Cover Image: Sassy Blonde

Sassy Blonde

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Three Chicks Brewery by Stacey Kennedy is one series worth getting right now filled with yes, tons of delicious beer but we see three sisters with a dream that may seem impossible but worth it. We start with Maisie first and by all counts should not be in this business but dang is she determined to prove she can do it too. Seeing her struggling and not giving up on making the brewery succeed is awesome then we have her Knight in Shining Armor, Hayes. Now here is a man who is full of bravery, courage and yet in many ways is afraid to love again. He loves Maisie but afraid to really go all the way in because of what happened with his wife. The love he has is strong and yet no matter how hard he tries he cannot stay away from Maisie. All in all these two are perfect in every way and Stacey Kennedy sure knows how to kick them in the behind and finally let go. Loved it and cannot wait for Clara's story next in this beautiful series.

"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."

Was this review helpful?

Sadly this was too insta-love for my taste wich made it all boring and predictable, espesially since the character had this insta-chemistry as well...and lots of things just happend at once with Laurel f.eks and Hayes being a bad boy, arrested... i don`t know. I was just not enjoying this one.

Was this review helpful?

Sexy and sweet Maisie is mostly bumbling her way through life at this point and it is time for her to prove to her family that she can contribute to their business, but life goes awry for her as usual. This new series is a loosely connected spinoff series where we get to learn more about the Carter sisters and their new brewery business, whom we met in a past series through a character that owed a bar. Maisie is the youngest Carter sister and has dreams of opening her own art gallery, but she has always been out of step and felt like the odd woman out in her family. She lost the sister of her heart in the worst way imaginable when she was murdered a few years before, but she is slowly coming back to life and has to help her sisters make their brewery work if she is going to prove to them she has grown up. Hayes has become friends with his late wife’s best friend over the last few years while they depended on one another to recover from her death, but despite the changing feelings they both seem to have he can’t go there because he has been keeping a terrible secret from Maisie. When Maisie needs his help on her road trip in order to make a success of the family brewery, how can he say no to the woman that is slowly beginning to steal his heart, but as their connection becomes deeper and turns physical, the trip is blown to bits and they have to return home and decide if their relationship will withstand being back in their homes town or it was just a fling. And Hayes has to determine if he can return to his old life and keep Maisie without having to divulge the secret he has kept for years from the woman he is coming to love. I really enjoyed this story, filled with laughs, friends-to-lovers romance, and family dynamics that could make the head swim, but so well-written that you don’t even realize just how much has gone on in such a short story when it is over. Maisie is the kind of free spirit with a focus on her art that her trying to make herself into something she isn’t makes her miserable and it is obvious to those she loves and causes more trouble for herself than she ever realized. Once she finally comes to terms with the best way she can contribute to her family business she truly blossoms and of course the love of her man giving her that confidence is not to be denied. I loved her verve for life, ability to make those around her smile, and unwillingness to let the darkness of the world hold her down. Hayes on the other hand is stuck in the darkness and the only time he see light is when he is with Maisie, and he won’t let himself come out of that darkness, believing it to be his punishment for past mistakes. I was sad to see him stuck in the past and fighting his love for Maisie so hard, sometimes to the point he actually hurt her and almost to the point that he broke her heart, but thankfully he came to understand that his darkness would smother her light if her didn’t allow himself to let it go. I loved seeing him pull himself up and find his way back to life and love despite a few setbacks and finally come to terms with both his past and his future with Maisie. The heat between Hayes and Maisie is palpable every moment they are in contact with one another and let me tell you it is HOTT. I am dying to read the next story where we will finally get to meet and learn all about the oldest sister and her son’s father, a story bound to be filled with heartache and craziness! Keep the spice and sass coming, Stacey.

Was this review helpful?

This is the first book in the Three Chicks Brewery series. I was not a fan of the romance part of this book. There is a lot of drama outside of the romance in this book that will keep you reading. I found the book overall just ok. I did not love it, but I did not hate it. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher or author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

New Author to me and I loved this book! I literally read in one seating! I am excited I found a new Cowboy writer. These are my favorite kind of books.

Was this review helpful?

This is a Cowboy Romance, and this is the first book in the Three Chicks Brewery series. I was not a fan of the romance part of this book. There is a lot of drama outside of the romance in this book that will keep you reading. I found the book overall just ok. I did not love it, but I did not hate it.

Was this review helpful?

Sassy Blonde is the first book in this series and it was really good! It’s a series about three sister running a brewery.

Maisie is the first sister we get to know. Hayes is the main male character. He and Maisie share a very big loss. Thankfully Hayes has Maisie to help him through these very, very difficult times. As hard as it was for Maisie she knew she needed to be there for him. As time goes on they both grow more attached have stronger feelings for one another. Should they or shouldn’t they take that next step? I loved these two, but am seriously excited for Feisty Red!

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this book and loved that so many characters from the kinky spurs series that this is a spin off from made appearances! I look forward to the next book!

Was this review helpful?

I have read this author before and I enjoyed the way she wrote a series. I was not disappointed Stacey can make the word bleed out and get trapped into your soul. I loved this book the characters were very well written and the whole book over all is a page Turner. It's a real story ,the pain and loss of someone you love and how to pick yourself up and move forward. I recommend this book, it's a 5 star read.

Was this review helpful?

I thoroughly enjoyed the debut novel of this new series. As well as the story of Maisie and Hayes who find love after terrible grief, we also have an insight into the novels to come. I'm looking forward to reading what Stacey Kennedy has in store for the remaining Carter sisters. A great start to this new series I cant wait to see where these Sister's go next, so take a chance and go add this beautiful book to your TBR list.

Was this review helpful?

"Sassy Blonde" is the first book within the "Three Chicks Brewery" - series and tells the story of Maisie.

Maisie, an artist and free spirit, lost her best friend in a tragedy and now deals with the aftermath. Emotional and business wise. She is trying to do everything the right way (or better said: "her sister's right way") and get their joint business started. But what she didn't expected, was the way she would feel around her best friends husband.

Overall a light and entertaining read, but in the end very predictable.

Was this review helpful?

I’ve read every word Stacey has published probably more than once lol I love her. I love that she can write sexy with emotion, kinky with emotion, sweet with emotion … I think you get where I’m going with this. No matter what she writes, there is always a level of emotion that blindsides me, not because I don’t expect it, but because I never know how deep it will cut me. Sassy Blonde cut deep for me. The story itself packs a punch all on its own but Stacey double downed with both Maisie and Hayes. A year ago I suffered an unimaginable loss and to be quite honest, I don’t even know how I’ve survived it thus far. When I read this story, I felt every word deep in my soul, not because I had gone thru the exact case, but because I had lost, and it was/is buried deep in my soul.

I loved Maisie for her strength, her spirit, her heart, her determination, and her willingness to put everyone else ahead of herself. She was easy to love and root for. Hayes was a man with an unimaginable burden on his soul. He could not let go of the past to see the future. It was heart-breaking to be in his head; the loss and guilt was overwhelming. Their journey was not an easy one, but it was always laced with a could of hope. The layers in this story gave it a depth I was not expecting but was grateful for. It is never easy moving on from your past, especially one as tragic as theirs, but Stacey wrote a story that allowed them to move thru it and grow from it. There’s a saying that kept flowing thru my head when I read this book … “out of the ashes …”. That’s Maisie and Hayes and their story is beautifully told.

Was this review helpful?

A story of three sisters who are building a brewery. A good story overall, but to be honest wasn’t exactly my type of story. Don’t know what it was, but skimmed some. Interesting enough to find out how it ends. Would recommend.

Was this review helpful?

Maisie and her two sisters run Three Chicks Brewery. Maisie doesn't really have an interest in running a brewery, but she is out to prove she can help. They are set to appear at festivals in the area to promote their signature beer and bring them business. The day before she is set to depart, Maisie has an accident and needs help with her festivals. In comes Hayes to save the day. Hayes and Maisie have known each other forever. Hayes starts to develop feelings that are more than friendship for Maisie - his dead wife's best friend. The two embark on a journey that will end in either heartbreak or will it be worth the risk?

Sassy Blonde is book one in the Three Chicks Brewery series. I really enjoyed this book! I can't wait to dive into the next book in the series. I love the characters and following the journey of the sisters while they run their own brewery.

Thanks to NetGalley and Stacey Kennedy for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This book is for me the best story from River Rock. Maisie and Hayes are both great easy to fall in love with. The story is funny, sweet, and develops beautifully. We see their journey how they meet, how they connect, and how their love start and blossoms. I loved reading it, it is great for sunny summer afternoons.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for NetGalley

Was this review helpful?

A great western style modern romance that shows through loss, love can be found again.

Maisie is the youngest of the three sisters, the more reckless and free-spirited one, but when her grandfather passes, she gives up her dreams to support her sisters in the business they inherited. A brewery is now her future and she's ready to recover from loss and show her sisters she can be there for them. The sisters will also have their own books in the future, Amelia, and then Clara with her son Mason. They seemed like great characters with some great development ahead.

She really learns how to lean on her family after her best friend passes away, this is also how we meet our hero, Hayes. Maisie's best friend was also Hayes' wife. With her loss, Hayes hangs up his cop badge and gun to become a tried and true cowboy.

Over the course of the book, you really get to see Maisie and Hayes discover friendship and then eventually romance. Maisie is exactly what he needs with her positive spirit and Hayes can really offer the support Maisie needs.

While it was a heartbreaking and uplifting story, there was a lot of sadness as the couple dealt with all the grief and death around them. I feel like you have to be in the right frame of mind to appreciate these books without sending yourself into a depression. So while it was a good book, I probably won't read it again.

My views and opinions are my own and freely given.

Was this review helpful?

Sassy Blonde by Stacey Kennedy
Three Chicks Brewery #1

Three sisters inherit from their grandfather
A Brewery is the dream of two of them
The third goes along leaving her dream behind
All three will have stories in this series
Maisie, the artist who left her dream behind
Finds her purpose in work and life…
…and finds love

What I liked:
* Maisie: loving, kind, artistic, great friend, giving, caring, and a true friend in good times and bad. She so deserved her HEA
* Hayes: in the past a husband, friend, policeman and happy. He lost almost everything and found his way back with the help of Maisie, his family, and friends. He deserved his HEA.
* Clara & Amelia: Maisie’s sisters who will have their stories told in future books
* That this story is set near the Kinky Spurs bar that featured in a previous series by this author
* The way the topic of death and loss of a loved one was handled in this story
* The way friendship grew to more between Maisie and Hayes
* The indication of what might happen in the future for Maisie’s sisters
* The plot, pace, and writing
* The hint of the paranormal
* That both lead characters fond a way forward through dark times and become stronger as a result of it.
* Everything except…

What I didn’t like:
* Being reminded that good people die suddenly and when they do those left behind suffer
* Being reminded that bad things happen to good people

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I like to read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

Was this review helpful?

I love these River Rock romances with swoon-worthy cowboys and the fabulous women that tame them. The start of a new series set in the small town, Colorado with three sisters and their new brewery is terrific. First up is youngest sister, Maisie. The artistic dreamer of the three that marches to the beat of a different drum than her older sisters. She has her life planned with her best friend until tragedy strikes and changes the course she's set. After overcoming two losses and helping her best friend's husband, Hayes, find his way out of grief, the two become close and set off on a path of recovery. Maisie is a fantastic heroine with all her sunshine and beautiful spirit. She sacrifices for her family in a big way. When she needs help she turns to Hayes and he's everything you want in a western hero. A cowboy and a cop! He's dreamy and always ready to help Maisie. Their relationship takes a sexy turn but something holds Hayes back. I loved the natural progression of friends to lovers between Maisie and Hayes. Sweet heat! The drama was a little overblown for me but added to the emotion of the romance. The sisters, Clara and Amelia, are wonderful characters along with Clara's fatherless son, Mason. I look forward to their stories. A few old friends from previous River Rock stories make appearances which adds to the small town charm of this new series. An easy read that's wonderfully written with amazing characters and an emotional, sexy love story makes this worth the read.

Was this review helpful?

This was my first book by Stacey and it was really good. I'm so glad it's the first in this series cause I would have thought I missed out. The writing was great with some suspense. Didnt expect this book to have emotional moments but so worth it for Hayes. Great book and cant wait to read more.

Thank you Netgalley, the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
M/F Romance

Maisie is an amazing woman. She has always been a dreamer and an artist, but when her grandfather dies and leaves his legacy to her and her sisters, Maisie knows that she has to put her own dreams on hold. She can't let her sisters down. Maisie knows that she is known as the screwup and she wants to show her sisters and herself that she can be someone that they can count on. But when another tragedy strikes, Maisie has to lean hard on her cousin and sisters.

Hayes has had a hard road. He absolutely thrived in being a police officer. But when his wife is killed, he hangs up his gun for a cowboy hat and horses instead. Hayes has a way with horses. He somehow knows how to speak to those that others deem lost causes. Hayes is also seeking thrills that put himself in jeopardy.

Maisie and Hayes have shared their grief, seen each other at their worst, and become very close friends. When their friendship starts to morph again, neither really knows what to make of their newfound attraction. But when Maisie needs help, Hayes doesn't hesitate to step in.

You can truly feel the heartbreak and healing throughout this story. It made me feel a large range of emotions throughout. Each character learns about themselves and their family's strength. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book. These sisters are strong, confident, and there for each other.

Triggers: Murder


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
This is the story of two friends who find each other after a terrible tragedy. Maisie is an artist who is trying to help her sisters get their family brewery up and running. Hayes is a cop working as a cowboy after the death of his wife.

I really loved Maisie in this book. I love her role as the youngest sister, and I love the way she puts her own dreams on hold to support her sisters. I love that tragedy marks her but doesn’t break her and I love the way she shows up for Hayes. I’m not sure I’m a huge fan of Hayes. There are a few too many times where Hayes leans on Maisie without supporting her in return and I’m not sure he’s ready to be a partner for Maisie at the start of the book.

This is a romance novel but I feel like the romance might be the weakest part of the book. Aside from the relationship between Hayes and Maisie, I kinda loved everything about this book. Maisie and Hayes’ beer festival road trip is fun and I love Maisie’s artistic touches. The relationships between the three sisters are convincing and I love their bonds. I enjoyed the small town setting and the characters that are introduced in this first book.

Despite the tragedy that sets up this story, it is a light, happy read. It’s an entertaining summer romance and I’m looking forward to the next books in the series.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the first book in a new series, but Kennedy fans will meet up with some old friends along the way. I found it rather fun – a bit like meeting up with the same group of distant relatives at a wedding, you remember the important parts of their story and are happy to catch up on their progress. Their presence is reassuring as we get to meet this trio of sisters who are taking on their grandfather's last wishes to get their brewery going.

Two sisters are all in, but the youngest, Maisie is an artist, not a brewer or businesswoman. However, it is an all or nothing kind of venture, so she subjugates her wishes to support her sisters. She is also coping with the devastating loss of her best friend. She is not doing well in the brewery, as she tries to help and please her siblings, but other than designing the logos, she is a bit of a walking disaster.

Tasked with attending three up and coming festivals, but having just broken her finger, she asks Hayes, her best friend's widower to help. The two of them have become firm friends and she copes better with admitting to him her failings, than to her sisters. She also has started to feel real closeness to him, but is really not sure how to deal with that. Hayes was totally lost, and only thanks to Maisie's persistent support has he at least felt like he should want to live. I felt that his pain and attitude were well written, and using his work with damaged horses was like a mirror to his soul. He jumps at the chance to return the favour and help Maisie, even if resisting his feelings for her will be tough. His volatility and his calm seem to be at war, and it is difficult to see that he is ready to start a new relationship – but there is no doubt that he is feeling the want to be supportive, loving, and to shine a light on the good in Maisie. It is a very interesting dynamic, and undoubtedly the pull of chemistry is stronger than their reluctance to do the wrong thing.

I thought the story was a strong one, the care and love shown by Maisie to her sisters, and everyone around her, definitely had me wanting the very best outcome for her. I am keen to see how the Brewery goes from strength to strength and the women find their happily ever afters.

Was this review helpful?