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What happens when happily ever after…isn’t?

On paper, I've got it all...an amazing group of friends, a rabid fan base for my romance novels, and a sweetheart of a husband. Except, these days, his heart doesn’t seem so sweet. He also doesn’t seem to understand my career…or maybe me at all.

Teddy didn’t start out as a stuffy suit. It just sort of happened, somewhere between his MBA and his big promotion and our failed attempts at starting a family. From the time we met on the soccer field, Teddy and I have been inseparable. Only Teddy hasn’t kicked a goal in a long time and he doesn't really not unhappy.

Maybe all relationships are like house plants, and the leaves all eventually wither up. That’s normal, right? I just wish we could find a middle ground...

Liquid Courage is the second book of the Bridges and Bitters series. If you love found family, hilarious antics, and off-the-charts heat, you'll devour these sexy romantic comedies.

199 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 27, 2022

32 people are currently reading
353 people want to read

About the author

Lainey Davis

98 books360 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for bella rhys (semi-hiatus).
512 reviews8 followers
August 3, 2024
Second chance romance between a couple whose marriage is on the rocks? … Gimme, gimme!

Liquid Courage is the story of Teddy and Chloe. Since they met years prior, at a football field, they have been inseparable. On paper, they seem to have it all. Chloe has an amazing group of friends, a loyal fan base for her romance novels, and a successful and sweetheart of a husband. Teddy finally has the promotion and the job, the house in the suburbs, and the love of his life by his side. Except, these days, his heart doesn’t seem so sweet. He also doesn’t seem to understand Chloe’s career…or maybe her, at all. And, their attempts at starting a family seem to be failing. All of this has their marriage on the rocks. When Chloe has finally had enough and moves out, can Teddy win her back? Can they finally work on their communication, their other issues, and find their way back to each other? Or, will this be the end of them?

This was such a heartbreaking, but beautiful story. It was raw, yet soo sweet. Chloe and Teddy had so many issues to overcome and it was nice seeing them get through these and not giving up on each other. I loved how this book didn’t shy away from difficult and realistic issues that can occur during marriages/long-term relationships. Although such serious topics were discussed, I loved how the author, Lainey Davis, handled them with such sensitivity and care. I was definitely rooting for Chloe and Teddy to have their happily ever after! 🥹 💕

Overall, this was such a good read. This book had the right amount of sensitivity and seriousness given to the harder topics discussed, whilst still being able to keep parts of it light-hearted with its banter and hilarious moments. As with the first book in the series, I really loved the strong female friendship group that Chloe is a part of (I also love the cameos from Samantha from the first book). I really enjoyed this!

Liquid Courage was narrated by Ehlen Valentine and Alastair Haynesbridge. Just like the first book, they also did amazingly with the narration of this book. The way they portrayed the characters was just so good. And, their voices fit so well with the characters, as well as, with each other. I definitely recommend the audiobook.

Thanks to the author, Lainey Davis, for providing me with an advanced audio review copy of this book. All opinions provided in this review are entirely my own.
1,063 reviews35 followers
September 11, 2024
Liquid Courage is the second book in the Bridges and Bitters series by Lainey Davis, and it’s just as fantastic as the first book, Fireball, was. We’ve already met Chloe, the researcher turned spicy historical romance novelist, as well as Sam and AJ, who are well on their way to their HEA, Piper the exercise trainer with a mission, Esther, who own the Bridges and Bitters bar and many more of the FOOF ladies, who are always there to provide whatever kind of support is needed to their fellow FOOFers. Liquid Courage is about Chloe – and she’s going to need a lot of that support.

Chloe and Teddy met in college and have been together ever since. They have soccer and it seems everything else in common. Or they did, but now? Teddy’s become so serious; he doesn’t have any room for frivolity or fun in his life anymore. And that includes their relationship. They have to stick with the plan, have to be safe and secure, reach those goals. And when they finally decide to try and have a baby and discover Teddy may have a problem, Teddy isn’t only distant, he builds a wall around himself. No matter what she tries Chloe just keeps bouncing off that wall.

Until one weekend Teddy goes too far and she can’t take it anymore. Things were going so well, so promising, they were both feeling the closeness again, but then everything implodes. She leaves their McMansion (that she always hated) and moves into the house they rent out (that she always loved and never wanted to leave). She loves Teddy, she wants Teddy, but she can’t go on like this. He’s never affectionate, he never asks about her work, he knows almost nothing about the steamy historical romance novels she loves to write. Nor about how wildly successful these novels are and how wonderful writing them makes her feel.

Teddy loves and wants Chloe, too, but he’s stuck and doesn’t know how to get unstuck. Certainty he’s failing now and will always fail consumes him. As they seek FOOF help and professional help and try to work through things they discover that maybe infertility isn’t the only thing driving them apart; maybe there are things they never spoke up about from their pasts and the present that impact how they interact now.

Liquid Courage is a wild ride with two lovable people. Often hilarious (they grow a mushroom together, adopt a crazy dog . . .), sometimes sad and frustrating. Their love is so sweet, but can it survive? I absolutely loved this story. This is a great series that you don’t want to miss. Lainey Davis paints such perfect pictures of these characters and narrators Ehlen Valentine and Alastair Haynesbridge bring them fully to life. Teddy talking to himself, reading Chloe’s (shocking) novels, her need to be one with Teddy while her own person at the same time all come through loud and clear. Thanks to the author for providing an advance listening copy of Liquid Courage. I can’t wait to see and hear who’s up next, what trouble they get into, and what priceless advice and laugh-out-loud interference the FOOF ladies come up with. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Patty.
5,110 reviews55 followers
September 6, 2024
Liquid Courage
Bridges and Bitters #2
By Lainey Davis
Narrated by Ehlen Valentine & Alastair Haynesbridge

Bridges and Bitters! I am loving this series. Lainey Davis has a unique style of writing, and every time I listen to one of her books, I escape into the world she has created. Teddy and Chloe are a married couple slowly veering apart and can't seem to get back on track. College sweethearts, meeting on the soccer field, the two quickly fell in love. Both successful in their fields, they no longer see eye to eye. Heck, they don't even talk! Will they be able to find their way back to each other, the reasons they fell in love and where they want to go? I love Teddy and Chloe, so easy to relate to. Each has goals, and as their go to reach them, lose their biggest fan for each other. Davis adds in the best friends that can be relied on and is compassionate while pulling the punches of the difficulties of marriage. I loved this, the back stories of their lives, the fun drinks and the dog(I can't forget the dog). This is a fantastic listen and the series has me hooked!

Ehlen Valentine and Alastair Haynesbridge continue their narration and they are just so good. Valentine has confidence as Chloe, knows herself, but it's easy to hear the hurt in her heart. Haynesbridge is the emotional mess that is Teddy. I loved the way their developed their characters, and let them grow and change as their relationship evolved. Fabulous narration!

#comingsoon #ALC #bridgesandbitters #marriageincrisis #soccerromance #audioromance #laineydavis #ehlenvalentine #alastairhaynesbridge
Profile Image for HEATHER.
1,251 reviews23 followers
August 13, 2024
This is the second book in the Bridges and Bitters Series. I had a hard time dealing with Teddy's character. He was a hard character to get into. He was one of those husbands that you just wanted to smack in the head and say wake the heck up!!! I'm not saying Chloe was perfect because she had issues herself but I could handle her a lot easier. As the story progressed it became enjoyable. I loved how hard they worked to make their relationship work. I never wanted kids so the fertility side of the story I didn't understand as much because I couldn't relate but I could understand how that would effect a relationship. I also love Chloe's friend group "The FOOF's". They are always there for each other when their needed. This was a beautiful second chance story. I can't wait to listen to the next book in this series.

Thank you Lainey Davis for allowing me to listen to this audiobook for my honest opinion.
167 reviews5 followers
November 4, 2024
📖: 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
🎧: 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
🥵: 🌶️🌶️/5

Liquid Courage is the 2nd story in the Bridges and Bitters series. It follows married couple, Teddy and Chloe Preston, when they find their relationship is on the rocks.

I really enjoyed this story. Although the love is clearly still there in their relationship, it becomes clear that they are both responsible for the deterioration of their relationship. Both characters had really strong growth that was amazing to see, coming to terms with why they react in certain ways, learning to communicate properly, and giving eachother and themselves grace.

The narration was performed in dual style by Ehlen Valentine and Alasyair Haynesbridge. Both gave strong performances, it was really well paced and I thought their voices worked nicely together.

Overall, an enjoyable story! I can't wait to listen to more for this series!
Profile Image for Erica.
43 reviews
July 31, 2023
I really love romances that take a look at what happens after the first bloom of romance is over. Not gone, but maybe a little lost. And that's what we see with Chloe and Teddy's story. The story gives some perspective from when they meet and fall in love in college, and then in the years later when they need to find their way back to one another. I was really curious about their story as it was mentioned in the previous Bridges and Bitters book, but this could absolutely be read as a stand alone. Both characters have depth and are interesting and are likeable. Reading about their backgrounds and how they came to where they are currently helps with building the story immensely. Don't brush this one aside as a light romance, though it's a fun read there is definitely more here!
Profile Image for Slick.
1,379 reviews43 followers
January 25, 2024
Full review coming soon www.simplylovebooks.com

I’m giving this one 5 stars, there aren’t enough marriage/relationship in crisis books and there should be because I believe they can be a great tool to help readers look at their own lives and learn how to navigate when problems come around and let’s face it every relationship has issues. I felt Ms. Davis did a fantastic job of handling infertility, career changes, lifestyle changes, and couples forgetting to use active communication and listening to their partner. Most of all she showed that characters can have problems but for the most part remain civil and actively work on solving them with help from a professional. Seriously, I applaud this author for writing a serious, emotional, yet hopeful and uplifting story.
Profile Image for Linda V..
548 reviews8 followers
September 17, 2024
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:

Liquid Courage is book #2 in the Bridges and Bitters series. Chloe was introduced in book #1 (bodice ripper author) and is a member of FOOF (Fresh Out Of F^cks) with her best friends. She and her husband Teddy have drifted apart in their marriage for many reasons, but neither can visualize a life without the other. FOOF really steps up for Chloe and the banter between them is hilarious! This emotionally charged story deals with real life issues (check the trigger warnings). I absolutely loved this story, maybe even more than the first!

The narration was fantastic...again. Alastair Haynesbridge and Ehlen Valentine brought the emotion and passion to voice Teddy and Chloe perfectly. 5/5 stars!!
Profile Image for Amanda.
647 reviews27 followers
March 10, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ Teddy & Chloe’s 12 year relationship is in trouble. They’ve not communicated well. A big stressor has been their infertility issues, which heightens their other shortcomings. The plot felt realistic and I think readers can relate to the characters. Honestly I can’t say that Chloe was my favorite MFC, but I did read like Teddy a lot.

This can be a total stand alone and it’s a quick read at roughly 200 pages. The end did not leave me feeling completely satisfied. Maybe we will see their update in upcoming novels, otherwise the ending was just unsatisfying.

A sibling is in a same sex relationship and the whole plug-in about their sexuality and relating to non-binary and referencing pronouns etc just seemed off putting to me…. Like a political stance or something.
Profile Image for Donise.
1,293 reviews3 followers
June 30, 2023
They have been together since college and always seemed to be on the same page, but now their marriage seems to be crumbling. When did their values change? Was it when they started trying to have a baby? Was it when she got laid off from her corporate job and started researching and then writing romance novels? How could he not know how successful his wife really was? What will it take to save their love and their marriage...counseling, a puppy, a return to their beginning? Read this second book in the series and learn the answers to all the questions. See if they have the courage to persevere and stay the course.
2,321 reviews9 followers
September 27, 2022
Liquid Courage by Lainey Davis is the story of Teddy and Chloe. They were rapturously in love years ago. Now, they’ve been married for years and things are difficult. They want a child and are grappling with issues. There’s more underlying issues than just the obvious.

I liked the story….liked the characters. I think I was expecting something a bit lighter and less emotional for this read. Touches are real issues and real dilemmas in relationships. Great story!!

I am volunteering to leave a review for an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
1,235 reviews9 followers
September 28, 2022
I loved that this book was about real, everyday issues that couples go through all the time. From infertility to miscommunications, to their own lack of self awareness, Chloe and Teddy needed to start dealing with their issues before it was too late.
All of the issues were well written and I liked that it wasn’t just the infertility that was a hurdle. It made it seem that much more believable. Chloe and Teddy were characters that I felt I knew.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review of my honest opinion.
6,126 reviews28 followers
September 28, 2022
We simply don’t get enough of long married couples books. Sigh. We end books at the beginning of a relationship.

I really enjoyed Chloe and Teddy’s story. Together since college, playing soccer. Now, long married, blow is a success author, writing spicy books and being slightly dissatisfied with her relationship.

Teddy worked had to get his VP position. He’s internally awkward and nothing comes east for him, feeling like a failure.

Can they find their way back to each other with the help of her spicy writing?
Recommend.
Profile Image for Jocelyne.
4,890 reviews22 followers
September 15, 2024
This is the second book in the Bridges and Bitters Series, a Romantic Comedy. I like stories about author! Teddy/Ted and Chloe's story is sweet, emotional, fun, entertaining, and engaging. They are perfect together, and I liked their determination. I liked the friendship, and the family bond in this story. This is a beautiful second chance romance. Ehlen Valentine and Alastair Haynesbridge did a great job bringing this story to life. I enjoyed it. Looking forward to listening to Last Call, the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Catherine G Lewis.
219 reviews2 followers
February 18, 2025
After reading the first book in the series I was so excited to jump into the next one and this definitely did not disappoint! The story did a great job at being realistic about the process of working with a fertility clinic and how creating a family is not always a straightforward mission. I liked that the author took the time to have the characters grow and really work at their marriage and relationship. I also really appreciate that the epilogue takes place a year later and the characters were not in a cliche happy ending but rather working towards their mutual goals.
698 reviews
September 17, 2022
Liquid Courage was my first marriage-in-crisis book. Who knew this was a thing? There were moments when all I wanted to do was sob and shout at them. I was felling their pain as if I was one of them… and perhaps I am a little bit Teddy and a little bit Chloe. Their struggle was so real and so current but how many would have called it quits at the first hurdle? I’m so glad they fought for each other. Totally worth a read.
719 reviews8 followers
September 20, 2022
I want to be a member of FOOF!! What could be better than your besties and alcohol. Ones who listen to all of your problems and help you find solutions. A great read for those struggling in a marriage. Trust, honesty, communication and speaking up for yourself can go a long way. Sometimes that isn't enough and you both have to want that. Going back to what you did in the beginning may remind you of what you have lost.
Profile Image for PollyAnna Joy.
Author 4 books27 followers
November 5, 2023
Chloe and Teddy

This one wrecked me. Truly. Infertility is no joke, and Lainey handles it with great sensitivity. My heart ached for this couple who clearly love one another but who each has things to deal with...both personally and together as a couple. I love that they don't give up on one another; they work diligently toward finding their way back to being THEM. Such a beautiful story.

TK!

Foof!!
129 reviews5 followers
September 19, 2022
I want to be a member of Foof. An amazing group of friends helping you thru all the hard stuff. Learning to connect with your spouse when the hard stuff hits. Remembering what you fell in love with them for in the first place. Respecting and listening to each other, communicating all aspects of your life. Knowing you can get past the hard times.
Profile Image for Lynn_G.
1,111 reviews27 followers
September 28, 2022
Chloe & Teddy’s story is difficult and sweet and raw. The issues they have to navigate feel very realistic as does the manner in which they go about things. I rooted for them from the beginning to find their way back to each other. While this is part of a series, it’s a complete standalone, and one doesn’t need to have read any other books to be up to speed.
500 reviews2 followers
September 29, 2022
This book made me feel a lot of things. I laughed. I cried. I rooted for this couple. Hard. I have enjoyed every book I have read by this author thus far and this book was no exception. Will continue reading her books!
449 reviews2 followers
June 28, 2023
Courage

I liked this book because it really made me realize the struggle so many people have with fertility, how handling the difficulties can really stress the marriage and to get the help from professionals may be a good solution.
Profile Image for Dewey.
2,042 reviews1 follower
May 28, 2025
This is classic miscommunication as their 12 year old marriage is in big trouble. Teddy is particularly clueless. How does he not even know his wife writes best-selling novels? This is a well-written and realistic story about two couples going through therapy to try to reclaim their marriage.
303 reviews7 followers
September 4, 2025
excellent story

At first I didn’t think I’d want to read about a marriage in crisis. That’s just not the kind of romance books I like. Well let me tell you that this is a loving story. You root for Chloe and Teddy all throughout the book. They are a loving, beautiful couple.
Profile Image for Sarah.
3 reviews1 follower
November 19, 2025
I can't think of a fictional character I've disliked as strongly as this MMC. Despite that, I really enjoyed and appreciated this story's focus on various challenging aspects of a relationship, which aren't as commonly represented.
Profile Image for Kathy.
3,198 reviews26 followers
June 26, 2023
Troubled marriage story that was hinted at in the first book of the series. Again, I love a good story where the MCs recognize that they're part of the problem and do the work to resolve it.
Profile Image for Fre’Dasia.
153 reviews
July 14, 2023
I really enjoyed this one! I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did. But the difficulties between the MCs were so real and the characters just had so much depth.
Profile Image for Cris Campisi.
96 reviews1 follower
April 28, 2025
This was good, not as captivating as the first one in this series, but I think that is more about me not enjoying this trope, not the author’s writing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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