Slick's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews 
 Review copy provided for an honest review 
 5 STARS 
 Every...damn...time...author Kate Meader gets to me. The third book in her Hot and Bothered series is even better than the first two and considering how much I loved them, that's saying a whole lot. If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would that's how freakin' fantastic it is and how much I adored it. Simply put Hot and Bothered is sassy, often hilarious, poignant, and incredibly sexy. The characters despite their flaws and issues are relatable and loveable; these are people I want to be friends with despite their complete and udder adoration of wine. In the past few months this author has proven she's got what it takes to satisfy her readers and I plan on having a long and lasting relationship with her. 
 Tad Deluca bartender, award winning mixologist, and new owner of a wine bar named after is dearly departed mother Vivi; Tad seems like a good time guy, always flirting, a new woman in his life every week yet underneath that facade is a man who is just trying to get through life bearing the pain of losing his parents way too young and the scars that come with it. In the past two years he'll admit his life has changed for the better when Juliet (Jules) Kilroy walked into his uncle's restaurant and dropped a bombshell on her brother his cousin's now husband. Since that time he's been her friend, supported her through her pregnancy by another man, her admission of a secret she's held inside for years, and through the birth of her son and the bright spot in his life, Evan. Secretly he wants her but he knows she deserves better that the man he is and so as hard as it is, he'll remain her friend no matter how hard it is to deny what he wants but can't have. 
 Jules Kilroy wasn't sure where she was going in life when she busts into one of the big moments in her brother Jack's life and delivers news that sends him reeling. Never having an easy relationship with her big brother, Tad jumps in to help her and be a buffer between them. She's never lied to herself about the way Tad makes her lady parts jump up and scream "take me now" but in the two years they've known each other Tad has been her friend and other than one embarrassing moment a year ago, that's apparently all he plans to be. However, now that her precious boy is getting older Jules knows it's time to start taking care of some of her needs and what she needs is a man. 
 Seriously, as I'm writing this I'm smiling and giggling to myself over the many, many moments of fun these two share. I love their easy banter, how comfortable they are with each other on all sorts of topics, and how they rely on one another. Their friendship isn't perfect because deep down they are both denying that their attraction to one another is keeping them from sharing the things in their past they are most ashamed of but as their friendship turns into more, they both begin to discover every facet of the other. I admire the way they both accept each other good and bad, and the way they refuse to let the past get in the way. Jules strength goes beyond words; she's had to deal with so much in her life and has had a lot to overcome. She still struggles with accepting her worth but I love that once she realizes what she wants from Tad she holds on and doesn't let go. She absolutely pushes despite what it might mean for their relationship. Tad's back story was pretty gut wrenching and the fact that Jules was the one that realized what he needed from his family but never got is quite telling to how much she understands this complex man. 
 I could go on and on about this story but instead I'll just ask you to buy it and give it a try. I honestly think you'll love it and this author. Hot and Bothered is a perfect love story; flawed but fascinating characters, entertaining and emotional plot, snappy and smart dialog, and enough smokin' hot sex to make you well...hot and bothered! This is one series that I can easily read again and again, I love this zany cast of characters so much.