SASSY BLONDE is the first book in Stacey Kennedy’s “Three Chicks Brewery” series. The death of Laurel still reverberates and connects Maisie Carter and Hayes Taylor. She lost her best friend and he lost his wife. While friends before the tragedy, it has brought them closer. This story, and the romance that develops between Maisie and Hayes happens two years after Laurel’s death. In addition to the evolving relationship between the two main characters, this book also focuses on their search for purpose and fulfillment in their lives. This is a strong character-driven story told from alternating perspectives.

Maisie and Hayes are both at a crossroads in their lives. Hayes thought he’d never be a cop again after his wife died at the hands of a criminal. He thought he should have been able to protect her and has survivor’s guilt. His choices are to either revisit his previous career path or continue the work he’s been doing with troubled horses. Maisie is an artist and if she followed her dreams, she’d have a studio of her own and embrace her creativity. It’s a little more complicated for Maisie though. Family loyalty is keeping her from pursuing her passion. She and her sisters inherited the family brewery and she doesn’t want to let her sisters down. For Hayes and Maisie, figuring out what they want to do in life helps them figure out whether they should be together as well. A mix of business and pleasure as they work a few festivals promoting the family beer stirs up some sparks. The road trip adds a fun and flirty quality to this textured story. Hayes is so determined to be the good guy, the hero – especially for Maisie. I love an alpha hero with a sweet side and Hayes is that kind of a guy. Because they’re friends and have a history, the romance between these two people seems to develop very organically.

SASSY BLONDE is about fate, friendship, and forgiveness with some sexy thrown in. Stacey Kennedy conveys a sense of fate when it comes to this romance without any feeling of artificiality. Hayes resolves his conflicted feelings in a stunning and profound way. The secondary characters and relationships all contribute to make a richer story. I look forward to Stacey Kennedy’s next book. I’m especially eager to read about Hayes’ BFF Beckett and how he finds his happily ever after.