Sultry with a Twist (Sultry Springs, #1)

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Sultry with a Twist (Sultry Springs #1)

by Macy Beckett (Goodreads Author)

4.04 of 5 stars 4.04 · rating details · 572 ratings · 182 reviews

"Hilarious, heartwarming, sexy and real-you'll fall in love, guaranteed!"-Lori Foster, New York Times bestselling author

Welcome to Sultry Springs, Texas: where first loves find second chances...

Nine years after June Augustine hightailed it out of Sultry Springs with her heart in pieces, one thing stands between her and her dream of opening an upscale martini bar: a bogus w...more

Mass Market Paperback, 320 pages

Published October 1st 2012 by Sourcebooks Casablanca

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

Most Anticipated Debut Novels Of 2012

1st out of 119 books — 315 voters

2012 Contemporary Romance Novels

12th out of 337 books — 978 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 2,345)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Sep 06, 2012 Jill rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance, 2012-debuts

3.5 stars

Debut

For June Augustine opening her own martini bar in Austin is a dream come true. But when she's served a warrant from an incident nine years ago all her plans are put on hold. Returning to her hometown of Sultry Springs for the first time in nine years, June is ordered by the judge to complete one month's community service with a local church or Helping Hands.

Luke Gallagher was June's best friend when growing up. They both lived with her grandmother after June was orphaned at seven a...more

18 likes · like · see review

Oct 17, 2012 ♡KarLynP♡ rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: genre-contemporary

3.5 - 4 stars. A fun contemporary romance set in a small southern town in Texas. Great characters, cheeky humor, sassy dialogue, and likable characters. A great read for fans of unrequited love stories. There was too much hot/cold back and forth between H/h which felt forced in places, but otherwise a great read.

17 likes · like · see review

Oct 07, 2012 Jessica Lemmon rated it 5 of 5 stars

Ho-o-ly...sugar!

Some books explore family themes and small-town life, others offer characters so real you worry about them whenever you're not devouring the pages. And then there are books that give you a very real, sock-in-the-gut love story.

Sultry with a Twist happens to have all of the above.

Macy Beckett's debut novel is clever, funny, and sweet. I doubt you'll soon forget Mae-June July Augustine or Luke Gallagher. Even the secondary characters, Pru, Bea, and especially Mr. Dimples (Trey) con...more

4 likes · like · see review

Sep 28, 2012 Pat rated it 4 of 5 stars

Our heroine in this delightful story is June Augustine. Her full name is Mae-June July Augustine; is it any wonder she prefers to be called June? She is a young woman, about to start on her dream career. She has given up everything she owns to start a high class martini bar, in Austin Texas with her friend and fellow backer Esteban. The only thing left is to arrange for her liquor license, and Luquos will be on its way. But, she finds out there is a bench warrant on record for her from nine year...more
Our heroine in this delightful story is June Augustine. Her full name is Mae-June July Augustine; is it any wonder she prefers to be called June? She is a young woman, about to start on her dream career. She has given up everything she owns to start a high class martini bar, in Austin Texas with her friend and fellow backer Esteban. The only thing left is to arrange for her liquor license, and Luquos will be on its way. But, she finds out there is a bench warrant on record for her from nine years ago in her home town, Sultry, Texas. The only way to clear up this mess is to appear before the judge in Sultry.
Luke Gallagher, our hero, is divorced, ex- military, and a contractor in Sultry. He runs a non-profit company called Helping Hands, to repair and rebuild homes for people who can't afford the work. He grew up in the home of Pudence Foster, June’s grandmother. His Mom left with his little sister when he was twelve, and he was taken in by Pru. June was also raised by her grandmother, June’s parents died when she was seven. She and Luke were best friends, even more so after he started living with them. She worshiped him from afar, he tolerated her tagging along.
Prudence loves the children, has a strong Christian Fundamental background, and rules with an iron hand. Nine years ago, they broke her heart, and she sent them away. She has since learned to regret this hasty decision.
Luke has quite an eclectic crew working for him. One man is Trey, his foreman, and his best friend, from his military days. Trey enjoys a reputation with women. Luke describes his talent,” Trey flashes his dimples-the ones that make panties drop like lead". June is in town, doing community service for 30 days. Her options are Helping Hands, or church. Luke prays she picks the church.
This novel has a lot of laughter, scary mishaps, stubbornness and an abundance of love.
I enjoyed every page, and would highly recommend it.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the author for an honest review.

(less)

11 likes · like · see review

Oct 09, 2012 Lisa Jo rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, keepers, physical-collection

Macy Beckett's debut SULTRY WITH A TWIST is the perfect contemporary romance. This fantastic story is small town romance at its best.

Mae June July Augustine has worked incredibly hard to achieve her dream of running her own upscale bar. Yet devastating news hits when she finds out there is problem with her liquor license because of legal issue back in her hometown. June left Sultry Springs, Texas four years ago and never looked back because a man broke her heart. Now she's forced to go back for...more
Macy Beckett's debut SULTRY WITH A TWIST is the perfect contemporary romance. This fantastic story is small town romance at its best.

Mae June July Augustine has worked incredibly hard to achieve her dream of running her own upscale bar. Yet devastating news hits when she finds out there is problem with her liquor license because of legal issue back in her hometown. June left Sultry Springs, Texas four years ago and never looked back because a man broke her heart. Now she's forced to go back for one month of community service working with that same insufferable man who is just as gorgeous as he was back then. Yet Luke Gallagher has changed in other ways because he's certainly not the same young boy she once knew so well. As they relive old memories and ignite old flames once again, June realizes running away from Sultry Springs this time may not be so easy.

I absolutely adored this second chance romance and debut novel by Macy Beckett. Everything about it was fantastically perfect. You have entertaining characters, an amusing yet touching story and a satisfying happily ever after. This novel lacked for nothing and gives readers everything they could possibly want in a romance and more. SULTRY WITH A TWIST easily conveys that small town quirkiness that you will fall in love with and adore. The characters and setting also give way to many hilarious moments with the novel that are ‘laugh out loud' funny.

June was the typical small town girl. Being born and raised in Sultry, she eventually found herself desperate to get away. When she finally does, she becomes ecstatic, thinking she'll never have to go back. Yet when she finally does, she starts to remember everything she loved best. She was always in control of a situation, but always ready to accept the situation and go with the flow. I enjoyed reading about the character that was confident outside of Sultry, yet hesitant and uncertain whenever she was there. She was so absolute and determined when it came to her feelings for Luke. I admired how her character gave her all towards everything she set out to accomplish...including capturing Luke's heart.

Luke was such a great down-to-earth hero. He had such a great heart, but was scared to risk falling in love. His insecurities showed you that he really was a tortured soul and it made you love his character even more. What was even more touching was how he took care of everyone in this small town. This gentle nature was present in everything he did, day in and day out. Of course, his concern extended to June. The way he would try to care and protect her was absolutely charming. Luke really tried to portray a tough exterior, but Ms Beckett just delivered so many perfect scenes that gave you little glimpses of his fun loving and sensitive side. He was completely captivating and consumed a large part of my attention throughout the novel.

The secondary characters in this novel provide so much fun and entertainment that you will certainly miss them when this story is through. I look forward to more of their witty remarks and colorful conversations in future installments. These characters, especially June's Grandmother and Luke's best friend, add so much to the world Ms Beckett creates and really encourages that small town feel.

SULTRY WITH A TWIST is such a fun novel that I never wanted it to end. I put the book down once and the next time I picked it up, I stayed up well into the night to finish it. The engaging writing and stunning characters blind you from focusing on anything else but Luke and June's romance. Ms Beckett does a fabulous job of describing the passion between Luke and June. While there is plenty of humor and fun, you still can find plenty of emotional depth. The protagonists have to face their dark pasts and overcome a few obstacles along the way, so their journey isn't all fun and games. The author easily weaves in their past, giving you details along the way that explain their connection yet still leaving enough mystery to keep the story interesting. The final conclusion though is that Macy Beckett's opening novel in the Sultry Springs series is a winner! SULTRY WITH A TWIST is one of the best contemporary romances I've ever read. I absolutely loved it!

Lisa Jo @ The Romance Reviews (less)

1 like · like · see review

Jan 05, 2013 Danielle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance, swoony-and-romantical, favorites-romance, book-boyfriends, series, read-in-2013, pleasantly-surprised, on-kindle, so-otp-it-hurts, need-to-buy

Seriously. This was so so so good. Incredibly romantic, funny, and especially heartwarming. I want to sigh just thinking about it. This is why I read romances. June and Luke's story made me ache and swoon in all the right ways, with just the right balance of tension and release. I didn't expect to laugh as much as I did. It was a relief not to have characters who were insufferable in their angst. Plus, Macy Beckett is really talented at writing, ahem, some serious steam, and trust me when I say...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 05, 2013 Karen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, jan-2013, laugh-out-loud, own-kindle, part-of-a-series, read-in-2013, sizzling

Hard to believe that Sultry with a Twist is Macy Beckett’s debut novel. A fun contemporary unrequited love story set in the small southern town of Sultry Springs, Texas.
With our heroine’s name being June-Mae July Augustine you just know this book is going to be filled with some quirkiness and good humour. You won’t be disappointed.
There are some lovely warm and funny residents of Sultry Springs. June has returned to her home town after 9 years to deal with an outstanding warrant from some teenag...more Hard to believe that Sultry with a Twist is Macy Beckett’s debut novel. A fun contemporary unrequited love story set in the small southern town of Sultry Springs, Texas.
With our heroine’s name being June-Mae July Augustine you just know this book is going to be filled with some quirkiness and good humour. You won’t be disappointed.
There are some lovely warm and funny residents of Sultry Springs. June has returned to her home town after 9 years to deal with an outstanding warrant from some teenage recklessness. She has been estranged from her grandmother since that time and this book is also the story of rebuilding the bridges of their relationship.
Also back in Sultry Springs is Luke Gallagher, June childhood best friend and first love. Luke’s mother up and left town with his sister when Luke was only 12 and he was then raised by June’s grandmother. Luke has a bit of a chip on his shoulder and doesn’t believe he’s worthy of love. June sets out to show him differently. Macy Beckett has really created some chemistry between June and Luke.
One of the things I really enjoyed in this novel was Luke’s friendship with Trey. There was some great banter between the boys.

“I never tell you anything?” Jesus, you sound like my nagging ex-wife.” Luke stood and tugged at the stiff, white comforter draped over Trey’s good leg. “You sure the doctors didn’t put a few girly parts in there when you weren’t looking? I think you grew a vadge, my friend.”
“Yeah, then eat me.”
“Should I pick up a box of Midol the next time I visit? Tampax? Or you want some of that shit with wings?”

and
Trey used his hand like a telephone and pretended to answer a call. “Hello? Yeah, Pot’s right here.” Then he handed the “phone” across to Luke and said, “It’s Kettle. He wants you to quit calling him black.”

I am really looking forward to Trey’s story due our in March 2013, especially as it looks like Trey’s love interest is none other than Luke’s little sister. That’s sure to set some fireworks off.
(less)

like · see review

Dec 02, 2012 Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, non-erotic

Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...

It wasn’t June’s fault she was forced to return to Sultry Springs and face the people she thought she'd left behind. Though I will say I was glad she had to return because it created a heck of a story about a second chance at first love.

The author’s characterization of June made me sympathize with her immediately. She had a lot of heartache and pain throughout her life, and no matter what, she continued to follow her own path. This at...more

like · see review

Nov 11, 2012 Kimberly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Review featured on www.books-n-kisses.com

4.5 Stars I loved this book. What a delight it was to read it. There were so many scenes that brought a smile to my face that I might not have stopped smiling the whole story. The story is written so well that you feel that you know the characters from the first moment. June is just too adorable for words. She is such a mess but also such a down to earth woman that you just have to connect to her. Luke is just beyond lovable. He is a hard worker but when...more

like · see review

Oct 27, 2012 Mason rated it 5 of 5 stars

Author Macy Beckett has made a splash with her new debut novel dealing with unending love, family problems and finding what you want in life without knowing you were looking.

Opening the pages of SULTRY WITH A TWIST, readers are transported to a small Texas town where everyone knows everyone and everything about them including how to offer second changes and a hand up when needed. It’s filled with Southern sass, sexy cowboys and steamy romance.

Mae-June July Augustine left Sultry Springs nine year...more Author Macy Beckett has made a splash with her new debut novel dealing with unending love, family problems and finding what you want in life without knowing you were looking.

Opening the pages of SULTRY WITH A TWIST, readers are transported to a small Texas town where everyone knows everyone and everything about them including how to offer second changes and a hand up when needed. It’s filled with Southern sass, sexy cowboys and steamy romance.

Mae-June July Augustine left Sultry Springs nine years ago with a broken heart and planned to never return. As her dream of opening an upscale martini bar in Austin is weeks away from becoming a reality, June receives terrible news. It seems she has an outstanding warrant in her hometown and must clear it up before the proper paperwork can be approved for the bar.

Not a problem. A quick visit to the judge and the matter will be resolved. Wrong. The judge offers June a month of community service work or longer jail time. Nothing to do but the community service which puts her under the supervision of sexy Luke Gallagher, her first love and ex-friend, and staying with her estranged grandmother, Pru.

As June works with Luke renovating houses, their attraction returns hotter than ever. Luke isn’t sure June will fit in with his plans and June has to decide if she misses the allure of Austin or enjoys the pleasures of Sultry Springs more. Which dream will come true, the one she’s had for years or the one she never imagined?

Beckett has created fun characters with depth and secondary characters that add charm and laughter to the mix. The setting is realistic with a small town feel. The story moves at a steady pace and holds your attention. It’s filled with laugh-out-loud moments, sizzling romance and tug-on-your heartstring scenes.

SULTRY WITH A TWIST is a charming beginning to a delightful new series where second chances led to interesting developments.

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. (less)

1 like · like · see review

Oct 16, 2012 Brie C. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Originally posted at Romance Around the Corner

This will teach me not to judge a book by its heroine’s name. I almost didn't read it because knowing nothing about the author, and with a heroine named Mae-June July Augustine, I didn't get a good first impression to make me want to read the book. But then I read a couple of favorable reviews and decided to give it a chance. I’m glad I did.

You already know that our heroine has an unfortunate name, and she’s aware of it. But her name is also a remin...more Originally posted at Romance Around the Corner

This will teach me not to judge a book by its heroine’s name. I almost didn't read it because knowing nothing about the author, and with a heroine named Mae-June July Augustine, I didn't get a good first impression to make me want to read the book. But then I read a couple of favorable reviews and decided to give it a chance. I’m glad I did.

You already know that our heroine has an unfortunate name, and she’s aware of it. But her name is also a reminder of her parents, who loved her very much, and represent the fondest memories of a childhood that became tragic when they died and she went to live with her strict grandmother. But June wasn't the only one who ended up living there; Luke, her neighbor and friend, was abandoned by her mother and came to live with them. June was in love with him her whole life, but things didn't end well between them. She left the small town and swore never to come back. But those are the type of promises that come back and bite you in the ass, and that’s exactly what happens to June several years later.

The story begins when she’s about to open the bar she’s dreamed to have for the past nine years. But her license is denied because she has some legal issues in her hometown. So she has to go back home. Once there, the judge forces her to do one month of community service. And guess who’s going to supervise her? That’s right, Luke. But that month will also force her to reconnect with her grandmother and with the life she left behind.

I know that last week I was complaining about small-town series, and starting a new one seems like the last thing I should be doing. But unlike most of those romances, this one felt substantial. The characters had depth, the conflict was solid and the story emotional. The small town was slightly quirky but felt more grounded in reality than in fantasy. It also helped that the romance was the absolute focal point of the book, and the secondary characters didn't distract from it.

The main couple had tons of chemistry and good reasons to be damaged. Luke broke June’s heart because he felt incapable of love. I’m not a fan of that particular ploy, but Ms. Beckett handled it well. It helped that Luke was young and confused, but even in the present as a grown man, his vulnerability and insecurities felt authentic. June, on the other hand, was willing to risk her heart, and she does everything in her power to teach Luke how to love. Their characters were perfectly balanced and very sympathetic.

Another great thing about this book was that the secondary characters were interesting and the sequel-bait hero had a reason to be in this book. Not only that, but I’m not quite sure who his heroine is going to be. It was enough to pique my interest without overpowering the main story.

The one thing that prevents this book from having a higher grading was that the heroine is the one who sacrifices herself in the name of love. She worked so hard to have her bar, but in the end Luke is all that matters. I’m not a fan of big sacrifices; I believe in compromises, communication and balance between love and life. I wish we could see more of that in the genre -- less big gestures, and more realistic rearrangement of the characters’ lives to make room for each other without losing themselves in the process.

However, Sultry with a Twist is Ms. Beckett debut book and she did a great job. It has a strong story with interesting characters, and the perfect balance between angst and comedy. I was entertained from start to finish. (less)

like · see review

Oct 06, 2012 Jamie rated it 4 of 5 stars

* Originally posted at Romancing Rakes For The Love Of Romance

June Augustine ran from Sultry Springs nine years ago and hasn’t looked back. That is until she’s forced to serve one month of community service and isn’t allowed to leave the county. June plans on doing her 30 days and heading back to Austin and her new bar. She wants nothing to with Sultry Springs, or so she thinks. Now, she finds herself back in her grandmother’s house and even worse, face to face with Luke Gallagher her former bes...more * Originally posted at Romancing Rakes For The Love Of Romance

June Augustine ran from Sultry Springs nine years ago and hasn’t looked back. That is until she’s forced to serve one month of community service and isn’t allowed to leave the county. June plans on doing her 30 days and heading back to Austin and her new bar. She wants nothing to with Sultry Springs, or so she thinks. Now, she finds herself back in her grandmother’s house and even worse, face to face with Luke Gallagher her former best friend and first love.

Luke is surprised when the sexy woman he’s checking from behind is June. He’s even more surprised that she’s spending the month back home and doing the community service with his company. He cares deeply for June, despite the fact that she has turned his life upside down. He calls her Calamity June, with good reason. But he can’t deny that he wants her.

Gah! The sexual tension coming from these two is hot. So are their tempers. They both want each other but they each have their own reasons for staying away. Luke is very protective over June even though he hasn’t seen her in years. When Trey tries to make a move on her he sets his best friend straight even though he says he doesn’t want her. June is still hurt from him turning away from her all those years ago.

June is very strong yet fragile, especially around Luke. Her past and the death of her parents are a big part of her. It’s one of the main reasons I think she feels she doesn’t fit in Sultry Springs and why people look down at her owning a bar.

I love Luke, probably because he’s complicated. He’s had a rough childhood with his mother abandoning him, then his ex-wife was a trip and he doesn’t think he’s capable or deserving of love. So all those years ago when June told him that she loved him he pushed her away even though he knew she was special.

Favorite Quote

She whispered things he’d never heard her say before- filthy words that would make a porn star blush, and it made him want to drive her further, to see how she’d react when he pushed her over the edge. Skimming on hand along her round bottom, he lifted his lips from her nipple long enough to ask, “You kiss your grandmother with that mouth?”

Overall

I love those small town romances. And I love second chance love stories. What’s even better is when the writing is good. Sultry With A Twist had me laughing at moments, and then had my heart aching. One of my favorite things was the actual relationship between Luke and June. You could feel the love they have for each other, and not just while in bed. They had something special and it made the story that much more enjoyable.
(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Sep 20, 2012 Guilty Pleasures added it

Shelves: guiltypleasures-amanda

Amanda's review posted on Guilty Pleasures

5 Stars

Sultry with a Twist by Macy Beckett is the debut romance novel and for me it is definitely a hit. She blends the right amount of turmoil, anguish, heartache, drama and romance that pulled on my emotions in all different directions. Luke and June were meant to be together and it took a bogus bench warrant to get her to return to her hometown of Sultry, Texas. June vowed that she would never return, but in order to go forward with the opening of her...more Amanda's review posted on Guilty Pleasures

5 Stars

Sultry with a Twist by Macy Beckett is the debut romance novel and for me it is definitely a hit. She blends the right amount of turmoil, anguish, heartache, drama and romance that pulled on my emotions in all different directions. Luke and June were meant to be together and it took a bogus bench warrant to get her to return to her hometown of Sultry, Texas. June vowed that she would never return, but in order to go forward with the opening of her new upscale bar in Austin, she had to go back and take care of this legal matter. What she didn’t know was that she would be thrown back into the path of the man that broke her heart all those years ago. It was going to be a long month of community service and telling herself that he was OFF LIMITS if she was going to survive with her heart intact.

It’s one thing to say it in your head but there is no denying what the heart says when it comes right down to it for both Luke and June. Luke felt unworthy of June and didn’t have anything to offer her so he kept her at arm’s length and only wanted her for the short term. He definitely had commitment issues with his mother’s abandonment and failed marriage; so what did he know about love? June took it upon herself to show him love and it took a grand gesture for him to finally realize that she loved him. Luke almost blew it but what he did at the end made me fall in love with him, flaws and all.

June was a girl after my own heart. She worked hard for what she wanted and sacrificed things in order for her dream to come true. What she didn’t count on was her dream changing. Ms. Beckett created a strong, mature heroine over the course of the story and it was insightful to see how her 9 year absence cost her precious time with her grandmother. She even took heed of the sermon she heard about love and decided that she would show Luke how to love. That made her a less of a self-centered individual and a better well-rounded adult that I can admire.

This was an incredible story written with great dialogue between Luke and June, and even better between Luke and his best friend Trey. They had me laughing out loud when those two got together. She brought it all together in this story with sultry sex scenes, witty banter, and an engrossing story I’m sure it will draw you in as well. I look forward to the next one in her new series with Trey’s story. I’ll even steal the slogan from the author’s website itself and say “Welcome to Sultry Springs, where first loves find second chances.”(less)

5 likes · like · see review

Oct 05, 2012 Blodeuedd Finland rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance

A contemporary romance set in a small town, insert a grandmother with a mission, and two young people meant to be. And there you have it.

Mae-June has not spoken with her grandmother in ages. Sure I got why, still I felt sorry of her gran who was all alone. June loves her job, she has plans for her future and she is an all around nice woman. Still fate (meaning her grandmother Pru has other plans for her). Oh Pru, I do like grandmothers who know what they want, even if she would be way to tough f...more

like · see review

Sep 01, 2012 Anne rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was a really fun read, June and Luke have incredible chemistry and I loved reading about them. June is smart and ambitious and has worked tirelessly to make her dream happen, opening her own bar. When she is forced to return to her hometown and live with her grandmother, Pru, again at first she is furious but it doesn't take her long to realize what she has been missing in her new life. She finds herself enjoying being in her small town again and enjoys reconnecting with her grandmother. I...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 26, 2013 Arlena rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 5-stars, adult-read, chit-lit, ebooks, excellent-book, my-reviews, relationships, women-fiction

Author: Macy Beckett
Published By: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Book Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 5

Review:

"Sultry With A Twist" by Jonathan Carroll was a wonderful contemporary
romance with its setting being from a small town called Sultry Springs, Texas. This author will present the reader with a funny, clever and sweet love read about the second chance of love. I will only say that it was magic how this author was able to bring Mae-June July Augustine and Luke to...more

1 like · like · see review

Sep 08, 2012 Amanda (sessionswedding) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Typically, I am not a reader of the romance genre AT ALL. The one and only Nora Roberts novel I ever read was an absolute chore to get through. So the fact that I found this book fun and sweet is pretty amazing. (view spoiler)

There were a couple of scenes that I felt sort of trailed off without finishing. (view spoiler)...more

1 like · like · see review

Sep 28, 2012 Wanderlust rated it 4 of 5 stars

Cover & Title - 4 out of 5
Favorite Line - "Before Freddy Krueger goes to sleep at night, he checks his closet for your grandma."
Favorite Character - Mae-June July Augustine (i figure her parents lost a bet & that's why she ended up with that name, or maybe the parents were stoned?)

Now i know this is nothing to do with the book but every time i read Luke's full name all i could think about was Liam Gallagher and then Oasis songs would run through my head, it was mighty distracting.

Apart...more

3 likes · like · see review

Oct 22, 2012 Crystal Leo rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary

Favorite Quote: "... he was the only man in the tent, and apparently, possession of a penis qualified him for grill duty. Even worse, old Ms. Bicknocker had made him tuck his hair under a shower cap while basting and braising, so the fire's heat had soaked into his body and traveled right to his head, where the plastic trapped it inside. He'd felt like a giant condom."

In her debut book, Sultry With a Twist, Macy Beckett knocks it out of the park! With great characters like our heroine Mae-June J...more Favorite Quote: "... he was the only man in the tent, and apparently, possession of a penis qualified him for grill duty. Even worse, old Ms. Bicknocker had made him tuck his hair under a shower cap while basting and braising, so the fire's heat had soaked into his body and traveled right to his head, where the plastic trapped it inside. He'd felt like a giant condom."

In her debut book, Sultry With a Twist, Macy Beckett knocks it out of the park! With great characters like our heroine Mae-June July Augustine and our hero Luke Gallagher, who have grown up together as best friends, you have a story that will in turns make you want to reach in and slap somebody, or give them a much needed hug.

Mae-June hasn't been home to Sultry Springs in over nine years. Now she has to go back to take care of a bench warrant that she had no idea was there. If she doesn't take care of the warrant she won't be able to open the bar in Austin that she's been working hard and saving for the entire time she's been gone from home. Once facing the judge of her small town, she finds out that she has to serve 30 days of community service as her judgment for the bogus charges of indecent exposure, lewd conduct, and trespassing at Gallagher pond. That wouldn't be so bad if that community service didn't involve having to deal with the two of the three sets of people she doesn't want to deal with. First is the small minded church her grandmother attended that she felt always judged her while growing up, the second being her former best friend, who also happens to be the man who broke her heart, Luke Gallagher. To top it all off, she has to live with the third person she'd rather not see, her grandmother. It's just 30 days. She can get through 30 days, right?

Luke Gallagher has had a hard life, but he's also had people who believed in him enough to help him turn that life around. But the person he needed most, Mae-June, left him in the dust just when he needed her the most. So now that she's home, he doesn't know whether to ignore her to hide his pain, or hug her because he missed her so much. What ensues in this book is a barrel of laughs, deep emotions to deal with, such as abandonment by parents, and learning to have self worth. It's a roller coaster ride of a book that you will surely enjoy, and will leave you begging for the next in the series! Five wine glass toast to Sultry With a Twist, and I know you all will love it just as much as I did.

To read this review and more, check out Reading Between the Wines Book Club!
http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub...(less)

like · see review

Jan 03, 2013 Christina rated it 4 of 5 stars

I am generally not a reader of "traditional" romance novels. I've read a few, but they're not what I reach for first. I am, however, very susceptible to peer pressure and good reviews. I have been known to hang out every once in a while on a certain online community that has a book club forum. The ladies there kept talking up this book and I realized it was because one of the members wrote it. They all had such positive things to say that I had to give it a try. I'm so glad I did!

Beckett has ble...more

like · see review

Oct 24, 2012 Pam rated it 5 of 5 stars

May June July Augustine (June) is ready to live her dream. She has saved for eight years to purchase her own specialty bar and she just handed over the check to her business partner, Esteban. There is just one thing standing in her way, she found out there is a bench warrant out for her and she needs to go back to Sultry County, Texas to clear it up.

Growing up, June lived with her grandma Pru after her parents died in a car accident, her best friend Luke Gallagher moved in with Pru when he was t...more May June July Augustine (June) is ready to live her dream. She has saved for eight years to purchase her own specialty bar and she just handed over the check to her business partner, Esteban. There is just one thing standing in her way, she found out there is a bench warrant out for her and she needs to go back to Sultry County, Texas to clear it up.

Growing up, June lived with her grandma Pru after her parents died in a car accident, her best friend Luke Gallagher moved in with Pru when he was twelve and his mother left him. June and Luke were inseparable while growing up and although Luke always felt they were best buds, June fell in love when they were teens. Right before graduation June and Luke spent a night together by the pond, Luke immediately felt horrible and was afraid they damaged their friendship, then to top it off the sheriff found them and took them back home to Pru. Pru was upset and there was a huge fight which prompted both Luke and June to leave the day after graduation. June never returned, always afraid of what Pru would say and thinking Luke never wanted to see her again while Luke returned five years ago. He spent some time in the army and after a brief marriage he came home and started a construction business.

When June goes before the Judge in Sultry County to take care of the warrant, he tells her that he will dismiss the charges if she does community service for one month. Much to her dismay the Judge releases her to her Pru and they start to mend their relationship. June has the choice to help at the church or a non-profit home project company, turns out that Luke founded the non-profit Helping Hands and his friend Trey runs it.

At first June selects the non-profit work however after several mishaps Luke asks her to work at the church. June is a walking disaster and several things happen that end up pushing Luke and June closer together. Yet Luke is not sure he is worthy of accepting anything from June, Pru knowingly tells June that she needs to teach him how to love.

I loved this book; a second chance romance that was wonderful. It was funny with laugh out loud moments; Luke and Trey have a hysterical relationship as best friends. I also cried in several places as Luke pushes June away several times unable to believe he is worthy since the harm his mother caused when she left was damaging. The chemistry between Luke and June was wonderful and believable and I loved their connection. They grew up as best friends and you could sense the way they felt about each other. The dialog was great between all characters; I just loved Pru and Trey. This was Macy’s debut book and it was a very enjoyable story.
(less)

like · see review

Sep 28, 2012 Cocktails and Books rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reading-challenges, blog-tour, contemporary-romance, publisher-provided

June, forced back to Sultry Springs to deal with a bench warrant, discovers her best friend and first love, Luke Gallagher, is back in town and the man she must report to for her community service. And despite how things were left the last time they saw each other, the form a truce in hopes of getting their friendship back on track. But what June and Luke discover is that despite what plans they have, fate has a way of showing them what they really need.

I do love a good ole Southern man who's a...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 03, 2013 Kelly % Books-n-Kisses rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-read

HOT DOG!!!! This was a great way to start my new year. New Author. New Series. New Obsession!!! Sultry with a Twist takes us to Sultry Springs Texas and with a name like Sultry Springs how can we not get hot and bothered?

Macy’s 1st book is a second chance at love story and boy howdy does this girl know how to write a story. From page one I was in love with June & Luke. I also loved that Macy took a body issue that many woman have and showed how men don’t see it as an issue but an extreme tu...more

like · see review

Oct 17, 2012 SOS Aloha rated it 4 of 5 stars

What separates the winners from the losers is how a person reacts to each new twist of fate.- Donald Trump

June believes she has mastered the twist of fate just a day away from fulfilling a dream - opening her own bar. Then fate delivers her another challenge, taking June back to Sultry Springs for community service. Her homecoming brings June face to face with those she sought to escape - her religious grandmother, her lost love, and her own insecurities.

Thomas Wolfe may have written, "You can n...more

1 like · like · see review

Oct 28, 2012 Dottie rated it 4 of 5 stars

A deliciously funny tale, which I rated 4.5! Taken from my review at RomanceJunkies.com:

Mae-June July Augustine hated her name, preferring to go by just plain June. Finally, after eight years of hard work, she has sold almost everything she owns, including her condo, so that she can open her new martini bar, Luquos. She will be half owner of the bar, partnering with her friend Esteban. Six weeks away from opening night, she applies for her liquor license and is turned down, until she takes care...more A deliciously funny tale, which I rated 4.5! Taken from my review at RomanceJunkies.com:

Mae-June July Augustine hated her name, preferring to go by just plain June. Finally, after eight years of hard work, she has sold almost everything she owns, including her condo, so that she can open her new martini bar, Luquos. She will be half owner of the bar, partnering with her friend Esteban. Six weeks away from opening night, she applies for her liquor license and is turned down, until she takes care of the warrant that has been out on her for the past nine years for lewd conduct and indecent exposure. Unaware that a warrant had ever been placed on her, but aware of the incident pertaining to the warrant, she heads to her hometown. June has not returned there in nine years due to a falling out with her grandmother, Ada. After the death of her mother when June was very young, her grandmother had taken over raising her. Hoping to keep June from making the same mistakes her mother had made, Ada had been strict with her. June had fallen in love with Luke Gallagher. On the day of their graduation, he had taken her virginity and turned his back on her. Heartbroken, she had left town. Back in town again now, she figures it will only take an hour or two to settle the warrant problem. So she is very upset to discover that the most expeditious way to take care of it is to stay in her hometown with her grandmother for a month, performing community service with the charity, Helping Hands.

Luke Gallagher’s mother left him when he was twelve years old, taking his younger sister with her. Devastated, he had started acting up, but had been taken in by June’s grandmother. Although he and June had grown up under the same roof, he had more than sisterly feelings for her. But after being deserted by his mother, he was afraid to commit. He had gone into the service after high school, but ended up back in his hometown. It had taken a while to get over June. He could not believe that she was back in town now. But he knew it was only a matter of time before she left him again. Luke had had a problem in his past, but a man had given him a second chance. So he started the charity Helping Hands. The last thing he expects is to find that June is serving her community service by working for his nonprofit organization, Helping Hands.

As they work side-by-side, June begins to question the future she has planned for herself. Realizing that she has never stopped loving Luke, June hopes to break down the walls he has built around his heart and to teach him to love. Will she succeed, or is she only bound for more heartbreak? Will she return to Austin and her martini bar, or will she make a life with Luke in her hometown?

An absolutely delectable tale, SULTRY WITH A TWIST, the latest book by gifted author Macy Beckett, is a witty, sexy contemporary romance that will captivate you from the very beginning. At times hilarious and other times heart wrenching; this story will be one you will not soon forget. Accident prone June finds herself in hot water time and again, as others ends up injured, suffering because of her, putting Luke’s time schedule further behind while seriously hampering his plans for the future. But when June’s life is on the line, will he finally see what is right in front of his eyes? A delightful story with plenty of plot twists, humor, disaster, danger, small town life, interesting characters, witty banter, sizzling hot romance and true love, SULTRY WITH A TWIST is one you will not want to miss. I highly recommend it and look forward to reading the next book in this delightful series, A SHOT OF SULTRY, due out in March 2013.

Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
(less)

like · see review

Feb 18, 2013 Romance Addict rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: light, contemporary

Reviewed at Reviews by Molly
http://reviewsbymolly.com/review-sult...

I think I’ve found a new contemporary romance author that I love! Macy Beckett knows how to create a world that I can find myself in. Though the town might have been dry with a Christian store on every corner, the residents sure know how to find a way to break their own rules.

Luke is the ex-bad boy who’s spending his time doing what he can to take redeem himself—at least in his own eyes. He’s been broken and beaten down by every...more

like · see review

Jan 09, 2013 Pui Ling rated it 4 of 5 stars

At its core, a very romantic love story about what one would do for love. A touch of humour and some likeable characters makes this a heart warming story. This is not an angsty or intense book (if you are looking for that). It is fun and heartwarming light reading. Please do not read further if you do not want to read spoilers! Personal opinions: whilst there was heat between Luke and June, it's not as intense or palpable. The twist of the heroine doing the "great romantic gesture" can be taken...more

like · see review

Oct 15, 2012 Julie (julie37619) rated it 5 of 5 stars

I'm not going to review this one because the author is actually a friend of mine - a Nestie in fact. My policy in regards to Nestie authors is that I don't do critical reviews. I'd be biased, obviously, because I love them, and I'd never critique a friend's work unasked. So that explains the lack of critical review on this one and also gives you a heads up that I may be a bit biased in my love for this book.

I don't typically read romance novels, but since this one is by a Nestie, I made an excep...more

2 likes · like · see review

Nov 03, 2012 Stephanie Collins rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was such a sweet love story. I loved the small town and would love the chance to visit once again.

June is at a crossroads. She has just sold her condo and has invested all her money in her dream of owning an upscale bar in Austin. When she and her partners go to the board for their liquor license she gets a surprise… She's got a 9-year-old bench warrant from her old hometown that needs to be resolved before she can get her license. She makes the long drive to her hometown and is told by the...more This was such a sweet love story. I loved the small town and would love the chance to visit once again.

June is at a crossroads. She has just sold her condo and has invested all her money in her dream of owning an upscale bar in Austin. When she and her partners go to the board for their liquor license she gets a surprise… She's got a 9-year-old bench warrant from her old hometown that needs to be resolved before she can get her license. She makes the long drive to her hometown and is told by the judge that she has to stay in the county for one full month doing community service before he will drop the warrant. Oh.. and she has to stay with her grandmother… ya know the one she hasn't spoken to in years …. yeah.. sucks to be her. The good news (well at first bad) is she is going to end up around the man she loved as a teen.. and he's even easier on the eyes now. After a few mishaps she realizes that her feelings have never changed for him and if she is going to get what she wants she needs to be patient and work for it.

Luke made one big mistake years ago that ended up costing him his best friend. Then a disastrous marriage cost him his dream of being in the Army. He's convinced he's not worthy of love after all if he was why did his mom take his sister and leave him when he was a child. He's stubborn but very drawn to June. He's always been attracted to her but now that she's all grown up the attraction causes him to go a bit crazy. He just wants to flip a house so he can get the final bit of money together to purchase his family's land back. You just want to hit him a few times with his behavior but… you have to bleed a little bit for him as you learn more about his abandonment issues and why he pushes her away time and time again.

I was sooooo happy that her grandmother and the judge plotted against the two of them because you just want them to figure things out and be together by the end of this. Love can conquer all if you have the faith.

I have to thank Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley.com for giving me the chance to read this heartwarming story in exchange for my honest review.(less)

like · see review

Sep 10, 2012 Danielle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: review

Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick

I really enjoyed this book. In fact I found it hard to put down once I started it. I'm a sucker for second chance at love and friend's to lovers stories and this book had both and it did not disappoint. I really loved this book and I can't wait to read more from this author.

The chemistry between Luke and June is great. I loved their relationship and the fact that yes, it's been nine years since either has seen or spoken to one another and even...more

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 78 79 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (2)

Videos About This Book

Add a comment

Genres

Romance

58 users

Romance > Contemporary Romance

45 users

Contemporary

24 users

Womens Fiction > Chick Lit

11 users

Adult

4 users

Humor

4 users

Book Club

2 users

Adult Fiction

2 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

Rescue My Heart
by Jill Shalvis
How to Misbehave
by Ruthie Knox
Barefoot in the Rain
by Roxanne St. Claire
Blaze of Winter
by Elisabeth Barrett
Rev It Up
by Julie Ann Walker

About Macy Beckett

I write hot and humorous romances set in the fictional town of Sultry Springs, Texas, where first loves find second chances. Look for my new "Dumont Bachelors" series, coming in 2014 from Penguin.

I also write romantic sci-fi for young adults under the name Melissa Landers. Check out ALIENATED, coming in February 2014 from Disney-Hyperion, and the sequel to follow.

More about Macy Beckett...

Books by Macy Beckett

Surrender to Sultry (Sultry Springs, #3)

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Sultry with a Twist

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

Quotes from Sultry with a Twist

“We belong together, Junebug. Tell me what I have to do to make that happen. I'll do anything you want.” — 4 people liked it

“As he gave, she took, burning a hole in the mirror with her gaze and repeating I love you like it was the only thing she knew how to say.” — 2 people liked it

More quotes…

title link	preview: Sultry with a Twist
avg rating	preview: Sultry with a Twist Goodreads rating: 4.04 (572 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12400537-sultry-with-a-twist?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1344549196l/12400537.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12400537-sultry-with-a-twist?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Sultry with a Twist by Macy Beckett[/url]

Sultry with a Twist (Sultry Springs #1)

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website