I've Got My Mind Set on Brew

by Stephanie Jayne

A down-on-her-luck craft beer brewer and her privileged new boss clash as they work together to save a quirky brewpub in this enemies-to-lovers workplace romcom, perfect for fans of Rachel Lynn Solomon’s The Ex Talk.

Kat Malone is left cash-strapped after a job loss and a bad breakup (pro tip: never offer to pay living expenses for a freeloading poetry major) when she discovers a surprising new career path: craft beer brewer.

When the brewpub is sold, the new owner places his light-on-experience son in charge of the pub. Ryan is as basic as a pale lager and aims to turn quirky Resistance into a run-of-the-mill sports bar. Worse, he won’t consider Kat for the position of brewer’s assistant—the job she’d been promised by the previous owners.

Despite clashes between Kat and Ryan, he confides that Resistance is in financial trouble and that drastic changes will be needed if the pub has any hope of survival. Forced to collaborate, Kat realizes Ryan isn’t as bland as she assumed—he might even be exactly what she’s been craving.

But just as Ryan promises Kat a true partnership in the face of his father’s opposition, Kat is offered the opportunity of a lifetime. “Marrying the beer” used to be Kat’s only goal, but can she craft a brew for her life that allows her to have it all?

Fans of Kate Clayborn and Ali Hazelwood will be raising a pint to this crisp, satisfying romance.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary, Adult Fiction, Book Club

ebook

First published April 9, 2024

Reviews

[Cristy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an enemies to lovers, boss/employee, opposites attract rom-com that left a lot to be desired.

I really liked the concept with the beer and how Kat (our FMC) associates people with different types of beer. The book started out really cute. Loved the way Kat and Ryan first met, but as the story progressed, it just seemed more like a business partnership rather than a romance.

Ryan and Kat both seemed really immature. Ryan especially. I felt no chemistry between them, which was disappointing in a rom-com.

Overall it was just okay for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5

Third act breakup here we go! I've Got My Mind Set on Brew by debut author Stephanie Jayne has boss girl energy thanks to Kat perusing her love of brewing beer and has a unique premise set against the backdrop of a brewpub named Resistance. I loved that each chapter started with a different kind of beer along with a brief description and sometimes a fun quip. I honestly wouldn't mind owning a copy just so I have those chapter headings. 🤣 The enemies-to-lovers romance between Kat and Ryan could have used some more chemistry, but overall, I was fairly happy with it!

The audiobook is narrated by Kelli Tager, and I thought she did a great job for Kat, but I did not love her for Ryan. I REALLY wish there had been a male narrator even though he only has a couple of sections. She didn't differentiate her voice in any way, and it was just weird for me. Otherwise, I found the audio very enjoyable and would recommend it. As previously mentioned, there is a third-act breakup which I am getting a tiny bit tired of, and I do wish there had been a grand gesture from Ryan to make up for him being, bluntly put, an ass. I've Got My Mind Set on Brew wasn't quite as satisfying as I had hoped but it was a nice light read and I would definitely read more from this author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Laurie • The Baking Bookworm · Rating 2 out of 5]

My ardent love of craft beer and the punny title drew me to this story that is heavily centred around a small craft brewery.

The book started off well and I enjoyed the small brewery setting and the descriptions of different kinds of beer at the beginning of each chapter. The book is touted as a RomCom but despite a few tropes (enemies to lovers, workplace romance), I wouldn't call this book a RomCom. It was more of Kat's journey of self-discovery with a toxic relationship that morphs into a romance.

Despite the strong start, I soon lost interest and a lot of that had to do with the contrived animosity and later the 'InstaLove, all-tell-no-show' romance that followed. I didn't feel invested in the story or believe the chemistry between the couple and those factors contributed to my lackluster reading experience (which lasted 3 weeks!).

I liked Kat initially because of her drive and passion to make the brewery succeed. But her sense of entitlement to get a job she's helped with a few times but isn't accredited for was immature. Ryan was also immature, obnoxious, and toxic in how he tried to manipulate Kat. And yes, we know his saving grace is that he's hot because we are reminded many times.

I LOVED that this book centres around craft beer and the culture and community surrounding it, but the romance element and character development went over like a Pabst Blue Ribbon lager amongst seasoned beer lovin' mug clubbers in a local craft brewery.


Disclaimer: My thanks to Alcove Press for the complimentary digital copy of this book which was provided in exchange for my honest review.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Advance copy provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a review.*

This title instantly captured me as I am a lover of craft beer myself. And I really felt that Jayne captured what craft beer is and what the industry looks like, while she also filled it with so much love and commitment through her main character Kat and her friends.

This is also described as an enemy-to-lover romance, but I didn't really feel the romance between Kat and Ryan. The hotheaded discussions that turn into chemistry just felt like uncomfortable and angry arguments between two people too different to see eye to eye. And they never really do either, they just decide to ignore it so they can be together. The rift that ends with them going separate ways, which leads to Kat finding her place at the new brewery pub, felt completely logical and right for the story. And I think I would have preferred that the ending being that they agree to just be friends. I found them both to be immature, but I felt that Kat changes throughout the book, while Ryan doesn't, except for the last pages which feels a bit to neat, a bit to happy considering the problems just weeks earlier. It didn't feel realistic that everything would be solved so perfectly and Ryan completely change his opinions so it fits with Kat's.

To me this was a romance between Kat and craft beer and I read it as such.

[Sarah | Kerosene.Lit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't resist this punny title! As you can expect, there is a huge focus on craft brewing in this story. I'm not a beer drinker in the slightest, but I found the whole process—the chemistry behind it—so interesting to read about. And each chapter opening with a different beer description was a very cute touch!

After an unexpected change at Resistance Brewpub, aspiring brewer Kat Malone is not pleased with its new owner Ryan and his plans of shifting the pub into a sports bar to attract more customers. On top of that, he completely ignores her plea to obtain the brewer's assistant position.

I liked Kat a lot. She had a really edgy, snarky charm. The romance with Ryan is a VERY slow burn, and I wouldn't say it's overly passionate, but I still thought it was enjoyable and mature. Also, the man buys her books! Enough said.

But honestly, I think this story would have stood well on its own even without a romantic HEA. Any ending with Kat reaching her dreams would have made me happy!

(heat level: closed door)

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

[Ashley- Ashleyreads13 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Alcove Press for my earc copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Love the opening beer info at the start of each chapter, didn't love much else.

I've Got My Mind Set on Brew is a title that immediately caught my interest. While I adored the beginning beer descriptions for the chapters, I didn't adore the other parts of the book. I found the chemistry between both characters to be lacking and the "will they or won't they" aspect to be long drawn out. I will pick up another book by Stephanie Jayne but this one wasn't my favorite cup of "brew

[Megan WIlls · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC for honest feedback.

I really enjoyed this read. The love story wasn't too over the top, but just enough to keep you invested. I'm not really a beer drinker, but the amount of knowledge and research that went into writing this, makes me want to branch out and try new things.
The message of building a community, and helping small businesses, is really something I can stand by. I share those see beliefs, and to weave those in, was wonderful to see.

[iris [updating reviews] · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was simplistic but I think the author failed to bring it out in an entertaining way. I felt no real chemistry between Ryan and Kat, and there was way too much miscommunication for one book. Overall, it wasn't too bad but it could've been a whole lot better.

Thanks to NetGalley for the arc.

[Christina Giedeman · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5, at best. Did not catch me, the main characters were not great. The end made up for a lot but overall would not recommend reading

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A love story between a woman and her beer with some romance thrown in for light fun.

[Helen Isabel · Rating 2 out of 5]

The style of writing was great and the storyline was well-crafted. At the beginning of the book I was properly captivated to know more about the main characters. However, I wasn’t able to relate to Kay. Her character was fun, and a force not to be reckoned with, but since I couldn’t find a connection the rest of the story got lost.

I would give this author another chance with a different book. This one sadly wasn’t it for me.

* 𝔻𝕚𝕤𝕔𝕝𝕒𝕚𝕞𝕖𝕣: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kayla Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

I literally run a bookstagram called hoppy pages and am 1/2 of a “books and brews” bookclub… how could I not read a beer/brewery themed romance??

I have found that the millennials-speak, extra “quirky” main characters can get on my nerves. How many times can someone saw the exact same thing and it not make you roll your eyes?
Other than that, I enjoyed the brewery scene and knowledge in the book. Also the welcome atmosphere of a brewery.
Diverse characters and issues throughout did keep it pretty interesting!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this rom-com focused on the Chicago small brewery scene. If anyone has seen the film Drinking Buddies, I got similar vibes, even though the plots are quite different.

Kat is working as a server/bartender at a brewpub but really wants to make the beer and become brewmaster. She's on her way, until the pub's owners have to unexpectedly sell, and the (hot) privileged son of the buyer, Ryan, comes in to run things. Ryan's desire to prove himself, Kat's professional ambitions, and their mutual attraction eventually come to a (foamy) head.

Author definitely did her research; you learn a ton about beer. It's a slow burn, and closed-door, but it's paced really well and Kat has a really clear voice that comes through in first person. You also get a scene where she's sick and he takes care of her, which is def on my microtrope bingo card.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a craft brew beer fan, the title and cute cover drew my attention. The beer titles and Kat's naming peoples personalities after beers was adorable! I looked forward to each chapters and blurb about beers. One of my favorites was Chapter 12:

COFFEE BEER
Roasted flavor often added to stouts and porter bases and
increasingly found in more styles, like IPAs. Beer or coffee: Why choose?

Kat's journey in the book was a fun read. Kat is an average person just trying to get by, things are looking up until she is hit with 3 life changing events. The biggest being bosses of the brewery she is working at decide to sell. We watch Kat's life plans suddenly change as she realizes things weren't what she thought they were. She begrudgingly works along side Ryan the new manager of the brewery. Ryan comes from money, a different world. Their relationship build into romance is cute. Finding common grounds in their opposite worlds. Working together for the same goal of making Resistance successful. Kat's family relations incredibly relatable, about setting boundaries and speaking our truths. Overall I found this to be a cute, relatable rom com.

🍺 Enemy to lovers

🍺 Opposite Attract

🍺 Rom Com

🍺 Boss / Employee

🍺 Slow Burn

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the privilege of allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Caroline · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good things first the cover and title instantly captured my interest and I absolutely loved the concept with the beer and how the Kat uses it to describe people. The writing and storyline were great.

I actually liked the beginning of the book too and how the two main characters meet. But this book is marketed as an enemies to lovers which it wasn’t really for me and I sadly felt absolutely no chemistry or romance between the two. It was more business than romance and at the same time they were both really immature and just ignored their differences, to at some point be together!
Also I strongly dislike Ryan. Yes he is the boss but he was super unprofessional, honestly just really annoying and he basically used her. Also he listened to literally no one who worked there and then he somehow needs her help like I’m sorry she tried that from the beginning and you didn’t listen. Honestly she should have just left from the beginning which is why I think the ending fit perfectly and was definitely the right choice!!

Overall it was an alright read for me!!

Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for this e-Arc in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

[Suzanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kat is aspiring to be a master craft brewer after being down on her luck. After her bosses, who are more like family, decide to sell, she clashes with her knew boss on how the brewpub should continue.

I was interested in the book because my husband and I love visiting breweries and trying out craft beer. That was the most interesting part of this book. The main characters are not very likable. Kat is EXTREMELY judgemental despite making a mess of her own life. Ryan seems clueless and has no idea how to interact with people, although he is a boss figure. He comes across as an immature child that Kat has to raise. They really didn't have any chemistry, and I found myself just reading for the information on beer and brewing (which I did enjoy and found interesting). If you're not into craft brews, I wouldn't even attempt this one. I was really let down since I wanted to like this one.

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

[Harvin Bedenbaugh · Rating 1 out of 5]

Points for being the first craft beer story I've read that's actually accurate (excusing the chilled glass reference). This mad me briefly miss being in a brewery.

The main characters were both immature, manipulative, and lacking chemistry.

[Mads · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kat Malone has found herself and her passion in brewing beer. After a messy breakup and a childhood of hyper independence, Kat has finally found where she belongs, at Resistance Brewing. That’s all about to change though when the owners of the brewery unexpected have to sell and suddenly the brewery and all its staff are under new management. Management who, it turns out, know nothing about brewing beer. Kat is seeing her dreams of creating and brewing fall away as her future is in the hands of a spoiled rich kid who had the bar handed to him by his dad.

I really wanted to like this book and i really enjoyed all that I learned about craft beer. Other than that though, the romance at the center of the story I just couldn’t get behind. Ryan (the love interest) was a walking red flag to begin with, and I honestly didn’t see how he changed or how the relationship could work after the inevitable 3rd act break up.

In no way was Kat perfect either, however I feel like I at least saw growth in her.

Overall, the book had a really great concept, i just felt like the central relationship was inherently unhealthy.

Thank you NetGalley, Alcove Press, and Stephanie Jayne for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Connie N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a new-to-me author, and she caught my attention right away. I'll admit that I didn't particularly care for Kat at first--she was too negative and negatively impulsive (to her own detriment), but she grew on me. Eventually I saw her "find herself" and learn to accept the good changes around her, making her own choices rather than just going along with what she felt was best for everyone around her. Ryan was pretty unconfident at first, but he also came into his own as he accepted his role as manager and worked with Kat to learn the trade. I think they brought out the best in each other, and it was fun to watch their growth and changes. Now I'll admit that I'm not a beer drinker, so I'm probably not the target audience for this book, but I did find it interesting to learn about beer and its nuances (who knew?). I liked the format of starting each chapter with a description of some sort of beer, signaling a bit of a heads-up about what the chapter might be about. All in all, a solid romance, and I enjoyed it.
NOTE: The length of time it took me to read this doesn't reflect my enjoyment of the book. I was in the hospital for some of the time period and didn't read much for a couple of weeks.

[Lizzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t hate this book and definitely don’t love it. The main characters drive and passion for her job were pretty relatable. Also super relatable working for a company and watching it fall to a shitty buyer/become corporate and be dissected apart. Along with not being considered for a job that could easily be trained after knowing how to run the rest of the place. That’s why I was pretty confused why the main character falls for the corporate guy who has no passion for craft beer or the ins and outs of running a small business. I like that they tried to work it out, but hated that he just didn’t listen to any of her ideas. He has no clue what he’s doing and just wants money and to please his father.
Loved that she went to another brewery and moved away. Loved that corporate guy stepped down because he sucked. I would have enjoyed the story a lot more if they had broken up too, and she truly went for her passion and found someone who shares that with her.
I enjoyed the little beer descriptions, I thought that was fun.

[Telma Rocha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Review: I’ve Got My Mind Set On Brew
Release Date: April 2024
Genre: Romcom

Summary: Kat wants nothing more than to marry the beer!🍺 She’s given a chance by her bosses to learn the brewing process but when the brewpub is sold, her new boss, Ryan, isn’t as keen to give Kat the same opportunity with the beer.

The two butt heads instantly but eventually work related outings turn into more. Can Kat and Ryan overcome the work drama which includes Ryan’s father being the investor, or will the beer remain Kat’s forever love.

My Thoughts: This was good, and I liked it. I enjoyed learning about the different types of craft beer and the variations in the brewing process. I didn’t quit feel the romantic, tingling sensation I expect with a romcom and because of that I didn’t find myself rooting for Kat and Ryan as much as I should have. But the story had a lot more to offer, so I still enjoyed it and recommend it, especially over a pint! 🍺

[Lauren | Hartandfoxreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beer Lovers and Romance Readers are going to really enjoy this slowburn enemies to lovers romance immersed in the wonderful world of craftbrewing. As an avid brewery supporter, beer lover and novice homebrewer I loved the setting and how each chapter began with a different beer type and description. I was immediately drawn in by the punny title.  I thought the honest take on the struggles women face within the male-dominated industry of brewing was a nice touch as well. I found the romance and storyline to be authentic because while this is a romance story at its heart, it's also an inspiring story about Kat who is working towards her dreams of becoming a brewer against all odds. She puts herself first and doesn't let anything get in the way including her very handsome boss. 

𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:
🍺Enemies to Lovers Romance
🍺Strong Female Leads
🍺Slow-Burn Romance
🍺Beer & Breweries 
🍺Workplace Romance
🍺Found Family

[✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 rounded to 3 stars

Firstly, every time I picked up this book, I got the George Harrison song in my head.

And it started with such promise.

Ryan and Kat had so much potential.

I liked how they started out, liked the bite and snark.

But then... that was it. They didn't move on from it, and I felt they were actually quite toxic. They brought out the worst in each other.

I felt noconnection between them, and though it is marketed as romcom, I did not get that vibe at all.

Ryan didn't listen to anyone else, and Kat was petulant, acting a spoiled brat as she didn't get a job - that was never hers to begin with.

It was a shame that the characters didn't develop further, as the store had real potential

[Ande · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was super fun. I loved all of the niche beer references including the beginnings of the chapters. I also adored how Kat compared people to different types of craft beer. To be honest I don’t even like craft beer but I would 100% go to try it at Resistance.
I loved Kat’s character growth through this and I think where she ended up was the best choice even though it might not have seemed that way to begin with. She was also super sassy and amusing with her 2am brain shut off.
I wasn’t the biggest fan of Ryan and that opinion only really changed right at the very end but I think his trust and faith in Kat was really beautiful. I also really feel for his family and their own journey in this.
I also enjoyed how our opinions on Prairie and Joe shift throughout the book.
The side characters were also so fun and I would definitely read more books about them and their own stories, especially Gary!

[Lauren | TransportedLFL · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Alcove Press, the author, and Kate Rock Book Tours for this complimentary book. These opinions are my own.

Kat Malone works at Resistance Brewpub, as she tries to pay down debt. She hopes to become a brewmaster. But then the brewpub is sold, and her dreams are up in the air. The new owner's son Ryan is trying to run the brewpub with no experience.

This book gives extensive detail on the craft beer industry and process. I learned a great deal and appreciated the enthusiasm for women entering that space.

I also greatly appreciated the trans and other LGBTQ representation. Resistance was presented as one of those amazing safe queer community spaces that are so necessary.

I found Kat's journey to be the most interesting part of the plot. She worked to find herself after multiple struggles. I appreciated her growth more than the romance with Ryan.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Soft 3. This was a sweet contemporary romance with lots of beer-related puns and chapter headings. The romance felt secondary to the coming-of-age of the FMC as she navigated a crossroads in her adult life.

I'm not a fan of "enemies to lovers" because I never feel like the characters redeem themselves and/or become worthy of their love interest. The stakes didn't feel heightened enough, the main characters didn't have a great rapport with each other, and the third act break-up kind of fizzled out. I think this would have been a better story without the romantic plot; give me more of Kat figuring out how to be a lady boss!

[Christine · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. I gave it 20%, but I give up.
MC Kat is such an entitled twat. Her voice as narrator is supercondescending, especially about craft beer, but she then serves a Bud - in a without batting an eye, or even breathing a word of reco about a comparable house-brewed beer.
GTFOH. 😂

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading some mixed reviews, I went in with lower expectations, but I really enjoyed this craft brewing/finding-yourself novel! Definitely not your typical rom-com vibe.
I loved Kat’s journey. She followed her dreams, found forgiveness and finally put herself first. 🧡 The Resistance Brewery team and setting made me love the book even more. What a great place to hang out, listen to the jukebox, eat and have a craft beer! 🍻 I plan on adding other books by Stephanie Jayne to my TBR.

[Laurie Burns · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet romance, set in a craft brewery.
As someone who loves craft beer, it was a fun setting to read it in, and I learned lots about beer, because she describes a beer before every chapter.

The romance wasn't as hot, or as electric as I usually like, more of a slow burn, but it was okay. Honestly the beer was the most interesting part!

[erikoreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute little book. I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the beers at the start of each chapter. 🍻