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Swizzle Stick Romance #3
With a Twist
Amelia Martini’s favorite things are traveling, animals, and peanut butter. When she left her job to explore the world with her wife, she didn’t expect Tammy’s plans to include leaving her. Now, Amelia is starting over again and facing middle age alone. It’s a struggle, but she doesn’t want to be bitter forever.
Thirty-something Kirby Dupree loves life. Not always easy when you’ve lost as much as she has and carry as much sadness as she does. But she made a promise to always look for beauty, so she does her best…even when she has to squint to see it.
When Kirby’s job as an interior painter brings her into Amelia’s life, they don’t exactly hit it off. Amelia finds Kirby irritatingly cheerful, and Kirby thinks Amelia’s far too serious. Forced to work together, they start to see beyond their first impressions and prove opposites really do attract. But are they brave enough to go after the love they really want?
Cover Artist: Ann McMan
Genres: Contemporary / Romance
Tags: Enemies to Lovers Romance, Animals, Friends & Community
Words: 74,500
Thirty-something Kirby Dupree loves life. Not always easy when you’ve lost as much as she has and carry as much sadness as she does. But she made a promise to always look for beauty, so she does her best…even when she has to squint to see it.
When Kirby’s job as an interior painter brings her into Amelia’s life, they don’t exactly hit it off. Amelia finds Kirby irritatingly cheerful, and Kirby thinks Amelia’s far too serious. Forced to work together, they start to see beyond their first impressions and prove opposites really do attract. But are they brave enough to go after the love they really want?
Cover Artist: Ann McMan
Genres: Contemporary / Romance
Tags: Enemies to Lovers Romance, Animals, Friends & Community
Words: 74,500
240 pages, Paperback
First published April 12, 2022
About the author
Georgia Beers
57 books1,423 followersLambda and Golden Crown Literary Award-winning author Georgia Beers lives in Rochester, New York. She has been writing for as long as she can remember, and published her first lesbian novel in 2000.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
June 20, 2024
Okay read!
................ ......... --- and that's it for this series!
................ ......... --- and that's it for this series!
March 20, 2022
A lot of sadness.
This is the last book of the A Swizzle Stick Romance series and the last of the queer Martini cousins finally finds love. Amelia hasn't been the most charming character in this series so I wasn't too excited for this book. At 49, she's the oldest, and after going through a painful divorce, she's also the saddest one around and I found it hard to like Amelia because of all the negativity. She also tends to get snarky, which doesn't make her the best conversationalist.
But Amelia's love interest, Kirby, is really nice and probably the reason why I read on with interest. Kirby is the young and cheerful interior painter who renovated Julia's (Amelia's cousin) bar in the earlier book and had a brief encounter with Amelia then. But a year has passed since and this time around, Kirby has more opportunities to interact with Amelia and get to know her on a deeper level and I like how patient and gentle Kirby is with Amelia, which is probably what Amelia needs.
This series hasn't been my favourite by Georgia Beers because Beers has so many other awesome books that I've fallen in love with, but it's still a good series by any standards, and I'm a little sad to see it end.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the last book of the A Swizzle Stick Romance series and the last of the queer Martini cousins finally finds love. Amelia hasn't been the most charming character in this series so I wasn't too excited for this book. At 49, she's the oldest, and after going through a painful divorce, she's also the saddest one around and I found it hard to like Amelia because of all the negativity. She also tends to get snarky, which doesn't make her the best conversationalist.
But Amelia's love interest, Kirby, is really nice and probably the reason why I read on with interest. Kirby is the young and cheerful interior painter who renovated Julia's (Amelia's cousin) bar in the earlier book and had a brief encounter with Amelia then. But a year has passed since and this time around, Kirby has more opportunities to interact with Amelia and get to know her on a deeper level and I like how patient and gentle Kirby is with Amelia, which is probably what Amelia needs.
This series hasn't been my favourite by Georgia Beers because Beers has so many other awesome books that I've fallen in love with, but it's still a good series by any standards, and I'm a little sad to see it end.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2022
I was looking forward to reading Amelia’s story and it delivered for me. Amelia felt like the most complex person of the three cousins and it is fitting that her story is last, providing the series with an excellent ending.
In the previous books we already met Amelia. At 49 she’s the oldest of the Martini cousins and what made me so curious about her in the previous books is the sadness that surrounds her. Her divorce, retirement and also dealing with menopause have dented her self-confidence and self-love. Yes, she’s moody, snarky and sad, but it’s clear where this is coming from and I could easily sympathize with her. When she meets the energetic 35-year-old Kirby, Amelia is doubting everything and most of all whether to get involved with Kirby in any way.
Of the three books this was the least easygoing one, but it was still light enough to make it an easy read. I really liked seeing Amelia transform over time and taking back her life. A transition like this does not occur overnight and I thought how it was done was realistic. Her self-doubt may be wearing on some readers though and at some point, I thought she could have placed a bit more faith in Kirby. Kirby is confident and not shy to let Amelia know what she wants and of course she’s exactly the positive energy that Amelia needs. Kirby seems unfazed by anything, but she has some of her own struggles in life. You get some insights in Kirby’s life, but they were less in depth than those of Amelia. Beers clearly made the decision to place the main focus on Amelia, but there were a couple of points where I would have liked to read a bit more about what was going on in Kirby’s head.
Reading more about the Martini cousins felt like coming home. It has been good to get to know them all and their significant others, their banter, but also their devotion to each other and their family. I will miss them.
An excellent conclusion of the series. There is a sadness to this book, but it still makes a relaxed read without a lot of angst or drama as you could expect from a Georgia Beers book and I think a lot of people will enjoy this.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
In the previous books we already met Amelia. At 49 she’s the oldest of the Martini cousins and what made me so curious about her in the previous books is the sadness that surrounds her. Her divorce, retirement and also dealing with menopause have dented her self-confidence and self-love. Yes, she’s moody, snarky and sad, but it’s clear where this is coming from and I could easily sympathize with her. When she meets the energetic 35-year-old Kirby, Amelia is doubting everything and most of all whether to get involved with Kirby in any way.
Of the three books this was the least easygoing one, but it was still light enough to make it an easy read. I really liked seeing Amelia transform over time and taking back her life. A transition like this does not occur overnight and I thought how it was done was realistic. Her self-doubt may be wearing on some readers though and at some point, I thought she could have placed a bit more faith in Kirby. Kirby is confident and not shy to let Amelia know what she wants and of course she’s exactly the positive energy that Amelia needs. Kirby seems unfazed by anything, but she has some of her own struggles in life. You get some insights in Kirby’s life, but they were less in depth than those of Amelia. Beers clearly made the decision to place the main focus on Amelia, but there were a couple of points where I would have liked to read a bit more about what was going on in Kirby’s head.
Reading more about the Martini cousins felt like coming home. It has been good to get to know them all and their significant others, their banter, but also their devotion to each other and their family. I will miss them.
An excellent conclusion of the series. There is a sadness to this book, but it still makes a relaxed read without a lot of angst or drama as you could expect from a Georgia Beers book and I think a lot of people will enjoy this.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 24, 2022
This is the final book in the Martini cousins series and is centred around Amelia. In the last couple of years Amelia’s life has drastically changed. She retired early to spend time with her wife who surprisingly then asked for a divorce. And menopause has hit her with a vengeance adding hot flashes and hormonal outbursts to her list of woes.
Kirby Dupree is fourteen years junior to Amelia with the energy and optimism of youth. No matter how messed up Amelia is Kirby finds herself attracted to the older Martini cousin.
I enjoyed the first two novels in this series however this one, not so much. It lacks any complexity which would hold my interest. This is not the norm for a Beers’ romance as she has honed her craft to a fine edge.
Amelia’s character is one main note, her menopause and this note is overplayed. Thankfully Kirby is a bright spot which kept me reading. This novel was not for me however other readers have reviewed it and enjoyed it very much. You will have to decide for yourselves.
I received an advanced review copy from Bold Stroke Books and NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Kirby Dupree is fourteen years junior to Amelia with the energy and optimism of youth. No matter how messed up Amelia is Kirby finds herself attracted to the older Martini cousin.
I enjoyed the first two novels in this series however this one, not so much. It lacks any complexity which would hold my interest. This is not the norm for a Beers’ romance as she has honed her craft to a fine edge.
Amelia’s character is one main note, her menopause and this note is overplayed. Thankfully Kirby is a bright spot which kept me reading. This novel was not for me however other readers have reviewed it and enjoyed it very much. You will have to decide for yourselves.
I received an advanced review copy from Bold Stroke Books and NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 11, 2022
Featured presentation: With a Twist by Georgia Beers
Growing older is hard. Growing older alone is harder...
Cast: Amelia Martini is almost fifty and she feels it – retired, menopausal, divorced. Kirby Dupree is sunshine personified and loves to brighten her clients’ lives by beautifying their homes/businesses.
The Plot: Amelia is house- and dog-sitting for an acquaintance of her father while Kirby is working on the house’s interior. Kirby was the interior painter employed by Amelia’s cousin Julia when she remodeled her bar, Martini’s. Amelia and Kirby clashed back then. How will they tolerate each other when it’s just the two of them?
The blazing: Amelia is taking charge of her life and I loved it! She started a new business as a dog walker and volunteers at Junebug Farms – the animal shelter introduced in the Puppy Love romance series. She finally begins to see her self-worth and stands up for herself.
Kirby’s positive outlook was heartwarming! Despite suffering several losses in her life, she chooses to focus on the positive. Her sunny personality provided the perfect balance to Amelia’s grumpiness without sacrificing emotional depth.
The bright: Amelia’s menopause plays a big part and I liked that different reactions to it was depicted. It often felt like Amelia’s age and the changes her body was experiencing were the driving force behind her whole character – how she felt, acted and reacted. At first I thought it was overdone, but then I realised how big an impact it had on her life and it fitted. Amelia’s cousins often made fun of her without realising the pain their jokes caused. Kirby, on the other hand, was understanding and educated herself to be able to provide emotional support and advice on how to deal with the symptoms.
At the core of the series, we have the three Martini cousins. Their close relationship is once again ever present and it is divine! Yes, they tease each other and this isn’t always welcomed, especially by Amelia, but at the end of the day, they have each other’s backs. I liked that their partners became part of the group – Savanah and Grace were better friends to Amelia at times than her cousins were.
The bleak: There are only three gay Martini cousins and this is the third book, which probably means the end of the series…
The burned-to-ashes: Nothing.
And then The Plot Thickens into an entertaining tale of growing older and self-acceptance with enough of a twist to keep the reader captivated until the end. The balance between Amelia’s struggles and Kirby’s endearing attitude is perfect and one cannot help but to fall in love with these two.
Julia, Vanessa and Amelia each found their soulmates against the backdrop of Martini’s where the cousins and their partners often meet up in The Bar Back. Here they discuss life, love and everything else while Julia experiments with new cocktails for the bar. Even though we have to close the door on the Swizzle Stick romance series, The Bar Back’s door will always be open to us.
Studio: Bold Strokes Books.
Closing credits: I willingly leave this review based on an eARC copy graciously granted to me by Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley.
Growing older is hard. Growing older alone is harder...
Cast: Amelia Martini is almost fifty and she feels it – retired, menopausal, divorced. Kirby Dupree is sunshine personified and loves to brighten her clients’ lives by beautifying their homes/businesses.
The Plot: Amelia is house- and dog-sitting for an acquaintance of her father while Kirby is working on the house’s interior. Kirby was the interior painter employed by Amelia’s cousin Julia when she remodeled her bar, Martini’s. Amelia and Kirby clashed back then. How will they tolerate each other when it’s just the two of them?
The blazing: Amelia is taking charge of her life and I loved it! She started a new business as a dog walker and volunteers at Junebug Farms – the animal shelter introduced in the Puppy Love romance series. She finally begins to see her self-worth and stands up for herself.
Kirby’s positive outlook was heartwarming! Despite suffering several losses in her life, she chooses to focus on the positive. Her sunny personality provided the perfect balance to Amelia’s grumpiness without sacrificing emotional depth.
The bright: Amelia’s menopause plays a big part and I liked that different reactions to it was depicted. It often felt like Amelia’s age and the changes her body was experiencing were the driving force behind her whole character – how she felt, acted and reacted. At first I thought it was overdone, but then I realised how big an impact it had on her life and it fitted. Amelia’s cousins often made fun of her without realising the pain their jokes caused. Kirby, on the other hand, was understanding and educated herself to be able to provide emotional support and advice on how to deal with the symptoms.
At the core of the series, we have the three Martini cousins. Their close relationship is once again ever present and it is divine! Yes, they tease each other and this isn’t always welcomed, especially by Amelia, but at the end of the day, they have each other’s backs. I liked that their partners became part of the group – Savanah and Grace were better friends to Amelia at times than her cousins were.
The bleak: There are only three gay Martini cousins and this is the third book, which probably means the end of the series…
The burned-to-ashes: Nothing.
And then The Plot Thickens into an entertaining tale of growing older and self-acceptance with enough of a twist to keep the reader captivated until the end. The balance between Amelia’s struggles and Kirby’s endearing attitude is perfect and one cannot help but to fall in love with these two.
Julia, Vanessa and Amelia each found their soulmates against the backdrop of Martini’s where the cousins and their partners often meet up in The Bar Back. Here they discuss life, love and everything else while Julia experiments with new cocktails for the bar. Even though we have to close the door on the Swizzle Stick romance series, The Bar Back’s door will always be open to us.
Studio: Bold Strokes Books.
Closing credits: I willingly leave this review based on an eARC copy graciously granted to me by Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley.
March 17, 2022
Amelia Martini is struggling in her new life. Retired, divorced and dealing with the emotional upheaval that comes with perimenopause, Amelia’s self esteem is so low even her cousins can’t lift her spirits. Her new business Dogz Rule is the one area in her life where she feels wanted and appreciated.
Kirby Dupree’s life is busy. Her painting business fills her days while softball and frisbee golf eat up her spare time. She loves her work, friends and after sports drinks at Martini’s bar. A new job painting several rooms in a mansion brings Kirby face to face with the hired dog and house sitter, Amelia.
This is an age gap romance with a twist. The twist in my mind is the reluctance and pure denial Amelia has with the idea that someone in their thirties would be interested in her, a woman in her late forties dealing with all the changes menopause can bring. Kirby thinks Amelia is beautiful, worth knowing and valued as a friend and lover. Convincing Amelia might have been an alternate title for this novel.
Another theme underlying the moods and actions of these two women is loss. Both have suffered losses in their past, some more recent than others. Beers does a nice job of showing us how it’s possible to move past life events like divorce or the loss of a parent and choose to focus on the positives change can bring. Many readers may not be able to relate to the impact menopause has on your life and your self esteem, but that loss of estrogen is a reality we all will face, sooner or later. Embrace the change for a chance at love.
As usual, the author surrounds Amelia and Kirby with loving friends and family to lean on and laugh with, bringing this trilogy to a satisfying end. The Martini cousins for the win.
A copy of this book was provided by Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for review.
Kirby Dupree’s life is busy. Her painting business fills her days while softball and frisbee golf eat up her spare time. She loves her work, friends and after sports drinks at Martini’s bar. A new job painting several rooms in a mansion brings Kirby face to face with the hired dog and house sitter, Amelia.
This is an age gap romance with a twist. The twist in my mind is the reluctance and pure denial Amelia has with the idea that someone in their thirties would be interested in her, a woman in her late forties dealing with all the changes menopause can bring. Kirby thinks Amelia is beautiful, worth knowing and valued as a friend and lover. Convincing Amelia might have been an alternate title for this novel.
Another theme underlying the moods and actions of these two women is loss. Both have suffered losses in their past, some more recent than others. Beers does a nice job of showing us how it’s possible to move past life events like divorce or the loss of a parent and choose to focus on the positives change can bring. Many readers may not be able to relate to the impact menopause has on your life and your self esteem, but that loss of estrogen is a reality we all will face, sooner or later. Embrace the change for a chance at love.
As usual, the author surrounds Amelia and Kirby with loving friends and family to lean on and laugh with, bringing this trilogy to a satisfying end. The Martini cousins for the win.
A copy of this book was provided by Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for review.
March 25, 2022
This is the last book of a series I personally really enjoyed so far, and much like the other books and probably all Georgia beers books, this is no exception. The third book in the shaken series titled “With a twist” follows the oldest of the Martini cousins, Amelia.
Amelia is dealing with the onset of menopause and all the insecurities and hormonal reactions that come with it. She does not have time for the attitude or charm of painter, Kirby Dupree. Painting the house that Amelia is dog sitting at, Kirby has had enough of the women’s mood swings and downer attitude. However, Kirby soon begins to understand that there’s more to Amelia than what meets the eye and heart.
I liked this book a bit more than I liked the second, the humor is more on point and Amelia is unfortunately way more of a compelling character than both the mains of that book. The author does an amazing job at representing what menopause can do to a woman and Kirby is the perfect support role for it. Both lovable characters with great and slightly depressing backgrounds.
The book includes heartbreaking scenes, love, humor, sexy scenes- just your average Georgia beers book.
I recommend this for anyone looking for something chill and not too dramatic.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in return for a honest review!
Amelia is dealing with the onset of menopause and all the insecurities and hormonal reactions that come with it. She does not have time for the attitude or charm of painter, Kirby Dupree. Painting the house that Amelia is dog sitting at, Kirby has had enough of the women’s mood swings and downer attitude. However, Kirby soon begins to understand that there’s more to Amelia than what meets the eye and heart.
I liked this book a bit more than I liked the second, the humor is more on point and Amelia is unfortunately way more of a compelling character than both the mains of that book. The author does an amazing job at representing what menopause can do to a woman and Kirby is the perfect support role for it. Both lovable characters with great and slightly depressing backgrounds.
The book includes heartbreaking scenes, love, humor, sexy scenes- just your average Georgia beers book.
I recommend this for anyone looking for something chill and not too dramatic.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in return for a honest review!
June 2, 2023
“With a Twist” is the final book in the Swizzle Stick series by Georgia Beers.
Amelia Martini is going through a lot of changes and isn’t too happy about most of them. She’s 49 and recently divorced, going through perimenopause, and has just started a new dog-sitting business after retiring early. Kirby Dupree is just the opposite. She’s 35 and happy with her life. She’s running her family’s painting business and stays busy with sports and other activities with her friends.
Amelia takes a job house and dog sitting for a client that is going out of the country for a month. Kirby happens to be painting the house that Amelia is staying at. They’ve seen each other around town but this is the first time they’ve had one on one time and they get lots of time together.
When I first heard about this series Amelia’s story was my most anticipated. Unfortunately, I think I liked this one the least. Amelia spends much of her time being bitter and snapping at everyone that I didn’t understand how/why Kirby ever became attracted to her to begin with. Kirby was a delightful character. She was sweet and luckily had a lot of patience. While the romance did get better towards the end, it was hard for me to ever get to a place to root for them.
They’re also both dealing with loss and to a degree, grief. I liked how that brought them together and was something that they were able to share and bond over.
I enjoyed getting back into the lives of couples Julia and Savannah and Vanessa and Grace from the previous two books. This is a big extended family and everyone makes an appearance here. There’s a lot of time spent at the Bar Back in Julia’s bar…even with Amelia snapping at everyone.
Also, kudos to Beers for going without the third act break up. I kept expecting it and was surprised when it didn’t happen. There is some drama but it brings them closer rather than tearing them apart first.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amelia Martini is going through a lot of changes and isn’t too happy about most of them. She’s 49 and recently divorced, going through perimenopause, and has just started a new dog-sitting business after retiring early. Kirby Dupree is just the opposite. She’s 35 and happy with her life. She’s running her family’s painting business and stays busy with sports and other activities with her friends.
Amelia takes a job house and dog sitting for a client that is going out of the country for a month. Kirby happens to be painting the house that Amelia is staying at. They’ve seen each other around town but this is the first time they’ve had one on one time and they get lots of time together.
When I first heard about this series Amelia’s story was my most anticipated. Unfortunately, I think I liked this one the least. Amelia spends much of her time being bitter and snapping at everyone that I didn’t understand how/why Kirby ever became attracted to her to begin with. Kirby was a delightful character. She was sweet and luckily had a lot of patience. While the romance did get better towards the end, it was hard for me to ever get to a place to root for them.
They’re also both dealing with loss and to a degree, grief. I liked how that brought them together and was something that they were able to share and bond over.
I enjoyed getting back into the lives of couples Julia and Savannah and Vanessa and Grace from the previous two books. This is a big extended family and everyone makes an appearance here. There’s a lot of time spent at the Bar Back in Julia’s bar…even with Amelia snapping at everyone.
Also, kudos to Beers for going without the third act break up. I kept expecting it and was surprised when it didn’t happen. There is some drama but it brings them closer rather than tearing them apart first.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2022
With a Twist by Georgia Beers is a lovely and fitting finale for her “Swizzle Stick Romance” series. I’ve enjoyed all three novels about the Martini cousins. This last story, however, is a bit special because I can relate so easily to what the main character is going through.
You see, Amelia Martini is the oldest of the three cousins we’ve come to know and love in these stories. In fact, she is forty-nine years old. Her plan for this time of her life was to retire early, and travel around the world with her wife, Tammy. She did retire. Then Tammy left her for another woman and insisted the house she and Amelia bought together be sold. Now Amelia is a middle-aged woman living in her father’s house, starting a new dog sitting business, and beginning to go through menopause. That includes all the power surges, night sweats, mood swings, and feelings of losing control of one’s body. She gets a job house sitting in a gorgeous home with two cute dogs, but finds out her time there will be interrupted by Kirby Dupree, a thirty-something, stunning house painter. The two seem to clash at the beginning, but there is also a spark of chemistry between them.
Both Amelia and Kirby are easy to love. Kirby is likeable; kind, generous, and just a good person. I think I connected with Amelia because I know exactly what she is physically going through. Menopause is not easy, and the author describes the symptoms perfectly. I want to live in a house like the one Amelia is house sitting. I could happily retire in a place like that.
The story itself is heartwarming and romantic. This is a great conclusion to Julia, Vanessa, and Amelia’s tales. I had a wonderful time reading these books and will miss these characters now that the series is complete. I recommend this entire series to all romance lovers.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
You see, Amelia Martini is the oldest of the three cousins we’ve come to know and love in these stories. In fact, she is forty-nine years old. Her plan for this time of her life was to retire early, and travel around the world with her wife, Tammy. She did retire. Then Tammy left her for another woman and insisted the house she and Amelia bought together be sold. Now Amelia is a middle-aged woman living in her father’s house, starting a new dog sitting business, and beginning to go through menopause. That includes all the power surges, night sweats, mood swings, and feelings of losing control of one’s body. She gets a job house sitting in a gorgeous home with two cute dogs, but finds out her time there will be interrupted by Kirby Dupree, a thirty-something, stunning house painter. The two seem to clash at the beginning, but there is also a spark of chemistry between them.
Both Amelia and Kirby are easy to love. Kirby is likeable; kind, generous, and just a good person. I think I connected with Amelia because I know exactly what she is physically going through. Menopause is not easy, and the author describes the symptoms perfectly. I want to live in a house like the one Amelia is house sitting. I could happily retire in a place like that.
The story itself is heartwarming and romantic. This is a great conclusion to Julia, Vanessa, and Amelia’s tales. I had a wonderful time reading these books and will miss these characters now that the series is complete. I recommend this entire series to all romance lovers.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
April 11, 2022
I'm a big fan of Georgia Beers. She's my Top 5 author of LGBT fiction, and I read her novels with such a gusto and joy. She creates that magical chemistry between the characters that I love so much. Amelia and Kirby are no exception to it as characters. All of Martini cousins are very likable and you won't go wrong with picking up this series and read them all.
June 25, 2022
Good, but no cigar. Liked the reality of menopause etc but felt a little scripted in the way books 1 & 2 didn’t - though good to remeet old friends, even if in small slices.
June 11, 2023
I love the Swizzle Stick Romance series by Beers. This is the third and last installment which follows the Martini cousins. This starts roughly six months from the last book. Amelia retired two years before only to have her wife cheat, leave and divorce. Now she is growing her dog walking business and is coping poorly with menopause. She is stuck not loving her life or her own body. I don’t think I’ve ever read a romance book that put as much focus on menopause impacting moods and body image. While house sitting two dogs at a fancy house for a month she meets Kirby Dupree. Kirby runs a house painting business and is going to paint most of the interior while the homeowner is out of the country. Kirby is fourteen years younger, athletic and always on the go.
I can see why some people will get tired of Amelia’s complaints and I even thought maybe a trip to the doctor might be needed. But I love Kirby’s attraction to Amelia. Her patience in trying to understand something that isn’t part of her life yet. Kirby is the bright spot to Amelia’s snark. Another surprise twist is the angst moment is something that happens but doesn’t drive the couple apart. In fact it brings them closer together and gives them an unwanted commonality. For me and in the series the best part continues to be the cousins (and partners) relationship. I love that Beers lets their group be a good amount of the story while not the focus. Who wouldn’t want cousins that are also your best friends.
Georgia Beers writes wonderful, minimal angst, romances with everyday people. I love that the main characters aren’t millionaires but include: a nurse, small bar owner, florist, school teacher, house painter and dog walker. If I ranked the books for my preferences I would go #2, #1 than #3. But do yourself a favor and read them in order when you’re in the mood for romances that will leave you smiling. I’m guessing that wedding planner Teddi Baker might get her own stand alone book. (I can’t think of another reason her full name is given so late in the story, unless she’s appeared in another of Beers books.) Whatever Beers writes next I will be waiting to read it. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I can see why some people will get tired of Amelia’s complaints and I even thought maybe a trip to the doctor might be needed. But I love Kirby’s attraction to Amelia. Her patience in trying to understand something that isn’t part of her life yet. Kirby is the bright spot to Amelia’s snark. Another surprise twist is the angst moment is something that happens but doesn’t drive the couple apart. In fact it brings them closer together and gives them an unwanted commonality. For me and in the series the best part continues to be the cousins (and partners) relationship. I love that Beers lets their group be a good amount of the story while not the focus. Who wouldn’t want cousins that are also your best friends.
Georgia Beers writes wonderful, minimal angst, romances with everyday people. I love that the main characters aren’t millionaires but include: a nurse, small bar owner, florist, school teacher, house painter and dog walker. If I ranked the books for my preferences I would go #2, #1 than #3. But do yourself a favor and read them in order when you’re in the mood for romances that will leave you smiling. I’m guessing that wedding planner Teddi Baker might get her own stand alone book. (I can’t think of another reason her full name is given so late in the story, unless she’s appeared in another of Beers books.) Whatever Beers writes next I will be waiting to read it. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2022
With a Twist is the third and last book in the swizzle stick romance series by Georgia Beers. While it is possible to read this as a standalone romance I would advise against it.
The Martini cousins we meet in these books have lives that are intertwined like no other, they come to rely and depend on each other, reading one without the other would just leave too many gaps.
In this final book, we finally get Amelia's story. I must admit I was waiting for this one, she is the oldest of the cousins and has an "extensive" backstory. She's also going through perimenopause and is just struggling. Vanessa and Julia aren't always too kind or understanding towards her. While I don't mind a bit of moodiness in a book, certainly not if it fits with the character and storyline, I do think Beers put a bit too much emphasis on it. As in it felt like almost every other line was either Amelia saying, doing or thinking something negative/ moody or her cousins would, but mostly Amelia herself. I understand this is the character, but I understood it with far less emphasis as well. Amelia's love interest we've also met in Shaken or Stirred, book 1. Kirby is "the painter", I like her. This is a fun character that has, I would say, hidden depths. She is the upbeat presence Amelia needs in her life and Amelia is the person to ground Kirby from floating off. They are a good match and Kirby is incredibly understanding, to my and Amelia's surprise she's just always there and knows just what to say or do, without it feeling like it's too good to be true. At least in my opinion.
I like how this last book in the series unfolded and I wouldn't mind if these characters would appear in some other Beers books. It has some bumps and I wouldn't call this my favourite in the series, but I just can't help but love Amelia, I just have a soft spot for her add Kirby to the mix and it's just lovely.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
The Martini cousins we meet in these books have lives that are intertwined like no other, they come to rely and depend on each other, reading one without the other would just leave too many gaps.
In this final book, we finally get Amelia's story. I must admit I was waiting for this one, she is the oldest of the cousins and has an "extensive" backstory. She's also going through perimenopause and is just struggling. Vanessa and Julia aren't always too kind or understanding towards her. While I don't mind a bit of moodiness in a book, certainly not if it fits with the character and storyline, I do think Beers put a bit too much emphasis on it. As in it felt like almost every other line was either Amelia saying, doing or thinking something negative/ moody or her cousins would, but mostly Amelia herself. I understand this is the character, but I understood it with far less emphasis as well. Amelia's love interest we've also met in Shaken or Stirred, book 1. Kirby is "the painter", I like her. This is a fun character that has, I would say, hidden depths. She is the upbeat presence Amelia needs in her life and Amelia is the person to ground Kirby from floating off. They are a good match and Kirby is incredibly understanding, to my and Amelia's surprise she's just always there and knows just what to say or do, without it feeling like it's too good to be true. At least in my opinion.
I like how this last book in the series unfolded and I wouldn't mind if these characters would appear in some other Beers books. It has some bumps and I wouldn't call this my favourite in the series, but I just can't help but love Amelia, I just have a soft spot for her add Kirby to the mix and it's just lovely.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
March 26, 2022
I enjoyed this series and can’t pick a favorite book, I enjoyed them all equally. This one is an age-gap romance about Amelia who is almost fifty years old dealing with her recent divorce and getting older and Kirby, a woman in her thirties who is an interior painter.
I was looking forward to reading Amelia’s story, I found her character to be very interesting since the first book and wanted to read more about her. As is usual with these types of series, we also get to spend some time with Amelia’s cousins Julia and Vanessa which was a nice touch.
I recommend this series. It’s Georgia Beers, you won’t be disappointed :)
I was looking forward to reading Amelia’s story, I found her character to be very interesting since the first book and wanted to read more about her. As is usual with these types of series, we also get to spend some time with Amelia’s cousins Julia and Vanessa which was a nice touch.
I recommend this series. It’s Georgia Beers, you won’t be disappointed :)
September 30, 2024
I really liked this book. Great characters, nice story and good writing. I especially liked that the (peri)menopausal symptoms and the discomfort and uncertainty they caused Amelia were part of the story. Haven’t really seen that before. Kirby and Amelia were very different characters but really fit together. The build up of their relationship felt believable. Very nice book
September 30, 2022
Amelia Martini has had a rough couple of years. Between taking early retirement, getting a divorce because her wife was a cheater, and perimenopause; it's not been easy. Her two cousins (and best friends) are coupled up and while she's thrilled they've both found love, she feels like her life is missing something. Her Dogz Rule business takes her to a beautiful McMansion where she's set to house sit for a few weeks and in walks Kirby, the painter, who is a wonderful bright spot on her otherwise dreary existence.
Georgia Beers did a fantastic job with this delightful age-gap romance! She really captured all of the intricacies of a woman's plight during perimenopause from body image issues, to hot flashes, to mood swings. Kirby was delightful and exactly what Amelia needed. I'm seriously going to miss all six of the leading ladies from this wonderful series!
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Georgia Beers did a fantastic job with this delightful age-gap romance! She really captured all of the intricacies of a woman's plight during perimenopause from body image issues, to hot flashes, to mood swings. Kirby was delightful and exactly what Amelia needed. I'm seriously going to miss all six of the leading ladies from this wonderful series!
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2022
I haven’t read a book by Georgia Beers I didn’t love and this one was no exception. I am partial to series and this one was a very nice finale for the Martini cousins. I had loved Amelia from the start and was eager to get my hands on this last installment and it didn’t disappoint. Amelia is all mood and snark and I loved her. Kirby is empathetic and sweet and I wish I had my own Kirby. They just fit with each other and I loved their story. I have a few things in common with both MCs and I felt like they would both be great friends to have in real life. We also get to see glimpses of Julia and Vanessa and the rest of the Martini clan and they were entertaining as per usual. Amelia’s business Dogz Rule is icing on this cake, I loved all the pups we met throughout this series. These could be read as stand alone but they are more fun read in order. I definitely recommend picking this series up!
April 17, 2022
I have enjoyed reading Georgia Beers' latest series. I am sad to see it end.
With a twist is the 3rd and last in the series of the sizzle stick series. And even tho I'm sad to see it end, it was such an adventure.
With a twist focus on Amelia, the oldest of the martini cousins, and Kirby, we watch how the two overcome life problems and blossom into a couple. Like previous books in the series, there is warmth, fun, laughter and the sparks fly between the pair, in this final book. Georgia Beers has certainly captured a few fans With this series.
If you're looking for a fun, family centred and amusing storyline, I recommend the sizzle stick romance series.
I've given ‘with a twist’ a 4/5
With a twist is the 3rd and last in the series of the sizzle stick series. And even tho I'm sad to see it end, it was such an adventure.
With a twist focus on Amelia, the oldest of the martini cousins, and Kirby, we watch how the two overcome life problems and blossom into a couple. Like previous books in the series, there is warmth, fun, laughter and the sparks fly between the pair, in this final book. Georgia Beers has certainly captured a few fans With this series.
If you're looking for a fun, family centred and amusing storyline, I recommend the sizzle stick romance series.
I've given ‘with a twist’ a 4/5
March 20, 2022
With a Twist is an age-gap romance where the last of the Martini cousins finds her happiness. Amelia is dealing with the aftermath of her divorce and loosing her mum, all while going through middle age changes to her body. And then there’s Kirby, a thirty something happy go lucky character who seems to push all of Amelia’s buttons. Beers did an excellent job in describing Amelia’s struggle with perimenopause. This book has some depth that I think makes it the best of the series.
Free ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Free ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
April 5, 2022
Amelia Martini is a mess. At 49, she's divorced and being hit hard by menopause. She's retired from her government job and has started a dog walking/sitting company. When she takes a job house sitting for one of her father's friends, she never expects Kirby Dupree to turn her life upside down. Kirby's a housepainter and starts a job at the house Amelia is housesitting. Kirby is drawn to Amelia despite her less than pleasant disposition.
This is the third book in Georgia Beers Swizzle Stick series. The first two featured Amelia's cousins, Julia and Vanessa, who also play a part in this book, along with their respective loves. The three cousins are more like sisters and are always there for each other, but Julia and Vanessa can't really understand what Amelia's going through. Kirby, on the other hand, even though she's 14 years younger than Amelia, she shows such understanding and compassion to Amelia, which is exactly what she needs. Maybe because I'm the same age as Amelia and have started perimenopause, I felt a lot of empathy for her. There is nothing worse than feeling like a stranger in your own body and it takes someone with the compassion and patience of Kirby to help Amelia realize that the way she sees herself isn't at all how everyone else sees her. I really like Kirby and Amelia together. They complement each other beautifully.
I have enjoyed most of the Georgia Beers books I have read. She always creates entertaining characters, and this is no exception. Kirby and Amelia are both extremely likable. This story has lot of humor but also deals with a subject that doesn't get enough attention in lesfic, a woman dealing with menopause. Amelia's plight is one we will all have to deal with, maybe not to the severity she does but I can only hope we all have someone like Kirby to help us get through it.
An ARC was provided by Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
This is the third book in Georgia Beers Swizzle Stick series. The first two featured Amelia's cousins, Julia and Vanessa, who also play a part in this book, along with their respective loves. The three cousins are more like sisters and are always there for each other, but Julia and Vanessa can't really understand what Amelia's going through. Kirby, on the other hand, even though she's 14 years younger than Amelia, she shows such understanding and compassion to Amelia, which is exactly what she needs. Maybe because I'm the same age as Amelia and have started perimenopause, I felt a lot of empathy for her. There is nothing worse than feeling like a stranger in your own body and it takes someone with the compassion and patience of Kirby to help Amelia realize that the way she sees herself isn't at all how everyone else sees her. I really like Kirby and Amelia together. They complement each other beautifully.
I have enjoyed most of the Georgia Beers books I have read. She always creates entertaining characters, and this is no exception. Kirby and Amelia are both extremely likable. This story has lot of humor but also deals with a subject that doesn't get enough attention in lesfic, a woman dealing with menopause. Amelia's plight is one we will all have to deal with, maybe not to the severity she does but I can only hope we all have someone like Kirby to help us get through it.
An ARC was provided by Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
September 14, 2022
3 stars
Solid romance with next to no originality but decent writing. Nothing to write home about, but no reason to complain either.
Solid romance with next to no originality but decent writing. Nothing to write home about, but no reason to complain either.
April 17, 2022
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the third in the Swizzle Stick series about the Martini cousins, Julia, Vanessa and Amelia.
This one features MC Amelia, who is the oldest of the cousins at 49, and as noted in the previous books, she’s coming off the breakdown of her marriage a few years previous, retired early so has started a new dog walking business, lost her mother a few years back and is also going through menopause. The other MC is Kirby, who was mentioned briefly in both of the first two books, as she was the painter hired to paint Martini’s when Julia took it over. The two also met briefly in book 1 but it didn’t go over too well, with Amelia criticising Kirby’s paint colour choices.
By lucky circumstance, Amelia is dog and house-sitting for Kirby’s latest client, which means they are thrown together a lot. Kirby is absolutely adorable, and just the sweetest thing ever (she’s right up there with Savannah from book 1). Amelia is taken with her, but perpetually shoves her foot in her mouth throughout their initial conversations.
Did I mention that Amelia is GOING THROUGH MENOPAUSE? I emphasise this because it’s harped on endlessly. I’m around the same age as Amelia and also going through this, and I swear to god, if I was as mopey and bogged down by it as Amelia is, I’d totally forgive my family for being as annoyed with me as Amelia’s are with her. Amelia has self-confidence issues relating to being dumped by another woman and the changes to her body bought on by menopause, which is understandable, but her relentless despair about this just baffled me. She seemed to just wallow in this and expect an endless stream of sympathy about her plight, but didn’t seem to be doing anything to actually manage her symptoms or her depression. I appreciate Beers wanting to add some realism to this book regarding what women in this age group are going through, but a little positivity about it would have been welcomed.
Kirby, on the other hand, is a ray of sunshine. Even though she’s 14 years younger than Amelia (something else Amelia is hung up on), she’s been through some terrible stuff in her life, and has a wider perspective based on this. She mostly chooses to be positive about what life gives her and move through it. She’s also attracted to Amelia (though I couldn’t fathom why, since Amelia is anything but approachable or likeable to start). Once the two actually start talking and spending time together, Kirby gets Amelia to unbend a little, and provides the constant reassurance and sympathy that Amelia craves. Unfortunately, I couldn’t see that Amelia provided any such thing to Kirby. Kirby doesn’t have any family though, so the Martini cousins and the ‘girl group’ they’ve formed with their partners fills a void.
Amelia is dog-sitting two super cute dogs, and Kirby’s painting partner Krog also had some good scenes with her. The cousins share quite a few scenes again in this book, though many of them feature Amelia being bitchy and jabbing at her cousins for not understanding what’s happening to her. There’s also a major drama point towards the end, which is thankfully blessedly free of angst/break up between the MCs and instead strengthens their bond.
The other thing I found difficult to understand in this book was the whole pool sex thing, a one off maybe, but it’s pretty much all they do. There’s so many reasons why I found this hard to believe, not least of all because it can actually cause issues both logistically and physically. I found those sessions had more of a squick factor than a sexy one.
Overall, I found Amelia kind of hard to take, which was mostly balanced out by Kirby’s sweetness, though I did feel their relationship was kind of uneven. While I loved book 1, book 2 wasn’t as good for me, and this one is my least favourite, but is still worth a read, and anyone who’s read the others will want to read this. 3 stars.
This is the third in the Swizzle Stick series about the Martini cousins, Julia, Vanessa and Amelia.
This one features MC Amelia, who is the oldest of the cousins at 49, and as noted in the previous books, she’s coming off the breakdown of her marriage a few years previous, retired early so has started a new dog walking business, lost her mother a few years back and is also going through menopause. The other MC is Kirby, who was mentioned briefly in both of the first two books, as she was the painter hired to paint Martini’s when Julia took it over. The two also met briefly in book 1 but it didn’t go over too well, with Amelia criticising Kirby’s paint colour choices.
By lucky circumstance, Amelia is dog and house-sitting for Kirby’s latest client, which means they are thrown together a lot. Kirby is absolutely adorable, and just the sweetest thing ever (she’s right up there with Savannah from book 1). Amelia is taken with her, but perpetually shoves her foot in her mouth throughout their initial conversations.
Did I mention that Amelia is GOING THROUGH MENOPAUSE? I emphasise this because it’s harped on endlessly. I’m around the same age as Amelia and also going through this, and I swear to god, if I was as mopey and bogged down by it as Amelia is, I’d totally forgive my family for being as annoyed with me as Amelia’s are with her. Amelia has self-confidence issues relating to being dumped by another woman and the changes to her body bought on by menopause, which is understandable, but her relentless despair about this just baffled me. She seemed to just wallow in this and expect an endless stream of sympathy about her plight, but didn’t seem to be doing anything to actually manage her symptoms or her depression. I appreciate Beers wanting to add some realism to this book regarding what women in this age group are going through, but a little positivity about it would have been welcomed.
Kirby, on the other hand, is a ray of sunshine. Even though she’s 14 years younger than Amelia (something else Amelia is hung up on), she’s been through some terrible stuff in her life, and has a wider perspective based on this. She mostly chooses to be positive about what life gives her and move through it. She’s also attracted to Amelia (though I couldn’t fathom why, since Amelia is anything but approachable or likeable to start). Once the two actually start talking and spending time together, Kirby gets Amelia to unbend a little, and provides the constant reassurance and sympathy that Amelia craves. Unfortunately, I couldn’t see that Amelia provided any such thing to Kirby. Kirby doesn’t have any family though, so the Martini cousins and the ‘girl group’ they’ve formed with their partners fills a void.
Amelia is dog-sitting two super cute dogs, and Kirby’s painting partner Krog also had some good scenes with her. The cousins share quite a few scenes again in this book, though many of them feature Amelia being bitchy and jabbing at her cousins for not understanding what’s happening to her. There’s also a major drama point towards the end, which is thankfully blessedly free of angst/break up between the MCs and instead strengthens their bond.
The other thing I found difficult to understand in this book was the whole pool sex thing, a one off maybe, but it’s pretty much all they do. There’s so many reasons why I found this hard to believe, not least of all because it can actually cause issues both logistically and physically. I found those sessions had more of a squick factor than a sexy one.
Overall, I found Amelia kind of hard to take, which was mostly balanced out by Kirby’s sweetness, though I did feel their relationship was kind of uneven. While I loved book 1, book 2 wasn’t as good for me, and this one is my least favourite, but is still worth a read, and anyone who’s read the others will want to read this. 3 stars.
April 28, 2022
Oh, Amelia. Where do I begin? She's such a complex character. In On the Rocks, she wasn't completely amiable but I was intrigued to read her story. Although she's snarky and a tad brash at times, she is also a sweet character that's just had a bit too much to deal with in the last few years. I really, truly felt for her - especially with her peri-menopausal symptoms. Menopause is definitely a time in my life I am slightly dreading and in the first half of the book I cringed quite a bit at her symptoms. Beers managed to really nail the discomfit and hot flushes.
Kirby is a fantastic character. She's fun, loyal, straight-talking and I adored getting to know her. She is exceptionally patient with Amelia and is truly a saint at times. I loved the age gap of 14 years (possibly due to the fact it's the same between my wife and I). I could really draw inferences between reality and fiction.
There's a super sad moment in this and I didn't realise I'd felt so strongly towards a character, as I spent a moment quietly crying for/with her. This novel was definitely deeper than I expected, which was such a pleasant surprise. There's a great, steamy romance but also a complex character who manages to win you over regardless of her quirks. I enjoyed this read, which was a bit different to the usual run-of-the-mill lesfic romances.
All in all, a great novel to conclude the Swizzle Stick Romance series from Georgia Beers.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Kirby is a fantastic character. She's fun, loyal, straight-talking and I adored getting to know her. She is exceptionally patient with Amelia and is truly a saint at times. I loved the age gap of 14 years (possibly due to the fact it's the same between my wife and I). I could really draw inferences between reality and fiction.
There's a super sad moment in this and I didn't realise I'd felt so strongly towards a character, as I spent a moment quietly crying for/with her. This novel was definitely deeper than I expected, which was such a pleasant surprise. There's a great, steamy romance but also a complex character who manages to win you over regardless of her quirks. I enjoyed this read, which was a bit different to the usual run-of-the-mill lesfic romances.
All in all, a great novel to conclude the Swizzle Stick Romance series from Georgia Beers.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
September 14, 2022
genre : f/f contemporary romance
MCs : 49yo gay ciswoman + 35yo sapphic ciswoman
POV : dual 3rd-person
indie? : yes
I had put off writing this review for way too long (4+ months), so content warnings are less comprehensive than usual.
With a Twist is the final installment of the Swizzle Stick Romance. The story follows the forty-nine-year-old Amelia Martini house-sitting for an older gentleman while his house is undergoing a new paint job. And the painter? Thirty-five-year-old Kirby Dupree, with whom Amelia had had brief encounter when her cousin Julia was renovating Martini’s. Personality-wise, they are opposites: Amelia being more uptight and cynical and Kirby being freer and livelier. But will their traits and age-gap stop them from falling for each other?
What I appreciate the most about this story is the focus on Amelia’s menopause. She has been hurt in love and physically experiencing hot flashes, etc., and Kirby being understanding makes their relationship work. But I also understand that some readers might not enjoy this book for this reason; it is much heavier and certainly not your typical light-hearted Georgia Beers book.
When reading a series, it’s always great to be able to revisit characters from previous books, and in With a Twist, we get to see Julia, Savannah, Vanessa, and Grace, too. Another thing worth noting is that this book contains dogs. Amelia is not only house-sitting but also dog-sitting and dog-walking, so watch out for a few cute dogs throughout the book.
There are a few very minor but questionable choices in sentences that made me pause my reading though, including outing of one achillean character and stereotyping queen men.
With a Twist is a good ending to the Swizzle Stick Romance series, and I think I would miss the Martini’s (both the cousins and the bar).
content warnings: outing of side character, divorce, death of parent(s), graphic sex, mention of loss of partner
Buddy read with Gabriella! Check out her review here!
I received a digital review copy from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 2, 2022
This hit home. One of my best mates died on Saturday, while overseas and we're going through the motions of who's gonna travel to bring her home.
I thought reading would get my mind off of my reality right now. This was tough to finish for personal reasons, but still a great story by Beers.
I thought reading would get my mind off of my reality right now. This was tough to finish for personal reasons, but still a great story by Beers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2022
With a Twist by Georgia Beers is an age-gap romance with a hot painter and cute dogs. What more does one need in a good story? Full disclosure – This is book number three in Georgia’s Swizzle Stick Romance series, but the first I have read. It really did not affect the story in any way, it only made me eager to read about Amelia’s cousins and how they met their partners.
Amelia is middle-aged, recently divorced, retired, and going through changes none of her cousins seem to understand. Too often she finds herself snarky, moody and breaking out in tears at the drop of a hat. Her new business is the only thing holding her together and the joy she finds in the dogs she spends her days with help to add a spark to the life she so desperately needs.
Kirby, thirty-something, has her own business as a painter, spending her days doing the job she loves and her spare time playing any sport she can get to. Her newest job is in the house Amelia is staying at, and Kirby is both excited and terrified. She has been attracted to Amelia since she first saw her, but they have had very few positive interactions. This doesn’t stop Kirby from extending her kindness and trying to break down Amelia’s walls.
With A Twist is written well, and the characters develop throughout, growing and learning from each other. There is chemistry between the MCs and the cousins in the background add to the depth of the story. A cute romance about finding the one person who will truly make an impact on your life.
I recieved an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for my honest review.
Amelia is middle-aged, recently divorced, retired, and going through changes none of her cousins seem to understand. Too often she finds herself snarky, moody and breaking out in tears at the drop of a hat. Her new business is the only thing holding her together and the joy she finds in the dogs she spends her days with help to add a spark to the life she so desperately needs.
Kirby, thirty-something, has her own business as a painter, spending her days doing the job she loves and her spare time playing any sport she can get to. Her newest job is in the house Amelia is staying at, and Kirby is both excited and terrified. She has been attracted to Amelia since she first saw her, but they have had very few positive interactions. This doesn’t stop Kirby from extending her kindness and trying to break down Amelia’s walls.
With A Twist is written well, and the characters develop throughout, growing and learning from each other. There is chemistry between the MCs and the cousins in the background add to the depth of the story. A cute romance about finding the one person who will truly make an impact on your life.
I recieved an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for my honest review.
April 2, 2022
• With a Twist
• Author Georgia Beers
• Series Book 3
• MC Kirby Dupree & Amelia Martini
This is the last book in the Swizzle Stick Romance Series
Amelia is 49 and really going through it. Retired, Divorced, Menopause and starting a new business as a dog Walker/sitter. Amelia is a grump. She is struggling (poorly) with menopause and how to deal with all the changes that are happening.
Kirby is a ball of energy! She loves life. She is very active. She seizes the day, everyday. Her character was very enjoyable. She loves painting it’s her passion. She learned everything from her father. She scores a well paying job to paint 7 rooms in 4 weeks.
Kirby meets Amelia, because the house she is painting is also the same house that Amelia is dog sitting at. We know that generally, grumpy people don’t have much tolerance for happy bouncy people. At first Amelia and Kirby do not hit it off. Kirby is able to break down some of Amelia’s walls.
This is an age-gap romance. Kirby is in her 30’s while Amelia is 49.
I appreciated how the author really did give us a good look into Amelia’s character. How she felt out of place, how the changes going on with her body were really making her cranky. The loss of her mother was also something Amelia had to struggle with. Her mother was a real friend and she could talk to her about anything. Not having this person there for during her struggles also made her sad.
Kirby is just a really sweet and kind person. She really sees Amelia’s pain.
Amelia has other big blow in this story. Her family gathers around her and is there for her in her time of need as well as Kirby. It was beautiful to see the love of this family and the love Kirby has for Amelia.
This book is about new beginnings, family and love. I highly recommend this series. The author did a magnificent job with all three books. 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an ARC from Bold strokes books through NetGalley!Thank you to Bold Strokes Books!!
• Author Georgia Beers
• Series Book 3
• MC Kirby Dupree & Amelia Martini
This is the last book in the Swizzle Stick Romance Series
Amelia is 49 and really going through it. Retired, Divorced, Menopause and starting a new business as a dog Walker/sitter. Amelia is a grump. She is struggling (poorly) with menopause and how to deal with all the changes that are happening.
Kirby is a ball of energy! She loves life. She is very active. She seizes the day, everyday. Her character was very enjoyable. She loves painting it’s her passion. She learned everything from her father. She scores a well paying job to paint 7 rooms in 4 weeks.
Kirby meets Amelia, because the house she is painting is also the same house that Amelia is dog sitting at. We know that generally, grumpy people don’t have much tolerance for happy bouncy people. At first Amelia and Kirby do not hit it off. Kirby is able to break down some of Amelia’s walls.
This is an age-gap romance. Kirby is in her 30’s while Amelia is 49.
I appreciated how the author really did give us a good look into Amelia’s character. How she felt out of place, how the changes going on with her body were really making her cranky. The loss of her mother was also something Amelia had to struggle with. Her mother was a real friend and she could talk to her about anything. Not having this person there for during her struggles also made her sad.
Kirby is just a really sweet and kind person. She really sees Amelia’s pain.
Amelia has other big blow in this story. Her family gathers around her and is there for her in her time of need as well as Kirby. It was beautiful to see the love of this family and the love Kirby has for Amelia.
This book is about new beginnings, family and love. I highly recommend this series. The author did a magnificent job with all three books. 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an ARC from Bold strokes books through NetGalley!Thank you to Bold Strokes Books!!
October 8, 2022
This was a great finale to the 'Swizzle Stick' series. I had been feeling sorry for Amelia through the first two books, interested in her story, and anxious for her to find some happiness. Beers delivers the satisfying ending.
April 14, 2022
I’ve said this a dozen times, but the truth of it never changes: Beers is a master at capturing the complexities of relationships, families and love on a level readers can connect and relate. She turns her observations about heartbreak, loss and love into wonderful stories, stories that tap into real emotions and move readers to feel for her characters. Because they care, the stories matter and there’s no better compliment to a writer than that.
With a Twist nails so many things perfectly. The rawness of divorce, the frustration of starting over, the challenges of menopause…these are all felt on a emotional level by the reader. Beers captures the the details and realities with confidence and grace. The result is a story readers find relevant and believable.
Once again the relationships of the Martini cousins come into play, and by book three there’s a real sense of satisfaction in watching these women interact. The bonds they have with one another are truly lovely. We all should be so lucky to have a support system like these ladies. The regard, care and comfort they display for one another is uniquely special.
This book can be read as a stand alone, but I would encourage readers to start from the beginning. There’s too much to enjoy, and it would be a shame to miss out on all of the goodness that Beers puts into these characters and their story world. She circles back and brings closure to all the character arcs, and it’s best appreciated by moving through the series sequentially. The impact is greater and the storytelling is more meaningful.
Final remarks…
I never miss out on an opportunity to enjoy a Beers romance. She never lets her readers down. The character work is always good and the storytelling never fails to tug at readers’ hearts. With a Twist (along with the other books in this series) is no different. It’s a wonderful romance and should not be missed.
Strengths…
Nice wrap-up to an enjoyable series
Likable leading ladies
Charming and tender romance
Engaging dialogue
Well-formed cast of characters
Enchanting story world
With a Twist nails so many things perfectly. The rawness of divorce, the frustration of starting over, the challenges of menopause…these are all felt on a emotional level by the reader. Beers captures the the details and realities with confidence and grace. The result is a story readers find relevant and believable.
Once again the relationships of the Martini cousins come into play, and by book three there’s a real sense of satisfaction in watching these women interact. The bonds they have with one another are truly lovely. We all should be so lucky to have a support system like these ladies. The regard, care and comfort they display for one another is uniquely special.
This book can be read as a stand alone, but I would encourage readers to start from the beginning. There’s too much to enjoy, and it would be a shame to miss out on all of the goodness that Beers puts into these characters and their story world. She circles back and brings closure to all the character arcs, and it’s best appreciated by moving through the series sequentially. The impact is greater and the storytelling is more meaningful.
Final remarks…
I never miss out on an opportunity to enjoy a Beers romance. She never lets her readers down. The character work is always good and the storytelling never fails to tug at readers’ hearts. With a Twist (along with the other books in this series) is no different. It’s a wonderful romance and should not be missed.
Strengths…
Nice wrap-up to an enjoyable series
Likable leading ladies
Charming and tender romance
Engaging dialogue
Well-formed cast of characters
Enchanting story world
May 1, 2022
I really enjoyed this conclusion to the Swizzle Stick Romance series! While the first book kinda missed the mark for me, I liked the following two books and ended up loving all six main characters. Beers also includes a heartwarming epilogue that left me feeling satisfied.
With a Twist stars Amelia Martini (49), who’s feeling the effects of menopause and coming to terms with her divorce. While house-sitting and dog-watching for a wealthy client, Amelia encoutners Kirby Dupree (35), who’s been hired to paint the same client’s house. While Kirby and Amelia got off on the wrong foot during their very first encounter, Kirby finds she can’t resist the appeal of the prickly older woman, and Amelia realizes that this much younger woman might empathize with her more than anyone else does.
Kirby and Amelia might be one of my favorite Beers couples; they complement each other so well and I could just feel the love radiating between them. I especially loved Kirby, how behind her upbeat personality there was lots of depth, and how she always strove to understand Amelia. I’m also pleased to announce the lack of a formulaic third act breakup!
An issue I sometimes have with Beers’ books is that her characters are too conventionally attractive; thankfully, this is not the case here. Beers doesn’t hesitate to show how the reality of menopause affects Amelia. She’s not thin and she struggles with body image issues, plus she has many insecurities about menopause coinciding with her divorce.
Those dog paws on the cover made me expect adorable doggo moments, and Beers did deliver those. Amelia and Kirby’s client has two dogs, a Springer Spaniel named Stevie and a Frenchie named Calvin, and those boys were just precious, especially Calvin with his big goofy ears! I must say that I expected more doggo moments, but chances are I’m just an unreasonable doggo fiend and you can ignore me.
As for cons, I do often have issues with Beers’ use of stereotypes and ableist language, and unfortunately those are also present in this book. Gender stereotypes are the most prevalent, all of which had me confused as to why they were necessary.
In short, I’d recommend this if you’re looking for a heartwarming sapphic romance with great emotional connection, lovable side characters, and a couple of cute doggos!
content warnings: death of a parent, divorce, graphic sex, alcohol (recreational), loss of a loved one, car accident, cancer, ableist language, stereotypes
With a Twist stars Amelia Martini (49), who’s feeling the effects of menopause and coming to terms with her divorce. While house-sitting and dog-watching for a wealthy client, Amelia encoutners Kirby Dupree (35), who’s been hired to paint the same client’s house. While Kirby and Amelia got off on the wrong foot during their very first encounter, Kirby finds she can’t resist the appeal of the prickly older woman, and Amelia realizes that this much younger woman might empathize with her more than anyone else does.
Kirby and Amelia might be one of my favorite Beers couples; they complement each other so well and I could just feel the love radiating between them. I especially loved Kirby, how behind her upbeat personality there was lots of depth, and how she always strove to understand Amelia. I’m also pleased to announce the lack of a formulaic third act breakup!
An issue I sometimes have with Beers’ books is that her characters are too conventionally attractive; thankfully, this is not the case here. Beers doesn’t hesitate to show how the reality of menopause affects Amelia. She’s not thin and she struggles with body image issues, plus she has many insecurities about menopause coinciding with her divorce.
Those dog paws on the cover made me expect adorable doggo moments, and Beers did deliver those. Amelia and Kirby’s client has two dogs, a Springer Spaniel named Stevie and a Frenchie named Calvin, and those boys were just precious, especially Calvin with his big goofy ears! I must say that I expected more doggo moments, but chances are I’m just an unreasonable doggo fiend and you can ignore me.
As for cons, I do often have issues with Beers’ use of stereotypes and ableist language, and unfortunately those are also present in this book. Gender stereotypes are the most prevalent, all of which had me confused as to why they were necessary.
In short, I’d recommend this if you’re looking for a heartwarming sapphic romance with great emotional connection, lovable side characters, and a couple of cute doggos!
content warnings: death of a parent, divorce, graphic sex, alcohol (recreational), loss of a loved one, car accident, cancer, ableist language, stereotypes
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