Brew - A Love Story

Tracy Ewens is very talented, one of my top 5 favorite authors. She has created a large series with fantastic characters and it's not overwhelming. Each book is a standalone but the last two are connected with brothers, as I can assume are the next two. Boyd, single father to teenage Mason, is the master brewer for the family brewery. Ella, trauma doctor with connecting limitations, is smart and funny and brave. Their path to romance was slow but built around realistic concerns: his son, her past, their independence. Boyd is the old dog that actually learned some new tricks. It was fun to learn about his brothers, the brewing process and a local town from Northern California. I'm thankful my day was slow because I devoured their story in one day! My review was written voluntarily after reading an early copy from Netgalley, totally unbiased although I love her books.

This is a new to me author. It looks like this is part of a series although I think all the books are stand alone. I grabbed this one based on the synopsis. Love single parent tropes and with a brewery in the background---I was one clicking.

Although the story follow a pretty simple and fairly common outline, I found myself really caught up in this small town and all the secondary characters. Honestly, this author needs to write everyone of those McNaughton brothers their own HEA. A family of beer making brothers--come on--a no brainer there! Hopefully the rest of the gang speaks to her so we can see more of Boyd and Ella as time goes on.

A bit of heartache, but mostly healing hearts, a quirky teenage boy, meddling family and great best friends. I enjoyed the older age group of this couple as well as their developing friendship before things went further. Enjoyable read!

have been reading Ms Ewen's "Love Story" stories since she first introduced us to them. Each is perfect in of itself, this new story involving the McNaughton brothers, Boyd in particular, promises to be another that demonstrates this author's capacity for writing stories you are excited to be immersed in.

Boyd and Ella are flawed, but are working to draw themselves into a better reflection of who they truly are. These characters grab your heart immediately, giving you a view into their vulnerabilities, right up front becoming emotionally invested in them and those within their orbit...especially Mason.

Mason alone added tremendous depth and dimension with his delightful humor. He is a young man so real that one could envision every thirteen year old to be so loving, and emotionally aware of the important people in his life.

With each of her stories, I've found that Ms Ewens draws you into a world one could readily live in and simply never want to leave. This story is no different, I wish I could have stayed and experience more of the Boyd, Ella, and Mason show. I look forward to seeing which direction the next stories take.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

I received a copy of this story from NetGalley for a honest review.

4 1/2 stars

This is my second Tracy Ewens story and both times I've really enjoyed them. This story is about Elle and Boyd, two very enjoyable characters. Elle has moved to the small town of Petaluma because she pretty much got burned out and had no life in San Fransisco, I love stories that involve a person re-evaluating their life because they are not happy and so they seek change. Boyd on the other hand has what seems like a full life with his son and his brothers, yet as we see this is not entirely true. I loved reading about these two falling in love, I loved the fact they didn't jump into the relationship. Boyd annoyed me sometimes but he also touched my heart, Elle was great, feisty but not annoying. I also found all the secondary character's enjoyable and they added to the overall feel of the story. I'm looking forward to her next story.

This is the third book from the 'A Love Story' series that I have read. I have loved each book. They are standalone but I think you gain so much more from having read prior books in the series. I still want to go back and read all the ones that I have missed! Throughout the series I have been impressed by the writing style of the author and I feel like these books were are real labor of love. From the story lines to the perfectly imperfect characters. They may not always be pretty, fast, easy or free from bumps but I can relate to each story and they just feel real.

I have been waiting impatiently for Brew since I finished Exposure where the McNaughton brothers were introduced through West. I don't want to give any spoilers about Ella and Boyd but I love them both and their story was perfect. Everything flowed for me- from their first meeting in the ER, to Mason seeking advice, to movie night at the end of the book. The cast of characters have drawn me in and I can't wait to discover what is in store next.

Dr. Ella Walters left the big city to start over and put distance between her and her past. The small town of Petaluma is close knit and she begins to settle in. Even makes friends and starts to collect hobbies, all in an attempt to reconnect with people. An unexpected ER visit brings Boyd McNaughton into her life.

A single father, Boyd is seemly content with his life. He has an amazing relationship with his son, he has a supportive and loving family and the Brewery keeps him challenged. Meeting Ella throws Boyd’s routine life into a whirlwind of emotions and complications he isn’t expecting and isn’t sure he’s ready to face.

Brew is a story of forgiveness, friendship and love. It’s about opening yourself to new experiences and obstacles and facing your fears head on. If you’re in the mood for a small town romance with strong ties to family and a second chance love story, Brew will be just the thing.

What I liked:
For starters, I really liked this cover. Maybe the color is a bit neutral but I loved the design and it really represented the story. The cover to this one isn’t bright or bold but still grabbed my attention. I think it’s really pretty :)

When it comes to the story itself, I loved the author’s voice. Her way with words, especially the inner dialogue of the characters, it was a really engrossing and comfortable read. It was funny, sad, happy and angsty at times but each character shined through as his/her own person and moved the story along as just the right pacing.

It’s been awhile since I’ve loved so many characters in one book. I loved Ella with her determination and optimism. Because even though she’d been burned before, she was ready to be happy. I loved Mason, he was a great character. The author managed to make him both wise beyond his years but enough of a kid still to find him endearing. He really was a great secondary character I wouldn’t mind reading more about in the future. I loved Boyd for his love of family, for his devotion to his kid and for being an awkward but sweet guy, even with his hang-ups and indecision. These three clicked and their emotional connections made the story for me.

I also loved the friendship that springs between Ella and Mason. Their connection was a strong one and seeing them interact, especially with the whole dating/girl advice, it was funny and cute.

The secondary characters were also really amazing. I loved Cade and Trick with their sage advice, unconditional love and unwavering support for their family. I’m definitely going to check back in for their stories. I loved Ella’s friends, fingers crossed they’ll feature in their own HEA in this series. I have a hunch Aspen and Trick will end up together but Cade is still up in the air.

I’m happy I got the chance to read and review this new (for me) author and can’t wait to see what else she has in store for the Foghorn Brewery.

The cover lured me in, the writing sold me! If you want a funny romantic story, Brew is it. I loved Tracy’s style of writing and while it is not the usual romance story I go for, it was a welcome break from all the angst I have been reading. I liked that the characters, Boyd and Ella are a little older.
Ella, a doctor who left the big city after a disastrous affair with another doctor meets Boyd, master brewer with a teenage son Mase who is a delight. What results is the ups and downs of dating and falling in love. I can honestly recommend this book and will be reading more of Tracy’s books!

This author once again serves up a sweet blend of romance with a heaping dose of relationship uncertainty angst. The first 40% or so was mostly main couple inner monologues as these two, perfect for each other knuckleheads try to reason and rationalize the feelings brewing inside and between them. They both seem set on convincing their heads and hearts that true love is too messy and complicated for their hectic lives.

Ella is an ER doctor who has jumped off the fast track of success to hopefully get some needed life perspective and slow things down a bit, much to the perpetual disappointment of her selfish, uncaring, elitist family. Still reeling from hurt and betrayal two years ago, she finds herself unable to resist falling for Boyd and his 12 year old son, Mason. Surprisingly, she’s the one who mans up more than once and puts her heart on the line.

Boyd is a single father in a small town trying to juggle a job and fatherhood to a 12 year old boy. He foolishly thinks a relationship will just get in the way of what needs to be his sole focus in life, Mason. Deep down though, he has an even greater fear, falling for someone then having to endure watching them walk away again. Let me warn you upfront. It causes him to do quite a bit of hand wringing and a knucklehead moment or two.

With writing that flows, this slow burn romance finally starts to smoulder after quite a bit of circling around each other with a first kiss at the 45% point. However, it continues to be a rocky road right up until the finish line. The main couple do spent some smexy time together, but it is not overly done, folks. The majority of the book focuses on their relationship angst, with the hero being the most conflicted.

If you like a sweet romance in a small town setting that does not have steamy scenes hijacking the storyline, you might want to consider this new release by Tracy Ewens.

Title: Brew, Series: Love Story (Book 9), Author: Tracy Ewens, Pages: 304, stand-alone but part of a series, afraid to love hero, reluctant at first heroine, a few not overly graphic steamy scenes, lots of relationship angst, ex-boyfriend appearance, a few cameos of baby mama, no love triangle, no cheating, both have been celibate for quite awhile, great cast of sub-characters.

Book 1 - Premiere
Book 2 - Candidate
Book 3 - Taste
Book 4 - Reserved
Book 5 - Stirred
Book 6 - Vacancy
Book 8 - Exposed
Book 9 - Brew

(I received a free advanced reader copy via NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. No type of compensation was given to this reviewer. There is no relationship/affiliation between the reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)

Dr. Ella Walters has embraced the small town life, the everybody-knows-everybody thing has grown on her, and she's even managed to slowly let go of her past and accept her single status. Boyd McNaughton is a ruggedly handsome man, Ella can't deny that, but beyond his looks the only charming thing about him is his son, Mason. Ella is working on connections though and Mason brings out the best in her and soon even Boyd can't deny that he wants to be her friend or maybe something more. Mason helps break down Ella's walls and when she embraces hugs she embraces Boyd too. They'll both have to let go of their idea of what's best for themselves in order to see that the best is right in front of them.

"It was one of his favorite brews. Her eyes were more of an oatmeal stout, deep brown with a hint of amber, kind of like last year's Golden Polish."

"That was a good year. Great beer. Great eyes. He allowed himself one more look."

I had no idea how much I needed a sweet romance read to fall into until I opened up the pages of Brew. It's a slow burn romance of the best kind, nothing stands in the way of the characters and their love story except for themselves. Alternating between Ella and Boyd's perspectives, we get to see the characters as they battle their pasts, their heads, and their hearts as they recognize that things between them are more than just lust-driven chemistry. I loved that Brew features a small town, that I know well actually, and the drama that drives the story is wholesome and true to reality. Ella and Boyd were dealing with things like broken hearts, raising teenagers, and navigating the bumpy roads of siblings, friendship, and how much monkey bread is considered too much. Brew is all about the relationships that shape you, whether they are good or bad and it's definitely emotional as the good finally wins out. It's obvious from the very beginning that Boyd and Ella are meant to be, that everything just needed to be sorted out with a bit of help from their very own cupid, Mason, and all the citizens of Petaluma.

"every time she said his name, it was like hearing a song he thought he knew but realizing the new version was better."

Tracy Ewens is a new-to-me author, but she's made a fan out of me with Brew. I could easily find happiness as Ella with a man like Boyd and his adorable son by my side. I'll be going back and reading the entire A Love Story standalone romance series. Fans of easy romance and emotional love stories will fall head over heels for Brew, just as I did. Plus, it features beer, and if you know me or have read my blog at all, you know I love my craft beer!

<blockquote>
“There’s bad and good in everything. It’s like beer.”
“Of course, it is.”
“You have malt, which can be wheat or barley. I’ll always choose barley, but that’s not the point. The malt is the sweet. It’s usually a pretty color and it smells good when it’s milled. But no one makes a beer with only malt. If they do, they’re idiots because it’s so syrupy it has no right to be called beer. Any brew master will tell you the key to a good beer is balance, so you add hops. Hops are funky looking, sticky to touch when it’s wet, and bitter. It takes down the sweetness of anything. There’s all kinds of other crap that needs to be adjusted too, but you get the point.”
</blockquote>

Sweet, cozy, and just the perfect read I didn't know I needed! This is a lovely standalone about letting go of the past and letting in love. My favorite takeaway from the book was that settling on being "fine" in order to avoid being hurt by someone again just means you're hurting yourself.

While I loved the themes, it was the characters that really made this book. I especially loved the interactions between Boyd, Ella and Mason. I also liked that both Boyd and Ella realized that they needed to change, and I liked that Ella realized that she needed Boyd to make a commitment to their relationship and refused to accept less. It felt like there was a lot of growth on both sides. I also loved Boyd's brothers and am looking forward to reading more about Trick and Cade!

This is a clean romance (of the fade-to-black type) but the description of their attraction and kisses (especially that first one, wow!) was plenty spicy for me.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Great, sweet romance! Quick and fast paced. Read in one sitting.

I just love this series. Boyd is a single father and perfectionist when it comes to brewing beer! Dr. Ella and Boyd's son strike up a friendship. Boyd and Ella have an attraction but Boyd fights it. It's was a wonderful thing to see them come together, after Boyd realizes - yes, I need to have a fun time through life too!!

This is your go to romance novel if you are looking for something short and sweet. Reading about Boyd McNaughton going out of his comfort zone and connecting with Dr. Ella made this an enjoyable read. Boyd's got a great relationship with his brothers and they do well in running the brewery. He's also great with his son, Mason, who for some reason tends to see more than he does when it comes to how he interacts with Dr. Ella.
Each character complements the other and there is a seamless connection that flows between Ella and the McNaughton's.
I am glad to have received an advance copy from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This is a beautiful story about finding love accepting love, and embracing the messiness of love and family.

I inhaled this book. Smart, grounded, and hopeful - I'd recommend this to anyone who loves reading books where people are really good at their jobs (competence porn is one of my favorite tropes) and loves books where two people with full lives learn to make room for someone else.

This is a slow and easy book, meant to be read on those lazy afternoons when you can take your time with the story. Just like the way Boyd and Ella came together. Slow, but not easy, and finding out more about themselves before they finally...well, I won't say anymore.

Both Boyd and Ella are well developed characters. Mason is such a great kid that I want to know him too. All 3 of them felt like real people to me that I wish I knew. And all this came from the story not being rushed (though I did feel it plod on a bit) but it was a nice build up. It's not fast and sizzling and heavy. It's slow, simple and well, a bit more real.

Read it!

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the arc.

This is the first book I have read in this series and I cannot wait to read the read.I just loved Boyd and Ella's story it was such a sweet read I just loved how they slowly got to know each other and really enjoyed watching their relationship develop and grow a super read this is a must read for me such a sweet romance.

NO Skimming this novel it was not an option!! My first Tracy Ewens read but I will say that she is an amazing story teller that held my interest to the very end. Characters Boyd, a Brew master, his son Mason, and Ella a trauma doctor grow and heal through each other. This is a stand-alone read even though it says it is #9. Both Boyd and Ella have had unlucky past romantic encounters and are struggling to be HAPPY. Just really enjoyed reading this one. "This book was provided by author through NetGalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion."

I WANT A BOYD!!! This story was a joy to read and I found myself smiling a few times. It's a quick read and sometimes that doesn't give the reader a chance to really enjoy the characters, but that's NOT the case here. There is just something about Boyd (maybe it's the single parent connection I felt with him) and Ella (maybe it's her struggle to be ALL IN) and Mase (maybe I mentally relate him to my own boys) that just truly enjoyed without feeling like they were too good to be true.

The title and cover of this book caught my attention as I love craft beer! As Tracy Ewens was a new author for me I was not sure what to expect so I was wonderfully surprised at how much I enjoyed this read.

Boyd is one of the close knit McNaughton brothers, three of whom are working together to get their Foghorn Brewery and Taphouse off the ground. After he cuts his hand while working in the brewery he goes to hospital and there meets emergency room doctor Ella. Even though Ella is exhausted from work and Boyd is impatient at being made to wait to get attention from the doctor they have an instant connection.

Both Boyd and Ella have a past which makes them reluctant to get involved with anyone. Boyd is bringing up his son alone and Ella due to a disasterous relationship has moved from a prestigious job in a hospital in San Francisco to a new life working in a small hospital in Petaluma. Sparks fly again when Boyd returns to the hospital to have his stitches removed and his son Mason meets Ella. Mason is going through teenage awkwardness with his first crush on a girl at school and Ella gives him dating advice which forms a bond between them.

Suddenly Boyd and Ella are "bumping into each other" all over town and they find that they have the same circle of friends who encourage them to get together. Eventually they find that their love wins over their fear of a new relationship and there is a happy ever after ending.

I loved this book for the wonderful leading and support characters and the small town theme. Ella is lucky to have such a wonderful supportive circle of friends that encourage her to get out and love again. Boyd's brothers and friends help him to realise that they are there to help him bring up Mason and he is not alone and it is time for him to find happiness for himself.

Although I have not read any of Tracy's other books I am looking forward to reading the next one about the McNaughton boys, as well as some of her previous books. I highly recommend reading Brew it is a beautiful feel good love story.

I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley and this is my honest review.

First book I have read by this author and I loved it. The story of Ella, doctor working the the emergency room of the local hospital, and Boyd, brewmaster and single parent to Mason. They meet when Boyd has a accident and ends up at the hospital, and in the small community their paths keep crossing.

Also, I love the cover of the book, so simple and effective.

I was not familiar with Tracey Ewens’s A Love Story series before this but based on how Brew swept me away, I’m going to need to acquaint myself with them stat.

This was a heartwarming story. Ella and Boyd have both suffered blows in their past which make them wary of connecting with others. Single father Boyd figures he’ll be content enough with his 13 year old son Mason, his family, and their brewery. Ella throws herself into work, even when she trades being Head of Trauma in San Francisco for settling in Petaluma as an ER doctor.

Despite wanting to lick her wounds, Ella is befriended by Bri and Vienna and the rest upon arriving in town but she still holds back. She keeps her secrets to herself and there’s a lot in her life that simply isn’t up for discussion. That is, until Mason shows up to ask his dad for advice while Ella removes Boyd’s stitches.

This is how the story grows. As Ella connects with Mason, she begins to connect with Boyd and in the process, she becomes more connected to her own life and community. She becomes more empowered in every area of her life and this was incredible to see.

Boyd will admit he’s attracted to Ella but he’s not interested in a relationship. He doesn’t believe he can be both a good dad and a good boyfriend. Mason’s mom walked out of his life when Mason was a baby and he hasn’t had a relationship since and figures he can put one off for longer. But life has a funny way about it when it comes to our plans…and when it comes to the interference of teenage boys. Everyone in Ella and Boyd’s life thinks they could be a good pair but Mason is the only one that tries to lend a helping hand.

This is a love story, it’s true. But it’s not just the story of Ella and Boyd falling for one another. It’s a love story between them and their respective communities. It’s about the ways friends can be like family and family can go above and beyond in helping us and just how much we need one another. It’s about recognizing our worth and moving toward healthy people and cutting out the ones that are toxic.

Boyd and Ella have different wounds in their pasts. They have different work to do as a result. And it doesn’t always line up perfectly. Mistakes are made. Lines are drawn. But there is such good between these two and I was rooting for them the whole time. I loved seeing them take risks for one another and I loved the way they took care of one another and how they made it up to one another when they screwed up.

It felt just like a real relationship. I also really loved that Ella is 36 and Boyd is 37. (I also loved that Boyd was this big, burly man, pretty much my dream man!) I’m all in favor of love stories between people in their mid to late 30s! Please let there be more.

The way brewing figured into the story was both thoughtful and insightful. Not only because it’s Boyd’s passion and the business he shares with his brothers but because of the way the metaphor of brewing added to the story itself.

This book plain made me happy. There were times I ached for the characters but by and large, this was a fun, heartwarming read and I can’t wait to catch up on the 8 books that came before it. Clearly this can be read as a standalone and I’m glad for it.

Tracy Ewens is one of my favorite authors. I really like how she tells a story. In Brew, the love story between Boyd and Ella evolve in a way that is realistic and true. The MC's struggles are relatable and their issues feel are not overdrawn, OTT, angst-filled plot fillers. I totally appreciated that. So if you're looking for a book with characters that feel like friends, who fall in love and live a good life afterwards, do check this book out.

Ms Ewens, I can't wait for the next McNaughton brother book!

I read and reread the Stirred/Reserved/Taste novels, so I was thrilled to get Brew via @netgalley. I love how Tracy makes her characters so real. The dialogue between the brothers was hilarious, and I loved that Boyd was a little bit self-conscious about his appearance. In this book I thought Mason was the star!

Brew: A Love Story by Tracy Ewens is a contemporary romance. Boyd McNaughton is working on balance. He is a father, a brewmaster, and the oldest brother of four. When he’s not running Foghorn Brewery with two of his brothers, his days are packed with carpools, teenage angst, and well-intentioned school moms determined to send him on the perfect blind date. After a simple argument ends with a visit to the emergency room, Boyd discovers the one thing he’s been neglecting, his life. Ella Walters is working on connection. Having grown up in a less-than-affectionate family of overachievers, she moved to Petaluma for a slower pace and to escape her past. She has friends now instead of accolades, chooses chocolate croissants over super foods, and cherishes the peace that’s replaced the drama. Sure, she occasionally misses the buzz of the San Francisco General Hospital ER, but Ella is learning that navigating a fuller life can be just as exciting. When Boyd’s son, Mason, seeks out Dr. Ella for “advice” and Boyd stumbles all over her newly healed heart, she finds herself longing for something she never knew existed. But families are messy, and they’ll both need to let go of the past if they want to find a future that’s more than by the book.

Brew: A Love Story is a modern romance full of the trials of connection and letting go. None of us come into a new relationship without our past shaping how we see things and react, this is particularly true with the main players of this story. Ella comes to the story with a less than pleasant family, and something that sent her running from her perfectly ordered life. She is just starting to let people in, and start feeling with the help of great friends. Boyd is a dad first, and everything else second. When he took charge of raising his son he did everything he could o give Mason the best life he could, but things are changing, because Mason is growing up (as they tend to) faster than he is really prepared for. Neither Boyd or Ella is quite ready to jump on in, but their attraction and the support of those around them urge them in the right direction. Now they each just need to get out of their own heads and pasts, and work on figuring out what they want and need. I love the reality of this story, because none of use are in a vacuum. Family, past troubles, friends, and everything around us effects how we interact with others and perceive he world. I love that there was movement in the relationships and characters around them as well, showing just how fluid and changeable life really is. Boyd and Ella each have things to work out, and those that support them and give them the straight talk that they occasionally need to open their eyes. The honesty and heart break her was very well done, and while there were moments when I wanted to kick one or both of them, I was glad to see them find their way.

Brew: A Love Story is a heart warming story of two people finding each other, and themselves. I enjoyed the read, and hope to explore more from this author in the near future.

This is one of those books that you can't really judge by its cover. Just because there isn't a hot couple making out, or a hot body with washboard abs doesn't mean this isn't as good. It gave me all types of feels! It is a hidden gem in romance novels. Dr. Ella Walters wants to slow down and let go of her past to accept her single life. The best place for that is the small town. I like that this was a slow burn. Ella bonds with Mason first rather than his handsome and rugged father Boyd. Both Boyd and Ella are dealing with broken hearts and they are the only thing that is standing in the way of being happy with each other.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

A wonderful single father love story.

Why do I always wait so long to read a new book by Tracy Ewens? (I've had this one for several months and got derailed by a hurricane back in September 2017.) I love her writing and every single book that I've read in her "A Love Story" series has been at least a 4-star read for me.

The "A Love Story" series books are somewhat connected but also stand alone. Brew begins a new group of stories about brothers who own Foghorn Brewery. Each brother will get a book. If you haven't read any of the others in the series, Brew would be a great place to start.

Boyd is a single father trying to raise his son and maintain balance in his life. Ella is a doctor who moved to Petaluma to get away from a disaster of a relationship. Boyd and Ella meet when he goes to the ER after cutting his hand.

I'm a fan of slow-burn romance stories and this one is a gem. Boyd has neglected his personal needs in order to give all of his attention to his thirteen-year-old son. When he feels attracted to Ella he's not quite sure how to handle it; he's been out of the game too long.

There is a fair amount of angst to this story, but not too much in my opinion. Boyd screws things up royally with Ella and has to get advice from his brothers (even though he's the oldest) on how he can fix things.

I just can't say enough good things about this book and the entire series.

A review copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley but this did not influence my opinion or rating of the book.