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Whiskey Lullaby: Shelby & Carter

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๐–๐ก๐ข๐ฌ๐ค๐ž๐ฒ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐Ÿ๐จ๐ซ๐ž๐ฏ๐ž๐ซ ๐ญ๐š๐ฌ๐ญ๐ž ๐ฅ๐ข๐ค๐ž ๐ก๐ข๐ฆ.

One glance created an insatiable urge, and a drunken kiss sealed my desire for a stranger where the smallest drop of Whiskey reminds me of our moment, even if I donโ€™t know his name. The odds of finding him were low until life dropped me on his doorstep with a resume, waiting for a job interview. I'm to be his sonโ€™s live-in nanny, and Carter Anderson is far from a pleasant boss. Heโ€™s stern, to the point, no in-betweens, yet every glance my way still has my pulse racingโ€”that desire loud and greedy for more. However, Mr. Anderson is off-limits. My job must come first, though staying away is a challenge whenever ๐˜ž๐˜ฉ๐˜ช๐˜ด๐˜ฌ๐˜ฆ๐˜บ calls my name.

Whiskey Lullaby was previously published as Take a Chance, and while most characters/settings are the same, the storyline has significant changes.

๐‚๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ž๐ง๐ญ ๐ฐ๐š๐ซ๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ : Explicit sex scenes, strong language, depression, alcoholism, mentions of bullying, breath-play.

560 pages, Paperback

First published August 21, 2023

54 people are currently reading
256 people want to read

About the author

S.J. Rosalie

9ย books50ย followers
S.J. Rosalie is a romance author from Rhode Island who enjoys writing slow-burn books, creating obstacles with twists before her characters find their happily ever after. When sheโ€™s not writing, youโ€™ll find her relaxing with her three children and husband, cozying up under a warm blanket with a book, or binge-watching a TV series.

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5 stars
48 (35%)
4 stars
55 (41%)
3 stars
20 (14%)
2 stars
8 (5%)
1 star
3 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Ashley.
892 reviews122 followers
August 21, 2023
Thank you for this Arc!

This was a really enjoyable read. Once I started I didn't want to put the book down! I liked the plot. The nanny and boss trope was a new one for me and it didn't disappoint. This spice was nice and had just the right amount.

Shelby is a sweet, feisty, and loving gal! Carter a grumpy fractured architect trying to be a better father hires Shelby to be his nanny for his son. The dynamic between Shelby and Garret was adorable. Watch Carter become a better father through the book healed a little inner child moment for me.

Def recommend!
Profile Image for Grisette.
672 reviews83 followers
December 29, 2023

2 stars

I tried, really, really hard. But nope. I will be honest, by the 50% mark I was so ready to dnf, but instead I heavily skimmed to the end. Still took me a solid 3 hours to do that. Story started out well enough, the bare bones had potential, but really so many things made me want to pull out my hairs:

๐Ÿฅƒ Overly long book. Without good justification. Mostly filled with inane details (her clothes, her hair, what time she books an appointment etc ๐Ÿ˜ด) or with odd scenes (at the dressmaker, at the park, bonding with mother of OM etc ๐Ÿ˜ด). All of which do not move the plot but only serve to leaden artificially the book.

๐Ÿฅƒ Shelby is such a confusing h. Lusting after boss while being all slutty with friendly OM. She came across as shallow and horny. No solid psychology to explain away her character. She gave me super whiplash. At one point, I thought I was heading into an RH book ๐Ÿคฃ!

๐Ÿฅƒ Same issues with Cole (OM). Says he knows his bff (Carter, the H) loves h but this does not prevent him to give orgasms to the h more than once ๐Ÿ˜ฒ๐Ÿง๐Ÿฅด. Weakly built psychology, shoddy characterisation that confuses the heck out of me.

๐Ÿฅƒ Skin deep romance. No psychological build up. Just odd events cobbled together, fake push-pull and bam they are in lust/love. No communications, just contrived attitudes. So many odd convos that started in one direction to jump into another, unrelated one! So many important things left unsaid. They get together and not one line to explain that to the kid in the house. Just go from nanny/boss to playing happy, perfect house ๐Ÿ™„๐Ÿ™„๐Ÿ™„.

That book needed one thing: Editing. Direly. To cut the useless lengths, to add pace, to add real feelings, to add robust psychology, to cut down the navel gazing, to remove contrived plotting, to add g*d*mn transitions! *sigh* it feels like I lost precious days reading/skimming this...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Karen Desira.
215 reviews
August 21, 2023
ARC Review

Whiskey Lullaby is a beautifully written, fast-paced contemporary romance that centres around Shelby, a nanny hired to care for Garret, Carter's son.

Upon meeting a stranger at a bar and sharing an intense and passionate moment, Shelby assumes she will never see him again, only for fate to intervene when she applies for a live-in nanny position. To her surprise, the job is being offered by none other than Carter himself, the enigmatic stranger she still dreamed about.

Shelby's resilience shines through as she fiercely defends herself after Carter's initial refusal to hire her. Tired of being mistreated for her soft-spoken nature, she stands her ground, eventually convincing Carter that she is suitable for the role. Their initial interaction sets the tone for their professional relationship during the first months of working together. Meanwhile, an intimate bond starts to form between Shelby and Cole, a cinnamon roll with a heart of gold, who also happens to be Carter's business associate. Their relationship evolves into an affectionate friendship, while also sharing moments of sensuality.

The realisation of potentially losing Shelby propels Carter into action, prompting him to shatter his irritable demeanor and try to mend his frayed connection with Shelby.

The book takes the reader through Shelby's poignant journey as she struggles with her familial challenges, while forging new connections with Carter and his son Garret, creating a new sense of family.
Profile Image for Brianne C.
163 reviews5 followers
Read
December 6, 2024
The beginning is a bit rocky but it got so good!!
Profile Image for Diana.
385 reviews12 followers
August 18, 2023
I loved everything about this. It was a nice healing story for Carter and finding peace with Shelby. Definitely had some grumpy vibes from him and seeing him loosen up was a nice progression. And seeing Shelby stick up for herself with her family, mainly her mother, was definitely a fun arc to read for her. They both healed each other in different ways and together are building a family with Garrett. Absolutely precious, the relationship Shelby has with Garrett. The fun little sideline of Cole and Shelby together was a fun dynamic and they helped each other too. Granted they did have their fun times together and this wasnโ€™t their story, but a fun plot line. Like with Carter, she helped Cole talk and process his past that will help him move forward. Canโ€™t wait to read his story ๐Ÿฅฐ
Profile Image for Mel.
325 reviews25 followers
August 19, 2023
I throughly enjoyed this beautifully written story. Loved how it develops from quick bathroom encounter to nanny to lover.
Cole was a great character I can't wait to see his family and his story next.
This book shows from different characters views which I love. I enjoyed damaged relationships being repaired and over baring mother seeing her behaviour an changing, dark emotionally damaged people being repaired.
All the characters where brilliant an little Garret is just the cutest. Hope we get more of a look at Jessie's past too at some point.
Highly recommend you experience this journey for yourself, you won't regret it.
Profile Image for Morgan Hall.
18 reviews1 follower
August 21, 2023
First ever 5 star that I will be taking no criticism for ever. My first ARC and it did not disappoint. I was screaming the entire book with all the emotions. The twists kept me engaged the entire read and was so thankful there were no loose ties at the end. The character development was beyond amazing and never felt stalled out. It was the perfect plot with just the right amount of spice! Can the 2nd book hurry now because I cant wait for another masterpiece.
20 reviews1 follower
August 17, 2023
It took me a while to get into the story, but once I did, I was hooked. There are some parts that seem incomplete, but I loved the character development of the MMC. Carter loved hard and lost. Now he's closed off and grumpy and can't stand to be around the product of that love. Shelby has a complicated relationship with her mother and doesn't want Garrett to have the same with his father.

Shelby and Carter have one stolen moment but he hires her as husband son's nanny. Will that moment turn in forever? Read and find out.
Profile Image for Christina.
45 reviews
August 17, 2023
I got this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was great, and I love the character development as well as the storyline development. I read every chance I get because I couldnโ€™t wait to find out what happened.

I am giving it 4 stars because there were some editing errors, typos, missing words, etc. however, despite that the book was great.

Iโ€™m so glad I got to be an ARC reader!
1 review
August 13, 2023
If you want a spicy read that has feel good moments and what's going to happen next moments, you need to read this book. I can't wait to see the next in the series come out, so I can read more about the other characters you meet in this one.

I did get a free copy of this as an ARC, but I'm providing my honest and unbiased review here.
Profile Image for Wanika.
388 reviews3 followers
August 27, 2023
Whiskey Lullaby was freaking amazing. I absolutely enjoyed every second of this book.

Whiskey Lullaby is the story of Shelby Morales, an average woman trying to live life on her own terms without bowing to the pressure others place on her, and Carter Anderson, wealthy businessman who holds everyone at a distance, even his son, for fear that they too will leave him.

On her monthly night out with her best friends, Shelby encounters a hot man who makes her knees weak when she runs into the men's bathroom for a quick pee break. While they're getting hot and heavy the man suddenly stops, whispers I'm sorry then disappears, leaving Shelby to wonder if she imagined the whole scenario.

Weeks later after being unfairly fired from her job, her best friend Jessie finds an ad for a live in baby sitter. Shelby quickly applies and has the shock of her life realizing her possible new boss is Mr. Whiskey himself from that night at the club.

They both attempt to ignore the attraction that never quite went away and remain professional, but they quickly realize that's near impossible. With the simmering heat between them, Shelby's compassionate and caring nature forcing Carter to reexamine what kind of man and father he is and wants to continue to be, and another man vying for her affection in the form of his best friend, Carter and Shelby don't have long before they either either explode or go down smooth, like Whiskey.

Whiskey Lullaby is a sexy adult romance, that deals with parental alienation & neglect, found family, the importance of friendships, and being who YOU want to be for YOU and no one else.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Profile Image for Julia Bosco.
197 reviews
August 20, 2024
Wow. Just wow. I donโ€™t know what I was expecting from this book but it blew me away. This one was definitely one to remember!

Shelby is working to gain some kind of control over how she wants her life. Her mom has been dictating everything she can for as long as she can remember but she is really trying to build a life for herself that she loves. When she goes to spend some time with her family she meets a man who helps her through some anxiety and they become fast friends. She wasnโ€™t expecting him to mean so much to her so fast but it happened. Then again, she also didnโ€™t think she would see him at her new nanny job.

Carter is looking for a nanny and when he sees Shelby walk in he knows he recognizes her immediately. They shared something one night and no matter what he does, that feeling hasnโ€™t gone away. He also doesnโ€™t realize that she has a friendship with his best friend.

Cole is okay being everything that Shelby needs as a friend while she figures out what is happening with Carter. They donโ€™t know how to be around each other and everything Carter looks at Shelby he sees something he doesnโ€™t like and it takes a while for that to go away. Seeing Shelby with Garrett changes everything for him and he doesnโ€™t want that to go away.

They fall quick and fast but also slowly at the same time. They want to be sure that wherever this is heading, isnโ€™t going to hurt Garrett but they donโ€™t see that itโ€™s healing him at the same time. I adored them together and seeing how they were as a family was amazing. I loved this book so much and I have to know what happens with Cole. His book is next.
Profile Image for thebeespot72.
1,776 reviews186 followers
August 20, 2023
I talk at booksโ€”like full-on โ€œWhyโ€™d you do that? Mmm, she did you dirty. ugh, heโ€™s such a sweet guy.โ€ Am I alone? Probably. Iโ€™m so much fun to be with during movies too. Anywho, I talked quite a bit during S.J. Rosalieโ€™s โ€œWhiskey Lullaby.โ€ What an emotionally tumultuous bookโ€”to the end.

Shelby unexpectedly kisses a guy when both are drunk in the menโ€™s bathroom one night. Coincidentally, when she applied for a nanny job, the drรผรฑkรฉn guy (Carter) was the same guy from that night who needed a nanny. Of course, this leads to an awkward interview. However, Carter reluctantly ends up hiring Shelby to take care of his four-year-old son,

Carter and Shelbyโ€™s relationship is challenged from the beginning. Carter is grieving over his wife abandoning him and his son. He is handling it through drinking. His business partner Cole, who I adore, is there for Shelby. Readers will see Carterโ€™s struggles as he attempts to move onโ€”and does he ever struggle.

I liked Shelbyโ€™s character. She had the โ€œI donโ€™t have time for your โ€˜i s h, I have other friendsโ€ attitude. And Cole is so wonderful. He is the perfect book boyfriend. The only thing I wished โ€œWhisky Lullabyโ€ addressed was Carterโ€™s drinking in terms the seriousness and support.

I am very much looking forward to Coleโ€™s story.

I received a copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for jackie.
75 reviews2 followers
August 30, 2023

Whiskey Lullaby is my first read by S.J. Rosalie and Iโ€™m so appreciative to have received an ARC copy.

Shelby and Carterโ€™s situation is a little difficult. After a quick moment of passion together in a bar, they thought theyโ€™d never see each other again. But when Shelby arrives for an interview for a nanny position, she comes face to face with Carter again. His son Garret has an immediate connection with Shelby, and itโ€™s hard for Carter to say no to hire her on.

Carter is closed off, business oriented and oblivious to all the moments heโ€™s been missing with his son. Shelby fights tooth and nail to get Carter to realize everything heโ€™s not present for, and as they spend more time together, their desire for one another burns hot. And I was soooo ready for their chemistry to combust!!

And damn, did it explode!!!

Carter and Shelbyโ€™s story is an absolute slow burn and a BIG tease! Their actions the first half of the book gave me major whiplash ๐Ÿซจ but it was worth the wait and they deserved their HEA. I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait for Coleโ€™s story!!!
52 reviews
April 13, 2025
I hated the ending

I liked the book but I didnโ€™t like the ending at all. Iโ€™m sure itโ€™s just me. She comes home at the end of. He was supposed to pick her up from the airport he didnโ€™t. She then had to call someone else as sheโ€™s pulling in the driveway the ex is pulling out . The male is setting in the house crying because itโ€™s finally over with the ex.., and of course in true doormat fashion the female says itโ€™s okay to be upset and they talk about their loveโ€ฆ WTF.. he was just crying over the ex but then expresses his mad love for this female not the one he was JUST crying overโ€ฆ WTF
Profile Image for Debra  (Dragon Nanny) Phiri.
1,640 reviews22 followers
December 7, 2024
Although it looks like it took me forever to read this it didnโ€™t! I read it in 2 sittings but had to read on my kindle for work and this book I have in hardcover!

This story was good and had lots of up and down moments! I enjoyed the characters and their lives but I gotta say I Loved Cole! Everyone needs a Cole!

Carter and Shelby are a great couple that do put in the work to communicate although it does take a bit of time to get there!

Beautiful tale with some slow burn but also high heat moments!

Loved it!
8 reviews
August 16, 2023
I received this an an ARC for my honest opinion.

I read this book in 1 night . I loved it and honestly the back and forth kept me on my toes. I love a good book I cant completely guess the ending. The only issue I had with this book is the end seemed rushed. I would of loved to see more of Garrets mom in it as a main issue at the end. Carter and Shelby's dynamic was great. I cant wait to read the next one!
Profile Image for Alexandra Conforti.
25 reviews6 followers
August 29, 2023
When I first started this book i knew I knew it was going to be great. But what i didnโ€™t know was how much i was going to fall in love with not just the book but the characters. I was all for Shelby and Coleman their relationship to be the one for both of them. But when she confronts Carter my whole perspective changed. All i wanted was for them to fall for each other and for Carter, Shelby, and Garrett to be a family. I canโ€™t wait for the next book to see how everything is going not just with them but with Shelbyโ€™s family as well.


The spice in this book was just enough.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Guylaine McIntosh.
4 reviews
August 31, 2023
Thank you for this arc. I absolutely loved it! I couldnโ€™t put it down! Shelbyโ€™s relationships in this book is everything! From her rocky relationship with her mother, the friendship with Cole, Garrett who is the most adorable little boy and what can we say about the to die for sexual chemistry with Carter! I highly recommend it
Profile Image for megreadsalot23.
275 reviews7 followers
September 29, 2023
- bathroom stranger
- Single dad/ nanny
- grumpy/sunshine
- slow burn
- angsty

Note from author: Whiskey Lullaby is a spicy romance novel, and aspects of the story may be triggering for some: explicit, rough sex, sexual scenes with breath-play, strong language, depression, alcoholism, and mentions of bullying.


Iโ€™m not going to lie. I forgot about Carter as soon as coke came into the picture. HA. when Shelby went to interview for the nanny position and it was talking like they had met before I was sitting there thinking โ€œwait. What? I think I missed something??โ€ Nope. Just forgot the bathroom stranger.

I really enjoyed the character growth, not only in the main characters, but with the side characters as well.

Carter worked through his past to start his future with Shelby. Shelby had Cole to help her work through her feelings and what she wanted with Carter (and they became BFFLs). Shelby and her mom were able to start patching up their strained relationship and start working towards a better future.

100% recommend.

โ€œWhen Iโ€™m with you, I feel far from alone. You give me purpose, the will to strive toward building a better futureโ€”a secure one, and thereโ€™s no other person I rather start fresh with than you.โ€

โค๏ธ

โ€œMe and you?โ€ His gentle kiss against my lips seals our words before he states, โ€œYou and me.โ€
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Andi McClane.
Authorย 6 books42 followers
December 30, 2023
I love these characters so much! Carter is a grumpy single dad and Shelby is a sweetheart that ends up being his nanny. She falls for his little son first and though heโ€™s a pain in the butt she canโ€™t help but lust after Mr Anderson. Thereโ€™s angst and tension and just all the passion you could ask for!
Profile Image for iesha Bright.
524 reviews19 followers
August 12, 2024
4.5 stars
this book was really good. i am hoping to read coles story soon because he deserves a happy ending like carter.
carter a single dad who works too much and has been deeply hurt hires shelby a down on her luck woman who needs a job.
they try to keep it completely professional but when lines get crossed will they be able to be happy or will it all come crumbling down
Profile Image for Brittany Brower.
10 reviews
August 22, 2023
ARC reader review: While this book did start off a little slow for me, I ended up not being able to put it down by the end! I loved reading about Shelby and Carter and canโ€™t wait to read about Cole and Willow next! This book is definitely worth the read!
Profile Image for Hex.
81 reviews
May 29, 2024
ahh love!!
ready for the next book
164 reviews
June 1, 2024
started off reallyyyy good, started to drag at the end but the tension,angst and banter ๐Ÿ’ฏ๐Ÿ’ฏ
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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