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theamyleblanc's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I've been looking for a book like this for so long! I've been craving a book set in a bar that hits the right notes.
And I finally found it.
Monroe manages this struggling dive bar and Julien threatens everything by buying the property next door and planning to open a wine bar. Their chemistry is clear from the moment they meet but Katia does a beautiful job of balancing the tension of 'I want them but I shouldn't but I <i>want</i> them but our goals are completely opposite but <b>I want them</b>'. It's a lovely thing to experience!
The Montreal setting is light but effective. The city isn't much of a character in this story. It's sprinkled in throughout: a mention of the frigid weather, some Québécoise, neighborhood references. It's enough to ground you in a location but still make the story seem ubiquitous.
Julien sounds sexy. Monroe sounds like someone I would be happy to pledge loyalty to. I learned a few new French words that classes would never teach.
I have only lovely things to say. Go read this. It will not disappoint.
I'm off to read the next book!
And I finally found it.
Monroe manages this struggling dive bar and Julien threatens everything by buying the property next door and planning to open a wine bar. Their chemistry is clear from the moment they meet but Katia does a beautiful job of balancing the tension of 'I want them but I shouldn't but I <i>want</i> them but our goals are completely opposite but <b>I want them</b>'. It's a lovely thing to experience!
The Montreal setting is light but effective. The city isn't much of a character in this story. It's sprinkled in throughout: a mention of the frigid weather, some Québécoise, neighborhood references. It's enough to ground you in a location but still make the story seem ubiquitous.
Julien sounds sexy. Monroe sounds like someone I would be happy to pledge loyalty to. I learned a few new French words that classes would never teach.
I have only lovely things to say. Go read this. It will not disappoint.
I'm off to read the next book!
1_romance_reader's review
5.0
The Bar Next Door by Katia Rose is the first book in her new romcom series which is actually a spin off from the Sherbrooke Station series.
Monroe is the manager of Taverne Toulouse which is more than just a job to her; it’s her life and the people who work there are like family. The owner of the bar is not turning a profit and now wants to sell it.
Julien is opening a wine bar next door to the taverne and is interested in buying it. In his mind, the place is a dump but he feels he could use it to expand the wine bar
Monroe is not having any of that and will do whatever it takes to trying to save the taverne, even if it means fraternizing with the enemy
What a great story! I really enjoyed it. There was enough humor, emotion,and slow burn romance to keep things interesting. It was well written with characters that were likable and real. I especially loved Monroe. I felt I could relate to her on so many levels
I can’t wait for the next one! Fingers crossed we get a DeeDee / Zach story
This is a definite recommend from me
I received an Arc and this is my honest review
Monroe is the manager of Taverne Toulouse which is more than just a job to her; it’s her life and the people who work there are like family. The owner of the bar is not turning a profit and now wants to sell it.
Julien is opening a wine bar next door to the taverne and is interested in buying it. In his mind, the place is a dump but he feels he could use it to expand the wine bar
Monroe is not having any of that and will do whatever it takes to trying to save the taverne, even if it means fraternizing with the enemy
What a great story! I really enjoyed it. There was enough humor, emotion,and slow burn romance to keep things interesting. It was well written with characters that were likable and real. I especially loved Monroe. I felt I could relate to her on so many levels
I can’t wait for the next one! Fingers crossed we get a DeeDee / Zach story
This is a definite recommend from me
I received an Arc and this is my honest review
wandereaderr's review
5.0
I’m going to be completely honest with you all, here. For some reason, with almost every Katia Rose novel, I sign up for an ARC and then take forever to read it. No, not even read it, but start it. Because whenever I do start it, I rip through each and every novel Katia Rose writes. I’m a firm believer that a book chooses you, not the other way around. (Or maybe that’s my excuse for being lazy.) I like to think, though, that the books we choose to read at certain times help us in so many ways. And I think I needed The Bar Next Door exactly at the time I read it. It’s been a few months since I moved and changed jobs (and then changed jobs again just recently) and reading took a backseat to everything else going on in my life.
The Bar Next Door helped me rediscover how phenomenal a book can make you feel. It had been a minute since I felt that way and Monroe and Julien’s entertaining banter, off-the-charts chemistry, and just their story in general reignited the passion that has always been burning inside me, but went a little dark for a minute.
Monroe is the manager of a dive bar that is in serious danger of closing down. Monroe is exactly the type of manager we all crave—one that truly cares about the business and the employees that help run that business. She has a heart of gold the size of the Empire State Building. And when a very, very sexy Frenchman threatens to break that heart of hers by closing down her bar, she vows to never let that happen. What she doesn’t realize is that she’s in danger of something much scarier… falling in love.
Again, I have no idea why I put off reading Katia Roses’s books. Every single time I read one, I am floored. They’re the perfect combination of sweet, angst-y, and humorous. Each character, each world, each story feels completely brand new. I love learning about Canada and all the phrases and quirks. I adore that there’s just so much culture included in all of her novels.
We all know I love a bad boy. We all love a bad boy. It’s the mystery, the thrill of the chase, the accomplishment that we were the ones to tame them—the wild one. But, honestly, there’s something so much more romantic about a man who is sweet, who is up front about his feelings. A man who knows where he’s at in his life and knows what he wants. Sure, Julien is a little broken—a little down and out. But his heart is still so beautiful and I appreciate that immensely. (Can you tell where I’m currently at in my love life?)
Sometimes I feel like I’m constantly repeating myself in my reviews, especially when it comes to how some couples seem to just click. But, I’m being 100% genuine when I say that Monroe and Julien are it for each other. From their first encounter, it was written in the stars. Some souls are just bound to be connected forever, even in books, and I could absolutely tell that Julien and Monroe were meant to find each other. And that’s probably my favorite thing about this book, or even any romance novel. It helps me remember that some things and some people are just meant to be. It gives me hope.
The Bar Next Door is a magnificent and beautiful love story. You should definitely check it out.
The Bar Next Door helped me rediscover how phenomenal a book can make you feel. It had been a minute since I felt that way and Monroe and Julien’s entertaining banter, off-the-charts chemistry, and just their story in general reignited the passion that has always been burning inside me, but went a little dark for a minute.
“We live our lives so focused on the big picture, on that bright shiny future we’re all striving to achieve, that any person or place who can’t keep up gets left in the dirt when all they really needed was a hand to pull them up. At the end of the day, that’s what we give people here…”
Monroe is the manager of a dive bar that is in serious danger of closing down. Monroe is exactly the type of manager we all crave—one that truly cares about the business and the employees that help run that business. She has a heart of gold the size of the Empire State Building. And when a very, very sexy Frenchman threatens to break that heart of hers by closing down her bar, she vows to never let that happen. What she doesn’t realize is that she’s in danger of something much scarier… falling in love.
Again, I have no idea why I put off reading Katia Roses’s books. Every single time I read one, I am floored. They’re the perfect combination of sweet, angst-y, and humorous. Each character, each world, each story feels completely brand new. I love learning about Canada and all the phrases and quirks. I adore that there’s just so much culture included in all of her novels.
“He talked about wine like it was poetry, like it was the most intricate of dramas—a war song and a love story all wrapped up in one.”
We all know I love a bad boy. We all love a bad boy. It’s the mystery, the thrill of the chase, the accomplishment that we were the ones to tame them—the wild one. But, honestly, there’s something so much more romantic about a man who is sweet, who is up front about his feelings. A man who knows where he’s at in his life and knows what he wants. Sure, Julien is a little broken—a little down and out. But his heart is still so beautiful and I appreciate that immensely. (Can you tell where I’m currently at in my love life?)
“I want to hold you until this mess makes sense. You’re the only thing that’s ever made me feel like I have a way out.”
Sometimes I feel like I’m constantly repeating myself in my reviews, especially when it comes to how some couples seem to just click. But, I’m being 100% genuine when I say that Monroe and Julien are it for each other. From their first encounter, it was written in the stars. Some souls are just bound to be connected forever, even in books, and I could absolutely tell that Julien and Monroe were meant to find each other. And that’s probably my favorite thing about this book, or even any romance novel. It helps me remember that some things and some people are just meant to be. It gives me hope.
The Bar Next Door is a magnificent and beautiful love story. You should definitely check it out.
alyciabaxter's review
5.0
“This is not a promising start to our date, Bordeaux Boy. Don’t make me change my mind.” I notice how fast my pulse is racing through my veins, and I realize that I don’t want him to make me change my mind. “Never. I’ll see you on Saturday, Monroe.” “See you then.” Mission Cut Ties With Julien Valois: complete failure.
I’M BACCCCKKKKK! Haha. It’s been awhile! I’m back with an ARC REVIEW! And it’s a good one “The Bar Next Dior” has 3 of my favorite things: banter, romance, and wine. Thank you Katia Rose for letting me read this book early! I have loved everything she has written! I love that Monroe stuck to her guns throughout this book. She loved her job and the people she worked with and she wasn’t going let Taverne Toulouse go down without a fight. And then there’s Julien... can someone find me a guy like him? He’s a TOTAL HOTTIE. Not only does this book have my 3 favorite things it also gave me all the feels. There’s some tear jerking parts towards (haha at least for me). This book comes out August 22nd and your definitely going to want to read it!
I’M BACCCCKKKKK! Haha. It’s been awhile! I’m back with an ARC REVIEW! And it’s a good one “The Bar Next Dior” has 3 of my favorite things: banter, romance, and wine. Thank you Katia Rose for letting me read this book early! I have loved everything she has written! I love that Monroe stuck to her guns throughout this book. She loved her job and the people she worked with and she wasn’t going let Taverne Toulouse go down without a fight. And then there’s Julien... can someone find me a guy like him? He’s a TOTAL HOTTIE. Not only does this book have my 3 favorite things it also gave me all the feels. There’s some tear jerking parts towards (haha at least for me). This book comes out August 22nd and your definitely going to want to read it!
anacarter's review
5.0
Okay. Wow.
After reading Katia's Sherbrooke Station series I HAD to read this one. I literally devoured this one in a day. lol
I loved that this one is placed in the same world as Sherbrooke Station and we get to see Roxanne and Cole make a small appearance!
I feel like now a days pacing is a huge issue with some books but this one was just right. Monroe and Julien are fun loveable characters. Their relationship is sweet and sad at times.
The ending was perfect, definitely room for another book in this series. Looking forward to reading more!
I'll probably write a longer review but closer to release day
After reading Katia's Sherbrooke Station series I HAD to read this one. I literally devoured this one in a day. lol
I loved that this one is placed in the same world as Sherbrooke Station and we get to see Roxanne and Cole make a small appearance!
I feel like now a days pacing is a huge issue with some books but this one was just right. Monroe and Julien are fun loveable characters. Their relationship is sweet and sad at times.
The ending was perfect, definitely room for another book in this series. Looking forward to reading more!
I'll probably write a longer review but closer to release day
nessreads11's review
4.0
4.5 Stars
Je suis tellement heureux, ma bouche fait mal de sourire si grand! I adored this book so much, and loved these characters even more. This book was such a swoon worthy read, I couldn’t get enough.
Monroe is the manager of a failing bar. She loves that bar and her staff and treats them like family. But when Julien purchases the lot next door Monroe sees that as competition. And so, it becomes her mission to save the bar and the people who work there.
Julien is a businessman and his focus is on work. He’s every bit charismatic and charming. Though he’s not one for relationships, but meeting Monroe throws him off and suddenly he wants more.
Julien and Monroe try their best to maintain their distaste for one another. But soon a bond is formed, however they find it difficult to see a balance. Their sexual tension is evident and there’s no denying the sparks between them. And boy does Julien bring the fire out of Monroe. I loved these two. And Julien speaking French, mon dieu! Julien était en feu et m’a fait fondre.
The Bar Next Door was sweet, spicy and humorous. A wonderful storyline with down to earth and refreshing characters. With poignant moments that’ll touch your heart. This book will have you laughing and swooning nonstop. Katia, bravo, un autre gagnant. À votre santé.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book*
Je suis tellement heureux, ma bouche fait mal de sourire si grand! I adored this book so much, and loved these characters even more. This book was such a swoon worthy read, I couldn’t get enough.
Monroe is the manager of a failing bar. She loves that bar and her staff and treats them like family. But when Julien purchases the lot next door Monroe sees that as competition. And so, it becomes her mission to save the bar and the people who work there.
Julien is a businessman and his focus is on work. He’s every bit charismatic and charming. Though he’s not one for relationships, but meeting Monroe throws him off and suddenly he wants more.
Julien and Monroe try their best to maintain their distaste for one another. But soon a bond is formed, however they find it difficult to see a balance. Their sexual tension is evident and there’s no denying the sparks between them. And boy does Julien bring the fire out of Monroe. I loved these two. And Julien speaking French, mon dieu! Julien était en feu et m’a fait fondre.
The Bar Next Door was sweet, spicy and humorous. A wonderful storyline with down to earth and refreshing characters. With poignant moments that’ll touch your heart. This book will have you laughing and swooning nonstop. Katia, bravo, un autre gagnant. À votre santé.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book*
piperkitty's review
5.0
The bar next door starts off with an introduction to Monroe. We then go on to meeting Julien. Julien and Monroe chemistry is well written and addictive. The plot is very well thought out anf action packed. This is my first book by Katia and ot won't be my last i would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance. Tavern tosuel is struggling will Monmore ve able to save this bar before it falls on its last legs. Read to find out.
dimples87's review
5.0
This is the book you can’t put down because once you start reading, you’re stuck in it and not mad about it. This is the type of book that could be turned into a Hallmark movie or a Lifetime movie. The infamous bar Monroe dishes out the best advice along with the best drinks. Taverne Toulouse is a strong woman who keeps the bar and the staff in check with an iron fist.
Taverne and her staff are in for a whirlwind when a new business opens up next door. Julien Valois is getting ready to take his empire to the next level as he prepares to take everything in sight including the infamous Monroe bar. That is until he meets Ms. Toulouse who gives him a run for his money.
This story is so beautifully written as we go on this ride with the characters. The battle fades away the more, the walls tumble, their hearts override their mind, and their internal flame burns deeper because the passion ignites. That is until reality sinks in as business goes back per usual but will it tear them away? But this is just the beginning. Pick up this and don’t regret it because it will be worth the read!
Taverne and her staff are in for a whirlwind when a new business opens up next door. Julien Valois is getting ready to take his empire to the next level as he prepares to take everything in sight including the infamous Monroe bar. That is until he meets Ms. Toulouse who gives him a run for his money.
This story is so beautifully written as we go on this ride with the characters. The battle fades away the more, the walls tumble, their hearts override their mind, and their internal flame burns deeper because the passion ignites. That is until reality sinks in as business goes back per usual but will it tear them away? But this is just the beginning. Pick up this and don’t regret it because it will be worth the read!
shanbreads's review
4.0
beautifully written with relatable character's and and addictive storyline. The character's are amazing and come across so down to earth and a storyline you will get hooked right from the beginning. I loved the built up chemistry between them and how intense it is and I can't wait to read the next instalment in this series