Drunk Off the Bartender (Nights at the Seville #2) ~ Ashlynn Mills

The Story:

Never did I think I'd prefer getting my buzz from the bartender instead of the alcohol he serves.

Luca

I've had my eyes set on our clubs bouncer for over a year. I don't think he ever sees it as more than harmless flirting, even though I try so hard to make him see it. To make him see me. Then the annoying hot bartender I work with continuously has to give me his speech about how there are plenty of fish in the sea while constantly reminding me how not to sit on his bar or bring my homemade lube to work. What does he know? After spending one night in Tucker's bed, I realize he apparently knows more than I've ever given him credit for.

Tucker

No one gets under my skin more than the adorable little exotic dancer who doesn't know what boundaries are or how to stop going after the wrong guy. After watching his many failed attempts to woo a guy who barely gives him a second glance, I decide to help him find someone who will sweep him off his feet. Only that someone else isn't supposed to be me.

Ashlynn Mills is a new to me author, but after Drunk off the Bartender, she won’t remain that way for long! I went into this one expecting a delightfully grumpy/sunshine novella. I didn't expect it have quite serious themes, and I certainly didn't expect it to be so damn hot!!! Drunk Off the Bartender is the second in the Nights at the Seville series, but it not necessary to have read the first book (although I'm going to go back for it!) to enjoy this story.

First up, there are trigger warnings, but I am one of the very fortunate people who doesn't really have any triggers, so I sort of glossed over them and didn't really give them much thought. Please make sure you read the TWs if you need to, though as there are some very serious issues discussed and experienced.

Since I didn’t really take in the TWs, when these issues came up, it was a surprise, but they turned what could have been an adorable and somewhat fluffy story into a beautifully emotionally fulfilling story with many layers. Despite having some serious themes, the story is never heavy. It is way too sweet and funny for that. There is a lot of humour and a great set of beautifully developed characters who genuinely care about each other.

Oh, and did I mention the heat? This story isn't hot in the strictly physical sense, although it is that too, and Luca and Tucker's chemistry is off the charts! Many of the scenes were intimate, giving off a sensual haze. I always find sensuality and intimacy way hotter than just pages of descriptions of regular sex scenes. Drunk Off the Bartender has both and is richer for it.

This was my first story by Ashlynn Mills, but it certainly won't be my last. It is novella length, but it packs a lot of story into a smaller page length. Drunk Off the Bartender is an exceptionally emotionally satisfying story and one that I was sorry to finish.

It's a tender story of second chances and new beginnings.

Drunk Off the Bartender is available as an ebook. It is also available as part of a Kindle Unlimited subscription.