Tequila: a distilled beverage made from the blue agave plant and, in Mary’s case, a truth serum.It took one night.No, it took one dinner, a bevy of cocktails, and a woman who’s been skirting me for months. Then, everything changed. Because the tequila did what it does best, Mary’s words flowed faster than the magic liquid she was shooting with salt and lime.Mary had demons—ones she thought were … she thought were buried. She thought wrong.
She can’t hide from her past or from me. Not anymore.
I’m Evan Hargrove and I’ll turn the world red before I let anything happen to her.
This is a Killers Series Crossover Novella written for the Happily Ever Alpha World of NYT Bestselling Author, Aurora Rose Reynolds.
Warning: This book contains naughty words and sexy bits. If you aren’t eighteen, step away from the purchase button, turn around, and walk away. We’ll pretend this never happened and I won’t tell your parents.
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Guys. This book…phew. It was amazing!! If you’ve read Brynne’s other books in The Killers series (if you haven’t, go do it now!) then you’ll recognize Mary and Evan. Even in this novella length book, you get all of Brynne’s amazing writing and storytelling. I do think it helped to have some backstory on them from the other books but this one definitely can stand on its own, too.
Mary was such a great character to read. Feisty, funny, broken but not irreparable. And Evan was such a delight. He set his sights on Mary and it was O-V-E-R. I flew through this book and I already know that I’ll be revisiting it soon!
Tequila is not my favorite drink, but for a Brynne Asher book I’ll learn to like it. If drinking that devil’s drink gets me Evan, even better.
If you’ve read Vines, you’ve gotten to know a little bit about Evan and Mary. I’ve always wanted to know what was going on with those two. The author teased us with just enough about them that you knew there had to be a story there.
Three books later and we finally get to see Evan catch Mary. It was worth the wait! I really enjoyed seeing a different side to Evan. I didn’t realize how dominant he was and I loved every bit of it. I’m such a huge fan of boy-chase-girl stories and you get that. Even is relentless and no matter how hard Mary tries to avoid him, she can’t. Swoon!
For a novella this really had a lot to it. We got to see everyone from Vines and it made me love Crew all over again. I have this need to go back and re-read the Killer series again. We also get to see a special appearance from a couple in Aurora Rose Reynolds Until series. I let that be a secret so you can experience that yourself. I loved it!
Until the Tequila: A Killers Crossover Novella is by Brynne Asher. This book is fairly short in length, but not on content. And oh my gosh, the ending, that epilogue. It’s one you won’t forget. Evan and Mary are two characters that in a very short time, completely stole my heart.
Evan Charles Hargrove III grew up privileged. His parents did love him and although his dad was disappointed that Evan didn’t want to follow him in business, they were still close. Evan is the tasting room manager at Whitetail Farms Winery.
Evan has had a thing for Mary since the first time he saw her. She is close friends with the owner so they saw each other often. Because she kept him at a distance, he got her attention in any way he could, usually by teasing her because any reaction is better than no reaction. He wouldn’t give up, though. Finally his day had arrived and he convinced Mary to have dinner with him. Only things turned out a little different than he had hoped.
Mary grew up in the system, with no real knowledge of what love or family really was. She kept her past hidden from her friends. Mary loved her work as a beautician. She loved making people happy. She knew Evan was interested in her but could not understand why. Their backgrounds were polar opposites. But she had to be nice to him since he worked for her friend. She didn’t know how he did it when he convinced her to have dinner with him. But she made the mistake of drinking tequila because she was so nervous. All the liquor loosened her tongue and she told Evan secrets she hadn’t told anyone. Now he was determined not to let her go, to be her white knight.
“The petite girl with the mermaid hair who used to make me smile, now makes me ache.”
Mary can’t resist Evan any longer. He convinces her that his feelings are real and that they are going to happen, no matter what. Could she actually have a real chance at happy? But just when she lets herself imagine, her past comes back to greet her in the worst of ways. But this time she’s not alone, this time she has Evan.
“It’s time to up your expectations, baby. And I swear to you, I’ll meet every last one of them.”
I’ll stop here. Now all I want to do is gush about how much I loved this, how much these two were just so perfect. How I got butterflies. And that ending! But I won’t. Well, maybe I already did. Mostly I just want to tell you to read this book. That it’s swoony and sweet and a bit suspenseful and sexy. All my favorite “S” words. I love this author. I really do. And I can’t wait to see what she is going to do next.
I think I speak for all the Killers series fans when I say we’ve all been “patiently” waiting for Mary and Evans book. These two are so opposite, but so perfect for each other. They had been playing the whole cat-and-mouse thing for quite awhile. She wasn’t quite ready for him, due to her past, but our sweet Evan was not having that. He finally gets her to go out with him…and after one to many Tequila shots, he learns even more about her and realizes for sure he wants her. No need to worry, you know Mary, she really makes him work for it. She is so ornery and he calls her on it every time, some of her shenanigans really cracked me up, especially when he called her on it. I adored these two. We get to find out so much more about Mary’s past and the reasons that make her who she is. She’s so strong and needed Evan in a way that even she didn’t realize at first, but learned throughout the book.
This was a safe read. No om or ow anything, just a great storyline, throw in a little suspense, about two of our favorite characters. July Mayson is her best friend, so we get to read her and Wes, Crew and the favorites of the Killers series. These two were hot af, his dirty talking to his little spitfire. There was a very heartfelt epilogue, that I loved and an hea.
Until the Tequila is a Killers series crossover novella, featuring Mary and Evan. I am SO HAPPY that these guys have their own novella, because I have so much love for them. The story is written within the Happily Ever Alpha World of Aurora Rose Reynolds – So, not only is there Mary and Evan to fall in love with, there are a lot of other familiar names that pop up in the storyline if the reader has read both Brynne Asher’s Killer series and the Until series by Aurora Rose Reynolds.
I may have mentioned that I am REALLY HAPPY to get more Mary and Evan. Evan Hargrove is my new favourite hot guy. He’s stubborn (and HOT), and determined to make Mary his. Mary does not make this easy for him, but we learn the reason why throughout the story. Mary tried so hard to resist, and puts up a strong fight, but Evan is pretty irresistible!
I really enjoyed this novella – the characters, the storyline, that ending! loved it. And now I want to go and reread the Killers series again. And maybe some of the Until books.
Ahhhh I’ve been waiting for Mary and Evan’s story for so long! And boy it didn’t disappoint! Banter, laughs, drama and a bit of suspense thrown in make it an unputdownable read! I think I may be in love with Evan! *swoon*
Until the tequila is a crossover of the killers series and the until series, both of which are amazing!! Mary and Evan have made an appearance in the killers series and I was really excited to get their story! Mary and Evan have chemistry from the beginning, but Mary has no intention on acting on it. They come from two different worlds and Mary knows they would never work out. But what do you get when you mix Mary, Evan and tequila? The start of their happily ever after! This book was amazing, it was short but so sweet and had the best characters!!
Highly recommended!
I love the author’s way with words! The story is replete with a budding romance, trouble from the past, and loving friendships. Woven throughout is the author’s signature touch of humor.
Very enjoyable reading, whether you excitedly read it in one sitting as I did, or savor slowly for a day or so.
Mary and Evan’s story is beautiful and emotional, and their chemistry is scorching hot. With a whole lot of romance, suspense, and an epilogue that will leave you smiling . . . let me tell you, you want this book. You NEED this book IN YOUR LIFE.
I was first introduced to the words of Brynne Asher, last year when Aurora Rose Reynolds organised her first Happily Ever Alpha world, where a selection of authors wrote interconnected novellas from their own series combined with ARR’s Until world. After reading Until Avery, I was completely hooked on this lovely ladies words and quickly downloaded every book she had written and devoured them in just a couple of weeks. So, as soon as I saw there was another HEA world being written and that Brynne was again going to be part of it, I was absolutely ecstatic, and I was not disappointed!
In book one of the outstanding Killers Series by Ms Asher, we meet Mary and Evan. Mary is a hairdresser who has formed a quick friendship with Addy, the heroine from Vines, so she spends a lot of time around her vineyard and tasting room, the Manager of which, is Evan. Now, if you haven’t read Vines, you 100% don’t need to to enjoy Until the Tequila, but it’s such a fantastic story, why wouldn’t you?
Mary puts on a good show, she seems confident, strong and fun, but underneath she’s hiding a past that is dark and cruel for anyone to have lived with. Evan has been flirting with and asking Mary out for a long time, but she isn’t prepared to give in to who she thinks of as ‘more all-American than the boy next door, the Fourth of July, and red Solo cups all rolled into one.’ as she is scared her past will taint anything good in her future. After she gets a message from a friend, she’s too shocked to say no, when Evan asks her out again, and this time she says yes. Only, riled by their upcoming date, Mary starts the night chugging wine, and ends it downing shots of tequila. Needless to say, the date doesn’t go as planned and in her inebriated state, Mary lets slip some things that only intrigue Evan more, and after the Tequila, he is all in at winning over the feisty, rainbow haired Mary.
Evan also knows about darkness, he also has a past he doesn’t talk about. He may be Evan Charles Hargrove III but that doesn’t mean his childhood was untouched by sadness. After being forced by his father to get a degree in business, Evan wanted nothing to do with the breeding business his father runs, so he began working at the vineyard during his time at College to keep the boredom at bay, at some point, his interest was peaked and he went on to learn all he could about wine, to become the tasting room manager at Whitetail Vineyard.
After their failed first date, Evan is more interested by Mary than he was before, and though she still tries to evade him by telling him hilarious stories to keep him at bay, Evan is persistent and takes it all in his stride, in his mission to get the girl.
This story has everything you have come to love and expect from a Brynne Asher book, the characters are loveable and relatable, their story has plenty of ups and downs, twists and turns, but as always a happily ever after and an epilogue that will warm you from the inside out. I can’t recommend this story or any other, by Brynne Asher any more. Read everything she has ever written, and if you’re like me, you’ll end up rereading them over and over again.
We first met Evan and Mary in Vines. Their characters in that book left you wanting to know what was going on with them. I’m so happy that we finally got to see. Mary and Evan couldn’t be more opposite at least in Mary’s eyes. This is a quick story but there is a lot of push and pull. Along with some action. I love a hero who knows what he wants and doesn’t falter, Evan is that hero. He sets his sights on Mary and no matter what, he’s going to get his dandelion.
Until the Tequila is a crossover between Brynne Asher’s Killers and Aurora Rose Reynolds Until series. Mary never lets anyone too close. She’s got a paet that has left her broken. She’s a colorful mess with a Diet Coke addiction. Evan is the straight laced boy next door. But what Mary doesn’t know is Evan Charles Hargrove III will stop at nothing for the lady he wants …his little dandelion. When Mary’s past comes to threaten her, Evan must protect whats his at all cost. I hope you enjoy this Novella as much as I did.
I am a forever fan of Brynne Asher’s writing and this novella does not dissappoint!! Evan is everything I love in a H persistent, patient but eventually NOT, and head over heels gone for Mary (h). Mary tugs at my heart because as a woman who has also felt like someone on the outside at times and not worthy of the awesome things life can bring to us I relate to her and I cheer her on. I thoroughly enjoyed this novella and don’t feel cheated by the shortened length at all. Their story is perfect and the ending is everything. I can not recommend this author enough!!
That was a quick read! if you are in the mood for a great story that invloved two strong willed characters than this one is for you. Mary thinks she does not deserve to find happiness after what happened in her past but Evan wants and does prove her wrong. The push and pull of these characters was fun to read and was greatly entertained. Did not once feel like a novella. Everything flowed nicely and the storyline keep me intrigued. Great job!!
When I think of Tequila I don’t think of a goof ending, well that is not the case for Evan and Mary. Unlike some I love reading novellas, yes they are short and quick but sometimes you just need something like this.
It may seem things were moving fast for these 2 but if you have read the Killer’s books then you will see that this has been going on for a long time between these 2 and we finally get to see their HEA.
You can’t always judge a books by it’s cover, well this one you can and it is HAWT, but I was meaning how Mary felt towards Evan and not really knowing his whole story. Well I don’t want to spoil anything so I will stop because I could go on and on…… Brynne keeps putting out fantastic books and I can’t wait for the next one.
Evan and Mary … I loved the build up. Evan never letting Mary forget that he was right there watching and waiting for her. The looks, the teasing, the doing silly things to make Mary mad. He just wanted her attention and he knew exactly how to get it.
Evan finally gets the date he has been waiting for and up Until the Tequila Mary is not forthcoming her the story of the life. Bring on the tequila and Mary just lets the story go … if she thought that would send Evan running scared, well she was wrong, so very wrong.
Evan has known all along that Mary will always be his one. Now he has the chance to prove it to her and nothing will stop him.
I loved everything about this novella. EVERYTHING. If I could give it a million stars and dandelion wishes, I would.
Mary has fought long and hard to remain frenemies with Evan, no matter how sexy she finds him. Relationships don’t work out for her, she isn’t even going to try. That is until he asks her out when she was distracted and she agreed. To get through the date, she had wine and things were good, until the tequila! Now Evan knows most of her secrets and he is more determined than ever to make her his!
Stop what you are doing and go order this book! I mean right now, you need this book! Mary is a absolute doll who has had it rough. She keeps on shining and Evan cannot resist her. Mary doesn’t think that she is ever going to get her happy and her smile hides a lot of loneliness. Evan is a sweetheart of a man who just bulldozes over Mary’s weak refusal that there isn’t anything between them. This book is everything, I adored it! Brynne Asher is a phenomenal writer and I am a fan for life! She can have you almost in tears one minute and laughing the next. I cannot wait to dive into more of this fabulous lady’s books. Ten stars for Until the Tequila!
When reading a new story and finding out so many loved characters from previous books are in the new one, I get so happy and reminiscent. It was unexpected delight to see July and Wes from Until July and, of course since it’s a crossover, we see Addy and Crew along with a few of the others.
What we have here is a story that stands completely on its own. It’s a novella but that doesn’t mean it’s not a story that holds its own. There is plenty story here.
Mary is a broken woman due to a traumatic childhood. Many readers will be able to empathize and appreciate the hardships a foster child goes through. Not having much of anything throughout your life makes one not expect much. This is a large part of Mary’s problem.
Evan, in true “Until World” fashion sees his one and does what he can to make sure they both get their HEAs – together. With Evan it’s through patience and perseverance. Wow, what a great guy he was!
If you are afraid this is just all romance, don’t worry. There is a nice dash of danger to break up the sugary sweetness.
This is by Brynne Asher so OF COURSE it is well written and well edited. There are sassy remarks and comedic remarks. There are steamy scenes to satisfy ones that need a little action between the sheets in their romance.
Safe
No cheating
A little pushing away (but not too hard) by the h
Safe sex practices are used
No talk of past sexual partners beyond mentioning having an ex-boyfriend
She kept pushing him away… Until the Tequila
You don’t know how lucky you are until you compare your stories to others. As a kid, I thought I had the toughest gig in the world. My parents had a hardware store and I worked in it every weekend and most school holidays. As an adult, I now realise that I was so bloody lucky. I have good work ethics, know my bibs and bobs, and finished school with money in my bank account. Until the Tequila was another friendly reminder of how lucky I am. My parents love me and I never once had to rely on strangers to put a roof over my head or keep me fed and clothed. Mary, and to some extent Evan, weren’t so lucky and reading about their childhoods made me appreciate my good fortune.
Mary has been pushing away Evan’s advances for a long time. She’s not willing to put her heart on the line, especially with someone she knows she could end up loving. Evan has had his eye on Mary FOREVER, but it wasn’t until the tequila that he gets the opportunity to know her better. With a hangover to beat all hangovers and a few gaps in her memory, Mary is ready to run. The very sexy Evan is in hot pursuit and Mary realises running or pushing him away is not going to happen.
I’ll be honest, novellas don’t always work for me but somehow, Brynne Asher always leaves me satisfied. There’s enough storyline, character building and sexy times to grab and hold my interest from start to finish. Sure, I’d love it to be longer as I would have loved a little more depth to the characters. I wanted to see a few of Evan’s attempts to win Mary over or to have seen her vulnerable and sharing her secrets. I understand why, as it is a novella, but once I start a Brynne Asher, I always want more.
In Until the Tequila we get to catch up with a few Killers who I’ve met before and loved. This is a prequel to The Killers, right before Addy and Crew are together. It’s made me want to go back for a Vines/Killers revisit.
If you’re looking for a quick treat that leaves you happy, I highly recommend giving Until the Tequila a go. It’s got all your bases covered…a lovable heroine, a sexy and protective hero, a touch of action and enough heat to see their connection.
Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
4.5 Stars! Until the Tequila is yet another brilliant crossover by Brynne Asher. This time, a Killers couple get to experience the Mayson BOOM.
Summary:
Mary Giesen is not unaware of how much Evan Charles Hargrove III wants her. She’d have to be deaf, dumb, and blind to miss it what with his frequent, secret touches and heated, intense looks. But she also knows they’d never work. They’re from two different worlds, and she wants the demons she holds to stay buried forever. After successfully avoiding and deflecting him for months, all it takes is one unguarded moment, one dinner, and a lot of tequila. Evan has wanted Mary from the moment he laid eyes are her. He probably shouldn’t have, but he takes advantage of Mary’s tequila-induced lack of inhibition. She can’t hide any more. Her secrets are out, and Evan will do anything to ensure nothing harms her in any way.
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I have wanted Evan and Mary’s story since meeting them in Vines, and I wasn’t at all disappointed. I loved Mary’s quirky personality. She was so colorful, spunky, and loving, and I adored her interactions with her girlfriends. Considering all she had to go through to get where she was, she was also strong and determined. Evan was sweet and persistent. He was that all-American guy with the alpha bossy edge. I loved it. Together, they caused sparks whenever in each other’s company. I loved the banter that resulted from Mary trying to avoid Evan. It was cute and really betrayed how much Mary wanted him. Evan was patient, thoughtful, and clever. He let Mary push him away until he was done doing that, then stepped up his game refusing to back down. It all paid off in the end. Intimately, they were sexy with a side of sweet, possessive wonder. Overall, this was a quick treat that left me feeling like the words ran out too soon. I adore Brynne’s writing style. It’s never hard to fall into her stories, and it’s always a struggle for me to come back to reality. In this case, it was doubly hard because we get a dose of the Maysons, too. I can’t express how amazing it was to see July and Wes again. I was giddy over her relationship with Mary. We also see the beginning of Crew and Addy’s relationship, and it was interesting to see it from another POV. Brynne did an excellent job of packing a full story, character development, and romance into novella. Could I have read more about the specific things Evan did to win Mary, and seen one of the secret-spilling scenes? Heck yes! But that’s also me being greedy for more of Brynne’s words, any way I can get them. This story isn’t rushed or just surface. It’s fast-paced, but with the backstory and emotional support to hold it up. It’s the best of the crossover boom, and I can’t wait for more.