I liked this sweet and sexy follow up to the first Martini cousins romance. This time it’s Vanessa’s turn to find romance in an unexpected place when she falls for the mother of one of her students. Throw it n a couple of adopted pets and the crew of Martinis this book is even better than the first!

This book is my favourite of the series so far. I loved Vanessa and Grace's story, loved the complications that they faced in the relationship. Loved the cousin group and their usual hangout, making me think of Friends. The chemistry between the two was off the charts adding to my inability to put the book down. I can't wait for the next book in this series, assuming it is about Amelia.

Another winner by Georgia Beers with great characters!

‘Call the Cousins’  This is a wonderful, amusing rally cry for the Swizzle Stick Romance series. The Martini cousins are a close knit group who do not hold back on their opinions or their love for each other. Vanessa is the cousin in the limelight in On the Rocks. She falls for the parent of one of her students. The parent who is going through a divorce from her husband.
Lambda and Golden Crown Literary award winning author Georgia Beers has over thirty novels to her credit and she knows how to entertain her readers. The Swizzle Stick Romance series is Beers at her best.
The story is based on the effects of divorce on children whether seven years old or thirty. It changes all participants involved. The security you feel as part of a family unit feels ripped from your grasp. It forever changes how you view your world.
On the Rocks is an enjoyable read with just the right balance of humour and angst. The writing is top notch with characters who are unforgettable. The biggest drawback for me is waiting for book three and Amelia’s story.

I received an advance review copy from NetGalley and Bold Stroke Books and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

What a wonderful and fun read. This lighthearted read had me smiling and chuckling. The romance was interesting and thought provoking because of the son's teacher Vanessa Martini and mother of the son, Grace Chapman. As the second read in the series, the focus is on cousin Vanessa. Grace and Vanessa are unsure if they are interested in a relationship. Grace is going through a divorce and her focus is on her son, Oliver. Vanessa is not looking for a relationship but there is just something about Grace that pulls her in. As the story unfolds with kids, pets and an attraction that cannot be ignored, the reader is pulled into the funny, serious and sexy interaction of Vanessa and Grace. I also enjoyed the role Amelia, Julia, Savannah, and Ava played. Very enjoyable holiday read.

Georgia Beers does it again! I love the Martini family, the bar, and the relationship between the cousins. This family is so warm and inviting - we could all use cousins like this. The romance between Vanessa and Grace is believable and you find yourself rooting for them from the start. The trials and tribulations of the relationship aren't too angsty, and, as usual, everything ends happily.

NetGalley Arc Educator 550974


A great romance novel. Ms. Beers draws you in and makes you fall in love with her characters. Though a part of a series, this book can be read alone. Have you ever wanted someone that you considered off limits? Are you a recent divorcee who wants to explore dating? This book hits these topics and more. I eagerly await the next portion of the series.

On The Rocks was overall a fun read.

Grace and Vanessa start off at odds when Grace catches a glimpse of judgement from Vanessa, who is her sons teacher. Over the course of the book, the two women learn a little from the others experience, and fall in love along the way.

I thought the romance was well written and well paced, and I particularly enjoyed how it played out when things went sideways. The characters were delightful. I read this book without reading the first in the series, but followed along with this plot and what I assumed to be the plot of the previous without an issue.

As someone with an child to an ex partner, I thought that Grace's experience with her son and her sons father were realistic and handled well. I wish that there had been more of a resolution with the issues that Oliver was having, but that's my one real criticism for the book.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read with fun characters.

I’m a big fan of this author. Along with being a fan comes that familiarity with an authors stye. This fits the authors style to a T. Well written dialogue, witty banter, and nicely paced. The usual romance novel formula applies with this one but it was enjoyable. If you’ve read this author before then I would definitely recommend it.

In “On the Rocks” part of the Swizzle Stick Series featuring the Martini cousins, we’re introduced to Grace Chapman, a twenty-nine year old whose divorce is almost finalized from her husband. She works at a florist shop and has a young son, Oliver, who is in the second grade. Oliver’s teacher is thirty-three year old, Vanessa Martini. Vanessa and Grace meet when Oliver begins acting out in class. From there they see each other several more times around town. One night Grace and her friends meet at Martini's bar where Vanessa is visiting her cousins and things become heated between Vanessa and Grace. From there somewhat of a relationship begins between the two women.

I really enjoyed the chemistry between Grace and Vanessa and their relationship challenges seemed realistic especially with a young son and ex-husband involved. 4 stars

I’m looking forward to Amelia’s story next.

I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Free copy provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was really cute and enjoyable. I've not read anything by this author before but I'll be checking out her other work for sure. Likeable cast of characters and good chemistry all around. I'd say maybe there wasn't quite enough build up for the pairing, it moved quite quick, but it's a pretty short book so not too surprising.

I was a bit concerned that the blurb made it sound like there'd be a significant age gap, but there wasn't thankfully, and it was nice that both characters were already out. A wlw story without any coming out is like a rare jewel.

I thought the book was pretty good. Didn’t maintain my interest for the entirety of the book but it was written well. I would like to go back and read some other works by the author to get a feel for the writing overall. I would give this book 3 stars

Normally I like when authors write a series because I love revisiting the characters and exploring new lead characters. This book was cute and it was an enjoyable read, but it didn't hit me where it counts. I had a hard time connecting with the characters and with the story in general. One of my favorite authors, but this isn't at the top of my list for her unfortunately. I do look forward to reading the third in the series though!

Aww, this is so adorable! I loved Vanessa in Shaken or Stirred and was happy to finally read her book. The Martini cousins are at it again with their love, support, and humor, making me wish I was part of a tight-knit group of gay cousins!

Vanessa Martini (33, lesbian), the sunshine of the Martini cousins, is teaching second grade for the first time, and one student, Oliver, keeps acting out in class. When Vanessa meets Oliver’s mom Grace Chapman (29, bi) for the first time, she’s inclined to dislike the other woman, even though the attraction is undeniable. As Grace finalizes her divorce from Oliver’s father, the last thing she needs is Vanessa’s judgment about how the divorce is affecting Oliver. Nor does she need to think about dating her son’s teacher, of all people!

This book is just really, really cute. Unlike with Shaken or Stirred, I don’t think too much page time is spent on non-romantic sub-plots, and the romance gets to truly shine. Vanessa and Grace have palpable chemistry, and dang, this is one of the best first kiss scenes I’ve read from Beers! Grace is going through so much at this point in her life, and I love how being with Vanessa allows her to embrace her fun, playful side. Knowing Vanessa from the previous book, we know that she won’t stay cold toward Grace for very long, and it’s beautiful when she lets Grace into that big heart of hers. The date scenes in this book are top-tier as well, one of them which will stay in my mind for a long time (hot damn!). Adding to the cuteness level, this book has something that I thought the first book was missing: pets! The furry friends introduced are absolutely adorable, and once again it’s clear Beers is an animal lover and advocate for animal adoption.

One complaint I have is that some of the main lines of non-romantic conflict are either wrapped up shockingly fast or skipped over entirely, which makes me think this book should have been a bit longer. Also, Vanessa and Grace end up in the same place at the same time quite a lot, and I’m on the fence about whether I liked that or not. Sure, it’s cute, but I also got a bit tired of it. On the plus side, the 80% conflict actually didn’t irk me like some of Beers’ other conflicts do.

In short, I recommend this book if you’re looking for a lighthearted, if predictable, romance with the tiniest bit of angst. Now I’m anxiously awaiting Amelia’s book, which I’m sure will have snark and animal cuteness in abundance!

3.5 stars rounding up.

This is the second book I’ve read this month featuring an elementary school teacher main (the other one is MARRY ME by Melissa Brayden), and gosh, why aren’t there more books with frazzled teachers and trouble-making kids?

Vanessa Martini (33) knows what she wants in a woman: not her students’ mom, not under 35 years old. But when she met Grace Chapman (29, bisexual), mother of the headache named Oliver, they connected better than expected. Too good, actually. Could the worst timing of Grace going through divorce while Oliver is in Vanessa’s class turn out to be the best time for them to date?

ON THE ROCKS was so cute and funny! Beers certainly made me crack up multiple times with her clever dialogues and writing. The previous book, SHAKEN OR STIRRED, was the first book on the Martini cousins. The overall tone in that one was heavier and more dramatic. ON THE ROCKS is fluffier, especially since there are two adorable fur babies Delilah and Rudy. There are a lot of chance meetings though, but even though I am sometimes bothered by too much coincidence in a plot line, I thought they were really cute in this book.

I enjoyed getting to know more about Vanessa and Grace. Their interactions are fun and sometimes frustrating, and with the story taking place over fall and winter, we get to see a lot of holiday scenes from Thanksgiving to Christmas to the New Year.

One of the heaviest theme of ON THE ROCKS is divorce. Grace is going through it with Michael with Oliver as the collateral damage, and Vanessa’s parents divorced when she was thirteen. I appreciate the storyline about the parents’ parenting style and how family dynamics are affected by the split. While Vanessa’s father and her no longer have much of a relationship, I’m glad to see Grace and Michael working out on the best way to co-parent Oliver.

Some major plot lines did not wrap up as nicely as probably should have. Yes, it is crucial to leave some parts of the story open-ended, but when the reason of the conflict doesn’t get fully addressed, I feel worried for the romance. I was disappointed that we didn’t get to see Vanessa and Grace talk to Oliver about their relationship and it was a little bit suspicious how Michael came around so fast. Also, I am very sad that nice old lady Ava had to die in the epilogue; she could’ve just declared retirement or something.

ON THE ROCKS is a mostly light-hearted romance with adorable pets. While I didn’t feel a lot of chemistry between the main characters, I did root for them to be together. Now, I’m looking forward to the third book on Amelia Martini (48), and it looks like there will be a lot more dog content, too!

[content warnings: graphic sex, alcohol (recreational), past cheating, death of a minor character, mention of infertility, divorce]

I’ve been looking forward to reading On the Rocks, (A Swizzle Sticks Romance #2) by Georgia Beers ever since I read the first book in the series. I enjoyed the first story, and this one is equally delightful.

This series is about the three Martini cousins; three women who grew up together as family and as best friends. The first book in the series told us about Julia Martini falling in love. This novel is the story of Vanessa Martini, an elementary teacher (teaching 2nd grade this year) and her very complicated romance with Grace Chapman, the mother of one of her students. Oliver, Grace’s son is acting out in class and Vanessa believes it is because Grace is currently in the middle of a divorce. Vanessa has a rule about dating parents of her students. The divorce only adds to the complications with Grace, but the heart doesn’t always follow the rules.

You can tell when an author really loves what they are writing. It shows in their words, the way they treat the characters, and in the overall feel of the story. It is easy to see that the author loves these characters. They are vibrant, realistic, and easy to connect with.

The setting for this story is familiar since it is in the same universe as the first novel. Julia’s bar, Martini’s and the Bar Back, a place where the cousins often meet features prominently in this tale. It is really fun seeing these familiar places, and people we already know from before. That’s one of the terrific things about a series.
I had a lot of fun reading this book and learning about Vanessa and Grace’s tale. It was also great to see more of Julia and Samantha from the first novel. Now it is time for Amelia Martini’s story, and I’m really looking forward to that.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.

Rainbow Reflections: https://rainbowreflections.home.blog/

I received a copy of this e-arc in exchange for an honest review thanks to NetGalley and Bold Stroke Books.

I read and loved the previous book in this series a few months ago so it’s safe to say I was buzzing to get to read this arc!

I blitzed through this and absolutely adored the characters. I also loved that we got to see a bit of Julia and Savannah’s life following on from the previous book!

This felt so realistic compared to other romance books where it’s very exaggerated.

I am so looking forward to reading about the 3rd gay cousin in the next book!!

I have enjoyed both books in this series. I find myself wishing for more cousins because I don't want these books to end. I love that the bar was still important and even more interesting cocktails were included. I liked all of the main characters and really appreciated the variety of places in the book like the pet adoption center, the assisted living, the florist and more. I felt bad for Oliver and would have liked to see a bit more resolution there but maybe that sneaks into the next book like Julia's proposal did into this one. I'm really looking forward to the next book! I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

What do you do when you already gave the first book in the series five stars and the next one is even better? Georgia Beers returns with a second book in the world of the three Martini cousins. Vanessa 33, is the youngest cousin, and is a 2nd grade elementary school teacher. When Oliver, a child in her class, is acting out she makes an appointment with his mother Grace. She learns that Grace is finalizing a divorce but her marriage has been over for a while. Then their paths seem to cross everywhere.

There are so many sweet things in this story. Pet adoption, visiting a care center, relationships with friends and family members. It includes discussions on the impact of divorce on children. Vanessa's parents divorced when she was young. And every time the concern of, is it wrong to date a parent of a student comes up, I heard the voice of Ross on Friends saying it's not against the rules (although it might not be appropriate). I like that Beers lets Graces ex be human and a little bit of a jerk, but not a villain.

The best part of the story is first the romance. These two together can flirt, have fun and create steamy heat. I want only the best for both of them. Secondly "the cousin" group dynamics are lovely. In a large family, their queerness has made them close their whole lives. They support each other, call out each others mistakes and you feel their genuine love. Their group speak is endearing and affectionate. I love they include Savannah, the love interest from the first book, as part of the cousin sisterhood. (This takes place about three months after "Shaken or Stirred" ends.) You know Grace is going to be just as welcome.

The book isn't perfect even though I've given it five stars. Oliver fades from the main storyline and we never see his parents talk to him about his feelings or anger issues. Grace doesn't resolve things with her parents and I wish Vanessa would have taken a moment to connect with her father. Also the epilogue moment is sweet but I anticipated it. These are minor quibbles for a book that makes me happy and and left me smiling.

As a last side note, I re-read Beer's "The Secret Poet" a few weeks ago. It is the authors last book before starting this Swizzle Stick series. I was surprised to see that the main characters visit Martini's (bar) and Julia makes an appearance as their bartender. I love that there was a little easter egg hidden in plain sight. It also means that those characters live and exist in the same city and world as the Martini's cousins.

Big Thank You to NetGalley and Bold Stroke's Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is he second book in the Martini book series, but it is not necessary to read the first in order to enjoy this. It stands alone just fine.

Grace Chapman is in the middle of a somewhat contentious divorce and her young son Olive has become the epitome of the problem child. His teacher at school, Vanessa Martini, has called Grace and arranged a parent-teacher conference.

Their first meeting is, thankfully, NOT instalove. Sure, they each think the other is attractive, but Grace feels that Vanessa is judging her because she can't control Oliver, and Vanessa....seems to actually feel that way, when she finds out the kid is caught in the middle - just as she herself was, when her father left (cue the childhood trauma bell, as now the dad is completely out of her life, even though he still lives in the same town).

Vanessa and Grace wind up in the same place quite often, just by chance, and run into one another several times at martini's, the bar owned by Vanessa's cousin. Once out of the parent-teacher school vibe, they realize they are attracted to one another, but Vanessa is concerned about how it would look, ethics-wise, if she started seeing the mother of one of her students. Side note here, from someone who has lived in small towns off and on: even it's just casual, everyone is going to know. That's just the nature of small town life.

One day, while Grace is at work at the flower shop, Vanessa pops in and asks her out for real, and Grade's crusty old boss approves, leaving Grace astonished.

The one issue I have with this is the same I have with most: communication. Grace's issue with her ex husband's insensitivity about Grace's time and possible life could have been solved sooner. After he's had discussions with both Grace and Vanessa, he does a complete 180 that would please whichever editor at Bold Strokes is in love with peoples' heads snapping up or around. There's never a point where Grace has a heart to heart with Oliver, which would have been worth at least a page or so.

They're adults about getting really involved with one another - UHaul involved -which is a breath of fresh air. They decide to wait until the end of the school year, when Oliver will no longer be in Vanessa's class.

There are some kisses, and there is some sex, but it's not over the top graphic if that's a metric you use to decide what to read.

A solid four of out five stars.

Publication date: December 14, 2021

Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for the reading copy.

It was great to be reunified with the Martini cousins and see Vanessa find her happily ever after. The book was well written and engaging and Grace and Vanessa had great chemistry from the start, even when they didn’t like each other. There was one scene in a toilet that was completely unexpected and so sexy. However, when it came to the big conflict, I think Grace being with her son’s teacher could have resulted in a bit more drama - we weren’t really told how the son or other parents reacted to that as the book ended before the main characters went public with their relationship. Overall it was a nice holiday read but the last third could have done with a touch more conflict.