Coming Home

Whiskey Men #3

by Hope Ford, Hugo Locke (reader), Shaina Summerville (reader)

A Billionaire Veteran.
A younger, curvy woman on the run.
Together, in a protective, all the feels romance. I just got home from serving in the military and I'm learning how to live as a civilian when I meet her. Elle is my younger brother’s assistant, but the minute I see her, I want to know everything about her. Elle is hiding secrets. I'm hellbent on uncovering every one. Especially peeling away the layers of her frumpy clothes to reveal the curvy body that plagues my every thought. I know she’s scared, running from something or someone. So I try to keep my distance to let her know she's safe with me. Until she forces my hand. Now there's nothing that will stop me from claiming her. But can I convince her I’m in it for the long haul and not just here to keep her safe? USA Today bestselling author Hope Ford brings you a standalone third book in the Whiskey Men series. If you love reading billionaire, ex-military, age gap, forced proximity, and small-town romance, then you’ll love Hudson and Elle’s story.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Forced Proximity, Contemporary Romance, Small Town Romance, Military Romance, Military Fiction

Audio CD

Published September 26, 2023

About the author

Bestselling short romance author Hope Ford writes short, steamy, sweet romances.  She loves writing about ALPHA MEN that fall in love with CURVY WOMEN.  She has over 70 books and they are all available on Amazon.

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Reviews

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was so very light and insubstantial. If it weren’t in my tablet it would have floated away.

Insta-love, low angst, curvy girl on the run meets newly retired veteran. There was very little to this. The back story was light on detail, I think that’s because this is an interconnected series of another interconnected series’. Lots of side characters who either are from previous books or are set up to have their own books; their love interests are obvious. The suspense part of this book was light on the deets too and it was resolved with all the action off-page and we are then told about it after-the-fact. Just overall this felt more like the cliff notes to a story than the actual story itself.
Might be ok for a really light read, if you don’t have the desire to dig into anything and want something sort of cute with a damsel in distress and a large bearded hero.
At least the cheese was contained to a minimum, which is rare for this wish-fulfillment genre. I didn’t hate this but it was all very, well, light.

[Melly Gem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmm, this was good but annoying at the same time.
It was kind of like the author had a list of things to include and did with little detail.
Elle was a really immature character. There were so many eye rolls with her. The way she went on and on. I really thought she was going to be running from an abusive relationship as that's how it was leading.. but then it was some weird storyline about a mayor and his son who beat her up and then threatened her if she pressed charges. She left town. Why on earth would they hunt her down she literally left so they would get away with it??? Confusing.
Then the baggie clothes.. it couldn't just be a normal girl who doesn't like designer, tight, revealing clothes.. nope, some random pit of no where story about her mum making her lose weight when she was younger, but in another chapter, it says she doesn't have any family??? And then 1 conversation with Lillian, and she is a-ok with her body.
I really disliked how Hudson just demanded everything with her as well, when lucas stated to him in the beginning that she needed to be able to make her own decisions. She is clearly terrified of new ppl and men, but hey, I will touch her without consent and order her around WTF.
And then there is no conversation about having babies in the future only that Hudson WILL have it because that is what HE wants. Maybe she doesn't want kids? We will never know because he never asks her what she wants in life.
I really thought this was going to be a good slow burn of 2 broken ppl helping each other out. But nothing. I thought there would be more about PTSD and the vets he was going to work with.
There was little to no explanation about what Hudson did in the army even though the previous 2 books hinted at things, just hebhas nightmares, but we aren't privy to those details. Also, he can literally do anything in the company he has never worked at.
Nothing on Elles life either.
Easy read, but the plot is weak with holes.

[Kait · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and sweet with a teeny bit of cringe… still cute though!

I adored their connection. I do wish there was more into why Elle was running.. it seemed like such a small bit for something that forced her to run. Just my opinion though.

[Kandi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Shallow

Everything about this book is thin, as if the author was in a hurry to finish the story so she could move on to the next one. The characters are cookie-cutter, the plot is weak, and there just isn't much to recommend. Event the dramatic part of the story was cheesy. Overall, it was an ok way to pass some time, but not a book I would suggest to others.

[Not your Mother’s Romance(semi-hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fine. Not nearly as good as the book in the series before this one Something Real. Quick and sweet.

[Deborah Justice · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just too simplistic

I’m not sure why I keep reading these books. The author paints stories with a lot of potential, but it never goes anywhere. In this book, Huddy is a decorated war veteran. Does the tiny town of Whisky Run do anything when he returns from the service? A Medal of Honor recipient? No, nothing. Most such small communities would at least have a parade.

Speaking of small communities, the author gives NO color/definition to the town. It’s almost as if it doesn’t exist.

When the bad guys come around to threaten Huddy’s girlfriend: No discussion of how he takes them down, or how they get arrested for their crimes—not even what their crimes actually are. The relationship between Huddy and Elle is just so blah, even if they have great sex. I’m all for love developing between them, but this insta love is just not believable.

This is such a surface-level novel. No depth. Won’t be reading any more of them.

[kymagirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hudson (H) returns to Whiskey Run after completing his military service and is learning to fit in again with family and friends. He’s drawn to his younger brother’s assistant, Elle (h), who’s initially wary of him and keeps her past close to her heart. Elle is constantly on-guard and Hudson is determined to protect her from whatever troubles her. Things heat up between Hudson and Elle, but he has his work convincing her to take a leap of faith and trust in him. Sweet age gap, ex-military romance with plenty of heat and a little bit of danger.

[Lisbeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Algo no funcionó, al menos para mí y me aburrí.

[Brandi-Lynn Weiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading anything by Hope, and all I can say I’m addicted! I’m literally dying to start the next book in the series. This was so incredibly good, it was a sweet and addicting read.
I can’t even begin to explain how much I loved Hudson. He’s newly retired from the Army and back home with his brothers trying to adjust to his new life. When he meets Elle, who works for him and his brothers, he instantly sees the fear on her face and makes it his mission to find out why’s she so afraid and what has her constantly looking over shoulder.
Elle’s been through a lot and is living in fear of her past finding her. But when she meets Hudson, and he offers a job decorating his house, they get closer and she’s able to finally feel safe again.
I loved the little bit of humor Austin brought to the story, and the incredible bond these brothers have. I can’t wait to start Beau’s story as soon as I post this review!

[Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5, not a 5 because I wanted a little more spicy!
This is just my kind of book and Hero! I loved it, it’s insta love and an age gap but I think their ages aren’t written in the book, doesn’t matter, I was just imagining the model on the cover and it was just perfect!
He is an ex military and a protective man, she is on the run,
No violence or action in the book but H takes care of everything, actually, the scene where H goes to take care of the villain is soooo romantic…
His family is amazing and everyone of them has or will have a book…
She seems naive and shy at the beginning but later she is just freeing from fear,
Really good romantic book!

[girlwithhearteyes · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

This audiobook was light and easy to listen to. It stayed pretty surface level (instalove to the max and pretty cheesy), but was great as a ‘background audiobook’.

You basically get the whole story from the blurb — billionaire military vet comes home to his small town, takes one look at his brother’s skittish/curvy/on-the-run assistant and is like “mine, please and thank you”.

The only thing I found surprising was the MMC’s nickname. I’m sorry, but Huddy (short for Hudson) is not a sexy nickname. 🥴

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

'I was involved the second I laid eyes on you'

Hudson may be big, brooding and intense, but he is a protector who loves with his whole heart. His firm but gentle way with Elle will melt the hardest of hearts, he doesn't pressure her, just provides and protects until she feels safe enough to open up and to trust. I love all of the Whiskey Run books I have read, it is a town packed with growly heroes and the feisty, sassy women who own their hearts
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Story!!

A soldier transitioning from Active Duty to retired life and a woman on the run from a powerful man and his scary son.

They make an unlikely pair and yet she gets him and he helps her feel safe.

Their love is so real and raw ❤️❤️

I loved this so much! I literally read it in a few hours lol

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super Sweet

I think retired military man is my new favorite troupe! These two are a sweet couple - he has just enough alpha in him for me.

[Lissa Smith Reads'~A Bookaholics Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rated
4 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kindle Unlimited Read

[Mo ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unlike the first two, this one was very cute. Like the others, it was very insta lovey but I did enjoy it. It was a very light read but that was what I was looking for so no complaints here. 🫶💓

[SÚÙH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huddy ✨🥹💗

[Laurie Gyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

“You’re not interfering with anything. You are my home… you are my life.” Speechless, her mouth falls open. “What?” Loved story

[Nikki_Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!! WOW!! Fab*u*lous Absolutely love this one!! I couldn't put this one down. This was a little longer than I like to read, but I really enjoyed it.

Hudson/Huddy and Elle met when she comes to Whiskey Run looking for a job at Blaze Whiskey. Elle is hired as Lucas's Reluctant Husband assistant when Lillian Something Real has a good feeling about her. Huddy comes home after twenty years serving in the army. Huddy's brother Austin Always Yours comes to pick him up and take him into Blaze Whiskey for their weekly meeting. When they arrive at the office Huddy knows something is upsetting Elle he can tell she's scared of him. When Huddy asks his brother's Lucas, Ford, Beau and Austin about Elle they tell her she's was just hired and is running from something. Huddy wants all of Elle's information so that he can check with Walker Ransom and find out what is going on. When Huddy leaves the conference room Elle watches him, she apologies to him for the way she acted. Huddy goes out with his brother's after he drops off Beau he's headed home when he notices Elle on the side of the road with the hood of her car up. Huddy pulls over and makes sure Elle knows he's there before he approaches her. Huddy gets Elle's car towed to Tate's Devoted garage to have him look at it. Huddy tells Tate to take care of all the repairs that Elle's car needs and he'll cover it. Huddy lets Elle know that he wants to protect her, but she tells him she's not scared of him not anymore. Huddy talks to Elle wanting to know what she's running from, he tells her he wants to be friends. Elle doesn't open up to Huddy she tells him she can't tell him. Huddy takes Elle home and then tell her he'll pick her up in the morning. Elle tells Huddy she can walk but he insist that he'll pick her up. When Huddy picks up Elle the next day she tells him she sorry he has to keep saving her, he tells her he enjoys it. Elle tells Huddy that she wants to make her apartment more homey when she gets more money saved up, she would love to be an interior designer. Huddy notices Elle looks around before she gets out of his truck, he asks her if she's embarrassed to be seen with him. Elle tells Huddy she is running from someone and it's just a habit. Huddy wants to know what she's running from but Elle tells him she not getting into it with him. Huddy goes to talk to Lucas about him working from home, he wants to know what is going to happen with Elle when he does. Lucas tells Huddy he was thinking about moving her to help out Austin in the distillery. Huddy asks Lucas if he could hire Elle to work from his home part-time. Huddy and Lucas decide to leave it up to Elle what she wants to do. Huddy wants to know if Lucas found out what Elle is running from but he hasn't had the time. So Huddy tells Lucas that he'll go and talk to Walker about Elle. When Elle is called into Lucas's office he lets her know that she'll only be needed in the morning then offers her to work with Austin in the distillery or work with Huddy at his home. Lucas gets a phone call so he leaves the room, Huddy talk to Elle and asks her to come work for him. When Lucas comes back Elle tells him that she'll take the job working for Huddy at his home. Huddy drives Elle to his home, when she looks up at his home she tells him she can't decorate his home. Huddy tells Elle before she changes her mind he wants her to look around inside. Huddy shows Elle around in his home and she has lots of ideas. Elle tells Huddy that if he doesn't like her ideas he has to promise her he'll tell her. When Elle sees what Huddy is sleeping on she tells him she'll start with his bedroom. Elle asks Huddy for his laptop and gets busy working. While Huddy gets dinner order, it's delivered and he sets everything out. Huddy tells Elle the food is getting cold she should come eat. Elle didn't even hear Huddy get everything ready. Elle takes the laptop with her to show Huddy what she has already planned. After Elle shows Huddy everything he agrees with everything, he gives her his credit card and tells her to order everything. After they are finished with their cake Huddy takes Elle to pick up her car, she finds out that he paid for all the repairs. Elle tells Huddy she can't let him pay for her car being repaired, he tells her he wants to make sure she makes it to work safely. Elle tells Huddy he's a good man. Huddy follows Elle home to make sure she makes it safely. Elle watches for Huddy to come into the office the next day. Huddy gives Elle a key to his house, they he asks to talk to his brother Ford Something Real. Elle asks Huddy if she can get started when she gets to his house he tells her absolutely. When Lillian comes out of the office, Huddy goes to talk to Ford. Elle tells Lillian she's leaving and she tells her that Huddy has it bad for her. Huddy wants to touch bases with Ford about Walker and his project for wounded heroes. Huddy heads to the conference room to use the laptop since he doesn't want Elle to find out what he's looking into. Huddy gets a phone call from Walker he didn't find much on Elle only that the mayor of her hometown is looking for her. Walker tells Huddy it would be helpful if he could get some information about of Elle. When Huddy leaves Lillian questions his intentions towards Elle, and he tells her he like her a lot but doesn't want to pressure her. Huddy finds out from Lillian that she's looking to a shelter because her apartment was flooded. Huddy tells Lillian that he has room for her and Elle can stay with him. When Huddy gets home and talks to Elle he tells her she's staying with him, he has a spare bedroom for her. Huddy tells Elle they need to head to the store to pick up some bedding so they also pick up something to eat. When Huddy asks Elle for a hug she tells him she'd like that, when he takes her in his arms she breaks down and cries. For the next two weeks Elle works on designing Huddy's house, he helps with the set up. Huddy and Elle start exchanging pictures whenever they aren't together. Elle makes dinner and when Huddy tells her he'll bring home dinner she tells her she made it and she has a surprise for him. When Huddy is on his way home he gets a call from Walker telling him that the mayor of Elle's hometown is still looking for her along with his son. Walker tells Huddy that the mayor's son has several arrest but nothing has stuck. Walker tells Huddy that he now has someone tailing the mayor's son, so he's keeping a close eye on him. When Huddy gets home Elle has his office all done, with bookshelves and all his medals on display with picture of his brother's and army buddies. Huddy tells Elle that what she did means a lot to him. While Elle is sleeping she hears a noise so she goes to investigate, she finds Huddy's door ajar. When Elle walks in she asks if Huddy is alright he tells her he had a nightmare, it happens every now and then. Elle finds out that Huddy has been sleeping on the floor not in his bed, she asks him about it, but he tells her he can't sleep in it. Elle asks him if he would lay face down on his bed and she give him a message which calms Huddy down. When Elle thinks Huddy's fallen asleep she stops, but he asks her if she'll stay with him. Huddy asks Elle if he can hold her, and he pulls her on top of him. When Elle tries to climb off Huddy he tells her to relax and trust him. When Huddy wakes the next morning he realizes he very close to coming, with Elle sprawled on top of him. Huddy tells Elle not to move, but she does. Elle finds out that Huddy slept very well. Huddy tells Elle he wants to make her come, and she tells him she wants that too. Huddy pleasures Elle but when she tries to return the favor he tells her this was for her. Elle walks out of Huddy's bedroom and tells him she needs to get to work. When Elle gets to the office Lillian knows something is wrong. Elle doesn't tells her so Lillian tells Elle it calls for a girls night out. Elle and Lillian head to the store to buy a dress for Elle, then they head to Whistler's the only bar in Whiskey Run. When Elle doesn't come home telling Huddy she's working he asks her to send him a picture. Elle sends Huddy a picture of a glass of wine, and he see the Whistler's logo in the background. Elle tells Huddy that it's Ally's wine when he asks if she's driving. Huddy messages his brother Austin to find out what he's doing and if he's with Ally. Huddy invites Austin over and orders a pizza. When Austin arrives he asks what Ally is doing and tells him she's at the bar with Elle. Austin gets picture send from the bartender and Huddy notices Elle's in a dress. When Huddy asks Elle to send him a picture Ally gets her phone and asks a cowboy to stand next to Elle then takes their picture and send it's to Huddy. Huddy and Austin arrive at the Whistler, he walks up to Elle and tells her hi. When Elle, Huddy and Lillian are left alone, Lillian tells them she's headed home. Elle and Huddy decide to walk her out and they head home too. When Huddy helps Elle into his truck he asks her about the picture that was sent if she's seeing the cowboy. Elle tells him no that was Ally's idea to get him riled up. Huddy tells Elle he wants her, but she asks him about this morning. Huddy tells Elle he does want her but he wants to know that she trust him. Elle tells Huddy she does trust him, but he tells her she won't tell him what she's running from. Elle tells him she wants to protect him, the man she's running from are dangerous. Huddy tells Elle he'll protect her, Elle tells him she'll tell him tomorrow if they can finish what they started this morning. Huddy pleasures Elle then they make love. When Elle wakes the next day she can smell bacon, soon Huddy walks in with a plate of breakfast for her. Huddy tells her when she's done they're going to talk. Elle tells Huddy what happened to her three months ago back in Texas and why the mayor and his son are after her. Huddy lets Elle know that Walker has been watching the mayor and his son, he has enough to put them both away. Huddy tells her that the mayor and his son are in Whiskey Run and Walker will be going after both of them. Huddy makes love to Elle once again. Soon Huddy gets a phone call from his brother, Ford. All of Huddy's brothers show up to find out what is going on. When Huddy's brother comes in they tell him they found out from Walker what he's been hiding. Huddy asks his brother to stay with Elle while he goes and takes care of the men after Elle. After Huddy convinces his brother to stay he heads to tell Elle he's taking care of the men. Elle protest and doesn't want him to leave, but Huddy tells her he needs to do this it's what he's trained to do. Elle finished up her shower then sits with Huddy's brother's and they wait for five hours for him to come back. When Huddy walks in they all are relieved, he tells them how they had to wait at Elle's apartment until the men came then, Huddy arrested them. After Huddy's brother leave Elle goes into his arms and he holds her. Then Huddy carries Elle to his room where he makes love to her. When Huddy comes home from the office he finds Elle's suitcase packed. Huddy picks it up and takes it to his room, Elle follows him. Huddy asks her where she's going and Elle tells him her apartment is finished and he can move back in. Huddy tells her she's not leaving she staying with him. Huddy tells Elle he wants her to stay with him. Huddy tells Elle he wants her to marry him and have his babies. Huddy tells Elle he loves her, and she tells him she loves him too. Huddy tells Elle he's going to buy her a ring so that she's his. Huddy is taking over for Beau while he takes a month off to figure out his marriage. After their meeting Huddy asks Elle to take a walk with him. Huddy tells Elle that he's going to mess up but he wants her to talk to him he wants her to fight for each other. Huddy asks Elle if she's going to marry him and Elle tells him yes she'll marry him. Huddy tells her she's his home, and Elle tells him he's hers.

[Mina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huddy was such a protector and Elle so sweet. A nice read with a little bit of suspense.

[R M · Rating 3 out of 5]

3stars
Woman in peril.
Alpha protector former military.
Brothers small town billionaire series.
Pretty predictable.
Not a bad book. Not uniquely original.
I don’t like the epithet “honey”.

[Auntee · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far every book in this series is insta-love. I’m ok with that.🤷🏻‍♀️

[Jesmin Nawaz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok, as much as Hudson was the alpha male protecting the damsel in distress, every time someone called him Huddy, I couldn't picture the ex-military, built man. I did want to see more of Elle's past and the drama that it brought, specifically because I wanted to read about Hudson kicking ass. I did think Elle's past was going to be a bit more dramatic than it was. Of the series, probably my least favorite read.

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hudson Blaze has just retired from the military, after twenty years of service. Now that he is home he is finding, there are things he is having a hard time adjusting to. The most obvious is sleeping in a bed. He is sleeping in his role-up that, he would use when he was deployed. It didn't make much difference, since he was still having nightmares from time to time. The other thing that would be a glaring red flag, is the way he has taken his minimalist style of home decor, to a whole new level. Let's see, it's not quite empty, he has a lone chair in the middle of, the living room. Nevertheless, he gets a pretty good viewpoint, of the entire downstairs area. But, what could anyone expect from him, it's only been a week. Right?

Something else he is finding hard to acclimate, to is having his brothers all up in his business. Don’t get me wrong, he loves his brothers and understands the dynamics, but it's a little much, all at once. He is anxious, too. Mainly, because he hasn’t solidified, what he is going to do with the next stage, of his life. Not to mention, he feels extremely guilty getting a paycheck, when for twenty years he has not put in any sweat equity. But they explain to him, that he is being paid the rate of the none working member.

So, he figures out his brothers, are circling the wagons around him. One of them pops over each day, to check in with him, to see how he is doing acclimating. On this date, it is Austin who has come to pick him up. His new truck is being delivered today. Austin is taking him to the weekly meeting. Upon getting there they are joking around and as soon as, Lilian, Ford’s fiancee sees them she hops up and hugs Huddy as everyone calls him. It feels a little awkward considering he just met her a week ago. But, she makes his brother and nephew, Ollie happy.

The one that catches his eye is the one behind the counter holding her stomach, wearing baggy clothes, and standing frozen not five feet from him. A spark runs through him. He sees real fear on her face, he knows, dealt with it many times. He wants to get her to open up to him, by getting her to tell him why she’s scared. He softens his stance trying to appear smaller, but at six foot four inches, it's not easy. Lily puts herself between the two men and the woman. Lily says, “Hudson, this is Elle. She’s Lucas’ assistant. Elle, this is Hudson. I’m sure you’ve heard about him coming home. He’s the second oldest Blaze brother.”

Elle’s face is white, with fear and it doesn’t fade. She does manage to force a tight smile. Huddy’s protective instincts kick in, wanting to make sure she’s okay. He takes a step toward her, and she shrinks back, flinching. He shows her his hands as one might do for a skittish animal, to show her he is no threat. Her fight or flight kicks in, but must see he isn’t going to harm, her because she only puts the chair between them. It could have been a building. This starts their awareness of one another. He is kind to her during his time there that morning. She does find him attractive. This is a very good book. The build-up in their relationship was sweet. The suspense was just enough.

[Beverly Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Hudson & Elle!

Running for her life and needing to disappear, Elle ends up in Whiskey Run after seeing a job posting that looks right up her alley. Only problem is a background check would alert those after her to her location. Lucky for her, interviewer Lucas Blaze sees her need for a safe place to land and hires her immediately. A still skittish Elle has somewhat settled into working for most of the Blaze brothers. Until the last brother, Hudson, returns home after retiring from the military. Huddy is gone after one glance at the striking woman who is clearly wary of him. All his protective instincts surface and he wants to know what he needs to keeps her safe from and how to win her over. But that’s way easier said than done with someone her has been on alert, looking over her shoulder for months and has no idea who she can trust. But Hudson is determined to win her trust and her heart. Hudson may be big and look gruff, but for Elle, he’s a cinnamon roll-kind, protective and supportive. Seeing that Hudson poses no physical threat to her, Elle soon realizes Huddy is dangerous to her in a whole different way. And she can’t afford to lose her heart when she’s not sure if this is a temporary fling or if Hudson even feels the same way about her. Oh, and it’s just a matter of time before the threat catches up with her. Good thing Hudson is relentless in his pursuit of her and the reason Elle is running scared. When the threat is neutralized and she’s safe, can Hudson convince her to stay…forever?? It’s a little bit of an instalove (for Hudson) but with a slow burn. Story kept my interest and I didn’t want to put it down. These two were so sweet together with plenty of spice in the bedroom.

[Thisbe]

Elle works as an administrive assistant for Hudson’s brother Lucas. Hudson just quit the Army after 20 years of serving and figures out what to do with his life. He has three brothers and they own a pretty big distillery (I can really recommend the other books in this series, well to be truthful nearly every story from this author :o)). When Hudson meets Elle, she panicks and he sees the hurt in her eyes. She fled from Texas a month ago and is afraid her past catches up with her. They have a deep attractions and as they get to know each other, Hudson iniates it in such a sweet way, the emotions get deep. Hudson holds back, wanting her to trust and confess in him. She is afraid that Hudson gets hurt because of her and holding back. Hudson is such a protective guy and so sweet in his gestures and when they finally confess in each other, they take the next step. Although Ellie still thinks he wants her temporary and the threat from the past has not gone away…
Ellie is such a kind and intelligent woman. Also she does not feel this way in her situation she is strong. Hudson is the ex military protective guy, but also so sensible and putting Ellie first. Love the way they think about and take care of each other.They both find a home in each other, which really touched me. The brothers also have so much love and care for each other. As always the characters are so well developed and the story captivating. Already waiting for the next one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tamara Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hudson, or Huddy, and Elle seem like a great pairing. There were small snippets of information about Hudson from the first two installments in the series but his book really brought the character to life (obvs ... it's his book). This was more of a protector/savior trope where the big tall alpha god swoops in to save the damsel in distress. Of course she has no money and very few resources and he has all the priviledge of all of it - blurgh, can we please reverse this trope already? That said, it was still a fun read. I would have liked to have the suspense kicked up a bit and a lot more information about culmination of the final "rescue" when Huddy takes down Elle's predators. Guess I can't have everything in a short story. I did get the spiciness but only later in the story once the characters decided to act on their desires for one another. It was super hot ... super short (blurgh, short story) ... but still nice and spicy.

I'll repeat a comment made in a review of an earlier installment in this series: I really appreciate the way the author is building each of the MMCs and MFCs in each of the installments such that the overall story is a reading about a dynamic, loving, and committed family. Gives me all the good feels. Knowing that the broader community (local town characters and local town heroes, etc.) is also part of the author's world building is exciting as I continue to binge the heck out of this series with the intention of moving into the other parts of Hope Ford's Whiskey Run.

3 out of 5 chili peppers for spiciness~

#WorthTheRead

[Char · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hudson “Huddy” is finally home from the military. He needs to figure out what he will do next. He and his brothers own a business and they want him to take his place in the business. Elle “Ellie” is currently working for his brother Lex in the office. When Hudson comes into the office for a meeting he sees Elle and is very concerned. He sees her fear and wants to help. He has always been a protector. He wants to protect her. He wants to get to know her. He feels a connection with her. He doesn’t understand it because they just met. Instant attraction, instant love. When he sees Elle after work and her car is not working he gets the chance to help and get to know her. He knows he needs to get her to trust him. Then the rest will come. He knows she is already going to be his forever. Huddy wants her in his life. He wants to show her his love. Huddy is so gentle, kind and loving with Ellie. Ellie doesn’t think Huddy is even interested in her! She needs some help reading the love signs. There are some missed signals along the way. It is a sexy, hot little romance. Will he be able to convince her to trust him? Instant attraction that becomes an all consuming forever love! The main characters as well as the secondary characters were all amazing, likable and down to earth. Really a fabulous story! So good!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[FANCHON · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick easy read, instalove but not much else

This is my first read for this author, and it was just alright. No real complaints, just sort of meh.

It’s insta-love for the recently retired from the military Hudson when he lays eyes on Elle. All we know about her is that she’s new in town, apparently curvy, and is running from something. Everything felt very surface level. She doesn’t once even think about what she’s running from, so it’s not really a part of the story at all. She has one scene when she meets Hudson and she panics at his large size and cowers in fear, but that’s it. She doesn’t even explain it to herself in her head, so we have no idea what triggered it or what her so called trauma is. He’s retired from the military and has not furnished his home and sleeps on a bed roll instead of the bed. And has one nightmare. But otherwise, we know nothing about his past, or his emotions, or any issues that he may be struggling with since becoming a civilian. They both have insta-love for the other, but both spend the entire book thinking the other one must not feel the same way. Even the “conflict” with the so called bad guys isn’t fleshed out and happens off scene between chapters and is barely glossed over. Everything is all wrapped up nice and neat and it’s HEA.

Overall- if you’re looking for an easy, quick, superficial read with just a couple smexy moments woven in, this might fit the bill. It was just a resounding meh for me.

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

the kindle version doesn't have this hot cover ...totally why i read the book. i will be honest, i got to. LOL!! that man is very FINE!! great book cover. i am new to this family. i am pretty much through. i am winding down with KU ...ends on June 11. i will make a decision about it ...later. i don't get why they are going up 2 dollars ...don't see that there are that many authors i read on there and i don't get what it benefits me??! such a pain ...there is never enough money when it comes to BOOKS. never. what is a girl to do ...and i don't need Amazon taking it all ...get to reading. i read through KU through a kindle version book. i enjoy these characters. i will check out the other books in this series. can't wait. i think it is a series ...or at least the brothers all have their own books, i think??! i saw 2 others. right?!? i am not dreaming. i think?!? LOL!!

i will say i did try to read book 1 and 2 ...but i just didn't connect with them? no clue why??!

1. Reluctant Husband (Whiskey Men series)
2. Something Real
3. Coming Home
4. Forever Mine (July 17, 2023)
5. Always Yours (August 14, 2023)

but book three just really made me happy. now i finished it up last night. and i am trying to find other books to read in KU before i end that service on June 11. i've read Hope's book before and i will continue to so in the future. get to reading. she is awesome!! i guess it is truly how you connect or maybe you connect with another person (author)??!