The haunted foster boy turned jaded owner of a whiskey distillery doesn't recognize me as the little girl he used to read to when he hires me. So I don't tell him.
Myles was the boy who read me stories when it stormed. The angry foster kid my adoptive parents took in not long after my sisters and I found a home under their roof. Then one day, he was gone, and I could never get him off my mind. The kid with the unknown background grew into the owner and CEO of a respected whiskey distillery. My brothers hate him for the knowledge he took from our family’s bourbon company to start his own empire. My sisters have practically forgotten him. But me? I’m going to be his new assistant. He has no idea who I am. To him, I’m not a little girl scared of storms. I’m a temp with a surprisingly informed background about the world of spirits. Okay, I’m still scared of storms, which he unfortunately finds out. But he’s a jaded man and his life is closed off even more than it was when we were kids. He doesn’t trust easy and I’m only in his office because of a lie. Before I can tell him who I am, I might have to leave just as suddenly as he did all those years ago.
While this was not the author’s debut, it was her debut full novel. And it absolutely won me over! 🤩
The depth enshrouded all aspects! The characters, their psychographics, their vulnerabilities, the bonds and relationships, the plot, the execution.
I have a soft spot regarding foster care stories and Bourbon Lullaby ticked appealingly all the boxes.
The story was tight and had many layers, wonderfully synchronised and linked. Emotions were flowing out of the story, sometimes heartbreaking and others heartwarming. The whole cast was amazing, relatable and approachable. The members of found family were really remarkable.
Myles and Wynter’s (with y) journey was absolutely not effortless. There were obstacles in their relationship as both of them had experienced hard times in their pasts, especially Myles. Wynter was trying so much more for their relationship and Myles was fighting with his demons. In the end, their hea was heartfelt and made me extremely happy!!
The steamy scenes did not take away anything from the story and their age gap of 12 years was insignificant.
My main issue was that I wanted more of Myles’ background.
I am looking forward to the next part with great anticipation!!! 😱
First thoughts, beautiful cover. It’s what instantly caught my eye and decided to read the synopsis. It sounded like something I’d absolutely love. Small town. Found family. Foster sibling reunited. Tortured hero.
You can instantly tell the author put a lot of time and research into the alcohol industry. I LOVED the amount of detail the author wrote.
My dislikes are the characters. The MC was an asshole. I love my assholes but he was just a prick. I was rolling my eyes at the FMC that was obsessed with her foster brother that she hasn’t seen since she was six years old - she was really hard to understand her reasoning on any of her actions including purposely avoiding seeing her dad as he was dying… I couldn’t empathize nor understand her part in not being there in his last moments. Both characters were intolerable and maybe that the thing, they’re meant for eachother. I started speed reading at 50% and couldn’t handle reading anymore by 65%.
Sometimes you hit winners with reading new to you authors and sometimes you don’t! That’s okay! Hopefully the next readers loves it more. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
If you want a romance book that becomes an entire 20 episode CW show season in a 342-page book, here ya go!
Bourbon Lullaby is the first novel in the Bourbon Canyon series, and we follow Wynter and Myles. Wynter has been obsessed with the blue-eyed boy who took care of her and read her bedtime stories while in her foster home since age six. He left when he turned eighteen, and he never looked back. Her brothers all hate him because he started a whiskey company using all the knowledge he learned from their foster father, Darin Bailey's bourbon business. Her brothers resent him, and her sisters barely remember him, but Wynter has done anything but forget the boy she's loved her whole life.
22 years later, she wants to figure out if she made an impact on him as much as he did on her. With her father's death coming in soon, Wynter needs to run away as she can't watch another parent die, and she ends up in the parking lot of Foster House, Myles's company, to get the job as his temporary assistant and finally see him after all this time. When he doesn't remember her, she decides to keep up the charade of being just "Wynn", and getting close to him is harder than she imagined as he keeps everyone at arm's length.
I must've not read the synopsis to this one ages ago when I downloaded it on Kindle Unlimited, because I expected this to be a yeehaw romance, but it is a small-town romance with ranching, distilleries, and a random suspense storyline thrown in last second. I knew from the beginning this wasn't going to be rated higher than three stars, but I persisted because this dude was such an asshole and she was so weird that I had to see it through.
I had a lot of issues with this book because it's weird! He was 18 when she was SIX, and there are multiple times (both in conversation with him and in her thoughts) where she mentions their connection they used to have. He's sane for once and goes I WAS EIGHTEEN???? U WERE SIX??? THAT'S PERVERTED. But still, in her head, she'll fawn over their dynamic when they were younger. She fully thought he was in love with her when she was six, even at her big age of 28. I've been there, I've totally had crushes on my cousin's older friends when I was like 10 and they were all 16, but then I GREW UP and by age 13, I would cringe at me trying to get their attention because even I knew a SIX-YEAR age gap was yucky.
The fact that she also stalks him and doesn't tell him the full truth. Considering his track record with whom he hires, I don't believe that he wouldn't hire her. If anything, I think he would have felt indebted to the Bailey family. Worst comes to worst, he fires her, and spoiler! He did within the first 10%. I just did not like her attitude. Wynter was a sweetheart, but I do not see how you can be that delusional. A childhood crush that you keep with you, I fully understand, but I cannot understand this one-sided obsession with a dude you knew for a couple of months.
Myles was also a shit character. Maybe I'm being insensitive, but his trauma should not excuse how shitty he was to Wynter. There would be people, Wynter included, telling him how he is being a dick, selfish, and how he doesn't deserve Wynter (he does not), and in his head, this supposedly genius CEO, is like PFT I DON'T KNOW WHAT U MEAN I AM NOT SELFISH I WORKED SO HARD TO DO THIS, THIS, AND THIS FOR ME. I know he worked his way out of a shithole, and his mom was shit, and his grandparents were shit, and he doesn't want to be abandoned again. I GET THAT. But if you've read this book, he is so mean to her for NO REASON. When Wynter is finally fed up, he's confused, and when he tries to get her back and it's not working right away, only THEN does he actually step up and mirror an MMC I could swoon over.
I hated the pacing of this book. There's so many time skips you're being told but not shown, and the amount of times these two 'break up' and get back together again, use a quickie to solve their problems, the quickie doesn't end up solving their problems, and then Wynter is crying again and Myles is pretending like he doesn't know why. Then the random suspense storyline thrown in was so dumb. It was arguably the best part of the book because when the family showed up, they SHOWED UP, and it was cool. That scene made me want to continue the series.
I know they get a happily ever after, but I don't think they'd realistically last once their book ends.
As a Forster care kid that got adopted this book hit home. I understood what both characters went through, I understood the way they think and that was handled in such a positive manner in this book.
- former foster brother - age gap - boss x employee - hidden identity - small town romance
Once he was just the angry foster brother who read to Wynter when she was scared, until he left her family’s home in the middle of the night without a word. Now Myles Foster is the owner of a whiskey distillery in Colorado and temporarily her very grumpy boss.
She’d hoped that Myles might have remembered her, but when he doesn’t, Wynter keeps her identity and her real reasons for working for him a secret. The more Wynter gets to know the very guarded man, the more she wants to tell him the truth, but Myles has a hard time trusting anyone and Wynter doesn’t want to break that.
Unfortunately Wynter gets called home before she can tell the truth, and Myles ends up uncovering the truth of who she truly is on his own… Things go a little sideways. Their story does end on a happy note, thankfully! There was a lot of grief and heartache before they got there though, but I enjoyed every minute of their story!
I feel like I need to preface this review by saying I ARC read the 5th book of this series. (Which I never do, I always start at book 1) So I feel that made the mass number of characters in this book easier to follow. There’s a lot of siblings here. 7. It was also fun to meet two characters near the end of this book that I met in book 5 but finally got their backstory.
Myles & Wynter I was a little worried about their backstory at first 🤣 Age gap Foster siblings He’s a CEO Grief Distillery & ranch settings Montana
Overall tho I’m excited to be finally working my way through these books in time for book 6.
This was a sweet, spicy and emotional read. Myles had a hard childhood that made him emotionally unavailable. Wynter and Myles grew up together in the same foster family until he turned 18 and left without a goodbye. Years later Wynn was still obsessed with him and went to work as a temp for him where the tension grew.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was so good! I regret not reading it sooner despite it being on my kindle for a while. I already can’t wait to dive into the rest of the series! Some of my favorite tropes were all wrapped up in this book! Found family, hidden identity, age gap, small town. Chefs kiss!
This has all the small-town feels, woven with heartbreaking traumas that are carried throughout the years. Myles does everything he can to escape his past and prove to himself that he was always worth something more. Wynter experienced unexpected loss but was given a second chance with the Baileys, where she met a boy who read her stories and then disappeared.
I adored this story and these characters! They're all a bit broken but have formed such a strong bond and supportive family unit. This story looks to the past and present and takes place over several months. I appreciated that it wasn't instant and straightforward, it made their story and struggle so meaningful. Read this if you like small-town feels, found family, second chances, strong FMC, age gap, and spice!
I really liked this as my first Walker Rose book, but my least favorite word is probably “nub” and it was used quite a bit. Regardless, I’ll be continuing to read this series.
It has been months since I read an ARC this good. Having grown up together in the same foster home, Wynter and Myles had a special connection, or so Wynn thought, before Myles left without a word. Years later, she takes up a temp job as his assistance, hoping he would remember. But Myles had long put his former life in the past, where it belongs. But he cannot help be attracted to his new assistant.
Reasons i loved this book: ▪️ Storytelling and plot is excellent. ▪️ Pace is good, i finished it fairly quickly. ▪️ Dialogues are good. Excellent sibling banter. ▪️ Unwavering sibling and family support ▪️ She dumps him for being emotionally unavailable. I love a FMC who knows her worth. ▪️ Myles Foster is my new favourite book boyfriend. He has his own demons but he is a good man through and through, and his former foster siblings are able to help pull his head out of his ass. ▪️ Panty melting spice 🔥🔥 I cannot wait to get my hands on the audiobook. I cannot wait to read the rest of the books in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I really didn’t go into this with any expectations, but I was hoping for better 😬 the first half was really rough and I almost DNF multiple times. The second half was a lot better though! But that’s because a lot of its focus was on the Bailey family, the various foster children they had, understand what it means to be a “found family”, Myles brothers, etc.
I didn't like the guy at all he was 36 and didnt act like it at all, The girl was obsessed and i think its kind of crazy that she stalked this guy down and was inlove with him even thought she knew him at age 6
Disclaimer: I received this book at no cost from the publisher/author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. I am leaving a voluntary review and all opinions are my own.
This book lit my world on fire! I picked it up and dove right in and was mesmerized. The premise of this book is what initially drew me in but the impeccable writing and exciting plot hooked me.
Bourbon Lullaby has: - Small Town Romance to write home about! - A riveting plot that was engaging and compelling. - Former Foster Siblings - An author with serious writing skills. I was so impressed! - Boss x Employee & Grumpy x Sunshine (So well done!) - A broody MMC with internal demons who is emotionally unavailable. - Characters with heartbreaking and tragic pasts that have significant character growth throughout the story. - Found family themes that bring such a smile to my face. - Intense chemistry that is genuine and undeniable. - A determined FMC trying to figure things out. - She hides her identity which makes things interesting. - Spice that will knock your knickers askew. - An emotional and utterly satisfying love story. - Age Gap!
Overall, this book was an emotional journey and was filled with well-executed tropes that I can't get enough of! I've read so many new-to-me authors lately and I am so happy that I have been giving so many new authors a chance because this book really impressed me. I want to read more books from this author and I intend to continue this series and go back to read what I've missed.
As a first time author I am blown away by Walker Rose! Usually first books can be a bit “iffy” and need some work however Bourbon Lullaby was just great! The story was in depth, flowed well and really kept my attention. The original tropes were what sucked me in and they definitely didn’t disappoint.
Myles is a foster kid. Wynter is a foster kid. Both end up at the same home. Myles was also the one to help Wynn through her fears. Years later, she wants to find and get to know the man who left her one night when she was just 6. Unfortunately, 22 years later he doesn’t remember who she is.
I loved Myles’ broody character. He is just striving to be all he can be and overcome the dark past he has. Nothing can get in his way, not even the beautiful blonde who showed up to take over for his assistant temporarily. Wynn is so attracted to Myles but struggles with the grumpy man who refuses to let anyone in. His walls are so high and so thick that nothing seems to break them down. And a woman can only take so much.
Their relationship was so beautiful and when Wynn finally sees her worth I was rooting for her and all women! I loved her speech and sometimes a man has to figure out what’s the most important thing in life. Myles’ background was heartbreaking and I loved the little twists that would be thrown in. I also love a found family trope with people who accept you no matter your background.
The spice was so good!!
Can’t wait for Summer’s story! I just know she’s going to get the man she deserves as well!
4.5⭐️ 3🌶
Tropes: Age Gap Foster Siblings CEO/Assistant Found Family Small Town
“Like a real bourbon lullaby? A little alcohol, a few sweet words, and—” When Wynter Kerrigan was little and petrified of storms one person was there to help her. Myles Foster was an angry teen just wanting to age out of foster care, but it was impossible to not take the time to read to a little girl whenever there was a storm to make her feel better. Having a purpose is always worth it.
Now years later, Wynter has sought out the mysterious teen from her childhood and is ready to work for him. Wynter and Myles had a tumultuous relationship, there was so much baggage in Myles’s past that opening up to someone was never easy. But when he finally realized the family he had found was all he needed everything was better. I enjoyed these two so much and always love getting to know the rest of the siblings! Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🔥: “Are you relaxed now, Mr. Foster?”
Bourbon Canyon #2 - Myles Foster and Wynter Kerrigan were both foster kids at the Bailey Ranch. When Wynter and her sisters arrived, they had just lost their parents in a car crash during a bad storm. Six-year-old Wynter was afraid of storms, and to help calm her, Myles would read to her. When Myles turned eighteen, he left without saying goodbye. Now, Wynter is all grown up and on a mission to find him. She accepts a position as his temporary assistant, but he doesn’t recognize her. It isn’t until she goes home for a funeral that he finally figures it out. This poor man went through hell and back … it just broke my heart. He got lucky with the Bailey family; they filled in all the holes in his life.
This is the third book in the Bourbon Canyon series, and this is my favorite so far.
This book has the fake marriage trope, which I love. Autumn marries Gideon in Las Vegas when a deal is struck between the two about how each can benefit from the marriage. We know the fake marriage almost always turns into real feelings, and that's exactly what happens between these two.
Gideon is the brooding MMC while Autumn is open and caring. She is one of my favorite FMCs ever. She has feelings for Gideon but tries to downplay them. She doesn't try to force anything on Gideon's part. She sticks to the deal even though it causes her heartache. Both characters have experienced trauma in their childhood, and I think this is part of what makes them so good for each other.
I absolutely loved the ending! If you like small town romances with a male character who goes from wearing business suits to a cowboy hat and a female character who is kind and strong, then this book is for you.
I really enjoyed this book. I love this family so much and how Walker has written all of their stories. The audio was wonderful. I love the story line and how loving the foster parents have always been to Myles. I feel like this is a series that you just blend right in with the large family and care about the characters so much despite their flaws. Myles is grumpy and anti social, but Wynn manages to break through to him. Their past adds a beautiful aspect o their relationship. I also loved how some of the unexpected things towards the end were tied in and handled. I def recommend this to my readers and my audio lovers. The audio version is done wonderfully.
This is about Wynter and Myles they were foster children together until Myles up and left never seeing Wynter again.
She finds him in her adult life starts to work for him and they grow to fall in love again.
There is a lot of issues from Myles past and because of that he struggles to move forward in life.
I liked the book well enough but it just didn’t grab me and I felt like a struggled with the pace and how many pages it was. I wish it had been shorter and I might have enjoyed it more
I started this series in the middle so to say I am so happy to be back at the beginning is an understatement! This is so good! Winter wants to find the boy who left her without a goodbye. That boy is now a man and owner of Foster House. Myles Foster. Ouuf does Myles need the biggest hug and to feel loved. Winter is the perfect person for him. Honestly maybe a little too patient but it all works out! This series truly is found family in the best way. Tor Thom & Helena Walters captured the feels of the characters perfectly.
This was definitely a 5🌟 for me. When I run the full range of emotions you’ve won me over! I laughed and cried and really rooted for Myles to figure it out! I loved Wynter and her heart and strength. Myles was the broodiest of broods but you can understand why. Her sunshine lights his dark and their spark lights fires! The evolution of both characters and their relationship was so good. I can’t wait to continue the series!
Tropes/Themes: ✨ Found Family ✨ Age Gap ✨ Western ✨ Millionaire
What it’s about: She has this one memory she clings to, she’s just been told the family her and her sisters have been fostered by will be adopting them, a storm is raging outside and she can’t calm down. That is, until the older boy who’s fostered by the family too begins to read her a story. When she grows up she decides to find that boy, who’s now a man, and find out if she meant as much to him as he meant to her.
My Review: I didn’t know what I was going to think about this book. Brand new series, brand new author, but I was pleasantly surprised. I loved the taboo nature of their relationship, her insistence in getting to know him again without him knowing who she was, the work the MMC does to get through his trauma, and the powerful stance the FMC stakes when she decides to demand what she’s worth. If you love small towns, with found family and a hint of taboo- this one is for you!