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Whisky River: Season One
*SEASON ONE OF A VELLA SERIES (20 EPISODES)*Welcome to Whisky River!
Oaklynn Brim and Sacred Munroe open up the series in what for them begins as a fake relationship. While Sacred hopes that pairing with a good girl will assist in polishing up his reputation, Oaklynn is using his popularity for business purposes only. At least that’s what she has to keep telling herself. Real or fake, the two are enjoying the friendship they’re building. Some might say a little too much. Find out if what started as a hoax, develops into much more.
Oaklynn Brim and Sacred Munroe open up the series in what for them begins as a fake relationship. While Sacred hopes that pairing with a good girl will assist in polishing up his reputation, Oaklynn is using his popularity for business purposes only. At least that’s what she has to keep telling herself. Real or fake, the two are enjoying the friendship they’re building. Some might say a little too much. Find out if what started as a hoax, develops into much more.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 14, 2023
199 people are currently reading
803 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 19, 2025
4/5
- This book left on a cliffhanger and omg now I neeeeed to pick up the next book in the series! The DRAMA was dramainggggg!! From start to finish I was giggling and kicking my feet.
- Definitely gave small town country vibes. There was a cookout, a rodeo, and just all around tons of small town events that are so relatable. This book was definitely spicy, but it was a great balance with the plot.
- I haven’t read anything by this author, but I definitely want to read more books in the future. This one was fun. Would be perfect for summer!
- This book left on a cliffhanger and omg now I neeeeed to pick up the next book in the series! The DRAMA was dramainggggg!! From start to finish I was giggling and kicking my feet.
- Definitely gave small town country vibes. There was a cookout, a rodeo, and just all around tons of small town events that are so relatable. This book was definitely spicy, but it was a great balance with the plot.
- I haven’t read anything by this author, but I definitely want to read more books in the future. This one was fun. Would be perfect for summer!
October 8, 2023
Goes down smooth
This is my second Shantaé book and skinin and grinin seems to be a real common theme and I’m here for it!! As a mood reader finding an author who feels like they write books just for you is the best feeling ever. So this is fake dating with and ulterior motive. Sacred is a man with a plan and executed it to PERFECTION!! That man was so smooth and sexy and genuine it made my heart hurt a little. Oak was sassy and so sweet, she played her feelings just close enough to the vest to be my kind of fmc without fumbling the bag. My absolute favorite part, well one of them, was no third act mess and I promise it made this so much better. My other favorite best part was the dirty talk from Sacred “pretty girl” is my new “good girl” and babes it hits just as hard! The family dynamics and the way so much of it felt familiar was a real treat. I’m not a true country girl but I bet I won’t be missing the Cowboys of Color rodeo next year come hell or high water! lol
This is my second Shantaé book and skinin and grinin seems to be a real common theme and I’m here for it!! As a mood reader finding an author who feels like they write books just for you is the best feeling ever. So this is fake dating with and ulterior motive. Sacred is a man with a plan and executed it to PERFECTION!! That man was so smooth and sexy and genuine it made my heart hurt a little. Oak was sassy and so sweet, she played her feelings just close enough to the vest to be my kind of fmc without fumbling the bag. My absolute favorite part, well one of them, was no third act mess and I promise it made this so much better. My other favorite best part was the dirty talk from Sacred “pretty girl” is my new “good girl” and babes it hits just as hard! The family dynamics and the way so much of it felt familiar was a real treat. I’m not a true country girl but I bet I won’t be missing the Cowboys of Color rodeo next year come hell or high water! lol
August 6, 2023
Give me all the Black cowboy romance books!!!
I knew I was going to enjoy this book because the fake dating trope is top tier every time, but this far surpassed my expectations! Oaklynn and Sacred were sooooo freaking cute! One of my favorite book couples of all time! There were so many beautiful moments with them! I’m a southern girl, so I knew I was gon love it, but I really didn’t know how much I NEEDED Black cowboy/cowgirl books, but now I need them all! And this book also consistently has me cracking up! I need to get me a Sacred (even though he be playing too much)! I also loved Blake and can’t wait to read her book! It was just everything! It gave adorable, hilarious, family drama, like literally everything. I am IN LOVE with this book! Everybody go read it!
TW: addiction, death of parents (off page)
I knew I was going to enjoy this book because the fake dating trope is top tier every time, but this far surpassed my expectations! Oaklynn and Sacred were sooooo freaking cute! One of my favorite book couples of all time! There were so many beautiful moments with them! I’m a southern girl, so I knew I was gon love it, but I really didn’t know how much I NEEDED Black cowboy/cowgirl books, but now I need them all! And this book also consistently has me cracking up! I need to get me a Sacred (even though he be playing too much)! I also loved Blake and can’t wait to read her book! It was just everything! It gave adorable, hilarious, family drama, like literally everything. I am IN LOVE with this book! Everybody go read it!
TW: addiction, death of parents (off page)
July 21, 2023
Sacred & Oaklynn
In love with how Shantaé writes
This book gave me everything: fake dating, Black Cowboys & Cowgirls, that grill, a man that respects and protects boundaries. Sacred is at the top of the book boyfriend list. I was giddy and cheesing at my kindle reading this especially when they were making the videos. I would get caught up and forget they were recording lol.
In love with how Shantaé writes
This book gave me everything: fake dating, Black Cowboys & Cowgirls, that grill, a man that respects and protects boundaries. Sacred is at the top of the book boyfriend list. I was giddy and cheesing at my kindle reading this especially when they were making the videos. I would get caught up and forget they were recording lol.
October 2, 2025
Now this is fake dating done right!
I love a small town romance, but a black cowboy with a big family kind of small town will have me giggling and swinging my little feet everytime! Sacred Munroe is a MAN honey! He had all the right kind of BDE - firm but not overpowering, supportive and encouraging. He was helping Oak chase her dreams, chasing her, running his business, doing his part with Karsyn, and made it all seem so effortless. Their relationship was so much fun to read. They just meshed together so well I couldn’t get enough. The matched energy from both of them was top tier.
I enjoyed everything about the read from the big family and all the little side stories that keep you locked in to how the story flowed overall. I really can’t wait to read Season Two!
I love a small town romance, but a black cowboy with a big family kind of small town will have me giggling and swinging my little feet everytime! Sacred Munroe is a MAN honey! He had all the right kind of BDE - firm but not overpowering, supportive and encouraging. He was helping Oak chase her dreams, chasing her, running his business, doing his part with Karsyn, and made it all seem so effortless. Their relationship was so much fun to read. They just meshed together so well I couldn’t get enough. The matched energy from both of them was top tier.
I enjoyed everything about the read from the big family and all the little side stories that keep you locked in to how the story flowed overall. I really can’t wait to read Season Two!
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April 14, 2025DNf @ 34%
June 24, 2023
3.75 ⭐️
Very well written. Whiskey River sounds like somewhere I wouldn't mind living.
Was a solid 4 stars until the last 10% when it seemed like the end got derailed and fizzled out and wasn't really about the H/h. I liked how smoothly the relationship developed without any major conflict. It's nice when the guy knows what he wants and is totally into the relationship.
Unfortunately, the last 10% was more about the uninteresting conflict between Oak and her sister's weird thing with her ex than it was about Sacred and Oakland. Then, instead of an epilogue, there was a vague preview for the next book. Also, while I can tell that her involvement isn't finished, it was weird how Miranda disappeared after being built up as such a nuisance.
Very well written. Whiskey River sounds like somewhere I wouldn't mind living.
Was a solid 4 stars until the last 10% when it seemed like the end got derailed and fizzled out and wasn't really about the H/h. I liked how smoothly the relationship developed without any major conflict. It's nice when the guy knows what he wants and is totally into the relationship.
Unfortunately, the last 10% was more about the uninteresting conflict between Oak and her sister's weird thing with her ex than it was about Sacred and Oakland. Then, instead of an epilogue, there was a vague preview for the next book. Also, while I can tell that her involvement isn't finished, it was weird how Miranda disappeared after being built up as such a nuisance.
September 27, 2024
Bruh! This book was so cute! Def in my country era (been in it for a good 1.5 decades). I loved the small town vibes (def in my small town era too). I loved the close knit community and the love they had for one another. We all need a lil Sacred in our lives! Where can I find me one?!
July 13, 2025
I enjoyed this fake dating cowboy romance. I felt like the fake dating to real relationship was just right. No long overly drawn out miscommunication or denial. Sacred was standing on business. What I will say is, I hoped to see more of Oaklynn’s glow up. The whole point was to shine a light on Oaklynn’s baking business so I felt that part lacked. There is a book two for Blake so I hope I can see more snippets regarding Oaklynn & Sacred. Recommended.
October 22, 2025
5 dreamy stars
It is so refreshing to read such a cozy, sweet, spicy and HEA storyline. The romance is nothing but honest sweetness and goodness. The storyline went the way I wanted it to! The characters made smart and simple choices. No angst! No break up to make up! Just love, sweet, spicy, and simple! This had me kicking my feet and giggling into my pillow. Perfect for this season, this love story is cozy delicious! Looking forward to this authors second, third, fourth…
It is so refreshing to read such a cozy, sweet, spicy and HEA storyline. The romance is nothing but honest sweetness and goodness. The storyline went the way I wanted it to! The characters made smart and simple choices. No angst! No break up to make up! Just love, sweet, spicy, and simple! This had me kicking my feet and giggling into my pillow. Perfect for this season, this love story is cozy delicious! Looking forward to this authors second, third, fourth…
November 20, 2025
Oaklynn and Sacred had great chemistry. The spice was nice. But the story was a bit all over the place. Primary fake dating turned lovers plot line was resolved at the 60/70 percent mark. Lots of side plots and characters that bogged the story down a bit. Transitions between scenes were abrupt, leaving the reader to fill in gaps.
September 22, 2024
I went to my first ever Black rodeo this past Friday and I HAD to find a Black cowboy romance.
I saw a review about this book on tik tok and I was hooked on the synopsis.
Sacred and Oaklynn’s love story was *chefs kiss*!!
I wish we got more detailed scenes about the actual rodeo😪
I saw a review about this book on tik tok and I was hooked on the synopsis.
Sacred and Oaklynn’s love story was *chefs kiss*!!
I wish we got more detailed scenes about the actual rodeo😪
April 25, 2024
Yes This ....
I love reading about black cowboys. Shantae has done it big with this, and I'm all in! Keep it coming, gurl. I love your work.
I love reading about black cowboys. Shantae has done it big with this, and I'm all in! Keep it coming, gurl. I love your work.
May 5, 2025
I’m not even gon hold you……this was good!
Got some good ole small town, cow tipping, horse wrangling, porch sittin’, pot licka stirrin’, sweet tea drankin drama. But not too much. Ended on the cliffhanger which is cool because the next one is an available.
Following southern besties from a small Texas town. Everyone knows everyone…..it was giving Dallas but make it black but with less back stabbing and scheming. The Munroes and the Brims, along with 3 other families made this town. The history runs deep and the friendships run deeper. Oaklynn and Blake grew up together and pretty much hung out with each other’s families since forever. Blake’s cousin Sacred was the town’s cowboy social media influencer and entrepreneur. He always had a little crush on his cousin Blake’s best friend and decided to use an opportunity to insert himself into Oaklynn’s life under the guise of getting her SM recognition and help her start a bakery.
Will Oaklynn catch on???
Fake relationship trope done well. Not too much drama and a super sweet love story!
Cowboy loverrrrsss, read dis!
Got some good ole small town, cow tipping, horse wrangling, porch sittin’, pot licka stirrin’, sweet tea drankin drama. But not too much. Ended on the cliffhanger which is cool because the next one is an available.
Following southern besties from a small Texas town. Everyone knows everyone…..it was giving Dallas but make it black but with less back stabbing and scheming. The Munroes and the Brims, along with 3 other families made this town. The history runs deep and the friendships run deeper. Oaklynn and Blake grew up together and pretty much hung out with each other’s families since forever. Blake’s cousin Sacred was the town’s cowboy social media influencer and entrepreneur. He always had a little crush on his cousin Blake’s best friend and decided to use an opportunity to insert himself into Oaklynn’s life under the guise of getting her SM recognition and help her start a bakery.
Will Oaklynn catch on???
Fake relationship trope done well. Not too much drama and a super sweet love story!
Cowboy loverrrrsss, read dis!
April 13, 2025
I just love Oaklynn and Sacred love story. It was my cup of tea. It was calm, sweet, down to earth, and countrified. I love it so much.
I didn't even know I was into the whole cowboy thing. After reading this, I immediately ordered the second book and tried finding more black cowboy novels. I found a few, but if anybody has some suggestions. Care to share?
This is the first book I read by this author, and it will not be the last.
Oaklynn sister was bogus asf. I'm glad her dad came around and saw things her way. I felt Oaklynn and Sacreds love connection. It felt genuine and real. Sacred is my kind of guy for real. I love how much his family loved him and protected him. It was just a beautiful quick read, and I loved it.
I didn't even know I was into the whole cowboy thing. After reading this, I immediately ordered the second book and tried finding more black cowboy novels. I found a few, but if anybody has some suggestions. Care to share?
This is the first book I read by this author, and it will not be the last.
Oaklynn sister was bogus asf. I'm glad her dad came around and saw things her way. I felt Oaklynn and Sacreds love connection. It felt genuine and real. Sacred is my kind of guy for real. I love how much his family loved him and protected him. It was just a beautiful quick read, and I loved it.
December 1, 2023
Great Book!!
I just finished this amazing Shantae story that has me feeling all the feels! First, Cowboy's….. Black Cowboys!! Yes Please!!!!
This book has a well-done fake dating dynamic, which is usually a trope I avoid and I loved that it was something that would benefit the both of them.
I loved seeing Oaklynn stand up for herself, especially to her parents (mostly her father), it showed growth in her character. I loved the maturity of Sacred’s character when he spotted Oaklynn with her ex! OMG!!! It was so refreshing to see that he didn’t fly off the handle and cause a scene! So so refreshing!!!
10/10 I’d recommend!!!
I just finished this amazing Shantae story that has me feeling all the feels! First, Cowboy's….. Black Cowboys!! Yes Please!!!!
This book has a well-done fake dating dynamic, which is usually a trope I avoid and I loved that it was something that would benefit the both of them.
I loved seeing Oaklynn stand up for herself, especially to her parents (mostly her father), it showed growth in her character. I loved the maturity of Sacred’s character when he spotted Oaklynn with her ex! OMG!!! It was so refreshing to see that he didn’t fly off the handle and cause a scene! So so refreshing!!!
10/10 I’d recommend!!!
July 26, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Whiskey Rivers by Shantaé was an absolute gem! This was my first time reading anything by this author, and I’m so glad I picked this one up. It was also my first time experiencing a Black cowboy and cowgirl country romance — and I loved every single bit of it!
I love me a Southern man, and Sacred was the perfect example of one — strong, grounded, and full of heart. The chemistry between him and Oaklynn was electric, and their story felt so real and rich in culture and emotion. I’m definitely excited to read Blake’s story next.
Fingers crossed we’ll get an update or even more from Oaklynn and Sacred in the future. I’m officially a fan of Shantaé now!
Whiskey Rivers by Shantaé was an absolute gem! This was my first time reading anything by this author, and I’m so glad I picked this one up. It was also my first time experiencing a Black cowboy and cowgirl country romance — and I loved every single bit of it!
I love me a Southern man, and Sacred was the perfect example of one — strong, grounded, and full of heart. The chemistry between him and Oaklynn was electric, and their story felt so real and rich in culture and emotion. I’m definitely excited to read Blake’s story next.
Fingers crossed we’ll get an update or even more from Oaklynn and Sacred in the future. I’m officially a fan of Shantaé now!
June 28, 2023
This series is gonna be amazing!
I wasn't sure of what to expect with this series but it's giving TV series for me big time! We need more stories revolving around Black cowboys and cowgirls!! The close knit relationships between the families, friends, and community drew me in even more than Sacred and Oaklynn's gradual progress did. Sacred is definitely the new book bae in my life but sadly I'm not a country girl like Oaklynn so she can have him lol
I wasn't sure of what to expect with this series but it's giving TV series for me big time! We need more stories revolving around Black cowboys and cowgirls!! The close knit relationships between the families, friends, and community drew me in even more than Sacred and Oaklynn's gradual progress did. Sacred is definitely the new book bae in my life but sadly I'm not a country girl like Oaklynn so she can have him lol
February 17, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It's something about a southern gentleman that makes my heart swoon, and Sacred did not disappoint. Off the top, I knew that he and Oaklynn would fit. Despite the drama, their interactions made me smile and blush. This was an excellent story with character development that made you feel like you knew the characters personally and a storyline that made you feel like you were living it with them.
It's something about a southern gentleman that makes my heart swoon, and Sacred did not disappoint. Off the top, I knew that he and Oaklynn would fit. Despite the drama, their interactions made me smile and blush. This was an excellent story with character development that made you feel like you knew the characters personally and a storyline that made you feel like you were living it with them.
April 20, 2025
This book felt so good. It’s just something about a Black Cowboy romance that makes you feel like you’ve just had a warm drink on a cold day. I love that this was low angst and only mild drama. None of which took place within the couple. Oaklynn & Sacred were super cute together and I love absolutely loved their banter. The story moved quickly and the dialogue felt current and relatable, and the main characters were both very likable.
October 20, 2025
Snigglig, giggling, skinnin & grinnin
If you understand my headline then this book is for you. It has all the feels. It’s hilarious, well written, really allows you to see into what a good relationship is and how easy it can be if both parties are willing to be open, vulnerable and ask the questions they need answered instead of trying to think on behalf of the other person. Can’t wait for book 2.
If you understand my headline then this book is for you. It has all the feels. It’s hilarious, well written, really allows you to see into what a good relationship is and how easy it can be if both parties are willing to be open, vulnerable and ask the questions they need answered instead of trying to think on behalf of the other person. Can’t wait for book 2.
December 30, 2023
Cowboy Sacred. Yes indeed! Very well put together story line. Strange way he chose to get his way but I loved it. Oaklynn is such a sweetie. She deserves the best. Was hoping for a wedding…..Also wanted her to handle Mattylunn . Great book. I enjoyed reading it. I ope I find out more about this one later…. Her parents, her sister, and Miranda are in my radar.
Happy Reading‼️
Happy Reading‼️
July 7, 2023
Whisky River
I'm here for this series. I love the name of series, characters, episodes, and plot. It is another hit Shantaé. Thank you I can't wait for season two and of I hope it is not too long.
I'm here for this series. I love the name of series, characters, episodes, and plot. It is another hit Shantaé. Thank you I can't wait for season two and of I hope it is not too long.
December 10, 2023
The drama much go on
Well with that ending we impatiently waiting for more. Didn't see that coming.....let's goooo!!!!
Sacred and Oaklynn were a cute new age love affair that was a good mix young and getting it with that country living.
Sexy cowboy and Nurse Baker
Well with that ending we impatiently waiting for more. Didn't see that coming.....let's goooo!!!!
Sacred and Oaklynn were a cute new age love affair that was a good mix young and getting it with that country living.
Sexy cowboy and Nurse Baker
December 24, 2023
Baby You Bette Read!
I love the storyline and the family. It's always refreshing to read a story about a family with a legacy. Sacred and Oaklynn are so "sickening" but oh so loveable at the same time. Trust me you won't be disappointed with this purchase or download!
I love the storyline and the family. It's always refreshing to read a story about a family with a legacy. Sacred and Oaklynn are so "sickening" but oh so loveable at the same time. Trust me you won't be disappointed with this purchase or download!
February 7, 2025
3.5-4 stars
I loved the set up of the town. I felt like I could picture everything so easily - would love to see this made into a show or movie.
Oaklynn and Sacred were so cute. I loved their interactions and how vulnerable they were together. Chemistry was written beautifully!
I loved the set up of the town. I felt like I could picture everything so easily - would love to see this made into a show or movie.
Oaklynn and Sacred were so cute. I loved their interactions and how vulnerable they were together. Chemistry was written beautifully!
March 24, 2025
March Read: Whisky River by Shantaè ⭐️⭐️⭐️. This is a fake dating trope book. Sacred and Oaklynn decided to grow their social media business & presence online by pretending to date. We all know that pretending in fiction books leads to real dating eventually. Short, cute, & a feel good book.
August 20, 2025
I’ve read it twice already because it’s now one of my favorite comfort books! If you are southern girl, go on ahead and read it. You won’t regret it!! It will have you laughing, crying, and possibly ready to fight Lol.
November 17, 2023
5 stars
Such a good read! I loved every word and can't wait to hit book 2 up! Definitely recommend this one.
Such a good read! I loved every word and can't wait to hit book 2 up! Definitely recommend this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews