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Out of the Ashes

Brews & Bartenders

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The bartender is cute, and I may have a crush on him.

But it’s not like I’m going to do anything because I have David, my son, to worry about

Which is fine until my ex-husband walks in with a younger and thinner girl on his arm. Then I grab on to the bartender with both hands and introduce him as my boyfriend.

This is a small town and word spreads. What was supposed to be one night becomes a fake relationship to keep up the ruse.

Catching feelings, though? That can’t happen.

Published October 11, 2022

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About the author

Katrina Marie

66 books726 followers
Katrina Marie lives in the Dallas area with her husband, two children, and fur baby. She is a lover of all things geeky and Gryffindor for life. When she’s not writing you can find her at her children’s sporting events, or curled up reading a book.

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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for casvec.
6,946 reviews71 followers
Read
February 28, 2024
Caroline is a single mom, who struggling to hold it together after her divorce. David is part owner of the bar and family is everything. He sees Caroline week after week with her friends but is hesitant to make a move.

This is a sweet fake date story that has a lot of emotion and turmoil as Caroline deals with her jealous ex and her feeling/ guilt as she raises her son. I love that both David and Caroline's friends support them and push the together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,171 reviews30 followers
December 12, 2022
This is book two in The Out of The Ashes series and it is Caroline and Carlos story and it is definitely a must read. Caroline is a.single mom to her son David who is her world and always comes first in her life and even though she has a crush on Carlos who is the bartender at The Out of The Ashes bar she can't go there as she has enough going on in her life to think about anything else but when her ex husband walks into the bar with a younger woman all bets are off and she makes a snap decisions that could make her life even more complicated. When Carlos asked Caroline if she would go on a date with him he can see that she is going to say no and then all of a sudden she is introducing him as her boyfriend which totally confused him and also throws him for a loop but he recovers quickly and plays along with her and they decide to have a fake relationship to not only keep face but also keep the town gossips off there backs but will it turn in something real giving them the happy ending that they both deserve. The attraction and chemistry between Caroline and Carlos is so strong and intense and I really enjoyed how they grew in the story and how Caroline became so much stronger and able to deal with her ex husband better and I can't wait to read more book's by this author in the future.
Profile Image for Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’.
3,117 reviews2 followers
May 26, 2023
3.85 Stars

I totally enjoyed how this book started. I love a story where the ex is a Douchebag and the heroine doesn't let that stop her to move foward with her life.

Caroline is a single mom to a little boy named, and he is her everything. All she does is work, parent and once a week have drinks with her friends. That also gives her a chance to check out her crush, the bartender Carlos😊 She knows she can't do anything about it as she does not have the time for a relationship.

Until her husband walks into the bar with a woman younger than him and she blurts out that Carlos is her boyfriend😬

Carlos is a partner at the bar and his life is hectic running that. So how will he make time to date Caroline. Even though his been crushing on this woman for a while. And now he has the perfect opportunity, fake dating her and then turn it into something real... Easy right... Now just to convince Caroline😁

Loved the story, loved the characters. These two had major chemistry that has you hooked on their story. This had so much heart and cuteness overload, some lol moments and just an all around good read💖

Read on behalf of
Fay's Corner
Profile Image for Gaynor.
19 reviews
February 21, 2024
Katrina Marie's 'Brews & Bartenders' had me hooked from the opening line. It's a heartwarming tale of single mom Caroline, who finds herself in a hilarious pickle when her ex shows up with a new partner. Enter Carlos, the charming bartender with a twinkle in his eye who agrees to be her pretend boyfriend. What starts as a harmless charade quickly spirals into a delicious mix of laughter and undeniable chemistry. I loved how Marie fleshed out the characters, especially Caroline’s and Carols’ quirky families. They felt like real people, the kind you'd find yourself gossiping with over coffee. Sure, the beginning takes a moment to find its footing, but once it does, hold onto your hats! The story had me racing through the pages, desperate to see if Caroline and Carlos could navigate their tangled web of feelings. If you're looking for a feel-good read with a dash of small-town charm and a sprinkle of steamy romance, 'Brews & Bartenders' is the perfect pick-me-up.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,138 reviews23 followers
December 18, 2022
Attraction and reason
This is the second book in this series (which can be read independently from the first), which tells the story of Caroline, a young single mother, and Carlos, a slightly grumpy and older bartender who muster their courage with both hands either to resist or to succumb to their attraction. Their story goes back and forth to dare to give themselves a chance.
It's a fight of the two against themselves, their doubts, and sometimes even to motivate themselves to act, but the story remains tender, sometimes hot and always pleasant to read.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
Profile Image for Jenn Allen.
2,645 reviews43 followers
July 4, 2023
I enjoyed Carlos and Caroline's story. These two have a great back and forth, some awkward moments that made me smile, and that little boy... he's so cute. The way Carlos is with him really adds to the heart of the story. Caroline and Carlos are both strong characters. They have a bit of a slow burn but there's great sparks between them. It's sweet, with a bit of heat, a fun group of characters that help pull me into the story. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
3,205 reviews8 followers
February 19, 2024
Enjoy this one of a fake relationship for this single mom Caroline. Liked how her friends meant well, and Carlos coworkers pushing him to get up the nerve and ask her out. The drama is realistic along with the supportive family who helps out in a pinch. It was nice to see a man who is not intimidated by a woman with boundaries, but putting forth the effort to make her realize there really are good men out there.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5,530 reviews57 followers
March 4, 2024
Caroline is at the bar when her ex walks in. In a quick move, she and the bartender pretend to be dating so the ex backs off, but it just fires him up. Loved the characters and the feelings and heat between Caroline and Carlos was terrific. The storyline has a lot of tension, sassy banter, a sweet boy named David, twists and surprises. Totally hooked on this trio right up to the end. Great personalities and a relationship that was destined.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,429 reviews11 followers
December 4, 2022
This is a new author for me, but I loved her writing. The story felt authentic and the chemistry between Carlos and Caroline was off the charts. Davd was a sweet boy and Carlos' sisters were characters. I liked how Caroline grew stronger and handled her ex until he understood his place. Both Carlos' and Caroline's families were strong and close. It was a very good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Melinda Swaine.
1,838 reviews12 followers
December 16, 2022
From the first chapter to the last I was hooked on the story that Katrina Marie wove. It ticked all the boxes for me with characters whose story you cannot help but fall for! I loved Caroline and Carlos! These two were just so good and their banter was awesome! The connection between these two was perfect and I loved watching them figure things out to get their HEA! Loved it! Looking forward to reading more books by this amazing author. Happy reading everyone
3,315 reviews17 followers
December 19, 2022
This is book 2 of a series but can be read as a stand-alone and you won't be lost in the story.

In this book, you'll be hooked on the storyline from the first page and find it hard to put it down. The characters are easy to get to know, enjoyable, and you feel like you've known them for years. A great weekend read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,882 reviews9 followers
February 17, 2024
Caroline’s ex was horrible making her feel like she’s not good enough when their son lives with her except for occasional visits that the ex mostly blows off to hook up with women and that she’s not allowed to date. Her relationship with Carlos started off as fake but it quickly becomes more. I loved his mom and sisters who welcomed Caroline and David and showed more love for him than his father ever did. This was a steamy fake to real romance.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
16.8k reviews199 followers
February 28, 2024
This is the second book in this incredible series, and this is sexy bartender Carlos, and single mom, Caroline’s story.
This is a well written story which has a fake relationship, humor, witty banter, emotions, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and heartwarming small town romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ewa.
2,257 reviews
March 5, 2024
It grabbed my attention and focus, I could not put it down.
Second chance in life, single mom , cute little boy and hot man. Good storyline, great characters of course minus ex…
A word of advice when you get your copy,grab a comfy chair,snack and relax.
You won't be moving until you finish this great book Remarkable job.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Dani Ford.
71 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2022
I knew when I read about Carlos in the first book of this interconnected series (Cocktails & Crushes) that I wanted more of his story!!

Katrina DELIVERED 👏🏽
I loved Carlos and absolutely loved Caroline for him!
Their chemistry was so so great and I’m a SUCKER for when he falls first 🫠

Read if you like
🍺 Small Town Romance
🍺 Fake Dating
🍺 Single Mom
🍺 He Falls First 💓

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
8,414 reviews113 followers
February 10, 2024
This is a well written book with strong characters in Carlos and Caroline. The author takes you into their lives with drama, ups and downs and a ton of emotions. She pulled me in and kept me reading their story, turning the pages as fast as I could. Loved and recommend reading.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
328 reviews2 followers
February 17, 2024
This is the second book in the Out of the Ashes series. I enjoyed reading this book a lot. Carlos and Caroline are perfect for each other and I was cheering them on. Once I started reading this book, I had a hard time putting my tablet down. I would recommend reading this book/series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara.
17.7k reviews8 followers
December 17, 2022
The second book in the Out of the Ashes series. This is bartender Carlos and divorced Mom Caroline and her son David's story. I enjoyed seeing them get a happy ending even if Nathan is being nasty. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,278 reviews9 followers
January 10, 2023
This was a fast paced, sweet tale of two shy people both nervous to act on their attraction to the other. It could be read as a standalone but I felt more understanding having read the previous book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Read.Review.Repeat Blog.
5,186 reviews97 followers
July 3, 2023
Brews and Bartenders is the second book in the Out of the Ashes series by Katrina Marie. I loved reading and following Carlos and Caroline's single mom romance. I found their story hard to put down once I started and worth reading. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Michele Del Rey.
1,821 reviews22 followers
July 9, 2023
What a great story. This is the second book in the series about Caroline and Carlos. The chemistry is amazing, but she has her son David to think about. This book was written so well and the characters were lovable and real.
1,561 reviews19 followers
February 28, 2024
The romance between Caroline and Carlos is great. This is a well written story with characters that I can relate to, and i really enjoyed it!!! I Liked it a lot!!! No Spoilers!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 10, 2024
I bought this paperback from Katrinas website & received it yesterday. This book is my new favorite by Katrina Marie. Mostly because I relate so strongly with the main female character, Caroline, being a single mom whose ex cancels on his child a lot and only wants him when it benefits the ex.

Caroline always puts her son, David, first. She refuses to date for that reason. One night she runs into her ex husband at the bar Carlos works at and letting his presence get to her, she blurts out that Carlos is her boyfriend. He goes along with the ruse while hoping that their "fake" relationship will turn real when she's ready.

Definitely a cute book and an enjoyable read. I found myself laughing out loud at parts.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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