Whiskey War

Speakeasy #2

by Stacy Lynn Miller

At the height of Prohibition and the dawn of the Great Depression, lesbian couple Dax and Rose look forward to a clandestine life together in Half Moon Bay after narrowly escaping death at Devil’s Slide. Dax’s sister May makes the Foster House their refuge while they sit on a gold mine of stolen whiskey from the Seaside Club. But then Frankie Wilkes learns Dax might have it and makes Rose’s life miserable for defending her.

Dax scrambles to unload the barrels in San Francisco to keep their struggling restaurant afloat but sparks the curiosity of May’s husband Logan, who had abandoned them months earlier. He shows up looking for money and finds the hidden barrel Dax had kept for a rainy day. When Logan sells the whiskey to customers by the glass, Dax sees the ugly side of the illegal business when left unchecked.

In comes Grace Parsons, a wealthy Hollywood starlet and Rose’s former lover, with a solution to their problems. However, her bold help spirals into a violent feud that leaves no one in their inner circle untouched. How far will Logan and Frankie go to get what they want? Can Dax and Rose find a way out before the whiskey war takes their lives?

Genres: Audiobook, Romance, Butch Femme

290 pages, Paperback

First published December 19, 2023

About the author

Stacy Lynn Miller is a retired Air Force officer who found her passion for writing after leaving the service. With twenty years of experience wearing a badge, working with computers, and investigating cases, she has created multiple award-winning thriller and suspense series packed with strong sapphic women, gripping stories, and a perfect blend of intrigue and romance.

Stacy is a visually impaired, proud stroke survivor, mother of two, tech nerd, and chocolate lover. She's also a terrible golfer who managed to get a hole-in-one! When she's not busy writing, you can find her playing golf or enjoying a glass of wine (sometimes both) with her friends and family in Northern California.

Reviews

[Della B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nonstop action packed second book in the Speakeasy series. Miller has her villains more devious and deadly in this book. Rose, Dax, May and Charlie have their hands full in order to survive each day.

An exciting read.

[Betty]

Whiskey War, the second book in ‘The Speakeasy Series’ by Stacy Lynn Miller, is definitely a wild ride. This is one action packed historical fiction novel!

The story takes place after the first book, Devil’s Slide ends. The main characters, Dax and Rose, are back together, as much as they can be in the 1930’s. Unfortunately, there are still many unfinished problems, hurdles and dangers that are waiting to tear them apart.
I love this author’s writing style. I know that she’ll keep me on the edge of my seat from the first page to the last. Her work is fresh, exciting, and quite often unexpected. This book (and series) is a good example of all those qualities.

The characters will draw you into the story, especially Rose and Dax, but really all of the folks you meet in the narrative. The setting is also realistic and takes the reader back in time to life during prohibition and the great depression.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Whiskey War, and I’m looking forward to the third book in the series. I recommend Devil’s Slide and Whiskey War to everyone who enjoys action-packed historical romance. Read them both in order, and we’ll be ready for the third book in the series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bella Books for allowing me the chance to read and review this novel.

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good follow up to book one with lots of action. I like all the characters in this book and I’m looking forward to book 3. Miller is always an entertaining author.

[Henriette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild, realistic historical fiction with f/f romance
The American Prohibition era was another wild time in US history. This sequel to Devil‘s slide (which can be read as a stand-alone) is chock-full of action, twist, turns, shady and not so shady characters. It is set around the restaurant (and speak easy) run by Dax and her sister.
The historical setting is primo story-telling: the author takes the reader back into this age as if we were standing in the middle of a speak-easy. We understand who pityful the role fo women where, how men and corruption made life difficult, we meet the gay celebrities of Hollywood and we see the daily struggle to make ends meet at the start of the Great Depression. There is no glossing over the difficulties the f/f couple, Dax and Rose, encounter and how they cope.
I really loved every minute of this wild ride.

[Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

The setting is Half Moon Bay during the time of Prohibition. The series should be read in order, as the beginnings, background and characters are in the first book, Devil’s Slide (July 2023). This book starts up where the other ends. Dax has intercepted whiskey meant for the local speakeasy and which causes club owner Frankie Wilkes to be on the warpath. Frankie also fires Rose from her job singing in the club. She moves in with Dax and her sister May. But tensions between the two sides are escalating.

This is a fast moving story. I like Rose and Dax’s together but at times Dax is her own worst enemy. Dax is hotheaded and goes alpha without thoughts of the consequences. They do get a few quiet moments together but the pacing has them dealing with situation after situation. It is almost a lawless town as police and federal marshals are for sale to the highest payer. I enjoyed the action and am invested in the main and side characters. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book. Thank you to NetGalley and Bella Books for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.

[Women Using Words · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stacy Lynn Miller’s Whiskey War is a captivating addition to the Speakeasy Series. Her storytelling prowess shines as she skillfully weaves this tale against the backdrop of Prohibition and the Great Depression, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment. Set in Half Moon Bay, California, the novel follows Dax and Rose, a lesbian couple trying to navigate a clandestine life in a small community near the Pacific Ocean. The book’s beautiful romance, vibrant setting, well-rounded characters, and enthralling plot make it a must-read for fans of sapphic historical fiction.

Immersed in the vibrant era of Prohibition, Miller masterfully captures the essence of the time, transporting readers to a story world filled with speakeasies, bootlegging, and dark secrets. The attention to detail is impeccable, vividly recreating the 1920s atmosphere and immersing readers in a world of danger and concealed agendas. From the first page, the Prohibition era comes alive, enveloping readers in a world fraught with tension and intrigue.

Dax, Rose, May, and Charlie are among some of the standout features in Whiskey War’s dramatic, layered script. This well-developed cast of characters’ struggles and triumphs resonate deeply, keeping readers emotionally invested throughout. Each character is multifaceted and compelling; Miller seamlessly integrates their backgrounds into the larger narrative, fostering genuine emotional engagement. Whether it’s the protective, hard working carpenter, or the sexy, speakeasy club singer, or the determined, loving sister, or the tender-hearted, loyal mechanic—each woman contributes to the story’s depth. Their intricately woven journeys provide a rich and authentic narrative that is as captivating as it is enthralling.

Another strong literary feature is its thoughtfully crafted plot. Miller maintains the tension and pace with a steady pen, enabling the story to unfold organically. Her refined prose, descriptive writing, and authentic dialogue aid in bringing the scenes to life. These well-employed elements, along with Miller’s thorough research of the era, enhance the storytelling in ways that create a realistic, immersive experience for readers. It all adds up to some heart-pounding, memorable moments, making this book a fantastic read.

Final remarks…

Stacy Lynn Miller once again delivers a thrilling tale for sapphic historical romance enthusiasts. Whiskey War seamlessly blends love and passion against a backdrop of secrecy and suspense. Miller’s storytelling talent is evident, solidifying her position among top authors in the genre. Bottom line—Whiskey War is a gripping continuation of the Speakeasy Series and it will enthrall readers until the very end.

Strengths…

Well-written
Wonderful characters
Immersive story world
Captivating narrative
Complimentary addition to the series
A 4.5 star book

[Jazzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning was a bit slow, but as all second books are I expected it. Getting past the beginning was well worth it. Action, new characters, old characters, romances, and friendships. All the best things you want in a book. Hopefully new relationships will happen and friendships will be mended.

[Hope Freed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked a lot about these three books forming a trilogy…the Prohibition era setting is interesting and the plots of each good. My only issues really were twofold: 1) Dax’s need to protect Rose so often goes wrong and she throws a punch before being then pummelled herself. Her hotheaded nature lands her in lots of scraps that had she dealt with differently, would probably have ended better; and 2) there seemed a lack of passion when Dax and Rose were finally able to be alone together. Their mutual feelings weren’t very apparent to me anyway…maybe that’s just me though. All in all, well worth a read…

[Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whiskey War is a fantastic follow-up in the speakeasy series. Good guys, bad guys and whiskey. I enjoy the storytelling and the cast of characters. Setting, Half Moon Bay during the prohibition era. Characters, Dax, head strong and determined to protect the people she loves, especially her sister May and her lover Rose. The couple Jules and Charlie, are so sweet and difficult not to like. Grace, rich actress and in love with Rose. Frankie and Logan lead the list of bad guys and bad they are.

ARC provided by Bella Books via NetGalley

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms Miller writes cracking criminal family dramas, this book is part of the speakeasy series, set during America's prohibition era, which only drove drinking underground and increased the criminality. Dax and Rose are trying to maintain their relationship in a time, when it is hard enough to be a woman, never mind a queer woman. Full of action and excellent water pressure for their showers, this is a page turning dramatic novel full of their ingenuity and strength.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Alice M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great to get a follow up to Devil's Slide. The romance between Rose and Dax continues. Do feel a bit sorry for Grace. She does so much to help them. The group end up with a war against Frankie Wilkes. Grace brings in opposition to Frankie and violence ensues. Bitter words between Dax. and Charlie because of Charlie's non violence ethic has caused a rift in the group. Dax hopes to eventually get back into Charlie's Good graces.

[mrs dawn myers-ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

ROARING SUCCESS IN THIS TWENTIES ROMANCE.

This speakeasy romance just gets better and better. The beautiful romances that blossoms and the wonderful characters that are believable in this rollercoaster ride of the roaring twenties. This is a must read as it is exceptional quality writing with complete perfection in a masterpiece storyline. I LOVE IT. ❤

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an amazing follow up to the Devils Slide. I enjoyed the main characters as well as the secondary. Its fast paced and well written. great read.