Book Review: "You Had Me at Happy Hour" by Timothy Janovsky

My second book in a week featuring a bartender/mixologist…this is the best way to experience cocktails without a hangover!

Julien is a certified sommelier working in a bar/restaurant owned by his aunt and uncle. He dreams of becoming a master sommelier, which will help him write his ticket out of small-town Bethlehem, PA.

In an effort to attract more business to the restaurant, Julien’s aunt and uncle decide to hire Greg, a tremendously handsome mixologist who had gained some notoriety on TikTok. They believe with Greg’s cocktail-making skills and Julien’s expertise about wine, a huge flow of customers should be imminent.

But after Greg and Julien’s initial meeting fizzles awkwardly and their subsequent interactions go awry, business is flowing…away from the restaurant. So the two are tasked with creating new happy hours at the restaurant which can feature fun cocktails and excellent wine. That means they have to overcome whatever issues they have with one another and work together. Or else.

Of course, the awkwardness hides the strong mutual attraction between the two at first, but it’s not long before their feelings for each other intensify. But with Julien’s OCD and Greg’s anxiety and ED issues, the road to casual sex isn’t as smooth as it should be. And as their relationship heads towards love, both panic in their own ways.

I’ve read all of Timothy Janovsky’s books and this may be my favorite. I loved how he balanced the banter and the incredible steam with the serious emotional issues both Julien and Greg were dealing with. It turned what could have been a typical M/M rom-com into something more complex, and I loved it.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Afterglow Books by Harlequin for the advance copy. The book will publish 7/23.

Book Review: "Triple Sec" by TJ Alexander

I’ve said many times how much I love books that take place in the culinary world or in restaurants. After reading TJ Alexander’s latest, we can add books about bartenders and cocktails to my list, which is ironic, because I don’t drink!

Mel is a bartender at one of NYC’s trendiest places. She’s excellent behind the bar, and even better at knowing what her customers need and want, sometimes even before they do. And while she’s seen her share of encounters ignite and fizzle out at the bar, she hasn’t thought about her own love life since her divorce.

All that changes when Bebe walks in. She’s shrewd, sexy, and seems to be interested in Mel—but it turns out she’s also happily married to her partner, Kade. However, since Bebe and Kade have an open marriage, she asks Mel out on a date. Once Mel gets over her initial trepidations, she’s all in for some no-strings-attached fun.

Of course, it’s not long before both start to catch feelings beyond the casual mood they agreed upon. But instead of ending things, everyone is fine with things getting more serious. And then Mel realizes that she and Kade are also attracted to one another, despite the fact that Mel always thought they hated her. Suddenly, two’s company—and three is even better!

Meanwhile, Mel finds the courage to enter a major cocktail competition, which if she wins, she could get the seed money to open her own place, where her own drinks could be on the menu. And while navigating polyamory is daunting at first, having Bebe and Kade by her side makes all the difference.

I honestly haven’t read many books which feature polyamory, and I found the chemistry Mel had with both Bebe and Kade was fascinating, as were the issues that cropped up for her. This is a very steamy, fun, and romantic read, which could totally be read over cocktails!

I’m a huge fan of TJ Alexander; you can’t go wrong picking up any of their books!

Book Review: "Yerba Buena" by Nina LaCour

This is an utterly exquisite story of longing, regret, love, and the memories that haunt us.

Nina LaCour has been one of my favorite YA authors for years now, so I was tremendously excited that she was writing her first adult novel. This book is as beautiful and poignant as her YA books, and it filled my heart with emotion.

Sara was 16 when a tragedy forces her to leave home and head for Los Angeles. She makes a life for herself and ultimately becomes a sought-after bartender and mixologist. But her memories are full of a girl she once loved and a disturbing discovery.

Emilie has always been a bit directionless, unsure what she wants. Her academic career reflects her inability to commit to one thing or another. She gets a job arranging floral displays for restaurants, including Yerba Buena, and before she realizes it she falls into an affair with the chef/owner. She meets Sara at Yerba Buena and feels a connection, but neither is ready to take the first step.

As time passes, Sara and Emilie connect and realize the intensity of their feelings for one another, yet the secrets from their past that they cling to always seem to be a roadblock. How do they step beyond the fear, the regret in their lives to capture the longing and embrace their vulnerabilities?

I was drawn in from the very first page of this book. It’s sad and joyous and hopeful and these characters will resonate in my head for a long while.