I love this book! It took me a couple chapters to get fully hooked, but once I was in I literally could not put it down! I was unsure of the relationship between Cora and Aiden because I’m not always a fan of returning to a crappy ex, but I think the way the author provides a valid solution was great! I always find myself wishing the 350-400 page romance books were a little shorter, and though I didn’t want the story to end and I wanted MORE Nana Dee, I loved this!

On the Rocks is book two in the Manhattan Bossholes series by Leslie North.
This was a super cute story.
I enjoyed the writing and thought the characters were fun.
This was a delightful read that held my attention from beginning to end.
I can’t wait to read book three Designed for Disaster.

Entertaining
I enjoyed the story. It had some unique elements. The banter was fun. There is a wonderful friend group in this series. I will be watching for future books.

I struggled with this. The opening was rough and whiny with an immature female heroine we're supposed to root for but the writing felt like a cheap caricature of a petty, sour-graped shrew and it had bad dialogue between her and our male lead. It's hard to care and stay engaged. So, I flipped to other book distractions but felt the need to return to this book because I usually find Leslie North Bosshole romances to be easy and ok reads. This was not it. 1.5 stars at the max.

Just as the first book in the series, I really liked the initial parts of this one. Aiden & Cora definitely had chemistry and the way Cora always knocked Aiden's ego down a notch was entertaining to see. But after the 70% mark, things went downhill for me. <spoiler> First off, I didn't understand how Cora was so hung up over Aiden when he was just a highschool ex, while her actual ex of fifteen years was back (albeit he was an as*hole). Aiden was very immature and the way he basically said that him getting angry was an instance only when something happened with Cora was pathetic. He had the same reasoning while in highschool, which showed that he did not evolve much. I expected him to grovel more but after an underwhelming speech, Cora immediately took him back, which was so disappointing. </spoiler> A lot of things could've been executed better and in case of this series, the beginning is very engaging but towards the end, everything goes downhill. If only the last half was written better, I would've liked this book.

<i> I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review</i>

A pleasant, light read. It was fast-paced and relaxing. I loved it. I would happily recommend it to others.

THIS WAS SOOOOOO GOOD. i have to say that i enjoyed it so much more than the first book in this series- aiden was significantly less of an asshole than vincent was and i just vibed with cora's character more than anyone else who's appeared in the series so far. it was actually easier for me to understand aiden and his feelings so i warmed up to him pretty quickly, however the general lack of communication between them set me off so bad. 😭😭😭 i was literally shouting for them to just talk to each other.

as much as i enjoyed it... i have to say that it feels like a repeat of the first book. like almost identical. they hate each other at first, then the girl works at the guys company, they slowly hate each other less, something bad happens and they break up, and then there's a big grand gesture resulting in them getting back together and getting married. it just lacked originality. like yes, there's differences obviously because it's two different couples and blah blah blah, but it's just the way that the story unfolds that feels literally the same.

i really really really did enjoy this so i'm overlooking the same everything for now, but i would hate for the third book to end up going in the same direction. i am so looking forward to getting the next books arc copy, i actually cannot wait. :)

On the Rocks is a second-chance romance that hooked me from the very first page and kept me immersed until the end! The chemistry between Cora and Aiden is electric and their journey from painful past to hopeful future is nothing short of brilliant.

Cora is a strong and independent woman who’s worked hard to carve out a life for herself as a mixologist and dreams of opening her own speakeasy. When she’s reluctantly offered a chance to work with Aiden, the man who broke her heart in high school without so much as an explanation, the tension between them is palpable. She’s understandably wary of getting close to him again and the emotional baggage that lingers between them feels real and raw. Aiden is a driven and successful businessman, but he’s never forgotten Cora and he’s determined to earn back her trust. His growth throughout the book is brilliant as he transforms from the self-centered high school boy who left her behind to a man willing to fight for their second chance.

The romance is beautifully slow-burning, with moments of fiery passion, sharp banter, and emotion that kept me hooked. The tension between them feels real and as they work through their differences, it’s impossible not to root for them.

What makes On the Rocks stand out is its heart. It’s a story about love, forgiveness, and learning from past mistakes. Aiden’s journey of growth feels authentic and satisfying, and the resolution between him and Cora is well-earned. The stakes are high, and I loved seeing how they both fought for their happiness and their future together.

If you’re looking for a romance with a well-developed plot and characters who grow and evolve throughout the story, On the Rocks is perfect. I couldn’t put it down and will definitely be coming back for more of Leslie’s work. This book is everything you want in a second-chance romance, and more!

Cora and Aiden, high school sweethearts that had a hard break up and then reconnect years later.
Aiden is high in his field "the cocktail king" and Cora has a cult following as the "masked mixer" and their chemistry is amazing.
I love the way their relationship develops and the relationship between them and the other characters.
This is not my first book by this author and I particularly enjoy that she develops her females character strength. The males make mistakes , as people do, but Cora tells him that she knows her own sense of self worth and he needs to better.
I feel this is such an important thing that everybody should believe, know your own self worth and don't let other people sell you short.
More please.

The most darling story, exciting characters and adorable setting. Loved the book. It is a fun read and I didn’t want it to end.

I recognized the second book in this series right away and I can't wait for more!

The Masked Mixer and the Cocktail King go head to head in this fun story between Cora and Aiden, high school sweethearts that went their different ways and end up in the same arena years later while still nursing the same heartbreak over each other. Aiden is trying to court Cora to join his company, creating special non-alcoholic cocktails to add to his marketing line but she wants nothing to do with him. When she meets someone else to bring her into the fold anyway, it turns out the chemistry between them hadn't lessened over the years and applies to more than their cocktail making. Righting old wrongs and overcoming longheld beliefs about themselves and each other leads to a great story with the old friends met in Perfect (Mis)Match.

#arc
#netgalley
#ontherocks

Wow this story! Their story was an emotional roller-coaster ride. I was in love with Cora from the moment this book opened. I may be a sucker for a second chance, but it was going to take a lot of convincing for me to believe that Aiden deserved someone as awesome as Cora. It was touch and go for a little while but they really worked it out. That being said I loved the ending.

I loved Cora from the opening scene. We see her in element - completely bad ass, dominating a bartending competition. In this book she has an opportunity she cant refuse to better her own career - except the job comes with a terrible boss - her still very handsome exboyfriend.

This book has a fun supporting cast whos backstories will get you excited for the rest of the series, but the book is also a great standalone. The only downside was that I felt that Levi and Aiden were maybe a little too similar - but I can see how maybe a football field makeout would win me over :)

Cora is a bartender and online mixologist. She dreams of opening her own bar someday but for now she’s working hard to get experience and save money. Aiden is driven to help his alcohol brand succeed. The new plan to start an alcohol-free mixer division means Aiden needs to lure Cora to work for the company. Unfortunately, their first meeting doesn’t go well.

I like that the author gave them a history together. It was something they had to work through from both her perspective and his. When they reconnect after many years apart, she knows who he is but he doesn’t recognize her. That is a good setup to allow them to have some friction they have to overcome. I thought it was believable when Cora finally accepted the job with Aiden’s company even though she had reservations. The author made some good choices comparing and contrasting their family backgrounds. There are characters from prior books that appear in this story and add to the story of the main relationship.

The part that I thought was weak was the staff in the lab accepting Cora with open arms and no friction. She has no lab experience and no business experience. The author makes the point that Cora’s ability to make a drink is the reason but I found it difficult to believe that the lab members wouldn’t question her contribution.

This is a second chance romance. Both characters are adults, one is wildly successful and the other is getting a foothold in her chosen industry. I enjoyed this story. It made me smile. I will read more from this author in the future.

This book was so much fun! Love. Hate. Passion. The tension between these two is palpable from the beginning, and it shifts to something different over the course of the book. Hot steamy scenes. ♥️ Wonderful, tropey plot that's so much fun. Highly recommend this!

I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

I really enjoyed the book! The plot is very well written with love-hate and second chance tropes, emotion, humor, sizzling chemistry, verbal sparring, playful banter, conflict, steamy love scenes and an endearing cast of main and supporting characters. Cora and Aidan are interesting personalities with issues in the past, who both undergo a great character development over the course of the book and who, after several attempts, finally get their happy ending.

Cora Newport has made a name for herself as the Masked Mixer thanks to her professionalism and creativity. At a mixologist contest, she is pressurised by Aiden Callihan, the Cocktail King and self-made billionaire, to promote his drink, but she turns him down cold. Aiden is her ex-boyfriend from high school, who dumped her without explanation and doesn't recognise her now. But shortly afterwards Aiden makes Cora an offer she can't refuse: she is to help Aiden’s company develop a mocktail, in return for which she can use his resources to expand her own brand and receive enough money to fulfil her dream of opening her own bar. The difficulty, however, is not to lose her heart to Aiden and get hurt by him again...

I am happy to recommend the book and am already looking forward to the next book in the series!

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

Thank you to Relay Publishing and Netgalley for a copy of this book to review.

On the Rocks is a sizzling second-chance romance that delivers on all fronts—chemistry, wit, and heart. Cora, a determined woman working to open her dream speakeasy, reunites with Aiden Calihan, a brooding billionaire and the man who broke her heart. The tension between them is palpable from the start, and their slow-burn romance is irresistibly engaging.

Cora is a relatable, strong-willed heroine, and Aiden, while frustrating at times, is a complex hero who grows throughout the story. The emotional buildup between them is what makes this romance so compelling, Aiden's growth and the pair’s reconnection made for a satisfying journey. The book is fast-paced and evenly paced throughout. I also appreciate that the secondary characters are memorable and stand out.

Also--I just really love the name Cora. It's a beautiful name for a strong heroine.

I would've loved to have experienced this an audiobook! It would've been great!

Thank you NetGalley & Leslie North for the ARC :)

On the rocks, a very well written second chance romance. It has a grumpy billionaire boss, high school sweethearts and alcohol. What could you want more?

I really loved the story, Cora is a mixologist and she's darn good at it. Aiden is the now billionaire ex-boyfriend from high school. The first time they see each other again 15 years later approximately he doesn't recognize her. Talk about a knife to the chest, but to his defence she's wearing a mask.

I really liked the way we got to know the soft side of Aiden through his interaction with his friends, employees, Nana Dee and Hailey. It shows that you don't have to be an a$$hole to be a great CEO.

Of course he did make some very questionable decisions but that's just part of the book.

Overall, I give this book a 4,5 stars! Definitely recommend, it's an easy and well written read.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I had never read anything by Leslie North before so I wasn't sure what to expect.

Aiden and Cora dated in high school and have come back together with Cora working for Aiden's drink company. The chemistry between these two burned off the pages for me and had me hooked. The back and forth zingers between them just really made me love this book.

In addition, I loved that the characters worked on themselves and their mental health throughout the book to become the best versions of themselves.

I definitely will be reading more books from Leslie in the future.

Quick Summary: A second-third chance romance

My Review: On the Rocks by Leslie North is book #2 in the Manhattan Bossholes series. It is a second chance billionaire boss romance novel.

About the Book: "Crafting signature cocktails is my passion. Mixing things up with my oh-so-hot, mega-successful ex? A surefire recipe for the world’s most epic hangover."

In My Own Words: High school sweethearts turned exes reunite unexpectedly at an event. Insecurities, bitter feelings, and tense interactions cannot extinguish the hot chemistry that still lingers between them. When they agree to partner on a special project, a reconciliation of sorts occurs, but unresolved issues from the past get in the way of their forward progression. Why is it that they always seem to take one step forward and two steps back?

My Final Say: I really liked this story. It had that yea-aha vibe. I liked all of the characters, in fact. In terms of Aiden and Cora... They were interesting to watch as a couple and as individuals. The third act conflict was very telling, and so was the ending. I'll just leave it there.

Other: Needless to say, I want to continue with this series. I am particularly interested in Dom, Hailey, and Jennifer. (Will this be a possibility, Ms. North? Perhaps?) This inquiring mind wants to know. Please and thank you.

Rating: 4.25/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: 💛
Series: Yes

Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Relay Publishing), and to NetGalley. Thank you so much for the opportunity to review this work. It was a pleasure. I look forward to continuing with this series. It is off to a fantastic start!