Savannah has an obsession with helping other people. She is a home health aide, take s care of her family including her sis her and brother. Julia has taken over her family's bar and has no time for herself or dating. This is a love story where each person learns to take care of herself a nd not always play the mayter. The characters are very good and the plot is also good. I like the way it all comes together but not always in a perfect way. I recommend this book for romance readers.

What a fun book. Full of drinks, friendships and romance. This was a slow sizzle but so worth the wait.

A new series with gay cousins and I’m so here for it! SHAKEN OR STIRRED is the first book in the SWIZZLE STICK ROMANCE trilogy featuring cousins Julia, Vanessa, and Amelia Martini, respectively. I love this trio and am excited for Vanessa’s (ON THE ROCKS) and Amelia’s stories because Vanessa is such a fun person who is an elementary school teacher and Amelia is in her late forties (48 in SHAKEN OR STIRRED) who takes zero bullshit. While Vanessa and Amelia seem to have more personality to them, Julia is... a business owner who is a workaholic. Maybe not the most intriguing character, her story was still an enjoyable one.

Julia Martini (38) just bought Martini’s from her uncle and reopened the bar. When Savannah McNally (34), who works as a caretaker, comes in for a drink one day, sparks fly. But there is something going on between the Martinis and McNallys on top of other issues within their own families. Will Julia and Savannah retreat to their comfort zones and miss out on this chance of love?

Before I get into the romance, I need to say that I love the theme of cocktails! Beers gave me a lot of drink ideas throughout this book and I need to do some experimenting with my liquor collection, including replacing cognac with bourbon for my sidecar recipe and having some fun with Godiva liqueur.

The mixology part of SHAKEN OR STIRRED is my favorite, and I also enjoyed a lot of the tender and cute moments between Julia and Savannah. Julia is clueless about dating and Savannah is sort of awkward, but together they are sweet. There is definitely a lot of potential for their story to be really romantic, but, for me, the family drama overshadowed the romance and I failed to feel chemistry between the two mains. Julia and Savannah also spent a lot of page time apart, so that might have been why I wasn’t too invested in their relationship.

I couldn’t quite understand the family members, especially Julia’s and Savannah’s fathers. The reasons behind their grudges are too weak (immature) for me to believe that those were the roots of some of the drama. Nevertheless, I did appreciate that SHAKEN OR STIRRED centered around families.

One last thing I wanted to mention is about the Black side character Tiffany (yes, I know Beers is trying). I have so many questions about Tiffany and Savannah’s conversations (especially the one that mentioned skin color) as well as why “white” was capitalized... But she’s a supportive and cool friend.

Now that we are introduced to this trio of cousins, I cannot wait for the rest of the series and watch Vanessa and Amelia find their own HEAs/HFNs, too!

[content warnings: graphic sex, alcohol (recreational & abuse), addiction, blood, sexism, dementia, d-slur, acrophobia]

Julia Martini is the proud new owner of the family bar - recently refurbished and ready to make a go of things, Julia has no time for anything other than work. Savannah McNally is the woman who puts everyone ahead of herself - parents, siblings, clients. When Savannah sees Julia, she thinks that maybe it is time to do something for herself.

This latest offering from Georgia Beers has all the points we have come to expect from such a fantastic author. The characters are mature and complex, there is a slow burn tension and build up, and a happy ending that despite some bumps, you know we are going to get to.

This is the first novel in a new linked series for Beers around the Martini cousins - and I can't wait to read about the others.

This was another lovely book my Ms. Beers. I really liked the realistic family dynamics and felt more bonded to the main characters. I appreciated how most of the characters were blue collar or typically lower paid earners who still had great life quality. The storyline also shows how dealing with addicted family members can be difficult. Give this book a shot. You'll like it! I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I could happily read a book by Georgia Beers every day of the week. Too bad she can't write that fast ;)

Another winner with good characters that find common ground in unexpected ways. The development and growth are fun to be involved in as the story grows. I can't wait to read more about this family and get to viist the characters again.

This was a cute romance. I was invested in their love story. Julia has made work and gaining acceptance her number one priority. Savannah is swamped by work and dealing with her family. I was happy to see these two overcame their issues to find love in each other.

I found the same storyline threads were unnecessary and underdeveloped. However, all in all, the love was great

I love stories about big Italian families. You are introduced to each of the Martini cousins. Julia just bought a bar and is a workaholic. Her cousins Amelia and Venessa like to meddle in her life for her own good of course. Beautiful, Savannah, a home healthcare worker, comes into the bar and the sparks between the two of them but neither has time for a romance. With the help of Amelia and Vanessa, maybe things will work out. There is easy banter and great chemistry between Julia and Savannah. This is the 1st in a 3 books series and I am excited to read the rest of the stories

This is the first book in the series of three that the author plans to write. The story revolved around a potential love interest between Julia and Savannah. Julia just opened a bar and wants to make it a success and her two cousins Amelia and Vanessa play a big role in the story and set the base for a book 2 and three. However I think too much time was spent on issues that were not tantamount to the love story. savannah on the other hand is a home health worker and also a main psychological support for her dysfunctional family. Neither woman in the story was looking for romance but lo and behold when Savannah walked into the bar and made eye contact with Julia there was an instant connection that took both women by surprise. If this was the main focus of the story it would’ve clearly been a five star review for me because I love the slow burn development of how these two women eventually went out on a date. It was all the extraneous information that took away the main part of the story for me. I will say that it was a sweet love story between the two women which I like very much. There was nothing in this book that really grabbed me to want to continue reading because of all the other information that I thought was not necessary to the main Love story. That being said I do hope to read the second and third book in the series and they have the feeling that this book was written to lay the groundwork for the next two books, but in my mind it was too much groundwork.

Shaken and Stirred starts off with driven Julia, who is working hard to get her families bar to be a success... as long as she doesn't get distracted by sexy Savannah, who comes with her own set of problems. As family feuds pop up and a blogger starts trashing Julia's bar, do Julia and Savannah have a chance to get to know one another?

From the moment Julia and Savannah meet, sparks fly! Both girls come from loving, tight families, that they would do anything for!! Savannah, the oldest and mom figure after her mother's passing, cares for her younger brother (who has addiction problems), and sister. Julia is the middle daughter of 5, comkng between 4 brothers. She doesn't fit her families "Italian catholic" tradition mold,, being gay and owning a bar. But Savannah and Julia, can feel the attraction for each other from day one, and the chemistry is real! As their relationship builds, problems arise, but Savannah and Julia want to make this work. Can they out last the tension between them and an old family fund? Why is this blogger posting bad reviews? Will work-driven Julia make it through this?

This story was an easy LGBTQIA book for those interested in love outside of the "normal" (boy x girl) romance story. Julia and Savannah have everything a romance book needs; chemistry, some drama, and an interested 3rd party. What's not to love about this book?

I gave the book 4.5/5 stars. I loved the characters and watching then grow towards each other, but the character development was minimal. Still a must read for any romance fan!

I'd like to say a huge thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

#reading2021 #fallreading2021 #LGBTQIA #aswizzlestickromance #netgalley

This is the first chapter of a new romance series, if the subtitle and the one on Goodreads aren't wrong, Swizzle Stick Romance series starts with this one here. And if I'm not mistaken, it won't end until the three Martini cousins star in a story. Let's go for this one.

The protagonist here, Julia Martini, appropriately surnamed, has just opened the bar that the Italian family to which she belongs has had for several generations. She is putting a lot at stake, in addition to her future, what she wants the most is the approval of her family, mainly her father. So for this she works, works and works a little more, without having a life outside of her business, even the back room is her second home, or perhaps her first. Her cousins Vanessa and Amelia have named it The Bar Back.

The other woman in this couple is Savannah. She is a caregiver for elder people who had to take care of her family when her mother died about ten years ago. Now her life is changing, her siblings have grown up and they don't seem to need her that much, her father has a more or less stable girlfriend even with his incipient dementia. Maybe it's time to live for herself and enjoy life a bit, as her friend Tiffany always tells her.

So when she walks into Martini's and sees Julia, everything seems to fit, even Savannah is going to change for once and she will be the one to chase this time. Nothing aggressive, she is not like that, but this time it seems that she and Julia are on the same wavelength and why not try to see if this possibility could be something.

But it won't be as easy as chase and catch, Julia has a business to run, Savannah has a job. And the two of them have a family to worry about in one way or another that may interfere with their plans.

For me it has been a classic romance, interesting like almost all the works of this author, recommended for sure.

Fabulous!

Julia is on a mission to turn around her family’s struggling bar and make a success of it after remodelling and rebranding it but that has left her little time to find love. Savannah is taking care of everyone and when she gets a chance to start building a life of her own, she can’t stop thinking about the hot bartender she met. When Savannah’s family problems collide with Julia’s business success they get to know each other even better and can’t deny they have more than just an instant attraction to one another.

This was such fun! Flirty, Fun and Fabulous with drama, drama, and more drama. I loved every second of the story, from Julia and Savannah’s instant connection, to getting to know both of them intimately in their insecurities, fears, and worries. They were so busy, all the time, and that I could totally relate to. They were both passionate about their careers and being successful and it did keep getting in the way of them finding happiness but meeting each other was what they needed to revaluate and consider the possibilities and potentials of dating.

I love the sense of family that also ran through the story, not only for Julia’s side but Savannah’s too. It really added something to the story. The connection between Julia and her cousins, Vanessa and Amelia was brilliant and I felt like I was a part of their little group. No matter which character or what they were going through or experiencing, I found there was a way I could relate. I also loved all the cool drinks being created and consumed!

The balance between romance, drama and a touch of humour was just right. It made the story exciting but so easy to just read and get lost in. I didn’t want it to end, so am glad this appears to be part of a series and am excited for what comes next. It had that typical chick-flick feel to it but with a Sex and the City type of edge. I just adored everything about the story and thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the journey as both Savannah and Julia reached the conclusion there was more to life when Mrs Right appears.

I was so excited to read this and it did not disappoint. I always know what I am getting with a Georgia Beers story (even though I have only read a few and definitely need to read more)!

Shaken or Stirred is a great romance, seriously, very well written, with lovable characters. In particular, the relationship between Julia and her cousins ​​Vanessa and Amelia is something that I will be very pleased to find in the next books of the series. I loved how much "Italian" everything is.

What I didn't love is only a matter of personal taste. The romance between Savannah and Julia is bordering on insta-love. The two meet and immediately like each other, but this is not new. What is new is how there aren't major problems for them along the way. In fact, the small obstacles along the way concern them more as single persons rather than a couple, for example, their relationship with their family.

Any doubts are solved practically immediately and the angst part is completely missing. Surely it's a nice change from the usual misunderstanding/problem that always appear at 50 pages from the end of the novel which is part of 99.99% of the romance I've read, but I admit that such a smooth road hasn't kept me on my toes.

But as said is just personal taste, if you need a sweet comfy romance this one is absolutely perfect.

Shaken or stirred is a very cute, fun, and fast-paced sapphic read!!
I really loved the bar and liked the characters, but I wanted the main conflict to be bigger, more complicated and for it to happen earlier in the book, it felt like it kept being pushed back. The romance and how the characters were able to organize their priorities and understand each other was very well-done and adorable. I recommend this book if you want an sweet, easy read!
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy.

There are very few authors whose books I look forward to as much as I do Georgia Beers. I know what I am going to get: engaging, likable characters; witty dialogue; and just the right amount of angst. Shaken or Stirred ticked all these boxes.

The main setting is a bar owned by Julia Martini named, you guessed it, Martini’s. It has been in the family for generations. She has just bought it from her uncle and has made significant changes as is getting ready for the grand re-opening. Her large Italian family is very supportive, especially her favorite cousins and besties Amelia and Vanessa. The one family member she doesn’t feel support from is the one who she values most- her father. Starting a new business doesn’t leave any time for romance and besides she uses her Tinder account when she needs a hook-up.

Savannah McNally is a caregiver. She is employed as a home health aide and she spends her days, and many nights attending to her patients. She has taken care of her father and younger siblings since her mother died. Her best friend, Tiffany is always telling her it’s okay sometimes to put her needs first occasionally. She knows just what Savannah needs, a night at Martini’s. The problem is that for some reason her father hates the place and has told her to stay away from it. Which has not been too difficult with it being a bit of a dive. But Tiffany won’t take no for an answer, so off she goes for a quick drink- one that Tiffany has ordered special from the sexy bartender and it is good, very good.

Savannah and Julia flirt and tentatively decide they kind of like each other. That is when family problems threaten to overwhelm their budding relationship. The bar isn’t doing as well as Julia had hoped, and she just doesn’t have time for anything else.

This book is promised to be a trilogy about the Martini cousins. Amelia and Vanessa will each get their own love story. I really, really hope that the next installment is about Amelia. I want her to find bliss as soon as possible.
I recommend this book wholeheartedly and look forward to the rest of the trilogy.

3.5 stars. A sweet and low angst romance in which family plays in important role. After having a bad experience with martini in my youth I decided to stay away from this drink from hell, no matter how sophisticated James Bond makes it out to be, but this book almost tempted me to try out some martini-based cocktails. Emphasis on almost though, can’t have it all;)

Having Martini as a surname begs to open a bar, so that’s exactly what Julia does. Not just a bar at that, no it’s one refined in the art of mixology. (I was wondering how Georgia Beers’ research was done and how she was able to write this book after doing that particular research.) The bar is Julia’s baby and she has the support of her best friends, her two cousins Vanessa and Amelia. Julia has no time to date, she’s way too busy with the bar, until she meets Savannah, maybe she can make a small exception.

This was no slow burn romance, in fact the level of insta-lust was a bit high for my taste. They were thinking and fantasizing about each other before they even had an actual conversation (unless you call ordering a drink a conversation). Furthermore, both their friends were immediately shipping them and I just could not understand what all that was based on. A slower build-up would have been more believable to me, but they are super cute together and I did find myself invested in their romance not long after. A major highlight of this book for me though, was Savannah’s storyline. Savannah lives in a complex family situation where her mother has died at a young age and Savannah has been the (emotional) caretaker of her brother, sister, and even her dad, ever since. During the story she’s faced with some changes in her family situation and I liked how she comes to terms with them and how she goes through different emotional stages.

I mentioned low angst, and it really is. The romance between Julia and Savannah does have its ups and downs, but there is no forced 80% conflict, kudos for that. Beers also aimed for more diversity by adding a POC (Tiffany) as Savannah’s best friend, which is excellent, but unfortunately it felt slightly strained. The attention was directed to Tiffany’s skin color several times and I generally don’t pick up on these things easily, but I noticed.

Several Martini family members play an important role in this book and the idea to have three cousins and give each of them their own love story is fun. The cousins have very different personalities and complement each other and I look forward to the stories of Vanessa and Amelia. Especially the one from Amelia, her sad and somewhat grumpy demeanor makes me curious about what goes on in her head. All in all, this feelgood story is a good start of a new series, recommend!

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Really loved this one. There's rarely a Georgia Beers that doesn't hit the spot but some still pull you in more than others. the characters in this we absolutely lovable from the start, the cousins and friends add a real sparkle to the depth and complexity of the MC's. The plot is standard but with the tension of the 'family feud' to add a little fuel to the fire and the balance of strong confident business women and the shy wallflower works really well.

Thoroughly enjoyable reading, one of my favourites so far.

ARC received from Netgalley and author/publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

Shaken or Stirred by Georgia Beers is the first book in Swizzle stick romance series. This book introduces us to 2 incredible, lovable women, Julia; a bar owner, and Savannah; a nurse caretaker.
I loved the characters and their relationships w their respective families. Julia, a single girl in a family filled with boys, is tough and hardworking. She has some issues with her father and works tirelessly to impress him. Savannah on the other hand is the caretaker/ mother hen in her family, she's always solving their troubles and going out of her way to make them feel safe. But when her father's new girlfriend comes in the picture, she struggles to let go some of the responsibilities.
I also loved how Julia and her two cousins, Vanessa and Amelia were so close and always helping each other!
The chemistry between Julia and Savannah was just sizzling! They were so great together and just from the starting i was able to tell how smitten they were with each other, always thinking about each other and finding ways to meet.
The plot in itself was quite simple. There wasn't some big plot twist waiting for us.. it was just easy and effortless! Although the reason behind the family feud did crack me up!!
If you're looking for a funny, hot, light read, this is just the book for you!
I'm definitely going to check out more of Georgia Beer's book in future<3

A good romance novel takes you away, a good romance novel makes you feel giddy and excited, and this was a good romance novel in all of the extension of the category.

Georgia Beers has a unique way of telling stories, and her name has basically become the seal of a good romance novel.

The characters are lovable, I personally loved how they overcame the drama and made me have a new sense of how true it is when you say that your family does no define you.

Personally I loved how they keep calling each other out when one of the started to retreat, and how they both wanted the relationship to work out.

This is a solid read and I cannot wait for the other installments of this saga.

This was a delicious quick read with the right balance of steam and heart. I really enjoyed all of the characters and am looking forward to reading more about the Martini family!