Better Luck Next Time (Asheville Brewing #2) by Angela R. Casella

Better Luck Next Time (Asheville Brewing #2) Reviews

• 
  Carol [Goodreads Addict]

  Better Luck Next Time is the second book in the Ashville Brewing series by Denise Grover Swank and A.R. Casella. This series is about four siblings, all raised with little love and a lot of expectations who one by one are finding their futures and their happiness in Ashville.
  
  
  
  Adalia Buchanan, the youngest of the Buchanan siblings, is an artist. Her art was part of her soul, a true extension of herself. So when her ex stole her art and put his own name on it, it took away part of her, something she didn’t think she’d ever get back. She has packed up and moved to Ashville and is working at the brewery with Georgie and Jack, two of her siblings, but it isn’t filling the black hole in her life.
  
  
  
  Finn Hamilton was once the golden boy of Ashville, until he sold his brewery to a large corporation. Now he’s probably about the most unpopular man in the city. He’s been slowly rebuilding his relationship with his best friend, River and River’s girlfriend, Georgie. But when he saw Georgie’s younger sister, Addy, destroying one of her own paintings, he suddenly saw her in a whole new way, a way he wanted to get to know better.
  
  “I like you, Finn. I’ve never known a man like you. You make me feel like I can just be me.”
  
  Finn and Addy both begin to spend time together as they co-chair an upcoming art show. They both harbor mutual crushes on each other as their feelings continue to grow stronger. But, both of them are in transitional points in their lives. Finn is trying to gain the favor of the community again, and find what he wants to do next. Addy is trying to re-invent herself as well, with her self confidence at it’s lowest. She knows Finn has a reputation as a player, and as someone who doesn’t stick with things. Why would she be any different? Won’t he just get tired of her too and move on, breaking her heart? Wouldn’t it be better if she just left first?
  
  
  
  This was a sweet story of finding what you are really supposed to be doing with your life and who you are meant to spend it with. Of course, there are plenty of quirky secondary characters who love to meddle in Finn and Addy’s lives. Although I didn't feel as much of a connection to them as I did River and Georgie, I enjoyed watching these two finally figure out what truly made them happy. I also liked seeing a new, softer side to Addy and Georgie’s older brother, Lee, who is still in New York. The next book in the series will be Jack’s story, Getting Lucky.
  
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• 
  Laila Nelke

  First book was great but this one was brilliant! I absolutely enjoyed every minute of reading Adalia and Finn's story. Such a delightful and heart warming read! It gave me all kinds of emotions. I might be the only one who really wanted to like Finn in the first book regardless of what he did and was so happy to see I wasn't wrong, we just needed to know his backstory which we did in this second book.
  Better Luck Next Time puts an emphasis on love - all kinds of love or lack of thereof, family bonds, relationships and friendships. I loved to see how Addy and Finn built their relationship step by step as creators as both of them are learning a lot of and from each other as much as they learned about themselves in every step of it having fun along the way. I had fun reading it too!
  We've got to also see other siblings and friends a lot and got to meet new ones, especially Tyrion! You are going to love them all! You're only a one click away from it, right? I highly recommend it for just everyone! Can't wait for the next book in this wonderful series!
• 
  Laura Martinez

  This book gave me all of the emotions!! It was such a delight to dive back into the Asheville Brewery series. I loved seeing how Adalia and Finn’s characters evolved throughout the book. I had a love/hate relationship with Finn. But he grew on me. Adalia is one tough cookie! I absolutely love her spirit. Finn, I learned that man is nuttier than a snickers bar. 😂
  I enjoyed learning about the bro club too and their taco tuesday meetups. It was great seeing Jezebel in this installment. She’s a hoot!!
• 
  Monique

  I love how an author (or two in this case) can create a character that’s not popular in one book, and turn him around to be the hero in another. That’s how I felt with Finn. I wasn’t fussed on him in book #1, and I feel we weren’t supposed to be but once we got his full story and personality, he was certainly a good suitor for Adalia. Towards the end of the last book, we got a small indication of Addy’s background and I was sad for her in being misled and used by her ex boyfriend. He really was a douchebag. I found that this book didn’t have as many funny moments in it, but it’s a sweet romance that joins two lost souls destined to be together. It’s also about commitment, loyalty and personal growth. I’m truly not a fan of writing in the third person, it takes me a while to find the rhythm of reading in that style. I did enjoy seeing more from River and Georgie along with Addy’s other siblings Jack and Lee. There is a bonus epilogue you won’t want to miss, as it hints at who Jack might end up with in book #3. If you’re an animal lover, another was added to the family, a gorgeous husky named Tyrion who is a good play mate for Jezebel. Great addition to this series.
• 
  Amanda

  What an absolutely adorable read and a great addition to the Asheville Brewing series! I really enjoyed Adalia in the first book and was looking forward to learning more about her past. We got to know her so well in her book! She’s sassy and blunt, which I so appreciate. Finn also pleasantly surprised me as well! I basically had written him off after the first book and thought he was a total jerk. I had no idea how this book was going to go because of that, but I’m happy to report he didn’t disappoint. I enjoyed getting to see the other side of him and meet the real Finn and not strictly the man he comes off as to everyone else. Finn and Adalia’s banter had me chuckling throughout the entire novel and I loved their draw to each other. Finn really is quite the sweetie, which I did not expect whatsoever. I was also super happy to see Dottie again, as well as catch up with Georgie and River. Add in some puppy love with Maisie’s rescues and the growing bond between siblings and you had the makings for quite the feel good read. Really looking forward to Jack’s story next!
• 
  Sandra Lancaster

  While I adored the first book, I absolutely fell in love with this one. Adalia is sassy and fun-loving, but she is broken inside after being used and controlled by her ex-boyfriend. Finn seems more the serious, stuffy business man, but underneath it lies a lot more. Once fate decides they belong together, they can’t seem to stop the friendship/bond that forms between them. While their relationship grows, they help each other learn about what they each need and face truths about themselves; while helping each other heal. They are one of the most fun couples that I have read in a while, making me laugh so much and wanting that kind of relationship.
  
  The book continues to explore the Bunchanan family relationships, giving us a little more glimpses into Jack and Lee’s lives. I love that the siblings are starting to become closer, especially Georgie and Adalia with Jack. Hopefully, Lee will soon be more welcoming to his half-bother as well. I was glad that Finn and River are moving past things and repairing their friendship. And of course, you can’t forget the eccentric Aunt Dottie, who seems to be involved in each of their lives.
  
  Looking forward to getting to know Jack better in the next book. Can’t wait to see what is in store for him.
  
  This is a fun, light-hearted contemporary romance series that will make you swoon and laugh. Go one click it now!
  
  I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
• 
  Norma's Nook

  This RomCom delivers on every single level. Finn and Adalia are imperfectly perfect for each other. The story is exquisitely written, with a sense of fate revolving around everyone involved. It's a story that shows how love and support can heal, and reminds you of what's most important in life. There's a remarkable emphasis on family bonds, with an amazing satisfaction as family, both made and chosen, comes together even closer. As Finn and Addy begin to put down roots, both with each other and the city of Asheville, the commitment shown is something very special. It was a delightful read that left plenty of butterflies swarming in my stomach. I can't wait for Book 3 and Jack's story. This series is a wonderful escape that reminded me of the light, good, and wonderful aspects in life.
• 
  Brandy Barber

  Adalia's story pulled your heartstrings. She is so lost at the beginning. I was glad her story moved along the way it did. She needed to find happiness outside her family.
  
  Finn, I didn't want to like him. He just seemed all wrong in the 1st book. He thought of himself only and didn't care what happen to others. He has some struggles when the book first started but, he grows on you by the end.
  
  Both together ..... Is the best thing that could have happened to both of them. They both have things they work on together. I think Finn helps Adalia more then we ever thought he would.
  
  You know there is laughs in this book. Big tears of laughter. All our favorites are in this book. Georgie is always checking in on her baby sister. You know she is trying even if it is getting on Adalia's nerves. Dottie is needed in life. I can't think of a better person to have in all the books to add everything we need. She has it all. We also have Jake to look forward to. We don't want to forget he has moved in with Adalia and they seem to be working on a relationship.
  
  I am very pleased with how this story was told. I think I like her the best so far.
• 
  Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog)

  
  
  
  
  Amazon /
  Amazon Worldwide
  
  When Finn asks for her help, it sparks a change in how Adalia views him. Perhaps he's not the jerk everyone had always thought?
  
  
  
  For a rom-com, this one had a lot of substance. Adalia and Finn are two very damaged people who managed to find love with each other. It took some pain, more than one obstacle, some laughs, and crazy chemistry, but they managed to get there and I fell in love with them both along the way. I remember thinking in the first story that both of them had some kind of backstories, and I'm glad to say how much I liked reading theirs. The Asheville Brewing series is fun, sexy, and witty so far, and I cannot wait for more now.
  
  ARC via Social Butterfly PR for an honest review.
  
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• 
  Shawna Wood (A Girl and Her Books)

  I just adored Better Luck Next Time. It was a fun, charming, and emotional read that beautifully built upon the layers of the first book. The story of the Buchanan siblings is exactly what I need in my life right now. I love a good family drama and appreciate that this series doesn't take itself too seriously. You get some great angst but also mixed in with the perfect amount of levity and lightheartedness.
  
  Adalia is the baby of the family and basically got the short end of the stick. She was never taken seriously by her family for her love of art she was often an afterthought. She was struggled to find herself and her place in the world and when all she wants is the love of her family. Adalia has slowly been reconnecting with her siblings when her life falls apart. She comes to Ashville broken and her desire for art lost. Then everything changes when she meets Finn
  
  Finn Hamilton was the darling of Asheville until he sold his brewery to a big corp and is now the town pariah. He has lost his place in a city he loves and his best friend in the process. Finn didn't have a purpose or a vision until he saw Adalia's art.
  
  Finn and Adalia are like fire and ice. They clash from the beginning but can't help be drawn to each other. Their chemistry was off the charts and loved the witty banter these two shared. They each were deeply troubled but found strength and groundedness in each other. These two pushed and challenged each other to fight for what they want and to be a better person. They were relationship was fun and just enjoyed being in their world.
  
  I also loved how this book focused a lot on the four siblings in this book. Lee, Jack, Georgia, and Adalia are learning to love and trust each other and I loved how we got to see this unfold more in this book. It was good to see them start to put the past behind them and to learn to be a family again.
  
  ******Author provided a review copy****
• 
  Angela

  If you love Rom-Coms I have a pretty good feeling you will love this story. The story is beautifully written with wonderful characters. There are many heartwarming and playful moments throughout the story. Adalia and Finn are kismet for one another, whether it is as a friend or something more. They have been instantly drawn to one another and the more time the spend together the more they realize how similar they really are.
  
  IAdalia is by far my favorite Buchanan sibling and Finn has won my heart. I think their characters complement one another very well. Adalia is broken and struggles to find her outlet until she is able to move forward. Finn may not have been at the top of everyone's list from the first time we met him, but he will definitely worm his way into your hearts by the end.
  
  I love following the Buchanan siblings and joining them on their path to finding love and happiness. I can't wait for book three.
• 
  Sheri P

  One of the reasons I enjoy a good series is getting to know a variety of characters and then following them from book to book. That is definitely true with this series. Denise Grover Sank and A.R. Casella have created a cast of characters you can't help but love. Filled with laughs and quirky situations, Better Luck Next Time was even better than the first book in the series!
  The Buchanan clan is working to navigate difficult family relationships and make the family brewery a success. Adalia, the younger Buchanan sister, doesn't know where she fits into the family brewery. Art was her passion, but events from her past have made her question her talent. Finn sees her talent and wants to help her regain her artistic confidence. Aunt Dottie has to be my favorite character along with the lovable furry companions we are meeting. Addy and Finn have a fantastic story and I am eagerly anticipating Jack's story next.
• 
  Angela

  I wasn’t so sure about Finn from the last book. But he more than redeemed himself. Addy is definitely an artist and has a different way of looking at life. Good story line. Chemistry between the characters was ok. I like how all of the characters are in this story so you don’t feel like you’re missing out.
• 
  Denise Hoover

  While this book is written in third person and sometimes it’s harder to connect with the characters, I still enjoyed Finn and Adalia’s story. I think it’s best described as sweet.
  
  When we met Finn in the previous book, I wasn’t so sure I liked him because of his actions. But this book redeems his actions and then some. He truly gets Adalia and sees her deeper than just what’s on the surface.
  
  While we know why Adalia moved to Asheville from prior, we get a more in depth reasoning and understanding. She deals with a lot and at some points I feel is immature about how things are handled, but she grows as a character right beside Finn.
  
  We also get a further look into Jack, the other Buchanan sibling and see the relationship that was once shaky at best, become a true sibling bond.
  
  Finn and Adalia seem to have an instant connection with each other that they don’t recognize at first. But once they get past the demons, they can’t stand not being with one another and constantly yearn to be with the other for their experiences. They were each other’s groundings.
  
  I loved getting a little deeper into Adalia and Finn’s story... I really wish I could’ve read their inner dialogue to get more of the story though. But both of them had better luck the next time around. And I recommend their story that’ll leave you feeling like a sweet brew.
• 
  Andrea Hastings

  I absolutely love Better Luck Next Time!!! Adalia is such a fun and witty character. Her sense of humor had me rolling. I love that Finn just rolls with it. Their personalities work perfect for each other. Dottie is as wonderful as always. I enjoyed that Georgie and River were in this book a lot. It was like keeping up with friends. Blue was a great addition and I really hope that Blue is in more books. I think I would really enjoy getting to know her even more. I loved Any Luck at All and somehow Better Luck Next Time is even better. I am very excited for book 3 in the Asheville Brewing series.
• 
  Lissa Harkness

  This series just gets better. Adalia’s struggles continue throughout this book. She is a very intuitive and knows her wants and needs. I love the developing relationships in this book. I would love to be able to have these characters as friends and family. Any book that involves my favorite version of Pride and Prejudice and a healthy fear of clowns is worth a 5 star rating in my book. Finn growth throughout this story is inspiring. Better Luck Next time has me wishing that this is a series that will be around for years to come. If you believe the town, people and relationships are key to a good story you will love this series.
• 
  BHK

  Better Luck Next Time was a fantastic read! It's currently my favorite in the Asheville Brewing series. Adalia and Finn's story is so heartfelt and emotional, as they've both come such a long way since first meeting them in book one. The authors both do a fantastic job with personal growth and character development. Based on the first book, I didn't think Adalia and Finn would be my current favorites, but I was totally wrong! They both started off lost and unsure where to turn when their word's came crashing down around them. I'm so glad they found each other! Such a fun and humorous book, and I can't wait for the next one. Truly a perfect, fate-filled rom-com!
• 
  Jamie-Kay Whatley Raney

  This is the second book in the Asheville brewing series. While this book does focus on a different couple, do you have to read the first book to really appreciate the backstory and understand the subtle nuances.
  Going into this book, I wasn’t sure what I thought about Finn being the love interest. After all, he did River wrong in the first book. Off the bat Finn has to work to redeem himself to his best friend and the whole town and redeem himself he does! Finn is a great, multi layered character that you have to be in his head to truly appreciate and understand. Throw in Adalia and you have fireworks! Adalia, is very passionate, but is a bit broken inside from having her fire smoldered by someone else for so long. It was beautiful seeing Finn help Adalia get her confidence back even if she was too stubborn to realize it herself.
  Sprinkled throughout the book are colorful characters from the first book and a few new side characters joined the mix. The laugh out loud moments seemed to be at just the right time to lighten to mood of the story throughout.
  I enjoyed this book even more than the first of the series and look forward to seeing what the third book holds.
• 
  Kari Hansen

  Adalia had always thought she knew who she was and what she wanted to do with her life but being betrayed by her ex in the most invasive way possible has left her struggling. She is working with her siblings at the Brewery as she tries to reclaim the woman and artist she used to be.
  
  Finn made a business decision that has him feeling alone and judged by everyone including those he is closest to. He is trying to shift from the life he had to the life he is trying to create, and he thinks that Adalia could be exactly what he needs both personally and professionally.
  
  When they find themselves working together the sparks fly and they realize that there is much more to each other than they first thought which only deepens the connection between them. As they try to adjust to all the changes that their lives are undertaking with the help of those who care about them they may just realize what they are missing in their lives are each other.
  
• 
  Tina

  Better Luck Next Time is a romantic comedy by phenomenal authors Denise Grover Swank
  and A.R. Casella. This book has all the feels. It will have you laughing out loud and struggling
  to hold back tears.
  
  Adalia has been betrayed in the worst kind of way. She is lost, vulnerable and mad at the world.
  Her art has always been the most sacred thing for her, but after the betrayal, she struggles to paint.
  Finn is a self absorbed man who has always put himself first. When a self-proclaimed psychic reads
  his tarot cards, things begin to change for him. He sets out to make wrongs, right.
  
  A wonderfully entertaining book that will leave you feeling exhilarated. An Absolute Must Read!
• 
  Nicki

  I loved this book even more than the first one! I love Adalia and her story! And Finn ended up being sweeter than I thought he was. It shows how there is a different side to every story. In the first book we had River's point of view. But in this book we got to see Finn's and it helps understand why he did what he did. I really enjoyed their interactions. But then I wanted to yell at them when they were apart about communication! Thank goodness they got their crap together! I'm excited for more from this group in the next book!
• 
  jmoura01

  3.5 Stars
• 
  Kelly Mccurdy

  Adaila and Finn have to be my favorite couple. I absolutely loved reading about them and getting to know them. Denise and A.R. Casella make a great writing team! They make reading about these to couples fun. You get to know them through the struggles and heartbreaks that Adaila and Finn go through. This series makes me want to move to this little town.
• 
  Miranda

  What an addictive read! I absolutely love coming back to the Buchanan Siblings and Asheville Brewery. You can’t find more interesting and fun characters anywhere else. Definite must read!
  
  Adalia is something else, she is funny and completely blunt and loves to put someone in their place. She struggles from being burned by her ex-boyfriend and tries to find her place at the brewery and life in general.
  Finn feels alienated from the town he loves so when it comes to Adalia, they definitely need each other even if it takes them a while to realize it.
  
  This had its tension in some situations but lots of laughs and extremely entertaining.
  The banter and chemistry between Adalia and Finn was perfect. I could never tire of these two, they were just so much fun! It’s been a long time that I didn’t want a book to end. I highly recommend this book!
  
  I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. The opinion given is mine alone and not influenced by anyone else.
• 
  Brightlotus1

  
  I loved Addy & Finn' story. I enjoyed this book even more than the first in the series. It was fun as well as heartwarming. I loved that as they learned about each other they also learned about themselves as individuals. The pacing of their journey was perfect. The setting as well as all the supporting characters help make this a truly enjoyable read. I am looking forward to reading the next Asheville Brewing love story.