I see that many of the people commenting on this book liked it because of learning about craft beers. That doesn’t seem like enough of a recommendation when both of the characters are rather unlikeable. Kat seems immature and, well, obnoxious at times. Ryan seems uptight and arrogant, but he’s right that the pub can’t last if it can’t make money. I didn’t feel the romance between the two of them. In fact, they were irritating together.

And maybe I’m just old-fashioned, but once Kat described how she shaved half her head and kept the rest long, I just couldn’t keep her in my imagination as the heroine of the romance. And notice that that isn’t how she’s pictured on the cover of the book.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

The way these people talk in this book is so cringe and the story telling and characters didn't really pull me in. Ultimately I dnf'd early on.

An antagonistic relationship turns to partnership in order to save a brew pub in this kinda-sorta romance, Kat discovered the world of craft beer after a bad breakup and she's making a career at the Resistance. And then Ryan, son of the owner turns up. Fans of the genre can guess how this will go. I liked it less for the romance (which wasn't that romantic even with the trope) than for the info I picked up about craft beer. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

I couldn't resist this punny title! As you can expect, there is a huge focus on craft brewing in this story. I'm not a beer drinker in the slightest, but I found the whole process—the chemistry behind it—so interesting to read about. And each chapter opening with a different beer description was a very cute touch!

After an unexpected change at Resistance Brewpub, aspiring brewer Kat Malone is not pleased with its new owner Ryan and his plans of shifting the pub into a sports bar to attract more customers. On top of that, he completely ignores her plea to obtain the brewer's assistant position.

I liked Kat a lot. She had a really edgy, snarky charm. The romance with Ryan is a VERY slow burn, and I wouldn't say it's overly passionate, but I still thought it was enjoyable and mature. Also, the man buys her books! Enough said.

But honestly, I think this story would have stood well on its own even without a romantic HEA. Any ending with Kat reaching her goals would have made me happy!

This book started out really good. I loved the meet cute and how Kat, our FMC, compares people to beer. Kat's character was great. I felt like the author did a great job bringing her to life. I could feel how passionate she was, especially about brewing, and I really enjoyed her backstory, as well. I also loved the found family feel to the crew at Resistance. This cast of characters was great.

The romance, however, fell a bit flat to me. Ryan, our MMC, really frustrated me through about half of this book. He came off as super pretentious at times and also very manipulative towards Kat. At the beginning of the story, I felt some chemistry between Kat and Ryan, but as it went on, the chemistry waned considerably. By the end, I was kind of looking forward to a third-act break up. For a romance book, not the best romance in my opinion.

Read if you enjoy:
✔️ Workplace Romance
✔️ Found Family
✔️ Craft Breweries
✔️ Female Empowerment

Here's what you can expect to fall in love with I’ve Got My Mind Set on Brew:

An opposites attract, enemies-to-lovers, work place/close proximity romance. Get ready for witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and a slow burn that will leave you craving the perfect finale.

A deep dive into the craft beer world. Jayne vividly portrays the passion and dedication behind brewing, making you yearn for a frosty pint of your favorite craft beer.

A heartwarming cast of characters. From the quirky regulars to the supportive staff, the people of Resistance will feel like your own chosen family. Features nonbinary, queer, and Latinx rep.

If you're looking for a book that's equal parts funny, heartwarming, and awoony, then "I've Got My Mind Set on Brew" is the perfect choice.

Thank you Netgally, Stephanie Jayne and Alcove press for the ARC of I’ve got my mind set on brew.

This book interested me as I love craft beer and the process. The storyline was ok I did not feel the tension or heat I would expect but it was a decent story.

I will say I do feel like at times both the main characters were childish and there were points about both of them I did not like. I did enjoy Kat’s growing up and taking charge of her life but feel she could have done or figured it out sooner but as I say that then there would be no story.

Overall it was an ok book not great but not bad either.

2.5 rounded to 3 stars

Firstly, every time I picked up this book, I got the George Harrison song in my head.

And it started with such promise.

Ryan and Kat had so much potential.

I liked how they started out, liked the bite and snark.

But then... that was it. They didn't move on from it, and I felt they were actually quite toxic. They brought out the worst in each other.

I felt noconnection between them, and though it is marketed as romcom, I did not get that vibe at all.

Ryan didn't listen to anyone else, and Kat was petulant, acting a spoiled brat as she didn't get a job - that was never hers to begin with.

It was a shame that the characters didn't develop further, as the story had real potential

My mind was definitely set on this story. It was a little predicting with some good surprises. The plot was moving and the characters were really developed. I liked that it has many relatable moments.

I loved the concept immediately with this one, as I am a personal fan of the winemaking, distilling and craft beer industries and have friends who work in the business too so I felt that I could instantly relate to it from that perspective. I also love a good, cheesy rom-com so this one initially appeared to tick all of the right boxes. A little close proximity, enemies-to-lovers - what's not to like?

Over all it was good, entertaining read, however as a rom-com I would have liked to see a stronger chemistry between the main characters.

Other wise, it was generally well-crafted and well-researched, easy to read and I look forward to seeing what Stephanie Jayne brings out next.

This book is just fine. I really like the tropes of enemies to lovers and workplace romance but this book made it far too messy. Kat and Ryan had no chemistry and they were horrible at communicating. Their romance wasn’t believable and their last fight and then the ending just confirmed they didn’t go together. I did like beer angle of book along with the representation of different characters. Some characters there wasn’t a clear feeling on by the end because sometimes they were painted as good people and other times they were blamed for things. Both main characters felt very immature and overall, this was written okay but wasn’t for me. 3⭐️, 1.5🌶

So I had high hopes for this book. It was super sweet and a great romantic comedy for readers! There were points that I struggled to continue on but overall it was good!

I’ve Got My Mind Set on Brew is an enemies to lovers rom-com with lots of back and forth arguments. Kat and Ryan’s romance is supposed to be the main focus but it felt more like Kat and beer romance:, as there was more romance between them than the latter.

This is one of those books that has so much potential with both the premise and the first few chapters, but then never quite delivers.

I didn't feel much chemistry or romance between the leads once the "enemies" portion was over.

Book Review: I’ve Got My Mind Set On Brew
Release Date: April 2024
Genre: Romcom

Summary: Kat wants nothing more than to marry the beer!🍺 She’s given a chance by her bosses to learn the brewing process but when the brewpub is sold, her new boss, Ryan, isn’t as keen to give Kat the same opportunity with the beer.

The two butt heads instantly but eventually work related outings turn into more. Can Kat and Ryan overcome the work drama which includes Ryan’s father being the investor, or will the beer remain Kat’s forever love.

My Thoughts: This was good, and I liked it. I enjoyed learning about the different types of craft beer and the variations in the brewing process. I didn’t quit feel the romantic, tingling sensation I expect with a romcom and because of that I didn’t find myself rooting for Kat and Ryan as much as I should have. But the story had a lot more to offer, so I still enjoyed it and recommend it, especially over a pint! 🍺

New author for me. Was a good book. I highly recommend this book. If you like romance. I do like s variety of books.

I enjoyed the overall premise of I've Got My Mind Set on Brew, and really resonated with a woman in a male-dominated industry finding her way in the world. However, I just couldn't get myself fully on board with the romance between Kat and Ryan. I didn't so much mind the boss/employee aspect, but it was just so clear to me that he wasn't good enough for her, that I found myself really hoping she fully left him behind in the end. I would've loved to see her grow into her new career without him. I absolutely still look forward to reading more of Stephanie Jayne's books though!!

DNF @ 20%

Unfortunately, I didn't vibe with the writing style of this book and I found it really difficult to get into. This just wasn't for me, but others may enjoy it!

This got a total five stars from me but I must preface and say I’m totally biased because I met my husband when we both worked at the craft brewery, Whitewater Brewing Co. In I've Got My Mind Set on Brew by Stephanie Jayne, readers are served a pleasant concoction of romance, craft beer, and workplace tension.

Meet Kat Malone. She’s a down-on-her-luck craft beer brewer who is facing financial woes after a job loss and a messy breakup. When she stumbles upon a surprising new career path (craft beer brewing, of course) it's a chance for a new chapter.

Meet Ryan. He’s the inexperienced son of the new owner who takes charge after the quirky Resistance brewpub is sold. He wants to transform the pub into a run-of-the-mill sports bar, leaving Kat out of the brewer's assistant position she was promised.

Their clashes are as bitter as an IPA as they reluctantly collaborate to save the pub. Jayne's writing captures the essence of Chicago's craft beer scene, infusing it with love, commitment, and a dash of magic. I've Got My Mind Set on Brew is a refreshing romcom where opposites attract, redemption rules, and love warms your heart like a pint of stout.

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I thought this was a very average romance book. I did like the setting of this book. But overall I really did not think anything stood out to me. But I did enjoy.