What Happens in Denver

by Liz Crowe

Meet Andi Rigby. She and her husband own a famous bar. Andi can mix a cocktail, change a beer keg, soothe ruffled customers, and drink you under the table. Life is good until the day she finds herself divorced and unemployed. After a suitable period of ice-cream and whiskey infused mourning, she heads to a beer conference in Denver on a mission to rediscover her joy and find a new job.

Between fielding gossip, saving a drunk woman from herself, and dodging a hot but ill-advised boozy hookup, the weekend leads to a few surprises. She ends up employed with an unexpected bonus—a new friend. Oh, and the guy she kissed? Turns out her new job includes selling his brewery's beer. No big deal. Except the bit about him being practically perfect for her at a moment she's determined to focus on her own success.

A story of new friends, fresh starts, and a side order of romance served up with a nice cold pint.

Genres: Romance

Kindle Edition

Published September 20, 2021

About the author

Liz Crowe is a Kentucky native and graduate of the University of Louisville living in South Carolina. She's spent her time as a three-continent expat trailing spouse, mom of three, real estate agent, brewery owner and bar manager, and is currently a digital marketing and fundraising consultant, in addition to being an award-winning author.

The Liz Crowe backlist has something for any reader seeking complex storylines with humor and complete casts of characters that will delight and linger in the imagination long after the book is finished.

Her favorite things to do when she’s not scrolling social media for cute animal videos is walk her dogs, cuddle her cats, and watch her favorite sports teams while scrolling social media for cute animal videos.

Reviews

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 English IPA stars

I . LOVED . IT !

This book was so good. It had this disconcerting realness I hadn't found in a novel in quite some time. It was sometimes a bit frustrating, but never sappy or overdramatic. The story of an upfront woman, a great friend and a caring lover.

I loved Andi, right from the beginning! Reading through the first part of the story was infuriating, but it helped me connected with her and understand her character better. How she had to reconstruct her career, but also herself, after that was such a journey. I was glad she didn't stay bitter towards men in general and stayed open to something new. Still, she was a career woman and didn't overtly obsess over her love life. Being anything but a manipulative person, she realized her faults and how she hurt James. The way she handelt it was a bit irritating, but at the same time it seemed more real than any grand gesture featured in a lot of romances.

Her friendship with Sloane was heartwarming and realistic. They met in such an unexpected way and built a good steady relationship. Sloane's problem was very well portayed. It echoed the fact that, even if we're close to someone, it doesn't mean we notice everything going on with them. These two women were gold together and, with the brothers in queue, it was even better.

James was a well developped character. We knew he had been burnt thanks to his ex-wife and had trust issues. I loved how he and Andi reconnected, with no certitudes and a possible heartbreak waiting around the corner. It's sometimes hard to say if you've missed your change or not, as people aren't actually open books. This novel illustrated perfectly this dreading state. Some of their scenes were big swooning material. This last party, the dancing😍

This honest review was written after receiving an advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[ItaPixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What Happens in Denver is an incredibly good story, with an amazing heroine.

Andi loses everything when her husband betrays her not only romantically but also, and maybe for her at that point more important, economically, taking away her precious beer bar. She is destroyed but she decides to go to a beer convention in Denver in order to find a new job. Little she knows that Denver will give her a new life project that will rejoy her, a new friend who will help her and a new man who will intrigue her.

This is a romance story but for me the best genre that describes it is Women's Fiction because the girl power and the cameraderie among the female cast steal the spotlight from the romantic relationship.
I loved Andi tenaciousness, she has the courage to start anew, yes I know she needed a little push from her mom and best friend, but seriously who doesn't need it after losing her company, her job and her husband.

This was the first time I read Liz Crowe work and I've enjoyed her writing style, the storyline is rich, there are humourous episodes, sad episodes and touching episodes that pefectly mesh up.

Read this book before it becomes a movie, it is too nice for the cinema productions to sleep on it.

[Ginelle Blanch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, front to back.
This author never ever fails to impress me. She writes "real" characters that have an astonishing amount of grit and backbone. She isn't flowery and she keeps it so down to earth. And, I love that it's written in and around my home area! It makes the story feel just that much more personal.

I loved Andi. She is such a strong character. She is country sweet but, she is NO doormat. She knows her stuff and doesn't let recent life events stop her from moving forward...not much, anyway. She is loyal and honest but, pretty fragile as well since things changed so drastically for her.

James is also a character I loved very much. Happy and honest, strong and passionate. But, he's also a bit fragile from recent life events. I loved the back and forth between the two of these characters, the push and pull.

Honestly, this book is not all about the hearts and flowers, and super happy. It is hard, full of such real issues, it is messy. It is...life...it's just life on the pages.

I was so sad to finish the book, I really could have read about three hundred more pages and possibly beyond. I'm so hoping for more from this world, more of James and Andi as well as more of Sloane and Michael. Really great world building...and a lot to learn as well.

[Amanda Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where has this book been hiding?!? I loved every
second of this book.

Andi, a bad ass bar owner, beer connoisseur, and
winner of the Best Bar award for craft beers, gets hit
out of left field when her husband, and business
partner, takes the bar right out from under her.
Andi moved to Midwest to start over and rebuild her life
where she meets Sloane. Sloane and Andi develop a
real and honest friendship that most women long for.
James is my kind of guy! Burly, muscular, bearded…the
list goes on! James was such a well developed
character with his own issues from his past marriage.

This book had it all! Love ale characters, drama, BEER,
real life probables (eating disorders, family drama,
cheating) but I was so invested. I read this book in one
sitting!

Get your hands on a copy of this one quick!

....runs to check out other books by this author!

Spring break reading is in full swing! 3rd book of this
week down!

Thanks to @netgalley and Backlit PR for my ebook
copy in exchange for an honest review!!

[Kathy Cottrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

New friends, a fresh start, a side order of romance—all with a nice cold pint.

The morning after winning the coveted Best Beer Bar award, Andi Rigby discovers she’s been screwed her out of the same award-winning business. That’s what happens to a woman who’s spent years learning all aspects of the trade with the goal of making her ‘baby’ the best it could be. Not to mention being too consumed with the idea of hard work and success to be aware of the legal manipulations of a cheating, scumbag husband.

After wallowing for months, aided by copious amounts of alcohol, she rises, albeit reluctantly, from the ashes and starts the slow, painful process of starting over. First in Denver, which leads to Grand Rapids and VanAnsel Distributors. As a side benefit, James Burke of the infamous Burke Brothers Brewery is one of her new clients. Attracted? Yes, by God she is. Still in mourning for all she’d lost? Of course. What Happens in Denver shows us how Andi triumphs over cheating spouses, misogynistic coworkers and desperate new best friends.

Our Review: Author Liz Crowe, known for snappy dialogue and riotus story arcs, does not disappoint fans with What Happens in Denver. Any woman who’s been done wrong by a man will easily relate to Andi, a hoot of a woman who will go to no end to help a friend, or a competitor, and come out better for it. For an in-depth look into the craft beer industry, as well as the big business of alcohol distribution, this is the story for you.

On a scale of 1-5, What Happens in Denver deserves a 5.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you for the free copy from the publisher through NetGally in exchange for my honest review!

First off 3.5 stars - I definitely recommend, especially for a quick read.

Andi Rigby had made her bar her life; pouring her blood sweat and tears (not to mention all of her time) into making it successful. Her and her husband Matt had built BWI from the ground up, it was her baby. Her hard work had finally paid off when BWI was recognized at the annual beer convention in Denver. Though through the congratulations she wasn't as happy as she should have been. After getting news through an employee in the middle of chaos at the bar her world was turned upside down. She was about to lose everything, her marriage, her bar, her life as she knew it. After finding out there was absolutely nothing she could do about it a depression sank in.

After wallowing in her own self pity her mother and her best friend Stella arranged for her to fly to Denver to attend an industry job fair. Hand out resumes and business cards and find a job, anywhere, anything to get out of this place, this rut.

Andi wasn't thrilled to go, but since it was already paid for she obliged. A chance encounter with a drunk stranger she felt the urge to protect, from a man that reminded her of Matt, landed her a new friend, a new job, and a new apartment, in a new state.

As she starts her new life and struggles with her own inner demons, she bonds with new people each having their own set of demons. Andi's life had been so routine before, but was now a roller coaster of ups and downs with a new much richer crowd, a handsome new love interest that she wants so desperately to avoid, and the new way too "perfect" friend she had inadvertently made.

Deep down under the romance it's a story of overcoming and growth; in everyone, not only the main character. That's what I enjoyed most: The characters where so real.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and loved both Andi and Sloane. The book was not what I was expecting but I wasn't disappointed by the route that the author decided to take. However, although the book was easy to get through, I found it to be overly descriptive in some parts and the internal thoughts to me sometimes dragged on longer than I would have liked. This made certain parts of the book drag on for me and I found myself having to put the book down multiple times because it just never clicked whenever I read those parts.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ringrazio NetGalley per avermi fornito la copia digitale di questo libro.
Inizio col dire che la storia ha parecchi punti negativi.
Io l'ho trovata lentaaa...
Come ve lo spiego? Diciamo che non mi veniva la voglia di aprire il kindle per continuare la lettura, ciò significa che non mi ha preso come avrei voluto.
Mi dispiace tanto dirlo perchè avevo delle alte aspettative.
Per la prima parte del libro mi sono annoiata da morire, continuavo a leggere sperando in un colpo di scena, qualcosa che mi facesse rivalutare in positivo tutte quelle pagine ma ciò non è successo.
Dopo il primo 50% è andato migliorando e lì ho cominciato ad apprezzarlo di più anche se non mi ha mai convinta al 100%.
Non nego che alcuni capitoli sono stati anche carini, sicuramente non è uno di quei libri-discarica,come li chiamo io, ma non è neanche un capolavoro secondo il mio parere.
Avrei preferito che il tema dei disturbi alimentari fosse più dettagliato, c'è bisogno di informazione, e sono dell'idea che se scegli di trattare temi così importanti e delicati devi fornire spiegazioni ed approfondirli altrimenti diventa quasi una cosa buttata lì.
La stessa cosa ma al contrario devo dirla riguardo l'aspetto funzionale delle produzioni di birra che anche capendo che è proprio quello l'argomento principale del libro mi sembra troppo pesante, cioè okay parlarne però non sono interessata a tutto, non so se mi spiego?
La storia d'amore carina, niente di particolarmente entusiasmante ma neanche orribile.
I protagonisti hanno un'età che va dai 30-35 e forse questa è stata una delle cause per cui non sono riuscita ad empatizzare più di tanto.
Il carattere di Andi è un grande meh, ci sono stati momenti in cui non mi è piaciuta per niente, altri in cui l'ho trovata più accettabile ma sicuramente non una delle migliori protagoniste di cui ho letto.
Sloane invece mi è piaciuta molto, non l'ho trovata banale e mi sarebbero piaciuti anche dei suoi pov, probabilmente la sua storia mi avrebbe intrattenuto di più rispetto a quella effettiva.
Inoltre sembra quasi che l'autrice si sia dimenticata dei due personaggi che riscontrano una funzione importante all'inizio della storia: la madre della protagonista e Stella, la sua migliore amica.
Dopo un po sembra averle tralasciate dato che non si vedono più scene con loro.
Questa cosa mi ha dato tanto fastidio perchè se metti in scena poi devi anche trovare un modo per farli partecipare nelle vicende non metterli da parte facendo finta che non esistano.

[Kristen Power · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Liz Crowe and The Wild Rose Press for the e-arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I would give this book 4/5 stars.

Andrea is more married to her work than her husband. That's why she's not terribly shocked when she finds out he's having an affair. Andrea is shocked, however, to find out that her husband has taken the love of her life: the bar they built from the ground-up. As a result of her whole life falling apart, Andrea has to re-start and, in the process, re-discovers herself.

As always, here are my two stars and a wish...

First star: At first, I found the Andrea's character abrasive and unlikeable, I won't lie. I didn't feel much sympathy for her and I didn't feel that connection before the action started. As I continued to read, I realized that she may not be a character I would want for a romance, but I think she's a character that romance needs. She's strong and unapologetic and owns who she is. She has insecurities, of course, but she doesn't let anyone push her around. The longer I read, the more I came to appreciate who Andrea is and softened towards her.

Second star: I loved reading about the intricacies of the brewery. Crowe clearly knew what she was doing when she wrote this book, and the deep understanding, and appreciation, of the brewery business was great. I especially loved that this kind of knowledge came in a romance, where the brewing aspect of the book definitely could have been tossed aside for the romance aspect. There was a great balance, and the whole time, I felt as though beer was almost a character in the book.

Wish: I wish there had been more scenes of Andrea and James. I feel like throughout the book, there's an idea that they are soulmates and made for each other, but I don't actually get enough scenes of them together to feel that. I feel like, in this aspect, there was a bit more telling than showing. I think more scenes would have meant more chemistry too.

Overall, a fun read full of beer, romance, and fun. There is also content on eating disorders, which people should know about.

[Brenna Sherrill · Rating 1 out of 5]

TW: Eating disorders

I definitely wanted to like this more than I did, but I really just thought it was pretty poorly written. This is mostly a romance, but doesn't invest enough time in the main characters for the reader to feel invested in them either. The setting inside breweries means there's a LOT of beer talk that just really is uninteresting and means nothing to me, but I didn't really hold that against the book (though I do think it's possible to integrate specialized topics more seamlessly so an unfamiliar reader can feel less like an outsider).

In terms of the writing, though, I had two big problems: a distance from the story and a really ignorant eating disorder storyline. I felt like this book often fell into a trap of telling rather than showing, meaning that events were being described from an odd distance rather than feeling like I was in them (through dialogue, for instance). The eating disorder storyline started out okay, in my opinion, but I think it developed in an entirely unrealistic direction that's very ignorant of how any of this stuff actually works. I don't know about eating disorders from personal experience, but I do know it's pretty ridiculous to think a woman who nearly starved herself to death would 1. be admitted to a hospital and not (have to) be administered a feeding tube, 2. apparently not receive any psychiatric treatment while in the hospital, and 3. willingly feed herself as soon as she's admitted to that hospital. I know this wasn't the main plot, but I do think it shows a lack of awareness or research done on a topic that's very real and could be potentially harmful/offensive to readers.

Overall, I felt like this was just a very clunky book with an uninspired central narrative and unfortunately equally distasteful B-plots. As a native Kentuckian, I was happy to see a KY author with a book with Louisville roots, but even those connections (both real and fictional) didn't provide any spark to this experience.

[JJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** NO SPOILERS ***

This was my first read of any of the books written by Liz Crowe. Her mini-bio points out that among other things, she is an award willing author. Having read her, I can see why.

Without repeating the plotlines in other reviews, let me offer this instead.

The story has an interesting, imperfect, flawed protagonist, which made her that much more interesting.

The cast of characters were also complex and not simply two dimensional cardboard cutouts.

The plot moved quickly with some twists and turns around the multiple conflicts, unexpected opportunities, and friction among the main characters.

The protagonist in particular was often faced with tough decisions, some of which included opposing priorities where either choice had a cost, and her character is revealed in the process.

The author did a great job of capturing the frustrations, hurts, responses, and consequences in what I thought were very realistic.

All in all, I thought it was a great read and recommend it to readers without reservation. As I said in the post, this was my first read of Liz Crowe, but certainly will not be my last. Four and a half rounded up to five stars. If you like romantic stories that are not your typical Hallmark Channel "happily ever after" guaranteed and have more interesting plot lines and better developed characters, this one will not disappoint.

The only caveat I'd offer is it appears this is a stand-alone story, but there is another novel with some of the characters and their involvement which plays a role in this story. "What Happens in Chicago Stays In Chicago." Not needed to enjoy this one but might provide details that would foreshadow events in this one and provide some good background details.

*** NO SPOILERS ***

[Sara M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit that what drew me to this book was the title - I used to live in Denver many, many, many years ago and seeing this cover brought back lots of memories. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a chance to read this wonderful book which proved to be so much more than just a walk down memory lane in a familiar city! And thank you Liz Crowe for giving us such an amazing, kick-ass main character as Andi and letting us follow her journey!

The beginning of the book made me so angry and frustrated that I didn't know whether to cry or to scream: Andi and her husband Matt have build a succesful business, one of the best beer bars in The US, but after hiring a new employee Andi finds out that not only has Matt been cheating on her with the newest member of the staff - for a whole year - he has also cheated her out of their business. Which had practically been built by Andi's hard work, not Matt's. Left with nothing Andi eventually goes to Denver for a big beer convention determined to find a new job and start over. She gets her chance at a new beginning and as a reader you end up really rooting for her, as she relocates to another state, starts working at the new place, and makes new friends. One of the new friends and new clients is James Burke, a recently divorced brewery owner, who seems to know beers just as well as Andi does.

I have never read anything by Liz Crowe before and was impressed by the complex and real characters, wonderful storytelling and intriguing insight into the world of brewing beer!

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been in such a reading slump lately. This book brought me out of it! It’s been a long time since I enjoyed reading a book as much as I enjoyed this one! I felt disconnect to most story’s and characters I’ve encountered but not this one. It was well written.

I really liked the main characters Andi and James and there where really good side characters as Sloan and Michael. I liked how Michael grows on you. At first you think he’s just another asshole but as the story grows so does he.

I felt really sorry for Andi and hated what Matt did to her. So glad she got a moment to ask him to go to hell when he wanted her back.

I really liked Andi and James meet cute at the bar. It was obvious he was in to her from the very beginning. I did however get frustrated by Andis reluctance to let her self be happy with James I mean it does makes sense since her ex burned her pretty bad but it still frustrated me. It all work out in the end though.

As for the ending, it was okey. I would have been fine with an ending after Andi and James decided to get married. Even though it was nice to know that Sloan and Michael got their happy ending it did not totally make sense to me to end the book with the two side characters.

I did however really like this book and had a hard time putting it down. As I mentioned it’s been a while since a book gave me that feeling. I’m not a fan of fade to black when it comes to the sex but I can live with it just this once :)

[Manna · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens in Denvor by Liz Crowe is a story about Andi, a successful business owner who gets doubled crossed by her husband and loses her business to him in a nasty divorce. This is her journey to rediscovering herself and finding a new future.

My heart broke for Andi right from the beginning. Her husband was such a piece of trash and I am so glad he took himself out. Her growth kept me hooked because as I read the book I was rooting so hard for her, cheering her on because I wanted her to show Matt that she didn't need him and she could be successful again without him. James was such a sweet man. He was so kind and totally understood the situation that Andi was in since he too went through a divorce. I was so glad to see that when the two met, it wasn't so instant and Andi had time to deal with her divorce before moving onto a new relationship.

One thing I will critique is that the book started off with a very long internal monologue for the main character. I would have preferred dialogue between different characters straight away rather than a whole description to set the scenes. Other than that I would definitely recommend picking this book up especially if you're looking for something light.

[C.M. Guidroz · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, a huge thank you to Netgalley and Liz Crowe for allowing me to read this amazing story. What Happens in Denver is a raw and emotional read. Liz Crowe writes her characters in such a real way that they don't really feel like characters in a book. The main characters reactions to the big changes in her life were realistic and heartbreaking all at the same time.

The main character, Andi, won me over from the start. She had this sassy attitude that just felt so authentic to her character and what she had been through. The slow burn between her and James again, felt realistic and not like "insta-love". The romance in this book is so cheesy but in the best way possible. When James was giving her a foot massage on the bench that first night, I was ALL IN!.

While there was alot of hard topics in this book I didn't feel like it consumed the narrative. Sloane and Andi's friendship was enjoyable. I also didn't mind learning a thing or two about the beer industry. I didn't find the information to be repetitive but placed in a way that was both informative and beneficial to the story line, in my opinion.

If you are looking for a light read with some cheesy romance and craft beer pick this book up!

[Kalyn OByrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andi Rigby has made her bar BWI her life, having poured years of blood, sweat and tears into making it into an extremely successful bar. Her world halts when finds herself divorce and unemployed. Even though she is still destroyed she decides to go to a beer convention in Denver in order to find a new job. She leaves Denver with a new job in Michigan, a new friend who will help her, and a man that intrigues her.

I adored this book! I loved Andi and Sloan's unlikely friendship. I loved how their friendship journey was just as important to the story as Andi and James’ love story. I love that Crowe discussed important issues in this book that added depth that many other romances lack.

There were times where I didn’t love how she handled her relationship with James but we knew from the beginning of the book that she was dealing with issues from her last relationship.

This was the first time I have read anything from Liz Crowe and I really enjoyed her writing style. I loved how layered the storyline was throughout the book. I look forward to reading her future work. Overall, this was 4.5 stars for me!

Thank you to NetGalley and Wild Roses Press for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a lot more gritty and real than the bright, funky cover suggests. It has lighthearted silliness, but there’s so much more drama and angst than the romantic comedy I had been expecting. First, a couple of potentially triggering things about this story. There is a lot of alcohol involved and most of the characters consume more of it than is probably healthy. There’s also a great deal of food and weight-related things, many of them in a negative spirit, and one character takes their relationship with food to a very unhealthy place. Overall, I really liked these characters. They’re written in such a way that it’s impossible not to get a little swept up in their tragedies and crises. The book is packed full of information about brewing and the business of alcohol. As a dedicated consumer of the product, I found it fascinating, yet it was a little overwhelming at times. I particularly liked the message of: learn to love yourself and unpack your baggage before you can properly love, or be loved by, anyone else.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Hidden Gems Books.

[Joely · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andi loses her husband and the bar she considers her child all in one night. Forced to start her life over, Andi is give the chance for a fresh start in a new city. With a new friend, a new job, and even a new romance, Andi proves that she’s not going to let anything stop her from finding herself.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book. It was refreshing to read a book that focused on forming a strong relationship with a friend just as much as finding a new romance. Sloane and Andi’s friendship proved that the love between friends can mean just as much to someone as a romantic love.

While I enjoyed reading about the relationships and successes the characters faced while working in the beer industry, there was a lot of terminology in the book about the industry I wasn’t familiar with. Personally, I enjoyed getting to learn about an major industry I wasn’t familiar with, but if someone isn’t into beer or alcohol, this may not be the book for them since it is a major focus.

I enjoyed the writing style and I will definitely be looking into what else the author has to offer.

[Diane Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andi, who runs a popular bar and beer tasting establishment, is shocked when her husband kicks her out and takes over with his mistress. His actions are horrible. Now she must reinvent herself, with a new job, and eventually a new man.
This isn’t your typical romance. Andi is not attracted to big, burly James at first. He’s not her type. He’s gruff and dismisses her, too. She’s focused on finding a job, though she has to start at the bottom and relocate to a new city.
Well written, with nuance, where even Sloane, Andi’s new friend, is rounded out as a woman who barely nibbles on lettuce, constantly exercise, but runs a business. She’ll need help later. The politics of beer and the history of brewing adds interest to the story. These are two damaged people struggling to love again, wrapped up in making a success of their beer business.
I wish Andi had spent less time moping in the beginning, and over-drinking, instead of making plans to find a new job. Her mom and friend force her to do that. The author shows her experience in the brewing industry. I learned some fascinating facts in this compelling read.

[Jeanine Harrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Liz Crowe book and I really enjoyed it. I loved the character development of Andi. You meet her as a woman on top of her game. Everything comes crashing down on her when her husband pulls the rug out from under her causing her world to tilt on it’s axis. I love how Andi’s mom and best friend at first allow her to wallow, then rally around her to get her back on her feet. As she is putting herself back out into the world to find a job, she finds an unlikely friend that leads to a job. This unlikely friend builds into a solid friendship. I really enjoyed learning about Andi and James’ stories but also the side characters as well. I liked that Andi didn’t need James to save her, she got back on her own two feet on her own. Their relationship was definitely a slow burn that ultimately ended in an HEA for them, after some stressful chapters! Really well told story with solidly developed characters. I also loved the details surrounding the business of beer. You can tell Crowe knows what she’s talking about.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Happens in Denver is another Liz Crowe must read. Character development is her forte and this novel doesn’t disappoint.

What I love about Andi, in particular, is that she’s real. She’s strong, flawed and represents a lot of women out there trying to make it in a male dominated field. She faces challenges but doesn’t back down from a fight for what she wants and never strays too far from who she truly is. I like that about this character. Too often female main characters “need” a man to complete them, to guide them through life as if, somehow, who and what they are aren’t enough. Liz’s female character is a strong, independent woman who finds her way and does so in her own way and on her own terms.

James, likewise, bucks the trend for stereotyped good-looking but shallow male main characters. Yes, he’s good looking but his ability to express emotion makes him much more appealing. It also gives him depth.

I loved this novel; the plot and the characters meshed well creating a can’t-put-down book.

I received an ARC but my opinions are independent and my own.

[Delacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this story. I liked that we saw character growth from Andi as she developed her self confidence, and developed a backbone. James was sweet and I liked the supporting friends and family. The story dealt well with two of its mental health backstories of panic attacks and anorexia. It didn't however deal with the big elephant in the room, that is so rampant in the food/bar industry, alcoholism. There were few scenes were the H or h weren't drinking. While some of those scenes were used to develop some of the humour in the book, any sign of conflict, issues or a meal and our main characters are drinking- beer, wine, booze - all were fair game, and there were many situations of overindulgence. I did enjoy the story and the characters, staying up late to finish the book last night, yet the constant drinking left a bad taste in my mouth, like I had been drinking those porters myself. * I received an ARC of this book from Hidden Gems and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Amys Bookshelf Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining and fun read.

What a fun story in What Happens in Denver by Liz Crowe. This is the first book of this author's that I've read. I really enjoyed the story, and it was fun. Andi is quite a character, and just when she thought she had the world at her feet, something changes. Her entire life. So, this is about gaining her independence, making a fresh start, and doing what she loves with what she loves, beer. It's more about Andi making new connections, and then there is that hint of romance, but the plot had its unexpected twists and turns, and the story was a great story, with unique themes, and where you can just picture yourself, sitting at the bar, with Andi and her new friends. This author has a great imagination and I'm glad it's being shared with stories. The story brings the reader on a great journey into a new life that Andi has to map out for herself. I look forward to reading more by Liz Crowe. What Happens in Denver is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews.

[Floraljoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are into beer and hard subjects:
There was a rawness and grittiness to this book with quite a lot of angst. There were some more lighthearted moments which did help to cheer things up a bit, but personally I did find the overall tone to be rather heavy. The plot also progressed a little slowly at times and I sometimes found myself getting frustrated with the characters. However I appreciated that they had flaws and I overall enjoyed seeing their personal growth.
This was a slow burn romance where both Andi and James were hesitant to enter into a relationship after being scarred by their cheating exes. I am glad things eventually worked out for them.
It was quite interesting learning all about beer (a LOT of information was given) but I thought their was an excessive consumption of alcohol.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Syifa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks NetGalley and The Wild Rose Press for the e-ARC.

It's a fun read for me! At first I'm having a hard time to follow it because I know nothing about beers, bar or pub, or the industry. But it gives me a new insight about all the life involved with it. This book definitely fits to those who loves Workplace Romance setting!

I love how the story is about empowering and encouraging woman to stand up again and not devalue her worth, even after the world betray you. I like how the main character not only rising to success after the fallout, but she went through another up and down along the way (which makes it more realistic). I also love how it's about finding a new love and connections. Though, I felt that there should be more scenes of Andi and James before they made up again.. but overall, they're so cute and their connections makes my heart flutters. Great job for showing us the character developments for all of the characters here!

Overall rate: 3.75/5

[Kait · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so much more than I could have hoped for. I was expecting a flirty, light read and I left with an introspective (albeit slightly boozy) pep talk that leapt into romance and landed firmly in uplifting female friendships. It’s a story that feels very real. About finding yourself and your true worth. About moving on after heartbreak and manipulation and being able to feel in control of your life again. The characters are believable in their actions and struggles. Everyone has their own issues, motivations and separate actions away from the main character. Which creates a truly well rounded fictional world with a whole cast of characters that I truly cared for.

Some of the verbiage and dialogue is kind of childish and forced at times “douchesnozzle” for one. I literally cringed. But beyond that, it’s such a fun whirlwind of a dive into this group of people’s lives. Their messy, entangled, secret keeping, manipulative, cathartic and emotional lives. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll want to throw things. It legitimately will get you in all the feels.

** I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am leaving this review voluntarily **

[Tracie Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andi has lost everything when her husband decides he wants a divorce. Not only did she lose her husband to another woman, she lost the bar that they started together, her baby. With some pushing her mother and her best friend Stella get her to go to Denver. Get out there to try and get a new job doing what she loves working with beer. While out there she saves a woman Sloane from one of the Burke brothers. Little does she know Sloane will change her life. She gets hired on at Sloanes family company and will see the older Burke brother who moved into her thoughts after one drunk night in Denver. After a while and lots of fun and sad drama she moves on to work for the Burke Brothers. And finds love again.
This book was really good. Almost like 2 stories into one with Andi and James and Sloane and Michael.
I am leaving my voluntary honest review for a copy I received from Hidden Gems.

[Steph Beaudoin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Content warning: Sloane, a secondary character, has a severe eating disorder. She is hospitalized and goes into intensive treatment. As a secondary character, we don't delve deep into Sloane's struggles, and the author takes care of her. But if this is a difficult subject for you, please be gentle with yourself.

What Happens in Denver was such a great read. There are so many emotions throughout this book. It is definitely a rollercoaster. Andi is a woman in the male-dominated field of beer. Even if you don't know anything about beer, these themes resonate because we all feel this. She finally finds a place that accepts her brilliance! I think the sprinkles on top are the nuances about beer and food, they really make the story special. 

I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Danni Phantom Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

So I normally really love romance books, and the boozy romance was something that drew me in. However, I don't think the writing style is for me; It was hard to read this all the way through, if I'm being honest. I understand it is a Boozy novel but the beer talk was just very boring for me and I really felt like it did not go anywhere. The eating disorder sub-storyline was a bit triggering but could be even more triggering for others because of the lack of research that went into that character. This book just felt a little unrealistic for me. If you are into EXCESSIVE beer talk and tough storylines, then this might be the book for you. I think if it were more realistic and relatable I could enjoy it more.

Thank you to NetGalley and The Wild Rose Press Inc for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a southern girl living in Denver now, I loved those aspects of this book. I loved the beer world too!

The characters were all great and there’s not much about the characters or the story line that I didn’t like. This book dealt with beer (woo!) business and mental health. I think the MH issue was dealt with rather well throughout the story which is always a concern of mine when an author decides to write about it.

I wish she’d put more details about the setting to make it seem more legit. Put specific bars into both Denver and Michigan to bring a little more fun for your readers.

I will say that I wish the author had edited it a bit more. There was a lot going on and at times the dialogue got wordy. It’s hard to explain what I mean, but something about the writing was close but not quite.

I really enjoyed this book though and was glad I read it.