Three stars.

I think this is possibly the Georgia Beers book that has interested me the least, of what I have read. That being said, it wasn't even remotely bad. Her writing is no less engaging and witty than usual. The conflicts are handled well. I liked Savannah, I found her capable, determined, responsible, and yet so sweet and empathetic. This is why Julia just fell flat for me. In a literal sense, even: she seemed comparatively 2-dimensional. Her entire world is her bar. That's fine, we all know workaholics, I sometimes consider myself one. But it takes Julia too long to recognize the problem and move to fix it. So much time is spent showing us how Martini's is always on her mind, that I don't feel like I understand who she is under all of that. This, coupled with the dating coming late in the book, means that so much of the relationship seemed to be pure sexual attraction, which never works for me. It was a little weird how the romance was almost "blink and you'll miss it." Then there's this weird issue that crops up in the final conflict (spoiler!) that Julia has with subconsciously holding Savannah accountable for her brother? What he did was upsetting, and she had a right to be mad, but for goodness' sake! I think Julia, as well as "Julia and Savannah," had the potential to be more than they were. Were that the case, my star rating would be on the other side of four stars.

I am happy to say that I did like the other Martinis, so I'm looking forward to seeing what comes of Vanessa and Amelia.

Thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher of "Shaken or Stirred" for the opportunity to read and review this novel.

When an author announces that a book is the first in a new series about a set of cousins/friends who are all LGBT, it’s serious intent. And in this first instalment we have some of the backdrop for both of the main characters, Julia, and Savannah who are both in their 30s. We are also introduced to their families and Julia’s LGBT cousins whose stories will apparently follow in consecutive books within this series.

This had a slower start and build up than the author’s usual novels and I initially struggled to get my head around the various members of the two families. But I fully understand why, and it’s important to see this novel as a standalone, but also as part of the series.

There was a nice slow burn connection between Julia and Savannah. I like how the author established not only a connection between the characters, but also between the characters and their family members including cousins Vanessa and Amelia as Julia and Savannah's relationship develops.

It’s very hard to dislike Julia who is apparently drop dead gorgeous, intelligent, witty, has family loyalty, is sharp as a tack, and her own cocktail bar. Heck who wouldn’t fall for her?! Cue Savannah who is used to be her family’s minder until the day when she doesn’t need to be any more. The parallel differences between the two women provide the necessary turmoil to offset the full-on chemistry between them. Fortunately, Julia’s lesbian cousins ensure that common sense prevails, and Julia is forced to rethink her priorities.

The ground is laid for future character and storyline development for the additional books in the series. There are strong themes running in the background which could each erupt (e.g., Dementia, Bereavement and loss, social care, Addictions, and Italian family dynamics and constraints), and add further tensions amongst various characters.

Will Savannah get to pursue her dream career and come into her own? Can Julia make her bar a successful business? There are a lot of loose threads which will be picked up and a switch presumably of primary characters with secondary ones in this first novel. I am especially looking forward to Vanessa’s story as she was so involved in ensuring the success of Julia and Savannah’s budding romance and also of her business acumen.

If you are unfamiliar with the world of Martinis, now is a good time to invest in a cocktail shaker!
4.5*

I have enjoyed every Georgia Beers book I’ve ever read and Shaken or Stirred is no exception. Beers captures the pulse of lesbian relationships and family dynamics, and she writes realistically and without apology. In Shaken or Stirred, Beers introduces us to Julia and Savannah and their beautiful love story. Both women feel an immediate attraction for one another, but their family and work priorities get in the way of an easy romance. Julia’s cousins were delightful and fun too. This is the beginning of Beers’ Swizzle Stick Romance series and I’m looking forward to the follow-up books!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book.

I received a copy of this e-arc in exchange for an honest review thanks to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books.

Um so apparently I’m a sucker for lgbt romance.

I loved this book so much!!

Like, honestly, I spent the entire book grinning at how cute Julia and Savannah were.

Also, 3 gay cousins? Is that even a thing? What happened to the ‘if non of your cousins are gay, you’re the gay cousin’ saying?

Not only did it focus on lgbt romance, but it also covered alcoholism, dementia and being lgbt in a religious Italian family.

This is a book I’ll definitely re-read in the future.

Not my favorite by this author. Some of her books really shine; this one blended into the background in my opinion. There was nothing wrong per say; just nothing electric that kept me up all night to keep turning the pages, which has definitely happened with some of the author’s prior works. Worth the read, but not a repeat read for me. I will read the other books in the series though, this was a fair setup.

When it comes to reviewing books by author Georgia Beers I feel like I’m repeating myself. Simply put, it is always an entertaining and fun read.
Savannah McNally works as a home health care worker. Not her first choice but still in line with the career she always envisioned for herself. But being a nurse was not to be. When her mom died from cancer it fell upon Savannah to keep the family functioning. As the oldest sibling she had a few years on both her younger sister and brother. Both needed her along with her father who on the death of his wife kind of checked out when it came to running their home. Now that both were adults they still believed Savannah was the one to turn to.
Julia Martini just bought the bar that’s been in her family for years and was determined to make it the best neighborhood drinking establishment. In order to do that she has made some changes. She’s done some remodeling and made some changes in the menu. Making special martinis was just one of the things. Her family was close but her best friends were in fact two of her cousins. The cousins were after her to make time for a relationship but Julia’s answer was always the same, ‘she had too much on her plate’ business wise to take the time needed to actually meet and date someone.
When Savannah needed a break her best friend talked her into going into Julia’s bar. Sparks flew when Savannah caught herself staring at the sexy bartender Julia. Best part was Julia was looking back at her. But with all of Savannah’s family obligations and Julia’s obsession with her bar a relationship didn’t seem likely. That’s until Savannah did something she’s never done. She asked Julia on a date. Will she ever say yes?
Ms Beers writes a good story and I gather she hopes to make this the first book for a new series. Only complaint was the way she finished up this story. To abrupt an ending.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books

This was a middle of the road read for me. I enjoyed the characters, it was a cute love story, there was a clear cut problem with a solution that was wrapped up pretty neatly, but the book really didn’t excite me. I didn’t feel emotionally invested and there wasn’t anything too exciting about it. I didn’t dislike the book, but I definitely wasn’t terribly excited about it either.

3.5⭐️ – Julia Martini’s whole life is the bar she bought from her uncle and which she feels a responsibility to her family to make thrive. Her father’s approval means the world to her and she really really doesn’t have time for a relationship. Which becomes a problem when Savannah McNally walks into Martini’s and Julia’s traitorous heart starts making demands.

Georgia Beers writes wonderful and relatable characters I can’t help root for even when they act as idiots. This book is absolute instalust, that second you see someone for the first time and your heart misses a beat. Because the author is Georgia Beers, it’s both hot and sweet.

Both MCs’ families are very important to the story, in different ways. Julia’s Italian family is huge and mostly supportive but her daddy issues tend to take over. By her side, always, are her cousins and best friends Vanessa and Amelia – who will star in future books. The trio of cousins is the family equivalent of the group of friends and I loved all three women. I’m looking forward to Amelia’s and Vanessa’s stories.

Savannah’s family has its own issues, her father is experiencing the first signs of dementia, her brother is failing at battling addiction and her younger sister seems to get along surprisingly well with their father’s new girlfriend, leaving Savannah unsettled.

I really enjoyed getting to know both families and the way Beers writes the push and pull, the ambivalent feelings, the love and sense of duty her characters feel experience.

Honestly, this is not Beers’ best writing – and I’m going to blame the pandemic for that. Even so, it’s all very charming and the characters are endearing enough that I’m really looking forward to the other two books in this series.

I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

Georgia has doesn't disappoint as usual. This yet another master piece. The main characters are loveable and have amazing chemistry. You can picture yourself on any given day at Martinis hanging with Julia. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. well done Georgia. I recommend this book. You wont be disappointed. 5 stars


I received an ARC copy from the publisher Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I love Georgia Beers books, and this one is great! I am excited that there will be a series of 3 set around the 3 gay cousins because I want to read more! This one is about the middle cousins, Julia, and there’s a background story and her setting up her new bar which she has just purchased. There’s a romance building better Julia and Savannah, it’s a slowburn one but has plenty of sizzle! Georgia writes characters so well you feel you know them. Cannot wait to read the next two!

Why can't every lesbian romance author be Georgia Beers? I know when I get one of her books, I'll have a good read.

This one was not one of my favorites of hers, but it was still an enjoyable read and I finished it in just a couple of sittings. I liked the characters - Beers does a fantastic job of building the groundwork so that the characters have depth. I love the formula of girl meets girl, girl loses girl because of a stupid misunderstanding, girl gets girl back and they live happily ever after and Beers does that extremely well. But this book fell a little flat in that department - there was a little bit of conflict, but just when I was waiting for more drama, there was the epilogue. The ending felt a little rushed as if it wasn't fully planned out. And we never get t find out what happened with Savannah's brother.

All in all, this book rises to the top of the new releases,

I enjoyed this book. Savannah and Julia were solid characters to follow and it was a joy to witness them get together. My favorite part of this though is that it's the beginning of a series. We were also introduced to two of Julia's cousins who are also queer--Vanessa and Amelia--and I look forward to reading their HEA's as well. A sweet and reliable comfort read.

**I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher!

Georgia Beers..... She knows how to spin a tale and when she starts a new series she really knows how to introduce everyone, while also focusing on one romance. Beers sets the scene perfectly for the books to come and we know who's who and how they fit in. The books will revolve around 3 gay cousins in the Martini family.

This first book focuses on the middle cousin, Julia. Julia has just bought the family bar and remodeled it to bring it up to today's standards. She's a bit of a workaholic. Her cousins Vanessa and Amelia try to get her out of the bar and get a life, but none of that seems to work until Savannah shows up. As a caretaker who lost her mother a decade earlier she is used of taking care of everyone, not only her patient, but also her iblings and father. Letting go what they know is hard, finding time for each other is also difficult.
I like how the relationship progresses slowly, some steps take forever, you almost think they will end up in the friendzone. This is very much a character-driven romance and Beers knows how to write these characters so well. You get a comfortable feeling with this book, these characters and the setting. I feel like I just want to go to Martini's have a drink and hang out with the cousins.

I really enjoyed this book, it's a very low angst, low drama read and I am looking forward to reading the next instalments in the Swizzle Stick Romance series

4.5 stars for a comfortable romance read.

I enjoyed Shaken or Stirred. It's charming, populated by people I'd like to sit and chat with and doesn't have a ton of angst. Yes, there's a little bit of drama and conflict, but not enough to overwhelm. The magic in this book is in the people. Julia and her family, Savanna and her dedication to other people, and of course in the relationship between Julia and Savanna. I think Julia was my favourite of the two. Hard-working, always seeking approval but willing to try and let her hair down. Plus, I think anyone who knows their mixology that well is a little impressive.
Even better, this is only #1 of a series! I'm looking forward to reading the next ones.
In the meantime, I really want to have my first martini.

Very cute story. Loved the relationship between Julia and Savannah. Their love story was really sweet and sexy I
also, liked most of the family interactions especially between Julia and her family, Amelia and Chelsea, Julia's cousins, were so hilarious and down to earth, felt like I could be friends with them in real life.. There was a bit of drama and some angst, but not to much. This was just a really enjoyable read. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series, and would definitely recommend this book and author to my friends and family.

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.

This is sweet romance and a good start to the series.

Both characters are very likeable and had good chemistry. I enjoyed the Italian family dynamics but not sure if I would have been as understanding as Savannah with Julia's workaholic habits.

The cousins are great secondary characters so looking forward to read their stories.

Now ready to drink some cocktails!

Georgia Beers is a pretty safe choice if you want sweet, charm g romance novel. It's the same with this book as well - you won't go wrong!
Now, that being said, I want more of Georgia Beers. I mean, everything is there - cuteness, charm, nice dialogues, humor... But again, like with the pervious one, it's like some special spark is missing...

Martini’s bar with its updated vibe, cool owner, and family history is definitely a place I’d hang out. Georgia Beers did a great job not only introducing readers to Julia and Savannah, but also Vanessa and Amelia who will each take center stage in their own books in the series. I found this book to just be really sweet. Julia and Savannah were just really nice women, one a workaholic and the other a caretaker for everyone but herself. Their chemistry and flirting led them through a few months of hanging out. I couldn’t wait for Julia to pull her head out of her butt and really show Savannah how much she meant to her. The backstory with Savannah’s dad’s hatred for the Martini’s was predictable but also kinda sweet. I am so looking forward to reading the next two books in this series!!

4.5 Stars

“Shaken or Stirred” is the first book in Georgia Beers’ new Swizzle Stick Romance series. I don’t always love series but I was very excited when I heard about this one. Georgia has proven to be a consistent writer and this is no different.

Julia Martini comes from a large Italian family and has recently bought and remodeled her family’s bar, aptly named Martini’s. Savannah McNally is a home health nurse who is busy taking care of everyone. They meet when Savannah takes a rare night off to have a night out. There are immediate sparks but both are just too busy for love right now.

Beers sometimes asks questions on Twitter/Facebook and I think she honestly listens to the replies. Because here we have a rare book that doesn’t contain the ever-present black moment at the 80-90% mark. “Shaken or Stirred” isn’t a romance that has no issues, there are some, but they’re outside issues.

This is the epitome of a sweet romance. Julia and Savannah are attracted to each other pretty instantaneously and they slowly get to know one another. Their biggest hurdles are themselves and the priorities they have. Julia is very dedicated to her bar and being a small business owner. She spends almost all her waking moments at her bar trying to make it as successful as possible. She has no time for romance or so she thinks. Savannah is also very busy. Not only does she have her nursing job she also has two siblings and her father that she feels she needs to take care of.

I also want to mention the cousins, who are stars in their own upcoming books. I absolutely loved them! Vanessa and Amelia have big roles as Julia’s family/best friends and sometimes they have to deliver the hard truths. I can’t wait to for them to find their own loves, especially Amelia.

If you’re looking for a lot of excitement and thrills or lots of angst you may want to look elsewhere. This is chock full of sugary sweet romance that will leave you grinning at your kindle while you melt inside. Highly recommend!

I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.