Unfortunately there was an issue with this book that I experienced. I don’t know if it was just with me or with all netgalley arcs sent out, but around the middle of the book it didn’t carry on with the second half, only repeated the first half so for this reason I’m only going to rate the half of the book that I did read, which was wonderful

I quite like this- a quick and easy read! I though Erica was a bit out of order and wouldn’t have forgiven her so easily but I liked the chemistry between the 2 MC and enjoyed getting lost in the story

There were definitely things I liked about this book: the writing was engaging and easy to read, I love a good mismatched romance, and it was a lesbian romance to boot! However, it just didn’t fully connect with me. I am not sure what it was, maybe my mood? It’s not one I think I would read again, but I hope that doesn’t deter anyone from trying it. It was a cute story, and you should still give it a try!

i think i mostly just felt disinterested by this, the writing, the characters, and the plot. i'm sure someone will find a lot to love but didn't grab me!

This one personally wasn’t for me, from the beginning I kind of felt like skimming through and not really digesting the story.

Very enjoyable read ! Would recommend it for a queer romance book! I love when a couple have an arrangement where they don’t think they’ll fall in love with each other and then they end up falling in love. It’s one of my favorite tropes and I loved reading it in this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for granting me access to this E-ARC.

We Met in a Bar is a fun and cute queer love story. If slightly predictable.
Erica is a high society woman fed up with her life.
Charlie is a I hate love womaniser.
On paper the two couldn't seem more different.
Erica doesn't do flings and Charlie doesn't do relationships.
Their first meeting doesn't go well and sets the tone for a enemies to Lovers sorts of vibe till Erica finds out all is nit what it seems with Charlie who actually is a big softy. Then the two start a reluctant friendship which leads to more.
Once the relationship is underway it's clear these two are meant to be and are perfect for each other.
Then the other shoe drops and we have the third act break up (which we all see coming)
I feel like Charlie forgave way to quickly and more should have been done to earn forgivness.
But the fun mystery aspect 9f this book was good and woven well into the story to bring more a dynamic between the characters

loved it a lot the romance and the characters were good, 10/10 read
thank you netgalley for the arc

While the plot of "We Met in a Bar" by Claire Forsythe had potential for, I found this to be a slow burn, and unfortunately, I struggled to connect with the characters.

Erica, the affluent protagonist goes on a mission that brings her face-to-face with Charlie, a thrill-seeker who lives for for excitement. The initial setup of their dynamic promised tension and chemistry, but I found it challenging to fully immerse myself in their connection between them.

One of the stumbling blocks for me was the lack of depth in character development. Erica's privileged background and sudden venture into the world of bartending felt somewhat forced, and I found it difficult to relate to her experiences. Charlie, on the other hand, is portrayed as a free spirit who fears commitment and even though she was intriguing, for me, she lacked the depth needed to make her fully engaging.

I think that the pacing of the narrative contributed to my struggle to connect with the characters. The plot unfolded at a slow pace and the initial interactions between the two main characters didn't provide an immediate spark to keep me engaged. As a result, it took some time for the story to gain momentum.

Even though this might not have been the book for me, it's important to note that preferences vary, and what may not resonate with me could be a perfect fit for someone else.

fun story line but could not get into it. i loved the characters though and am looking forward to more releases by forsythe

I've read several books by Clair Forsythe and was lookinng forward to reading another. She didn't disappoint. Quick, easy, fun read as she always delivers. Thank you Netgalley for the early access to read this title.

Storyline was definitely fun. I felt like it was hard to feel fully invested and immersed into the characters. A lot of the book could have been a bit more concise regarding the characters inner thoughts, sometimes it felt like it carried on a bit too long. It has potential but could be fine tuned a bit more! If you like getting in characters’ heads, this is for you! It felt like it was more internal vs focusing on the development of the MCs connection. It was lacking the electricity for me!

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

charlie and erica are from different worlds, but they are about to meet and rock each others worlds

charlie is a player, she a fun type of girl with no strings attached, life has treated hard but shes a survivor

erica comes from money and hangs round with the elite, on first meeting her she comes across as snobby and entitled, but if she lets you in people realise that she is totally different, she is also dominated by her mother and even though erica tries to please her mother its never enough, ericas mother has a say in everything that she does, even who she dates

in a rare display of independence erica goes to help her brother in london and its there that she first sees charlie... and shes not impressed....

a fun read that keeps you reading right to the end just to see if erica can get away from her mother,,, the story with charlie is the added bonus

Enjoyed this romance quite a bit. Love the dialogue and steamier scenes. Would be interested to see more from this author.

This was a very enjoyable story and my first time reading a book by Claire Forsythe.

I loved the banter and chemistry between Erica, a rich, elegant, beautiful, fish out of water and the cocky, confident London vet nurse, player from the very beginning. This opposites attract story has a wonderful plot, a touch of mystery, some mummy issues, a cute cat, wonderful side kicks and a storyline that keeps you guessing.

I look forward to reading more from this author and highly recommend this book.

<i>I received a copy of this story from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.</i>

DNF: 17%

I was pulled in by the summary and the fact that it's set in a bar/club. I'm forever on the hunt for a well done, bar-centric story so I was optimistic.

Here's how the first four chapters went:
* Chapter 1 -- ugh, Erica is boring and snooty and not fun to read
* Chapter 2 -- Charlie's a bit better, maybe there's hope for this yet
* Chapter 3 -- eh, seeing Erica interact with more people has not improved things
* Chapter 4 -- oof, Charlie's going downhill now, too!

I had to quit. I didn't care about the characters. Their internal monologues were KILLING me. So much information was repeated (sometimes within just a few pages) and it dragged the pacing way down.

Everything felt clunky. It almost felt like it wanted to be written dual PoV in first person, but making Erica and Charlie sound distinct enough was too much of a challenge so they settled for third person.

Once again, my hopes were dashed!

when i say i want a silly little romance novel, this is exactly what i want. from the very first interaction, charlie and erica's chemistry was off the charts and the pay off was absolutely worth it. the pacing and development of their relationship was just right, the side characters were all very enjoyable and the thief plot was really fun and unexpected (i definitely did not see that twist coming!!). i had a great time with this book and i would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a fun romance read.

a really cute, fresh, and fast read!!!!!
i will definitely recommend this book to other people who want to read something like this book.
3.5/5

This book healed and broke my heart at the same time. I feel in love with the characters a part and together. If you are a sucker for a good slow burn this is the book for you! You will be guessing and then second guessing this whole book. The plot is engaging and at times I couldn’t truly put the book down.

Charlie loves women, well not love them exactly, she spends her time seeing if she can bed them without making a commitment. She didn;t believe in ‘love’ and didn’t want to waste their time or her own because she didn’t do relationships. She works as an assistant to her good friend, veterinarian Liz, who very much wants Charlie to take the time to study and become a veterinarian herself. Charlie and her best friend Val share an apartment and Val is like Charlie, she doesn’t do relationships.
Erica along with her twin Zachery own a string of nightclubs left to them by their fathers. Erica’s mother was a snob. No one is good enough for her daughter but she keeps trying to settle down with Erica with a woman of her dreams. For some reason Erica still lives close to her mother but when Zachery asks Erica to go check one of their clubs, someone is stealing and Erica hopes to catch them. It also gives Erica a chance to get away from her mother.
Ms Forsythe has written a book that I had a hard time putting down. Great characters, both main and supporting, along with a nicely paced story. Very, very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/Bold Stroke Books