The first in Three Chicks Brewery, Sassy Blonde takes us back to River Rock, Colorado. Maisie is the youngest of the Carter sisters and Hayes Taylor a man struggling with a traumatic loss. This was a great start to this new series, I enjoyed the story, the characters, and meeting some old favs as well. I look forward to reading more and would recommend you grab your copy as well.

Thank you NetGalley and Stacey Kennedy for gifting me an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
I’m going to start by saying I think the title/cover don’t do this justice. I made the assumption based on both that this was going to be a cliche driven, cheesy love fest... and it kind of was, but in the best of ways. Sassy Blonde is the kind of book you’re hoping for when you snag a book from your guilty pleasure shelf. I will admit, though, the sassy part had me a little lost. I don't know that I would describe Maisie, who I'm assuming is the sassy blonde here, as well, sassy. She’s more free spirited, empathic and loyal. But sassy? I would say her two older sisters were the sassier of the three! I also received a cover with a cowboy, but really i didn;t get a cowboy vibe from this book anywhere except some mention of horse work. I don’t think it was necessary, it just felt like a cliche. I didn’t love the prologue and felt it was more confusing than anything. Now saying all of this you’d think I wasn’t much of a fan, but you’re wrong. I read this book in one sitting. I was sucked in from the get-go.
I loved the basic idea behind the book. Three sisters starting a brewery, a road trip with a forbidden love/best friend turned lover. Honestly it would be hard to go wrong with this storyline! I was rooting for Maisie and Hayes to get over their pasts and start a future together. If you’re looking for a great HEA that will leave you wanting to go on a road trip and maybe call your sisters, look no further!

Massie Carter is the youngest of three sisters, they have decided to start a bar and brew beer. She is going along with her older sisters because she believes that is what her grandfather wanted when he left them the money. Her real dream has always been to be an artist, it is one reason she is late every day for work. Though she says no the paint in her hair or on her cheek always gives it away.
She has now been given or taken on the task to go to three beer festivals, which would be good except for one minor problem. She broke her finger when a keg fell on or rolled on it. She did want she has been doing for the last few years she called Hayes Taylor.
Hayes was her best friend’s husband, but one night a few years ago she was gunned down, murdered. Hayes who was a police officer at the time blames himself and left the force. He now works with horses wants to be alone, but does come whenever Massie calls for she saved his life. When he arrives and sees her problem he takes her to the hospital. He later ends up in the same hospital which is who they end up taking a road trip together. They go on the beer festival run together everything is going good until the last one when they don’t make it because she wants to stop at a fair. Then the truck is stolen and it just goes downhill from there.
Will she be able to fix things with her sisters? Will Hayes tell Massie what he feels he needs to tell her? What will happen between the two of them? Read this good story to find out.

Initial Thoughts:
I’ve heard really great things about this author for a long time, and the write-up looked really fun. It’s a spin-off, in the same world as a previous series, but I was told it could be read as a “book one”.

What I Loved:
The three sisters at the core of the story are a lot of fun. Very different, and filling their own role in the business (the series namesake, Three Chicks Brewery). I liked that we got to see them interact as much as we did, even though there was a definite focus on Maisie and Hayes’ budding “friends-to-lovers” relationship. It was pretty obvious from the start, where the story was going to go, but Stacey manages to throw in some curves that kept things interesting and fun. I loved that the angst level was kept low, even though there was definitely some baggage to be dealt with. I loved that once things started to happen between the two of them, there wasn’t any “hemming & hawing” about it. They owned it, and moved forward. I loved some of the other side characters… Beckett at the horse training facility was a particular favorite. I’m really hoping he’ll end up with a book in the future. In the end, I love that Maisie found her own way. One that was a little outside the norm, but still relevant to the business, and true to herself.

What I Didn’t Love:
I didn’t love the experience that caused the tension between Maisie and Hayes… even though that is also the experience that brings them together. But it’s a situation of needing a catalyst, and it had to be something big. Fine… I get it… but I’m still sad. And now I’m over it, again.

I also REALLY thought I knew who “the guy” at the state fair was!! (Trying not to be spoilery.) It totally wasn’t him… but I think it would have been a really great clap-back to the first night of the festival tour. Oh, well. Worked out ok, in the end. 🙂

Final Thoughts:
I really, really enjoyed SASSY BLONDE. It was just as good as I’d been told to expect from the author, and I’m very much looking forward to reading some of her catalog while I wait for FEISTY RED to come out in November!!!

Loved this book. I’m a sucker for books like this and ….what a great start to this sibling trilogy. I adore the work of author Stacey Kennedy and cant wait for the second book with the heroine’s single-mom sister, Clara.

I loved the pace of this romance and thought the premise was well done because it's been set up for this trilogy. Great writing skills by Stacey.

ARC received for review

We are back in River Rock for the start of a new trilogy with the sisters of Three Chicks. We meet them briefly in the Kinky Spurs books, and now it's time for their own books.

Maisie was BFFs with Hayes' wife until tragedy strikes. Now years later they have both healed and find themselves with a spark they aren't sure what to do with. Her sisters are after her because all she seems to do is mess up, but her heart's not in the brewery. Going to beer festivals together they have to solve a mystery, give into the spark, and find their way to "new" jobs. I don't really get the title because I didn't see Maisie as being sassy. Big sister is up next ...

SASSY BLONDE is the first book in Stacey Kennedy’s “Three Chicks Brewery” series. The death of Laurel still reverberates and connects Maisie Carter and Hayes Taylor. She lost her best friend and he lost his wife. While friends before the tragedy, it has brought them closer. This story, and the romance that develops between Maisie and Hayes happens two years after Laurel’s death. In addition to the evolving relationship between the two main characters, this book also focuses on their search for purpose and fulfillment in their lives. This is a strong character-driven story told from alternating perspectives.

Maisie and Hayes are both at a crossroads in their lives. Hayes thought he’d never be a cop again after his wife died at the hands of a criminal. He thought he should have been able to protect her and has survivor’s guilt. His choices are to either revisit his previous career path or continue the work he’s been doing with troubled horses. Maisie is an artist and if she followed her dreams, she’d have a studio of her own and embrace her creativity. It’s a little more complicated for Maisie though. Family loyalty is keeping her from pursuing her passion. She and her sisters inherited the family brewery and she doesn’t want to let her sisters down. For Hayes and Maisie, figuring out what they want to do in life helps them figure out whether they should be together as well. A mix of business and pleasure as they work a few festivals promoting the family beer stirs up some sparks. The road trip adds a fun and flirty quality to this textured story. Hayes is so determined to be the good guy, the hero – especially for Maisie. I love an alpha hero with a sweet side and Hayes is that kind of a guy. Because they’re friends and have a history, the romance between these two people seems to develop very organically.

SASSY BLONDE is about fate, friendship, and forgiveness with some sexy thrown in. Stacey Kennedy conveys a sense of fate when it comes to this romance without any feeling of artificiality. Hayes resolves his conflicted feelings in a stunning and profound way. The secondary characters and relationships all contribute to make a richer story. I look forward to Stacey Kennedy’s next book. I’m especially eager to read about Hayes’ BFF Beckett and how he finds his happily ever after.

This first book in a new series is engaging, sweet, steamy, and full of hope. Maisie and Hayes have faced tragedy. Both have to find their path. With all that is going on in their lives the one thing undeniable is the chemistry and connection between them. It makes for a fast paced read that you become invested in. In their relationship, in the bond between sisters, and the success of the brewery. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to the next book.

Maisie and Hayes have lost one of the most important people in their lives. Their grief threatens to destroy them. Maisie's sisters pull her out of a huge depression. When she begins to live again, she knows she must save Hayes. As these two help save each other, something changes. A shift of feelings. An attraction. Can they really open their hearts? They'll need to put the past behind them in order to have a future. Very sweet, sexy story that I highly recommend!

Maisie and Hayes went through so much grief together. I can't even imagine being in their shoes. What was great about their relationship was how they were there for each other.
It was painful having to watch Hayes struggling with guilt. He was a good guy just wanting to make her happy.

Maisie was quirky to say the least. She had an aura about her that draw people in. I loved how their relationship managed to heal them both and made them stronger at the end.

I have a feeling Three chicks brewery will be one fun read after another and I can't wait to see what happens next.

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***

​​​​​Sassy Blonde by Stacey Kennedy is an emotional, friends-to-lovers romance. The two main characters have known each other a long time, and a horrific tragedy is what eventually brings them together romantically. This is the first book from the author's Three Chicks Brewery trilogy, and it read as a standalone.

Maisie Carter and her two sisters inherited their grandfather's craft brewery. In order to be successful, they need to get the brewery recognized by distribution channels outside of their local area. For their brew to reach the Colorado masses, Maisie is tasked with the tastings at the three upcoming craft brewery festivals. After breaking her finger, she asks her longtime friend Hayes Taylor to accompany her to the festivals, and help with the set-ups and tear-downs. Hayes job as a horse whisperer has him on rest and relaxation for ten days, so he is able to lend his muscle to help. It's been two years since the death of Hayes's beloved wife, who was also Maisie's best friend.

Maisie's true calling is anything artistic and creative, so her heart is just not in the brewery business. As a result, anything brewery related usually evolves into a hot mess. Her devotion to the business is due to her sisters' love for the business, and she does not want to let them down. Hayes used to be a police officer, but moved on from the force after his wife passed. Over the past several months, their platonic feelings have evolved into much more.

I enjoyed this novel, but it was repetitive at times. After reading the book blurb, I am looking forward to Feisty Red, the second book in the trilogy. It is about Clara Carter, Maisie's oldest sister.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

This book caused all the emotions: happiness, sadness, frustration, joy, ... This is a new series about 3 sisters who started a brewery with their inheritance from their grandfather. This story follows the youngest, Maisie, and her dead best friend's husband, Hayes.

The description of this book makes it sound like Laurel's passing happened a long time ago and that they've healed and are now looking for next steps. I expected this book to be pretty funny and lighthearted. There are definitely moments of that, but mostly it's a story about Maisie and Hayes trying to heal after Laurel's passing and figuring out what they want with their lives. They aren't completely open with each other and that impacts their relationship.

I enjoyed many aspects of this book, but definitely don't go into it thinking it's going to be a romantic comedy!

Oooohhh….what a great start to this sibling trilogy by romance author Stacey Kennedy!

Maisie is one of three siblings who inherited their grandfather’s start-up brewery. She has a series of mishaps and struggles…mentally and physically.

Hayes was a police office, but is now a widower, and hiding from everything and everyone. The only person, who is able to get to him in the slightest, is his deceased wife’s best friend…Maisie. But even she is being kept at arm’s length.

I love the somewhat slow burn in this romance. I love the premise that has been set up for this trilogy. And I love the author’s writing! There were a couple of times that I wanted to shake Maisie and tell her to have more confidence and self-respect, though!

"The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it."

I really enjoyed SASSY BLONDE: Three Chicks Brewery Book #1, and am completely looking forward to returning to River Rock, Colorado for the next book featuring single-mom sister, Clara! 4.75 stars from me!

The start of a new series is always interesting because it is either the start of something that I will really enjoy and then anxiously await the future books, or it disappoints. Fortunately, for me, this first book has gotten me excited for the rest of the series. Three Chicks Brewery is the background for this series, and the first book is about Maisie, the youngest of the sisters. The sisters grew up with their grandparents and upon their grandfather’s death, his wishes were that they have a successful brewery. This is all well and good for the 2 older sisters, but Maisie has always been a dreamer, the artist, and not really in sync with the business. This starts the first book. Maisie has issues with trying to work for the brewery, and also issues with the fact that her best friend, Laurel, was murdered. Hayes was Laurel’s husband, and has been devastated by Laurel’s murder. The story has lots of feels, and I really enjoyed the storyline. I am looking forward for more books in this series, and finding out how the other sisters will get their HEA.

Maisie Carter has always been a free spirit. An artist by nature, she has no idea what she’s doing as co-owner of Three Chicks Brewery. But she's determined to prove to her older sisters that she can be an asset to their grandfather's beer legacy. The best way to do that? Make the rounds at Colorado's craft brewery festivals and turn Foxy Diva, their top beer, into an award winner. Unfortunately, after more than one "beer mishap," it becomes clear that she's going to need some help. Hayes Taylor knows he has a chip on his shoulder. He just wants to work on his horse farm, alone. Maisie is injured whilst trying to move a keg of beer & Hayes is thrown from a horse & aid off for a week so the pair embark on the festival tour, beer filled days turn into lust filled nights, and neither Maisie nor Hayes can deny their growing attraction.
This is the start of a new series but it takes place in River Rock so we get to catch up with characters from the Kinky Spurs series. Oh my what a roller coaster of emotions, the prologue had me in tears & I was completely hooked, I loved all three Carter sisters & soo look forward to the rest of the series. Maisie is so selfless, a total optimist & thoroughly deserved her HEA. Hayes battled back after losing his wife Laurel, aided of course by Maisie. I loved how their relationship developed but of course their journey wasn’t smooth & a huge secret kept by Hayes could jeopardise everything. I loved every page of this engrossing romance
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

A cute read in the world of Kinky Spurs. Even though there is sadness from a death (it is early on and not a spoiler) you get some of the feelings especially from Hayes. He is devastated and cannot let go of his guilt. Maisie tries but has a hard time. I am not sure if I loved Maisie or not. She is kind of flighty which I normally like but in this she kind of came off as immature. Overall I think if you like a story of friends who find solace in each other’s arms you will enjoy this story. It is a nice read. I am really looking forward to the two sisters stories which I am thinking will be more angsty.

Maisie Carter is an artist, a dreamer.  She's rudderless, having lost her best friend who was killed in a home invasion robbery and then her beloved grandfather.  Committed to teaming with her sisters to make a success of the Three Chicks Brewery she feels like she's constantly swimming upstream and can never do anything right. Her last chance to contribute and pull her weight is to go on the road with their beer to create the right buzz that's going to win them the big contracts. She knows she has the jinx beat since this time she has help. Right?
Hayes Taylor is broken by the death of his wife especially since he knows it wasn't truly a home invasion robbery that got her. Having quit the police force he barely survives each day as it comes throwing himself in the dangerous job of breaking in dangerous horses.  Maisie was best friends with his wife and by extension with him.  He's bothered by the carnal thoughts he's having about the woman he once thought of like a sister but how can he resist her appeal for help with her upcoming road trip.
 Maisie and Hayes are both such negative characters to start, but they redeem themselves with the road trip and their red hot chemistry which heats up things nicely for readers.  Maisie's sister and cousins are fantastic and clearly something is brewing behind the scenes that should prove to be interesting.  This is definitely one convoluted tale involving ghosts and psychics who turn the tide and the story into a frothing tale full of fun and love. 
Clair is up next and the cat is out of the bag on who fathered her son. Can't wait to read how that turns out.

3.5/5⭐

Sassy Blonde is the first book in an all new western romance series by Stacey Kennedy. The romance between a free spirit and a widow who hasn't fully moved on.

Maisie , the youngest of the sisters behind Three Chicks Brewery, is an artist at heart but loyal and there for her sisters when she needs them. She's a bit of a klutz but is quick with a smile and has fallen in love with her best friends widow, Hayes. After her best friend past they become close friends themselves and now stronger feelings have emerged. Maisie is ready to embrace those feelings knowing her friend would have wanted them to be happy but Hayes has to fully let go off his feelings of guilt before that can happen.

All the Stacey Kennedy romances I have read were highly enjoyable and this one is no different. She created a great cast of lovable characters with an entertaining story to go along with them. This one tugs on the heart strings a little which is to be expected when two people are mourning the loss of someone they both loved. I think my biggest frustration was Hayes' dishonesty and the fact that Maisie put some much more effort into the two of them working but thankfully he realized the error of his ways by the end.

Sassy Blonde by Stacey Kennedy was a fun and sweet cowboy romance and a great start to a new series, I can't wait for her sister Clara's book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Stacey Kennedy for the ARC of Sassy Blond. This is honest review.
Sassy Blond is the first book in the Three Chicks Brewery series.
Maisie is the youngest of three sisters and she wants to prove to her sisters she can help make the brewery left to them by their Grandfather a success.
She convinces them she can showcase their brand Foxy Diva. She does a great job with the help of Hayes. The sparks fly between the two who have known each other for years. Hayes is the widow of Maisie’s best friend. They have helped each other since her tragic death.
Sit back and enjoy this first book in the new series.
This is the first book I have read by Stacey Kennedy and I am eager to read the next in this series and many more by this author.

Just right! A little bit of a tear jerker, lots of delightful characters, and a sweet HEA! A perfect escape read. Along with a perfect tease for the next one! Definitely worth adding to your summer reading list!