Sometimes you take the shot, and sometimes the shot takes you.As the manager of Montreal’s most infamous dive bar, Monroe—and it’s just Monroe, thank you very much—is used to serving up her signature pearls of wisdom alongside an array of shots, pints, and pitchers. In fact, she thrives on it. Taverne Toulouse is a mighty ship, and she its fearless captain, trusted by patrons and bar staff alike … patrons and bar staff alike to steer them through choppy waters.
If only she’d been given a little warning before a full-on tsunami swept in next door.
Julien Valois’ wining and dining empire is making waves. The next item on his agenda is opening a trendy lounge right next to Monroe’s beloved Taverne Toulouse—one that’s meant to run the dive bar out of business so he can buy up that property too.
His plans did not include falling for a five-foot-nothing brunette with an impressive vocabulary and an even more impressive ability to manhandle drunk frat boys twice her size.
They’re rivals in every sense of the word, but when Monroe and Julien are in a room together, the battle lines fade away. Their defences lower, their hearts get louder than their heads, and the burn between them goes down like just the right shot—intense, intoxicating, and able to sweep their priorities away with a single taste.
Until reality decides to slap up a big ‘For Sale’ sign and force them remember those priorities all too clearly.
The Bar Next Door is part of the Barflies series, a set of standalone romantic comedies that chronicle the lives and loves of the staff at a Montreal dive bar.
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The Bar Next Door (Barflies Book 1) by Katia Rose – Review by Gail Guerrero
Four Stars
This is my first story by this author. I thought it would be interesting read just by the summary. As the story progressed I learned that people can be truly selfish. Monroe was a tough character. She was hard for me to like. I felt her animosity throughout the whole beginning. I understood the reason but I didn’t agreed with how she went about it. I would feel some type of way as well but I wouldn’t take it out on the one wanting something better. The story flowed nice and it wasn’t overwhelming. It did take me a little longer to read just because I couldn’t find the vibe and enjoy I have with other books. I did enjoy certain parts. Like the cage and his bond with his family. The whole dog thing was super cute. The ending wasn’t as I expected so that was a plus
This is a wonderfully delightful story. The story takes you on a ride through the life of a dive bar. We see wild decor, crazy workers and fun patrons. There are French words and French guys. It covers life and death and a Yorkie with a literary name. I enjoyed all of this and more! I struggled to put this down and was awestruck by the “Red Wine Guy”. I loved the learning and growing period each of these characters went through. They are equal parts wisdom filled and emotion filled.
This is a first time author for me. I really enjoyed the heck out of this book. The words flowed and while I had some trouble with the French words..I liked the addition of English to make me understand. The characters are warm and inviting. I look forward to more from this author. I see Dylan gets his chance next. I really feel like he deserves it and more.
This is my first book by this author and I enjoyed it. I will be looking for more from her. This is an enemies to lovers story that pulled me in right from the beginning and kept me turning pages to the last. The characters are strong, connectable that made you feel part of the story. Monroe is the manager at Monroes and has a big heart and then there is Julien who is steamy with a determination to push Monroe’s out of business. The problem becomes is they never expected to meet and feel an attraction to each other which ups the steaks a little bit. What will happen when reality hits for them? They have such great chemistry together, I found myself wanting them to find their HEA. I highly recommend reading their story to find out what happens.
This is the book you can’t put down because once you start reading, you’re stuck in it and not mad about it. This is the type of book that could be turned into a Hallmark movie or a Lifetime movie. The infamous bar Monroe dishes out the best advice along with the best drinks. Taverne Toulouse is a strong woman who keeps the bar and the staff in check with an iron fist.
Taverne and her staff are in for a whirlwind when a new business opens up next door. Julien Valois is getting ready to take his empire to the next level as he prepares to take everything in sight including the infamous Monroe bar. That is until he meets Ms. Toulouse who gives him a run for his money.
This story is so beautifully written as we go on this ride with the characters. The battle fades away the more, the walls tumble, their hearts override their mind, and their internal flame burns deeper because the passion ignites. That is until reality sinks in as business goes back per usual but will it tear them away? But this is just the beginning. Pick up this and don’t regret it because it will be worth the read!
The bar next door starts off with an introduction to Monroe. We then go on to meeting Julien. Julien and Monroe chemistry is well written and addictive. The plot is very well thought out anf action packed. This is my first book by Katia and ot won’t be my last i would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance. Tavern tosuel is struggling will Monmore ve able to save this bar before it falls on its last legs. Read to find out.
4.5 Stars
Je suis tellement heureux, ma bouche fait mal de sourire si grand! I adored this book so much, and loved these characters even more. This book was such a swoon worthy read, I couldn’t get enough.
Monroe is the manager of a failing bar. She loves that bar and her staff and treats them like family. But when Julien purchases the lot next door Monroe sees that as competition. And so, it becomes her mission to save the bar and the people who work there.
Julien is a businessman and his focus is on work. He’s every bit charismatic and charming. Though he’s not one for relationships, but meeting Monroe throws him off and suddenly he wants more.
Julien and Monroe try their best to maintain their distaste for one another. But soon a bond is formed, however they find it difficult to see a balance. Their sexual tension is evident and there’s no denying the sparks between them. And boy does Julien bring the fire out of Monroe. I loved these two. And Julien speaking French, mon dieu! Julien était en feu et m’a fait fondre.
The Bar Next Door was sweet, spicy and humorous. A wonderful storyline with down to earth and refreshing characters. With poignant moments that’ll touch your heart. This book will have you laughing and swooning nonstop. Katia, bravo, un autre gagnant. À votre santé.
The Bar Next Door is my first read by Katia Rose and I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from her!
This book was a sweet swoon worthy read. Monroe is the manager of a failing bar when Julien purchases the lot next door and plans to open a wine bar. For Monroe that means competition, it becomes her mission to save the bar and the people who work there that she loves to death
Julien on the other hand focuses on work and success. He’s not one for relationships but meeting Monroe throws him off when he suddenly wants more.
Julien was swoon worthy needless to say and him speaking French here and there through out the book added to his sex appeal. Monroe on the other hand is a do gooder. Too kind for her own good she never puts herself first. But Julien brings the fire out in her and I loved their conversations.
A cute fun read, Bar Next Door has all the perks it needs. While the added French was a little hard to read, liked that is was added in as it brought something different to the book from others. Plus I now know how to say “what’s up whore?” (Thanks DeeDee ) Thank