Cocktails and Dreams

This is completely 100% my sort of book! It had delicious sounding cocktail recipes, some delicious food, a character who is just learning how to discover her own dreams, a problematic relationship with a mother, oh and a hot bartender as the frosting on the glass!

Savvy is the daughter of an international rockstar, but aged seven she realised her mother wasn't all she should be, as when Savvy asked for a normal life, she gets abandoned at her aunts house, and barely has a relationship with her mother since.

Fast forward many years, and Savvy is unfortunately being dumped by her long term boyfriend as apparently they are now too different, and it takes her friends and colleagues to show her how much her life needed to change, and help her to discover some new independent dreams,

Turns out Savvy is able to make magic with her cocktail and cooking skills, as well as her expert palate, and is able to catch the eye of a very like minded bar tender Milo. I loved how the two main threads of the story came together, as well as seeing just how much Savvy was able to change over the course of the book.

The Martini Club where she was working sounds like a great burlesque club, and just adds a touch of glamour to the story, while Savvy's aunt and father add the contrast of being just lovely regular people with love in their hearts.

I just thoroughly enjoyed the direction Cocktails and Dreams was going in and am so excited to realise that this is only book 1 in the Martini Club series. I really hope wherever the next books go, that we get to keep up with Savvy's story even if she isn't the start of them.

It seems to me that I enjoy A.L. Michaels books more and more with each one I read, and that she is continually coming up with stories that a fantastic to read.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Canelo for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

I really enjoyed reading Cocktails and Dreams by A.L. Michael. The story was fun and the main character was flawed, likable and extremely relatable. Everyone has felt like a doormat at some point in their lives or been unsure of their dreams or where to go next. This is my first books I have read by Michael and plan to read more of her work. Michael writes in a strong voice and weaves a strong story. OH and I LOVED the cocktail rececipe at the end!!

Savannah Curtis is just getting out of a 9-year relationship, so her world is understandably turned upside down. Everyone keeps telling her that her break up with her b-list dj boyfriend is the best thing that could happen to her, but Savannah isn't seeing it yet. While Savannah is trying to figure out her next move, issues with her rock star mother, Persephonie Black, pop up. With the help of her family, friend, co-workers and a cute bartender named Milo, Savannah Curtis is trying to find out who she really is, what her dream is and how to be heard.

Here is one of my favorite quotes that can be found on page 91 of the ebook, "“You know what, I think I was wrong. Dreams die. They die when they are ready to die, and when new ones are ready to bloom."

This is fun, easy read that will leave you satisfied and happy to have spent some time with the book's exciting cast.

I loved this book. From the fame hungry love rat to the absent mother, Sav navigating her own life for the first time in years really engaged me. Much more than the average women's fiction book, beyond the bright cover a complex tale of life, family and love reels you in. One of my favourite reads this summer. I never wanted to have a cocktail and dream so much!

This book sparkled and fizzed like one of Savvy's delicious cocktails. Savvy was a compelling protagonist who'd always lived in her famous mother's shadow. Content with being invisible, she always puts others before herself until her minor celebrity boyfriend Rob dumps her. She realises she has to start dreaming and step out of the shadows, which makes her world collide with gorgeous bartender Milo's. Milo is a delicious hero and the chemistry between him and Savvy is richly explored. I rooted for them right until the end (even if I did fancy him myself!) A L Michael does a brilliant job of creating emotionally complex characters and exploring what it really means to chase your dreams.

I really enjoyed this book, great setting (a burlesque club), great characters and lots and lots of lovely food and cocktails.

Saffy works in a burlesque bar, The Martini Club, as a bartender and has just been dumped by her fame-hungry DJ boyfriend. Saffy's Mum is a famous singer who left her with sister when she was 7, because Saffy was desperate to go to school and have friends, living a normal life as opposed to touring around the world with her Mum all the time. So eventually her Mum gave in, dumped her at her sister's house without saying goodbye to Saffy and had rarely been back since.

Because of her early life Saffy craved a safe, settled life, which is why she settled for the ex-boyfriend. So it was only when they split up, after she'd scrimped and saved and worked two jobs to keep them surviving money-wise for 9 years, that her life started off in another, much better, direction and she started to get more confidence and believe in herself.

She loved her job in the bar, and there were some great characters, one of whom told her about a company who wanted people to review restaurants, so she answered the ad and got the job. Then she started bumping into Milo, an Italian/American bartender who was great with devising new cocktails . They both have dreams of developing their food/cocktail skills and having their own places one day.

Then Saffy's Mum turned up again, just when things were going well for her, and threw a bit of a spanner in the works. But it actually all worked out for the best in the end.

A highly enjoyable book that I hope is just the start of Saffy and Milo's new adventures. I've read that this is the first in a three book series with Prosecco & Promises and Martinis & Memories due out in 2018, I can't wait! I've read a few of A L Michael's books now and so far they've all been 5* for me. I just love her way of writing and the characters are just so easy to relate to. Highly recommended.

A.L. Michael is one of my favourite authors and she has yet to disappoint. I loved this book from start to finish and was so sad when it was over. The characters, the mood, setting and atmosphere were all perfect. I can't wait to read the next in the series!

*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Savvy, works at The Martini Club as a bartender, she has just been left by her DJ boyfriend and her mother is a famous rockstar! Savvy only met her dad when she was a teenager and her mother left when she was 7 years old.

She is ready for some changes and meets handsome bartender Milo on the way. She goes in a real journey, becomes more confident and believes in herself. She is happy! I loved seeing Savvy and Milo discussing their dreams and talking about the future!

However, her mother steps into the picture again and things get a bit complicated. For me as a reader it just added more drama and action to a fun, engaging and fresh story.

I adore the title and it’s perfect for this book! This is definitely my fave book by A.L. Michael so far and I’m really excited that this is only book one in the series, I definitely need more!

A.L. Michael is so talented, she created some vivid scenes, authentic characters and a wonderful storyline. I enjoyed every second of this book!

Savvy’s spent her whole life being in the shadow of someone – firstly it was her rock star mother, and then her Z list celebrity boyfriend. So, when he tells her after nine years that it’s over and immediately becomes engaged to someone, Savvy feels lost.

But her friends at The Martini Club aren’t about to let that happen – they always thought she was far too good for him anyway and tell her that now it’s time for her to shine. It’s time for her to follow her dreams! But when her mother shows back up in her life, Savvy’s sceptical that their fractured relationship can ever be repaired…or if she even wants it to be.

This is the first in the ‘cocktails’ series from author A L Michael for publisher, Canelo and its bright, zingy cover echoes the inside. It’s fun, sweet and Savvy is a heroine you immediately like and really get behind, urging her on to step out of the shadows and into her own spotlight. But the supporting cast is also fabulous, with the lovely Milo and Savvy’s wonderfully caring, Boho aunt who has a story of her own…

It’s a quick read – but that’s good! It was quick because I didn’t want to put it down. If you’re looking for a book with a sweet heroine you can’t help but urge on, descriptions of delicious food and fabulous cocktails (plus some recipes!) then look no further!

Savannah is haunted by her past; constantly living in the shadow of her rock 'n' roll mother, Persephone Black. Up until the age of seven, Savvy spent her life on tour buses with Persephone and her entourage, never settling down or having a 'normal' life. After multiple tantrums of wanting a normal life, Savvy's mother drops her off at her Aunty's and never returns. Savvy then moves out of her mother's shadow and in to the shadow of her self-absorbed, DJ boyfriend, who after 9 years of being together, dumps her for some TV star.

Savvy was an absolute pleasure to read about and her journey was just so inspiring. Watching her discover who she truly is and what life she wants for herself - it really made me think about my own life and ways I can really make a life for myself. Even though Savvy had hit rock bottom, she still had so many incredible friends beside her and a great job at the burlesque club to keep her preoccupied and motivated. If it wasn't for her work gang, she wouldn't have ever thought about developing her skills within food and cocktails.

Her new found dreams also wouldn't have happened, if she hadn't come across the ever so handome, Milo. Milo is an Italian/American bartender who is fabulous at concocting up new cocktails and inspiring Savvy to make her own. They both go on a journey together of falling in love and achieving their dreams, even if it means heading their separate ways.

I really didn't like Savvy's mother, Persephone Black and I felt myself getting angry with her when she just decided to waltz back in to her life and not take anything seriously. She didn't consider anybody's feeling, regarding her unexpected appearance, and just expected everybody to roll with it. However, that being said, by the end she had grown on me and I thought she had transformed in to somebody who wanted to make an effort with her family and a maternal side of her began to show.

A.L. has such a gorgeous and humorous style of writing that had me giggling in some parts of the book. Cocktails and Dreams is an incredibly heartwarming and emotional book, that really touched me. I couldn't adore Savvy more if I tried and I became protective of her, wanting to help her run away from all the bad people in her life. It was also wonderful getting to know all the other characters, each personality so unique and lovely in their own ways. I especially loved the way A.L. described the mouth drooling dishes and cocktails being made throughout this book and it really made me want to escape to an exotic location where I could just eat the fanciest of foods and drink cocktails from morning till night.

Five stars to Cocktails and Dreams!

This is a clear, uncomplicated, fun-loving read! The perfect accompaniment for a cocktail by the pool. It is nice to have a book every now and again where you don’t have to really concentrate on what you are reading – you know, a real good “chick-lit” or “women’s fiction” as it is now known. I straight away knew that I was going to enjoy this book and could tell that a lot of fun had been had by A. L. Michael whilst creating the imaginary life of Savvy.

Savvy is the daughter of an international singing sensation, and her childhood has shaped her into who she is today; a girl that is always being let down by those she loves the most. Apart from her Aunty Jen of course, who has practically raised her, as her own mother just didn’t seem to have the time. Jen has always given Savvy the stability she needs.

Savvy’s boyfriend of nine years has just walked out on her. Bit of a cheek really as she has has been the one who has paid for everything all this time, the rent and the bills, whilst Rob was trying to “make it” as a professional DJ. So now that he is apparently a celebrity, a z-list one I am sure, he has gone and left. Savvy has put her game face on though and will not show weakness – forget him!

This newfound opportunity is the time for Savvy to restart her life with a clean slate and find out what truly makes her happy… It was a lovely journey to go on with her as she is such an adorable character, and when a hunky cocktail waiter catches her eye, you can only guess what happens next… will her dreams come true?!

I read this cute little book in one sitting and enjoyed every second of it. Canelo Publishers and Netgalley kindly provided me with an ebook copy in return for my opinion – thank you so much to them!

Oh and I cannot wait to try that cheeky little cocktail at the end – sounds divine!

My final word: Delicious!

This is so much fun! I usually shy away from romance, but I'm so glad I gave this one a chance. Sometimes you just need a book that'll make you feel good. It's very sweet, entertaining, heartfelt, and even funny. The romance doesn't even start really start to gain speed until about the halfway mark. This is every inch a feel-good novel. I loved Savvy. I loved all of the characters. Reading this novel was a very pleasant way to spend a couple of hours. I think it's a nice quick read that will make you smile. It earned a 4.5 with its charm.

The beginning of Cocktails and Dreams starts with an ending... of a dead end relationship. Savannah's boyfriend of nine years unceremoniously dumps her and insinuates he's met someone else. Her friends and family don't think it's a big loss, but she's distraught. Her loved ones point out that he was simply a DJ who occasionally made it into the tabloids who was living off her. She worked two jobs so he could chase his dream. He was a mooch. But to Savvy, he was comfortable... always there, keeping her steady. It's hard to imagine her life without him, but she has to.

Savvy works at a burlesque club... but not on stage. Oh, no... that's for the sparkly women, the beautiful sirens. She's content to blend in. She works as a bartender, and she does it very well. She has a great knack for putting together flavors and keeping her customers happy and coming back for me. When she is recruited to help in the kitchen one night, we also learn that gift extends to food. She may not know her way around a professional kitchen, but she has a natural ability to create delicious food.

Her breakup actually ends up opening Savvy up to new experiences. Suddenly she wants to find her passion. Suddenly she's willing to take risks... even flirt with the bartender she feels a spark with. He encourages her to change her life, and so do her friends and family. In the last decade she's only felt comfortable. It's time to lose the thoughts telling her she just wants to be normal and average. It's time for excitement.

"Just because you don’t shout the loudest or demand everyone’s attention the minute you enter a room does not mean you’re not tough. Tough can be quiet. Being strong is a long-time gig, sweetheart, and you’ve been doing it your whole life."

As if she doesn't have enough on her plate, her estranged mother reappears. Raised by her aunt since she was seven, Savvy wants nothing to do with dear old mom... who is actually a rock star who used her problems with parenting as inspiration for some of her biggest hits. Life is changing though, and perhaps it's time for mother and daughter to hash things out.

I was given an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Canelo, thank you! My opinion is honest and unbiased.

Cocktails and Dreams was an enjoyable book to read, I loved reading about all the characters I was hooked.
We meet Saffy, who is dumped by her 'wanna be' famous boyfriend and due to this decides to make something of her life. A few delightful characters join her on this journey.
A great book, here's hoping there's a part two as I'm not ready to give Saffy up yet.

Cocktails and Dreams...what a unique cover! To be perfectly honest, my first impression of the book wasn't 100% due to the cover, it seemed too simple for the authors general style. Just my opinion. When I got into the storyline, I found the content to be nothing like the cover whatsoever.

Getting straight to the point; I bloomin' loved this book! First of all, the majority of the storyline was set in a burlesque club, I mean, how unique can you get? Straight away I thought of Dita Von Teese, and the film 'Burlesque'. Brilliant setting. Second of all, there is a kickass female protagonist who goes by the name of 'Savvy'; if you need a new role model in your life, choose her. Period. Third of all, there is an emotional back story which ends up being deeper than the Bee-Gee's popular tune, 'How Deep Is Your Love'. Not in a bad way either!

'Cocktails and Dreams' isn't just a book about alcohol. It isn't just a book about dreams gone wrong. No. 'Cocktails and Dreams' is a book that just keeps on giving. Every single chapter brought something new to the whole book experience, some things expected, and some things not. All of that showed me that A.L.Michael's book has more to it that meets the eye, and by golly what a book to come back with!

Savvy's situation was quite a difficult one to read, so emotional yet her mother's antics made me want to give her a ruddy good shake. I found the switching between intense moments and hilarious moments, incredibly refreshing and memorable. It was as though  we were given the best of both worlds, without feeling too suffocated by the characters lifestyles. 

Whilst I loved the entire novel, I adored the spotlight on fulfilling dreams, and learning how to find the confidence to be able to put yourself first, whilst grabbing that dream by the lower region and showing it whose boss. At the end of the day, we are all humans as we always end up putting our dreams on the back burner because of life itself. Author, A.L.Michael, was obviously aware of that fact, which made the sentiment behind her character's dreams go through the roof. I believed that Savvy could reach the stars. And now, after reading 'Cocktails and Dreams', I believe that I can also reach the stars.

A brilliant, heart-warming, beautifully written novel from the extremely talented, A.L.Michael. A must-read without a doubt.

Thanks Canelo/NeverlandBT.

A fantastic start to a new, exciting serious. We follow Savvy on her journey from mousy and timid to feisty and strong. Such wonderful characters, delicious drinks and food, and a wonderful backdrop of London.

Savvy is the daughter of an international rockstar and at the age of 7 realised that she wanted a normal life......be careful what you wish for as her mother then dumped her with an aunt and left.

Now being dumped again by her long term boyfriend Savvy wants to do something with her life - she is a real foodie and loves making cocktails - can she do something with that and as Milo an American bartender comes into her life she starts to think maybe she can!

Great book - I loved the character of Savvy and the way she grew into herself working at the Martini Club and am definitely looking forward the to future books in the series

The story starts with the end of her relationship with her boyfriend of nine years but moves on from potential heartbreak to new experiences and a world of possibilities. Having been taken on tour with her rock star mother for most of her life, when she is seven years old Savvy asks for a normal life and her Mum literally dumps her with her aunt. The two have had little interaction since then. Now Savvy works at a burlesque club with some fantastic characters who encourage her to develop her own cooking and cocktail making skills, especially after meeting Milo, a bartender at a different club. As she puts her sensitive palate to the test she learns more about life, love, friends and family - though the return of her Mum puts everything under threat . . . or does it really give her another opportunity?

The growth and development of many of the characters in this story is superb. The novel has a heartwarming plot brought to life in the first book in a new series by this highly talented author. I enjoyed her ventures into checking out other venues, her relationships with others and her developing strength and resolve.  I found it a moving, funny and entertaining novel and I can’t wait to read more in this series in future and, hopefully, to discover how life progresses for Savvy in the process! I have no hesitation in highly recommending this delightful read to anyone who enjoys well crafted contemporary romance with great character development and even a cocktail recipe to indulge yourself with!

I requested and was given a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion after choosing to read it.

I normally read thrillers so this was a complete change for me. I wasn't sure at first but a couple of chapters in I was really enjoying it, it's light it's fun but there's a bit of drama that kept my attention.
A very enjoyable read would definitely recommend for a chillaxing holiday read.

I absolutely adored this book! I'm so glad I gave it a go as it has been such a pleasant surprise.

Savvy's mum is a rock star (a very selfish one) and spends her time on tour with her. Savvy just wants to have a normal life and so her mum drops her off with her Aunt and has had very little contact with her mum ever since.

Now that Savvy is all grown up things aren't going so well since she has been dumped by her long term boyfriend. She decides she must figure out what it is she wants to do with her life and we start to see her as a very good cook and cocktail maker.

She starts writing reviews about restaurants she has visited and this is how she gets to meet the lovely Milo and the story really begins.

I shall spoil nothing but I will say this is a book worth picking up as it just fab!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.