So I read this book. It’s called Love and Libations. Seems appropriate for Jello Shot June, eh? It’s about a guy who owns a bar. Okay, yeah, that’s part of the story, but no, that’s not what it’s about. What it’s about is two lost souls who figure out how to grow as individuals, and then, eventually, as a couple. It’s about realizing you need to let someone go, in order to get them back again, once they are whole.
And it’s about abuse.
True confession: Before I read this book, I was one of those people who didn’t quite understand why a woman would stay with a man who so obviously abused her. Just freaking leave, already, lady! That was my advice, born largely from the fact that I used to work in nonprofit, and I know there is help out there for abused women. So many charities available, and who the hell cares if you have to accept charity? In the long run, your life will be better, you will be healthier, and, frankly, alive.
After reading this book, I now realize the situation goes so much deeper than that. First, many women may not realize they are being abused, if the abuse is psychological, which is what happens in many cases (including in this book). Unfortunately, psychological abuse is a hell of a lot harder to combat than physical abuse. It’s far less black and white. Hell, it isn’t black and white at all.
To a certain extent, it’s a very gray area. I know people who are in co-dependant relationships, to the point where I question whether they could function as individuals. Some would argue that’s psychological abuse. Yet those I know are truly, legitimately happy with their lives. Of course, when that relationship involves beating down one person’s ego or self-esteem for the sake of the other person – or, frankly, for any reason whatsoever – that is abuse, straight up.
This book made me question my own beliefs. It forced me to like a heroine that initially I might not be inclined to like. Lilah grew so much in this story. So. Much. I was so proud, as if I were her parent, and watched her grow up.
And then there was Garrett. Oh, Garrett. We didn’t get to see his growth; it happened before the book began, but that’s okay, because the place he was at the beginning of the book was integral to how it all played out. The way he so clearly had feelings for Lilah, yet he knew damn well he had to walk away, because she was not in the right place yet. And he did it. God, I don’t know if I could have, if I were in the same situation. How the hell do you walk away from someone you love – for their own good?
If you haven’t guess it already, I gave this book five stars. It’s a great read – emotional, heartwarming, sexy – a perfect romance. Oh yeah, and since it’s Jello Shot June, let’s not forget it’s about a guy who owns a bar. That guy – Garrett – creates his own specialty drinks, including a grunge version of Rock & Rye. Want the recipe? Guess what I have for you…
Rock & Rye is a rather traditional cocktail made from rye whiskey and rock candy (yes, really). Garrett makes his own according to this recipe. But while Rock & Rye is delicious, it’s not very Seattle. That’s where the Grunge comes in. Seattle was the birthplace of Grunge and Garrett has an affinity for the music. He hopes you’ll enjoy his recipe as well as his book, Love and Libations.
Grunge Rock & Rye
- 2 oz Rock & Rye
- 1 oz Grenadine
- Ballast Point Habanero Sculpin
Mix the Rock & Rye and the grenadine in a cocktail shaker with an ice cube to chill. Pour into your glass of choice (a schooner or a chalice). Top with at least six ounces of beer.
Note: Garrett used Ballast Point Habanero Sculpin, but he also fancies Fresh Squeezed IPA for a more local and less spicy flare or Elysian’s Space Dust IPA for the essence of Seattle.
About the Author:
Patricia D. Eddy can’t stop writing. Not that she’s tried. Her characters won’t let her.
She fuels her writing with copious amounts of caffeine-she lives in Seattle, after all-and rewards herself with good Scotch and red wine.
In between writng, editing, and mentoring other authors, she runs around lakes, reads late into the night, and is terribly addicted to Doctor Who and Sherlock. She has a thing for quirky British men and isn’t ashamed to admit it.
Her quirky-but-not-British husband never gives her grief for working long hours or occasionally talking to herself when she has disagreements with her characters, for which she is very thankful.
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Thank you for reading today’s episode of Jello Shot June! We’ll be back with more drink recipes, more bartenders, and more great books!
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