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A Dash of Desire #1
The Businesswoman and the Bartender
April Markham might be jet-lagged beyond belief, but at least the bartender at her hotel is easy on the eyes. After years of throwing herself into work to combat the pain of a failed relationship, a bit of innocent flirtation is exactly what she needs to get her groove back.
Nick is the full package—charming, handsome, age appropriate, single. Plus, he makes a fantastic gin gimlet. One night of conversation turns into two, and his company quickly becomes as irresistible as the cocktails he crafts. Although April never intended to mix business with pleasure while traveling for work, things are destined to move from the bar to the bedroom.
But as the red-hot flame of attraction burns bright, reality threatens to douse their heat. She’s a businesswoman from New York; he’s a bartender in Seattle. And as her flight home looms, April must decide whether to risk her heart on a cross-country affair or announce “last call” on what could be the romance of a lifetime.
Nick is the full package—charming, handsome, age appropriate, single. Plus, he makes a fantastic gin gimlet. One night of conversation turns into two, and his company quickly becomes as irresistible as the cocktails he crafts. Although April never intended to mix business with pleasure while traveling for work, things are destined to move from the bar to the bedroom.
But as the red-hot flame of attraction burns bright, reality threatens to douse their heat. She’s a businesswoman from New York; he’s a bartender in Seattle. And as her flight home looms, April must decide whether to risk her heart on a cross-country affair or announce “last call” on what could be the romance of a lifetime.
83 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2023
17 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Brianna Bancroft
5 books39 followersBrianna Bancroft is a trained playwright turned romance novelist. Born and raised in New Jersey, she enjoys vintage clothing, bourbon, and ballet.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
January 25, 2025
Solid read. I didn't enjoy this one as much as the other two but I'm still so impressed by the amount of development this author manages to do in less than a hundred pages. Very sweet and sexy HFN ending.
Tropes
Class Difference
Older MCs
One Night Stand
Tropes
Class Difference
Older MCs
One Night Stand
July 29, 2023
I absolutely ADORED this novella
April and Nick are inevitable. They're caught in each other's orbit every time they're in the same room. The chemistry and tension between them had me tingling and swooning. Nick is gorgeous, smart, gentlemanly... until he gets April alone and then... *fans self*. April is intelligent, at times vulnerable, and a beautiful soul.
But honestly, it was their real tangible connection and ability to talk and find one another past their differences and all the things that held them apart that absolutely BROKE me.
I adore this story - another testament to Brianna's incredible writing.
April and Nick are inevitable. They're caught in each other's orbit every time they're in the same room. The chemistry and tension between them had me tingling and swooning. Nick is gorgeous, smart, gentlemanly... until he gets April alone and then... *fans self*. April is intelligent, at times vulnerable, and a beautiful soul.
But honestly, it was their real tangible connection and ability to talk and find one another past their differences and all the things that held them apart that absolutely BROKE me.
I adore this story - another testament to Brianna's incredible writing.
February 25, 2024
Just YES.
I loved this novella! The characters were easy to connect with and it’s hard not to root for them from the get go. Their chemistry was undeniable and the way they communicated their insecurities was realistic and relatable. Nick and April are perfect, the plot and spice were a great mix and I just wish it could have been longer!
These novellas are brilliant 😍
I loved this novella! The characters were easy to connect with and it’s hard not to root for them from the get go. Their chemistry was undeniable and the way they communicated their insecurities was realistic and relatable. Nick and April are perfect, the plot and spice were a great mix and I just wish it could have been longer!
These novellas are brilliant 😍
September 3, 2023
It started as a nightly drink whilst at a conference. Is there more in store for April and Nick or just a fleeting one night? A good quick read. Enjoyed to the last drop.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 21, 2023
I really enjoyed this novella! It is the first romance novella I have read that actually has a plot and isn't just smutty. It was a sweet love story and I felt like it was 'complete' once it ended, which is a big deal since it is less than 100 pages. I read this as an ARC and didn't notice any grammar mistakes, so I am super impressed. :)
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 14, 2025
Great, short, spicy and romantic story. perfect length, great pacing! Highly recommend!
April 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5
Very Quick listen (1.5 on quick pace), quick simple plot and plenty of spicy
🌶️🌶️.5
Very Quick listen (1.5 on quick pace), quick simple plot and plenty of spicy
September 6, 2023
This is a well-written, classy slow-burn novella with more meaningful conversational chemistry between the lead characters in 6 chapters than I've read in much longer stories (e.g. delving into their relationships with their parents!). While the businesswoman heroine intends to keep this as just a fling, they give off couple vibes from the beginning. The heroine has just enough insecurity to make her relatable, but not so much that she's annoying; the hero is extremely intuitive about providing what she needs in a boyfriend-caretaker way.
My only complaint is that it's set in a bar (which I knew going into it). I'm a firm believer in B.Y.O.S. (bring your own Spirit!) to a party or intimate encounter. I'm not a drinker so I wouldn't be attracted to a tipsy or borderline drunk person - even if I was the bartender (yes, I'm aware of the hypocrisy!). And I think it's creepy how it's a bartender's job to keep giving someone something that could turn the situation into a bad judgment call. This would've been so much better if it had been set in a coffee or smoothie shop. 😁
(By reading their getting-to-know-you conversations, I realized that a barista was definitely sending me "wanna hook up?" signals that I misread. Meanwhile, all I was trying to do was give him a friendly invitation to church. No wonder he was angry with me for accepting his freebies without accepting what else came with his offers. 🤦♀️🤷 )
Overall, I would recommend this novella to people who enjoy intellectual and emotional connection as foreplay.
Excerpts:
April heaved herself up onto the stool as he prepared her cocktail. A significant silence descended around them, although the soft jazz soundtrack offered some reprieve.
[I was listening to a smooth jazz version of a sensual R&B song in a coffee shop while reading this! 😁]
___
A few faces were recognizable, although none she was familiar enough with that she felt required to join. “Probably. But the conference ends tomorrow evening, and people usually depart right after. Things might be quieter for you. Unless you’re not working then?”
Yes, she was fishing. Sue her.
“Oh, I’m here all week,” he confirmed. “No rest for the wicked.”
[I recognized the Bible paraphrase (Isaiah 57:21) here! 🤓]
There was a heated twinkle in his eye as he set her drink down before moving to check on the rest of his customers. April, for the love of God, you need to get a grip. The man was a bartender. It was his job to make her feel welcome and special. And the more flirtatious he was, the more likely he was to get a good tip. It wasn’t rocket science. Still, where was the harm? Maybe this was exactly what she needed to thaw her and get her back in the habit of meeting men.
___
“Your partner must be missing you.”
A record scratch sounded in her brain. “Partner?”
“Romantic partner,” he supplied. “Boyfriend, girlfriend? Or as the kids like to say, your boo?”
If she wasn’t stunned by the question, she would have laughed at how adorable he sounded using the term boo. Instead, she blinked rapidly and took a few seconds to respond. Had he spent the past two days thinking she was involved with someone? Served her right.
“Oh, there’s no partner,” she jabbered. “No pets either. And no houseplants. I’ve killed every plant anyone’s ever gotten for me. Nope. It’s only me. No one else.”
“Ah.” He scratched the back of his neck.
“I just assumed.”
“I assumed with you too.”
One shoulder raised in a guilty shrug. “That first night I was here? I thought you were a young’un and assumed you were taken.”
“And you were wrong on both counts,” he teased.
“I guess I’m not a good judge of character.”
“Nah, I don’t believe that at all.”
A flash of movement from the other end of the bar caught his eye, and he said, “Excuse me for a second.”
Their conversation had been so intimate that she’d completely forgotten he was still working...
__
As if he’d read her mind, he poured a glass of ice water and placed it beside the gimlet. “Feel free to hang out if you want,” he added. His tone was casual, but nothing about the offer felt as such.
She nodded silently as the cocktail waitress returned to pick up the final round of drinks. Nick moved to the long counter along the back of the bar space, where every spirit under the sun lived...
While he was at the POS system, closing things up for the night, she called out, “Oh, how much do I owe you for this?”
“Nothing.”
“Nick, come on.” He turned and raised an eyebrow at her. She was reminded of her dream—how he’d stared at her and had said so much with only a look.
“I’ll give you a good tip,” she promised in a mumble.
Once again, she hadn’t meant to infuse innuendo into her message, but it seemed to happen without even trying. And when naked hunger flashed over his face, she flushed furiously. He quickly turned away and focused on the night’s receipts. But the change in his body language was unmistakable.
__
The following Scriptures came to mind as I read this story:
Living by the Spirit’s Power (Ephesians 5:15-20)
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My only complaint is that it's set in a bar (which I knew going into it). I'm a firm believer in B.Y.O.S. (bring your own Spirit!) to a party or intimate encounter. I'm not a drinker so I wouldn't be attracted to a tipsy or borderline drunk person - even if I was the bartender (yes, I'm aware of the hypocrisy!). And I think it's creepy how it's a bartender's job to keep giving someone something that could turn the situation into a bad judgment call. This would've been so much better if it had been set in a coffee or smoothie shop. 😁
(By reading their getting-to-know-you conversations, I realized that a barista was definitely sending me "wanna hook up?" signals that I misread. Meanwhile, all I was trying to do was give him a friendly invitation to church. No wonder he was angry with me for accepting his freebies without accepting what else came with his offers. 🤦♀️🤷 )
Overall, I would recommend this novella to people who enjoy intellectual and emotional connection as foreplay.
Excerpts:
April heaved herself up onto the stool as he prepared her cocktail. A significant silence descended around them, although the soft jazz soundtrack offered some reprieve.
[I was listening to a smooth jazz version of a sensual R&B song in a coffee shop while reading this! 😁]
___
A few faces were recognizable, although none she was familiar enough with that she felt required to join. “Probably. But the conference ends tomorrow evening, and people usually depart right after. Things might be quieter for you. Unless you’re not working then?”
Yes, she was fishing. Sue her.
“Oh, I’m here all week,” he confirmed. “No rest for the wicked.”
[I recognized the Bible paraphrase (Isaiah 57:21) here! 🤓]
There was a heated twinkle in his eye as he set her drink down before moving to check on the rest of his customers. April, for the love of God, you need to get a grip. The man was a bartender. It was his job to make her feel welcome and special. And the more flirtatious he was, the more likely he was to get a good tip. It wasn’t rocket science. Still, where was the harm? Maybe this was exactly what she needed to thaw her and get her back in the habit of meeting men.
___
“Your partner must be missing you.”
A record scratch sounded in her brain. “Partner?”
“Romantic partner,” he supplied. “Boyfriend, girlfriend? Or as the kids like to say, your boo?”
If she wasn’t stunned by the question, she would have laughed at how adorable he sounded using the term boo. Instead, she blinked rapidly and took a few seconds to respond. Had he spent the past two days thinking she was involved with someone? Served her right.
“Oh, there’s no partner,” she jabbered. “No pets either. And no houseplants. I’ve killed every plant anyone’s ever gotten for me. Nope. It’s only me. No one else.”
“Ah.” He scratched the back of his neck.
“I just assumed.”
“I assumed with you too.”
One shoulder raised in a guilty shrug. “That first night I was here? I thought you were a young’un and assumed you were taken.”
“And you were wrong on both counts,” he teased.
“I guess I’m not a good judge of character.”
“Nah, I don’t believe that at all.”
A flash of movement from the other end of the bar caught his eye, and he said, “Excuse me for a second.”
Their conversation had been so intimate that she’d completely forgotten he was still working...
__
As if he’d read her mind, he poured a glass of ice water and placed it beside the gimlet. “Feel free to hang out if you want,” he added. His tone was casual, but nothing about the offer felt as such.
She nodded silently as the cocktail waitress returned to pick up the final round of drinks. Nick moved to the long counter along the back of the bar space, where every spirit under the sun lived...
While he was at the POS system, closing things up for the night, she called out, “Oh, how much do I owe you for this?”
“Nothing.”
“Nick, come on.” He turned and raised an eyebrow at her. She was reminded of her dream—how he’d stared at her and had said so much with only a look.
“I’ll give you a good tip,” she promised in a mumble.
Once again, she hadn’t meant to infuse innuendo into her message, but it seemed to happen without even trying. And when naked hunger flashed over his face, she flushed furiously. He quickly turned away and focused on the night’s receipts. But the change in his body language was unmistakable.
__
The following Scriptures came to mind as I read this story:
Living by the Spirit’s Power (Ephesians 5:15-20)
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 4, 2023
Title: The Businesswoman and the Bartender
Author: Brianna Bancroft
Genre: Romance/ Erotica
Rating:
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶/5
Review:
This was such a good read! I found myself invested in the love story between the MCs and devoured this book in just a few hours.
Characters:
Characters are kept to a minimum - keeping the focus on the MCs - which worked out well for such a short story. The interactions between the characters felt authentic and aligned well with the overall premise of the book.
Plot and Pacing:
The plot is straightforward + a bit predictable, but its simplness allows for the focus to remain on the emotional connection between the MCs. Pacing is well-balanced - there's instant attraction followed by a slow build of tension that eventually explodes into some whirlwind encounters that'll have you feeling a bit warm *wink wink*.
Writing and Style:
Writing was easy to follow. There was enough imagery to get a sense of the surroundings without being overly descriptive. Setting is in the real world, with key references to places in Seattle and New York that add a sense of realness to the story. This may also make you feel a bit more connected to the story if these places are familiar to you.
Overall:
I quite enjoyed 'The Businesswoman and the Bartender'. There are some red flags with the MCs that probably should call for moments of pause, but honestly, it wouldn't be a whirlwind romance if a few red flags aren't initially ignored (lol!). All-in-all, it's a titillating quick read for when you're short on time but still wanting to dig into a love story with steam and substance.
Disclosure: I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Author: Brianna Bancroft
Genre: Romance/ Erotica
Rating:
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶/5
Review:
This was such a good read! I found myself invested in the love story between the MCs and devoured this book in just a few hours.
Characters:
Characters are kept to a minimum - keeping the focus on the MCs - which worked out well for such a short story. The interactions between the characters felt authentic and aligned well with the overall premise of the book.
Plot and Pacing:
The plot is straightforward + a bit predictable, but its simplness allows for the focus to remain on the emotional connection between the MCs. Pacing is well-balanced - there's instant attraction followed by a slow build of tension that eventually explodes into some whirlwind encounters that'll have you feeling a bit warm *wink wink*.
Writing and Style:
Writing was easy to follow. There was enough imagery to get a sense of the surroundings without being overly descriptive. Setting is in the real world, with key references to places in Seattle and New York that add a sense of realness to the story. This may also make you feel a bit more connected to the story if these places are familiar to you.
Overall:
I quite enjoyed 'The Businesswoman and the Bartender'. There are some red flags with the MCs that probably should call for moments of pause, but honestly, it wouldn't be a whirlwind romance if a few red flags aren't initially ignored (lol!). All-in-all, it's a titillating quick read for when you're short on time but still wanting to dig into a love story with steam and substance.
Disclosure: I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 22, 2024
I thought I could never enjoy 3rd person single POV, but Brianna Bancroft said "nah you're wrong".
I really loved this novella. We somehow get to know April and Nick, their insecurities, and their desires in a mere 80 pages. You're rooting for them right from the start, and I love the spark between them, palpable from the first time they meet at the bar.
The story is well written, and never feels rushed. I loved that it is set over a day, or a few days, but you finish with the knowledge that there's so much further for their relationship to grow. I can imagine them existing in the world now, probably role playing their first meeting because why wouldn't you?
Nick and April both felt like such real people, and I love having slightly older (in the context of other romance I've read I am not saying mid 30s is old!!) characters.
The spice was also SO GOOD and I almost died when Nick asked what April liked. It's literally that easy, gents 🤣
I'm excited to read some more from Brianna, and if you're looking for a quick slump buster then this just may be the book for you!
I really loved this novella. We somehow get to know April and Nick, their insecurities, and their desires in a mere 80 pages. You're rooting for them right from the start, and I love the spark between them, palpable from the first time they meet at the bar.
The story is well written, and never feels rushed. I loved that it is set over a day, or a few days, but you finish with the knowledge that there's so much further for their relationship to grow. I can imagine them existing in the world now, probably role playing their first meeting because why wouldn't you?
Nick and April both felt like such real people, and I love having slightly older (in the context of other romance I've read I am not saying mid 30s is old!!) characters.
The spice was also SO GOOD and I almost died when Nick asked what April liked. It's literally that easy, gents 🤣
I'm excited to read some more from Brianna, and if you're looking for a quick slump buster then this just may be the book for you!
August 1, 2023
Slow burn, sweet romance, with a bit of spice.
This was a charming story that was different from other stories read. I like the way the author executed the chemistry between the characters. Goes to show that you can just visit an area for work/business or even pleasure and find the love of a lifetime.
I found the story to be charming, well written and hopeful for a HEA which it progressed to nicely. Afterall, we all need one. Though found it unique I wondered at first if I would enjoy it and the story didn't disappoint. Made me reflect on my present predicament and gave me a sense of hope.
Definitely recommend for a unique & cool read. It's worth it.
Stranger to friends, friends to lovers, travel romance, assumptions, adult content, slow burn, foreplay, contemporary novella.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a charming story that was different from other stories read. I like the way the author executed the chemistry between the characters. Goes to show that you can just visit an area for work/business or even pleasure and find the love of a lifetime.
I found the story to be charming, well written and hopeful for a HEA which it progressed to nicely. Afterall, we all need one. Though found it unique I wondered at first if I would enjoy it and the story didn't disappoint. Made me reflect on my present predicament and gave me a sense of hope.
Definitely recommend for a unique & cool read. It's worth it.
Stranger to friends, friends to lovers, travel romance, assumptions, adult content, slow burn, foreplay, contemporary novella.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 24, 2024
📚Review~ The Businesswoman and the Bartender (A Dash of Desire Book 1)
🖋Author~ Brianna Bancroft
🖋Genre: Contemporary Romance, Quick Read
⭐️Rating: 4/5
With April always working, trying to put the past behind her, she rarely has an opportunity for more than an acquaintance. But a fun flirtation at a business convention with Nick is just the thing. Nick has an easy-going personality that encourages April to give them both a chance even though more than just careers seem to separate them.
The Businesswoman and the Bartender is the first in the Dash of Desire set. It’s a fantastic read with a heartfelt HEA!
#writer #editor #review #books #bookstagrammers #bookreviewer #reader #MustRead #Amazon #OneClick #Businesswoman #Bartender #Desire #BriannaBancroft #contemporaryromance #quickreads
🖋Author~ Brianna Bancroft
🖋Genre: Contemporary Romance, Quick Read
⭐️Rating: 4/5
With April always working, trying to put the past behind her, she rarely has an opportunity for more than an acquaintance. But a fun flirtation at a business convention with Nick is just the thing. Nick has an easy-going personality that encourages April to give them both a chance even though more than just careers seem to separate them.
The Businesswoman and the Bartender is the first in the Dash of Desire set. It’s a fantastic read with a heartfelt HEA!
#writer #editor #review #books #bookstagrammers #bookreviewer #reader #MustRead #Amazon #OneClick #Businesswoman #Bartender #Desire #BriannaBancroft #contemporaryromance #quickreads
February 24, 2024
This is a small novella that is readable in one sitting. With a great spice/plot ratio and backstory!
This was super fun. April is in town for a conference and spends the few evenings she is there swooning over the bartender in the hotel bar and then dreaming about him. Not making a move though.
Nick, our clean shaven bartender is a little naughty and when these two get together 😮💨 I really enjoyed Nick(!) when he asked he what she liked, she had zero filter .. “I like a bit of good, old-fashioned roughness. Nothing crazy. Maybe a hair pull here and an ass slap there. Give me a thorough pounding and call me a slut once or twice if you’re into that sort of thing, but then in the next breath, tell me how pretty I am and kiss me gently, you know?”
And boy, did he deliver!
This was super fun. April is in town for a conference and spends the few evenings she is there swooning over the bartender in the hotel bar and then dreaming about him. Not making a move though.
Nick, our clean shaven bartender is a little naughty and when these two get together 😮💨 I really enjoyed Nick(!) when he asked he what she liked, she had zero filter .. “I like a bit of good, old-fashioned roughness. Nothing crazy. Maybe a hair pull here and an ass slap there. Give me a thorough pounding and call me a slut once or twice if you’re into that sort of thing, but then in the next breath, tell me how pretty I am and kiss me gently, you know?”
And boy, did he deliver!
August 9, 2023
Thoughts:
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The relationship between April and Nick burns over the space of 4 nights, with intense feelings developing and culminating in sex. There’s also a 3 months later update which gives us the impression of how things have developed and leaves us to speculate how much it may in the future. I did like Nick and April and found their insecurities (and its inclusion) realistic.
Favourite Quote:
"I spent a lot of time working on myself. To make sure I was strong on my own. Capable. But that sort of consumed me to the point where now it’s hard to even imagine letting someone into my life."
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The relationship between April and Nick burns over the space of 4 nights, with intense feelings developing and culminating in sex. There’s also a 3 months later update which gives us the impression of how things have developed and leaves us to speculate how much it may in the future. I did like Nick and April and found their insecurities (and its inclusion) realistic.
Favourite Quote:
"I spent a lot of time working on myself. To make sure I was strong on my own. Capable. But that sort of consumed me to the point where now it’s hard to even imagine letting someone into my life."
September 5, 2023
The Businesswoman and the Bartender is a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, travel romance. April is a 35 year old businesswoman from New York. Nick is a 37 year old hunky bartender in Seattle. When April is in Seattle for a business conference, she meets Nick as he bartends at her hotel. The two hit it off and begin flirting and then embark on a steamy week of romance while April is in town. The two have a lot in common and have amazing chemistry. But what happens when the week is over? We do get a happy ending to the story, but would love an epilogue at some point. :) This was a great short and spicy read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 11, 2024
April is in town on business. Nick is the bartender at the bar she’s drinking at one night. There’s an attraction on her end, which builds up the more she sees him.
This was a cute story. There are only six chapters, yet it has as much plot as a bigger story, and while I wish that it had been longer just to have more of the characters, it didn’t actually need to be.
The chemistry between the two was spot on, there’s spice at the end, but I liked that the few chapters built up this little romance between them.
The novellas from this author are such easy reads - short, sweet, romances that are enjoyable to read.
This was a cute story. There are only six chapters, yet it has as much plot as a bigger story, and while I wish that it had been longer just to have more of the characters, it didn’t actually need to be.
The chemistry between the two was spot on, there’s spice at the end, but I liked that the few chapters built up this little romance between them.
The novellas from this author are such easy reads - short, sweet, romances that are enjoyable to read.
March 15, 2024
Fast paced
This book is a pretty good novella. It is short but gets spicy in the middle. April is a businesswoman who is in Seattle on business. She goes to the bar at her hotel and is immediately drawn to the bartender, Nick. Nick is charming and makes a mean hin gimlet. April is attracted to him but thinks he may be too young. After talking the first night, she heads back to her room and goes to her conference the next morning.
April ends up going back to the bar a few times and her and Nick hit it off again. They finally get the nerve for more and boy do the spicy scenes fly. Really good if you want a quick read.
This book is a pretty good novella. It is short but gets spicy in the middle. April is a businesswoman who is in Seattle on business. She goes to the bar at her hotel and is immediately drawn to the bartender, Nick. Nick is charming and makes a mean hin gimlet. April is attracted to him but thinks he may be too young. After talking the first night, she heads back to her room and goes to her conference the next morning.
April ends up going back to the bar a few times and her and Nick hit it off again. They finally get the nerve for more and boy do the spicy scenes fly. Really good if you want a quick read.
August 30, 2023
What a perfect story!! A great quick read to take you through the motions.
I thought this was just going to be a short spice read but, albeit short, had so much depth in it. Nick and April’s characters were emotional and the conversations they had in their short time were very real ones, which helped to take away the normal stereotypes in these types of reads.
I want more books like these and will definitely be reading more of Brianna’s work! Her writing is so elegant even during the spicy scenes. A true delight to read.
I thought this was just going to be a short spice read but, albeit short, had so much depth in it. Nick and April’s characters were emotional and the conversations they had in their short time were very real ones, which helped to take away the normal stereotypes in these types of reads.
I want more books like these and will definitely be reading more of Brianna’s work! Her writing is so elegant even during the spicy scenes. A true delight to read.
September 4, 2023
Short, sweet and deliciously hot, I devoured this book in one setting. April was attending a conference Nick was the bartender at the hotel she was staying at. As soon as they set eyes on each other it was patently obvious that there was an immediate attraction between them. I love how it started quite simply and sweet and a little bit awkward but my goodness they were so hot together! The ending was as I hoped, no spoilers here, grab yourself a copy and see for yourself!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 6, 2023
I loved The Businesswoman and the Bartender. This was actually a really sweet story s just finding love where you least expect it. April is in Seattle fie business from New York. Nick is a bartender in her hotel. They seem to have an instant chemistry but it couldn’t be more than a fling since she’s leaving, right? I loved the storyline and how easily they just seemed to fit together. I loved the characters and I was rooting for them. I would definitely recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 11, 2023
April is on a business trip in Seattle and she meets a very nice, handsome bartender. The first night she has dinner and drinks and engages in a some discussion. The next night the discussion develops into light flirtation. Finally these two are sharing private information about their personal lives. However, they are both worrying about the fact that they are not sure how the other feels and how realistic is a relationship between a man who lives in Seattle with a woman who lives in New York. This was a great HFN short story.
March 16, 2024
I really liked this novella, it was a very easy storyline to follow. The novella follows a woman who travels to Seattle for a business conference. As part of her nightly ritual she would go down to the hotel bar for a nightcap and got talking to the bartender. They both had made presumptions about each other but when they found out more about each other they realised that what they initially thought wasn't actually correct.
The story had lots of spice which I enjoyed. I am looking forward to reading the second novella in this series.
The story had lots of spice which I enjoyed. I am looking forward to reading the second novella in this series.
April 21, 2025
**ARC Review**
Reading this was like being yeeted back into my “I-just-left-my-baby-daddy-and-I-want-revenge-through-my-pelvis” era. You know the one. Hair freshly done, hips on a mission, trauma in the rearview. I hit the club like a hurricane in heels, and then I saw him—Mr. Security Guard, built like a Greek god and radiating ‘I bench press my feelings’ energy.
If you're craving a quickie in literary form-fun, steamy, and over before your tea goes cold-this one's for you. Only complaint? I wanted just a little more...length. Of the book. Of the plot. And, well… you get it.
Reading this was like being yeeted back into my “I-just-left-my-baby-daddy-and-I-want-revenge-through-my-pelvis” era. You know the one. Hair freshly done, hips on a mission, trauma in the rearview. I hit the club like a hurricane in heels, and then I saw him—Mr. Security Guard, built like a Greek god and radiating ‘I bench press my feelings’ energy.
If you're craving a quickie in literary form-fun, steamy, and over before your tea goes cold-this one's for you. Only complaint? I wanted just a little more...length. Of the book. Of the plot. And, well… you get it.
August 15, 2023
Need a quick and steamy read that will make you wish this was your life?
Look no further!
Nick is a bartender in Seattle where he meets April who is in town for a work conference. Over the course of four days you watch the chemistry between these two characters grow and when they finally get to the loving, it was hot!
And boy do sparks fly.
Highly recommend!
Read in less than 45 minutes.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Look no further!
Nick is a bartender in Seattle where he meets April who is in town for a work conference. Over the course of four days you watch the chemistry between these two characters grow and when they finally get to the loving, it was hot!
And boy do sparks fly.
Highly recommend!
Read in less than 45 minutes.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 6, 2023
A very short, sweet, funny and cute romance! I devoured this novella and absolutely adored it! There was some great spice in this short story and the chemistry between Nick and April is very obvious! You can feel an almost instant connection between Nick and April and it leaves you rooting for them to end up together! A great read and looking forward to reading more of Brianna's work!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 29, 2023
Need a quick and steamy read that will make you wish this was your life?
Look no further!
Nick is a bartender in Seattle where he meets April who is in town for a work conference. Over the course of four days you watch the chemistry between these two characters grow and when they finally get to the loving, it was hot!
And boy do sparks fly.
Highly recommend!
Read in less than 45 minutes.
~ Brier
Look no further!
Nick is a bartender in Seattle where he meets April who is in town for a work conference. Over the course of four days you watch the chemistry between these two characters grow and when they finally get to the loving, it was hot!
And boy do sparks fly.
Highly recommend!
Read in less than 45 minutes.
~ Brier
March 4, 2024
The Businesswoman and the Bartender
This was my first time reading something by this author and it definitely will not be my last! This was a lot of fun to read.
Right from the start you knew April and Nick would be endgame.
Who doesn't enjoy an easy on the eye bartender?
I can't wait to read more!
This was my first time reading something by this author and it definitely will not be my last! This was a lot of fun to read.
Right from the start you knew April and Nick would be endgame.
Who doesn't enjoy an easy on the eye bartender?
I can't wait to read more!
March 11, 2024
Oof. I read the other novella in this collection this morning and loved it so I wanted to read this one as well. FML was it good. I am actually sad that it wasn’t longer. Their story was so cute and just absolutely perfect. The spice level was off the chain and balanced with plot as well so it didn’t feel like too much. Many times a novella seems rushed and jam packed but this was just amazing. Cannot wait for more from this author. Highly recommend.
July 21, 2023
A very short, good read. April the business woman is in town for work meets and has a huge crush on Nick the bartender. They flirt a day or two, then get together. it's unsaid, but they fall for each other in the short time they are together. Very cute, mature couple. I wouldn't mind a follow up to this story, to find out where the relationship goes.
July 29, 2023
My only real complaint about this book was that it was way too short, I would've loved to see the relationship between April and Nick develop and expand. I don't feel that 6 chapters was enough. I didn't realize that it was going to be such a short read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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