Reviewed by Kat

TITLE: Pitcher Perfect

SERIES: Tap That Brewery (Book 1)

AUTHOR: Lee Blair

PUBLISHER: Bosta Books

LENGTH: 314 pages

RELEASE DATE: April 21, 2022

BLURB:

When a workaholic brewer and a lonely chef team up to win a prestigious food and beer competition, they might find the perfect pairing in each other.

Austin

Me and my friends knew that when we joined forces to open Tap That Brewery, we needed to do more than just make great brews to break into the crowded Oregon beer scene. When we get an opportunity to enter a beer and food pairing competition, I know our best bet is to join forces with Caleb, a.k.a. the cute as hell new food truck chef in town. The brewery keeps me too busy to date, but I can’t ignore his sexy sincerity or disarming smile. Spoiler alert: My feelings are growing faster than the head of foam on a badly poured beer.

Caleb

It’s hard to be a newcomer in a charming small town like Dahlia Springs. I’m determined to live my dream of upgrading my food truck to a restaurant, and I even found the perfect space. But the cantankerous owner is reluctant to trust an outsider. Maybe teaming up with the local queer brewery is just what I need to prove I’m here for the long haul. The problem is, Austin, the adorable brewer who likes chefs about as much as food poisoning, also happens to be the key ingredient to the family I’ve been craving.

Pitcher Perfect is a low angst, steamy, and sweet MM contemporary romance about two men who discover they’re the perfect pairing. It’s the first in the Tap That Brewery series, which features four best friends who co-own a queer brewery together. It’s full of teasing as a love language, found family, more f-bombs than necessary, and a small town you’ll wish you could visit. Each book can be read as a standalone, though you may find it most enjoyable to read the series in order. Happily ever afters are guaranteed, and no cliffhangers!

REVIEW:

This book made me long for my hometown and a really good beer at a microbrewery in Oregon’s Willamette Valley!

Austin and his three best friends since college (and cousin Ty since childhood) have moved back to small town life on the way to the Oregon Coast in the tiny town of Dahlia Springs. They have opened LGBTQ+ friendly micro brewery with unique varieties of small batch beers. Tap That Brewery is their dream child and they are making a splash. Workaholic Brew Master Austin Hewitt has his ability to create and brew delectable and one-of-a-kind beers that are helping them make a name for themselves. That’s what he adds to the mix and he won’t let his friends down. Even if it means he sacrifices everything in the process. When his co-workers discover the new and amazing food truck Be Eggcellent to Each Other has moved to town, and it’s fun new owner Caleb Larsen, they know that pairing up food from Caleb and beer from Austin might just be the ticket for a chance at winning this year’s Portland Pairing and get the attention both businesses could really use. One small problem though…Austin’s father won that completion years ago and it was the boost that drove him to success while tossing young Austin aside!

I loved how much of a match that Austin and Caleb were. From their geeky love of stationary shops and supplies to their skilled pallets that could match the perfect favors together. They with were hard workers that were motivated to succeed. I did hurt for Austin. From his miserable excuse of parents to boyfriends that couldn’t see past what hard work a new business was needed, Austin had every reason to not trust. But, when the perfect-for-you man is literally dropped at your doorstep it’s hard to argue with yourself why dating Caleb was a bad idea! Hint:it’s not! And I loved that Caleb was such a giving and observant guy and Austin would never be the type to abuse that kind of friendship or relationship. They literally were the perfect pairing.

I can see already that this is going to be a great and fun series. I love all the guys at Tap That Brewery and can’t wait to see who they wind up with although it’s going to be really, really tough to top Caleb and Austin! They were so cute together. One of my most favorite parts is the TEAM TAP THAT GROUP TEXT. Those were a riot and just showed the camaraderie that they all had. It was obvious the love and trust they had on each other. From Ty’s over-the-topness, to Dom’s seriousness and on to Ethan’s hopefulness they all were great mix that added something special to their group. I did love that when Austin finally opened up and stated his need to perfect the perfect brew because that was all he had to offer that the guys took notice, listened and then helped him know and understand the truth.

I can’t wait for the next book. I have a pretty good feeling it’s Dom, the admin and finance guy of the four owners, story. He has seemed so serious and reserved but running into Austin and Caleb’s new neighbor Hayden definitely raised some eyebrows and suspicions. And you know that Ty won’t let that meeting pass unnoticed!

RATING:

BUY LINKS:

Amazon