The book started off well and I enjoyed the small brewery setting and the descriptions of different kinds of beer at the beginning of each chapter. The book is touted as a RomCom but despite a few tropes (enemies to lovers, workplace romance), I wouldn't call this book a RomCom. It was more of Kat's journey of self-discovery with a toxic relationship that morphs into a romance.
Despite the strong start, I soon lost interest and a lot of that had to do with the contrived animosity and later the 'InstaLove, all-tell-no-show' romance that followed. I didn't feel invested in the story or believe the chemistry between the couple and those factors contributed to my lackluster reading experience (which lasted 3 weeks!).
I liked Kat initially because of her drive and passion to make the brewery succeed. But her sense of entitlement to get a job she's helped with a few times but isn't accredited for was immature. Ryan was also immature, obnoxious, and toxic in how he tried to manipulate Kat. And yes, we know his saving grace is that he's hot because we are reminded many times.
I LOVED that this book centres around craft beer and the culture and community surrounding it, but the romance element and character development went over like a Pabst Blue Ribbon lager amongst seasoned beer lovin' mug clubbers in a local craft brewery.
Disclaimer: My thanks to Alcove Press for the complimentary digital copy of this book which was provided in exchange for my honest review.
My Rating: 2 stars
Author: Stephanie Jayne
Genre: RomCom?, Contemporary Fiction
Type and Source: eBook from publisher via NetGalley
Publisher: Alcove Press
To Be Published: April 9, 2024
Book Description from GoodReads: A down-on-her-luck craft beer brewer and her privileged new boss clash as they work together to save a quirky brewpub in this enemies-to-lovers workplace romcom, perfect for fans of Rachel Lynn Solomon’s The Ex Talk.
Kat Malone is left cash-strapped after a job loss and a bad breakup (pro tip: never offer to pay living expenses for a freeloading poetry major) when she discovers a surprising new career path: craft beer brewer.
When the brewpub is sold, the new owner places his light-on-experience son in charge of the pub. Ryan is as basic as a pale lager and aims to turn quirky Resistance into a run-of-the-mill sports bar. Worse, he won’t consider Kat for the position of brewer’s assistant—the job she’d been promised by the previous owners.
Despite clashes between Kat and Ryan, he confides that Resistance is in financial trouble and that drastic changes will be needed if the pub has any hope of survival. Forced to collaborate, Kat realizes Ryan isn’t as bland as she assumed—he might even be exactly what she’s been craving.
But just as Ryan promises Kat a true partnership in the face of his father’s opposition, Kat is offered the opportunity of a lifetime. “Marrying the beer” used to be Kat’s only goal, but can she craft a brew for her life that allows her to have it all?
Fans of Kate Clayborn and Ali Hazelwood will be raising a pint to this crisp, satisfying romance.
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