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Cocky Hero Club
Brainy Bartender
Add one hidden past. A dash of a pretend role. A shot of steamy chemistry. Put it in a shaker, then pour for one exotic cocktail on the rocks!
Wesley Templeton was determined to not follow in his namesake's path as a cardiac surgeon. Was he smart enough for it? Of course, he was a genius after all. Did he have the time and patience to master the craft? Absolutely. Was he going to let his controlling grandfather hold his trust fund over his head until he achieved what was expected of him? Hell no!
Harper Fairchild was the redheaded stepchild. Literally. Smart, nerdy, picked on, and often thought of as an outcast. Her social life was a dismal as her family relationships, so she left when she could and made a new life somewhere else. Unfortunately she found it was hard to break the mold of what cast her as undesirable. Until she loses a bet with a coworker and has to be made over for a blind date. When that turns into another disaster she escapes to a bar to nurse her emotional wounds, striking up a conversation with the sexy bartender and wondering if she could keep up the ruse of the confident, sexy chick she was pretending to be.
Wesley Templeton was determined to not follow in his namesake's path as a cardiac surgeon. Was he smart enough for it? Of course, he was a genius after all. Did he have the time and patience to master the craft? Absolutely. Was he going to let his controlling grandfather hold his trust fund over his head until he achieved what was expected of him? Hell no!
Harper Fairchild was the redheaded stepchild. Literally. Smart, nerdy, picked on, and often thought of as an outcast. Her social life was a dismal as her family relationships, so she left when she could and made a new life somewhere else. Unfortunately she found it was hard to break the mold of what cast her as undesirable. Until she loses a bet with a coworker and has to be made over for a blind date. When that turns into another disaster she escapes to a bar to nurse her emotional wounds, striking up a conversation with the sexy bartender and wondering if she could keep up the ruse of the confident, sexy chick she was pretending to be.
234 pages, ebook
Published May 31, 2020
106 people are currently reading
745 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
May 23, 2020
2.5 ⭐️
I’m sure this story is actually really good, but I struggle with books written in 3rd person, so don’t think I was able to give it the concentration it deserved. I couldn’t connect with the characters and found myself getting distracted. Such a shame, but entirely my own fault.
I’m sure this story is actually really good, but I struggle with books written in 3rd person, so don’t think I was able to give it the concentration it deserved. I couldn’t connect with the characters and found myself getting distracted. Such a shame, but entirely my own fault.
May 29, 2020
So we meet Harper an admitted nerd and her friend convinces her to get a makeover and since she lost a bet to go on a date which was distratous, she goes to a bar and notices the hot Bartender Wes. Harper is shy and tends to feel bad about herself and that is understandable with the mother and step sisters that she had everything about them was to put her down. She goes back to the bar and everytime she goes she is dressed up and outgoing and doesn't want Wes to meet the real her, when Wes finds out he was reluctant to continue their relationship and I really had a problem with this, so if she dresses better than her real clothes which seems to give her confidence than she is good, however as Harper just mentioned it was just clothes and he helped her get her esteem up. But can Wes really talk, he did the same thing he was known for being a brainy nerd so he reinvented himself, and he was keeping a huge secret from her so he was being hypocritical.
rcvd an ARc at no cost to author...voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions.
rcvd an ARc at no cost to author...voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions.
June 1, 2020
Good story. I’m not a fan of some of the choices the author made with Wes and his development but I really liked Harper so that even it all out LOL The story-line itself was fun and flirty and paced just right except the end. The end came at me like wait, what? that’s it?, so it read super rushed. Like one minute something is happening and then bye LOL Eh, so not one of my top favorites, but it isn’t a bad read.
If you've read the Fierce Five Series, you'll notice a few of those characters make an appearance in Brainy Bartender (based on Graham Morgan from Stuck-Up Suit by Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland)
If you've read the Fierce Five Series, you'll notice a few of those characters make an appearance in Brainy Bartender (based on Graham Morgan from Stuck-Up Suit by Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland)
May 25, 2020
I fear Brainy Bartender did not do for me what it was intended to do. I’m assuming the take home message of this book was supposed to be one of the ‘never judge a book but its cover’ or ‘looks aren’t everything’ clichés, but I found the book encouraged such thinking. Maybe I read it wrong, but so much of what was said and done with this one made me feel like we were taking a step back in time.
Don’t get me wrong, I was curious to see where the story was heading. There were some interesting moments, but it was overshadowed by the fact I could not connect with the characters and many of the things that were said and done in this one made me roll my eyes.
I’m sure some will enjoy this one, but it didn’t work for me.
Don’t get me wrong, I was curious to see where the story was heading. There were some interesting moments, but it was overshadowed by the fact I could not connect with the characters and many of the things that were said and done in this one made me roll my eyes.
I’m sure some will enjoy this one, but it didn’t work for me.
May 24, 2020
I enjoyed this story, however I felt like Wes's secret was dragged out to long and was a bit rushed at the end.
But the slow burn romance was a good read.
I love reading books about nerdy quiet introverted couples. And this was a good one.
Harper was always put down and criticized by her mother and step sisters, so it took a lot for her to step out of her conform zone. And when she did she liked the person she was. Confident, in charge and sexy😍
And thats the person Wes Templeton got to know.
Wes also has some secrets of his own. And trusting other people with h it was hard for him. So when he met Harper he kept his secret, but the more he got to know her and spent time with her, the more he wanted to trust her. But how will she feel about him when she finds out who he really is and that he kept it from her.
I enjoyed this story. As I said I felt the ending was a bit too rushed and some parts were dragged abit a bit too much. But other than that, the characters were great, the storyline was sweet and romantic💖😊
Reviewed on behalf of
Fay's Corner 💖
But the slow burn romance was a good read.
I love reading books about nerdy quiet introverted couples. And this was a good one.
Harper was always put down and criticized by her mother and step sisters, so it took a lot for her to step out of her conform zone. And when she did she liked the person she was. Confident, in charge and sexy😍
And thats the person Wes Templeton got to know.
Wes also has some secrets of his own. And trusting other people with h it was hard for him. So when he met Harper he kept his secret, but the more he got to know her and spent time with her, the more he wanted to trust her. But how will she feel about him when she finds out who he really is and that he kept it from her.
I enjoyed this story. As I said I felt the ending was a bit too rushed and some parts were dragged abit a bit too much. But other than that, the characters were great, the storyline was sweet and romantic💖😊
Reviewed on behalf of
Fay's Corner 💖
June 25, 2020
3-3.5 stars for now.
May 31, 2020
I'll be honest: this wasn't my favorite book in the CHC series, but I did absolutely adore Harper. The girl has been through some heartbreaking emotional abuse at the hands of her stepmother and stepsisters, so because of that she has extremely low self esteem. After her friend encourages her to go get a makeover and an a date -- which ends disastrously, Harper winds up at a bar and immediately sees a gorgeous bartender.
Every time she goes back to bar, she makes sure that she's completely made up since she believed she would never have a chance otherwise.
The huge issue I had is that once Wes (hot bartender dude) found out, he really didn't want to keep dating her -- which not only solidified her worst fears, BUT he was keeping a SIMILAR SECRET. Ugh.
For goodness sakes, if women gain confidence buy putting on all the makeup/sexier clothes THEN LEAVE THEM BE. Women shouldn't have to always cater to the egos of fragile men.
So I really adored Harper, but I hated the hypocritical love interest. Just my two cents.
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions.**
Every time she goes back to bar, she makes sure that she's completely made up since she believed she would never have a chance otherwise.
The huge issue I had is that once Wes (hot bartender dude) found out, he really didn't want to keep dating her -- which not only solidified her worst fears, BUT he was keeping a SIMILAR SECRET. Ugh.
For goodness sakes, if women gain confidence buy putting on all the makeup/sexier clothes THEN LEAVE THEM BE. Women shouldn't have to always cater to the egos of fragile men.
So I really adored Harper, but I hated the hypocritical love interest. Just my two cents.
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions.**
May 31, 2020
Harper has never felt like she measured up to mother and her sisters whether it is the clothes she wears, her job or the men she dates. When she loses a bet with a co-worker she is coerced to change her image for a blind date however the date was a bust but when she stopping for a drink at a pub on the way home and meeting the bartender made it all worthwhile.
Wes has turned his back on his trust fund and the plans his family had for him and created his own path. He is attracted to Harper when she comes into the bar and over time a friendship develops but when their secrets are revealed will it bring them closer or tear them apart?
I really enjoyed these two together as he gives her the confidence to become the woman she was destined to be while she loves him for who he is and not what he can give her.
Wes has turned his back on his trust fund and the plans his family had for him and created his own path. He is attracted to Harper when she comes into the bar and over time a friendship develops but when their secrets are revealed will it bring them closer or tear them apart?
I really enjoyed these two together as he gives her the confidence to become the woman she was destined to be while she loves him for who he is and not what he can give her.
June 28, 2020
Harper and Wes are both two people who meet and are trying reinvent who they are. I thought they should have been proud of theses changes and embraced them as opposed to hiding them. I found the story to be enjoyable. There was a lot of unique ideas in the story that I enjoyed. Quick easy read overall.
May 29, 2020
This is an enjoyable read from a new to me author.
When Harper’s blind date goes wrong she ends up in a bar where she meets Wesley. The chemistry is hot between these two.
Although I thought this was slow to start I enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from this author.
When Harper’s blind date goes wrong she ends up in a bar where she meets Wesley. The chemistry is hot between these two.
Although I thought this was slow to start I enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from this author.
May 31, 2020
Secrets and makeovers make this a very fun read. Wes and Harper are hiding from the world and even themselves. When they find themselves fighting for each other, they have to let their guard down and show the other who they are. This is fun and sexy and a little drawn out but enjoyable.
May 25, 2020
Wes and Harper's story was fun to read. I only wish that Wes' secret didn't drag out for so long since Harper's didn't. But all in all, another great reading escape.
Shelved as 'dnf'
May 4, 2022I really tried but just couldn’t get into this book.
June 24, 2020
This book was a whole lot of fun. I love the concept of this book and it played out so well. Met one of Graham’s classmates from high school, well he was junior but he managed to help Graham through school. Wes had found his niche and his place. Yet there was one name he could never shake Brainy. Wes was a genius and could have gone places . However Wes was smart to make his own way in the world and not rely on his family.
He become used to not meeting expectations and that something Harper could learn from
Harper was trying to find her place. Her family wouldn’t understand things with her career in food science. She loves what she does but she never can get things together. Until she wonders into a bar thathappens to be Wes’s bar after one bad date and gets charmed by Wes’s words.
Funny how things worked out in the end. From that simple meeting, Harper feels a confidence that changes everything. It’s seems once sided at first but quiet quickly things move fast and you enjoy the relationship forming.
Nevertheless had secrets that had impact on the relationship whether admitted it or not. Wes was major and Harper well she was working on her’s. It’s something she need whilst Wes was a potential game changer. The male perspective on Harper’s secret something I wasn’t fan out as it seem a double standard on how woman are treated. It quickly blew it out of water when Harper was allowed to put pieces together about Wes’s though so everything balanced out.
I enjoyed my visit to Charlotte and the bars of the area. Definitely will be checking out another familiar place from some of Ann’s other books.
He become used to not meeting expectations and that something Harper could learn from
Harper was trying to find her place. Her family wouldn’t understand things with her career in food science. She loves what she does but she never can get things together. Until she wonders into a bar thathappens to be Wes’s bar after one bad date and gets charmed by Wes’s words.
Funny how things worked out in the end. From that simple meeting, Harper feels a confidence that changes everything. It’s seems once sided at first but quiet quickly things move fast and you enjoy the relationship forming.
Nevertheless had secrets that had impact on the relationship whether admitted it or not. Wes was major and Harper well she was working on her’s. It’s something she need whilst Wes was a potential game changer. The male perspective on Harper’s secret something I wasn’t fan out as it seem a double standard on how woman are treated. It quickly blew it out of water when Harper was allowed to put pieces together about Wes’s though so everything balanced out.
I enjoyed my visit to Charlotte and the bars of the area. Definitely will be checking out another familiar place from some of Ann’s other books.
May 18, 2020
'NEVER JUDGE A PERSON BY THEIR COVER'
What I loved about Natalie Ann's book is how she brought this intricate couple to life in such a way that you really understood why Harper and Wesley are keeping things about each other secret. Why they hide their true self from the world pretending to be something they aren't, both frightened that if you find about about the real them you won't feel or look at them the same way.
Both brought up in families where everything is about how you conduct yourself to the outside world. How, you represent your family. From the way you look, to the way you behaviour from the job you and even the people you go out with!
For Wesley he was suppose to become a great cardiac surgeon always known at school as 'geeky Wesley' the brain the size of a planet Wesley always knew that he didn't want to following in his grandfathers footsteps so deciding to step away from the family and buy a bar! He keeps his wealth to himself and everyone thinks he just managers the bar not owns it!
Harper is a caterpillar but deep in side her she is a butterfly just waiting to bloom. Her mother and stepsister have always made her feel she isn't good enough; she is a food scientist but she doesn't wear much make up and hides behind her glasses and baggy clothes.
But one chance meeting at Wesleys bar 'Cardiac Attack' after Harper had been given a make-over for a blind date that went wrong add in a ' 'Chicken Cock' and their starts the story of 'Never judge a person by their cover'; 'Not everything as it seems' and don't believe everything that you see' !
May 28, 2020
"Guess looks were deceiving because he was attracted to the person she'd been that night, which wasn't the person she really was. Or was it? Maybe it was the inner person just banging on the glass wall to get out and she finally found a tiny crack to shatter it to pieces."
4 Brainy Stars! Three words - Cute, Quirky and Unexpected!
Harper has always been criticized by her mother and stepsisters, which has left her insecure. But she's ready to break out of her cocoon. Which is exactly what she's done with her makeover for a blind date that goes horribly wrong. Wes also has a crazy family life... known as the brainiac of the family, he was supposed to become a cardiac surgeon, but that's not the life he wants. He leaves that all behind and opens up his own bar. These two happen to meet the night of Harper's horrible blind date and each of them can not deny the attraction they feel, but these two have to be honest with themselves before this will ever work!
I really loved this book, it was fast paced and so fun! The only issue I had was the ending seemed a bit rushed. Otherwise I loved the development of Harper and Wes and their relationship was so much fun! A great addition to the Cocky Hero Club!!
June 1, 2020
Another book from the Cocky Hero Club, another journey to the unknown...
I'm loving this so freaking much that I can't have enough.
Natalie Ann is a new author to me and I really enjoyed what I've read.
Her writing is sweet and intense, just the way I like it.
I'll definitely be following her that's for sure.
Brainy Bartender is her latest release and explores the lives of Wesley and Harper.
Wesley had his life all mapped out by his grandfather. He was supposed to become a cardiac surgeon but that wasn't in the cards for him.
Refusing to let his grandfather blackmail him, with cutting his trust fund, he becomes a bartender and one night on the job...
Harper is used to be seen as the ugly duckling. She's used to be picked on and to feel like an outcast.
One day, after losing a bet, she does a makeover and went to a blind date but that date went horribly, she sees herself at a bar pretending...
Sweet, perfect, intense.
This book had this and so much more.
Let's not forget to add the hot stuff. We have a few scenes that will make you blush.
Perfect plot, well written, sweet, intense, and emotional.
It was great to witness the change in one of the characters. It was great to witness the flower blossom.
Things were happening and in some parts I was mad.
Seriously?? Let's talk about some mean people.
Why do people only tend to see the material side of things and not their emotions?
Why do people keep bullying others because they are different?
This book explores this and you'll fall in love.
Wgatca ptenier for my Natalie.
I loved it. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I'm loving this so freaking much that I can't have enough.
Natalie Ann is a new author to me and I really enjoyed what I've read.
Her writing is sweet and intense, just the way I like it.
I'll definitely be following her that's for sure.
Brainy Bartender is her latest release and explores the lives of Wesley and Harper.
Wesley had his life all mapped out by his grandfather. He was supposed to become a cardiac surgeon but that wasn't in the cards for him.
Refusing to let his grandfather blackmail him, with cutting his trust fund, he becomes a bartender and one night on the job...
Harper is used to be seen as the ugly duckling. She's used to be picked on and to feel like an outcast.
One day, after losing a bet, she does a makeover and went to a blind date but that date went horribly, she sees herself at a bar pretending...
Sweet, perfect, intense.
This book had this and so much more.
Let's not forget to add the hot stuff. We have a few scenes that will make you blush.
Perfect plot, well written, sweet, intense, and emotional.
It was great to witness the change in one of the characters. It was great to witness the flower blossom.
Things were happening and in some parts I was mad.
Seriously?? Let's talk about some mean people.
Why do people only tend to see the material side of things and not their emotions?
Why do people keep bullying others because they are different?
This book explores this and you'll fall in love.
Wgatca ptenier for my Natalie.
I loved it. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
June 5, 2020
This is the first book I have read from Natalie Ann this book has be wanting to read more from her. I absolutely loved this one. Not only it is an amazing addition to the cocky hero series but it is just a wonderful well written lovable book all on its own.
Wes is smart, cocky and good looking. But he is hiding who he really is. Harper is who she is. She is geeky, keeps to herself and does not put herself out there. One night changes things for her. She is set up on a blind date that goes horribly wrong. But in the process of being set up she gets a makeover done on herself. She doesn't look like herself anymore. After her terrible date she ends up at Wes's bar. He sees her and finds that there is instant chemistry. There is just something about her. But will her hiding who she really is from him change things? Will Wes be able to tell her the truth and stop hiding who he is? Loved watching these two come together. It was enjoyable to read this one. I loved Wes and Harper. Two opposites that find that they have more in common then they first believed. Another great book. I cant wait to read more from Natalie.
Wes is smart, cocky and good looking. But he is hiding who he really is. Harper is who she is. She is geeky, keeps to herself and does not put herself out there. One night changes things for her. She is set up on a blind date that goes horribly wrong. But in the process of being set up she gets a makeover done on herself. She doesn't look like herself anymore. After her terrible date she ends up at Wes's bar. He sees her and finds that there is instant chemistry. There is just something about her. But will her hiding who she really is from him change things? Will Wes be able to tell her the truth and stop hiding who he is? Loved watching these two come together. It was enjoyable to read this one. I loved Wes and Harper. Two opposites that find that they have more in common then they first believed. Another great book. I cant wait to read more from Natalie.
June 24, 2020
I liked it BUT....
I liked the story and the writing was solid.
The message that one's looks and dress are really important and effect the way people great you, even ones that know you, bothers the deal out of me.
Women do not need to wear make up. Some might think it looks good, others might think there is dirt caked on their face. Neither is wrong and when friends, family, coworkers... Say on you would be better if.... F*U.
Wrong freaking attitude to portray. This mean girl crap needs to end, especially when you are an adult. this is why people have complexes, eating disorders, may be end up in therapy, maybe don't... There are ways to show a person make serious changes in their life that do not seem based on the will of others.
Heck, the male lead made changes in his life and we didn't get the impression that every one around thought he'd look better if he worked out. Actually, every thing he did was opposite of what he was told to do while the female lead just stepped in line.
I really did like the overall story! There was just this image thing that starts on the first page and never lets up.
I liked the story and the writing was solid.
The message that one's looks and dress are really important and effect the way people great you, even ones that know you, bothers the deal out of me.
Women do not need to wear make up. Some might think it looks good, others might think there is dirt caked on their face. Neither is wrong and when friends, family, coworkers... Say on you would be better if.... F*U.
Wrong freaking attitude to portray. This mean girl crap needs to end, especially when you are an adult. this is why people have complexes, eating disorders, may be end up in therapy, maybe don't... There are ways to show a person make serious changes in their life that do not seem based on the will of others.
Heck, the male lead made changes in his life and we didn't get the impression that every one around thought he'd look better if he worked out. Actually, every thing he did was opposite of what he was told to do while the female lead just stepped in line.
I really did like the overall story! There was just this image thing that starts on the first page and never lets up.
August 4, 2020
Wes loves his job at Cardiac Attack, a bar he owns (although few know this fact). After breaking free of his money-obsessed and controlling family, he has lived his life on his own terms and earned everything he's got. His meeting with Harper was happenstance. She had just gone out on her first and last ever blind date when she decides to get herself a drink at his bar. Usually a shy and insecure woman, she's fresh with a makeover that is way out of her comfort zone when she ends up flirting with an equally-interested Wes. However, as these two get closer, they both have a difficult challenge at hand: to be completely honest about themselves or
I'll admit the title made me quite skeptical about the story. To add to my doubt, the first introduction of the characters seemed almost too cheesy for me to buy into. While I love tropes, I think characters need to be a bit more fleshed out. Luckily, as the story progressed, I saw the dimensions added to Wes and Harper. His support for her is really adorable and I loved the big reveal in New York. I would have loved more angst at some point, but I think overall this was a good read.
I'll admit the title made me quite skeptical about the story. To add to my doubt, the first introduction of the characters seemed almost too cheesy for me to buy into. While I love tropes, I think characters need to be a bit more fleshed out. Luckily, as the story progressed, I saw the dimensions added to Wes and Harper. His support for her is really adorable and I loved the big reveal in New York. I would have loved more angst at some point, but I think overall this was a good read.
May 31, 2020
Harper Fairchild is a food scientist who is smart and snarky. Her meek and staid demeanor is a product of years of criticism from her mother and step -sisters. She pretends to be someone else when she changes her appearance each time she goes to Cardiac Attack. Wes, secret owner of said bar, notices her the first time she walks in. Little do they both know that each of them is carrying around a secret.
These two work well together. They are both fiercely independent, crafting their lives opposite of family expectations. While they both want to reveal the secrets they keep, it's a little harder since much of why they are secrets is based on past experiences. While I don't love how they each found out the other's secret, I did love how well rounded their characters were, how they were drawn to each other, and how they were more similar than different.
I look forward to more books by Natalie Ann!
I received an advanced copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.
These two work well together. They are both fiercely independent, crafting their lives opposite of family expectations. While they both want to reveal the secrets they keep, it's a little harder since much of why they are secrets is based on past experiences. While I don't love how they each found out the other's secret, I did love how well rounded their characters were, how they were drawn to each other, and how they were more similar than different.
I look forward to more books by Natalie Ann!
I received an advanced copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.
June 8, 2020
I really enjoyed this story and the slow burn romance between Wes and Harper. At first you are thinking it is a total opposites attract but then there is more involved and you realize how much alike they are.
They were both keeping "secrets" from each other in the beginning. Harper's was entirely different especially compared to his secret. I loved how confident she actually got around him and how it brought out her true side. I was not a fan of how long Wes drew out his secret. I get that you worry about being judged on your money but he just kept dragging it out. Then she finds out and boom she just forgives him and happily ever after. I don't know. I just wanted more at the end and not to be so rushed. I mean I know there wouldn't be lots to write after but it could have went on a little longer and given us more time of them totally knowing about each other, maybe moving in together, him meeting her family, etc.
I still enjoyed and I will be looking to buy this book and add to my collection.
They were both keeping "secrets" from each other in the beginning. Harper's was entirely different especially compared to his secret. I loved how confident she actually got around him and how it brought out her true side. I was not a fan of how long Wes drew out his secret. I get that you worry about being judged on your money but he just kept dragging it out. Then she finds out and boom she just forgives him and happily ever after. I don't know. I just wanted more at the end and not to be so rushed. I mean I know there wouldn't be lots to write after but it could have went on a little longer and given us more time of them totally knowing about each other, maybe moving in together, him meeting her family, etc.
I still enjoyed and I will be looking to buy this book and add to my collection.
June 8, 2020
I really enjoyed this story and the slow burn romance between Wes and Harper. At first you are thinking it is a total opposites attract but then there is more involved and you realize how much alike they are.
They were both keeping "secrets" from each other in the beginning. Harper's was entirely different especially compared to his secret. I loved how confident she actually got around him and how it brought out her true side. I was not a fan of how long Wes drew out his secret. I get that you worry about being judged on your money but he just kept dragging it out. Then she finds out and boom she just forgives him and happily ever after. I don't know. I just wanted more at the end and not to be so rushed. I mean I know there wouldn't be lots to write after but it could have went on a little longer and given us more time of them totally knowing about each other, maybe moving in together, him meeting her family, etc.
I still enjoyed and I will be looking to buy this book and add to my collection.
They were both keeping "secrets" from each other in the beginning. Harper's was entirely different especially compared to his secret. I loved how confident she actually got around him and how it brought out her true side. I was not a fan of how long Wes drew out his secret. I get that you worry about being judged on your money but he just kept dragging it out. Then she finds out and boom she just forgives him and happily ever after. I don't know. I just wanted more at the end and not to be so rushed. I mean I know there wouldn't be lots to write after but it could have went on a little longer and given us more time of them totally knowing about each other, maybe moving in together, him meeting her family, etc.
I still enjoyed and I will be looking to buy this book and add to my collection.
May 11, 2020
"Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we started to deceived"!!!!
Harper Fairchild is a nerdy, dorky girl who dresses like Sheldon's girlfriend from the "Big Bang". She loses a bet and had to get a makeover and go on a blind date. Blind date was a bust, she ended up in a bar called "Cardiac Arrest" where she meets West Templeton.
Wes Templeton also known as "Brainy Wesley" owns the "Cardiac Arrest" but does not want anyone to know so all assumed that he is just the manager. He is keeping secrets. He too was nerdy and dorky but shed that image long ago. He has his own wealth and is also from a wealthy family.
Wes has only seen Harper in her made-over self. When he saw her in her dorky clothes he is upset that she did not fully reveal who she was to him. But he is hiding things from her that he has not told her!!
What a roller coaster ride this story will take you on. So sit back, buckle up and enjoy the ride. You will not be disappointed.
Harper Fairchild is a nerdy, dorky girl who dresses like Sheldon's girlfriend from the "Big Bang". She loses a bet and had to get a makeover and go on a blind date. Blind date was a bust, she ended up in a bar called "Cardiac Arrest" where she meets West Templeton.
Wes Templeton also known as "Brainy Wesley" owns the "Cardiac Arrest" but does not want anyone to know so all assumed that he is just the manager. He is keeping secrets. He too was nerdy and dorky but shed that image long ago. He has his own wealth and is also from a wealthy family.
Wes has only seen Harper in her made-over self. When he saw her in her dorky clothes he is upset that she did not fully reveal who she was to him. But he is hiding things from her that he has not told her!!
What a roller coaster ride this story will take you on. So sit back, buckle up and enjoy the ride. You will not be disappointed.
May 11, 2020
Wes had always been called Brainy Wesley a name he tried to outlive. To prove he could live his own life and not conform to what was expected of him from his family, Wes decided to leave town and open a bar.
Harper was truly the redheaded stepchild. Her mother much preferred Harper’s shallow stepsisters to the nerdy daughter that she gave birth too.
After losing a bet that resulted in Harper having a makeover and going on a blind date, she finds herself in Wes’s bar. The Harper that showed up at Cardiac Attack exuded a world of confidence. Was it the makeover or was it the handsome bartender? Wes was very attracted to the new visitor to his bar, but what would she think of him if she knew that he was a nerd?
Natalie Ann does not disappoint in this addition of the Cocky Hero Club Series. We also see get reacquainted with some of Natalie’s friends from the Fierce Five. This was an awesome book! I could not put it down.
Harper was truly the redheaded stepchild. Her mother much preferred Harper’s shallow stepsisters to the nerdy daughter that she gave birth too.
After losing a bet that resulted in Harper having a makeover and going on a blind date, she finds herself in Wes’s bar. The Harper that showed up at Cardiac Attack exuded a world of confidence. Was it the makeover or was it the handsome bartender? Wes was very attracted to the new visitor to his bar, but what would she think of him if she knew that he was a nerd?
Natalie Ann does not disappoint in this addition of the Cocky Hero Club Series. We also see get reacquainted with some of Natalie’s friends from the Fierce Five. This was an awesome book! I could not put it down.
May 31, 2020
Brainy Bartender by Natalie Ann is part of the Cocky Hero Club Series but can be a standalone book. This is the story of Harper Fairchild and Wesley Templeton. Harper has never fit with her family nor the way life tries to make her do so. Harper doesn't put much effort in her looks so she feeds into how people some look at her. But when she looses a bet she goes through a make over and goes on a blind date. That date of course didn't go well and it lead her to the bar Cardiac Attack. Wesley's family expected him to follow the family tradition especially since he was so smart. But he became the black sheep and started working as a bartender which he secretly owns the Cardiac Attack. When Harper walks into the bar he is immediately attracted to her which leads them to talk and get to know one another. But they are both not presenting their true selves at first. Enjoyed their story.
June 21, 2020
Brainy Bartender – Natalie Ann – 3.5 stars
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
Brainy Bartender is Natalie Ann’s addition into the Cocky Hero Book Club. Natalie Ann is a new author to me and one I am excited to explore. Brainy Bartender follows Wes a sexy bartender with a secret and shy and socially awkward Harper. The pair meet at Wes’s bar where he works as the manager and she has just fled a blind date gone wrong. Harper and Wes strike up a conversation and the sparks fly immediately. This slow burn romance is light, fluffy and easy to read with a slightly predictable plot. Personally, I found the characters hard to relate too and that the story was somewhat dragged out unnecessarily, with a quick rush to the finish line. Overall, an enjoyable easy read, but nothing special, would recommend for those wanting a quick, predictable, easy to read romance.
Enjoy Everyday,
Ebook Enthusiast 😊
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
Brainy Bartender is Natalie Ann’s addition into the Cocky Hero Book Club. Natalie Ann is a new author to me and one I am excited to explore. Brainy Bartender follows Wes a sexy bartender with a secret and shy and socially awkward Harper. The pair meet at Wes’s bar where he works as the manager and she has just fled a blind date gone wrong. Harper and Wes strike up a conversation and the sparks fly immediately. This slow burn romance is light, fluffy and easy to read with a slightly predictable plot. Personally, I found the characters hard to relate too and that the story was somewhat dragged out unnecessarily, with a quick rush to the finish line. Overall, an enjoyable easy read, but nothing special, would recommend for those wanting a quick, predictable, easy to read romance.
Enjoy Everyday,
Ebook Enthusiast 😊
August 13, 2020
⭐️
I liked the book but I’m not really a fan of 3rd person, it confuses me because of how you refer to yourself by name. However the story was good but I couldn’t really get into it unfortunately. Harper is the nerd who keeps to herself and doesn’t want any attention do to how she’s always been brushed to the side by her mother and step sisters. Wesley is the owner of Cardiac Attack a bar but he was supposed to be a brilliant doctor but he decided that wasn’t his calling and struck out and did his own thing once he got a piece of his trust fund. Both of them are doing their own thing to be who they want to be not who others tell them they are.
⭐️
Overall, it was good but not great but that’s just my opinion not all will feel the same. The third person just made it more confusing for me but the characters were good and the story was decent and done well just could have used a little tweaking in spots.
⭐️
It gets three stars from me
I liked the book but I’m not really a fan of 3rd person, it confuses me because of how you refer to yourself by name. However the story was good but I couldn’t really get into it unfortunately. Harper is the nerd who keeps to herself and doesn’t want any attention do to how she’s always been brushed to the side by her mother and step sisters. Wesley is the owner of Cardiac Attack a bar but he was supposed to be a brilliant doctor but he decided that wasn’t his calling and struck out and did his own thing once he got a piece of his trust fund. Both of them are doing their own thing to be who they want to be not who others tell them they are.
⭐️
Overall, it was good but not great but that’s just my opinion not all will feel the same. The third person just made it more confusing for me but the characters were good and the story was decent and done well just could have used a little tweaking in spots.
⭐️
It gets three stars from me
May 30, 2020
Harper Fairchild is accustomed to being wrong and not good at almost everything. After a makeover, she escapes a blind date gone wrong only to find that the bartender she vents to is different than she expects. Will her new persona be enough, this time, to keep him interested in her?
Wes Templeton is hiding who he really is, perhaps, even from himself. When he and Harper meet, he is struck by how confident she seems and how well they get along. Yet, as they get closer and their ambitions demand more of their time and effort, will he take the plunge and admit his biggest secret, taking the biggest risk of all?
I enjoyed this romance. I like stories about shy, nerdy couples. I enjoyed seeing Graham & Soraya, again, too. I definitely look forward to reading more of this author's work.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
Wes Templeton is hiding who he really is, perhaps, even from himself. When he and Harper meet, he is struck by how confident she seems and how well they get along. Yet, as they get closer and their ambitions demand more of their time and effort, will he take the plunge and admit his biggest secret, taking the biggest risk of all?
I enjoyed this romance. I like stories about shy, nerdy couples. I enjoyed seeing Graham & Soraya, again, too. I definitely look forward to reading more of this author's work.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
May 28, 2020
The Cocky Hero collection is quickly becoming a favorite of mine and I am digging these stories.
Brainy Bartender was fun to read, but fell a little flat and I was hoping for just a bit more. The author has an amazing backstory and I actually really liked the characters, just not together. They were a bit awkward around, which I think was intentional and I totally get in the beginning, but it was throughout the entire story. I just wish that points were made faster and a bit crisper! I was intrigued though and wanted to see how things played out, all in all I give this book 3 outta 5 stars from me!
PS: Thank you to Natalie Ann and Cocky Hero Club and Give Me Books PR for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly!
Brainy Bartender was fun to read, but fell a little flat and I was hoping for just a bit more. The author has an amazing backstory and I actually really liked the characters, just not together. They were a bit awkward around, which I think was intentional and I totally get in the beginning, but it was throughout the entire story. I just wish that points were made faster and a bit crisper! I was intrigued though and wanted to see how things played out, all in all I give this book 3 outta 5 stars from me!
PS: Thank you to Natalie Ann and Cocky Hero Club and Give Me Books PR for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly!
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