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Bar Hopping for Singles
Annie: My life isn’t exactly going how I imagined it would. But still, being a thirty-year-old bartender-actress with murky career prospects does have some perks. One, I work with one of my childhood best friends, River, and live within walking distance of the other, Ox, in downtown Los Angeles, so the three of us get to hang out a lot. Two, bartending is legitimately fun, especially if you add in a bar game or two. And three, I make enough money to live on, which is basically unheard of in the bar industry.
It all could have been so simple.
Except, I accidentally did something I can’t take back. And it’s changed everything.
Ox: The game ‘Bar Hopping for Singles’ wasn’t exactly what I had in mind when Annie asked if I was dating anyone. There was just a moment there when I thought she was asking for her. Because she wanted to know. And once the moment passed, I realized that what she said was true. I am wasting my time—just not for the reasons she thinks.
It all could have been so simple.
Except, I accidentally did something I can’t take back. And it’s changed everything.
Ox: The game ‘Bar Hopping for Singles’ wasn’t exactly what I had in mind when Annie asked if I was dating anyone. There was just a moment there when I thought she was asking for her. Because she wanted to know. And once the moment passed, I realized that what she said was true. I am wasting my time—just not for the reasons she thinks.
350 pages, Paperback
Published October 22, 2022
4 people are currently reading
681 people want to read
About the author
Tess Shepherd
9 books63 followersTess was born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe. Her unusual childhood in a beautiful but tragic country was responsible for her deep love of everything fantastical and magical—including romance. When her thirst for adventures and travel brought her to California for university, she happened to meet her very own Mr. Darcy (slightly taciturn and all). Tess now lives with her husband in California, and when she’s not elbow-deep in some topsy-turvy world of her own creation, she can be found working out, meeting her friends for drinks (sometimes, after working out), and alternately binge-watching soppy rom-coms and Criminal Minds with her dogs, Teddy and Winnie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 13, 2022
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Bar Hopping for Singles is a best friends to lovers romance by author Tess Shepherd.
Actress/bartender Annie has three close childhood best friends and one of them, Ox, unbeknownst to her has been in love with her for years. When their busy lives have her missing quality time with Ox she decides to make up a game to spend more time with him. The game "Bar Hopping for Singles" is the last thing that Ox wants to do, but he'll do anything to make Annie happy. A heated kiss while helping Annie run lines results in Ox confessing his feelings for her. But Annie has been hurt before and has to decide if pursuing a relationship with Ox is worth the risk of ruining their friendship. In the end will either of them be able to fully trust in their feelings being forever.
"I want this more than anything I've ever wanted before ." He tips my chin so that I'm looking into his eyes. "But I need you to be sure too. Because I can't lose you. Ever."
I absolutely adored Ox right from the start. He's a big lumberjack of a man who's a little in secure and completely in love with Annie. They little ways he's always taking care of her and always thinking of her are the sweetest. His unrequited feelings hurt my heart, and I wish he had more confidence that he was enough for Annie. Annie was a fun character, who was in general happy with her lot in life. Their romance has quite a slow burn to it. Ox
is afraid of telling her how he feels and then when they finally do kiss, the last thing he wants to do is rush her. His feelings also completely take Annie by surprise, so it takes her a little to wrap her head around it. When they finally come together, the open door scenes are passionate and steamy.
Overall, I really enjoyed Bar Hopping for Singles. There was a little too much back and forth in my opinion when it came to Annie figure her feelings out, but Ox made up for it. A sweet friends to lovers romance filled with a slow burn, bar hopping, best friends, gossiping mothers, LA life , running lines, and pogo prances.
Bar Hopping for Singles is a best friends to lovers romance by author Tess Shepherd.
Actress/bartender Annie has three close childhood best friends and one of them, Ox, unbeknownst to her has been in love with her for years. When their busy lives have her missing quality time with Ox she decides to make up a game to spend more time with him. The game "Bar Hopping for Singles" is the last thing that Ox wants to do, but he'll do anything to make Annie happy. A heated kiss while helping Annie run lines results in Ox confessing his feelings for her. But Annie has been hurt before and has to decide if pursuing a relationship with Ox is worth the risk of ruining their friendship. In the end will either of them be able to fully trust in their feelings being forever.
"I want this more than anything I've ever wanted before ." He tips my chin so that I'm looking into his eyes. "But I need you to be sure too. Because I can't lose you. Ever."
I absolutely adored Ox right from the start. He's a big lumberjack of a man who's a little in secure and completely in love with Annie. They little ways he's always taking care of her and always thinking of her are the sweetest. His unrequited feelings hurt my heart, and I wish he had more confidence that he was enough for Annie. Annie was a fun character, who was in general happy with her lot in life. Their romance has quite a slow burn to it. Ox
is afraid of telling her how he feels and then when they finally do kiss, the last thing he wants to do is rush her. His feelings also completely take Annie by surprise, so it takes her a little to wrap her head around it. When they finally come together, the open door scenes are passionate and steamy.
Overall, I really enjoyed Bar Hopping for Singles. There was a little too much back and forth in my opinion when it came to Annie figure her feelings out, but Ox made up for it. A sweet friends to lovers romance filled with a slow burn, bar hopping, best friends, gossiping mothers, LA life , running lines, and pogo prances.
October 24, 2022
Annie and Ox have been friends since they were in grade school. One night at a bar, they decide to start a game they created named “Bar Hopping for Singles.” They will go out together and try to set each other up with other singles. Ox loves spending time with her so he obliges. But, Ox has no desire to meet other girls, he loves Annie. He’s hiding a big secret about his job.
I loved their history together and understood why Ox (Henry) was so scared to tell her he’d been in love with her for years. Finally, when reading a scene and helping Annie prepare for an audition, they kiss, but it turns steamy and the chemistry is sizzling. Annie realizes that there’s something there. They’ve always been magnetic.
I swooned so hard for Henry. He was so good with Annie, so honest and understanding. He would do anything to make her happy. Annie struggled with her insecurities after her ex fiancé cheated on her. The epilogue was perfection and I’m so happy they got their hea!
Tess delivered a beautiful, friends to lovers story that was endearing, sweet, spicy and I am excited for River’s story!
I loved their history together and understood why Ox (Henry) was so scared to tell her he’d been in love with her for years. Finally, when reading a scene and helping Annie prepare for an audition, they kiss, but it turns steamy and the chemistry is sizzling. Annie realizes that there’s something there. They’ve always been magnetic.
I swooned so hard for Henry. He was so good with Annie, so honest and understanding. He would do anything to make her happy. Annie struggled with her insecurities after her ex fiancé cheated on her. The epilogue was perfection and I’m so happy they got their hea!
Tess delivered a beautiful, friends to lovers story that was endearing, sweet, spicy and I am excited for River’s story!
October 21, 2022
While navigating their adult lives, Annie and River are bartenders in Los Angeles. At 31, Annie is struggling to make her true passion of acting become a solid career. Being an Actress-Bartender with her childhood best friend has proven to have its perks as she also gets to spend more time with Ox. However, Ox has always loved Annie and has repressed feelings for a long time.
Bar Hopping For Singles includes all the hallmark qualities of Shepherd that we have come to adore. There are amazing friendships, steamy scenes, and just beautiful description. I really enjoyed the change in tense from reading Shepherd’s previous novels. I think with this story being presented in present tense really brings the reader along with the character’s emotions and subsequently their development. At times, I was impatient and just wanted the pair to admit their feelings and get to all the cute romance parts, which did not disappoint *swoon*. The pace of the novel was executed in a clear way that didn’t rush any aspects of the friends to lover trope, and avoided predictability and cliches.
Annie and River’s friendship is a beautiful read. Although very different to the relationship that is presented with Ox and Annie, I found myself struggling to pick which I preferred. Although I think Ox does lead the field in this. His character reads realistic and very different to characters that I have read before in this genre and trope. He is awkward, he is honest, and he loves unconditionally. Like Annie, who is strong willed, determined, and funny. With Ox agreeing to the titular plan, allows the reader to see the shift in their relationship and watch it grow into something that the pair struggles to admit. While watching Annie meet other guys, Ox bravely settles his unrequited feelings, patiently supporting Annie, afraid to admit his love. By spending even more time together Annie comes to realise that the guy she is looking for is right under her nose.
One thing that I really enjoyed while reading this novel was how the author presented their childhood history. This really contextualised why Ox had repressed his feelings, and why Annie might not have considered Ox right away. I think having this added information allowed for a greater understanding in their relationship and fulfilled the trope to perfect extents. This novel is full of humour, sweet romance, and happiness. Not everything goes smooth sailing, but these moments highlight the dynamic between the duo and how Ox is always there for Annie, no matter what.
Overall, this is a fantastic read and one that I would highly recommend. Excitingly, we await the sequel, which focuses on River! This is going to be the perfect companion to Bar Hopping For Singles and create a stunning duology.
Bar Hopping For Singles includes all the hallmark qualities of Shepherd that we have come to adore. There are amazing friendships, steamy scenes, and just beautiful description. I really enjoyed the change in tense from reading Shepherd’s previous novels. I think with this story being presented in present tense really brings the reader along with the character’s emotions and subsequently their development. At times, I was impatient and just wanted the pair to admit their feelings and get to all the cute romance parts, which did not disappoint *swoon*. The pace of the novel was executed in a clear way that didn’t rush any aspects of the friends to lover trope, and avoided predictability and cliches.
Annie and River’s friendship is a beautiful read. Although very different to the relationship that is presented with Ox and Annie, I found myself struggling to pick which I preferred. Although I think Ox does lead the field in this. His character reads realistic and very different to characters that I have read before in this genre and trope. He is awkward, he is honest, and he loves unconditionally. Like Annie, who is strong willed, determined, and funny. With Ox agreeing to the titular plan, allows the reader to see the shift in their relationship and watch it grow into something that the pair struggles to admit. While watching Annie meet other guys, Ox bravely settles his unrequited feelings, patiently supporting Annie, afraid to admit his love. By spending even more time together Annie comes to realise that the guy she is looking for is right under her nose.
One thing that I really enjoyed while reading this novel was how the author presented their childhood history. This really contextualised why Ox had repressed his feelings, and why Annie might not have considered Ox right away. I think having this added information allowed for a greater understanding in their relationship and fulfilled the trope to perfect extents. This novel is full of humour, sweet romance, and happiness. Not everything goes smooth sailing, but these moments highlight the dynamic between the duo and how Ox is always there for Annie, no matter what.
Overall, this is a fantastic read and one that I would highly recommend. Excitingly, we await the sequel, which focuses on River! This is going to be the perfect companion to Bar Hopping For Singles and create a stunning duology.
January 21, 2023
Annie is a thirty-year-old bartender-actress with slim career prospects, who works with one of her best friends named River. She lives near her other best friend Ox near downtown LA. She asks her friend Ox if he's dating anyone and he thinks for a moment she's asking for herself. Annie doesn't know that Ox is secretly in love with her.
I loved how great their friendship was and it made me understand why he was afraid to tell her he loved her. I loved their happy ending and how the story played out. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.
I loved how great their friendship was and it made me understand why he was afraid to tell her he loved her. I loved their happy ending and how the story played out. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.
September 16, 2022
'Not shaken, not stirred, just served up a healthy serving of something smooth, devious and thoroughly enjoyable' -TheBritishBibliophile
Thank you to Tess Shepherd for sending me an ebook Advanced Readers Copy for me to read and leave an honest review as part of her ARC team!
--------------
I'm back with another Tess Shepherd read and this time, it's not a Dungeoness Hollow or a The City of Dreams novel. It's time to dip into a brand new series and the first book in said series, Bar Hopping for Singles in the series of the same name.
Books one and two are standalones in a duology series. For those who may have not come across that phrase before, 'duology' means 'a pair of related novels, plays, or films.'. In this case, it's obviously novels. The books will be related in some way, but will feature a different set of characters (while possibly having a cameo from characters from book one in future novels in the series). Book Two, What I Wouldn't Give is next, but let's focus on that later and instead on book one. Are you ready to bar hop?
Tess has a penchant for anything, everything and all things Los Angeles, so it was of no surprise to me to discover that this novel was also set in the aforementioned city. By no means is this a complaint, because like Tess I have somewhere that I love to write about myself. The pull to a place like how Tess has a deep-rooted love for Los Angeles should, and is, being written about with avid passion. The results of those things speak for themselves in this novel, I can confirm.
As outlined in the blurb, Annie is a thirty-year-old bartender/actress--yes, it's a profession--, with as much career prospect as the aspect of hell freezing over. Impossible. But Annie doesn't now the meaning of the word impossible. Despite all that is most likely to go against her, she keeps going and gets up when knocked down. Impossible isn't in her vocabulary. Besides, every cloud has a silver lining and lucky for Annie, her cloud has two in the form of her best friends, River and Ox (aka, Henry). The three of them are as thick as thieves, and they always have one another's backs regardless of what's going on or how bad things get. And in a city where things at times may get murky, unfair and hard, the three of them are there for each other.
By the power of deduction, we're able to work out from the blurb which of those two best friends will journey down the road of romance with Annie. And our winner is....Ox!
Ox, aka 'Henry', has always been the best friend to Annie--as has River--but deep below the surface, there has always been something more in it that up until now, hasn't come close to being a possibility. Or even an inkling of a possibility. Ox is pulled into Annie's game of 'Bar Hopping for Singles', not unwillingly, but pulled in nonetheless. After asking if she's dating anyone--and the obvious answer of 'no' coming forth--the game is afoot to secure a date for one, or both, of them. In this game they'll be each other's wingman/woman, and Ox is definitely in the game even if it means for reasons unbeknown to Annie. There isn't anything he wouldn't do for her, even if it's River who forgets to do said things now and again, and Ox steps up to the plate in ways that go above and beyond what a best friend normally does.
The road to romance for Annie and Ox is far from smooth, and they do hit a few bumps in said road along the way, but like any romance that's worth the effort, both will learn to ride the bumps and the storms that crash against them as friends, and as a potential couple. Annie and Ox come a long way as characters go in terms of development, and Tess has done a great job in showing that alongside the gradual story development. Their story is not a rushed one, but is more of a delicious slow-burn, much like a good brandy.
I didn't expect to warm to this novel as much as I did not because of anything bad about Tess or her writing (because she's not bad in any way, and her writing is A-grade amazing), but because of the nature of the story. I'm not a massive drinker, and my hangouts are not around the alcohol/bar scene, so I didn't have that relatability there as when I had it reading her Dungeoness Hollow series. BUT! I did. I did warm to it and as a genuinely pleasant surprise to me, I enjoyed every word I read. So much so that I was both rushing to read to get to the end, while trying to slow my roll and savour the story carefully crafted for us. A new series is always hit or miss, especially when it changes tack from what you're used to from an author, especially when you've developed such a deep love and affection for a series as I did the Dungeoness Hollow series. I'm thrilled to have had my own prior judgement of this book proved wrong, and I'm very proud of what Tess has put out there for the world to read when this novel goes live.
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, this is a book worthy of your shelves/bookcases, and its also worthy of a hearty five-star rating.
Well done, Tess. You deserve this rating & more!
Thank you to Tess Shepherd for sending me an ebook Advanced Readers Copy for me to read and leave an honest review as part of her ARC team!
--------------
I'm back with another Tess Shepherd read and this time, it's not a Dungeoness Hollow or a The City of Dreams novel. It's time to dip into a brand new series and the first book in said series, Bar Hopping for Singles in the series of the same name.
Books one and two are standalones in a duology series. For those who may have not come across that phrase before, 'duology' means 'a pair of related novels, plays, or films.'. In this case, it's obviously novels. The books will be related in some way, but will feature a different set of characters (while possibly having a cameo from characters from book one in future novels in the series). Book Two, What I Wouldn't Give is next, but let's focus on that later and instead on book one. Are you ready to bar hop?
Tess has a penchant for anything, everything and all things Los Angeles, so it was of no surprise to me to discover that this novel was also set in the aforementioned city. By no means is this a complaint, because like Tess I have somewhere that I love to write about myself. The pull to a place like how Tess has a deep-rooted love for Los Angeles should, and is, being written about with avid passion. The results of those things speak for themselves in this novel, I can confirm.
As outlined in the blurb, Annie is a thirty-year-old bartender/actress--yes, it's a profession--, with as much career prospect as the aspect of hell freezing over. Impossible. But Annie doesn't now the meaning of the word impossible. Despite all that is most likely to go against her, she keeps going and gets up when knocked down. Impossible isn't in her vocabulary. Besides, every cloud has a silver lining and lucky for Annie, her cloud has two in the form of her best friends, River and Ox (aka, Henry). The three of them are as thick as thieves, and they always have one another's backs regardless of what's going on or how bad things get. And in a city where things at times may get murky, unfair and hard, the three of them are there for each other.
By the power of deduction, we're able to work out from the blurb which of those two best friends will journey down the road of romance with Annie. And our winner is....Ox!
Ox, aka 'Henry', has always been the best friend to Annie--as has River--but deep below the surface, there has always been something more in it that up until now, hasn't come close to being a possibility. Or even an inkling of a possibility. Ox is pulled into Annie's game of 'Bar Hopping for Singles', not unwillingly, but pulled in nonetheless. After asking if she's dating anyone--and the obvious answer of 'no' coming forth--the game is afoot to secure a date for one, or both, of them. In this game they'll be each other's wingman/woman, and Ox is definitely in the game even if it means for reasons unbeknown to Annie. There isn't anything he wouldn't do for her, even if it's River who forgets to do said things now and again, and Ox steps up to the plate in ways that go above and beyond what a best friend normally does.
The road to romance for Annie and Ox is far from smooth, and they do hit a few bumps in said road along the way, but like any romance that's worth the effort, both will learn to ride the bumps and the storms that crash against them as friends, and as a potential couple. Annie and Ox come a long way as characters go in terms of development, and Tess has done a great job in showing that alongside the gradual story development. Their story is not a rushed one, but is more of a delicious slow-burn, much like a good brandy.
I didn't expect to warm to this novel as much as I did not because of anything bad about Tess or her writing (because she's not bad in any way, and her writing is A-grade amazing), but because of the nature of the story. I'm not a massive drinker, and my hangouts are not around the alcohol/bar scene, so I didn't have that relatability there as when I had it reading her Dungeoness Hollow series. BUT! I did. I did warm to it and as a genuinely pleasant surprise to me, I enjoyed every word I read. So much so that I was both rushing to read to get to the end, while trying to slow my roll and savour the story carefully crafted for us. A new series is always hit or miss, especially when it changes tack from what you're used to from an author, especially when you've developed such a deep love and affection for a series as I did the Dungeoness Hollow series. I'm thrilled to have had my own prior judgement of this book proved wrong, and I'm very proud of what Tess has put out there for the world to read when this novel goes live.
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, this is a book worthy of your shelves/bookcases, and its also worthy of a hearty five-star rating.
Well done, Tess. You deserve this rating & more!
October 5, 2022
This story was a sweet, friends-to-lovers romance. Each character had a well written personality that I enjoyed; from the playful River to the endearing yet protective Henry (Ox), I liked the people in the story. The background story of how Henry got his nickname was quite amusing, and I enjoyed the awkward hilarity of when that was explained. This book is written in present tense, which made it feel more like an outline for a book or cues for a play. If it was written in past tense like most books, I think it would have read more smoothly. I don't normally read friends-to-lovers books, so this is probably just preference, but I was waiting for a climax that never really came. I loved the tension before Annie and Henry admitted their feelings and the awkward hiding it from their friends, but the rest of the book was too mellow for me. Yes, there is some character development, but that only occurs in the last few pages. I really wanted more in the second half. The steamy scenes were well written though ;)
October 18, 2022
Thank you Tess Shepherd for this story. I loved it. I rarely love slow burns but this one warms my heart.
After Dungeness Hollow series when I cried when it was over, this one make me feel so much too. I remembered the old days and made me remember falling in love, beeing wild, having fun. Well I have never been to LA or I have never been a bartender but I enjoyed every situation, even the one that make me feel bad.. after that I felt even more conected to the characters and just could not stop reading. I also laugh so much. Pogo stick is hilarious. Half year ago I had no idea what it was but thanks to my son I could really immagine all that crazy fun. And can not wait to drink a coctail.
The story is about friends. Really good friends. And Love. Finding love closer that you ever have thought. I can not wait for the next in the series
"I just want to be where you are" ...simple.
After Dungeness Hollow series when I cried when it was over, this one make me feel so much too. I remembered the old days and made me remember falling in love, beeing wild, having fun. Well I have never been to LA or I have never been a bartender but I enjoyed every situation, even the one that make me feel bad.. after that I felt even more conected to the characters and just could not stop reading. I also laugh so much. Pogo stick is hilarious. Half year ago I had no idea what it was but thanks to my son I could really immagine all that crazy fun. And can not wait to drink a coctail.
The story is about friends. Really good friends. And Love. Finding love closer that you ever have thought. I can not wait for the next in the series
"I just want to be where you are" ...simple.
September 22, 2022
I’ve been waiting for this ARC to drop for a month and once it did I was so excited. Bar Hopping for Singles is the first in a new duology by Tess Shepherd that follows Annie and Ox. I really loved this cute romcom! Annie and Ox were so cute and I found myself wanting to shake each of them so they would stop letting their insecurities get the best of them. One of my favorite things about this is a hero with a dad bod. Ox is a big guy, but he doesn’t have a perfect body like every other hero. The spice was relatively tame, but I enjoyed the relationship growth without super spicy scenes. The writing is also great. I sometimes find it hard to get into a story at first, but I was immediately immersed. I can’t wait for the next in the series, and hoping it’s River’s story!
October 22, 2022
I would firstly just like to say a big thank you to the author who very kindly forwarded me an arc copy of her book, for my kindle, in return for my honest review.
I have previously read a few of this author’s books before and really enjoyed them, so when I saw this one I just knew it was a no-brainier and I was definitely not disappointed - I loved it!
Bar Hopping For Singles is book number one in a two book series and I honestly cannot wait for the next one too! It can also very easily be read as a stand alone with no problems whatsoever.
Both Ox and Annie were great characters and had wonderful history together and I loved getting involved in their story.
Tess has a wonderful, descriptive writing style and this book pulled me in and kept me turning the pages right to the very end.
This book is a best friends to lovers trope with slow burn romance and a bit of passion and sauce and I absolutely loved it…….
I have previously read a few of this author’s books before and really enjoyed them, so when I saw this one I just knew it was a no-brainier and I was definitely not disappointed - I loved it!
Bar Hopping For Singles is book number one in a two book series and I honestly cannot wait for the next one too! It can also very easily be read as a stand alone with no problems whatsoever.
Both Ox and Annie were great characters and had wonderful history together and I loved getting involved in their story.
Tess has a wonderful, descriptive writing style and this book pulled me in and kept me turning the pages right to the very end.
This book is a best friends to lovers trope with slow burn romance and a bit of passion and sauce and I absolutely loved it…….
October 24, 2022
Every time I fall more and more in love with your characters 😍 Annie and Henry are no exception… I think there was a part of me that thought we would be talking about River but I am honestly so glad it is Henry! I love how protective he is of Annie and how he sits on the sidelines, pretending, just so she has the life he wants her to! I am pretty sure I spent 90% of the book swooning at him! Make sure to mark October 22nd in your calendar for this release! Thanks again @author_tess.shepherd for having me on your ARC team, it’s always a dream and reviewing your books has been amazing! #bookstagram #upcomingrelease #arc
October 6, 2022
I first read this a beta reader and absolutely loved reading it again and seeing some of the changes. First off, I loved how Tess Shepherd created this groups of childhood friends, with three guys and one girl it can be tricky. Ox and Annie are magnetic. They both are different when it comes to how they see themselves but together, together they are just what each other needs. Putting your heart and feelings on the line can be hard but how they handle each other and everything else was perfect. It also had just the right about of spice and romance needed!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2022
Tess did it again! What a great story!! Also, I may be in love with Ox. ♥️ I couldn’t put it down, read it in two sittings. I loved the friendships in this book, low key a little jealous of all of them.
September 6, 2022
I couldn’t put this book down! Annie and Henry’s story was so good!
October 9, 2022
What can I say, Tess is a new to me author - and I definitely will be.
Annie and Ox, not gonna lie there was moments where I wanted to bash their heads together. Seeing their relationship grow was beautiful though. Not super spicy steam but it's not needed in this book. It would of been out of place - so it felt natural. The perfect friends to lovers story. And the fact that Ox had all the feels first melts my heart!
What a great rom-com read. Can't wait to read more by this author! I'm excited for the next book in this duology.
Annie and Ox, not gonna lie there was moments where I wanted to bash their heads together. Seeing their relationship grow was beautiful though. Not super spicy steam but it's not needed in this book. It would of been out of place - so it felt natural. The perfect friends to lovers story. And the fact that Ox had all the feels first melts my heart!
What a great rom-com read. Can't wait to read more by this author! I'm excited for the next book in this duology.
September 5, 2022
This was a good book
October 20, 2022
“Bar Hopping for Singles” is my first book by Tess Shepherd and I know it’s not my last. This story has reignited my love for “friendship to lovers” as we see Annie and Ox’s romantic feelings come into fruition.
Annie and Ox have been friends since they were kids. While Annie is in her comfort zone as a bartender, she seems content in her single hood after being hurt by an ex who cheated on her. Ox played a pivotal role in damage control when that happened and his protective instincts with Annie continues.
One day they create a “bar hopping for singles” game where they each set each other up with a stranger in hopes that this will lead to a successful hook up or a relationship.
However, the plan backfires and they look at each other for that very hope.
I enjoyed watching Ox and Annie’s road to their HEA. Ox has it had bad for Annie forever and what holds him back will make you swoon for him even more. Through all of Annie’s life’s struggles, Ox is there - accepting and loving and embracing her. The things he says and does just tugs at my heartstrings.
This is a fun love story where all the side characters are a hoot and the bromance moments get you laughing out loud, but more so, it’s a beautiful friends to lovers story that will give you all the feels.
Thanks to the author and Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Annie and Ox have been friends since they were kids. While Annie is in her comfort zone as a bartender, she seems content in her single hood after being hurt by an ex who cheated on her. Ox played a pivotal role in damage control when that happened and his protective instincts with Annie continues.
One day they create a “bar hopping for singles” game where they each set each other up with a stranger in hopes that this will lead to a successful hook up or a relationship.
However, the plan backfires and they look at each other for that very hope.
I enjoyed watching Ox and Annie’s road to their HEA. Ox has it had bad for Annie forever and what holds him back will make you swoon for him even more. Through all of Annie’s life’s struggles, Ox is there - accepting and loving and embracing her. The things he says and does just tugs at my heartstrings.
This is a fun love story where all the side characters are a hoot and the bromance moments get you laughing out loud, but more so, it’s a beautiful friends to lovers story that will give you all the feels.
Thanks to the author and Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2022
This is the first book I've read by Tess Shepherd so thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for an early read. Overall, I liked the story a lot. I liked Ox, especially (the reason for his nickname is hilarious- his real name is Henry and the names are used interchangeably). I liked Annie too. I loved their friendship. I though, didn't feel their romance- I didn't feel as much chemistry between the characters. That said, the world is fun, I learned a lot about how bartenders work, and I really overall enjoyed the characters as a whole. A good first read into this author's works!
November 3, 2022
This was such a fun read!
While a bit of a slow burn, I loved watching these two figure things out, and their chemistry was undeniable. I can’t resist a good friends to lovers story and this was so good! Annie is such a fun character and I loved seeing the way she lived her life in LA juggling acting auditions and bartending. I adored Ox he was so good to Annie, I wanted him to tell her his feelings so badly!
I also can’t write this review without mentioning Annie and River’s friendship. I LOVE a good platonic friendship between opposite genders. These two and their antics were so fun to read about and I can’t wait for River’s story!
Tess never fails to deliver a great story with amazing friendships and no matter what trope she tackles! I adored this story and I’m so looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
If you’re like me and love a good friends to lovers story this is definitely a book worth checking out!
While a bit of a slow burn, I loved watching these two figure things out, and their chemistry was undeniable. I can’t resist a good friends to lovers story and this was so good! Annie is such a fun character and I loved seeing the way she lived her life in LA juggling acting auditions and bartending. I adored Ox he was so good to Annie, I wanted him to tell her his feelings so badly!
I also can’t write this review without mentioning Annie and River’s friendship. I LOVE a good platonic friendship between opposite genders. These two and their antics were so fun to read about and I can’t wait for River’s story!
Tess never fails to deliver a great story with amazing friendships and no matter what trope she tackles! I adored this story and I’m so looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
If you’re like me and love a good friends to lovers story this is definitely a book worth checking out!
October 12, 2022
This may be my favorite @author_tess.shepherd book yet!! I devoured this in two sittings and anxiously waited to get home to finish this.
Read this if you enjoy:
👫dual pov
💕friends to lovers
🤪 pogo jumping
🔥slow burn, open door romance
This also had a fun new cover very different than your typical Tess books, but I still love it! Thank you so much for my early copy in exchange for a honest review! I cannot wait to read River’s story next!
Read this if you enjoy:
👫dual pov
💕friends to lovers
🤪 pogo jumping
🔥slow burn, open door romance
This also had a fun new cover very different than your typical Tess books, but I still love it! Thank you so much for my early copy in exchange for a honest review! I cannot wait to read River’s story next!
September 12, 2022
Bar Hopping for Singles is the story of Annie and Ox, also known as Henry, and the progression of their relationship from friends to lovers and all the mishaps along the way.
Let me preface this by saying romance, and by that I mean novels where the primary focus is on the love story and not merely an aspect of it, is not one of my primary genres, but I liked the title of this book so I thought I'd give it a shot. And it was pretty much what I expected - entertaining, not mind-blowing, but a solid rom-com with few real stakes, which seems to be conventional for a genre romance from my understanding.
I know some people probably liked the shift between POVs; I understand why it was done - to deepen the characterization between Annie and Ox and make them seem realer - but I sometimes wondered if they were too self-aware. It can partially be explained by them not being in their early or even mid-20s and having both been in relationships before, but the focus on their interiority and their somewhat detached analysis of their own motives and feelings seemed to veer a little too much towards them telling us what was going on and not allowing them to demonstrate it organically instead.
That being said, it wasn't a bad book! It was entertaining and engaging and I did want to know what happened next. Annie's mom gets extra brownie points for being completely over the top and I love her. River is a hot mess and I'm interested to see just what the hell went down between him and Rachel, which I imagine is going to be the enemies-to-loves B-side to Annie and Ox's friends-to-lovers A-side. I'm down for it. Give this book a shot!
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
Let me preface this by saying romance, and by that I mean novels where the primary focus is on the love story and not merely an aspect of it, is not one of my primary genres, but I liked the title of this book so I thought I'd give it a shot. And it was pretty much what I expected - entertaining, not mind-blowing, but a solid rom-com with few real stakes, which seems to be conventional for a genre romance from my understanding.
I know some people probably liked the shift between POVs; I understand why it was done - to deepen the characterization between Annie and Ox and make them seem realer - but I sometimes wondered if they were too self-aware. It can partially be explained by them not being in their early or even mid-20s and having both been in relationships before, but the focus on their interiority and their somewhat detached analysis of their own motives and feelings seemed to veer a little too much towards them telling us what was going on and not allowing them to demonstrate it organically instead.
That being said, it wasn't a bad book! It was entertaining and engaging and I did want to know what happened next. Annie's mom gets extra brownie points for being completely over the top and I love her. River is a hot mess and I'm interested to see just what the hell went down between him and Rachel, which I imagine is going to be the enemies-to-loves B-side to Annie and Ox's friends-to-lovers A-side. I'm down for it. Give this book a shot!
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
October 4, 2022
👉 synopsis - publishes 10/22/22
4 ⭐️ 3 🌶
“Life is messy, baby… But can you imagine how boring it would be without the drama?”
Q: Would you ever date your best friend?
Our first Tess Shepherd book and it did not disappoint! This was such a sweet and surprisingly steamy tale of two life long friends turned lovers. The story follows Ox and Annie through time from Ox realizing there could be something more and pining for Annie from a close distance. They agree to a game of bar hopping to pick up dates. For Annie it’s a way to spend more time with Ox and help him find his forever date. Ox thinks it’s just a fun way to spend more time with Annie. It’s all fun a games until Annie realizes she may be a wee bit jealous and realizes she might find Ox attractive but she struggles to want a relationship for a whole host of reasons including not wanting to damage her valued friendship. Both Annie and Ox have to overcome their own insecurities to truly make a go at their relationship.
Highlights:
❤️ friends to lovers
👩❤️👨 dual POV
🍸 bar setting
💗 he falls first
4 ⭐️ 3 🌶
“Life is messy, baby… But can you imagine how boring it would be without the drama?”
Q: Would you ever date your best friend?
Our first Tess Shepherd book and it did not disappoint! This was such a sweet and surprisingly steamy tale of two life long friends turned lovers. The story follows Ox and Annie through time from Ox realizing there could be something more and pining for Annie from a close distance. They agree to a game of bar hopping to pick up dates. For Annie it’s a way to spend more time with Ox and help him find his forever date. Ox thinks it’s just a fun way to spend more time with Annie. It’s all fun a games until Annie realizes she may be a wee bit jealous and realizes she might find Ox attractive but she struggles to want a relationship for a whole host of reasons including not wanting to damage her valued friendship. Both Annie and Ox have to overcome their own insecurities to truly make a go at their relationship.
Highlights:
❤️ friends to lovers
👩❤️👨 dual POV
🍸 bar setting
💗 he falls first
September 19, 2022
Synopsis: When Annie moves to LA to become an actress she has no idea what she will come across. Taking a job as a bartender to help make a living, her and her best friends since she was in diapers create a game to help them all go from single to taken. But with a quick turn of events they learn a lot more about each other than they had originally planned.
Thoughts: I LOVED THIS BOOK! I know I say that for all of Tess Shepherd’s literally when I receive her books I drop everything else and read hers next because I know I won't be disappointed. This was the perfect mix of friend zoning someone and not giving up on true love. I loved the fun game that the friends created to play and the different relationships. One of my favorite things about Tess Shepherd’s books is her development of characters without creating confusion and opening it up for you wanting to know more about the different couples. I highly recommend this book!
Thoughts: I LOVED THIS BOOK! I know I say that for all of Tess Shepherd’s literally when I receive her books I drop everything else and read hers next because I know I won't be disappointed. This was the perfect mix of friend zoning someone and not giving up on true love. I loved the fun game that the friends created to play and the different relationships. One of my favorite things about Tess Shepherd’s books is her development of characters without creating confusion and opening it up for you wanting to know more about the different couples. I highly recommend this book!
October 22, 2022
I'll take one friends to lovers with a twist of secrecy and a dash of spice shaken not stirred.
It's books like this that make me remember why I love the childhood friends to lovers trope so damn much! I really liked Annie and Ox. Both have insecurities that plague them and it was nice to read a man who isn't full of themselves and acts like God it makes him feel more realistic. Ox is so gentle and caring ad he really looks out for Annie from doing little things like helping run lines with her to getting her care packages when she's got her period. He was such a gentle giant and totally swoon worthy. I enjoyed how the storyline progressed and was routing for them the whole way. The grand gesture melted me! Henry is definately book boyfriend material. There was some great banter and plenty of laughs and the whole book was full of love and friendship. We got some great side characters in this book and I'm looking forward to getting to know River more in the next one.
If you want a book that will leave you with a big goofy smile then pick this up
It's books like this that make me remember why I love the childhood friends to lovers trope so damn much! I really liked Annie and Ox. Both have insecurities that plague them and it was nice to read a man who isn't full of themselves and acts like God it makes him feel more realistic. Ox is so gentle and caring ad he really looks out for Annie from doing little things like helping run lines with her to getting her care packages when she's got her period. He was such a gentle giant and totally swoon worthy. I enjoyed how the storyline progressed and was routing for them the whole way. The grand gesture melted me! Henry is definately book boyfriend material. There was some great banter and plenty of laughs and the whole book was full of love and friendship. We got some great side characters in this book and I'm looking forward to getting to know River more in the next one.
If you want a book that will leave you with a big goofy smile then pick this up
October 24, 2022
This is a sweet best friends to lovers romance.
Annie and Ox have been the best of friends since they were younger. They both live in LA and have busy lives. Recently they haven’t been spending much time together. Annie wants to change that so she makes up a game “Bar Hopping for Singles” where they go out every week together to meet new people. Sounds fun, but Annie has no idea that Ox isn’t interested in dating another woman because he’s been in love with Annie for years.
It's a slow burn romance only because Ox is afraid and insecure to tell Annie how he really feels. They have the best relationship as friends and he doesn’t want to ruin it, and Annie has a lot of baggage from a previous relationship. When they ultimately get together, I was so happy because I was cheering for Ox the entire time.
If you enjoy slow burn romances, the friends to lovers trope with a little sweetness and spice then I recommend!
Thank you so much to Tess Shepherd for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Annie and Ox have been the best of friends since they were younger. They both live in LA and have busy lives. Recently they haven’t been spending much time together. Annie wants to change that so she makes up a game “Bar Hopping for Singles” where they go out every week together to meet new people. Sounds fun, but Annie has no idea that Ox isn’t interested in dating another woman because he’s been in love with Annie for years.
It's a slow burn romance only because Ox is afraid and insecure to tell Annie how he really feels. They have the best relationship as friends and he doesn’t want to ruin it, and Annie has a lot of baggage from a previous relationship. When they ultimately get together, I was so happy because I was cheering for Ox the entire time.
If you enjoy slow burn romances, the friends to lovers trope with a little sweetness and spice then I recommend!
Thank you so much to Tess Shepherd for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 25, 2022
Thank you to the author for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you love a slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance, check this one out! I enjoyed getting to know Annie and Ox, and thought the bar scene setting was a lot of fun (plus, I learned a lot about what it’s like working in a bar)!
I especially loved the sweet epilogue, and look forward to the next book in the series.
If you love a slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance, check this one out! I enjoyed getting to know Annie and Ox, and thought the bar scene setting was a lot of fun (plus, I learned a lot about what it’s like working in a bar)!
I especially loved the sweet epilogue, and look forward to the next book in the series.
September 18, 2022
Seriously such a cute friends to lovers book! It always makes me a little swoony when the guy is the one who's pining first.
October 24, 2022
I loved this book! Ox is amazing, and so kind. The chemistry between him and Annie was amazing, it was worth the wait until they finally give in! A great new series, I can’t wait for River’s book!
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
September 11, 2022
🔥Adult content
🚫 Not for K-12
Tess Shepherd does it again! She’s written characters who you fall in love with immediately.
Annie and Henry “Ox” have been best friends with brothers River and Geo most of their lives. Their families are so close, they frequently hear news about each other through the mom gossip line.
In attempt to find love for Henry, they make a deal to bar hop. They are such good friends, that when the possibility for romance arises, it is extremely difficult to take the plunge.
Cleverly told in alternating POV, readers will yearn for the two protagonists to let go of fear and love fully.
Read BHFS in one night!
As someone who married her best friend, Shepherd nailed all the emotions of fear of taking your relationship to the next level, and risk potentially losing someone you have always loved as a friend. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Looking forward to a sequel with River!
🚫 Not for K-12
Tess Shepherd does it again! She’s written characters who you fall in love with immediately.
Annie and Henry “Ox” have been best friends with brothers River and Geo most of their lives. Their families are so close, they frequently hear news about each other through the mom gossip line.
In attempt to find love for Henry, they make a deal to bar hop. They are such good friends, that when the possibility for romance arises, it is extremely difficult to take the plunge.
Cleverly told in alternating POV, readers will yearn for the two protagonists to let go of fear and love fully.
Read BHFS in one night!
As someone who married her best friend, Shepherd nailed all the emotions of fear of taking your relationship to the next level, and risk potentially losing someone you have always loved as a friend. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Looking forward to a sequel with River!
November 24, 2022
Bar Hopping for Singles was a really fun read with my favorite trope friends to lovers and lots of pining. I really loved Ox and his adoration of Annie. Watching the friendship bloom was so sweet and I was rooting for them the whole time. I am such a huge fan of the friend group and their dynamics. I would love to be a part of that group. I had 3rd act breakups, but this one was resolved quickly and I appreciated that. The epilogue was so sweet and I cannot wait to see what else happens to these characters.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. This is now available on Kindle Unlimited.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. This is now available on Kindle Unlimited.
October 9, 2022
📝 ARC review 📝
It’s such a shame the book doesn’t have a cover (yet) but it doesn’t matter at all. I can’t tell you how much I still loved Annie and Ox’s story.
Thank you Tess for the opportunity.
Annie and Ox have been childhood friends. I mean it literally. Their parents are best friends, so they basically grew up together. Therefore he always thought of her only as his little sister, but his feelings have changed over the years, as they grew older.
The problem is that when Annie suggests to get out “bar hopping “ as singles , so both her and Ox would find a partner for themselves.
He goes with her plan, only because he wants to spend as much time as he can.
The more time they spend together though, the more Annie realises that she has feelings for her best friend.
When that friendship turns into more … well that’s where the problems start. Thanks to her ex boyfriend she has trust issues. As soon as she finds out that Henry (aka Ox) is hiding something she thinks of the worst. That’s when he realises she is not ready for their relationship.
Thank God he gave her time because that’s all she needed . She is sure of her feelings towards Henry, but isn’t sure how her family and everyone around herwould take it.
This turned into a longer review than I planned it, so before I give waaaay too much away, I’m going to end it with saying that I loved this book, and Ox is the perfect book boyfriend. Or should I say husband?!
That epilogue melted my heart and I’m so glad River (their best friend) will have his own book too.
What I wouldn’t give - Rachel and River’s story - is coming our way in 2023
It’s such a shame the book doesn’t have a cover (yet) but it doesn’t matter at all. I can’t tell you how much I still loved Annie and Ox’s story.
Thank you Tess for the opportunity.
Annie and Ox have been childhood friends. I mean it literally. Their parents are best friends, so they basically grew up together. Therefore he always thought of her only as his little sister, but his feelings have changed over the years, as they grew older.
The problem is that when Annie suggests to get out “bar hopping “ as singles , so both her and Ox would find a partner for themselves.
He goes with her plan, only because he wants to spend as much time as he can.
The more time they spend together though, the more Annie realises that she has feelings for her best friend.
When that friendship turns into more … well that’s where the problems start. Thanks to her ex boyfriend she has trust issues. As soon as she finds out that Henry (aka Ox) is hiding something she thinks of the worst. That’s when he realises she is not ready for their relationship.
Thank God he gave her time because that’s all she needed . She is sure of her feelings towards Henry, but isn’t sure how her family and everyone around herwould take it.
This turned into a longer review than I planned it, so before I give waaaay too much away, I’m going to end it with saying that I loved this book, and Ox is the perfect book boyfriend. Or should I say husband?!
That epilogue melted my heart and I’m so glad River (their best friend) will have his own book too.
What I wouldn’t give - Rachel and River’s story - is coming our way in 2023
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