The first book in a new rom com series by Denise Grover Swank, the author of the New York Times bestselling series, the Wedding Pact, and A.R. Casella.
Georgie Buchanan doesn’t know the first thing about running a brewery—she doesn’t even like beer—so she’s thrown when her grandfather leaves his business to her and her three siblings. Selling Buchanan Brewery would be the prudent approach, and … approach, and while Georgie is, first and foremost, a businesswoman, keeping it might be her best chance of connecting with her half-brother, Jack. But she quickly learns that what she thought was a fixer-upper is a money pit, the employees are all eccentric to the extreme, and her inheritance comes with a shocking catch. Her one hope for success lies with River Reeves, the handsome brewmaster who learned at her grandfather’s feet…if she can avoid falling for him.
After learning his best friend and boss is selling the brewery they built together to a soulless corporation, River quits on the spot, only for Georgie Buchanan to offer him a job the very same night. Helping her turn Buchanan Brewery around is his dream job, the perfect homage to the man who taught him everything and helped give him roots. There’s one problem: his new boss is his dream woman, and she’s not the type to mix business and pleasure. Balancing a new job, a new puppy, and a growing infatuation with his boss, River knows something has to give.
If Georgie has any luck at all, she’ll be able to turn Buchanan Brewery around without losing her mind or her heart. But as River helps her weather everything from her uncle’s possessed cat to a séance, she realizes she might be wishing for the wrong kind of luck.
more
What an adorable RomCom! It’s been awhile since Denise has released a RomCom and now I remember exactly why I’ve loved all her previous ones! She does such a great job of balancing humor with lightheartedness and romance. A.R. Casella and DGS write seamlessly together and I thoroughly enjoyed the book from beginning to end. We begin with an introduction to the Buchanans and right away I wanted to know more about this family. Why is Georgie’s relationship with them so strained? Then we’re introduced to River and his very amusing Aunt Dottie, along with the rest of the quirky characters that either worked at Buchanan Brewery or cared for Beau, and I knew this would be a fun read. Add in some animal love, with puppies and a “devil” cat, and I was sold. I laughed at Dottie’s antics throughout the entire novel. The entire seance scene was gold! Watching River and Georgie fight for their HEA was heartwarming and sweet. They complemented each other so well and I loved that River got to introduce Georgie to his brewery world. I also enjoyed Georgie’s sister, Adalie, and can’t wait for her book next! Great start to a new series!
This first book sets the general plot for this series, it starts at a will reading, Beau Buchanan just passed away and one half of the table contains his son, Prescott, and his grandkids, Georgie, Adalia, and Lee. The other side has his work friends who were more like a family for a long time, since his own blood never bother to call nor visit, except for Georgie, whom just recently visited and started to bond with Beau. We learn that he left his brewery to his grandkids, which… let’s just say don’t have the best relationship.
Georgie, since she already owned a successful business before, takes the lead over the management, with some ‘help’ from her siblings, decides to hire River, Beau’s friend, and student since Beau taught him how to brew beer, a brew-master when the last one quits and we begin learning about this new beginning for everyone involved.
Now, I have an unpopular opinion about this book, I can’t really shake the feeling like I read a different one because I definitely did not find this book endearing, cute, or funny. I loathed Georgie, I know she sought approval from her father and brother, and she also had this desire to be loved and enough for her family which they never did (at least so far). Because of that, let’s be honest for a minute, she treated River like a new toy, she really wanted him and probably lusted after him, but not even for a hot second I felt love from her, he was basically the first male who loved her and thought she hung the moon no matter what she did. Which leads me to my biggest turn off about this book, River just let Georgie go with everything mean she did to him, I really hate doormats in my books (been there, done that, got the t-shirt and burned the freaking thing), he never stood up for himself and that angered me more than I can convey. The secondary characters weren’t any better, the rest of the siblings were awful and acted entitled to everything, Dottie was supposed to be that weird old aunt that everyone is wary about but love dearly… for me they tried too hard, which in humor doesn’t work and in this book felt forced 90% of the time.
Still, the writing is amazing and even if I couldn’t connect with Georgie and River, there’s still hope for the rest. I’m actually looking forward to being proven wrong about my impressions so far about this series. Even if my review is not that positive I do recommend this book, I think Denise and AR have made something amazing.
Such a great read. Georgie’s character got me straight away, very professional but not like the men in her family. I love how this book is written by two different amazingly talented authors. The glow was great. As soon as I started reading I was attached. I love all the characters especially Dottie, River and all the unique staff members of the brewery. Cant wait til the next book. This is going to be a great series.
Another hit by Denise Grover Swank! I read everything she writes, and this was no exception. The characters were all smart and kind, which I loved.
I don’t drink so I wasn’t super tied to the brewery storyline but I feel like it was not overly complicated and easy to follow. As someone who knows nothing about beer, I was still able to follow that aspect of the story.
I will definitely read the other books in the series.
This was a fun rom-com. I loved the characters and witty humor. I can’t wait for more in this series. Based in Ashville, NC its a favorite location of mine and a beautiful area. I love that its based on a family brewery and that that family doesn’t seem to like each other much. The main characters Georgie and River are great, and I love the name River. Excited for more.
I love reading books about places I used to live. I miss North Carolina as it is such a beautiful, eclectic state. Asheville is one of my favorite cities in North Carolina.
I really liked this book even though I’m not a big romance reader. I didn’t think the romance was over the top or too mushy. I absolutely loved Dottie and the “seance.” The cat is also a hilarious addition. I thought the characters in the book were pretty complex and their actions plausible. I loved that it was a HEA book. Things have been so cruddy this year that sometimes you need a good HEA to get away from it all.
This was such a cute romantic comedy and I can’t wait for the series to continue!
I’ve been spending time working my way through Denise Grover Swank’s immense backlist of books and I’m so used to writing reviews like “I don’t normally read this genre…” and having her make me fall in love with things like paranormal romance. I had almost forgotten she can also write romantic comedy! But it was SO GOOD.
I absolutely adored the character of Georgie. Her struggle to try to figure out how the heck to run a brewery, as well as her situation with River is both comical and completely relatable. In fact, all of the characters are pretty relatable. I mean, we all have a crazy aunt, am I right?! (Maybe I AM the crazy aunt??)
Also, pink crystals. That’s all I can say without giving it away but, if you know you know.
Any Luck at All is the first book in a new rom-com series by Denise Grover Swank and A.R. Casella. I love all of Denise’s books so I was excited to read her latest book and discover a new author. I felt the the flow was great between the two authors. It was easy to follow along with the story, even when it changed from River’s point to view to Georgie’s point of view. It is a cute love story with a nice happily ever after. I enjoyed the funny parts of the books as well as the more serious moments. Overall, this book was an easy and heartwarming book to read and I liked this start to a new series. I’m excited to read the next book and learn more about the characters that we met in this book.
OMG what a great first book co-written by A.R. Casella and Denise Grove Swank! I am a huge fan of Denise’s and now I can say I am a big fan of both authors. They’ve come together to write a sweet rom-com with such an awesome storyline and characters. Beau Buchanan, the owner of Buchanan Brewing, passes away and leaves his brewery to his grandchildren. Georgie, one of the grandchildren, bonds with River Reeves to come up with a plan to make the brewery the best in the business. While they fall hard for one another, they have roadblocks preventing them from mixing business with pleasure.
A wonderful new cast of characters to love and hate in Asheville. Aunt Dottie is a hoot! Lurch and Josie will make you cringe but you can’t help but love them. Lee, Victoria, Addy, and Jack (and even Preston) add their own elements to the story. I cannot wait until November for book 2! This new series is a highlight of 2020!
I do not think there is a single book that Denise is involved in that doesn’t turn out wonderful. Newest rom/com for her and fellow author A.R Casella. This was the first book I read by A.R Casella, and I have to say I really enjoyed it. The collaboration between the two authors was amazing. Like they were sharing the same brain. I love anything Denise writes, and will now have to add A.R to my authors list. Starts out with Georgie, and her family at a will reading. Not a great start to a day, to make things even more complicated she gets to meet the offspring her father secretly had years before. So between meeting her brother, fighting with her other siblings, she also finds out they have all inherited a failing brewery. Nobody other than her, and her long lost brother are interested in running this, so its up to them to pull it out of the red and into the black, and win a brewing contest in a year in order to keep it. With the help of current employees at the brewery she sets off to do it. Throw in a romantic twist that will keep you wondering, and you have this amazing book. Cannot wait to see what happens in book 2.
I finished this book and had to think about how I really felt because there was so much to process story wise, it was hard to pin down if I felt like everything was resolved, did the story flow, etc.
So I have taken a bit to digest and although I thought it was a good story and I liked most of the characters, the setting, etc, I just didn’t connect with Georgie. For someone as accomplished as she is, she was so insecure about everything.
I do admire her honesty and he respect for herself, but she let her siblings get in the way of a lot. She liked to hide. There was a lot of baggage to digest in this character.
Then you add in River who had his own set of baggage and it became a lot of avoidance issues to read about.
Thank goodness for Aunt Dottie, the brewery employees and Jezebel for comic relief!
Then I loved how Adalia came into the story more, but both of her brothers kind of disappeared for the most part.
What happened with Jack??? I hope we get some more information about this person. What about Maisie??!! There was a huge crush going on there that never got addressed!!
Honestly, I would recommend this novel to anyone however be aware of a lot of internal dialogue and self doubt from the main characters. It drives me nuts when they don’t talk to each other so it makes me crazy when the complication is no communication.
I think this new writing team definitely can write together, look how twisted up I am over these cliffhangers and it’s a pretty tame book!
Any Luck at All is the first book in the Asheville Brewing Series. It’s a fantastic RomCom written by Denise Grover Swank and A.R. Casella. It had me laughing at parts, I didn’t want to put it down.
This first story follows Georgie Buchanan. Georgie and her siblings inherit a brewery from their grandfather. They don’t know the first thing about brewing beer but that doesn’t stop Georgie. She gets the help from River Reeves who is a brew master and is currently looking for employment. Georgie and River have an instant connection but feel they will be crossing a line since River will be working for her. This story has great characters, I really loved Aunt Dottie, she’s hilarious.
This book was such a wonderful read. It’s definitely an adorable start to a new RomCom series. I can’t wait o get my hands on the next one.
******3.5 Stars*****
Any Luck at All is the perfect escapism book, light and fluffy in all the best ways. This new series has everything you love about small-town romances; quirky residence, family drama, and a cute insta-love story.
The Buchanan siblings have been thrown for a loop after their estranged grandfather leaves them his brewery. Georgie and her siblings have a rocky relationship, to say the least, and at first, this is the last thing they want. But Georgie decides to make it her mission to save a piece of her grandfather she never knew and maybe find herself along the way. I”m a sucker for family drama and this was my favorite part of the book. Seeing the struggles and insecurities that Georgie had to faced running the brewery against her family’s wishes but also learning to open herself to her family as a sister. My only gripe is that I wished the book focused more on the siblings and them learning to run a business together and becoming a family again.
I will admit that I’m not a huge fan of insta-love stories however River and Georgie’s relationship was so adorable. They had wonderful chemistry and i really enjoyed their playfulness and banter throughout the novel. River was so charming and he’s love for his craft was infectious.
A fun first book in this new series and can’t wait to see what’s in store of the rest of the Buchanan siblings.
******Authors’ provided a review copy******
I am so excited for this amazing new series by DGS and AR Casella. The first book is filled with laugh out loud moments and romance. Four grandchildren inherit their grandfather’s brewery but it comes with some challenges! Georgie and River were great lead characters. Georgie is a strong and determined woman but knows when she needs help. Thankfully, River is there to help! I love how the characters seem real and have real life issues. And the supporting characters are awesome, especially Aunt Dottie! Can’t wait for more of the series!
Any Luck at All is the first in this co-authored series. Firstly, you would never know there are two authors since the story flows seamlessly. I found myself laughing out lout at some of the outrageous events and even shedding a tear at other times. However, the overall plot was fairly predictable.
River was my favorite of the main characters. He is genuine, selfless, sexy and kind. There were often times I felt like he got the raw end of the deal in many situations. However, even then, he stands up for what he believes in and still finds a way to put others first.
I’m conflicted over Georgie. I liked that she’s hard working and wants to have a relationship with her siblings. However, I didn’t like the way she handled the main conflict of the story. I know Denise Grover Swank likes to write characters who show growth and overall, Georgie did do that. To me, her internal melodrama and tendency to want to please others was a bit off putting though.
This book takes place over a short time frame, but mentions an event months away. I will be curious to see how much time passes in the next book or if this ominous future event is the main build up for all the books.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
Any Luck At All is the first in a series written by A. R. Casella and Denise Grover Swank. The plot is developed by characters who have been affected by the death of Beau Buchanan and distribution of his estate and brewery.
The authors introduce us and take us on journey with Beau’s son and grandchildren emotions: anger, impatience, suspicion, sorrow as well hilarity.
One stumbling block of the grandchildren to freely live and love is the inability to receive their father’s approval.
The decision to keep the brewery creates the opportunity for an adventure for all involved.
I enjoyed the development of the characters. During parts of the book I would belly laugh and others I would feel their pain and longing. I’m excited to read the rest of the series.
This is the first book in what will be an amazing series. I have read all of Denise Grover Swank’s books, but this is my first time reading something by A.R. Casella. I have to say that I loved this book so much and the writing style is Amazing. This is a must read book and I can not wait for the next book in this series.
Four siblings inherit their grandfather’s brewery. Georgie has convinced her siblings that she can get the brewery back to where it was, but only with the help of River. The chemistry between them is unreal. And it comes down to a job or the love of their life. What will they choose???
When I first heard that Denise Grover Swank was writing a new rom-com series, I was excited. And when I found out the series was going to be based around a brewery, I was intrigued. I thought it sounded like such a fun setup for a story, and I was right! When Georgie Buchanan inherits her grandfather’s brewery, she has no idea how to brew beer (she’s a wine gal!), so she hires the best brewer in town. The only problem is that she starts falling for him, and she doesn’t want to mix business with pleasure. But they are inexorably drawn to each other, so what ensues is a lot of hijinks and hilarity. While Georgie and River’s romance was fun to see play out, some of my favorite people in the book are the secondary characters. River’s Aunt Dottie provides so much comic relief, and Lurch and Josie offered just enough crazy to be hilarious. Fans looking for explicit steamy scenes should look elsewhere, as most of the bedroom passages are fade to black. I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series and the couple that is featured there. Their interactions in this book have me excited to see how their romance plays out. Anyone looking for a sweet, funny, and poignant romantic comedy should pick up this book! Can’t wait for the rest of the series.
I absolutely loved this book. It was a fun, light hearted read that I was needing. I admit that DGS, is one of my favorites, and I love this co-write she did. They work so well together that it’s hard to tell who did what.
I eagerly await the next book in what will be an amazing series.
This is my first book by A.R. Casella and my umteenth book by Denise, I was not let down at all.
This book is based in Asheville and centers around the Buchannon Brewery. The main couple in the story Georgie Buchannon and River Reeves work hard to make the brewery a success and try not to mix business with pleasure.
there are some very funny moments here including but not exclusive to the party which involves a donkey and tarot readings, which literally had me laughing out loud and causing my OH to ask what was going on!
I very much look forward to book 2 coming along and meeting up with the gang again.