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Wicked Sisters #3
Brewing Up a Bad Boy
A tea shop owner good girl and a reformed microbrewer bad boy reunite in this wonderfully wicked love story.
Sometimes the second sip is sweetest.
In the cozy town of Birch Lake, tea shop owner Poppy Kitchener thought she’d left her mistakes, and her failed marriage, in the past. But when her ex-husband, Alistair Miller, turns up—as charming and irritatingly handsome as ever—those old feelings float to the surface. To top it off, he has a puzzling pretend they’re still married for his cousin’s wedding in exchange for a lucrative business deal with his family.
Easy enough, right? After all, this could be Poppy’s last chance to get closure, grow her business and use Alistair’s knowledge of microbrewing to help her finish that winning recipe for the tea competition.
But even after all this time, he still knows how to make her laugh. And he’s changed in ways that make Poppy wonder about the man he’s become… Can she trust this new Alistair with her heart, or will a second chance brew up disaster?
From showing up to glowing up, the characters in Afterglow Books are on the path to leading their best lives and finding sizzling romance along the way. Don’t miss any of these other fun titles…
WiCKed Sisters
Book 1: The Bookbinder's Guide to Love
Book 2: How to Charm a Nerd
Book 3: Brewing Up a Bad Boy
Sometimes the second sip is sweetest.
In the cozy town of Birch Lake, tea shop owner Poppy Kitchener thought she’d left her mistakes, and her failed marriage, in the past. But when her ex-husband, Alistair Miller, turns up—as charming and irritatingly handsome as ever—those old feelings float to the surface. To top it off, he has a puzzling pretend they’re still married for his cousin’s wedding in exchange for a lucrative business deal with his family.
Easy enough, right? After all, this could be Poppy’s last chance to get closure, grow her business and use Alistair’s knowledge of microbrewing to help her finish that winning recipe for the tea competition.
But even after all this time, he still knows how to make her laugh. And he’s changed in ways that make Poppy wonder about the man he’s become… Can she trust this new Alistair with her heart, or will a second chance brew up disaster?
From showing up to glowing up, the characters in Afterglow Books are on the path to leading their best lives and finding sizzling romance along the way. Don’t miss any of these other fun titles…
WiCKed Sisters
Book 1: The Bookbinder's Guide to Love
Book 2: How to Charm a Nerd
Book 3: Brewing Up a Bad Boy
288 pages, Paperback
Published January 21, 2025
19 people are currently reading
5646 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Garbera
786 books659 followersKatherine Garbera is a USA TODAY bestselling author of more than 100 novels, which have been translated into over two dozen languages and sold millions of copies worldwide. She is the mother of two incredibly creative and snarky grown children. Katherine enjoys drinking champagne, reading, walking and traveling with her husband. She lives in Kent, UK, where she is working on her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
June 19, 2025
**𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘** 𝑩𝒓𝒆𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑼𝒑 𝒂 𝑩𝒂𝒅 𝑩𝒐𝒚 (𝑾𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝑺𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔 #3) 𝒃𝒚 𝑲𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝑮𝒂𝒓𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒂
Release Date: January 21, 2025
4⭐️4🌶
This book is 100% second chance romance. Poppy and Alistair were previously married when she was only 18, but unbeknownst to her Alistair was only dating/marrying her for her family's tea recipes. After their marriage, she found out about that twist in her contract with her father-in-law and immediately asked for a divorce. Alistair was doing all of this to Poppy to prove to his father that he is the better son.
After the divorce, Alistair realizes that his Father's approval will never happen and is not needed, and that he let go of the only person who's ever loved or cared about him for him. After a lot of therapy and soul-searching, Alistair attempts to right his wrongs with Poppy by going to battle with her against his father for her tear recipes. Somewhere along the way, Poppy realizes how much they have both grown and changed since their divorce.
This book has all the highs and lows, and there is plenty of spice to go with it all.
Themes/Tropes:
🍁Second Chance Love
🍁Bad boy energy
🍁Jealous Boyfriend
🍁Fake Marriage
TW:
✨Mental breaks (yelling, punching objects)
✨Therapy for Anger Management
✨Manipulative Parents
✨Betrayal
Release Date: January 21, 2025
4⭐️4🌶
This book is 100% second chance romance. Poppy and Alistair were previously married when she was only 18, but unbeknownst to her Alistair was only dating/marrying her for her family's tea recipes. After their marriage, she found out about that twist in her contract with her father-in-law and immediately asked for a divorce. Alistair was doing all of this to Poppy to prove to his father that he is the better son.
After the divorce, Alistair realizes that his Father's approval will never happen and is not needed, and that he let go of the only person who's ever loved or cared about him for him. After a lot of therapy and soul-searching, Alistair attempts to right his wrongs with Poppy by going to battle with her against his father for her tear recipes. Somewhere along the way, Poppy realizes how much they have both grown and changed since their divorce.
This book has all the highs and lows, and there is plenty of spice to go with it all.
Themes/Tropes:
🍁Second Chance Love
🍁Bad boy energy
🍁Jealous Boyfriend
🍁Fake Marriage
TW:
✨Mental breaks (yelling, punching objects)
✨Therapy for Anger Management
✨Manipulative Parents
✨Betrayal
February 5, 2025
⅘ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Brewing Up A Bad Boy
Author: Katherine Garbera
Wicked Sisters #3
Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Romance for the ARC! This was a super cute read. I have not read the previous books in the series, and it’s fine to read them as standalones. You would know the supporting characters better if you read them in order but I had no issues reading it this way! This was a second chance romance, about a tea shop owner, and a microbrewer and it was so cute. He shows up at her shop asking her to pretend they are still married and attend a wedding with him, and initially she is like.. hell no! She ends up caving, and going with him. She’s not sure if she can trust him and his new ways since he is preaching that he is a changed man. It was definitely a bit insta love and fluff, but oh boy it was super spicy and I was not expecting that! It was a really cute small town romance read and I loved all the references to the tea making and brewing. I bet these would be adorable audiobooks! I like the authors writing style and it made me feel all giddy inside. I will definitely be checking out the other books in this series. 🫖
Brewing Up A Bad Boy
Author: Katherine Garbera
Wicked Sisters #3
Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Romance for the ARC! This was a super cute read. I have not read the previous books in the series, and it’s fine to read them as standalones. You would know the supporting characters better if you read them in order but I had no issues reading it this way! This was a second chance romance, about a tea shop owner, and a microbrewer and it was so cute. He shows up at her shop asking her to pretend they are still married and attend a wedding with him, and initially she is like.. hell no! She ends up caving, and going with him. She’s not sure if she can trust him and his new ways since he is preaching that he is a changed man. It was definitely a bit insta love and fluff, but oh boy it was super spicy and I was not expecting that! It was a really cute small town romance read and I loved all the references to the tea making and brewing. I bet these would be adorable audiobooks! I like the authors writing style and it made me feel all giddy inside. I will definitely be checking out the other books in this series. 🫖
January 11, 2025
Brewing up a bad boy
Release Date: 21st January
What to expect?
👩❤️👨Second Chance
🫖Tea Empire
💨Fast Paced
🌶️🌶️
🥸Fake Dating
🇺🇸Brit in the US
My Thoughts
Brewing up a bad boy was a fast paced, easy to read romance with just the right blend of character growth and spice 💕
We follow Ali, a tea-company heir and Poppy, co-owner of a small tea company in America. We go on a journey throughout the novel as we learn about the pairs entwined past filled with betrayal and heartache, watching it bloom into second chance love as they rebuild trust and feelings.
‘Everything always came back to Poppy.’
This novel had an array of features making it a great read for lovers of second chance romance. The first half of the book also holds the fake dating trope, another personal favourite of mine. I finished this book in two sittings, it’s a great read if you’re looking for something lighthearted with moments that will make you laugh.
🧙☕️🫖🌕🌖🌗✨🔮
Thankyou to mills and boon for a copy in exchange for an honest review ✨✨
Release Date: 21st January
What to expect?
👩❤️👨Second Chance
🫖Tea Empire
💨Fast Paced
🌶️🌶️
🥸Fake Dating
🇺🇸Brit in the US
My Thoughts
Brewing up a bad boy was a fast paced, easy to read romance with just the right blend of character growth and spice 💕
We follow Ali, a tea-company heir and Poppy, co-owner of a small tea company in America. We go on a journey throughout the novel as we learn about the pairs entwined past filled with betrayal and heartache, watching it bloom into second chance love as they rebuild trust and feelings.
‘Everything always came back to Poppy.’
This novel had an array of features making it a great read for lovers of second chance romance. The first half of the book also holds the fake dating trope, another personal favourite of mine. I finished this book in two sittings, it’s a great read if you’re looking for something lighthearted with moments that will make you laugh.
🧙☕️🫖🌕🌖🌗✨🔮
Thankyou to mills and boon for a copy in exchange for an honest review ✨✨
October 22, 2024
Katherine Garbera truly saved the best for last!!
Brewing Up A Bad Boy is the long-awaited, heart-stealing story we've all been craving! At last, Poppy takes center stage, and her journey to a second-chance romance is nothing short of epic. After having her heart shattered by Alistair, she bravely opens herself up to reconnect with the man who once broke her. But now, they're both in new phases of their lives, and watching their chemistry reignite is a pure delight—full of sweetness, charm, and just the right amount of spice! This might just be my favorite in the series, but regardless, Poppy’s happily ever after was well worth the wait.
At its core, this story is about healing. Katherine Garbera masterfully tackles the weighty themes of personal growth, forgiveness, and the powerful journey of moving forward for your own sake. It packs a real emotional punch while delivering a delicious love story. But beyond the romance, what makes this book stand out is the heartwarming bond between Poppy and her sisters, Liberty and Sera. The strength of their sisterhood has been a constant throughout the series, and it’s a huge part of what kept me coming back. Those moments are powerful and truly touching.
And let’s not forget—Garbera cranks up the heat in this one! If you're a fan of steamy, angst-filled moments that build into fiery passion, you're going to love this book. So, don’t wait—grab your copy and dive into the final chapter of the WICKed Sisters series. You won’t want to miss it!
Brewing Up A Bad Boy is the long-awaited, heart-stealing story we've all been craving! At last, Poppy takes center stage, and her journey to a second-chance romance is nothing short of epic. After having her heart shattered by Alistair, she bravely opens herself up to reconnect with the man who once broke her. But now, they're both in new phases of their lives, and watching their chemistry reignite is a pure delight—full of sweetness, charm, and just the right amount of spice! This might just be my favorite in the series, but regardless, Poppy’s happily ever after was well worth the wait.
At its core, this story is about healing. Katherine Garbera masterfully tackles the weighty themes of personal growth, forgiveness, and the powerful journey of moving forward for your own sake. It packs a real emotional punch while delivering a delicious love story. But beyond the romance, what makes this book stand out is the heartwarming bond between Poppy and her sisters, Liberty and Sera. The strength of their sisterhood has been a constant throughout the series, and it’s a huge part of what kept me coming back. Those moments are powerful and truly touching.
And let’s not forget—Garbera cranks up the heat in this one! If you're a fan of steamy, angst-filled moments that build into fiery passion, you're going to love this book. So, don’t wait—grab your copy and dive into the final chapter of the WICKed Sisters series. You won’t want to miss it!
February 9, 2025
I enjoyed this book. Great second chance romance. Perfect read for this month. Great ending. Will reread it with the rest of the series!
Want to read
September 27, 2024ARC received! Thank you, Afterglow Books!
I haven't started this series yet, but this sounded and looks so cute that I didn't want to miss out. I'm excited for it!!!
I haven't started this series yet, but this sounded and looks so cute that I didn't want to miss out. I'm excited for it!!!
October 6, 2024
2.5 really
I want to start off by saying this didn't read like a final edit. There were a lot of typos, markings indicating unfinished thoughts, abbreviations (obvs instead of the full word), and many formatting errors (words being split apart by extra spaces, lines being cut in half, pages and bolding out of nowhere, etc). The writing was polished in some part, but very inconsistent overall. There were also quite a few contuity errors or things that weren't explained properly (they got married at 18 but also after uni, marriage ended 18months ago, but also only 6 months after the wedding, but they've been apart for years and now somehow they're all grown up now, and more).
I have no problem reading about people with different spiritual beliefs, however I was left confused and frustrated at times, and I'm unsure if that's due to my own personal bias I was unaware of, or due to failures in writing. This was not fanatsy magic, but more spiritual Wiccan Magick based, but also not a book about magic. And I got tired of hearing about the feminine power that suddenly appeared part way through the book, very quickly.
The story itself was cute. I love a good second chance romance. While Ali was clearly the main adversary in their previous attempt at a relationship, I'm glad they both relaised they had their own responsibility in the failure of their marriage and had both intentionally grown since then, and it was clear they still cared for one another. And things didn't simply get better with no help this time around.
As with almost any time a niche subject is brought up and focused on in books, I struggled with paying attention to the tea/kombucha/beer brewing discussions, but it was clear they had their own passions now and were different people now. Though I would have preferes for said descriptions to have been more entwined with the story.
Overall I think it just wasn't for me and it has promise, but it's not quite ready yet to be released.
Thank-you NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.
I want to start off by saying this didn't read like a final edit. There were a lot of typos, markings indicating unfinished thoughts, abbreviations (obvs instead of the full word), and many formatting errors (words being split apart by extra spaces, lines being cut in half, pages and bolding out of nowhere, etc). The writing was polished in some part, but very inconsistent overall. There were also quite a few contuity errors or things that weren't explained properly (they got married at 18 but also after uni, marriage ended 18months ago, but also only 6 months after the wedding, but they've been apart for years and now somehow they're all grown up now, and more).
I have no problem reading about people with different spiritual beliefs, however I was left confused and frustrated at times, and I'm unsure if that's due to my own personal bias I was unaware of, or due to failures in writing. This was not fanatsy magic, but more spiritual Wiccan Magick based, but also not a book about magic. And I got tired of hearing about the feminine power that suddenly appeared part way through the book, very quickly.
The story itself was cute. I love a good second chance romance. While Ali was clearly the main adversary in their previous attempt at a relationship, I'm glad they both relaised they had their own responsibility in the failure of their marriage and had both intentionally grown since then, and it was clear they still cared for one another. And things didn't simply get better with no help this time around.
As with almost any time a niche subject is brought up and focused on in books, I struggled with paying attention to the tea/kombucha/beer brewing discussions, but it was clear they had their own passions now and were different people now. Though I would have preferes for said descriptions to have been more entwined with the story.
Overall I think it just wasn't for me and it has promise, but it's not quite ready yet to be released.
Thank-you NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Read
July 3, 2025***This is the third book in a series and I haven’t read the first two. I’m not sure how much is known about Poppy and Alistair in the first two books but I found it difficult to come into their story at this point. So much of their backstory is alluded to and I found it hard to connect as much with the couple. There are two romance tropes utilized in the book. The first part of the book is the fake dating trope and the second part is a second chance trope. As I mentioned I’m not sure if their backstory was detailed in the first two books or if this book was meant to explain their relationship and history with each other but I really didn’t like that format if that was the case.
January 8, 2025
𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐩 𝐀 𝐁𝐚𝐝 𝐁𝐨𝐲 𝐛𝐲 𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐚 🫖🔮☕️🕯🃏🌙📚✨️
Author: @katherinegarbera
Rating: 2.75⭐️
Pages: 280
Release date: 16th January
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭
🫖 Second Chance
✨️ Small-town Romance
🫖 Fake Dating
✨️ Witchy Vibes
🫖 Found Family
✨️ Spicy Rom Com
(PR/ Gifted) Thank you to Jemma from @millsandboonuk for sending me out a copy ahead of release on January 16th.
𝐌𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
This book was just my cup of tea. Small-town setting, talk of tea, witchy vibes!!! I really enjoyed this one.
If there's one book trope I absolutely love it's 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 and the chemistry between Poppy and Ali was undeniable. I loved how their time apart helped them grow, both as people and in their understanding of each other.
I was rooting for them both the entire way through! Who doesn't love a cheeky bit of 𝘧𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 between characters, even though their feelings for each other were anything but fake 🤭
If you're looking for a story about learning from past mistakes, risks of love, healing and a cute spicy old time. You'll love this book
❤️✨️
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫
In the cosy town of Birch Lake, tea shop owner Poppy Kitchener thought she’d put her past – and her failed marriage – behind her. But when her ex-husband, Alistair Miller turns up, old feelings float to the surface. To top it off, he has a bold proposition: pretend they’re still married for his cousin’s wedding in exchange for a lucrative business deal.
Easy enough, right? After all, this could be Poppy’s last chance to get closure, grow her business and use Alistair’s knowledge of microbrewing to help her finish that winning recipe for the tea competition.
But even after all this time, he still knows how to make her laugh. And he’s changed in ways that make Poppy wonder about the man he’s become… Can she trust this new Alistair with her heart, or will a second chance brew up disaster?
#afterglowbooks
Author: @katherinegarbera
Rating: 2.75⭐️
Pages: 280
Release date: 16th January
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭
🫖 Second Chance
✨️ Small-town Romance
🫖 Fake Dating
✨️ Witchy Vibes
🫖 Found Family
✨️ Spicy Rom Com
(PR/ Gifted) Thank you to Jemma from @millsandboonuk for sending me out a copy ahead of release on January 16th.
𝐌𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
This book was just my cup of tea. Small-town setting, talk of tea, witchy vibes!!! I really enjoyed this one.
If there's one book trope I absolutely love it's 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 and the chemistry between Poppy and Ali was undeniable. I loved how their time apart helped them grow, both as people and in their understanding of each other.
I was rooting for them both the entire way through! Who doesn't love a cheeky bit of 𝘧𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 between characters, even though their feelings for each other were anything but fake 🤭
If you're looking for a story about learning from past mistakes, risks of love, healing and a cute spicy old time. You'll love this book
❤️✨️
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫
In the cosy town of Birch Lake, tea shop owner Poppy Kitchener thought she’d put her past – and her failed marriage – behind her. But when her ex-husband, Alistair Miller turns up, old feelings float to the surface. To top it off, he has a bold proposition: pretend they’re still married for his cousin’s wedding in exchange for a lucrative business deal.
Easy enough, right? After all, this could be Poppy’s last chance to get closure, grow her business and use Alistair’s knowledge of microbrewing to help her finish that winning recipe for the tea competition.
But even after all this time, he still knows how to make her laugh. And he’s changed in ways that make Poppy wonder about the man he’s become… Can she trust this new Alistair with her heart, or will a second chance brew up disaster?
#afterglowbooks
January 22, 2025
This was a fun second chance romance story.
Poppy and Alistair were married, and then divorced. Poppy felt betrayed by him and his family. But now he is back and asking her for a favor – to pretend they are still married for his cousin’s wedding. In exchange he will get her the compensation she deserves from her family.
I really enjoyed these characters. You could see the struggle they both had with mind verses heart. And figuring out whether real change is possible or believable. They both changed since their divorce. But they certainly still had chemistry.
The book was very fun and interesting and it kept my interest all the way to the end.
Poppy and Alistair were married, and then divorced. Poppy felt betrayed by him and his family. But now he is back and asking her for a favor – to pretend they are still married for his cousin’s wedding. In exchange he will get her the compensation she deserves from her family.
I really enjoyed these characters. You could see the struggle they both had with mind verses heart. And figuring out whether real change is possible or believable. They both changed since their divorce. But they certainly still had chemistry.
The book was very fun and interesting and it kept my interest all the way to the end.
May 6, 2025
Can’t decide between 3/3.5 stars. I enjoyed this book, it was a cute story and an easy read. I liked all the characters, the only thing I had trouble with was the second chance romance feeling drawn out. The first half of the book was perfect but then it just felt a bit repetitive with feelings and not communicating. Overall a cute easy read though.
October 11, 2024
What a fun, sexy book! I loved Poppy and Alistair's second chance romance story. I'd been wanting to read it since I read the first two in the series and it was everything I hoped for. I thought it was a little witchier than the first two and loved that. Also enjoyed the tea and beer brewing parts. Loved the ending. All around great book!
October 21, 2024
Poppy and Alistair both say they gave cha ged, but did they?
February 6, 2025
Brewing Up a Bad Boy is the third and final book in Katherine Garbera’s WiCKed Sisters series from Afterglow Books by Harlequin. This is a standalone read with characters and couples from the previous books appearing often.
Brewing Up a Bad Boy is a second chance, fake marriage romance that I found deeper than I ever expected. Ten years ago, Poppy Kitchener and Alistair “Ali” Miller married for all the right and wrong reasons. At the time, nineteen-year-old Poppy was madly in love with the popular, charismatic, wealthy bad boy Alistair. She wanted to be the perfect wife and daughter-in-law, even if it meant sacrificing on her part. Alistair desperately wanted to win the favor of his father and sought out Poppy for her family’s tea recipe, which his family had been trying to get for centuries.
The couple had a whirlwind romance but things were far from perfect. Alistair’s family took possession of Poppy’s family tea recipe and removed her family’s name. Alistair became hyperfocused on his family’s tea business and finally being accepted by his father. The result was a short-lived marriage that lasted way longer on paper. While I haven’t read the previous books, from what I gather, events in those books ultimately lead Alistair to seek out Poppy in America to right the wrongs of the past and attempt to reconcile as a couple.
Second-chance romances are nothing new. What makes Brewing Up a Bad Boy unique to me is the realism. Poppy and Ali both still have lingering feelings of hurt and anger. Some of this is directed within, but most at the other. Ali isn’t my typical romance hero. He has anger issues, which for me are a turn-off, but he truly has worked to control and better himself, which shows in his thoughts and actions. It should be noted that none of his physical or verbal anger is towards Poppy.
I think fans of this series will really love this book. Neither Ali nor Poppy truly owned my heart, but I do see their appeal. Their chemistry is undeniable. Their in-depth conversations were real and you can definitely see their growth. They are a perfectly imperfect couple.
~ Favorite Quotes ~
“Nothing worth having was easy to get.”
“Don’t settle for less than you deserve.”
“Prince Charming pretty much does nothing to save Cinderella. She does it all herself.”
**Received a copy of the author and voluntarily reviewed it.**
Brewing Up a Bad Boy is a second chance, fake marriage romance that I found deeper than I ever expected. Ten years ago, Poppy Kitchener and Alistair “Ali” Miller married for all the right and wrong reasons. At the time, nineteen-year-old Poppy was madly in love with the popular, charismatic, wealthy bad boy Alistair. She wanted to be the perfect wife and daughter-in-law, even if it meant sacrificing on her part. Alistair desperately wanted to win the favor of his father and sought out Poppy for her family’s tea recipe, which his family had been trying to get for centuries.
The couple had a whirlwind romance but things were far from perfect. Alistair’s family took possession of Poppy’s family tea recipe and removed her family’s name. Alistair became hyperfocused on his family’s tea business and finally being accepted by his father. The result was a short-lived marriage that lasted way longer on paper. While I haven’t read the previous books, from what I gather, events in those books ultimately lead Alistair to seek out Poppy in America to right the wrongs of the past and attempt to reconcile as a couple.
Second-chance romances are nothing new. What makes Brewing Up a Bad Boy unique to me is the realism. Poppy and Ali both still have lingering feelings of hurt and anger. Some of this is directed within, but most at the other. Ali isn’t my typical romance hero. He has anger issues, which for me are a turn-off, but he truly has worked to control and better himself, which shows in his thoughts and actions. It should be noted that none of his physical or verbal anger is towards Poppy.
I think fans of this series will really love this book. Neither Ali nor Poppy truly owned my heart, but I do see their appeal. Their chemistry is undeniable. Their in-depth conversations were real and you can definitely see their growth. They are a perfectly imperfect couple.
~ Favorite Quotes ~
“Nothing worth having was easy to get.”
“Don’t settle for less than you deserve.”
“Prince Charming pretty much does nothing to save Cinderella. She does it all herself.”
**Received a copy of the author and voluntarily reviewed it.**
September 14, 2024
Book 3 of the Wicked Sisters series is a second chance romance. Same witchy vibes and found family as the first two books but this time with tea, beer, and kombucha 😉
When Poppy and Alistair were married, he was more interested in making a name for himself in his family’s company than building a life with her. Now he’s turned his life around and wants a second chance.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review watch for Brewing Up a Bad Boy to come out January 21, 2025.
When Poppy and Alistair were married, he was more interested in making a name for himself in his family’s company than building a life with her. Now he’s turned his life around and wants a second chance.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review watch for Brewing Up a Bad Boy to come out January 21, 2025.
September 15, 2024
Like the rest of the series, I really enjoyed “Brewing Up a Bad Boy.” I enjoyed getting to know Alistair and Poppy. Their chemistry is fabulous. I also love watching Alistair working through his past mistakes and embracing his growth. It was really special to see someone owning their mistakes and working toward a future.
October 4, 2024
This was a good conclusion to the series I took this arc thinking it was a one-off but it was not. Reading all of their stories close together made it seem like a very seamless experience. It was an okay storyline very cozy.
January 9, 2025
This is the third book in this series and while I have not read the first two it was easy to slide into this world and have it feel like home. I loved how Garbera centered the relationship between the women and showed what belonging looks like. A must read for anyone who loves found family and all things witchy.
September 24, 2024
Fun, lighthearted read! Easy ‘out of a slump’ book
—
Full disclosure: didn’t finish BUT rating it at 45% *because* liking it has made me want to go and read one of the books I’m missing! I’ve been lucky to have read 2/3 through ARC and now that I’m realizing this is it… I kinda wanna go back! So, I will be back with my updates but I mean…. I’ve genuinely enjoyed this series and me stopping to go back I see as a sign of how cute it is.
It’s not too serious and it’s something that goes by really quick, which I personally love for in between longer novela
—
Full disclosure: didn’t finish BUT rating it at 45% *because* liking it has made me want to go and read one of the books I’m missing! I’ve been lucky to have read 2/3 through ARC and now that I’m realizing this is it… I kinda wanna go back! So, I will be back with my updates but I mean…. I’ve genuinely enjoyed this series and me stopping to go back I see as a sign of how cute it is.
It’s not too serious and it’s something that goes by really quick, which I personally love for in between longer novela
September 16, 2024
Brewing Up A Bad Boy is the third book in the series. This story focuses on Poppy and Alistair. They are divorced because of mistakes that Alistair has made, but he needs her as a guest to his wedding because his family doesn't know that they are divorced.
Poppy works for a tea shop and runs a discord that focuses on brewing teas. Alistair has taken an interest in brewing beers and kombuchas after their divorce. They bond over their interest in brewing and grow together to get over past regrets and mistakes.
Alistair has changed for the better and will do whatever it takes to get Poppy to come back into his life. Poppy learns to trust him again after he proves to her that he really has become the man she has always wanted him to be. They fall in love with each other all over again and grow closer than they ever were before.
Thank you to Netgalley, Harlequin-Romance, and Katherine Garbera for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Poppy works for a tea shop and runs a discord that focuses on brewing teas. Alistair has taken an interest in brewing beers and kombuchas after their divorce. They bond over their interest in brewing and grow together to get over past regrets and mistakes.
Alistair has changed for the better and will do whatever it takes to get Poppy to come back into his life. Poppy learns to trust him again after he proves to her that he really has become the man she has always wanted him to be. They fall in love with each other all over again and grow closer than they ever were before.
Thank you to Netgalley, Harlequin-Romance, and Katherine Garbera for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
September 18, 2024
This was a fun way to end this series! I liked the leads a lot, and there is something lovely about a second-chance romance. I loved the chemistry between the leads, their snark, their mutual pining, and the groveling that the MMC does to win the FMC back.
The other family dynamics, side characters, and tertiary love stories were very nicely done. Everything was wrapped up skillfully and was not rushed or incomplete.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and publisher for the ARC!
The other family dynamics, side characters, and tertiary love stories were very nicely done. Everything was wrapped up skillfully and was not rushed or incomplete.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and publisher for the ARC!
January 23, 2025
Tea and romance, what a perfect combination, except it wasn’t for divorced couple Alistair Miller and his ex-wife, Poppy Kitchener.
Alistair shows up on Poppy’s doorstep asking her to attend his cousin’s upcoming wedding in England and to pretend they never divorced. Coupled with this is his real reason behind the subterfuge. He wants to get Poppy some real compensation and the acknowledgment she deserves from his family’s tea company, Lancaster-Spencer Tea Makers. Poppy’s family name was erased from her family’s popular tea blend that they had cultivated years ago.
Alistair was the biggest player! He only married Poppy for her family’s tea recipe, which had been in her family for generations, just to gain his father’s favor. Unbeknownst to Poppy, she signs a contract, giving away her family’s tea recipe, along with their branding. Just when Poppy is about to expand her company and sell her newest recipe, Ali’s dad threatens to sue her if she makes the deal.
Ali, as his friend’s call him, knows he doesn’t have a chance of reconciling with Poppy, the love of his life, but he wants to garner her a fair deal for her tea company, giving her the recognition she desires. Alistair has been in therapy and is working on his anger issues and is trying to right the wrongs of his past, the biggest one, being Poppy. Poppy swears she will never marry again. Ali eviscerated her and she won’t open herself up to that kind of pain again.
This is it! This is the closure that Poppy needs. The only problem is, she’s still attracted to Alistair. Has her ex really changed? She’s not the broken-hearted mess from years ago that her cousin, Merle, has helped get back on her feet. Her friends Sera and Liberty are her family now. With their help, can she get revenge AND compensation with her heart intact?
Brewing up a Bad Boy is the last book in the WiCKed Sisters Series, featuring strong independent women who own their own small businesses. The town of Birch Lake, Maine think the three women are witches, who have combined forces to run their businesses together. Sera owns the bookstore and is known for her handmade manifesting journals, Liberty runs a new age type shop where she’s surrounded with crystals and tarot cards and Poppy runs a tea shoppe, where she is famous for her unusual tea blends. These books can definitely be your next spicy standalone contemporary romances, but you’ll find so much more pleasure getting to know all three women in this bewitching trilogy.
Being a tea lover myself, I enjoyed reading about the ins and outs of Poppy’s tea blending process. Part of Alistair’s healing journey is his new interest in making beer and brewing hard kombucha. I felt Ali’s frustration and struggles as he worked his program and makes amends. In his words, I was a dick!”
Katherine’s attention to detail and her wonderful storytelling will pull you in from the first page and won’t let you go until you’ve read the last word. If you like second chance romances, I think you’ll enjoy Poppy and Ali’s discovery of the more mature, sensitive people that they have become.
The best part of purchasing this book? You’ll immediately want to pass it along to a fellow romance reader…it’s THAT GOOD!
I was provided an arc copy in return for my review.
Alistair shows up on Poppy’s doorstep asking her to attend his cousin’s upcoming wedding in England and to pretend they never divorced. Coupled with this is his real reason behind the subterfuge. He wants to get Poppy some real compensation and the acknowledgment she deserves from his family’s tea company, Lancaster-Spencer Tea Makers. Poppy’s family name was erased from her family’s popular tea blend that they had cultivated years ago.
Alistair was the biggest player! He only married Poppy for her family’s tea recipe, which had been in her family for generations, just to gain his father’s favor. Unbeknownst to Poppy, she signs a contract, giving away her family’s tea recipe, along with their branding. Just when Poppy is about to expand her company and sell her newest recipe, Ali’s dad threatens to sue her if she makes the deal.
Ali, as his friend’s call him, knows he doesn’t have a chance of reconciling with Poppy, the love of his life, but he wants to garner her a fair deal for her tea company, giving her the recognition she desires. Alistair has been in therapy and is working on his anger issues and is trying to right the wrongs of his past, the biggest one, being Poppy. Poppy swears she will never marry again. Ali eviscerated her and she won’t open herself up to that kind of pain again.
This is it! This is the closure that Poppy needs. The only problem is, she’s still attracted to Alistair. Has her ex really changed? She’s not the broken-hearted mess from years ago that her cousin, Merle, has helped get back on her feet. Her friends Sera and Liberty are her family now. With their help, can she get revenge AND compensation with her heart intact?
Brewing up a Bad Boy is the last book in the WiCKed Sisters Series, featuring strong independent women who own their own small businesses. The town of Birch Lake, Maine think the three women are witches, who have combined forces to run their businesses together. Sera owns the bookstore and is known for her handmade manifesting journals, Liberty runs a new age type shop where she’s surrounded with crystals and tarot cards and Poppy runs a tea shoppe, where she is famous for her unusual tea blends. These books can definitely be your next spicy standalone contemporary romances, but you’ll find so much more pleasure getting to know all three women in this bewitching trilogy.
Being a tea lover myself, I enjoyed reading about the ins and outs of Poppy’s tea blending process. Part of Alistair’s healing journey is his new interest in making beer and brewing hard kombucha. I felt Ali’s frustration and struggles as he worked his program and makes amends. In his words, I was a dick!”
Katherine’s attention to detail and her wonderful storytelling will pull you in from the first page and won’t let you go until you’ve read the last word. If you like second chance romances, I think you’ll enjoy Poppy and Ali’s discovery of the more mature, sensitive people that they have become.
The best part of purchasing this book? You’ll immediately want to pass it along to a fellow romance reader…it’s THAT GOOD!
I was provided an arc copy in return for my review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2025
Rating: 3.75/5 - I'm rounding this up to a 4.
Spice: 3
Primary Genre: Contemporary Romance
Plot: 4/5
Blurb: A tea shop owner good girl and a reformed microbrewer bad boy reunite in this wonderfully wicked love story.
Sometimes the second sip is sweetest.
In the cozy town of Birch Lake, tea shop owner Poppy Kitchener thought she’d left her mistakes, and her failed marriage, in the past. But when her ex-husband, Alistair Miller, turns up—as charming and irritatingly handsome as ever—those old feelings float to the surface. To top it off, he has a puzzling pretend they’re still married for his cousin’s wedding in exchange for a lucrative business deal with his family.
Easy enough, right? After all, this could be Poppy’s last chance to get closure, grow her business and use Alistair’s knowledge of microbrewing to help her finish that winning recipe for the tea competition.
But even after all this time, he still knows how to make her laugh. And he’s changed in ways that make Poppy wonder about the man he’s become… Can she trust this new Alistair with her heart, or will a second chance brew up disaster?
From showing up to glowing up, the characters in Afterglow Books are on the path to leading their best lives and finding sizzling romance along the way. Don’t miss any of these other fun titles…
WiCKed Sisters series
Book 1: The Bookbinder's Guide to Love
Book 2: How to Charm a Nerd
Book 3: Brewing Up a Bad Boy
The Good:
* There’s some cute moon magic elements/witchy magic vibes happening. I love a witchy romance. This book is pretty light on it but I enjoyed that it was in there.
* The found family element is very strong in this book, a part of the storyline basically. It’s sweet to watch it unfold.
* Katherine Garbera dares to ask the question, is a second chance romance worth is after divorce? This isn’t an overly done romance topic, I haven’t come across it yet and she did it well. It was emotional without being too sad and lighthearted without making it seem like the MCs weren’t taking it seriously.
The Meh:
* The hesitation and lack of communication of the MC’s started to tick me off at a certain point. That was all, no huge complaints.
Bottom Line:
This is a very cute second chance at love after divorce story. The FMC is a little bit witchy. She and her love interest brew stuff and talk about the brewing flavors of tea, beer and hard kombucha. This is the 3rd in the series and based off of this book, I think I’d like the first 2! I’m planning to check them out very soon.
See more of my reviews on my website: www.introvertsbookclub.com
Spice: 3
Primary Genre: Contemporary Romance
Plot: 4/5
Blurb: A tea shop owner good girl and a reformed microbrewer bad boy reunite in this wonderfully wicked love story.
Sometimes the second sip is sweetest.
In the cozy town of Birch Lake, tea shop owner Poppy Kitchener thought she’d left her mistakes, and her failed marriage, in the past. But when her ex-husband, Alistair Miller, turns up—as charming and irritatingly handsome as ever—those old feelings float to the surface. To top it off, he has a puzzling pretend they’re still married for his cousin’s wedding in exchange for a lucrative business deal with his family.
Easy enough, right? After all, this could be Poppy’s last chance to get closure, grow her business and use Alistair’s knowledge of microbrewing to help her finish that winning recipe for the tea competition.
But even after all this time, he still knows how to make her laugh. And he’s changed in ways that make Poppy wonder about the man he’s become… Can she trust this new Alistair with her heart, or will a second chance brew up disaster?
From showing up to glowing up, the characters in Afterglow Books are on the path to leading their best lives and finding sizzling romance along the way. Don’t miss any of these other fun titles…
WiCKed Sisters series
Book 1: The Bookbinder's Guide to Love
Book 2: How to Charm a Nerd
Book 3: Brewing Up a Bad Boy
The Good:
* There’s some cute moon magic elements/witchy magic vibes happening. I love a witchy romance. This book is pretty light on it but I enjoyed that it was in there.
* The found family element is very strong in this book, a part of the storyline basically. It’s sweet to watch it unfold.
* Katherine Garbera dares to ask the question, is a second chance romance worth is after divorce? This isn’t an overly done romance topic, I haven’t come across it yet and she did it well. It was emotional without being too sad and lighthearted without making it seem like the MCs weren’t taking it seriously.
The Meh:
* The hesitation and lack of communication of the MC’s started to tick me off at a certain point. That was all, no huge complaints.
Bottom Line:
This is a very cute second chance at love after divorce story. The FMC is a little bit witchy. She and her love interest brew stuff and talk about the brewing flavors of tea, beer and hard kombucha. This is the 3rd in the series and based off of this book, I think I’d like the first 2! I’m planning to check them out very soon.
See more of my reviews on my website: www.introvertsbookclub.com
November 10, 2024
The vibes of this book were fun and perfect for fall. If you like the tropes of found family, sisterhood, and witchy vibes I think you’ll like this book!
I would have enjoyed this book more if I had read the two other stand alones previous in the series. I feel like I didn’t know the cast of side characters as well as I should have to enjoy it fully.
This is a second chance romance between Poppy and Alistair over a year after their divorce. I liked their niche interest in the brewing business and how they were able to bond again over it. I will admit that second chance romance isn’t my favorite trope. These characters were okay, and didn’t stand out to me all that much, but I still overall enjoyed reading it!
Thank you Afterglow books by Harlequin and NetGalley for this advanced readers copy.
Fave Quotes:
“What did it say about him that he was only just now considering the possibility that she had moved on? Of course she had. They were divorced. He’d hooked up, why shouldn’t she?”
“He had said the right words for the wrong reasons. Told a woman he hadn’t really taken the time to get to know that he loved her. Then tried to mold her into the wife his family wanted him to have.”
“Maybe I can stop apologizing for the past that I can’t change, and you could stop looking at me like I’m going to hurt you again.”
“They’d been kids when they got married, so their influence on each other was written on the souls of the people they were today.”
“She was what had been missing. Not the Poppy who married him at eighteen, but the woman she was now.”
“Moon fairy. I’m not sure I can live without you.”
I would have enjoyed this book more if I had read the two other stand alones previous in the series. I feel like I didn’t know the cast of side characters as well as I should have to enjoy it fully.
This is a second chance romance between Poppy and Alistair over a year after their divorce. I liked their niche interest in the brewing business and how they were able to bond again over it. I will admit that second chance romance isn’t my favorite trope. These characters were okay, and didn’t stand out to me all that much, but I still overall enjoyed reading it!
Thank you Afterglow books by Harlequin and NetGalley for this advanced readers copy.
Fave Quotes:
“What did it say about him that he was only just now considering the possibility that she had moved on? Of course she had. They were divorced. He’d hooked up, why shouldn’t she?”
“He had said the right words for the wrong reasons. Told a woman he hadn’t really taken the time to get to know that he loved her. Then tried to mold her into the wife his family wanted him to have.”
“Maybe I can stop apologizing for the past that I can’t change, and you could stop looking at me like I’m going to hurt you again.”
“They’d been kids when they got married, so their influence on each other was written on the souls of the people they were today.”
“She was what had been missing. Not the Poppy who married him at eighteen, but the woman she was now.”
“Moon fairy. I’m not sure I can live without you.”
May 30, 2025
I was disappointed with this book. I have already read the first two books in the series. This one felt different and slower. The romance between the characters had me trying to talk to the main character and tell her to move on. I didn’t like the two of them together.
The main character spends too much energy thinking about her ex. The betrayal and reason for the divorce in the first place can’t be overcome in my view. I was hoping this book would end up with them getting over what happened, becoming better people and realizing they should move on with someone else. I am disappointed that they stayed together.
The quality of this book was lesser compared to the others in the series. It’s sad, as I had liked the other ones so much that I ordered them and even got this one on pre-order. The pacing is sluggish since you spend such a large amount of time listening to the character's inner turmoil. I also hated the number of times the MC described how hot the guy was. This is somewhat common throughout the other books as well, but in this one, it's just over the top. I get it; he’s attractive. Please stop!
The witchy vibe in this book is great and have built up nicely since the last book. It felt quite natural when brought up. Also, I loved that the MC learned to stand up for herself and her business. Although I do wish we saw more of her standing up in business negotiations. We only get the one good scene.
There is a lot I like in this book, but the romance holds it back and given that it’s a romance book, that’s not great. It's not a completely bad romance, but it's also not as good as what I know this author can do.
The main character spends too much energy thinking about her ex. The betrayal and reason for the divorce in the first place can’t be overcome in my view. I was hoping this book would end up with them getting over what happened, becoming better people and realizing they should move on with someone else. I am disappointed that they stayed together.
The quality of this book was lesser compared to the others in the series. It’s sad, as I had liked the other ones so much that I ordered them and even got this one on pre-order. The pacing is sluggish since you spend such a large amount of time listening to the character's inner turmoil. I also hated the number of times the MC described how hot the guy was. This is somewhat common throughout the other books as well, but in this one, it's just over the top. I get it; he’s attractive. Please stop!
The witchy vibe in this book is great and have built up nicely since the last book. It felt quite natural when brought up. Also, I loved that the MC learned to stand up for herself and her business. Although I do wish we saw more of her standing up in business negotiations. We only get the one good scene.
There is a lot I like in this book, but the romance holds it back and given that it’s a romance book, that’s not great. It's not a completely bad romance, but it's also not as good as what I know this author can do.
January 20, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley, Harlequin, and Afterglow Books for providing an eARCin exchange for an honest review
Poppy Kitchener has done her best to distance herself from her life in England and her ex-husband Allister who screwed her over and left her with no choice but to flee. SHe is now doing well for herself, she has her tea shop that she owns and shares space with her 2 besties who run their own branched of the WiCKed sisters business. She runs a discord server for fellow tea enthusiasts where they share tips and tricks on creating tea blend, and 6 months ago her ex-husband joined the community. They have been talking and Poppy has been questioning if she could see herself trying again with him. Then he shows up in person begging her to pretend to still be his wife to a wedding and a promise to get a better deal with her for a tea blend him and his family screwed her over on that lead to their falling out. Poppy agrees to go, and what she wasn't expecting was how much Allister has grown as a person, and how much she can not resist him.
Honestly this was a fun second chance romance with previously divorced characters. Usually the trope does not work for me, as it is hard for the me to root for the characters especially when neither of them have changed, or talked about what split them up in the first place. That aspect of the book was done well enough for me. I just did really feel the romantic connection between them. Overall it was a nice read.
Poppy Kitchener has done her best to distance herself from her life in England and her ex-husband Allister who screwed her over and left her with no choice but to flee. SHe is now doing well for herself, she has her tea shop that she owns and shares space with her 2 besties who run their own branched of the WiCKed sisters business. She runs a discord server for fellow tea enthusiasts where they share tips and tricks on creating tea blend, and 6 months ago her ex-husband joined the community. They have been talking and Poppy has been questioning if she could see herself trying again with him. Then he shows up in person begging her to pretend to still be his wife to a wedding and a promise to get a better deal with her for a tea blend him and his family screwed her over on that lead to their falling out. Poppy agrees to go, and what she wasn't expecting was how much Allister has grown as a person, and how much she can not resist him.
Honestly this was a fun second chance romance with previously divorced characters. Usually the trope does not work for me, as it is hard for the me to root for the characters especially when neither of them have changed, or talked about what split them up in the first place. That aspect of the book was done well enough for me. I just did really feel the romantic connection between them. Overall it was a nice read.
December 21, 2024
This is the third WICKed Sisters book I've read, and I'm pleasantly surprised this is the best of the series.
I love a reformed bad boy and an independent woman who doesn't take any crap. Alistair and Poppy evolve into better people after their divorce. Ali betrayed Poppy stealing her family's legacy because of his need for approval from his family. When he asked her to go to his cousin's wedding and pretend to be married, Poppy doesn't trust him- and rightly so. Their attraction is still there, so they become friends with benefits. Ali shows Poppy how much he has changed from a narcissistic player to a man she can rely on.
I enjoyed the friendship group with Liberty and Merle and Sera and Wes. Sera and Libby are Poppy's cheerleaders and vice versa. It takes some time, but they accept him, except Poppy's father.
I wasn't a fan of all the brewing and tea talk, but it was Poppy and Ali's lifeline. I enjoyed this series with Liberty, Poppy, and Sera finding love with their own magic.
🎀2nd chance romance
💗adult fic
🎀mental health/therapy-H
💗magic/witches
🎀divorce/separation
💗fake marriage
🎀open door
📅 Release Date - 01/21/25 | Read 12/20/24
🙏🏾A huge thanks to NetGalley, Afterglow | Harlequin Romance, and Katherine Garbera for the advanced digital copy- all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐
Spice: 4/5 🌶️
I love a reformed bad boy and an independent woman who doesn't take any crap. Alistair and Poppy evolve into better people after their divorce. Ali betrayed Poppy stealing her family's legacy because of his need for approval from his family. When he asked her to go to his cousin's wedding and pretend to be married, Poppy doesn't trust him- and rightly so. Their attraction is still there, so they become friends with benefits. Ali shows Poppy how much he has changed from a narcissistic player to a man she can rely on.
I enjoyed the friendship group with Liberty and Merle and Sera and Wes. Sera and Libby are Poppy's cheerleaders and vice versa. It takes some time, but they accept him, except Poppy's father.
I wasn't a fan of all the brewing and tea talk, but it was Poppy and Ali's lifeline. I enjoyed this series with Liberty, Poppy, and Sera finding love with their own magic.
🎀2nd chance romance
💗adult fic
🎀mental health/therapy-H
💗magic/witches
🎀divorce/separation
💗fake marriage
🎀open door
📅 Release Date - 01/21/25 | Read 12/20/24
🙏🏾A huge thanks to NetGalley, Afterglow | Harlequin Romance, and Katherine Garbera for the advanced digital copy- all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐
Spice: 4/5 🌶️
January 20, 2025
"Brewing Up a Bad Boy" is the third in Katherine Garbera's "Wicked Sisters" series. I enjoyed this book more than the second book but not as much as the first. Poppy and Alistair married young and separated shortly thereafter, once Poppy realized that Alistair was using her for her family's tea recipe. A decade later, Ali is back in Poppy's life and seemingly changed, leading them to explore a possible second chance.
As in previous books. I liked the relationship between the Wicked Sisters more than the romance in this book, though the romance was okay. I admit to being confused by the timeline of Ali and Poppy's relationship. They apparently married and separated 10 years ago, but only divorced 18 months ago, and think about each other as if they have seen each other more recently than a decade ago. Meanwhile Ali left his job around the same time as the divorce, then partied and slept around, then found therapy and all is good. It just didn't make a lot of sense.
The immediate conflict between Poppy and Alistair seems to resolve a little too easily, so the main issue here is emotional angst. It drags on a bit too long, but the book is generally enjoyable.
3 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book. These opinions are my own.
As in previous books. I liked the relationship between the Wicked Sisters more than the romance in this book, though the romance was okay. I admit to being confused by the timeline of Ali and Poppy's relationship. They apparently married and separated 10 years ago, but only divorced 18 months ago, and think about each other as if they have seen each other more recently than a decade ago. Meanwhile Ali left his job around the same time as the divorce, then partied and slept around, then found therapy and all is good. It just didn't make a lot of sense.
The immediate conflict between Poppy and Alistair seems to resolve a little too easily, so the main issue here is emotional angst. It drags on a bit too long, but the book is generally enjoyable.
3 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book. These opinions are my own.
January 21, 2025
It was great to revisit Birch Lake and all the wonderful folks who live there. Poppy and her friends/business partners Sera and Liberty are both believable and otherworldly, and they bring their witchy vibes to this third book in the series. Poppy and Alistair were married young, for lots of wrong reasons, and then divorced. Nine years later he has come back to the US, to her tea shop, to ask her to pretend they are married, attend a wedding in England, and negotiate a business deal with his family's business to make up for the very unfair contract she was roped into when they married. This business issue concerns tea blending recipes, but that isn't the only "negotiation" that gets going. Poppy and Alistair are now different people emotionally, and they start finding their way back to each other. They both have a lot of baggage, and their journey back together makes for a very entertaining story. I would love to live somewhere as interesting as Birch Lake and hang out at the WICKed Sisters shop with Poppy, Sera, Liberty and their partners and friends. Reading about them in this series of books is the next best thing.
I was given an ARC (in print - a real treat!) and volunteered to write a review.
I was given an ARC (in print - a real treat!) and volunteered to write a review.
January 14, 2025
The third book in the Wicked Sisters series is a tender, wistful second chance romance between Poppy and her ex-husband Alistair, which sees them reunite to give him the chance to right the wrongs of their past.
One of the best aspects of second chance romances was at the heart of this book: getting to know how the other one has changed and grown since they split up. Ali was a well written reformed bad guy and I liked him a lot more than I anticipated. I appreciated how much he respected her and his resolve to treat her better than he had during their marriage, which avoided becoming overly guilt-ridden in a chest-beating melodramatic way.
The series revolves around the friendship between Poppy, Liberty, and Sera. I enjoyed reading about how their bonds and relationships to femininity manifest through their spiritual practices - a unique element of this series which I have found to be very interesting! This book also contains a lot of information about brewing and fermentation which was educational, albeit somewhat superfluous.
I have loved every book in this series and would definitely recommend it to other romance fans.
Thank you to Afterglow for this advanced review copy!
One of the best aspects of second chance romances was at the heart of this book: getting to know how the other one has changed and grown since they split up. Ali was a well written reformed bad guy and I liked him a lot more than I anticipated. I appreciated how much he respected her and his resolve to treat her better than he had during their marriage, which avoided becoming overly guilt-ridden in a chest-beating melodramatic way.
The series revolves around the friendship between Poppy, Liberty, and Sera. I enjoyed reading about how their bonds and relationships to femininity manifest through their spiritual practices - a unique element of this series which I have found to be very interesting! This book also contains a lot of information about brewing and fermentation which was educational, albeit somewhat superfluous.
I have loved every book in this series and would definitely recommend it to other romance fans.
Thank you to Afterglow for this advanced review copy!
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