"Everyone has life experiences, things they did when they were young and stupid. I..well, I guess I woke up one morning, or maybe after a few mornings, and realized that I don't have anything tucked away. I don't have any cool stories or experiences. I wanted those. I still do."
Sage is a mixologist at her friends' bar/restaurant and loves her job. Her background is in mechanical engineering, but she found herself unhappy, unfulfilled, and wanting more of a life. She wants to have that metaphoric "bottom drawer" filled with tucked away memories, secrets, and adventures to look back upon. She decides to find herself by being her own friend... along the way she makes some real and true friends that become like family to her. The older brother of her best friend turns out to be the man of her dreams.
Garrett is Sage's best friend's oldest brother and a hard-working, serious farmer. He's so used to being the one in control, running the show, shouldering responsibility, that he hasn't had the time or inclination to realize that something was missing from his life.
"He's spent his life letting other people shine."
Until Sage gets drunk and reveals her feelings. After that, neither one finds it possible to move on.
Stirred is a love story that kind of explores "what if?" your fantasy finally came true. Both Garrett and Sage have been hurt before--different ways, but still-- and have to work past their own emotional baggage to find out if they are willing to open up all the way and let love, true and real, in.
I loved the way Ewens crafted the development of Garrett & Sage's love story... it wasn't insta-love at all. Yes, Sage was "in love" with Garrett from the beginning, but once she got closer, she realized what love really is. Through each other's eyes, they are able to see the worth in opening up for another, and they each deserve that kind of happiness.
Sage was a cool character. She had a great sense of humor, and could stand on her own two feet. I loved how intelligent she is, and that she wasn't afraid of personal growth and being honest about her feelings. There is nothing more annoying than a female MC that hides her feelings.
Ah, Garrett. What is there not to like love? He's most women's fantasy: a hot farmer/business owner that cares about his family, takes great care of his dog, and is strong enough to pick Sage up like she's a feather... the scene at the end with the dresser. Swoon!
"You probably have a bigger bottom drawer than you realize, Sage."
I also loved the way Ewens mixed steaminess and romance without getting graphic. The kiss in the wine cellar had me holding my breath... and the scene in the barn during the rain storm... WOW.
Although this is part of a series (this is #5), it works well as a stand alone. Ewens provides the perfect amount of background information to fill in gaps & explain relationships, without going off on tangents.
When NetGalley sent me this ARC in exchange for an honest review, I had no idea that it was a series but now that I've read the last, I want to go back to the beginning and read them all.
My rating: 4.5/5
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