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Bourbon Canyon #0.5

Bourbon Bachelor

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I won a date with the most eligible bachelor in Bourbon Canyon—except I wasn’t the one bidding.

Two of my best friends dragged me to a fundraiser and bid in my place. Tate Bailey isn’t just some mountain man bachelor the rest of town gushes about. He’s also the dad of one of my most troublesome fourth-grade students.

My only dealings with the divorced bourbon empire heir have been outlining the issues his son is having in school. Not exactly the best first impression—or second, third, and fourth.

The last thing I want is another rundown of everything my exes said was wrong with me, especially not from a rugged guy like Tate. But when I tell him he’s off the hook, he insists.

Fine. It’s only a date. Then I can go back to my dull life with my heart intact. Because there’s no way a guy like Tate would give up his bachelorhood for a boring, predictable, small-town teacher like me.

84 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 8, 2023

104 people are currently reading
1778 people want to read

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Walker Rose

11 books354 followers

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5 stars
191 (24%)
4 stars
314 (40%)
3 stars
223 (28%)
2 stars
42 (5%)
1 star
10 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
Profile Image for Ali.
1,195 reviews206 followers
July 30, 2025
Scarlett wins a date with the town's most eligible bachelor, Tate Bailey. Tate Bailey is the town's hottest man and single dad, and he has always had the hots for his son's old teacher. Scarlett knows Tate's a good man and just giving her a good time for how much money his sister's spent to get them together, but what she doesn't know is that Tate wants her badly. Scared he'll see her as everything her ex did, and that she doesn't have the greatest relationship with his son, Scarlett is absolutely positive this won't work out.

I didn't have the greatest luck with the first book in this series, Bourbon Lullaby, but I wanted to try out this free novella (free if you sign up for her newsletter or $.99 on Kindle!) to see if Walker Rose's writing isn't for me, or if it was just those terrible characters. I ended up really enjoying this novella! I don't rate many novellas over three stars, so I'd say this did really well!

Even though this was only 85 pages, the romance was well-rounded. I already knew these two in the other book, as this is a prequel, but they didn't give me much. As always with novellas, the romance is going to be quick and doesn't give the reader enough substance, but hey, it's a novella. To be completely honest, though, I'm not sure why Tate and Scarlett didn't have a full book. There was definitely potential for there to be one, and I just think I would have loved them if it were longer than 85 pages!
Profile Image for Megan Coggins.
705 reviews158 followers
May 2, 2025
I’m not usually a novella fan but this was solid.
I liked it.

Tate & Scarlett
Single dad x sons teacher
Bachelor auction
Meddling sisters
Cowboy vibes
Small town
Quick read
Profile Image for Oleksandra.
263 reviews15 followers
October 27, 2025
4,5⭐️

Я приємно вражена.
Гарна маленька історія про соромʼязливу вчительку та самотнього татуся, яким організували побачення через аукціон.

Дуже потішили смішні вишивки та білизна Скарлет, це яскрава оригінальність))

Однозначно продовжу знайомство із серією
Profile Image for Dani (Daniiireads).
2,019 reviews331 followers
January 5, 2024
3.5 ⭐️

Scarlett gets wrangled into going to a bachelor auction by her two best friends, not realizing it’s a set up. When the girls spend a fortune bidding on their older brother for her, both Scarlett and Tate don’t realize how their lives are about to change for the better thanks to the meddling sisters.

Honestly this was pretty cute, but I wished it would have been longer. I hated how awful Scarlett’s ex was and how much he had lowered her confidence, but Tate swept her off her feet and I would have liked to see more of their relationship!
Profile Image for (betts) ⚜.
469 reviews202 followers
July 16, 2024
3.5⭐ / 2🌶️

— vibezz
🥃 small town setting
📓 found family
🥃 insta-attraction
📓 she's his son teacher

mini blurb — ✍🏻
Tate was being auctioned off by his sisters during the city annual bachelor auction and they won his bidding for a date with their best friend, Scarlett. Would that be the occasion to finally try his luck with the shy teacher?

//

She shook her head but still kept her gaze off me. And didn’t that get under my skin. I wanted her eyes on me. I wanted her attention on me. I wanted her under me.


cute quick read that worked as an 'opening' for this series, ngl I would have gladly read this as a full-length book, it had potential and the story was pretty entertaining.
Loved the character and I hope we get to read more about them later in the books!
Profile Image for Ellen.
213 reviews3 followers
July 9, 2024
short novella, straight forward and cute!

didn't have anything too crazy going on, I felt that the angst was low which was nice. characters were as developed as they could being in a novella!

would recommend!
Profile Image for Donna McEachran.
1,629 reviews36 followers
January 20, 2024
Cute teacher-parent romance. Scarlett has also been hurt so Tate has to work hard to make her his! Great start to the series and looking forward to getting to know the others.
Profile Image for okudugumusoyluyorum.
352 reviews5 followers
August 18, 2025
Kasaba kurgusuna giriş novellası..

Birazcık daha uzun olsa, kurguyu tam okusak güzel olurdu. Tate ve Scarlett arasındaki gelişmeleri biraz daha yavaş izlesek daha da keyif alırdım ama sonraki karakterleri işlerken onlar açık kalmasın düşüncesi kötü değil.
Profile Image for Kristiej.
1,539 reviews100 followers
May 21, 2025
At 83 pages this is a short novella I finished in a day. It’s my first Walker Rose book and it was OK, a 3 star romance. I put that down to the shortness of the book, not any issue I had with the writing. The hero, Tate Bailey is a divorced single dad who has recently moved home to help his father who is battling cancer, with the family ranch. Scarlet is our heroine. She has a large crush on Tate but because several former boyfriends had done a number on her and doesn’t think he could possibly have feelings for her. They first meet when Scarlet is his son, Chance’s teacher and they had several parent teacher meetings to discuss Chance and some issues he’s having. Though she doesn’t know it, Chance is very attracted to her but is sure she must have a low opinion of him in his role as father. She doesn’t.

Things come to an end when he is talked into being a ‘bachelor’ at an auction for charity. His sister’s secretly bid on him for a date for Scarlet. I’m not going to give anymore away since it is so short. But I’m more than willing to read more books in this series. In fact I already have them lined up on the kindle.
Profile Image for Tammy - .
1,115 reviews142 followers
March 4, 2024
I really enjoyed this novella and I'm excited to read more of the Bourbon Canyon series.

In this short story, a date with Tate is auctioned off for charity and Scarlett is the surprised winner. Scarlett was Tate's son's teacher so she's familiar with the brooding bachelor and she may have a bit of a crush. She can't believe that Tate would really want a date with her so Tate has his work cut out for him to convince her otherwise.

This is a cute, lighter read although it does touch on some heavier topics. I loved both Tate and Scarlett, and I enjoyed their chemistry. There is a bit of steam and a little laugh-out-loud humor, and it all kept me turning the pages. Walker Rose is a new-to-me author, and I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Profile Image for ToriLovesHea’s.
538 reviews95 followers
June 23, 2024
Pretty sweet! A fast paced prequel novella in a new western series that was a perfect slump breaker after finishing Widow/Orcs this week. One, we had characters in their 30’s and 40’s. Loved! And I loved that our MMC, Tate, was like….prioritizing his kid over a relationship? Why don’t this happen more often in romance?? Anyway, I thought it was a nice touch! And I liked that the kid wasn’t made out to be a brat. He’s just had his life upended by his parents divorce and wants his dad around. And for his dad not to date his teacher. Who his dad has been pining for. Whew. I love a good bachelor auction and I LOVE when siblings are trying to set their siblings up on dates. I always think it’s cute! Short, sweet, a nice sex scene, and bootable characters. Cute!
Profile Image for Debra.
817 reviews18 followers
March 6, 2025
Bourbon Bachelor, a charming novella within the Bourbon Canyon series, follows the journey of Tate and Scarlett as they navigate their relationship. Initially cautious due to Scarlett’s past heartbreak and mental abuse by ex-boyfriends, Tate, a father of an eleven-year-old son named Chance, made a promise to spend more quality time with him. Watching the couple work through their feelings and emotions was heartwarming as they built a family together.
Profile Image for Stasi Apple (The Reads of an Apple).
888 reviews12 followers
July 7, 2025
4.5 Stars

This was super cute and I'm excited to get to know the family a lot more. I wanted it to be a little longer, but I thought it was a great way to do an intro to the family without being super name dumpy. I loved Scarlett and Tate and that she got along with his son, but it wasn't some magical she's the perfect step-mom moment. Excited to dive into the series now that it's (almost) complete!
Profile Image for Christina.
617 reviews12 followers
April 1, 2024
This was a good introduction to the Bourbon Canyon series. 😍
Profile Image for Amanda.
40 reviews10 followers
December 21, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
I REALLY loved this novella! Excited to dive into the rest of the series!😍
Profile Image for Kisara.
125 reviews2 followers
June 4, 2025
Why do I keep reading horrendous books?

I need to wash my eyes.
Profile Image for Madeline.
264 reviews34 followers
July 18, 2025
Why did he have to call her Miss. Scarlett 🥸
Profile Image for Lisbeth .
5,760 reviews
August 11, 2024
Tuvo un buen inicio, pero pudo haber sido mejor desarrollada. Se lee rápido y entretiene.
Profile Image for Mel.
1,423 reviews43 followers
July 31, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️

A very cute, straight forward novella that sets up the Bailey family and the Bourbon Canyon world. I liked Tate and Scarlett… their first date, as a result of a bachelor auction, was a fun setup. And the added complication of Scarlett being Tate’s son’s former teacher added another layer.
Profile Image for Robyn.
147 reviews14 followers
January 9, 2024
I finished this in one sitting, it was so good! It's a quick little read to get you ready for the series itself. I read Bourbon Lullaby first so I saw their relationship and wanted to know how they got there and I am so glad that I got their novella! Tate and Scarlett are adorable and sweet Chance? They're the most adorable family. I have to admit though, I liked that I read the full novel first, just because I felt like that gave you more insight into the Bailey family whereas this novella is just about this adorable trio.
Profile Image for Shannon.
372 reviews
March 3, 2024
This is a fun, pretty quick read with delightful characters.
Scarlett hasn't had the best of luck with men, so her friends buy her their brother at an auction. Properly embarrassed, she flees before Tate can find her. Tate, however, doesn't give up that easily and won't give up on his son's former teacher.
Scarlett is a fun character who doesn't have the best of self-esteem, but likes her job, life, and friends in the new town. She also has a BIG crush on her best friend's brooding brother, but is a little weary of trying anything because she was his kid's teacher.
Tate was all in from the beginning and did his best to show Scarlett he was serious.
I liked the consideration for the kid in the story, like including him in the "are you ok with me seeing someone" conversations and including his feelings about a new person (who is his former teacher and someone he might not like as much).
Profile Image for Kat.
780 reviews48 followers
September 15, 2024
Bourbon Bachelor bk 0.5 [Bourbon Canyon Series]
This series is a contemporary Romance series.. This is the first book that i have read by this author and its a novella in the Bourbon Canyon series.. [I would give this book 3.5 stars, The romance was good & the friendships are awesome]

This book follows Tate & Scarlett.. You will find Single dad/Teacher Romance, Fundraise Bid Auction trope, Best friends Brother, Both have feeling for each other and more

Tate is a Single dad & Bourbon Empire company.. He works hard and looks after his kid.. He has sisters that he looks out for.. He is in the Bachelor Auction which ends up getting him a date with the teacher that used to be his son's teacher..

Scarlett is a Teacher.. She gets set up by her two best friends when they go to a bachelor auction and they bid on their brother so scarlett can get a date with Tate.. She loves staying in and watching her mystery t.v shows than going out.. She has two best friends called Summer & Autumn..

This book is packed full of:
⦁ Single Dad/Teacher Romance
⦁ Best friends Brother
⦁ Fundraise Bid Auction to win a date
⦁ Both have feelings for each other
⦁ Heroine's best friends set her up with their brother
⦁ Some steam with open-door play [Heroine's hallway]
⦁ Content: Hero talks about his father, Hero's son is going through some stuff because he wants to have his dad around more, Hero try's to work less so he can be their for his son, Heroine's ex did not treat her or her cat good
⦁ Heroine has a hard time trusting people because of her ex
⦁ Hero shows the heroine that he wants to be with her
⦁ Does not take long for the heroine to win the hero's son over
⦁ Hero will do anything for the Heroine
⦁ Heroine has a Cute cat
⦁ Forced Proximity
⦁ Strong Family Relationships
⦁ Strong Friendships
⦁ Love at first sight
⦁ summer theme
⦁ Small Town

I really enjoyed the Romance between Tate & Scarlett.. I thought Scarlett's cat was sweet and i liked how strong the family relationships are between Tate and his siblings.. Also liked the strong friendship between Scarlett and her best friends Autumn & Summer because you can see they care a lot about each other.. I am looking forward to read more books in this series
Profile Image for Kate Laycoax .
1,496 reviews15 followers
January 27, 2025
Auction fundraiser romances are my favorite, so Bourbon Bachelor is the ultimate meet cute fuel I’ve been craving. I couldn’t put this down!

Our girl is a sweet, no nonsense fourth grade teacher who gets voluntold by her besties into bidding on Tate Bailey—the ruggedly hot, emotionally unavailable single dad and bourbon heir—at the town’s charity auction. Except, surprise! They bid for her. And when sparks start flying, the chemistry is STRAIGHT FIRE.

Auction + small town + single dad + opposites attract? Sign me up.
The banter between these two! Their history starts rocky—parent/teacher drama, anyone?—but the forced proximity and sizzling tension? 10/10.
Tate is the perfect combo of broody and vulnerable, peeling back his layers to reveal a heart that’s just waiting for the right person.
I love how relatable Scarlett is. She’s skeptical but strong, done with people putting her down, and ready to fight for what she deserves.

This is for anyone who loves a cozy small town romance with a side of tension and heartfelt growth. Plus, Tate’s son? Total scene stealer and he was just the CUTEST kid.

Bourbon Bachelor is equal parts sweet, spicy, and so good. It is a must read if you’re a sucker for a reluctant love story with all the feels. Walker Rose knocked it out of the park.
Profile Image for Day.
1,111 reviews40 followers
January 30, 2026
This isn't bad but it wasn't good either.

I may say something and it may come across as mean, It's not my intention to insult.
But this book felt it was written by a fat ugly AI view of what romance is.

The heroine was written to be so unattractive possible that I am surprised that the hero found her attractive at all.
With the walking shoes and Capri pants (the most unfaltering cut), the skirts to the weird glasses and funky (pink smileys) underwear. The hero mentioning her jiggly/bubble behind every time.
The needle work with sassy quotes. The weird interior design. The black cat named of course Lilith...IF THIS DOESN'T SCREAMS: UGLY FAT GIRL. I don't know what then!
And don't forget the trauma of dating allegedly mean guys but the hero tells her one time that he likes her and wants to get into her panties and ALL her trauma is gone. Just like that.

Apparently she is a teacher but her interactions with the hero's kid came across as cold, like it's her first time interacting with a kid. Gets pissed the next day of their date because he had to go to his kid - says she is ok and understand but gets pissed.

And don't forget the hero, he was basically perfect. Perfect body, says the perfect thing, is an cowboy, rich and has an big amazing family and a big pecker of course.

Will read the next one, just because I'm curious!
Profile Image for Courtney Shaw.
199 reviews3 followers
February 2, 2026
𝗦𝘄𝗲𝗲𝘁 & 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗮

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

From the very first page, 𝗕𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗿 swept me into Bourbon Canyon with its irresistible blend of charm, heat, and heart. Walker Rose crafts a story that feels like a warm bourbon cocktail — sweet with just the right kick — and I was hooked from start to finish.

𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻'𝘀 voice is refreshingly honest and delightfully funny. When she first describes 𝗧𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘆, you’ll understand exactly why this book gets both swoons and laughs: “𝖶𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝖺 𝖽𝖾𝗌𝗌𝖾𝗋𝗍. 𝖨 𝖼𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝗅𝗂𝖼𝗄 𝗁𝗂𝗆 𝗎𝗉𝗌𝗂𝖽𝖾 𝖽𝗈𝗐𝗇 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗌𝗂𝖽𝖾𝗐𝖺𝗒𝗌.” That line made me laugh out loud — and immediately set the tone for the sweetly spicy chemistry that follows.

I adored how W. R. balanced the heat with genuine emotion. 𝗧𝗮𝘁𝗲 isn’t just eye-candy; he’s a real man with depth — a single dad, a community favorite, and someone who challenges 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁 to rethink what “playing it safe” really means. Their journey from wary acquaintances to something much deeper felt earned and utterly satisfying.

What truly sets this novella apart is its heart. Beneath all the witty banter and swoony moments, there’s a story about second chances, small-town bonds, and unexpected love. It left me grinning long after the last page.

If you want a quick, feel-good read with 𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘆 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀, and characters you’ll root for, 𝗕𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗿 is one you shouldn’t miss. 💕
Profile Image for Denise H.
1,058 reviews54 followers
February 7, 2026
Cute novella, would have made a good book.

Scarlett's an elementary school teacher, everyone sees her as prim and proper. She likes everything organized and rules, and she's a transplant to the small town. She's had her self-esteem demolished by her ex and doesn't see herself worty of someone like Tate. She's terrified of getting her heart broken again.

Tate's from a prominent family, third-generation in town. His father's ill and he moved back home to take over the family business and spend more promised time with his 10-year-old son. He's has had his eyes on Scarlett since they met at a parent-teacher conference for his wayward son.

She's friends with Tate's younger sisters, one of whom is also a school teacher. Since moving back home he's become more of a recluse, just concerned with taking over the business and caring for his son. Both have a mutual hidden attraction to the other (or so the thought). His younger sisters take it upon themselves to bid on him for Scarlett to give them both a needed push.

Cowboy rancher + son's former school teacher
Age gap
Meddling younger sisters
Bachelor auction
Small town
Single father, his son's not her biggest fan
Both previously married
Quick read
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