Reviews

Love & Rum by Dani McLean

machadofam8's review

Go to review page

4.0

Love & Rum is a fun romp that tells the story of Audrey and Jackson, brought together by Audrey's bartender friend Tiff. After a hot and heavy one night stand the two find themselves drawn to one another. Will this love 'em and leave 'em turn into more?

Audrey sells beverages for Bespoke Beverages and Jackson is the star of a tv show who is looking for his next BIG BREAK in the movie industry. The story moves back and forth between their points of view which I felt was done well. Dani McLean treated both individually and was able to capture both the male and female voices appropriately.

Looks like it is going to be a series - hopefully the next one focuses on Tiff, the funny, smart bartender who set Audrey up to meet Jackson and got this one rolling.

Thank you to #BookSirens for the ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

donnareadathon2021's review

Go to review page

4.0

The story
Audrey’s been divorced for a year and she is just about ready to start dating, but it’s tough out there. Her best friend, mixologist Tiff, suggests a casual one night stand, and then suggests Audrey come into the bar when actor Jackson is there. A one night stand turns into a two night stand but since neither are quite ready to give up what they have going, the relationship keeps developing.

My thoughts
I have read the eARCs of books two and three in this series, and took advantage of reading book one in Kindle Unlimited. The stories are a little spicy, and this debut from Dani McLean is also pretty sweet. I enjoyed the way that Audrey and Jake both started out wanting an uncomplicated relationship but couldn’t stop themselves from thinking of each other. Their relationship grows and develops as they do, and as they are able to tackle their own weak spots. It’s a cute read ❤️

Read on Kindle Unlimited
My rating 4/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

bookishlifeofabbyh's review

Go to review page

4.0

When I opened this book and saw the trigger warning/kink warning, I didn't think it was a big deal, but boy was this book steamy. If you don't like steamy books, I wouldn't suggest this one. Overall, the characters are (somewhat) relatable... other than the whole hooking up with a famous hot actor thing. I think it was an easy read, but an enjoyable romance book. Like most romance books, you can somewhat expect the ending/the plot, but that is fine in my book as I am a big fan of rom-coms. I really loved the relationship between Audrey and Tiff, I think that it was a dynamic duo (and does the author like Breakfast at Tiffany's or was that just an interesting combination of names??) Overall, I liked it. It isn't my top book of choice, but I did enjoy reading it. I received an advance review copt for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

donotuse321's review

Go to review page

4.0

When I opened this book and saw the trigger warning/kink warning, I didn't think it was a big deal, but boy was this book steamy. If you don't like steamy books, I wouldn't suggest this one. Overall, the characters are (somewhat) relatable... other than the whole hooking up with a famous hot actor thing. I think it was an easy read, but an enjoyable romance book. Like most romance books, you can somewhat expect the ending/the plot, but that is fine in my book as I am a big fan of rom-coms. I really loved the relationship between Audrey and Tiff, I think that it was a dynamic duo (and does the author like Breakfast at Tiffany's or was that just an interesting combination of names??) Overall, I liked it. It isn't my top book of choice, but I did enjoy reading it. I received an advance review copt for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

robynjhip's review

Go to review page

Just couldn't get into the story and the writing. 

stinamoore1971's review

Go to review page

5.0

The book starts with a disclaimer that it contains strong language, sex/nudity, mild kink discussion and references to past emotional abuse. This had me a bit worried at first but I found nothing particularly offensive. However, I am impressed that the disclaimer was included because there are those who have triggers and tolerances that differ from mine.

I found this to be a very entertaining and enjoyable RomCom. I fell in love with the characters as much as they fell in love with each other. Audrey has a bit more baggage than Jackson, but he is not exactly flawless with his playboy lifestyle. I really liked how attentive Jackson was to Audrey and her needs right from the first meeting. He never pushed and asked permission every step of the way. Jackson's relationship with his family had me picturing Kevin Pearson from This is Us.

I found this to be a quick read and did not think the sex scenes were too gratuitous. They worked for me, however, if you prefer more graphic sex scenes, this might not be the book for you. The only thing that could have made this book better, in my opinion, is if the author had included recipes for some of the fabulous rum drinks Tiffany concocted for the distillery event. I will definitely keep my eyes open for more books by Dani McLean.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Book Sirens and Dani McLean.

lynn_webb's review

Go to review page

4.0

Audrey’s divorce has been final for a full year today. Not only has she been freed from her toxic relationship, but she is also thriving at work. She plans to enjoy her evening alone in her apartment but her best friend Tiffany insists that Audrey celebrate the occasion at the bar she manages. Once there, Audrey is “encouraged” to sit right next to the handsome stranger currently alone at the bar. Reluctantly, she does.

Jackson is an actor on a hit television show with the hopes of making it big not only for himself but to help his family. He decides to unwind one night at The Basement, a local. As he’s having a conversation with the bartender, Tiffany, he is joined by a woman unlike any he has met before. After talking to each other, they decide to head back to Audrey’s apartment.

It was supposed to be just one night together with a stranger. Will their one night together be enough or will they need more? Will they find a way to make it more? Once the decision is made, they must fight to hold on to everything they have worked for personally and professionally.

I had no idea that I was going to enjoy this book as much as I did. I found the characters, at their core, to be incredibly relatable. This is especially true of Audrey who found it difficult to recover with her sense of self intact after a toxic relationship. I also thought the relationships were dynamic and realistic. I loved the friendship between Tiffany and Audrey as well as the friendship between Jackson and his sister Sara. By diving into this book, I found myself quickly invested in the story and all of its characters and I cannot wait to read more from this author.

Voluntarily reviewed after receiving a free copy courtesy of BookSirens and the author, Dani McLean.

katiedermody's review

Go to review page

4.0

This was fun! I enjoyed the benefits to more storyline and though I don't always love a 3rd act breakup, this one made sense because they both had personal things to work on. So looking forward to Tiff's book next!

kimberlycarrington's review

Go to review page

2.0

Mñe. Lo he leído porque tengo el siguiente de Netgalley y ya sabéis que soy una ñiñi ñiñi de las series, las tengo que leer en orden.
En este libro no pasa nada, NA-DA. Una pareja, cada uno con lo suyo, que se conoce, empiezan como follamigos y ya sabemos lo que pasa. Hay un poquito de conflicto al final porque entonces ya sería lo más muermo del universo, pero en serio, no pasa nada, ellos conociéndose, gustándose, enamorándose y chimpún. Hay un par de cosas que pueden generar conflicto y que no lo hacen, para más chasco.
Al menos se lee bien y rapidito, pero sin chicha pues vale para lo mismo que leerte las instrucciones del champú.

quinncaspian's review

Go to review page

funny hopeful relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0