Reviews

Blame it on the Vodka by Fiona Cole

calliek927's review

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4.0

Book 3 in the Blame it on the Alcohol series belongs to Raelynn and Austin. The prologue introduces us to him at a frat party, when they originally met, and how they became best friends.

However, obviously, he always wanted more. After a drunken night in Vegas, of course, we all know what happens. But things get tricky when social media attention affects her political father and his Gram.

There is a bit of domestic violence that happens to Ray, but not by Austin; this was before, with her ex, who just won't leave her alone.

Like the other books, we get good character-building, and everything moves at a good pace, as well.

I loved the entire series and hope to see more of Parker's bandmates (from book 2) possibly getting their own books.

4 stars for this book, 3.5 on steam. And 4.5 overall for the series.

mybeastisreader's review

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4.0

Partners for life

I was really looking forward to Rae’s story and was not disappointed at all.

Rae and Austin had the perfect friendship until a trip to vegas changed it all. What followed was nothing short of tumultuous with each character having to overcome different obstacles to find their way back to each other.

I enjoyed the snippets of the previous characters, Vera and Nova with a couple shouts from their hubbies Parker and Nico.

Classic FC, I defo recommend.

suzyq436's review

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5.0

Another winner in this series!
I loved that it was the hero in this story that pined for Rae. It was angsty and sexy but also heartfelt as well.

TW: domestic abuse and assault.

1bookobsessionconfessions's review

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5.0

This is how you do a friends to lovers romance that feels fresh, unique and raises the heat level to volcanic levels!
Rae and Austin have a deep and envy worthy friendship. I loved their playfulness, teasing and great banter.
I loved how much fun they had together and the amazing connection they had was palpable.
I loved Rae’s brash confidence, I adored her adventurous and fun loving nature.
I absolutely loved that Austin very willingly goes along on her adventures and it’s swoon worthy that he recognizes and appreciates the unique things that make her amazing.
He’s so sweet, he’s clever, funny and also… surprise! He is a very sexy and naughty boy! He is the BEST dirty talker around!
He’s kind of a hidden alpha hottie. He’s my new favorite book boyfriend.
I loved that he’s sweet, caring AND a freak-in the sheets, the car, against the wall… ;)
Both characters have layers that are exposed and explored, it makes a fun, entertaining and super erotic romance SO much more emotional.
It also makes it a full bodied story with great emotional depth.
There’s a sensitive situation that Rae deals with and I think it was written with so much insight and respect.
I think the author did such a great job showing the reality of it in a way that wasn’t too heavy, nor was it brushed over. It is central to Rae’s emotional journey.
I was deeply touched by the realistic and empathetic characterization and by Rae’s incredible strength.
I loved the secondary characters old and new.
I’ll miss Rae’s girl gang and their significant others.
I’ve enjoyed every book in this series of interconnected standalone’s. They are wonderful stories and characters.
This book was emotional, funny, angsty and crazy super-duper SEXY!
I am always blown away by this author’s ability to write emotional, entertaining stories with THE sexiest and BEST naughty scenes ever!
It’s a real winner for me and I say -CHEERS TO THE VODKA!

torixreads's review

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3.0

Listen I was not expecting the heat in this. Austin has a very dirty mouth and I was here for it. 3.4⭐️

nadine_booklover's review

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4.0

I'm absolutely in love with the whole dynamic of the books in the "Blame it on the alcohol" series. I love the friendship of the girls. They empower each other in every book. The way they support each other is incredible and makes me want to be part of their unique group.

Blame it on the Vodka is no different. It's a great and entertaining read that kept my eyes glued to the pages from the very beginning until the end. It's a fantastic best friend to lovers story with a hero that makes you swoon in every chapter. Austin is definitely one of my favorite book boyfriends.

Austin and Raelynn have fantastic chemistry and I adore their banter, friendship and love for each other. Their story is emotional, steamy and funny. Highly recommended!

megan_elise's review

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3.0

3.87

justlarissareads's review

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4.0

Austin and Rae have been friends since college, although he has been in love with her ever since they met.
They go to a friend’s wedding in Vegas and one too many drinks of vodka they end up married. When they wake up the next morning and learn the news, Rae isn’t too pleased because she doesn’t do relationships.

They agree to a marriage of convenience and things heat up for the first time between them shortly after. The spice is pretty hot and BFF Austin is a dominant in the bedroom, making Rae submissive.

Rae initially grated on my nerves. She just wouldn’t stop stomping on my boy Austin’s heart. I felt like she was a little self centered and didn’t consider his feelings at all in the situation. But as the story unfolds, you learn Rae’s family history and more details with her (kinda) boyfriend Bodie. It makes more sense as to why she is the way she is regarding relationships.

I don’t want to give too much more away. I loved Austin’s commitment to Rae. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author.

TW’s: domestic violence

Friends to lovers, unrequited love, fake relationship, & kinky sex makes for a fun read!!

ARC REVIEW

4/5⭐️
4/5

pattyfgd's review

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5.0

Blame It on the Vodka
Blame It on the Alcohol, Book 3
By: Fiona Cole
Narrated by: Desireé Ketchum, J.F. Harding

How can I not be in love with Austin? Fiona Cole has won my heart with her third book in the Blame it on the Alcohol series with her amazing couple, Raelynn and Austin. These two are best friends who find themselves drunk married after a night in Vegas. Always saying she never wants to be married, Raelynn is on edge, but her time with Austin is off the charts hot! Austin has loved Rae from the start, but will he convince her to be his? This story is packed with spice and is the perfect friends to lovers story. I love that Cole has the couple keep their friendship banter and lets the chemistry explode! She also keeps the story relevant with a thread that happens more times than we want to recognize, creating the guard around Rae's heart. Add in Rae's mom and dad and Austin's grandparents, and visits from our Vera and Nova and I had a feeling of family. It's a great listen, one that made my weekend!

Top it all off with Desiree Ketchum and JF Harding and you can understand why I fell in love with this book! Ketchum is perfectly cast as Rae. She is feisty and strong, and holds her vulnerability just under her skin. Harding shines as Austin, giving him a protectiveness and sensuality that is impossible not to hear. It's a fabulous team bringing this gem to life.

#ALC #comingsoon #friendstoloversromance #contemporaryromance #vegaswedding #audioromance #fionacole #desireeketchum #jfharding #readerstogether

rcrg's review

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5.0

I was thrilled to see Rae grow from this selfish, less then likable character into someone who was worthy of Austin.
He had loved her for so long and I'm glad he hung in there until she could get herself together.
She had some demons to work through and once she faced them, healed and realized abuse doesn't mean weakness, she was a much better person.