
Julia Martini comes from a large Italian family and has recently bought and remodeled her family’s bar, aptly named Martini’s. Savannah McNally is a home health nurse who is busy taking care of everyone. They meet when Savannah takes a rare night off to have a night out. There are immediate sparks but both are just too busy for love right now.
Beers sometimes asks questions on Twitter/Facebook and I think she honestly listens to the replies. Because here we have a rare book that doesn’t contain the ever-present black moment at the 80-90% mark. “Shaken or Stirred” isn’t a romance that has no issues, there are some, but they’re outside issues.
This is the epitome of a sweet romance. Julia and Savannah are attracted to each other pretty instantaneously and they slowly get to know one another. Their biggest hurdles are themselves and the priorities they have. Julia is very dedicated to her bar and being a small business owner. She spends almost all her waking moments at her bar trying to make it as successful as possible. She has no time for romance or so she thinks. Savannah is also very busy. Not only does she have her nursing job she also has two siblings and her father that she feels she needs to take care of.
I also want to mention the cousins, who are stars in their own upcoming books. I absolutely loved them! Vanessa and Amelia have big roles as Julia’s family/best friends and sometimes they have to deliver the hard truths. I can’t wait to for them to find their own loves, especially Amelia.
If you’re looking for a lot of excitement and thrills or lots of angst you may want to look elsewhere. This is chock full of sugary sweet romance that will leave you grinning at your kindle while you melt inside. Highly recommend!
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2021
Martini bar.
This is the first book of A Swizzle Stick Romance and I'm stoked that Beers decided to do another series. Beers wanted to do a family series this time so this one is about the queer cousins of the Martini family - i.e. Julia, Vanessa and Amelia - who will have a book each about them. The first one is Julia's story. She has taken over her uncle's bar and is now running it and Savannah is a customer. The attraction between them is instant, they hit it off and they are super sweet.
While Julia and Savannah's feelings for each other are straightforward, circumstances don't make it easy all the time. Family plays a big part in shaping these two women and family dynamics affect them in ways that are not always good. But instead of giving us frustrating main characters or a storyline filled with bad decisions, Beers give us really likeable characters and delivers the story gently with minimal heartbreak. Cousins Amelia and Vanessa play big roles in this book too, being Julia's support and voices of reason when she needed them, and I like them already. This is good because it paves the way for the next few books. I also like the idea of having the bar as a constant hangout place in this series.
Beers has never disappointed me. Her stories are always great and I'm excited to read the other books in the series. What a strong start!
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book of A Swizzle Stick Romance and I'm stoked that Beers decided to do another series. Beers wanted to do a family series this time so this one is about the queer cousins of the Martini family - i.e. Julia, Vanessa and Amelia - who will have a book each about them. The first one is Julia's story. She has taken over her uncle's bar and is now running it and Savannah is a customer. The attraction between them is instant, they hit it off and they are super sweet.
While Julia and Savannah's feelings for each other are straightforward, circumstances don't make it easy all the time. Family plays a big part in shaping these two women and family dynamics affect them in ways that are not always good. But instead of giving us frustrating main characters or a storyline filled with bad decisions, Beers give us really likeable characters and delivers the story gently with minimal heartbreak. Cousins Amelia and Vanessa play big roles in this book too, being Julia's support and voices of reason when she needed them, and I like them already. This is good because it paves the way for the next few books. I also like the idea of having the bar as a constant hangout place in this series.
Beers has never disappointed me. Her stories are always great and I'm excited to read the other books in the series. What a strong start!
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2021
**Time for a reminder. I rate books based on how much I enjoy them, not on how much I think they deserve**
Georgia Beers is one of my favorite writers. She has the amazing ability to arouse feelings with the most simple open and shut stories. Here she is doing it once again in “Shaken or Stirred”. In this particular book Beers introduces us to two lovable women who, with the help of incredible writing, you just can’t help but want them together. If you’re looking for a sweet heartwarming romance without all the angst and drama, then this is for you.
This book follows Julia, a new bar owner, and Savannah, a health nurse who takes care of the people she loves. At first meeting these two have an immediate spark, something that made me very impressed was the author’s finesse in doing this with so little build up. The atmosphere/ setting she created with that one meeting just by her writing alone is admirable.
We’re taken on an adventure with these two characters as they learn to put themselves first. Julia struggles to put her needs in front of the bar’s. While Savannah struggles to put her needs in front of her family’s.
I enjoyed this book. As I said before Miss Beers always manages to provoke feelings with the most simplistic and predictable plots ever and I always enjoy her books. To me they are the definition of a light read on a busy day.
However, I imagine for some people the simplicity of it all may be a bit boring. So if you’re the type of reader who enjoy thrilling, exciting and dramatic adventures, I feel safe saying that this book probably isn’t for you.
That being said! If you’re ever looking for a break from those kinds of things, then don’t hesitate to pickup a Georgia Beers book!
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the Arc in return for the honest review.
Georgia Beers is one of my favorite writers. She has the amazing ability to arouse feelings with the most simple open and shut stories. Here she is doing it once again in “Shaken or Stirred”. In this particular book Beers introduces us to two lovable women who, with the help of incredible writing, you just can’t help but want them together. If you’re looking for a sweet heartwarming romance without all the angst and drama, then this is for you.
This book follows Julia, a new bar owner, and Savannah, a health nurse who takes care of the people she loves. At first meeting these two have an immediate spark, something that made me very impressed was the author’s finesse in doing this with so little build up. The atmosphere/ setting she created with that one meeting just by her writing alone is admirable.
We’re taken on an adventure with these two characters as they learn to put themselves first. Julia struggles to put her needs in front of the bar’s. While Savannah struggles to put her needs in front of her family’s.
I enjoyed this book. As I said before Miss Beers always manages to provoke feelings with the most simplistic and predictable plots ever and I always enjoy her books. To me they are the definition of a light read on a busy day.
However, I imagine for some people the simplicity of it all may be a bit boring. So if you’re the type of reader who enjoy thrilling, exciting and dramatic adventures, I feel safe saying that this book probably isn’t for you.
That being said! If you’re ever looking for a break from those kinds of things, then don’t hesitate to pickup a Georgia Beers book!
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the Arc in return for the honest review.
August 10, 2021
3.5⭐️ – Julia Martini’s whole life is the bar she bought from her uncle and which she feels a responsibility to her family to make thrive. Her father’s approval means the world to her and she really really doesn’t have time for a relationship. Which becomes a problem when Savannah McNally walks into Martini’s and Julia’s traitorous heart starts making demands.
Georgia Beers writes wonderful and relatable characters I can’t help root for even when they act as idiots. This book is absolute instalust, that second you see someone for the first time and your heart misses a beat. Because the author is Georgia Beers, it’s both hot and sweet.
Both MCs’ families are very important to the story, in different ways. Julia’s Italian family is huge and mostly supportive but her daddy issues tend to take over. By her side, always, are her cousins and best friends Vanessa and Amelia – who will star in future books. The trio of cousins is the family equivalent of the group of friends and I loved all three women. I’m looking forward to Amelia’s and Vanessa’s stories.
Savannah’s family has its own issues, her father is experiencing the first signs of dementia, her brother is failing at battling addiction and her younger sister seems to get along surprisingly well with their father’s new girlfriend, leaving Savannah unsettled.
I really enjoyed getting to know both families and the way Beers writes the push and pull, the ambivalent feelings, the love and sense of duty her characters feel experience.
Honestly, this is not Beers’ best writing – and I’m going to blame the pandemic for that. Even so, it’s all very charming and the characters are endearing enough that I’m really looking forward to the other two books in this series.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Georgia Beers writes wonderful and relatable characters I can’t help root for even when they act as idiots. This book is absolute instalust, that second you see someone for the first time and your heart misses a beat. Because the author is Georgia Beers, it’s both hot and sweet.
Both MCs’ families are very important to the story, in different ways. Julia’s Italian family is huge and mostly supportive but her daddy issues tend to take over. By her side, always, are her cousins and best friends Vanessa and Amelia – who will star in future books. The trio of cousins is the family equivalent of the group of friends and I loved all three women. I’m looking forward to Amelia’s and Vanessa’s stories.
Savannah’s family has its own issues, her father is experiencing the first signs of dementia, her brother is failing at battling addiction and her younger sister seems to get along surprisingly well with their father’s new girlfriend, leaving Savannah unsettled.
I really enjoyed getting to know both families and the way Beers writes the push and pull, the ambivalent feelings, the love and sense of duty her characters feel experience.
Honestly, this is not Beers’ best writing – and I’m going to blame the pandemic for that. Even so, it’s all very charming and the characters are endearing enough that I’m really looking forward to the other two books in this series.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2021
3.5 stars. A sweet and low angst romance in which family plays in important role. After having a bad experience with martini in my youth I decided to stay away from this drink from hell, no matter how sophisticated James Bond makes it out to be, but this book almost tempted me to try out some martini-based cocktails. Emphasis on almost though, can’t have it all;)
Having Martini as a surname begs to open a bar, so that’s exactly what Julia does. Not just a bar at that, no it’s one refined in the art of mixology. (I was wondering how Georgia Beers’ research was done and how she was able to write this book after doing that particular research.) The bar is Julia’s baby and she has the support of her best friends, her two cousins Vanessa and Amelia. Julia has no time to date, she’s way too busy with the bar, until she meets Savannah, maybe she can make a small exception.
This was no slow burn romance, in fact the level of insta-lust was a bit high for my taste. They were thinking and fantasizing about each other before they even had an actual conversation (unless you call ordering a drink a conversation). Furthermore, both their friends were immediately shipping them and I just could not understand what all that was based on. A slower build-up would have been more believable to me, but they are super cute together and I did find myself invested in their romance not long after. A major highlight of this book for me though, was Savannah’s storyline. Savannah lives in a complex family situation where her mother has died at a young age and Savannah has been the (emotional) caretaker of her brother, sister, and even her dad, ever since. During the story she’s faced with some changes in her family situation and I liked how she comes to terms with them and how she goes through different emotional stages.
I mentioned low angst, and it really is. The romance between Julia and Savannah does have its ups and downs, but there is no forced 80% conflict, kudos for that. Beers also aimed for more diversity by adding a POC (Tiffany) as Savannah’s best friend, which is excellent, but unfortunately it felt slightly strained. The attention was directed to Tiffany’s skin color several times and I generally don’t pick up on these things easily, but I noticed.
Several Martini family members play an important role in this book and the idea to have three cousins and give each of them their own love story is fun. The cousins have very different personalities and complement each other and I look forward to the stories of Vanessa and Amelia. Especially the one from Amelia, her sad and somewhat grumpy demeanor makes me curious about what goes on in her head. All in all, this feelgood story is a good start of a new series, recommend!
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Having Martini as a surname begs to open a bar, so that’s exactly what Julia does. Not just a bar at that, no it’s one refined in the art of mixology. (I was wondering how Georgia Beers’ research was done and how she was able to write this book after doing that particular research.) The bar is Julia’s baby and she has the support of her best friends, her two cousins Vanessa and Amelia. Julia has no time to date, she’s way too busy with the bar, until she meets Savannah, maybe she can make a small exception.
This was no slow burn romance, in fact the level of insta-lust was a bit high for my taste. They were thinking and fantasizing about each other before they even had an actual conversation (unless you call ordering a drink a conversation). Furthermore, both their friends were immediately shipping them and I just could not understand what all that was based on. A slower build-up would have been more believable to me, but they are super cute together and I did find myself invested in their romance not long after. A major highlight of this book for me though, was Savannah’s storyline. Savannah lives in a complex family situation where her mother has died at a young age and Savannah has been the (emotional) caretaker of her brother, sister, and even her dad, ever since. During the story she’s faced with some changes in her family situation and I liked how she comes to terms with them and how she goes through different emotional stages.
I mentioned low angst, and it really is. The romance between Julia and Savannah does have its ups and downs, but there is no forced 80% conflict, kudos for that. Beers also aimed for more diversity by adding a POC (Tiffany) as Savannah’s best friend, which is excellent, but unfortunately it felt slightly strained. The attention was directed to Tiffany’s skin color several times and I generally don’t pick up on these things easily, but I noticed.
Several Martini family members play an important role in this book and the idea to have three cousins and give each of them their own love story is fun. The cousins have very different personalities and complement each other and I look forward to the stories of Vanessa and Amelia. Especially the one from Amelia, her sad and somewhat grumpy demeanor makes me curious about what goes on in her head. All in all, this feelgood story is a good start of a new series, recommend!
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 25, 2021
4.5 stars.
I don't think I've ever come across a book by Georgia Beers that I've not loved! Shaken or stirred is the first installment of her new series. And it was fab!
Julia Martini is the only girl in a house of boys, she works extra hard to get noticed. She's worked hard and is determined to turn her family's struggling bar around. All she needs to do is remodel, restaff and rebrand the place, work insane hours and ignore the ladies.
Enter one evening, Savannah Mcnally.... she also puts her own needs last. She's a caretaker by trade, she takes care of her widowed father, her brother who is as an addiction, and her little sister. As well as everyone else around her. Once her dad starts dating again, Savannah can focus on her own life for once, her career, her home, and maybe the bartender from Martinis, who she can't seem to get out of her head.
Like most of Georgia Beers books, you'll get the banter, the family feuds as well as the family loyalties and sizzling romance. There is great chemistry between Julia and Savannah, it's there almost instantly but there is also a slow burn there too as the pair get to no one another.
One of the reasons why I keep coming back to Beers books, there's always a good, solid relationship with families and friends within the storylines. Nearly every book I've read has always included these relationships. For me, it makes the book stand out, gets me more deeply involved, and keeps me turning the pages.
I'm looking forward to the next book
I was given an ARC for an honest review
I don't think I've ever come across a book by Georgia Beers that I've not loved! Shaken or stirred is the first installment of her new series. And it was fab!
Julia Martini is the only girl in a house of boys, she works extra hard to get noticed. She's worked hard and is determined to turn her family's struggling bar around. All she needs to do is remodel, restaff and rebrand the place, work insane hours and ignore the ladies.
Enter one evening, Savannah Mcnally.... she also puts her own needs last. She's a caretaker by trade, she takes care of her widowed father, her brother who is as an addiction, and her little sister. As well as everyone else around her. Once her dad starts dating again, Savannah can focus on her own life for once, her career, her home, and maybe the bartender from Martinis, who she can't seem to get out of her head.
Like most of Georgia Beers books, you'll get the banter, the family feuds as well as the family loyalties and sizzling romance. There is great chemistry between Julia and Savannah, it's there almost instantly but there is also a slow burn there too as the pair get to no one another.
One of the reasons why I keep coming back to Beers books, there's always a good, solid relationship with families and friends within the storylines. Nearly every book I've read has always included these relationships. For me, it makes the book stand out, gets me more deeply involved, and keeps me turning the pages.
I'm looking forward to the next book
I was given an ARC for an honest review
April 28, 2022
I enjoyed this so much, and I kinda regret only reading it now... but I didn't want to wait for the next books, and so here I am lagging behind everyone else. Totally worth it 'cause I got all three books. Woot woot!
ANYWAY!!!!
Julia and Savannah were hot-t-t-T together. I really liked their banter and they just made me smile. The introduction to Vanessa and Amelia has me excited for the next two books in the Swizzle Stick series.
ANYWAY!!!!
Julia and Savannah were hot-t-t-T together. I really liked their banter and they just made me smile. The introduction to Vanessa and Amelia has me excited for the next two books in the Swizzle Stick series.
November 30, 2021
A new series with gay cousins and I’m so here for it! Shaken or Stirred is the first book in the Swizzle Stick Romance trilogy featuring cousins Julia, Vanessa, and Amelia Martini, respectively. I love this trio and am excited for Vanessa’s (On the Rocks) and Amelia’s stories because Vanessa is such a fun person who is an elementary school teacher and Amelia is in her late forties (48 in Shaken or Stirred) who takes zero bullshit. While Vanessa and Amelia seem to have more personality to them, Julia is... a business owner who is a workaholic. Maybe not the most intriguing character, her story was still an enjoyable one.
Julia Martini (38) just bought Martini’s from her uncle and reopened the bar. When Savannah McNally (34), who works as a caretaker, comes in for a drink one day, sparks fly. But there is something going on between the Martinis and McNallys on top of other issues within their own families. Will Julia and Savannah retreat to their comfort zones and miss out on this chance of love?
Before I get into the romance, I need to say that I love the theme of cocktails! Beers gave me a lot of drink ideas throughout this book and I need to do some experimenting with my liquor collection, including replacing cognac with bourbon for my sidecar recipe and having some fun with Godiva liqueur.
The mixology part of Shaken or Stirred is my favorite, and I also enjoyed a lot of the tender and cute moments between Julia and Savannah. Julia is clueless about dating and Savannah is sort of awkward, but together they are sweet. There is definitely a lot of potential for their story to be really romantic, but, for me, the family drama overshadowed the romance and I failed to feel chemistry between the two mains. Julia and Savannah also spent a lot of page time apart, so that might have been why I wasn’t too invested in their relationship.
I couldn’t quite understand the family members, especially Julia’s and Savannah’s fathers. The reasons behind their grudges are too weak (immature) for me to believe that those were the roots of some of the drama. Nevertheless, I did appreciate that Shaken or Stirred centered around families.
One last thing I wanted to mention is about the Black side character Tiffany (yes, I know Beers is trying). I have so many questions about Tiffany and Savannah’s conversations (especially the one that mentioned skin color) as well as why “white” was capitalized... But she’s a supportive and cool friend.
Now that we are introduced to this trio of cousins, I cannot wait for the rest of the series and watch Vanessa and Amelia find their own HEAs/HFNs, too!
content warnings: graphic sex, alcohol (recreational & abuse), addiction, blood, sexism, dementia, d-slur, acrophobia
Buddy read with Gabriella! Check out her review here!
I received a digital review copy from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Julia Martini (38) just bought Martini’s from her uncle and reopened the bar. When Savannah McNally (34), who works as a caretaker, comes in for a drink one day, sparks fly. But there is something going on between the Martinis and McNallys on top of other issues within their own families. Will Julia and Savannah retreat to their comfort zones and miss out on this chance of love?
Before I get into the romance, I need to say that I love the theme of cocktails! Beers gave me a lot of drink ideas throughout this book and I need to do some experimenting with my liquor collection, including replacing cognac with bourbon for my sidecar recipe and having some fun with Godiva liqueur.
The mixology part of Shaken or Stirred is my favorite, and I also enjoyed a lot of the tender and cute moments between Julia and Savannah. Julia is clueless about dating and Savannah is sort of awkward, but together they are sweet. There is definitely a lot of potential for their story to be really romantic, but, for me, the family drama overshadowed the romance and I failed to feel chemistry between the two mains. Julia and Savannah also spent a lot of page time apart, so that might have been why I wasn’t too invested in their relationship.
I couldn’t quite understand the family members, especially Julia’s and Savannah’s fathers. The reasons behind their grudges are too weak (immature) for me to believe that those were the roots of some of the drama. Nevertheless, I did appreciate that Shaken or Stirred centered around families.
One last thing I wanted to mention is about the Black side character Tiffany (yes, I know Beers is trying). I have so many questions about Tiffany and Savannah’s conversations (especially the one that mentioned skin color) as well as why “white” was capitalized... But she’s a supportive and cool friend.
Now that we are introduced to this trio of cousins, I cannot wait for the rest of the series and watch Vanessa and Amelia find their own HEAs/HFNs, too!
content warnings: graphic sex, alcohol (recreational & abuse), addiction, blood, sexism, dementia, d-slur, acrophobia
Buddy read with Gabriella! Check out her review here!
I received a digital review copy from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 16, 2021
So we're all a big fan of Georgia Beers, and there aren't many writers that are as consistent as she is when it comes to producing really enjoyable and fun stories as she has over the years. So I'm very excited that she is starting a new series in Shaken and Stirred. I don't think she has had an actual series since her Puppy Love books earlier in her writing career- and in my opinion she is an even better writer since then.
This series follows the Martini cousins- Julia, Vanessa, and Amelia and this follows Julia who has just reopened her families bar and is working day and night to make it successful. She meets Savannah McNalley and instantly they are very drawn together despite both leading very full lives- Savannah with her job as a nurse and taking care of her family as well. And to add some extra spice, there is some old family grudges from the McNalleys and Martini's as well that Julia and Savannah don't really know or care about- but their parents feel different.
This was a sweet little romance that was right up Beers' alley that I did enjoy even if it wasn't my favorite by hers. It was sweet and fun and I did find myself rooting for the characters and wanting them to be happy- but at the same time I just didn't feel nearly as wrapped up in either of them as much as I have been in other Beers books. I liked both Savannah and Julia, but I didn't love either.
Although I do actually really like the other cousins that will be featured in other parts of this series and I'm very excited for them- and I felt like this book is a great stepping stone into those stories that hopefully will draw me in significantly more.
I did like this book. It was sweet and a fun intro to a series I'm looking forward too, but it also wasn't my favorite either. 3.5/5
This series follows the Martini cousins- Julia, Vanessa, and Amelia and this follows Julia who has just reopened her families bar and is working day and night to make it successful. She meets Savannah McNalley and instantly they are very drawn together despite both leading very full lives- Savannah with her job as a nurse and taking care of her family as well. And to add some extra spice, there is some old family grudges from the McNalleys and Martini's as well that Julia and Savannah don't really know or care about- but their parents feel different.
This was a sweet little romance that was right up Beers' alley that I did enjoy even if it wasn't my favorite by hers. It was sweet and fun and I did find myself rooting for the characters and wanting them to be happy- but at the same time I just didn't feel nearly as wrapped up in either of them as much as I have been in other Beers books. I liked both Savannah and Julia, but I didn't love either.
Although I do actually really like the other cousins that will be featured in other parts of this series and I'm very excited for them- and I felt like this book is a great stepping stone into those stories that hopefully will draw me in significantly more.
I did like this book. It was sweet and a fun intro to a series I'm looking forward too, but it also wasn't my favorite either. 3.5/5
August 9, 2021
It’s been a while since Georgia Beers has written a book series, the last one being the Puppy Love Romances five years ago. This one, instead of being based on a group of friends, features three cousins from a big Italian family: Julia, Vanessa, and Amelia Martini. I think that’s a fantastic idea and I can’t wait to read them all.
Julia Martini is determined to transform the old family bar, Martini’s, into a thriving establishment. She’s too focused on her business to date anyone. Savannah McNally is a caretaker by profession and since her mother died, most of her life has been dedicated to taking care of others. When her father starts dating again, Savannah decides that now is the time to take care of herself and maybe try to date the hot bartender at Martini’s.
Shaken or Stirred is book one of three in the Swizzle Stick Romance series which follows the lives of the three Martini cousins. This installment features Julia, the new owner of Martini’s, a bar that has been in the family for two generations. In this novel, we are introduced to the three cousins who are so close to each other that they are more like siblings. Each one has a very distinct personality and they have perfect chemistry together.
It’s not the first time that Georgia Beers has explored the world of beverages. Blend, written in 2018, focuses on wines and A Little Bit of Spice (2015) on craft beers. This book presents the art of mixology, especially the different types of Martinis. Ms. Beers takes the reader to a mixology masterclass along with the inner workings of managing a bar which makes it a very interesting background for a romance novel.
Both main characters are very well written with their strengths and flaws. Julia, the hot bartender, is a workaholic with daddy issues, but she’s also loyal and family-oriented. Savannah is sweet and caring, but always putting the needs of everyone else before her own. Despite their own issues, they connect really well and their chemistry is hot. The book also presents a big cast of secondary characters, mostly extended family, who bring a feel of an authentic Italian clan: loud, overbearing but fiercely loyal.
The romance is a bit on the slow-burn side, which makes sense for this story. I appreciate that the author wasn’t tempted to quicken things without giving time for the characters to confront their own issues. It gave their story a complex but realistic feel. I personally liked Amelia’s character but we’ll have to wait until book three to find out how she finds love.
Overall, a sweet slow-burn romance with the world of mixology in the background. 4.5 stars.
Julia Martini is determined to transform the old family bar, Martini’s, into a thriving establishment. She’s too focused on her business to date anyone. Savannah McNally is a caretaker by profession and since her mother died, most of her life has been dedicated to taking care of others. When her father starts dating again, Savannah decides that now is the time to take care of herself and maybe try to date the hot bartender at Martini’s.
Shaken or Stirred is book one of three in the Swizzle Stick Romance series which follows the lives of the three Martini cousins. This installment features Julia, the new owner of Martini’s, a bar that has been in the family for two generations. In this novel, we are introduced to the three cousins who are so close to each other that they are more like siblings. Each one has a very distinct personality and they have perfect chemistry together.
It’s not the first time that Georgia Beers has explored the world of beverages. Blend, written in 2018, focuses on wines and A Little Bit of Spice (2015) on craft beers. This book presents the art of mixology, especially the different types of Martinis. Ms. Beers takes the reader to a mixology masterclass along with the inner workings of managing a bar which makes it a very interesting background for a romance novel.
Both main characters are very well written with their strengths and flaws. Julia, the hot bartender, is a workaholic with daddy issues, but she’s also loyal and family-oriented. Savannah is sweet and caring, but always putting the needs of everyone else before her own. Despite their own issues, they connect really well and their chemistry is hot. The book also presents a big cast of secondary characters, mostly extended family, who bring a feel of an authentic Italian clan: loud, overbearing but fiercely loyal.
The romance is a bit on the slow-burn side, which makes sense for this story. I appreciate that the author wasn’t tempted to quicken things without giving time for the characters to confront their own issues. It gave their story a complex but realistic feel. I personally liked Amelia’s character but we’ll have to wait until book three to find out how she finds love.
Overall, a sweet slow-burn romance with the world of mixology in the background. 4.5 stars.
August 12, 2021
This is the first book in the new series, Swizzle Stick Romance. It's a great book, and I'm already hooked to the rest of the series. I think the following books will tell the stories of Vanessa and Amelia, the other lesbians of the Martini family. We'll see.
August 27, 2021
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I’m a Beers fan, and I’ve enjoyed a great many of her stories, but I didn’t know how much I needed this book until I read it. There’s no big mystery here, no huge drama, no unrelenting miscommunication, it’s just a nice, simple story about two women who meet and fall in love.
This is book 1 in the Swizzle Stick series, about three cousins (Julia, Amelia and Vanessa) from a big Italian clan who are all gay and are also BFFs. This one features Julia, who has recently bought and renovated Martini’s, a long time family owned bar. The other MC is Savannah, a health care aide who also helped her father raise her younger siblings after her mother died and is still taking care of the family in various ways. Both women are lovely, sweet, interesting, love their families, they also have a lot in common and have FANTASTIC chemistry together. I also liked that both women just had normal jobs, and no wonderful pots of money that could just smooth over their problems.
The book unfolds over quite a long period, and the two get to know each other a bit before jumping into bed, and all of their interactions were funny, flirty, sweet or heartfelt. I also ADORED Amelia and Vanessa, often when there’s a series I can be not so fond of/interested in one of the other characters who will be an MC but I loved both of them and can’t wait to read their stories (Beers pretty much telegraphs who they’ll be matched up with).
There’s also a lot of other side characters in Savannah’s BFF and family and Julia’s immediate family and they all add to the story, though I could have done with the second incident with Savannah’s brother. Julia’s workaholic tendencies were also a bit annoying, but they were supposed to be and I loved how her family and Savannah handled them. There’s also a weird tangent involving a regular at the bar that honestly could have been left out and the book would have been better. I also thought that the issues both women had with their fathers were resolved a bit too quickly at the end, but it’s a minor quibble.
What I really liked about this is that the relationship was given time to breathe, and amazingly, there’s no stupid (and annoying) breakup contrivance at the 80% mark. There is drama, even between the leads, but in all instances they (gasp) talk it through!
If you’re after a nice, sweet read with fun, sweet, interesting characters, then this should hit the spot, it did for me. 4 stars.
I’m a Beers fan, and I’ve enjoyed a great many of her stories, but I didn’t know how much I needed this book until I read it. There’s no big mystery here, no huge drama, no unrelenting miscommunication, it’s just a nice, simple story about two women who meet and fall in love.
This is book 1 in the Swizzle Stick series, about three cousins (Julia, Amelia and Vanessa) from a big Italian clan who are all gay and are also BFFs. This one features Julia, who has recently bought and renovated Martini’s, a long time family owned bar. The other MC is Savannah, a health care aide who also helped her father raise her younger siblings after her mother died and is still taking care of the family in various ways. Both women are lovely, sweet, interesting, love their families, they also have a lot in common and have FANTASTIC chemistry together. I also liked that both women just had normal jobs, and no wonderful pots of money that could just smooth over their problems.
The book unfolds over quite a long period, and the two get to know each other a bit before jumping into bed, and all of their interactions were funny, flirty, sweet or heartfelt. I also ADORED Amelia and Vanessa, often when there’s a series I can be not so fond of/interested in one of the other characters who will be an MC but I loved both of them and can’t wait to read their stories (Beers pretty much telegraphs who they’ll be matched up with).
There’s also a lot of other side characters in Savannah’s BFF and family and Julia’s immediate family and they all add to the story, though I could have done with the second incident with Savannah’s brother. Julia’s workaholic tendencies were also a bit annoying, but they were supposed to be and I loved how her family and Savannah handled them. There’s also a weird tangent involving a regular at the bar that honestly could have been left out and the book would have been better. I also thought that the issues both women had with their fathers were resolved a bit too quickly at the end, but it’s a minor quibble.
What I really liked about this is that the relationship was given time to breathe, and amazingly, there’s no stupid (and annoying) breakup contrivance at the 80% mark. There is drama, even between the leads, but in all instances they (gasp) talk it through!
If you’re after a nice, sweet read with fun, sweet, interesting characters, then this should hit the spot, it did for me. 4 stars.
August 4, 2021
I know when I read a novel by Georgia Beers that I will be entertained, enchanted, and quite often enthralled. Of course, as soon as I heard that she was planning a series about three cousins finding their true love, I was ready and waiting to read.
The first book in the series, Shaken or Stirred, tells the story of Julia Martini and Savannah McNally. Julia is the new owner of a bar called…what else could it be…Martini’s, and seems to be spending every waking moment working to make the bar successful. Savannah is a home health care worker which suits her since she seems to be a caretaker for everyone she knows including her widowed father, sister and brother. The two women meet at Martini’s. There is chemistry between them from the start that grows as they gradually get to know each other. Unfortunately, there are problems that could derail their budding romance, including family baggage that both women carry.
This is a lovely character driven romance (my favorite kind). Not only are Julia and Savannah well-developed and perfect for each other, the secondary characters fit their roles in the story as well. There is just the right amount of angst in the tale; just enough to create conflict between Julia and Savannah. We also get to meet Julia’s cousins, Vanessa and Amelia, who will have their own stories in future novels. I really like the idea of introducing future main characters of a series in the first book. It makes me want to read these novels as soon as I can. I have to admit, that is a great marketing tool. It’s definitely worked with me, anyway. Not only did I love this first book in the “Swizzle Stick Romance” series, I’m looking forward to the rest of the books.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections: https://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
The first book in the series, Shaken or Stirred, tells the story of Julia Martini and Savannah McNally. Julia is the new owner of a bar called…what else could it be…Martini’s, and seems to be spending every waking moment working to make the bar successful. Savannah is a home health care worker which suits her since she seems to be a caretaker for everyone she knows including her widowed father, sister and brother. The two women meet at Martini’s. There is chemistry between them from the start that grows as they gradually get to know each other. Unfortunately, there are problems that could derail their budding romance, including family baggage that both women carry.
This is a lovely character driven romance (my favorite kind). Not only are Julia and Savannah well-developed and perfect for each other, the secondary characters fit their roles in the story as well. There is just the right amount of angst in the tale; just enough to create conflict between Julia and Savannah. We also get to meet Julia’s cousins, Vanessa and Amelia, who will have their own stories in future novels. I really like the idea of introducing future main characters of a series in the first book. It makes me want to read these novels as soon as I can. I have to admit, that is a great marketing tool. It’s definitely worked with me, anyway. Not only did I love this first book in the “Swizzle Stick Romance” series, I’m looking forward to the rest of the books.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections: https://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
July 16, 2021
I am so glad Georgia Beers announced in her acknowledgment that this was the first novel in a series about the cousins Julia, Vanessa and Amelia Martini. Once I finished Shaken or Stirred I could not wait to see how Vanessa and Amelia find their own happy ever after.
I am a huge fan of Ms Beers writing and have her complete collection of books in my library as proof. This being said, I found a new lightness and some darkness added into this novel. Both elements increased my reading pleasure by adding more depth and nuance to the novel.
You will be happy to know that Georgia’s trademark humorous dialogue is there in full force. Julia’s internal dialogue also contains some laugh out load portions which I always enjoy in romance novels.
Julia and Savannah’s romance happened in quick time in order to deal with the later obstacles Julia firmly holds in place. Love or at least huge attraction at first sight does happen in real life and I found this scenario to ring very true by the deftness of writing style. I was quickly drawn into the story from the first page and enjoyed the whole novel as I hope you will too.
I was give a free ARC of this novel by Net Galley for an honest review.
I am a huge fan of Ms Beers writing and have her complete collection of books in my library as proof. This being said, I found a new lightness and some darkness added into this novel. Both elements increased my reading pleasure by adding more depth and nuance to the novel.
You will be happy to know that Georgia’s trademark humorous dialogue is there in full force. Julia’s internal dialogue also contains some laugh out load portions which I always enjoy in romance novels.
Julia and Savannah’s romance happened in quick time in order to deal with the later obstacles Julia firmly holds in place. Love or at least huge attraction at first sight does happen in real life and I found this scenario to ring very true by the deftness of writing style. I was quickly drawn into the story from the first page and enjoyed the whole novel as I hope you will too.
I was give a free ARC of this novel by Net Galley for an honest review.
September 20, 2021
2.5 stars. I’m always happy to read a new Georgia Beers book, and I love that this is the first in a series featuring a trio of sapphic cousins! Unfortunately, the overwhelming feeling I have for Shaken or Stirred is just...fine, with a touch of disappointed.
Julia Martini (38, lesbian) is feeling lots of pressure as the new owner of Martini’s, her family’s bar. She wants to do everything right to impress her seemingly-disapproving father, so at work she takes on more than she should. Savannah McNally (34, lesbian) is also overworked, but in a different way. She assumed the role of a mother figure to her two younger siblings after her mother’s passing, and she’s starting to worry about her father, who seems to be in the early stages of dementia. The two women meet when Julia makes Savannah a cocktail at Martini’s, and since that night they can’t stop thinking about each other. But Savannah’s father is vocal about his disapproval of the Martini family, even though Savannah can’t coax a reason why out of him.
Julia is an okay character, I guess. Her main trait is definitely “workaholic” (at least from what we see of her in this book), but she can occasionally be playful and fun. She also has a bit of a judgmental vibe sometimes imo, especially when it comes to one of her coworkers’ physical appearance. I found Julia’s cousins, Amelia and Vanessa, so much more interesting, and whenever the three cousins are on page together, Amelia and Vanessa steal the show. Savannah is definitely my favorite of the two MCs. She’s relatable, quirky, and bighearted: a character type Beers writes very well.
Georgia Beers is great at writing romance, but this book just didn’t feel all that romantic. Sure there are some cute scenes between Savannah and Julia, including a fun spontaneous date, a caring-for-the-sick-person scene, and some tandem drink-mixing. But overall, I didn’t feel much romantic chemistry between the leads and found their relationship more lusty than anything. There’s also so much family stuff (aside from the cousins, who are great) going on — the mystery of why Julia’s father is so cold toward her, the other mystery of the Martini/McNally “feud,” Savannah’s anxiety over her brother struggling with addiction, and more — that I feel suffocates the main romance. The constant family drama on both sides is like an exhausting black cloud hanging over the romantic scenes, making them less enjoyable for me. And to make matters worse, none of the family sub-plots are resolved in a satisfying way for me, either.
This is also the fourth Georgia Beers book I’ve read in which one of the MCs has a Black best friend. Beers tries to incorporate slang(?) into the way these characters speak, and it’s especially noticeable here with Savannah’s best friend Tiffany. I googled the “Black best friend” trope, and Tiffany seemed to fit this to a T. There’s also a weird conversation about skin color between Savannah and Tiffany that felt…rather weird coming from a white author? Obviously I’m not the best judge of Tiffany's portrayal as a white person, but it did feel a bit off.
Overall, this definitely wasn’t my favorite Georgia Beers book, but it's not bad either. I’m looking forward to reading Vanessa’s and Amelia’s stories, which I’m sure I’ll enjoy a lot more!
Buddy read with Hsinju! Check out her review here.
content warnings: alcohol (recreational), alcoholism, d-slur, graphic sex, guilt, injury, loss of a parent to cancer (past), violence
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Julia Martini (38, lesbian) is feeling lots of pressure as the new owner of Martini’s, her family’s bar. She wants to do everything right to impress her seemingly-disapproving father, so at work she takes on more than she should. Savannah McNally (34, lesbian) is also overworked, but in a different way. She assumed the role of a mother figure to her two younger siblings after her mother’s passing, and she’s starting to worry about her father, who seems to be in the early stages of dementia. The two women meet when Julia makes Savannah a cocktail at Martini’s, and since that night they can’t stop thinking about each other. But Savannah’s father is vocal about his disapproval of the Martini family, even though Savannah can’t coax a reason why out of him.
Julia is an okay character, I guess. Her main trait is definitely “workaholic” (at least from what we see of her in this book), but she can occasionally be playful and fun. She also has a bit of a judgmental vibe sometimes imo, especially when it comes to one of her coworkers’ physical appearance. I found Julia’s cousins, Amelia and Vanessa, so much more interesting, and whenever the three cousins are on page together, Amelia and Vanessa steal the show. Savannah is definitely my favorite of the two MCs. She’s relatable, quirky, and bighearted: a character type Beers writes very well.
Georgia Beers is great at writing romance, but this book just didn’t feel all that romantic. Sure there are some cute scenes between Savannah and Julia, including a fun spontaneous date, a caring-for-the-sick-person scene, and some tandem drink-mixing. But overall, I didn’t feel much romantic chemistry between the leads and found their relationship more lusty than anything. There’s also so much family stuff (aside from the cousins, who are great) going on — the mystery of why Julia’s father is so cold toward her, the other mystery of the Martini/McNally “feud,” Savannah’s anxiety over her brother struggling with addiction, and more — that I feel suffocates the main romance. The constant family drama on both sides is like an exhausting black cloud hanging over the romantic scenes, making them less enjoyable for me. And to make matters worse, none of the family sub-plots are resolved in a satisfying way for me, either.
This is also the fourth Georgia Beers book I’ve read in which one of the MCs has a Black best friend. Beers tries to incorporate slang(?) into the way these characters speak, and it’s especially noticeable here with Savannah’s best friend Tiffany. I googled the “Black best friend” trope, and Tiffany seemed to fit this to a T. There’s also a weird conversation about skin color between Savannah and Tiffany that felt…rather weird coming from a white author? Obviously I’m not the best judge of Tiffany's portrayal as a white person, but it did feel a bit off.
Overall, this definitely wasn’t my favorite Georgia Beers book, but it's not bad either. I’m looking forward to reading Vanessa’s and Amelia’s stories, which I’m sure I’ll enjoy a lot more!
Buddy read with Hsinju! Check out her review here.
content warnings: alcohol (recreational), alcoholism, d-slur, graphic sex, guilt, injury, loss of a parent to cancer (past), violence
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2022
These days I come to Georgia Beers' books with a bit of trepidation. She's consistent and her books are well written by the genre's standard. But Beers has yet to really impress me--she's almost too comfortable in the formula. I'd like to see her take some more risks. So that's where I was when I started this book. After finishing the book, I can say that this was a step up from what I normally find in a Georgia Beers novel.
Okay, so Julia Martini has recently renovated Martini's, the bar that has been in her family for three generations but has struggled in recent years. She's the only daughter in a large Italian family, and she's especially close with two of her cousins. Family means everything to Julia and turning the bar around will not only keep her family's legacy intact, but it may repair her relationship with her father, whose behaviour toward his daughter changed when he found out she was gay.
Ever since her mother's untimely death, Savannah stepped in to take care of her family, most notably her much younger sister and brother. She dropped out of university to help her dad raise them, and nothing has been easy of her. Now, more than 10 years after her mother's death, her father is in the early stages of dementia and her brother is battling addiction.
Neither Julia nor Savannah have time for a relationship. But when Savannah and Julia meet at Martini's a mutual and unexpected attraction makes the best plans go awry really fast. Neither can stay away.
I really liked the chemistry between Julia and Savannah. I like the pace of their emerging relationship. I think the barriers they faced were real and not as contrives as they sometimes are in the genre. And I liked that Beers avoided a favorite--and tired--Bold Strokes Books plot device (don't worry, no spoilers here). One of my complaints about Beers is that she finishes her stories too quickly and then doesn't even give us an epilogue, but I didn't feel that way here. We get an epilogue!
I should also mention Julia's cousins, Vanessa and Amelia, who add so much to this novel. Given this is a series, I know we'll get to spend more time with them--and with Julia and Savannah too!
This was exactly what I wanted in a romance novel, and I was not disappointed. This is one of Beers' better books. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Okay, so Julia Martini has recently renovated Martini's, the bar that has been in her family for three generations but has struggled in recent years. She's the only daughter in a large Italian family, and she's especially close with two of her cousins. Family means everything to Julia and turning the bar around will not only keep her family's legacy intact, but it may repair her relationship with her father, whose behaviour toward his daughter changed when he found out she was gay.
Ever since her mother's untimely death, Savannah stepped in to take care of her family, most notably her much younger sister and brother. She dropped out of university to help her dad raise them, and nothing has been easy of her. Now, more than 10 years after her mother's death, her father is in the early stages of dementia and her brother is battling addiction.
Neither Julia nor Savannah have time for a relationship. But when Savannah and Julia meet at Martini's a mutual and unexpected attraction makes the best plans go awry really fast. Neither can stay away.
I really liked the chemistry between Julia and Savannah. I like the pace of their emerging relationship. I think the barriers they faced were real and not as contrives as they sometimes are in the genre. And I liked that Beers avoided a favorite--and tired--Bold Strokes Books plot device (don't worry, no spoilers here). One of my complaints about Beers is that she finishes her stories too quickly and then doesn't even give us an epilogue, but I didn't feel that way here. We get an epilogue!
I should also mention Julia's cousins, Vanessa and Amelia, who add so much to this novel. Given this is a series, I know we'll get to spend more time with them--and with Julia and Savannah too!
This was exactly what I wanted in a romance novel, and I was not disappointed. This is one of Beers' better books. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
January 24, 2022
Good first book in series. I liked the cousins/friend group that Beers has created. I'm already anticipating what is in store for these other characters in future books. The romance is cute. Though this was Julia Martini's story, I really took a liking to Savannah the most. She was full of backstory and depth. Dealing with so much heaviness. Definitely start this series, although I'm not sure I need to convince any of you to read Georgia Beers.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2021
I enjoyed Shaken or Stirred. It's charming, populated by people I'd like to sit and chat with and doesn't have a ton of angst. Yes, there's a little bit of drama and conflict, but not enough to overwhelm. The magic in this book is in the people. Julia and her family, Savanna and her dedication to other people, and of course in the relationship between Julia and Savanna. I think Julia was my favourite of the two. Hard-working, always seeking approval but willing to try and let her hair down. Plus, I think anyone who knows their mixology that well is a little impressive.
Even better, this is only #1 of a series! I'm looking forward to reading the next ones.
In the meantime, I really want to have my first martini.
Even better, this is only #1 of a series! I'm looking forward to reading the next ones.
In the meantime, I really want to have my first martini.
September 14, 2022
3,75 stars
A quite good uncomplicated romance.
I liked Julia and Savannah, even though the latter frustrated me a lot in her behaviour towards her siblings. You have to let people get hurt, not protect them constantly from consequences, otherwise they'll never learn and it only harms them in the long run.
But other than that it was nice, if formulaic
A quite good uncomplicated romance.
I liked Julia and Savannah, even though the latter frustrated me a lot in her behaviour towards her siblings. You have to let people get hurt, not protect them constantly from consequences, otherwise they'll never learn and it only harms them in the long run.
But other than that it was nice, if formulaic
August 6, 2021
Georgia Beers..... She knows how to spin a tale and when she starts a new series she really knows how to introduce everyone, while also focusing on one romance. Beers sets the scene perfectly for the books to come and we know who's who and how they fit in. The books will revolve around 3 gay cousins in the Martini family.
This first book focuses on the middle cousin, Julia. Julia has just bought the family bar and remodeled it to bring it up to today's standards. She's a bit of a workaholic. Her cousins Vanessa and Amelia try to get her out of the bar and get a life, but none of that seems to work until Savannah shows up. As a caretaker who lost her mother a decade earlier, she is used to taking care of everyone, not only her patient but also her siblings and father. Letting go of what they know is hard, finding time for each other is also difficult.
I like how the relationship progresses slowly, some steps take forever, you almost think they will end up in the friendzone. This is very much a character-driven romance and Beers knows how to write these characters so well. You get a comfortable feeling with this book, these characters, and the setting. I feel like I just want to go to Martini's have a drink and hang out with the cousins.
I really enjoyed this book, it's a very low angst, low drama read and I am looking forward to reading the next installments in the Swizzle Stick Romance series
4.5 stars for a comfortable romance read.
*ARC recieved in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
This first book focuses on the middle cousin, Julia. Julia has just bought the family bar and remodeled it to bring it up to today's standards. She's a bit of a workaholic. Her cousins Vanessa and Amelia try to get her out of the bar and get a life, but none of that seems to work until Savannah shows up. As a caretaker who lost her mother a decade earlier, she is used to taking care of everyone, not only her patient but also her siblings and father. Letting go of what they know is hard, finding time for each other is also difficult.
I like how the relationship progresses slowly, some steps take forever, you almost think they will end up in the friendzone. This is very much a character-driven romance and Beers knows how to write these characters so well. You get a comfortable feeling with this book, these characters, and the setting. I feel like I just want to go to Martini's have a drink and hang out with the cousins.
I really enjoyed this book, it's a very low angst, low drama read and I am looking forward to reading the next installments in the Swizzle Stick Romance series
4.5 stars for a comfortable romance read.
*ARC recieved in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
July 17, 2021
*3.5 stars
Shaken or Stirred is the first book I've read by Georgia Beers and I am definitely curious to look up some of her other books as well!
The biggest part of the book takes place at Martini's, which is the bar one of our main characters, Julia, own and have just re-opened after some rebuilding. It's also where she meets Savannah, the other half of the love story, and sparks fly instantly between them. So yes, this is a F/F romance and I am so happy about that, because I think we need much more diversity in the romance books we all adore and love. (hint: please give me more recs!!)
I liked the fact that both Julia and Savannah are in their thirties, because it just proves that love can happen anytime no matter how old you are and where you are in life. Love is timeless and it's nice getting a reminder of that in fictional works as well, considering a lot of romance books is taking place much earlier in the characters' lives.
Both characters have trouble putting themselves first, in Julia's case it's the bar that takes all her time and for Savannah it's her family that always comes first. It was really sweet seeing them gradually open up to each other and start to lean on other people than just themselves all the time.
This was a cute and flirty read, I liked it but I didn't love it. The story felt a bit repetitive at times and a lot of side drama was going on that kind of took the spotlight away from the actual romance, which was a shame. Georgia Beers is planning to write two more books in this series about Julia's cousins Amelia and Vanessa, and I can for sure say I will keep an eye out for their stories.
Thank you to Bold Strokes Books for providing me this ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Shaken or Stirred is the first book I've read by Georgia Beers and I am definitely curious to look up some of her other books as well!
The biggest part of the book takes place at Martini's, which is the bar one of our main characters, Julia, own and have just re-opened after some rebuilding. It's also where she meets Savannah, the other half of the love story, and sparks fly instantly between them. So yes, this is a F/F romance and I am so happy about that, because I think we need much more diversity in the romance books we all adore and love. (hint: please give me more recs!!)
I liked the fact that both Julia and Savannah are in their thirties, because it just proves that love can happen anytime no matter how old you are and where you are in life. Love is timeless and it's nice getting a reminder of that in fictional works as well, considering a lot of romance books is taking place much earlier in the characters' lives.
Both characters have trouble putting themselves first, in Julia's case it's the bar that takes all her time and for Savannah it's her family that always comes first. It was really sweet seeing them gradually open up to each other and start to lean on other people than just themselves all the time.
This was a cute and flirty read, I liked it but I didn't love it. The story felt a bit repetitive at times and a lot of side drama was going on that kind of took the spotlight away from the actual romance, which was a shame. Georgia Beers is planning to write two more books in this series about Julia's cousins Amelia and Vanessa, and I can for sure say I will keep an eye out for their stories.
Thank you to Bold Strokes Books for providing me this ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 1, 2021
Martini’s bar with its updated vibe, cool owner, and family history is definitely a place I’d hang out. Georgia Beers did a great job not only introducing readers to Julia and Savannah, but also Vanessa and Amelia who will each take center stage in their own books in the series. I found this book to just be really sweet. Julia and Savannah were just really nice women, one a workaholic and the other a caretaker for everyone but herself. Their chemistry and flirting led them through a few months of hanging out. I couldn’t wait for Julia to pull her head out of her butt and really show Savannah how much she meant to her. The backstory with Savannah’s dad’s hatred for the Martini’s was predictable but also kinda sweet. I am so looking forward to reading the next two books in this series!!
I received an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2021
Not gonna lie. I have tended to avoid Bold Strokes Books over the last few years. They tend to be too angsty and are full of break up tropes. But.......This is Beers. And I generally love her books so.... Anyway I liked this one a LOT. There was a point where the MC's were vulnerable with each other, and it was a really great scene. And the thing about being vulnerable to someone is that it's about trust. You trust that the other person is gonna be there FOR you. Once I came across that, I was hook, line, and sinker. I think that sold me for sure.
Pretty obvious that the next in the series is going to be Julia's cousin Vanessa or Amelia. My vote is Amelia... guess we'll find out.
Pretty obvious that the next in the series is going to be Julia's cousin Vanessa or Amelia. My vote is Amelia... guess we'll find out.
August 22, 2021
Shaken or Stirred is the first book in a new series by Georgia Beers called Swizzle Stick about three cousins from a big Italian family. As expected, in this story she gives us two very likable main characters in a sweet romance. I really enjoyed it and was only disappointed when it ended because I wanted to spend more time with these characters.
I can't wait to get to know a little more about the rest of the Martini family in the next books in the series.
I can't wait to get to know a little more about the rest of the Martini family in the next books in the series.
May 16, 2022
5/10
Well didnt really enjoy this one tbh but it still wasnt bad?? so i gave it three stars
Honestly i only liked the cousins in the book everyone else was a bit irritating. The mcs were the worst with their flaws or problems idek making angst or well conflict to appear for no reason at all and then when its there it just almost disappears
It just felt very 2d no matter how hard the author tried to make a good story where you know all the facts and relations between people. i mean that was a plus
Yeah that part was good but this book just
wasnt
entertaining
I didnt like this one but i will be getting the second book in the series since ive seen people say they loved that one more whilst they didnt really care for this one a lot
5/10 audio
Uhh down the middle or something. Not the best not the worst? Im not sure ill be getting the second books audio version though because i wasnt really a fan of this one. It was just too much?
Well didnt really enjoy this one tbh but it still wasnt bad?? so i gave it three stars
Honestly i only liked the cousins in the book everyone else was a bit irritating. The mcs were the worst with their flaws or problems idek making angst or well conflict to appear for no reason at all and then when its there it just almost disappears
It just felt very 2d no matter how hard the author tried to make a good story where you know all the facts and relations between people. i mean that was a plus
Yeah that part was good but this book just
wasnt
entertaining
I didnt like this one but i will be getting the second book in the series since ive seen people say they loved that one more whilst they didnt really care for this one a lot
5/10 audio
Uhh down the middle or something. Not the best not the worst? Im not sure ill be getting the second books audio version though because i wasnt really a fan of this one. It was just too much?
July 29, 2021
I’m a huge fan of Georgia Beers so when given the chance to start a new series by her I was over the moon.
This book was a wonderful romance that pulled me right into the story. I love the way the bar becomes a place for everyone to gather and it sets up the storyline for the series. The chemistry between the two MCs was instant and with the challenges they each faced I found myself rooting for them.
It was nice to see Beers bring her trademark humorous dialogue into the storyline and I found myself laughing out loud several times.
I received an advance readers copy from the publisher via NetGalley
This book was a wonderful romance that pulled me right into the story. I love the way the bar becomes a place for everyone to gather and it sets up the storyline for the series. The chemistry between the two MCs was instant and with the challenges they each faced I found myself rooting for them.
It was nice to see Beers bring her trademark humorous dialogue into the storyline and I found myself laughing out loud several times.
I received an advance readers copy from the publisher via NetGalley
September 8, 2021
Fabulous!
Julia is on a mission to turn around her family’s struggling bar and make a success of it after remodelling and rebranding it but that has left her little time to find love. Savannah is taking care of everyone and when she gets a chance to start building a life of her own, she can’t stop thinking about the hot bartender she met. When Savannah’s family problems collide with Julia’s business success they get to know each other even better and can’t deny they have more than just an instant attraction to one another.
This was such fun! Flirty, Fun and Fabulous with drama, drama, and more drama. I loved every second of the story, from Julia and Savannah’s instant connection, to getting to know both of them intimately in their insecurities, fears, and worries. They were so busy, all the time, and that I could totally relate to. They were both passionate about their careers and being successful and it did keep getting in the way of them finding happiness but meeting each other was what they needed to revaluate and consider the possibilities and potentials of dating.
I love the sense of family that also ran through the story, not only for Julia’s side but Savannah’s too. It really added something to the story. The connection between Julia and her cousins, Vanessa and Amelia was brilliant and I felt like I was a part of their little group. No matter which character or what they were going through or experiencing, I found there was a way I could relate. I also loved all the cool drinks being created and consumed!
The balance between romance, drama and a touch of humour was just right. It made the story exciting but so easy to just read and get lost in. I didn’t want it to end, so am glad this appears to be part of a series and am excited for what comes next. It had that typical chick-flick feel to it but with a Sex and the City type of edge. I just adored everything about the story and thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the journey as both Savannah and Julia reached the conclusion there was more to life when Mrs Right appears.
I was so excited to read this and it did not disappoint. I always know what I am getting with a Georgia Beers story (even though I have only read a few and definitely need to read more)!
Julia is on a mission to turn around her family’s struggling bar and make a success of it after remodelling and rebranding it but that has left her little time to find love. Savannah is taking care of everyone and when she gets a chance to start building a life of her own, she can’t stop thinking about the hot bartender she met. When Savannah’s family problems collide with Julia’s business success they get to know each other even better and can’t deny they have more than just an instant attraction to one another.
This was such fun! Flirty, Fun and Fabulous with drama, drama, and more drama. I loved every second of the story, from Julia and Savannah’s instant connection, to getting to know both of them intimately in their insecurities, fears, and worries. They were so busy, all the time, and that I could totally relate to. They were both passionate about their careers and being successful and it did keep getting in the way of them finding happiness but meeting each other was what they needed to revaluate and consider the possibilities and potentials of dating.
I love the sense of family that also ran through the story, not only for Julia’s side but Savannah’s too. It really added something to the story. The connection between Julia and her cousins, Vanessa and Amelia was brilliant and I felt like I was a part of their little group. No matter which character or what they were going through or experiencing, I found there was a way I could relate. I also loved all the cool drinks being created and consumed!
The balance between romance, drama and a touch of humour was just right. It made the story exciting but so easy to just read and get lost in. I didn’t want it to end, so am glad this appears to be part of a series and am excited for what comes next. It had that typical chick-flick feel to it but with a Sex and the City type of edge. I just adored everything about the story and thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the journey as both Savannah and Julia reached the conclusion there was more to life when Mrs Right appears.
I was so excited to read this and it did not disappoint. I always know what I am getting with a Georgia Beers story (even though I have only read a few and definitely need to read more)!
May 16, 2023
Georgia Beers never disappoints. She consistently delivers great characters who feel like they can be your friends. This is the start of a new series involving cousins. Julia Martini purchases her family bar from an uncle. After updating the bar she is turning into a workaholic trying make it successful. Her two cousins Amelia and Vanessa are there for late night talks, food and support. Savannah McNally comes into the bar with a friend and feels sizzling heat for the sexy bartender. Savannah is a home healthier care giver and is dealing with family issues involving her dad and younger siblings.
I like that Beers starts with the instant attraction but lets the relationship grow with flirtation and talking. One of the sweetest and realistic things is seeing the two watch each other and how they interact with their friends and family members. It shows each other their inner qualities and it attracts them more.
This is an easy, light and fun story with minimal angst. It is a perfect read for a summer or fall day on the porch. I hope I don't have to wait too long for Vanessa's story. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
I like that Beers starts with the instant attraction but lets the relationship grow with flirtation and talking. One of the sweetest and realistic things is seeing the two watch each other and how they interact with their friends and family members. It shows each other their inner qualities and it attracts them more.
This is an easy, light and fun story with minimal angst. It is a perfect read for a summer or fall day on the porch. I hope I don't have to wait too long for Vanessa's story. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
January 16, 2022
Sweet start to a series
The book has everything we love about Beers: sizzling chemistry between leads; real conflict & personal challenges each faces; heartwarming scenes with family and side characters & a satisfying HEA. I’m really looking forward to reading about Amelia & Vanessa
The book has everything we love about Beers: sizzling chemistry between leads; real conflict & personal challenges each faces; heartwarming scenes with family and side characters & a satisfying HEA. I’m really looking forward to reading about Amelia & Vanessa
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