I know when I read a novel by Georgia Beers that I will be entertained, enchanted, and quite often enthralled. Of course, as soon as I heard that she was planning a series about three cousins finding their true love, I was ready and waiting to read.
The first book in the series, Shaken or Stirred, tells the story of Julia Martini and Savannah McNally. Julia is the new owner of a bar called…what else could it be…Martini’s, and seems to be spending every waking moment working to make the bar successful. Savannah is a home health care worker which suits her since she seems to be a caretaker for everyone she knows including her widowed father, sister and brother. The two women meet at Martini’s. There is chemistry between them from the start that grows as they gradually get to know each other. Unfortunately, there are problems that could derail their budding romance, including family baggage that both women carry.
This is a lovely character driven romance (my favorite kind). Not only are Julia and Savannah well-developed and perfect for each other, the secondary characters fit their roles in the story as well. There is just the right amount of angst in the tale; just enough to create conflict between Julia and Savannah. We also get to meet Julia’s cousins, Vanessa and Amelia, who will have their own stories in future novels. I really like the idea of introducing future main characters of a series in the first book. It makes me want to read these novels as soon as I can. I have to admit, that is a great marketing tool. It’s definitely worked with me, anyway. Not only did I love this first book in the “Swizzle Stick Romance” series, I’m looking forward to the rest of the books.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections 