I loved the idea of this but I couldn’t get through it. I didn’t really like the characters. If I had pushed through, maybe I would have liked it better but it was a struggle. Keep writing queer books, this one just didn’t do it for me.

I really wasn’t a fan of this book. Perhaps I am not a fan of enemies to lovers stories. Too much tension throughout the entire store for my liking. Honestly I am getting sick of the third act breakups.

In Walked Trouble by Dana Hawkins is a witty and heartwarming enemies-to-lovers romance set in the competitive world of bartending. Remi James, a hardworking bartender, is crushed when her long-awaited promotion turns into a cash bonus and she faces competition from the stunning Maya Marek. What starts as a rivalry fueled by resentment gradually shifts into an unexpected connection, as the two women clash over everything from drink recipes to their budding attraction. With sharp banter, sizzling chemistry, and themes of personal growth and sacrifice, Hawkins delivers a compelling story about chasing dreams and finding love in the most unlikely places.

I love when a book from a new-to-me author gets me super excited for more to come and that is what In Walked Trouble did to a tee!

Dana Hawkins is a master of FF romance. She writes very relatable and real characters who are imperfect and unfortunately human, but so lovable and charming.

Maya is a young student who has paved her path through college with hard work and plenty a bartending job. Remi has been working, quite successfully, as a bartender for years and is up for a big promotion. Both end up in an epic rivalry, competing for money they desperately need to support their stability.

The gloves come out and as the competition heats up, they recognize a spark… Will their budding interest flare or combust?

Thank you to the author for making me both laugh and tear up while connecting with her characters. I am looking forward to continuing the series!

Spicy, fun, and beautiful. I loved it. A great weekend read for just hanging out and having some fun

I really excited this sapphic romance. I live in PNW so the nod to Seattle is particularly fun. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review.

Loved the first book in this series, and I loved this one too. I always love a little rivals to lovers trope.

In Walked Trouble by Dana Hawkins is a solid read with a mix of romance and suspense. The story follows the classic formula of romantic tension, which initially drew me in. The chemistry between the protagonists is engaging, and the banter adds a fun dynamic to their relationship.

💡 The Vibe: Fun chemistry and witty banter between the leads 🔥, but the storyline feels a bit predictable 😅. The pacing---some parts felt dragged out, while others were rushed 🕰️.

Overall, In Walked Trouble is an enjoyable. It’s a decent choice if you’re looking for a light romance.
Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC!

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

In Walked Trouble is a perfectly fine sapphic romance. I had a lot of fun reading it and overall really enjoyed. But it’s nothing new or original and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. If you’re looking for a light read I think this book is definitely that.

Thank you Net Galley, however I chose to DNF this book at 38%. The story just did not grip me the way I wanted and unfortunately lost my attention. I did enjoy Dana’s writing style and will try to read whatever else she writes.

This book's a fun queer romcom about two bartenders fighting for the same promotion. Remi's been grinding for years, hoping to finally buy a house. Then Maya shows up - gorgeous, blonde, and gunning for Remi's dream job. Cue the rivalry... and the sexual tension. As they duke it out behind the bar, trading snark and side-eyes, things start to heat up. Soon they're less focused on out-mixing each other and more on, well, mixing. It's your classic enemies-to-lovers setup with a boozy twist. If you dig stories where the "I hate you" slowly morphs into "I can't keep my hands off you," this one's right up your alley. Perfect for fans of queer romance who like their love stories with a dash of sass and a shot of steam.

In Walked Trouble by Dana Hawkins is a delightful sapphic romance that blends humor, heart, and a touch of drama. The story follows Remi James, a hardworking bartender with dreams of stability, and Maya, her charismatic coworker who is saving up for nursing school. Their dynamic is a classic grumpy/sunshine trope, filled with playful banter and undeniable chemistry.

What makes this book stand out is the depth of the characters and their emotional journeys. Remi and Maya both grapple with personal traumas—Remi’s unstable upbringing and Maya’s grief over her father's death. Their relationship evolves from initial friction to deep emotional intimacy, providing a satisfying and realistic portrayal of love and support.

The setting in a lively bar adds an engaging backdrop to their interactions, and the scenes where Maya showcases her bottle-tossing skills are particularly entertaining. The author’s ability to weave humor with heartfelt moments makes this a thoroughly enjoyable read.

If you’re a fan of well-crafted characters and a romance that develops organically, In Walked Trouble is definitely worth picking up. It’s a story that balances lightheartedness with meaningful exploration of personal growth and connection.

Thank you Net Galley and Nancy Warren, however due to personal things that had happen during the period that this book was to be published I was unable to read it and provide feeback.

A cute, enemies to lovers romance. Easy read, well paced and well written.

Recommend to any rom com lovers!

*Thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*

DNF at page 78, chapter 8. This was not the book for me.

We were already off on the wrong foot as Remi's anger feels so justified. Maya coming in at the same level as her after she's worked there for four years is such a terrible move by Gabriella and makes the whole set up feel uneven, and Maya hard to like as a consequence. Not helped by Gabriella pulling the "how dare you accuse me of nepotism" card like that wasn't exactly what she was doing.

The penultimate nail in the coffin was the revelation that Remi's poor attitude apparently comes from defending an underage coworker from harassment. Remi is great and customers who aren't awful people love her, but she needs to "stay in her lane". Was Maya going to face a similar scenario with a terrible person and let him do what he likes to keep the customer happy like Gabrielle wants? I'm assuming not.

I did enjoy trading viewpoints and if I was less turned off by the opening premise I think it could have worked for me. I liked the potential of both characters, or would have if the set up hadn't put me off of Maya entirely. If they had been on equal terms with similarly important goals for the money, I think this could have been onto a winner, but it just didn't work for me as it was and with the foundation so shaky I just didn't want to read on.

The book was so great!! The main characters were presented so well!! Honestly neeeeeeed moreeeeee from these characters!! Love this book!! ❤️ the ending was truly emotional and had me metaphorically gripping at the pages wanting to read more, love this book. Really need another book with Maya and Remi!!

This was such a fun LGBTQ+ book for Pride month! The story follows two women as they compete against each other for a large cash bonus at work, and fall in love as they work. It had mild hints of enemy to lovers, and hints of spice too!

I enjoyed the character development and how well their backstories were maintained. Remi is a badass who protects her heart of stone as a former foster child who has no one; while Maya had a healthy and happy childhood and loves fiercely. They balanced each other out perfectly and led to a well rounded love story.

Highly recommend for a fast read!

I have mixed feeling with this one: I thought Harper was just so childish and annoying, when the woman is a grown adult!! The romance didn't have any sparks and I couldn't feel the chemistry between our two main characters. I liked the restaurant setting and it was well enough written to make my mouth water. 2.5 stars

This book is the perfect romcom. I love everything about it. The characters, the setting, the relationship, the tropes… It’s so funny but also it made you think. I can relate so much with Remi, I feel her feeling. But I love Maya too.
Really, this book is so cute.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the arc.