This is the third book in the Swizzle Stick Romance series starring three women, cousins of each other, from a family of Italian origin, surnamed Martini. The previous books in the series were Shaken o Stirred and On The Rocks. Although each of the books can be read by itself, it is advisable to read them in their order, because if not, some issues may become apparent. In this book, the main protagonist is Amelia, the eldest of the three women. She is forty-nine when the other two cousins are in their thirties.

And really this aspect, that of Amelia's age, is the center and main focus of the novel, because Amelia is going through menopause, divorce, and early retirement from her job in addition to starting a new company as a dog caregiver. The symptoms of menopause that she is suffering, the hot flashes, the hormonal disorders, are what are marking her day to day and are making it difficult to deal with her.

Until Kirby appears in her path and despite being fourteen years younger, hyperactive, and seemingly out of reach for Amelia, thanks to the fact that the two have to relate for a while because of work, Amelia accepts, not without its large number of doubts and difficulties, that Kirby's interest in her is genuine and not just a passing diversion.

I have been able to feel a little represented by Amelia, I have understood perfectly all her worries, her difficulties, getting older is not easy. Reading stories with characters you can relate to from time to time is comforting. I am very grateful to the author for that and for having closed this series like this.

Finally, a lesbian romance novel that deals with someone my age! I have enjoyed all of the "Martini" books, but this was my favorite. Amelia deals with all of the middle-aged issues we face - menopause, starting over after a relationship ends, feeling uncomfortable with her body - and this makes her relatable in ways the other Martini cousins aren't. It's rare to find a lesbian novel with characters in their forties, so this book was a nice change of pace.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Book 3 of a 3 book series.
This is just an ok read...not up to Beer's normal great storys.
I enjoyed book 1. It was good enough as a stand alone and was the set up for books 2 and 3. But I felt book 2 and 3 were not enough different theme wise.
Unfortunately I also found the "back bar" conversations repetitive so it lost its humor.
If you are a new Georgia Beers reader do not stop here. She is one of my favorite authors. Very sensitive, emotional, romantic and clever.
This one is just a miss for me.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It’s cliche to say they saved the best for last, but when it comes to Book 3 and the final of the Swizzle Stix series, nothing could be more true. Throughout the first 2 books and the beginning of book 3, the oldest cousin Amelia is struggling with a myriad of struggles including the aftermath of an ugly divorce and annoying menopause symptoms. I felt immersed in the slog of feeling rock bottom and that you just don’t feel right in your own skin anymore. That’s when Kirby literally brings a new lightness to Amelia’s heavy existence. Kirby’s positivity and caring personality gradually and painstakingly renews Amelia in ways she never thought could or would happen. It’s a beautifully written story of hope and strength that is different from most age-gap romances I’ve read so far. I look forward to reading this one again. I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A good read from Georgia Beers. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The women face some of the same things I am facing. Go Gerogia.

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 :)

Amelia Martini is going through a rough patch. On her way to 50, she never expected to be retired, divorced and having to start over. When a housesitting job unexpectedly throws her into regular contact with someone new, things just might be turning around. Kirby Dupree is a talented, hard working business owner who doesn't stay still. If there is a sport to play, she is there. The anxious and moody Amelia might be just the person to get her to slow down.

As the third book about the Martini cousins, Georgia Beers latest novel brings us back into the fold to find out more about the final cousin, Amelia. This has been a fun series, and each book manages to continue the story of the prior, without taking focus from the main character of the story happening now.

This book has an older protagonist, a rarity in the genre, but a very welcome addition. Beers once again presents mature characters who have baggage, flaws, and are deserving of a happy ending.

It was bittersweet to reach the end, knowing this concludes the trilogy (though we can always hope for cameos in the future). Georgia Beers shows that not only is she incredibly talented of the standalone romance, they are also a master of composing a series. If you like a light romance with balanced characters then this is one to add to your reading list.

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 eARK in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book.
It is not very often that you get to read books that talk about older women and the changes in life that come with age.
Menopause, weight gain and feeling unattractive was portrayed so well, that it made you see Amelia through her eyes, it made you resonate with her.
Kirby was a supportive partner, someone fully believable and normal, which made me like her a lot.
Overall this was the best book of the series in my opinion, it was real, it showed real drama that comes with day to day life, not something extraordinary that only romance novels show.
Must read and maybe revisit in a few years.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.

Amelia is dealing with a lot that goes with getting older. She been hurt and doesn’t think someone who is younger would be interested in her especially someone who is always having good look on life Kirby knows what’s it’s like to have losses but she doesn’t let that derail her life. Theses are two characters that been through a lot but somehow find each other even if it’s took awhile to get there. I’m going to miss theses cousins/best friends and the love they found.

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!

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.

The last Swizzle Stick f/f romance is probably my favourite of the three. I can see a risk that some readers will find Amelia's issues with her body image and menopause a bit wearing, but I liked the book's frankness in dealing with her discomfort and insecurities. I also liked that ultimately, for all that she got emotional help and support from her love interest and her family, she also recognised the need to work on her own issues and to make use of the support that she had. It's nice to see a romance where characters so actively recognise and work on the issues that threaten their happiness.

This is a wonderful love story. with 2 completely different characters. Amelia is coming off a divorce, retirement and going through menopause. She is not happy with herself and the changes in her life. Kirby is a painter who meets Amelia while doing a job. The plot centers around how Amelia and Kirby can get past their differences and find love. The characters are very real and there is love and emotion plus reluctance because of the age gap and Amelia's poor self-image. Georgia Be4ers is one of my favorite authors and I would recommend this book for romance readers. I received this book as an ARC from Net galley in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.

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!

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.

I’ve enjoyed this whole series but I think one was the best out of the three. I felt as though there was more emotional depth in this one. Instead of angst manufactured by the main couple the main characters are dealing with real issues individually and help each other overcome them. I felt like it was a deviation from the standard romance read and I loved it. If you enjoyed the other books in this series then you won’t want to miss this one.

I'd been waiting a long time to see Amelia find her happy ending so I was excited to get my hands on this book. The pains of going through a divorce and having to rebuild your life completely as a middle-aged woman had been depicted really well. Kirby was a wonderful character, I loved how she slowly got Amelia out of her shell and was a nurturing presence when Amelia needed it despite being significantly younger. The age gap added a nice flavour. The depiction of Amelia's grief and of being left alone in the world really struck a chord with me and will stay with me for a long time.

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.

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!