Whiskey Secrets

by Joy Allyson

Their world is collapsing! Prohibition has reached its tentacles into the hollows of Tennessee. It's no secret Tom Tanner's Tennessee Whiskey heirs are playing both sides of the law to save their livelihood-the challenge is not getting caught. Tom Tanner Kittrell risks life and limb to protect his family's legacy in a deadly gamble. Will Cammie Johnson, his beautiful neighbor, with temperance vigilante ties, reveal his secret? Dillon Tanner, hell-bent on revenge after being wrongly accused, abducts pretty flapper, Lily Stonecipher, hoping she holds the key to who's behind a takeover attempt. Kit Kittrell yearns to experience the freedom of the roaring twenties, from the thrill of speakeasies to the daring of bootlegging. Will town bad boy, Alex Stooksbury, step in to rescue her from certain disaster? As the public's thirst for spirits remains unquenchable, their lives and loves become inextricably entangled in the prohibition era.

308 pages, Paperback

Published December 11, 2023

About the author

As the daughter of a United States military officer, Joy Allyson grew up loving travel and deeply appreciating history. A former teacher-turned-writer, she has an unquenchable thirst for historical romances in her reading choices. Her favorite characters are rebel heroines and salvageable scoundrels. Joy believes the best romances are the ones you want to read over and over again.
She and her husband call the beautiful hills of Tennessee home, and her daughters and grandchildren are nearby.

Reviews

[Nicole Speyrer · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the early 1920’s, in Oak Hollow, Tennessee, prohibition is in full swing, placing Tom Tanner Tennessee Whiskey in immediate uncertainty despite the roaring economy. When siblings Kit and Tom Kittrell and their cousin Dillon Tanner start managing the family distillery, they also inherit their family’s tendency to attract drama and danger.

After the State released Dillon from the penitentiary because of a framed job, the race is on to find the perpetrator and repossess the stolen whiskey, all while remaining afloat with the coveted medicinal contract and undetected bootlegging. Who was to blame for his nine months spent in jail and almost half a million dollars in lost whiskey?

As his cousin strategizes ways to capitalize on revenge, Tom cannot help but worry over the state of backwoods channels and the corrupt federal officers who always seem to be lurk nearby. When the beautiful widow, Cammie Johnson, catches his eye, volatile emotions begin stirring up despite her ties to their small town’s version of Carrie Nation.

Kit Kitrell longs to do more than study quietly in college and look pretty. She dreams of experiencing the intoxicating thrill of the age and doesn’t let societal rules stop her. Between the risks of bootlegging and the novelty of speakeasies, she finds enough trouble to rival Tom and Dillon.

While tensions rise, the three cousins must face the threat of temperance movements, an underground crime operation, and the complexities of romance. They must work together if they want to save their livelihood, their love, and their very lives. As accusations fly and pressures escalate, will they be able to outlast the temperance movement?

Join Joy Allyson in her sequel to her debut “Whiskey Love” as we follow the enthralling intricacies of the Tanner Kittrell family and the new patterns of amber whiskey that flow out of the Jazz Age. You just can’t help but keep turning the page! You’ll love it!

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lovely sequel to Whiskey Love follows the son and daughter of Pen and Chloe from the first book, as well as their cousin, as they deal with the struggle of Prohibition and find love in the process. Allyson does a beautiful job describing a unique and tumultuous time period, which mirrors the conflicts and challenges each of the characters must confront in their own hearts. The three love stories are intermingled with a complex and layered plot that satisfies on all fronts. Well done!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whiskey, intrigue and romance!

Set during prohibition, the owners of a whiskey dynasty are determined to solve a mystery - who stole their whiskey? …and just enough romance to spice it up! Good read!

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

One family will risk it all to keep their whiskey business afloat in the Prohibition era. Whiskey Secrets is an intoxicating read and no, I don't mean all the whiskey talk. The setting is the roaring twenties where booze is illegal and the public floods the speakeasies guzzling down whatever liquor they can get their hands on. The world-building is first class with intricate historical detail. The descriptive narration is lush and filled with nuances. But it's the characters which make Whiskey Secrets an unputdownable read.

Let's start with the world-building. Joy Allyson creates a world set in the 1920s where Prohibition is going strong. She layers in historical fact within her imaginative world. I thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in the lush setting and world. Joy Allyson surpassed my expectations. Well done.

The characters are steeped in realism with their one voice and personality. This historical accuracy is present in each character which I loved. The tension builds between the characters to make this story impossible to put down. Do I have a favorite? I have a couple but I'll let you decide which ones you like best.

The plot progression and flow are perfect in my opinion. The writing is flawless and sophisticated. I found myself reading late into the night. I truly enjoyed Whiskey Secrets and I look forward to reading it again.

My Rating: 5+ stars

Reviewed by: Nancy

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...

[Hope Malory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book! I enjoyed revisiting characters from Joy Allyson’s first in the series and getting to know new and interesting ones. Her descriptive writing makes you feel like you’re there in that time and place. Lots of twists and surprises.

[Jeffrey Philips · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has romance, suspense, mystery, and action. Love every page.

[Ginny Thurston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Allyson’s first book, but I think this one is even better! In fact, I think it would make a great movie. It has three different couples that she follows through the trials and tribulations of the Prohibition Era. Her diligent research is reflected in the fashion descriptions and the culture of the times. She drops in bits of historical figures, as well. The settings are varied and interesting, and one adventure reminds me of Huck Finn. This is the same family as the first book, but years later. If you liked the first book, you will love this one!