This is the 4th (?) book in this series and the first 20% is overkill of the past characters. I haven't read the previous books which is killing my interest in them at the expense of the relationship for this book. Plus I just can't see 32 year old men being *this* goopy eyed at the thought of being a father.

Having read eight out of the ten books in this series, I can attest each one is a stand-alone that is connected by cameo reoccurring sub-characters, who one by one get their own HEA. You don’t have to read them in order, folks, but you’ll obviously have better background knowledge on the long list of book characters if you do.

Tracy Ewens continues to give us couples whose chemistry and attraction feels sweet, genuine, and spicy at times, but knucklehead moments always seem to get in the way.

This time around we have a sexy as sin bartender who is starting to long for his own family and finally be taken seriously by his siblings. I felt outrage on his behalf by what an ex-girlfriend did and even more so that his own family treated him like the culprit. Frankly, I’d like to have seen him tap into a little vengeful mojo and do something similar to that wicked witch. Pleading to undo the damage caused by such a selfish person only rewards their manipulative behavior and encourages them to do it again. She needed to be taught a lesson, folks. Along with another unsavory character that has been a thorn in the side of Sistine, the heroine, since college, who also gets off scott-free for being manipulative.

Sistine was pretty but quirky/implied a tad bit nerdy and klutzy at times with not a lot of fashion sense, who got around town on a bicycle. Oh, yeah, she’s all about her knitting business, too, along with one huge hidden exception that seemed highly unlikely. Since I’m not a big fan of my heroines being downplayed and put in a situation where I’m shaking my head in dismay, I struggled somewhat to embrace her character portrayal at times. Her goodness and sweetness towards others, of course, endeared her to me. Everyone loved her, so really, how could I not do the same. However, I certainly couldn’t keep overlooking and forgiving her own stupidity and illogical thinking at times.

Speaking of the business of knitting, I got tired of hearing about it! From all the various groups of people who came to her shop we were introduced to, down to how she handled things, etc...etc...etc. It stole main couple time and bogged down an already snail paced plot.

A secret that was hidden basically by lying by omission felt out of place for this character. It didn’t fit the profile, folks. The former college roommate, who based on her description must surely ride a broom everywhere she goes, made the heroine look like a complacent doormat, which I’m not a fan of either.

The storyline unfolded at a very leisurely pace and results in several back and forth pulling and pushing each other way. At 40%, there is still just a lot of talking going on and not much else. It isn’t until half-way through they finally have a first date. Yeah, the writing and storyline is extremely s-l-o-w moving. Too many meandering, lengthy conversations of no particular importance with subcharacters were included, which did not help. IMHO, the writing needed to be reigned in and stayed more focused.

66% into it is when I tapped out, my fellow romance book loving friends. I felt like I was spinning my wheels and my frustration over Sistine’s illogical decisions/behavior was more than I could tolerate. Knowing Cade would soon be taking the same turn soon killed my desire to read to the conclusion. Though I’ve enjoyed several books by this author, this one simply wasn’t as good as I had hoped.

Title: Tap, Series: A Love Story, Author: Tracy Ewens, Pages: 297, stand-alone but part of a series, sweet/quirky/kind of nerdy, no fashion sense heroine, sexy/wants to be taken seriously former bad boy bartender hero, unlikely secret.

Book 1 - Premiere
Book 2 - Candidate
Book 3 - Taste
Book 4 - Reserved
Book 5 - Stirred
Book 6 - Vacancy
Book 7 - Playbook
Book 8 - Exposure
Book 9 - Brew
Book 10 - Tap

(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)

Cade and Sistine were acquaintances. This book is s slow burn. Cade is trying to navigate the growing pains of mid-life adulthood as all his brothers are starting families. Sistine is just trying to keep her life and finances afloat as she pursues a business.

I love the awkwardness of these two navigating friendship, kisses and life. It was all challenging but worth it.

Tracy Ewens always packs a punch in to their stories. They are dynamic, relevant, and relatable.

Another great romance from Traci Ewens. Her characters have grown up relationships. The women are strong, not needy. And I love the interaction between the brothers!

There was a lot of hype around the start of this series and I meant to check it out, just never had the time. So when Tap came around on NetGalley, I finally dove in. Maybe I made a mistake on starting with this one because it was rambly, nonsensical and felt forced. I am sure the meandering was meant to match our quirky heroine Sistine, but I was lost for most of the book and found it to be poor writing. Quite possibly the other books aren't as questioningly paced and better plotted, but this just felt thrown together. Organic in a not good way.

I had to pick up 2 other books in the process before I FINALLY finished this and I can't say my day felt better, except for understanding this series is not or me. However, I figured that out much earlier.

What kept me going was that this story is set in my backyard. I remember my family's annual visit to the Petaluma Fair and seeing the giant chicken as you enter... so yes to Henny and Penny. My farm to table eatery was not nearly as romantic or fancy, but the kids go a kick out of it. I felt like I had to get through it in hopes I'd find something recognizable and familiar. Disappointingly, nothing familiar. Also, disappointed that I spent so much time on it. 1-1.5 stars.

From the cover, I expected a fantasy or historical romance instead of a cute, chick-lit style contemporary romance. But this is a cute, quirky romance about a hot hunky bartender and a knitting shop owner. They are very cute and I enjoyed their banter but I think I'd have followed the story better if I'd read the first books in the series.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

This was the right mix of sexy and sweet.
I loved Cade, and I enjoyed this book until the end.
Even if you have not read the series, you will get inside the layers of the characters, and their stories.
if you are looking for a romance that is not the norm and relatable fiction, this is one author whose titles you should look out for.

In the final installment of the McNaughton brothers, we finally get Cade and Sistine’s story. Every time I start an Tracy Ewen’s book I think I know what to expect and then I read the book and I’m always blown away. The direction of this love story was unique but also so down to earth and normal. It’s a comfortable read about every day people with a bit of a twist to it.

Cade has always been the fun loving, happy go lucky brother and I loved that Tracy Ewens was able to add to his character so much more than that easy going charisma that we’d previously seen. Cade by far was the most realistic and honest portrayal of someone struggling to grow up, to become more grounded and seen as someone you can depend on. His emotional turmoil and his vulnerabilities were genuine.

As for Sistine, (I absolutely LOVE her name!) she was just the kind of quirky sweet type of heroine that I love. She was honest, adorably sweet in her innocence but also a bit wild and seductive when she lets her guard down.

Both of them have hidden behind their safe and predictable facades but when push comes to shove, they fight to break out of that mold. Their story is definitely along the lines of self discovery, forgiveness and accepting the good along with the more bumpy side of love.

Tracy Ewens has such a great style of writing. Her characters aren’t predictable or one dimensional, instead they’re complex and always so grounded and real. They face every day challenges, they battle inner demons, they have an amazing set of supportive friends and family and the love story builds over time and shared experiences. Sometimes I crave crazy OTT and insta-love but other times, these rich slow burn love stories that build layers upon layers of detail, from the simple setting to the supporting characters and intricate situations the MCs are placed it, it all pulls me in.

I would still recommend this series; it’s charming and sweetly romantic.

I just couldn’t connect to this book. I kept trying, but finally I gave up and marked it as a DNF 35% of the way in. My biggest problem with this book was that it relied too much on one of my least favorite plot devices: the main character has a BIG SECRET that must be kept SECRET, even in inner monologues. It’s a pet peeve of mine, so I just couldn’t continue. It seems like this book appeals to many though, so it could be worth checking out!

I cannot say enough good things about Tap! It was one of those books that once I started reading I couldn’t put it down. I’ve always appreciated that Ms. Ewens has made it so easy to become fully immersed in the story..

Cade has easily become one of my favorites in her series of books.

I received thIS ARC in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.

"Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review."

Loved this book very much. It had just enough sweet romance and the storyline was great! I highly recommend!

I cannot say enough good things about this book! I have read all the books in this series and while I loved them all, I think Tap is my favorite.

Tracy Ewens has given us a wonderful character in Sistine. She's sweet, quirky and just such a good soul that I wanted to bring her home to be my friend. I think I have a girl crush on Sistine!

Cade, oh gosh, what is there to saw about the last single brother of this clan? What a great guy. The first date he planned! Be still my heart!!

I hope I've intrigued you and made you want to read Tap because it's just. that. good. Seriously. Get it now!

Tap was an excellent read. It was my first book by Tracy Ewens and I throughly enjoyed her writing style. The character developments were great, I loved the whole story to be honest. It was such a fun light hearted and happy read! I really enjoyed getting to know all the characters from both sides of the family, I was glad to see there were prequels to this book!

I loved Loved LOVED Sistine, our heroine. She's super talented and quirky and always stays true to herself. She goes through some difficult financial times and takes care of herself very independently, something I really respected that no one handed her out of her troubles.

Cade, our hero, I enjoyed his maturing process through the book. I didn't really get a feel of the 'old' Cade as we were just kind of told of him and who he was, but the 'new' was pretty great.

I really enjoyed the slow relaxed style in which Sistine and Cade fell for each other, it was much more realistic and lovely than an instalove situation, and it was a refreshing change from other romance.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to escape into a funny light hearted afternoon love story as I did.

I was given an arc for this book for my opinion, I look forward to reading other books by this author!

The A Love Story standalone series continues with Tap, giving readers the story of Cade and Sistine. Cade’s never had that desire to settle down, no woman has made him want to buy a house and raise babies, he’s happy with tending bar and running Foghorn Brewery with his brothers. That is, until some unexpected feelings for Sistine are stirred up. Sistine has a secret and she knows she’ll be judged for it, so she hides it away even from the man who makes her heart sing. They both recognize the feelings, but Sistine pushes for a friendship that Cade knows is meant for something more. Not used to the chase, Cade stumbles his way through wooing and trying to win the girl.

"It was kind of like when they were kids, but deeper in his chest. Cade wanted a life, a love, like his brothers."

I've held a personal flame for Cade since we first met him, he's the brother that seems so happy go lucky, easy to be around, and not necessarily serious about the future. Sure, the brewery and the bar are his brain child and are very important to him, but he’s definitely the ultimate bachelor of the brothers. There’s no better way to describe him, especially with how Tap starts out. Sistine is the quiet friend, she owns a knitting shop, is a member of the book club with all of Cade’s family and other friends, and has an interest in learning backgammon. She’s colorful and unexpected, the emotions she makes Cade feel even more so. I really liked Sistine, I liked that she was so much her own self, even if the secrets she kept hidden were not what I would’ve pictured her having. Their connection is obvious even if not to them; Tracy Ewens knows how to write chemistry that’s for sure.

"Who the heck was Sistine Branch? And why did the entire world suddenly seem so much more interesting?"

Though the brewery does play a large part in the story, in my opinion it took a backseat to the romance more so than the previous novels. Cade is so serious about the brewery, even if he’s often the one joking around, so seeing him put himself out there and do new things was fun. I laughed so hard when the chickens became more than just chickens, but this sign to Cade that maybe he was ready to settle. We see Cade be more than the bartender and Sistine is far more than the quiet knitter. We see these two in their element, both together and separate, but the moments they are together are my favorite. Each share so much of themselves, though it is apparent they both hold emotion back even if in different ways. I enjoyed them learning how to care for another, to accept being cared for, and figuring out that they can do so much more than is expected of them. The twist, though unexpected, didn’t surprise me once I made the connection. It was clever and made things interesting, especially towards the end.

"She knew there were still a few people scattered throughout the darkness, but the only things clear were his mouth and the weight in his voice she recognized as need. How had he come to need her?"

I breezed through Tap! I was so excited for Cade’s story and finding it a unique story that really stood out from the other sibling’s story was a nice surprise. Tap is the perfect casual romance read, taking place in a small California town with the bustling Foghorn Brewery as its centerpiece. It’s light without being fluffy, the romance realistic, the friendships meaningful, and the characters easy to connect with. I always recommend Tracy Ewens’ novels, but this one might be my personal favorite. All the novels can be read as standalones, though I recommend reading them in order just so you can meet all the fantastic characters Tracy Ewens has created. I can’t wait for the next, 2019 is full of promise already!

There's something sweet and wholesome about this style of writing. Ewens makes her characters your friends, their family important to you and their relationships meaningful. It's like being a fly on the wall of Sistine's knit shop or on the bar of Cade's Taproom. I'm deeply invested in the McNaughton guys and am very proud of Cade. He's not just the hot bod at the bar but a truly loving individual. Sistine is not just a knitter but a prideful businesswoman. These characters are special and I can't wait to read the next couple. I've been lucky to receive an advanced copy through Netgalley, my review was written voluntarily.

Tap - A Love Story,  Tracy Ewens

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Romance

Well, I didn't realise this was a series of connected reads, and though it is a stand alone romance, I think I'd have got more from it if I'd read the others, knew the back story. The Melissa thing especially, I don't know if that's covered in earlier books, but I was so puzzled, what was it that Sistine ( and all I can think of is Sistine Chapel each time I read her name...) was doing for Melissa for all that dosh, and why did they fall out years ago.
I loved the characters but I didn't feel the connections between them, did really understand the little nuances and side jokes that I suspect I would have if I'd read the other books.
Cade is a gem, but apart from idealising what his family and friends have I wasn't really sure why he was all out for his own family. Do guys suddenly get that instinct for family? It just seemed such a sea change in behaviours and thoughts. Why hadn't he noticed Sistine before, can he really be so attracted now he's noticed her when she's been there all the time. Its easier on her part, he's a hot guy and she's a long held secret attraction for him.
I didn't really connect with this story, found myself skimming parts trying to work out what was behind events and actions, overall it was just an OK read for me. As always though others love it, we all enjoy different things in our reading.

Stars:Three, a story I never really connected well with.

ARC supplied by Netgalley and Publishers

Loved this book!
Cade is the only one of the McNaughton brothers who isn't married. But he sees what they have and wants that love for himself too.
He has known Sistine for a while, but is starting to see her in a new light, and now he wants more. She has a secret though and when it is revealed everything they thought they had together falls apart.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.

Finally Cade’s story, and what a joy it was. In the previous stories in this series he came off as untouchable (that was my take), a jokester who relished women’s attention, but here we see the real Cade. Paired with Sistine they were so much fun...her quirkiness and distinctive style was a compliment to Cade, with so many heartfelt and touching moments. I won’t go into them as readers need to discover this for themselves...half the joy of the story was the build up of their relationship.

Ms Ewens has captured my heart with her talent of crafting characters who are real to life, it has always been easy to form an emotional attachment to each and every story...having read each book in the “A Love Story” series I have come away with different feelings of having my heart drawn into the lives of each and every character. I look forward to future stories the this author pens, I know I will never be disappointed.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.