Drunk off the Bartender

Nights at the Seville #2

by Ashlynn Mills

Never did I think I'd prefer getting my buzz from the bartender instead of the alcohol he serves.

Luca

I've had my eyes set on our clubs bouncer for over a year. I don't think he ever sees it as more than harmless flirting, even though I try so hard to make him see it. To make him see me.

Then the annoying hot bartender I work with continously has to give me his speech about how there are plenty of fish in the sea while constantly reminding me how not to sit on his bar or bring my homemade lube to work. What does he know? After spending one night in Tucker's bed, I realize he apparently knows more than I've ever given him credit for.

Tucker

Noone gets under my skin more than the adorable little exotic dancer who doesn't know what boundaries are or how to stop going after the wrong guy. After watching his many failed attempts to woo a guy who barely gives him a second glance, I decide to help him find someone who will sweep him off his feet. Only that someone else isn't supposed to be me.

Drunk off the Bartender is a 50k Grumpy guy falls for the sunshine guy short.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary

236 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 26, 2022

About the author

Ashlynn Mills is a Latina from Texas who currently resides in Missouri with her family running a farm. She enjoys reading and writing all genres about people falling in love.

Reviews

[Ky · Rating 3 out of 5]

* 3 stars *

Nice story with a cute, clumsy character and a lonely guy rediscovering his desire for life.

This was Luca and Tucker's story. It was sweet and funny for the most part with some heavier scenes here and there. I liked the beginning of their connection and how Luca always ended up with Tucker one way or another. It took them a while to accept their attraction and begin a relationship but they were a good match.

I think that two of the supporting characters were the MCs for book #1 of the series and I'm guessing that two others are getting a story on book #3, but it wasn't difficult to read this as a standalone.


~ I read an ARC of this book. ~

[Denise GremoryKohta · Rating 5 out of 5]

God my heart!!!

This one gave me all the feels. All the feels! There was so much we didn’t know about Luca. And Tucker’s story was heartbreaking too. They really are perfect for each other. I hope we get to know Luca snd Jamie’s brothers more. I am loving this series.

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars for this sweet colleagues-to-lovers romance.
This was my first book by this author and I enjoyed reading it.

I really enjoyed the relationship development, which is one of my most important issues with romances ... but the author did that very well.
The characters were maybe a bit stereotyped, but not overly so.

I had some troubles with the beginning as I had the feeling I was missing one or two chapters at least. The introduction to both characters and their chemistry is a bit abrupt, especially as the plot characterises it as enemies to lovers, which just didn't fit.
Nevertheless we're the first 60% real fun to read and I immensely enjoyed it.bit then something happened and I got the impression the authors a bit distracted and wanted too much.
There were a lot of issues both characters had, but they were not really used - just mentioned and solved. Which is for some of them just not feasible.

All in all it was a nice read.

An ARC was provided and I am happy to give my honest opinion

[Heather Duff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great story of the Grumpy/Sunshine variety. In this case, Tucker, the grumpy bartender, and Luca, the sunshiny dancer. Turns out Tucker has been battling a deep loss. Luca is battling the voices of his father in his head. Once they start talking and realise there is more to the other person, they figure out how perfect they are for each other..

I have to say, I love Tucker. I am a sucker for a grumpy misunderstood guy. He’s deep and super caring. Luca on the other hand, grated me. Not due to anything the author did, I just really don’t like the in your face, I don’t care if I’m bothering you, I’m going to push all your buttons and laugh happy persona. Also, and I don’t say this often, there was a lot of sex, which at times started to distract from the story. I did love their chemistry, they fit well together and it was sweet for them to find their footing together.

< ARC provided by GRR and this is my honest review >

[Guardian.angel54 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've only read a couple of books before by this author and now I'm wondering why. This book was such a sweet read - full of hope and optimism and low on the angst. Tucker and Luca start out as total opposite personalities, but it's clear to see how they actually compliment and complete each other. Tucker, the grumpy bartender, is still recovering from the death of his wife two years prior and yet he can't seem to resist the effervescent, bubbly boy who dances at the bar. Luca, for all his sunshine and snark, fights feelings of never being enough - enough for someone to love and to stay with him. As their tentative friendship begins to bloom into something more, each man will have to find the courage to believe that they deserve happiness and to reach out for it. I really loved how the relationship developed in a reasonable fashion. It was rushed or forced and each new step felt like it was exactly as it should be. As they open up to each other about their fears and pasts, it felt genuine and honest. Again, they didn't rush. There was a lot of communication and they didn't try to assume things without talking about them. Luca was a complete virgin - never even giving or receiving a bj - and Tucker never mocked him or tried to use it against him. That they both wanted to share so many firsts just with each other was the perfect catalyst for their real relationship deepening. The cast of secondary characters added just the right amount of accessory to the story, rather than overwhelming it. Honestly, it's just a feel-good story and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'll definitely be checking into other books by this author, as they have a very good writing style and written language. Just good!

[Florence . · Rating 3 out of 5]

RTC but this one was just so sweet. I had such a good time reading this one and I swooned a lot.

I received an arc of this book and this is my honest opinion

[Patricia Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this fantastic, endearing, adorable, sweet, charming, sexy, refreshing, and totally awesome twist on the sunny/grumpy storyline. I would definitely recommend getting this one ASAP.

[Michi · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two are so in need of each other. They complement each other so well when they get out of their own way. Luca is vibrant and fun and exactly what Tucker needs to help him out of his routine. You get all the humor, snark, and feels that you’d expect from an Ashlynn book!

[The Word Nerd Reviews Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashlynn Mills is a new to me author, but after Drunk off the Bartender, she won’t remain that way for long! I went into this one expecting a delightfully grumpy/sunshine novella. I didn't expect it have quite serious themes, and I certainly didn't expect it to be so damn hot!!!

First up, there are trigger warnings for these more serious issues, but I am one of the very fortunate people who doesn't really have any triggers, so I sort of glossed over them and didn't really give them much thought. Please make sure you read the TWs if you need to, though as there are some very serious issues discussed and experienced.

Since I didn’t really take in the TWs, when these issues came up, it was a surprise, but they turned what could have been an adorable and somewhat fluffy story into a beautifully emotionally fulfilling story with many layers. Despite having some serious themes, the story is never heavy. It is way too sweet and funny for that. There is a lot of humour and a great set of beautifully developed characters who genuinely care about each other.

Oh, and did I mention the heat? This story isn't hot in the strictly physical sense, although it is that too, and Luca and Tucker’s chemistry is off the charts! Many of the scenes were intimate, giving off a sensual haze. I always find sensuality and intimacy way hotter than just pages of descriptions of regular sex scenes. Drunk Off the Bartender has both and is richer for it.

Drunk Off the Bartender was my first story by Ashlynn Mills, but it certainly won't be my last. This book is novella length, but it packs a lot of story into a smaller page length. Drunk Off the Bartender is an exceptionally emotionally satisfying story and one that I was sorry to finish. It's a tender story of second chances and new beginnings.



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[Brianne McCallum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read the trigger warning page before starting this book. There are multiple triggers.

M/M
Co workers
Friends to lovers
Grumpy/sunshine
Opposite attract
Age gap (15 years)
Virgin
Mutual hurt/comfort

This is book 2, after Schooled by the professor. There are linked side characters but this can easily be read as a standalone.

I think this is my new favorite by this author. I loved every minute of this from the very first snarky comment from Luca and the 2 MCs witty banter exchange. I love, love, love Luca. He is femme, sassy and feisty but he is also holding in alot of past hurt by family and exes and has insecurities. Tucker is the misunderstood serious guy that also has alot of past hurt to get through. He was so sweet and caring. The 2 were perfect for each other and were each very well developed and loveable characters who had amazing chemistry.

This book was very well written with interesting plot and I could not put it down. It was sweet, sexy and fun with no angst. There is also alot of deep emotions so that it doesn't come off as a light and fluffy read but it isnt heavy either. The humor keeps it nicely balanced. I loved the fact that this was a super steamy read with multiple scenes and the steam happens very early on however it is still very much a slow burn in the feelings department and they both got to work for their HEA and the relationship development was very realistic. This is a quick read but I didn't find it rushed at all and it felt complete. I loved the group of friends as well and I am looking forward to the next book.

Side note: I had a mini omg moment when I read "He's just not that into you movie is 20 years old" cause I remember exactly where I was when I watched that and I was feeling extra old. Luckily Google says it's 13 years so I'm not as old as I thought lol.

[Linda Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witty, steamy, sad, happy ending gay romance
You can’t help but want the best for these two wonderful guys: Luca and Tucker. Each have been hurt and are doing the best they can. Luca’s family history is tragic while Tucker’s former marriage to Cindy ends horrendously. There are similarities to their pain yet when they finally accept their feelings for each other...there is an “Ahhh” moment.
Tucker is the bartender at the same gentlemen’s club where Luca is a pole dancer. Luca being only 22yo is flighty and irreverent whereas Tucker being 37yo and previously married is more down-to-Earth and stable. When Luca is rejected by his object of affection, Ethan the bouncer, he goes to the bar where Tucker tries to be flippant about his situation. That just hurts Luca’s feelings so Tucker promises to give him lessons in how to attract the right kind of man. In the process he fulfills his own prophesy.
This author has written a sweet, passionate story about Luca and Tucker with excellent word pictures. They are both lonely and insecure but for different reasons. There will be sad, happy and clever scenes written about these guys. My only problem was that with little or no identification of the speaker, the dialogue was not clear who was speaking. I had to keep going back to the chapter headings to see whose chapter it was. Then I knew who was talking. Other than that, I truly enjoyed this story which I volunteered to review through Gay Romance Reviews. I hope Seth and Johnathan are the subjects for the next book.

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just could not put this book down Uber Uber cute
I received a copy from the author and this is me leaving my honest review.
Wow talk about a Fantastic book, it’s just brilliant I honestly couldn’t put it down and read it through the night.
Luca is a dancer who is so vulnerable. To say he lacks confidence in his own ability to find a boyfriend is an understatement. But he comes across so confident getting on that stage and shaking his tush. He is the clumsiest of clumsiest men and there is something just so endearing about him. You cannot help but like Luca.
Then you’ve got Tucker who is the bartender manager who has been through a lot. There has been no love lost between him and Luca or is he just fooling himself. There is something so special about the relationship he has with Luca. The banter between them, the flirting the chemistry and oh my, the passion is just off the charts.
It just makes me want to read this book over and over again I’ve got the biggest smile on my face while I’m leaving this review because I’m remembering all the little things that have honestly made me smile and laugh out loud. absolutely brilliant you will not be disappointed in this book.
Ashlynn Mills does it again another fabulous read!!

[Christopher Shelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the setting, to the characters, to the story, this book was light, cute, and just a really nice feel good book. Not quite grumpy/sunshine, not quite GFY, a little bit of age-gap… it had just a bit of everything to satisfy a wide range of tastes. It’s not super slow, but it’s not an insta-love situation either, so again, it checks off a lot of boxes.

The characters were well written, with thorough histories, helping to build the story and understand some of the challenges the two characters have. The humor, the snarkiness, and the overall interactions between the characters were entertaining and kept things fun and moving forward.

With that being said, I think the book needed another set of editing eyes before it was released. There are some errors, some references to things that didn’t happen in the book as if they were supposed to and were forgotten, and it felt a little chaotic. Loved the story, so I looked past a lot of it, but it was distracting and took away from the overall experience.

All in all, though, like I said at the start, it’s a cute, feel-good, easy read book that I think most will enjoy.

[LJ Henley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luca is such a special guy in this wonderful story. I just loved him. He is funny and accident prone. He wants to find the one guy that is just for him, but each date he goes on is a flop. Tucker, the bartender at the club Luca works out is a widow. His wife committed suicide and that loss left a lot of hurt and self doubt in Tucker. Luca has flirted with Tucker forever, but they seemed to have a hate relationship. But things change when Luca tells Tucker he is dating a guy and it ends in disaster. Tucker says he will help Luca get some experience and becomes Luca's teacher in kissing, and other things. Soon they are spending their off days and evenings together. They both have hidden issues that they admit to once they are comfortable with each other and are truly ready to move on with each other as a couple and not as friends with benefits. Really good story and well written, but then everything by Ashlynn Mills is.

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drunk off the Bartender by author Ashlynn Mills is the second book in the Nights at the Seville series. This story is told in dual POV which is fun, I love getting inside the character's heads and seeing what makes them tick.

Luca: there are so many layers to this character. He was abused by his father. He is a stripper by trade. Most people know his cheerful sunshine side. But he has darkness too. I loved getting to know him. He is really fun, sweet, loyal, and perfect for Tucker.

Tucker: he has a big heart. He was married to a woman and the ending to their marriage was tragic for him. He is still haunted by it. He never expects to fall for Luca, but he cannot stop himself.

I think in this story each character has what the other needs. They have a deep understanding of each other. They are both their safe places to fall.

This in places can be a heavier read, but it is well worth it. I loved this story and cannot wait for more from this series in the future.

[Chelsea Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so cute, sweet and sexy! Luca and Tucker are seriously adorable together and totally and completely made for each other. These men needed each other in ways that neither of them even knew. They compliment each other perfectly. They just fit and there’s no other way to explain it. This book was full of sweet tender moments, sexy intimate moments and so much snark. I devoured this book in one sitting. I just could not put it down. I love this series so much and I adore all of Ashlynn’s books but this one might just be my favorite.

I received a copy of this book from the author, and this is my honest review.

POV: 1st Person Dual POV

Standalone or series: Book 2 in the Nights at the Seville series

Would I recommend it: 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ highly recommend!! 🤩

Would I read it again: Most definitely!

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet book about a sunshiny nightclub dancer who finds real love for the first time, and a grumpy bartender who deserves his second chance in love.

The characters are nice, but unfortunately I have a hard time connecting to both them and the storyline. The storyline is a little all over the place, and sometimes the shift of scenery are to sudden. Like when they watch a movie at Tuckers place, and on the next page they dancing in a nightclub 24 houses later.

But I think this author has great potential to write really good books tho. Because the writing is not bad, it’s just should have been a little smoother you know. But they did manage to make me curious about a side characters brother, Jonathan. I suspect that is they’re next book project. I think I might have to read that one.

[Vols77]

What a sweet fun read book!. It is light, has cute characters, and some fun dialogue. It is a sweet story about Luca, the positive looking exotic dancer who is pining over someone and Tucker the bartender has enough of it. As such, he tries to help Luca out. What starts out as a teaching moment soon becomes love, Tucker never thought simply being helpful would result in his heart being captured. Tucker never thought they would go from coworker to friends to soul mates. It was fun watching this relationship develop. While these two are opposites, I must say I fell in love with Tucker immediately but to be honest did not start liking Luca till he go with Tucker--Tucker made him more likeable. You will enjoy this light read. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wat do you do, when he's not that into you? Luca, an exotic dance just can't pick the right guy. He has his eye on the bouncer, Ethan who barely notices him like that. Tucker, works as a bartender and spends time watching Luca's adventures. Tucker, decides he must step in and help Luca find the right path to happiness. Ashlynn, creates the BEST characters! Luca and Taylor are so synergistically complimentary that you can just jiggle in your seat! Their adventure over finding the right men for Luca is fun, funny, sweet and hawt! Excellent story, well done! Ms Ashlynn can NOT write a bad story because she writes of the most delicious characters. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jamey A Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book. I would give it so many more stars if I could. It has all the feels. Sweet and funny. Entertaining and steamy. I couldn't put it down. I fell in love with the main characters. Their playful, flirty banter will make you smile and laugh. The book took me away to my happy place. Luca and Tucker work at the same club. Tucker is the grumpy bartender that Luca can't help to tease. Luca is a pole dancer. One night Luca is rejected by the bouncer who he's had a crush on for awhile. He takes it bad and the next thing he knows he is kissing Tucker. The spend a steamy night together. This sets off events that will change both of their lives. Can the two become more? I highly recommend.

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC Review**

This was real good. Late for work...no sleep kind of good. I really loved the first book in this series and was amp up to read the next one. From the first scene with Luca and Tucker, these guys got my attention and didn't let go. Just from their banter(which was hilarious by the way) I knew their chemistry was gonna be off the charts. Both guys had their own internal issues they were going through and was able to be there for one another. I love how things start out as friendship and turn into something so much more and special. Well this was it with these guys. Makes the romance more meaningful...I love their journey and I think others will love it too.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tucker, a bartender, and Luca, a dancer are coworkers and friends. Through flirting and attraction they become friends with benefits. I enjoyed the flirtation and snappy banter as they rushed into a teacher/student sexual relationship and there was a lot of steamy sex leading to a deeper relationship as both healed from prior ones. I felt sometimes the story was choppy but I liked how little angst there was between the guys, even though they had plenty in private. There was no lack of physical attraction between these guys! I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two lost and lonely men that didn't immediately see that what they needed had been right in front of them. I liked the way they were both so casual and comfortable with each other. Luca felt safe with Tucker, able to be himself and be accepted just the way he was. Tucker should probably invest in some really awesome insurance though, health, home and car. How Luca has survived on his own, without living in a bubble, is a great mystery. It was great how Tuck took on the caretaker role so easily and without making Luca feel less than. There were a few things that weren't perfect but I still liked the book and was happy they got a HEA.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a happy book to read with Luca bringing all the fun and funny moments. Despite his father treating him badly, he still finds something lighthearted in his surrounding and with friends.
Tucker's wife died eight years ago and he would celebrate her birthday with a friend and visit her grave often, not giving himself time to recover and turn to his friends for comfort and healing. Luca is his turning point and his reason to find joy again.
I found this book easy to read, raising a lot of giggles and a lot of rising steam.
I received a copy from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my voluntary review.

[Brittani Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

sweet read😍

Story: Our grumpy character Tucker has spent years grieving a loss and is just beginning to live again with the help of our very pink and out going sunshine character Luca, who just so happens to be a virgin😇 that is only comfortable exploring with Tucker.

Thought: Though this is a shorter story you get such well rounded characters and get to see them grow so much with each other. Emotionally and sexually because Ashlynn has never let me down when it come to steam 🥵 in a book😁.

Would definitely recommend this book
Rating 5/5 🍹🍹🍹🍹🍹

[Amy Voce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashlynn Mills is a new to me aurthor, I'm so glad I picked up Drunk Off The Bartender as it had some of my favourite tropes in it. This is a grumpy/sunshine, second chances/new beginnings age gap romance with some unexpected hurt/comfort themes. Tucker and Luca's story was sweet, fun but also had some tender moments and tough subjects which are handled with care by the author and didn't make the book too heavy. This has so many steamy scenes in it and the chemistry between these two was so captivating. This is book #2 in the Nights at the Seville series.

[Stephanie W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grump and sunshine personified.

Tucker is our resident grump. After loss that consumed him for a while, he decides to try and come out of his shell.
Luca is an exotic dancer and the complete opposite of Tucker. Full of sunshine and spark.
What was supposed to be a mission to help Luca find the perfect guy, turned out to be the perfect opportunity for Tucker to be happy again.

Really fun, sweet, enjoyable characters. The different POV's are a real treat. Reading about what they really think verses another's perspective.


**I received this ARC via GRR for my honest feedback.**

[Kashonna Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this an enjoyable book. Luca is such a sweetheart. He just wants his happily ever after, after having a not so happy childhood. He does tend to overdo it when it comes to dating. But the trauma from his past makes us understand why he does it.
Tucker is a stand up guy. I'm happy that he was the "friend" Luca felt comfortable around. It was great seeing how he cared for Luca first before his feelings came into play. Watching these two work through there issues/traumas and come together was sweet.

[Bkwrm24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars 🌟

Luca and Tucker 🔥❤️🔥

I adored this, I knew these two would have off the charts chemistry from the first book what I didn't realize is just how freaking heartwarming, sexy, funny and crazy cute the journey to their HEA would be ❤️ this was grumpy and sunshine at its best!!! Both of these guys had past issues and hurt, in each other they found a love that heals what's broken...it was definitely swoon worthy, I will 100% recommend this one!!!

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *

[Amy Dahmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tucker and Luca really delivered. I loved seeing Tucker's healing from the unfortunate loss of his wife. Plus Luca finding his wholeness in Tucker was a delightful surprise. For a book that starts with casual hookups so Luca can learn to be with another man they turned into so much more. This book had steam, dynamics and really delivered throughout. Watching the two try to hide what they had when it was obvious was quite funny. Overall a must read and really enjoyable throughout. I'm dying for more to come.