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The Macabe Brothers #1
Whisky Business Hij is grumpy, zij is sunshine. Samen is het...
Heerlijke Schotse romcom met een van de populairste tropes.
Als kind droomde April Sinclair ervan het rustige eilandleven te ontvluchten en een wereldberoemde actrice te worden. Nu ze volwassen is en haar acteercarrière op een dieptepunt is beland, heeft ze haar zinnen op een nieuwe uitdaging gezet: het redden van de distilleerderij van haar familie op het idyllische Schotse eiland Skye. Het laatste wat ze had verwacht, is dat er al iemand woont in het huis dat ze zojuist heeft geërfd en dat die bewoner niemand minder is dan haar jeugdvriendje Malcolm Macabel - type buitengewoon aantrekkelijk.
Meesterdistilleerder Malcolm heeft het al druk genoeg met zijn drie liefdes: whisky, zijn hond en stilte. Dus hij zit niet bepaald te wachten op een verwende prinses die plotseling opduikt en haar neus in zijn distilleerderij steekt. Toch kan hij er niets aan doen dat hij steeds moet denken aan hoe ze vroeger zijn hart stal…
Als kind droomde April Sinclair ervan het rustige eilandleven te ontvluchten en een wereldberoemde actrice te worden. Nu ze volwassen is en haar acteercarrière op een dieptepunt is beland, heeft ze haar zinnen op een nieuwe uitdaging gezet: het redden van de distilleerderij van haar familie op het idyllische Schotse eiland Skye. Het laatste wat ze had verwacht, is dat er al iemand woont in het huis dat ze zojuist heeft geërfd en dat die bewoner niemand minder is dan haar jeugdvriendje Malcolm Macabel - type buitengewoon aantrekkelijk.
Meesterdistilleerder Malcolm heeft het al druk genoeg met zijn drie liefdes: whisky, zijn hond en stilte. Dus hij zit niet bepaald te wachten op een verwende prinses die plotseling opduikt en haar neus in zijn distilleerderij steekt. Toch kan hij er niets aan doen dat hij steeds moet denken aan hoe ze vroeger zijn hart stal…
352 pages, Paperback
First published December 19, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,992 reviews
June 2, 2023
I was looking for something light and more on the sweet/fluffy side after a harder read and I'm so thankful for GR friends who found this gem of a book! It has grumpy/sunshine, famous h with a reclusive H, childhood crushes to grown-up feelings, struggles with self-acceptance and love, anxiety rep, adorable animals, complex family dynamics, and a small town vibe. I found this to be more emotional than I expected, but in a good way. I would definitely recommend this one!
Both April (h) and Mal (H) have complicated pasts and presents and their attraction to each other is wonderful, but also sometimes highlights those complications. April has come home after years pursuing an acting career, following her grandfather's death. Mal is one of her childhood friend's older brother and manages April's family's distillery. They have to work together and there's plenty of butting heads, blushing (Mal was so adorable and also heartbreaking at times), and readjusting of what each think of the other. At first there's an almost enemies vibe from Mal's end, but April's not who he thinks she is. April also learns more about the depths of what Mal deals with. Written in first person, dual POV. Itsy bitsy, barely there ow/om drama (there's one scene where the H breaks up the h having a drink with another guy that had started to progress to the guy getting handsy; then the h is told by an ow that she had gone on a date with H and wished for a second; both scenes cause jealousy but I was fine) and neither are virgins (unsure how long it'd been for h but H hadn't been with anyone for 5-6 years and h is more experienced).
There is miscommunication and sometimes avoidance, but I felt so emotionally captured by April and Mal that I didn't even hold it against them. Seeing them struggle, but still come together made my heart feel all the things. Then when Mal broke out the dominance and dirty talk when he was so shy and unsure, whew! April gave him the pushes he needed to come out of his shell and take a couple of, careful, chances and Mal gave her the support she needed to be who she wanted to be. This story was so filled with character development and growth.
I loved their small town with Mal's pushy family who loved him (except I didn't like his dad, but even that's complicated), April's friendships, the town supporting Mal without him realizing, just wonderful. I loved their dogs and the relationship they had with each other, oh my goodness I'm such a dog lover and esp when they're featured in romances and Dudley and Boy were scene stealers at times. Along with the foxes, I absolutely would have adopted the foxes too. April's grandparents are gone, but played such an important part of who and where she was, that they also felt very present at times (sometimes with feelings of grief).
This has no third act breakup. There are concerns over what they're going to do and will April stay or leave, but no breakup. Mal does have a big moment that made me cry and have heart eyes at the same time. The epilogue is a few months jumped ahead but very much a HEA feel and adorable. It's not perfect, sometimes I lost track of the timeline of where we were and I did wish that some of the uncertainties were smoothed over earlier, but this was exactly the book I needed when I picked it up. There are also hints for at least one other potential couple, which I'm honestly unsure about, but I'd be very interested to read more in this town and from this author.
Both April (h) and Mal (H) have complicated pasts and presents and their attraction to each other is wonderful, but also sometimes highlights those complications. April has come home after years pursuing an acting career, following her grandfather's death. Mal is one of her childhood friend's older brother and manages April's family's distillery. They have to work together and there's plenty of butting heads, blushing (Mal was so adorable and also heartbreaking at times), and readjusting of what each think of the other. At first there's an almost enemies vibe from Mal's end, but April's not who he thinks she is. April also learns more about the depths of what Mal deals with. Written in first person, dual POV. Itsy bitsy, barely there ow/om drama (there's one scene where the H breaks up the h having a drink with another guy that had started to progress to the guy getting handsy; then the h is told by an ow that she had gone on a date with H and wished for a second; both scenes cause jealousy but I was fine) and neither are virgins (unsure how long it'd been for h but H hadn't been with anyone for 5-6 years and h is more experienced).
There is miscommunication and sometimes avoidance, but I felt so emotionally captured by April and Mal that I didn't even hold it against them. Seeing them struggle, but still come together made my heart feel all the things. Then when Mal broke out the dominance and dirty talk when he was so shy and unsure, whew! April gave him the pushes he needed to come out of his shell and take a couple of, careful, chances and Mal gave her the support she needed to be who she wanted to be. This story was so filled with character development and growth.
I loved their small town with Mal's pushy family who loved him (except I didn't like his dad, but even that's complicated), April's friendships, the town supporting Mal without him realizing, just wonderful. I loved their dogs and the relationship they had with each other, oh my goodness I'm such a dog lover and esp when they're featured in romances and Dudley and Boy were scene stealers at times. Along with the foxes, I absolutely would have adopted the foxes too. April's grandparents are gone, but played such an important part of who and where she was, that they also felt very present at times (sometimes with feelings of grief).
This has no third act breakup. There are concerns over what they're going to do and will April stay or leave, but no breakup. Mal does have a big moment that made me cry and have heart eyes at the same time. The epilogue is a few months jumped ahead but very much a HEA feel and adorable. It's not perfect, sometimes I lost track of the timeline of where we were and I did wish that some of the uncertainties were smoothed over earlier, but this was exactly the book I needed when I picked it up. There are also hints for at least one other potential couple, which I'm honestly unsure about, but I'd be very interested to read more in this town and from this author.
June 28, 2025
My ultimate SCOTTISH FANTASY that satisfied the Highlander romance thirst!! Painfully shy & grumpy mmc IN A KILT begging and pleading for a chance with his fantasy woman ✨🏴💛
April is trying to escape her fame and returns to her childhood home on Skye only to find her old crush living in the distillery 🥃✨ Introverted, shy and grumpy (deadly combo!) Mal tries hard to turn her off the small town living but April decides to fully embrace the island life. All the COZY FEELS included!
This relationship was beautifully unique with reversed dynamics of a confident fmc slowly coaxing the mmc out of his sell. Mal’s grumpy comments & the needling “Princess” nickname soon turned into pleading for his Princess to give them a shot.
💛 cozy Scottish small town vibes
🏴 introverted & shy mmc but an EXPERT in dirty talk
💛 he wears a kilt while she sits naked in his lap!
🏴 the way he tries to protect her from the world
💛 he kisses her feet *man obsessed*
Words cannot describe how much I LOVED MAL!! He was painfully shy, blushing uncontrollably & not even making eye contact but god was he kind and adorable. He was incredibly supportive & his protective vibes were a perfect bow on this Scottish package. And the mouth on him!! When he said “Does my princess want a mean little fuck.” I had to be resuscitated!!! LIKE WHERE DID THAT COME FROM, MALCOLM!!!!!!!!
I think the cover is truly doing this book a disservice because it’s giving wattpad but the writing & vibes are impeccable! Can’t wait for #2
grumpy x sunshine romance
inexperienced mmc
introvert x extrovert
Scottish coziness & accents
dirty talk
size difference
small town
female friendships
NO third act breakup!
HEA
April is trying to escape her fame and returns to her childhood home on Skye only to find her old crush living in the distillery 🥃✨ Introverted, shy and grumpy (deadly combo!) Mal tries hard to turn her off the small town living but April decides to fully embrace the island life. All the COZY FEELS included!
This relationship was beautifully unique with reversed dynamics of a confident fmc slowly coaxing the mmc out of his sell. Mal’s grumpy comments & the needling “Princess” nickname soon turned into pleading for his Princess to give them a shot.
💛 cozy Scottish small town vibes
🏴 introverted & shy mmc but an EXPERT in dirty talk
💛 he wears a kilt while she sits naked in his lap!
🏴 the way he tries to protect her from the world
💛 he kisses her feet *man obsessed*
Words cannot describe how much I LOVED MAL!! He was painfully shy, blushing uncontrollably & not even making eye contact but god was he kind and adorable. He was incredibly supportive & his protective vibes were a perfect bow on this Scottish package. And the mouth on him!! When he said “Does my princess want a mean little fuck.” I had to be resuscitated!!! LIKE WHERE DID THAT COME FROM, MALCOLM!!!!!!!!
I think the cover is truly doing this book a disservice because it’s giving wattpad but the writing & vibes are impeccable! Can’t wait for #2
grumpy x sunshine romance
inexperienced mmc
introvert x extrovert
Scottish coziness & accents
dirty talk
size difference
small town
female friendships
NO third act breakup!
HEA
July 3, 2023
⭐⭐⭐.5/5 - This is really cute, but the best part is that the 'hero' has something I've never heard of described before in a romance novel: a prepared cleft palate? Something about a character with this kind of surgery being written as the heartthrob warmed my heart! Usually, we're reading about perfect male specimens and that gets SO old.
THOUGHTS:
- I never like the Hollywood starlet characters. They normally scream *poor little rich girl* and I pretty much loathe that character arc. In Whisky Business, though, April is honestly a pretty great character!!
- I'm a sucker for the sweet but a little nervous hero character. They scream that they need to be hugged and snuggled!! 😭😭
NOTES:
- European romance - so adorably charming in a small Scottish town!!
- 🌶️🌶️/5 - Lot's of cute tension!
- Minus a half point for the manic pixie energy... I want to read about somewhat tall gals having a romance!
- Kindle Unlimited
THOUGHTS:
- I never like the Hollywood starlet characters. They normally scream *poor little rich girl* and I pretty much loathe that character arc. In Whisky Business, though, April is honestly a pretty great character!!
- I'm a sucker for the sweet but a little nervous hero character. They scream that they need to be hugged and snuggled!! 😭😭
NOTES:
- European romance - so adorably charming in a small Scottish town!!
- 🌶️🌶️/5 - Lot's of cute tension!
- Minus a half point for the manic pixie energy... I want to read about somewhat tall gals having a romance!
- Kindle Unlimited
September 18, 2023
first of all thanks to RLbooks's review i didn't get anxious while reading this because i knew there wasn't third act 🤍 i just enjoyed taylor songs the author choose for chapters without thinking hard on the meaning of the songs 🤭
It amazed me that I held the power to hurt her. All of these weeks, I'd seen myself as a blip on her radar. A single star in an endless sky. A glare on the windscreen you put on sunglasses to block out. When to me… she was becoming the whole sun.
that man...he was screaming, crying, punching the wall with desperation. he's the definition of yearning. he's the picture you can see if you search longing on google🤭😍
Click.
I knew what I was doing. Saving all these little moments with her like shells collected at the beach. An April album for my mind to flip over when she was gone, proof that I was happy, if only for a short time.
he mentally clicked her picture in his mind even before they were together🥺 he clicked EIGHT TIMES and my heart was melting every single time he did that. what a small moment that turn me into a puddle 🫠
anyways at this point as you can guess i'm in love with him. so if you need more to be convinced reading this;;;; there are to adorable dogs, supportive friends/family members, small town vibe, a great heroine, blushing hero 😻💞🤍🤭🥰😌
and his dirty talking?🥵 you wouldn't guess what kind of things that shy,grumpy man says in bed 😳🥵
this was exactly what i needed today. a low angst, cute story. but what i would want more? a loooooong epilogue set in the future. i would love to see them as parents maybe🤔🥺
It amazed me that I held the power to hurt her. All of these weeks, I'd seen myself as a blip on her radar. A single star in an endless sky. A glare on the windscreen you put on sunglasses to block out. When to me… she was becoming the whole sun.
that man...he was screaming, crying, punching the wall with desperation. he's the definition of yearning. he's the picture you can see if you search longing on google🤭😍
Click.
I knew what I was doing. Saving all these little moments with her like shells collected at the beach. An April album for my mind to flip over when she was gone, proof that I was happy, if only for a short time.
he mentally clicked her picture in his mind even before they were together🥺 he clicked EIGHT TIMES and my heart was melting every single time he did that. what a small moment that turn me into a puddle 🫠
anyways at this point as you can guess i'm in love with him. so if you need more to be convinced reading this;;;; there are to adorable dogs, supportive friends/family members, small town vibe, a great heroine, blushing hero 😻💞🤍🤭🥰😌
and his dirty talking?🥵 you wouldn't guess what kind of things that shy,grumpy man says in bed 😳🥵
this was exactly what i needed today. a low angst, cute story. but what i would want more? a loooooong epilogue set in the future. i would love to see them as parents maybe🤔🥺
June 26, 2025
🌟Brief Summary:
4.5 stars! Rounded up
Malcolm and April had crushes on each other when they were younger neither acted on this and then April moves away at 18yrs old to become a famous actress while Malcolm stayed behind to help run her grandfathers whisky distillery.
When her grandfather dies she has to come home and figure out if she can save the distillery.
Her and Malcolm have to work together but he isn’t so happy to see her back.
Okay….I definitely have lots of thoughts about this book.
‼️First…. I seriously struggled for the first half of this book. It was slow, I didnt feel the chemistry between the h and H. But I’m glad I hung in there cause it all comes together so nicely and it all makes sense by the end and you’re swooning for the second half.
❤️There were so many sweet and swoony moments in the second half. It was so heartfelt and heartwarming. I loved the vulnerability these two showed each other.
‼️One thing that really stood out to me was how true the author was to her characters.
Hear me out….
💯Often we have a hero w serious mental or physical health issues but he will be an extreme manwhore. Always finding a way to get his pecker wet💦.
-In this case the hero is a pretty extreme recluse w social anxiety so it makes sense to his character that he has very little sexual experiences.
💯Or we have a famous beautiful celebrity woman who is older and has zero or almost zero sexual experiences…. MAKES NO SEINSE. Not with what we know of Hollywood especially…. even just a stunning and beautiful woman… doubtful she is sitting around till she is 30 not creating life experiences for herself w men.
-Here we have a typical 30 yr old woman who has experienced the kind of relationships and sex that I would expect of her character.
⭐️So I’m glad the author didn’t shy away from what is popular (heaven only knows why it is 🙄) and made her characters Very true to reality.
Why wasn’t this 5 stars when I ended up totally loving this book? 2 reasons…
1. Like I said before this was a VERY SLOW START. I almost as gonna DNF.
2. My big pet peeve of is having them “be together” towards the end (no 3rd act thank goodness) but having a constant question about them staying together. For whatever reason, here it’s cause she has to go back to London for her career. Now I HATE this cause we live in 2024. The age of planes, smart phones and technology. I mean now a days people can spend more time together away from each other then some couples who live in the same house. So this is only to add angst and it’s the STUPIDEST drama. Cause it’s just so dumb when the answer is so simple.
‼️Doggy love
‼️Misconceptions about each other
‼️Grumpy Sunshine
❤️No manwhore H
‼️Mental health issues
‼️Self esteem issues
‼️Very small town
‼️Heartwarming
‼️Steamy sexy times
❣️Things I Liked/Loved❣️
-Mentally taking pictures f her
-I liked that he never dirty talked before that’s was for her.
-I really just enjoyed the Romantic connection specifically the second half.
Things I Did 💔 Not Like
-He basically calls her a whore at one point and I didn’t like that. He is mean and he judges her harshly for a huge for chunk of the book. I thought it went past grumpy. So I think people should know that. He does have reasons and he def fixes his mistakes. So I loved him for sure but I was expecting something a bit less harsh.
-She is desperate and often a doormat in the beginning. I just couldn’t like how she constantly took his horrid remarks and kept begging for more. It makes sense and the H needed it but I didn’t like her desperation for approval from everyone.
‼️She has been a popular actress for 12 years and hasn’t watched the world’s most famous movies. This was highly annoying. I did t buy it for a second.
-He was gonna let his brother pursue her… yeah no. And when she is at the bar the H watches w OM and only steps in when she’s to drunk to say no. I definitely didn’t like this. Although I understand cause of his issues. I still don’t like it.
🥀 Hero:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Malcolm 32
I adored him! ❤️
He’s more than a grump for a while I actually thought he came off as an asshole. BUT HE DOES CHANGE AND HE WON MY HEART IN A BIG WAY.
He has some serious self esteem issues and rightfully so as well as mental health issues. Hes very vulnerable!
It endured me to him more once we find out that being an ass is a way to protect himself. And when you see how insecure and unworthy he feels it’s just so heartbreaking.
❤️I absolutely fell in love with this man!
❤️I love that his dirty talking mouth was ONLY FOR HER.
❤️I love that almost everything he has experienced and felt was ONLY FOR HER.
📸His mental pictures was so swoon and also heartbreaking.
🦋 Heroine:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ April- 30
Celebrity actress who left home 12 yrs before and is back to see to her grandfathers distillery.
She was a good character if a bit boring. I like how she was perfect for Malcolm. She deserved him and I like that she to had her insecurities but she was so good for him.
I liked how confident she was during sex with him not cause she had experience but cause she was just so into him.
💭 POV:
Duel first person
😡/😍 Angst level:
Low
❤️🔥 Sex & Burn Rate:
First kiss 49%
Sex 68%
Amazingly hot sexy times.
Gah this man was so freaking amazing and I love how confident but also unsure he is it was a very sexy combo 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I loved his lack of experience but his dirty confident desire for her that pushes him to fulfill both of their fantasies!
❤️Just PERFECT!
No condoms
Birth control
Both clean
🌓 Push/Pull:
She is the main pursuer
He avoids her a lot in the first half and definitely doesn’t pursue her cause of his issues. But in the second half he absolutely does learn to pursue her and fight for what he wants 😍
☠️ OW/OM Drama:
No not really
OW mentions she went on a date with the H and wants more. He didn’t and doesn’t.
OM- a guy at a bar is hitting on the h she’s enjoying the attention but it goes to far and the H steps in.
OM- H brother pretends to be into the h too get his brother to step up and fight for her.
🤮 OW/OM Sex / Fluid or DNA Exchange:
None
🤬 Cheating:
None
👰🏼♀️ Virgins:
No V!
H- he only had 2 sexual experiences in his life!!! With 2 different woman both strangers. I like that we didn’t have to see or hear about his past in this small town. He had been celibate for 6 years❤️
h- she was experienced just cause she has had a few different relationships in her past. It had been a while for her.
⛈️Separation/ 3rd Act Breakup:
None which I love/ pretty sure authors don’t get that readers don’t like 3rd acts usually.
But like I said they are not sold till the last page. I mean they are but they are both sure what she will do stay or go.
🎧AUDIO
⭐️⭐️⭐️ it was ok. Narrators don’t do a very good job of expressing emotions or changing their voices for characters. It’s kinda monotone. The accents were good though.
Safety⚠️Triggers🗡️:
Mental heath issues
Death in the family
parental health issues
Family drama and issues
Pretty big insecurities from both h and H
🌈Epilogue:
6 mo later!
Ugh so sweet married and so so happy
Not sure I’ll read others in this series cause there is a lot more going for situations and dynamics that are not for me. Like manwhores and such
🥂HEA:
Yes yes yes I love them ❤️
❌My opinion is just that… MY OPINION.❌
I know we all get passionate about our favorite reads and characters but we should respect each opinions a thoughts. ~Thank you
4.5 stars! Rounded up
Malcolm and April had crushes on each other when they were younger neither acted on this and then April moves away at 18yrs old to become a famous actress while Malcolm stayed behind to help run her grandfathers whisky distillery.
When her grandfather dies she has to come home and figure out if she can save the distillery.
Her and Malcolm have to work together but he isn’t so happy to see her back.
Okay….I definitely have lots of thoughts about this book.
‼️First…. I seriously struggled for the first half of this book. It was slow, I didnt feel the chemistry between the h and H. But I’m glad I hung in there cause it all comes together so nicely and it all makes sense by the end and you’re swooning for the second half.
❤️There were so many sweet and swoony moments in the second half. It was so heartfelt and heartwarming. I loved the vulnerability these two showed each other.
‼️One thing that really stood out to me was how true the author was to her characters.
Hear me out….
💯Often we have a hero w serious mental or physical health issues but he will be an extreme manwhore. Always finding a way to get his pecker wet💦.
-In this case the hero is a pretty extreme recluse w social anxiety so it makes sense to his character that he has very little sexual experiences.
💯Or we have a famous beautiful celebrity woman who is older and has zero or almost zero sexual experiences…. MAKES NO SEINSE. Not with what we know of Hollywood especially…. even just a stunning and beautiful woman… doubtful she is sitting around till she is 30 not creating life experiences for herself w men.
-Here we have a typical 30 yr old woman who has experienced the kind of relationships and sex that I would expect of her character.
⭐️So I’m glad the author didn’t shy away from what is popular (heaven only knows why it is 🙄) and made her characters Very true to reality.
Why wasn’t this 5 stars when I ended up totally loving this book? 2 reasons…
1. Like I said before this was a VERY SLOW START. I almost as gonna DNF.
2. My big pet peeve of is having them “be together” towards the end (no 3rd act thank goodness) but having a constant question about them staying together. For whatever reason, here it’s cause she has to go back to London for her career. Now I HATE this cause we live in 2024. The age of planes, smart phones and technology. I mean now a days people can spend more time together away from each other then some couples who live in the same house. So this is only to add angst and it’s the STUPIDEST drama. Cause it’s just so dumb when the answer is so simple.
‼️Doggy love
‼️Misconceptions about each other
‼️Grumpy Sunshine
❤️No manwhore H
‼️Mental health issues
‼️Self esteem issues
‼️Very small town
‼️Heartwarming
‼️Steamy sexy times
❣️Things I Liked/Loved❣️
-Mentally taking pictures f her
-I liked that he never dirty talked before that’s was for her.
-I really just enjoyed the Romantic connection specifically the second half.
Things I Did 💔 Not Like
-He basically calls her a whore at one point and I didn’t like that. He is mean and he judges her harshly for a huge for chunk of the book. I thought it went past grumpy. So I think people should know that. He does have reasons and he def fixes his mistakes. So I loved him for sure but I was expecting something a bit less harsh.
-She is desperate and often a doormat in the beginning. I just couldn’t like how she constantly took his horrid remarks and kept begging for more. It makes sense and the H needed it but I didn’t like her desperation for approval from everyone.
‼️She has been a popular actress for 12 years and hasn’t watched the world’s most famous movies. This was highly annoying. I did t buy it for a second.
-He was gonna let his brother pursue her… yeah no. And when she is at the bar the H watches w OM and only steps in when she’s to drunk to say no. I definitely didn’t like this. Although I understand cause of his issues. I still don’t like it.
🥀 Hero:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Malcolm 32
I adored him! ❤️
He’s more than a grump for a while I actually thought he came off as an asshole. BUT HE DOES CHANGE AND HE WON MY HEART IN A BIG WAY.
He has some serious self esteem issues and rightfully so as well as mental health issues. Hes very vulnerable!
It endured me to him more once we find out that being an ass is a way to protect himself. And when you see how insecure and unworthy he feels it’s just so heartbreaking.
❤️I absolutely fell in love with this man!
❤️I love that his dirty talking mouth was ONLY FOR HER.
❤️I love that almost everything he has experienced and felt was ONLY FOR HER.
📸His mental pictures was so swoon and also heartbreaking.
🦋 Heroine:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ April- 30
Celebrity actress who left home 12 yrs before and is back to see to her grandfathers distillery.
She was a good character if a bit boring. I like how she was perfect for Malcolm. She deserved him and I like that she to had her insecurities but she was so good for him.
I liked how confident she was during sex with him not cause she had experience but cause she was just so into him.
💭 POV:
Duel first person
😡/😍 Angst level:
Low
❤️🔥 Sex & Burn Rate:
First kiss 49%
Sex 68%
Amazingly hot sexy times.
Gah this man was so freaking amazing and I love how confident but also unsure he is it was a very sexy combo 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I loved his lack of experience but his dirty confident desire for her that pushes him to fulfill both of their fantasies!
❤️Just PERFECT!
No condoms
Birth control
Both clean
🌓 Push/Pull:
She is the main pursuer
He avoids her a lot in the first half and definitely doesn’t pursue her cause of his issues. But in the second half he absolutely does learn to pursue her and fight for what he wants 😍
☠️ OW/OM Drama:
No not really
OW mentions she went on a date with the H and wants more. He didn’t and doesn’t.
OM- a guy at a bar is hitting on the h she’s enjoying the attention but it goes to far and the H steps in.
OM- H brother pretends to be into the h too get his brother to step up and fight for her.
🤮 OW/OM Sex / Fluid or DNA Exchange:
None
🤬 Cheating:
None
👰🏼♀️ Virgins:
No V!
H- he only had 2 sexual experiences in his life!!! With 2 different woman both strangers. I like that we didn’t have to see or hear about his past in this small town. He had been celibate for 6 years❤️
h- she was experienced just cause she has had a few different relationships in her past. It had been a while for her.
⛈️Separation/ 3rd Act Breakup:
None which I love/ pretty sure authors don’t get that readers don’t like 3rd acts usually.
But like I said they are not sold till the last page. I mean they are but they are both sure what she will do stay or go.
🎧AUDIO
⭐️⭐️⭐️ it was ok. Narrators don’t do a very good job of expressing emotions or changing their voices for characters. It’s kinda monotone. The accents were good though.
Safety⚠️Triggers🗡️:
Mental heath issues
Death in the family
parental health issues
Family drama and issues
Pretty big insecurities from both h and H
🌈Epilogue:
6 mo later!
Ugh so sweet married and so so happy
Not sure I’ll read others in this series cause there is a lot more going for situations and dynamics that are not for me. Like manwhores and such
🥂HEA:
Yes yes yes I love them ❤️
❌My opinion is just that… MY OPINION.❌
I know we all get passionate about our favorite reads and characters but we should respect each opinions a thoughts. ~Thank you
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2024
Trying this because of buket's review & the fact DIVINITY loved it.
-------------------------------------
The audio came out on June 4th, 2024 and I got it! Even though it makes it a little harder for me to understand, I really appreciate that the narrators have a Scottish accent/twang (?).
-------------------------------------
This was really spicy and emotional, don't say I didn't warn you
Love jada's review it basically says it all, *spoilers included*
A snippet from her review, give her all the credit:
- no third act breakup
- inexperienced H/experienced h 😮💨
- childhood crushes
- actress h/blue collar H
- dirty talking H 🥵
- BLUSHING H (🤭)
-------------------------------------
The audio came out on June 4th, 2024 and I got it! Even though it makes it a little harder for me to understand, I really appreciate that the narrators have a Scottish accent/twang (?).
-------------------------------------
This was really spicy and emotional, don't say I didn't warn you
Love jada's review it basically says it all, *spoilers included*
A snippet from her review, give her all the credit:
- no third act breakup
- inexperienced H/experienced h 😮💨
- childhood crushes
- actress h/blue collar H
- dirty talking H 🥵
- BLUSHING H (🤭)
July 30, 2024
5☆ Cheers, it’s bloody adorable.
➳❦“Glare all you want, princess, I can take it.”
Give yourself a sweet, spicy, cozy gift and read this. 🥃🥰 So glad RLbooks’ review led me to this gem so that a giant, blushing, celibate, extremely grumpy Scot could go ahead and make me melt all over the damn floor 🫠🫠🫠.
➳❦ As humans, we demanded a beginning and end to make sense of the world around us. But for this, there would be an after, but no end. My love for her was as boundless as the mountain we lay upon. When she left me, my love would remain, burning just as fiercely as it did now.
The make-it-or-break-it element for me is always how much I like and care about the MCs, and Malcolm and April are both wonderful in different ways. The author does the grumpy-sunshine trope quite well, with pushy family and friends, a generous dose of comedy, a touch of angsty soulfulness, and a delicious double-dollop of spice.
➳❦ He pulled back just far enough to husk out, “I’m so fucking gone for you, do you even realize?” And just as he pushed me against the fogged glass, trailing those calloused fingers around my thighs to spread me wider, I whispered, “Mal, does this mean I can have my underwear back?” His laugh was soft. Husky. Happy. “Oh, princess, that’s never going to happen.”
And just in case that’s not enough, it’s set in a beautiful Scottish village with two sweet canine sidekicks who play matchmaker by falling in love as well.
➳❦ “I don’t let Boy onto the furniture,” I said. She snorted. “He looked pretty at home up there for a dog ‘not allowed’ on the furniture.” Of course he did, the wee shit doesn’t listen to a thing I say.
The MCs were oblivious to their mutual crush growing up, but had very different childhoods and opposite life trajectories. And when April, now a famous actress, first “meets” Malcolm again, it’s absolutely hilarious. Because they both had to break into her deceased grandfather’s house, and…
➳❦ I’d just had a physical fight with Malcolm Macabe. I’d jumped him like a goddamned spider monkey and shoved my bra into his mouth. This was quickly taking the top spot as the strangest night of my life. 🤣 🙈
The sexual tension and chemistry are so sooooo good, and the normally anxious, reclusive Mal turns out to have a surprisingly dirty mouth (yes please). The whiskey distillery coworker setting doesn't hurt, either; those sturdy casks are quite versatile. 💪🥃🔥
➳❦ “Hold it on your tongue,” he instructed, muscles in his arms bunching where they folded over his chest. I did as I was told, letting it pool in my mouth. A heat that didn’t belong to the whisky hurtled through me. He hadn’t drunk any of his yet, waiting—watching—for my reaction. “Good girl . . . now swallow.” His voice was like water rushing over rocks as his eyes trailed down my throat, following the burn of the liquor. I held in my cough, my entire body burning. “Well . . . it’s nicer than I remember.” “Aye.” He cleared his throat and sipped his own. “I suppose it improves with age.” 🥵
It's not all sunshine and puppies and shower sex, though. There's mental health rep, a #MeToo casting couch, grief, debts, and family secrets. I could go on about the heartwarming plot and character arcs, but I’m feeling bookdrunk and just want to plaster this review with a million quotes. So I’ll control myself admirably and just give you one last one. Ok, TWO last ones. 🙇🏻♀️
➳❦ “How does he look at me?” “Like . . . you’re a revelation.” I swallowed thickly. “Like you’re a puzzle he has no idea how to solve but wants to try anyway.” 🥰
➳❦ “It’s terrible. A monstrosity! It turns out I can’t make a bench to save my bloody life and I love you!” He practically shouted it at me. 🤭❤️🩹
So…I really hope you read it. 💕
➳❦“Glare all you want, princess, I can take it.”
Give yourself a sweet, spicy, cozy gift and read this. 🥃🥰 So glad RLbooks’ review led me to this gem so that a giant, blushing, celibate, extremely grumpy Scot could go ahead and make me melt all over the damn floor 🫠🫠🫠.
➳❦ As humans, we demanded a beginning and end to make sense of the world around us. But for this, there would be an after, but no end. My love for her was as boundless as the mountain we lay upon. When she left me, my love would remain, burning just as fiercely as it did now.
The make-it-or-break-it element for me is always how much I like and care about the MCs, and Malcolm and April are both wonderful in different ways. The author does the grumpy-sunshine trope quite well, with pushy family and friends, a generous dose of comedy, a touch of angsty soulfulness, and a delicious double-dollop of spice.
➳❦ He pulled back just far enough to husk out, “I’m so fucking gone for you, do you even realize?” And just as he pushed me against the fogged glass, trailing those calloused fingers around my thighs to spread me wider, I whispered, “Mal, does this mean I can have my underwear back?” His laugh was soft. Husky. Happy. “Oh, princess, that’s never going to happen.”
And just in case that’s not enough, it’s set in a beautiful Scottish village with two sweet canine sidekicks who play matchmaker by falling in love as well.
➳❦ “I don’t let Boy onto the furniture,” I said. She snorted. “He looked pretty at home up there for a dog ‘not allowed’ on the furniture.” Of course he did, the wee shit doesn’t listen to a thing I say.
The MCs were oblivious to their mutual crush growing up, but had very different childhoods and opposite life trajectories. And when April, now a famous actress, first “meets” Malcolm again, it’s absolutely hilarious. Because they both had to break into her deceased grandfather’s house, and…
➳❦ I’d just had a physical fight with Malcolm Macabe. I’d jumped him like a goddamned spider monkey and shoved my bra into his mouth. This was quickly taking the top spot as the strangest night of my life. 🤣 🙈
The sexual tension and chemistry are so sooooo good, and the normally anxious, reclusive Mal turns out to have a surprisingly dirty mouth (yes please). The whiskey distillery coworker setting doesn't hurt, either; those sturdy casks are quite versatile. 💪🥃🔥
➳❦ “Hold it on your tongue,” he instructed, muscles in his arms bunching where they folded over his chest. I did as I was told, letting it pool in my mouth. A heat that didn’t belong to the whisky hurtled through me. He hadn’t drunk any of his yet, waiting—watching—for my reaction. “Good girl . . . now swallow.” His voice was like water rushing over rocks as his eyes trailed down my throat, following the burn of the liquor. I held in my cough, my entire body burning. “Well . . . it’s nicer than I remember.” “Aye.” He cleared his throat and sipped his own. “I suppose it improves with age.” 🥵
It's not all sunshine and puppies and shower sex, though. There's mental health rep, a #MeToo casting couch, grief, debts, and family secrets. I could go on about the heartwarming plot and character arcs, but I’m feeling bookdrunk and just want to plaster this review with a million quotes. So I’ll control myself admirably and just give you one last one. Ok, TWO last ones. 🙇🏻♀️
➳❦ “How does he look at me?” “Like . . . you’re a revelation.” I swallowed thickly. “Like you’re a puzzle he has no idea how to solve but wants to try anyway.” 🥰
➳❦ “It’s terrible. A monstrosity! It turns out I can’t make a bench to save my bloody life and I love you!” He practically shouted it at me. 🤭❤️🩹
So…I really hope you read it. 💕
June 14, 2025
I absolutely LOVED this book! I loved the setting. I LOVED the accents (highly recommend listening to this one). The male narrators inflections were SPOT on. I loved the buildup and general chemistry between our MCs. I loved the misconceptions that they both made around each other- how Malcolm thought the absolute worst of April without knowing the whole story. There was this whole loathe/enemies to lovers vibe at the beginning. But when they realized they had the wrong impression, it was so cute to see that shift. I loved the stardom aspect of April's character and how ever so slowly she brought Mal out of his shell. Mal was SUCH a wonderful MC. He fell so hard and so quickly for April but because of his social anxiety wasn't sure if he would be enough for her. April was on the other side of a business relationship turned sour and didn't know if she was cut out for show business anymore. It was beautiful how these two found each other and then helped each other find themselves again. The buildup and tension was TOP NOTCH yall- so ridiculously hot and genuine. Mal made me blush a ridiculous amount of times. I can't get over how much he worshipped April.
April didn't where else to go which is how she has found herself back in Kinleith. Tail tucked between her legs. One of the world's biggest stars in hiding. She has inherited her grandfather's distillery and doesn't really know what to expect. Which is when she runs into Malcolm Macabe. She always thought he was so cute when they were younger- especially when he blushed. But this Mal seems hostile towards her. What the hell did she do to him? Well apparently a lot has been going on her she didn't know about. Things were mismanaged and miscommunicated. And April was made out to look the bad guy which was a weird way of her grandfather trying to protect her. But April doesn't give up easily, and so she decides to create a partnership of sorts with Mal. He knows ALL the ins and outs of the business. She can't help that he thinks she is the devil. She will just have to make it work. Which is what they do. But the more she is around him the more she realizes that she sweetheart she knew back in the day is still in there. He just has some armor on. So she decides she is going to be the one to take it off. She wants him- she wants to experience all that his energy could bring to her. She also recognizes that what she feels for him is more than just physical. She enjoys his company. She enjoys poking him and getting a reaction. She likes how he makes her feel. And now that they are trying things out together she realizes she could do this forever. She could be treated like this forever. She juts has to figure out how to make that work with her job.
Malcolm has one goal in mind- the distillery. He has been working towards owning it for years and then his boss passed away and left it to his granddaughter, April Sinclair. The woman who couldn't even bother to come help him when he was sick. The woman who left it all up to the men to figure out. But surprisingly she is now here in Kinleith. And GOD is she beautiful. But she is the enemy. And Mal is going to do his best to scare her off. But despite saying some mean things, April seems to dig her heels in. She is going nowhere. In fact she wants to work with him to get the distillery up and running again. She wants to make it successful. Mal soon realizes everything he thought about April was wrong. She is not evil. She was oblivious. And after fighting his feelings towards her for a bit, he decides he is going to go for it. It's not everyday a woman like April Sinclair gives you the eyes. But he has been pretty cold towards her. Now though Mal is going to turn on the charm. He is going to woo her so hard she won't know what to do. Because he wants her. Not just her body but HER. He wants to wake up with her and catch her off guard with his words and to treat her like the queen she is. He wants to show her that she is more than the actress that the world knows. She is HIS. He just hopes the love he feels for her is enough.
UGH this book was just PERFECT!!! I had it on my shelf for a while and am SO glad that I picked it up. This book made me feel so many things. I was laughing at all of the scowls that Mal was throwing around. I loved the banter between these two- their foreplay if you will. I loved how caught off guard April was when Mal finally turned on the charm. I loved hearing the reaction of Mal's friends and family at how much he was smiling and how much they were enjoying seeing him more. I loved the found family and growth and happiness these two found together. I also LOVED the accents LOL- can't say that I recommend the audiobook enough!! Definitely go grab this one if you want a small town grump x sunshine with the sunshine being a world famous actress :) Now onto book 2!!
April didn't where else to go which is how she has found herself back in Kinleith. Tail tucked between her legs. One of the world's biggest stars in hiding. She has inherited her grandfather's distillery and doesn't really know what to expect. Which is when she runs into Malcolm Macabe. She always thought he was so cute when they were younger- especially when he blushed. But this Mal seems hostile towards her. What the hell did she do to him? Well apparently a lot has been going on her she didn't know about. Things were mismanaged and miscommunicated. And April was made out to look the bad guy which was a weird way of her grandfather trying to protect her. But April doesn't give up easily, and so she decides to create a partnership of sorts with Mal. He knows ALL the ins and outs of the business. She can't help that he thinks she is the devil. She will just have to make it work. Which is what they do. But the more she is around him the more she realizes that she sweetheart she knew back in the day is still in there. He just has some armor on. So she decides she is going to be the one to take it off. She wants him- she wants to experience all that his energy could bring to her. She also recognizes that what she feels for him is more than just physical. She enjoys his company. She enjoys poking him and getting a reaction. She likes how he makes her feel. And now that they are trying things out together she realizes she could do this forever. She could be treated like this forever. She juts has to figure out how to make that work with her job.
Malcolm has one goal in mind- the distillery. He has been working towards owning it for years and then his boss passed away and left it to his granddaughter, April Sinclair. The woman who couldn't even bother to come help him when he was sick. The woman who left it all up to the men to figure out. But surprisingly she is now here in Kinleith. And GOD is she beautiful. But she is the enemy. And Mal is going to do his best to scare her off. But despite saying some mean things, April seems to dig her heels in. She is going nowhere. In fact she wants to work with him to get the distillery up and running again. She wants to make it successful. Mal soon realizes everything he thought about April was wrong. She is not evil. She was oblivious. And after fighting his feelings towards her for a bit, he decides he is going to go for it. It's not everyday a woman like April Sinclair gives you the eyes. But he has been pretty cold towards her. Now though Mal is going to turn on the charm. He is going to woo her so hard she won't know what to do. Because he wants her. Not just her body but HER. He wants to wake up with her and catch her off guard with his words and to treat her like the queen she is. He wants to show her that she is more than the actress that the world knows. She is HIS. He just hopes the love he feels for her is enough.
UGH this book was just PERFECT!!! I had it on my shelf for a while and am SO glad that I picked it up. This book made me feel so many things. I was laughing at all of the scowls that Mal was throwing around. I loved the banter between these two- their foreplay if you will. I loved how caught off guard April was when Mal finally turned on the charm. I loved hearing the reaction of Mal's friends and family at how much he was smiling and how much they were enjoying seeing him more. I loved the found family and growth and happiness these two found together. I also LOVED the accents LOL- can't say that I recommend the audiobook enough!! Definitely go grab this one if you want a small town grump x sunshine with the sunshine being a world famous actress :) Now onto book 2!!
June 25, 2025
4.5 blushing/grumpy-hero stars
This hero takes mental pictures of times he’s with the heroine 🥹. Can I swoon anymore? 🫠
This book got me in my feels 🥹 and the way Mal was always about April made my heart melt ❤️.
April (30) ,once a celebrated Hollywood actress, has a declining career, so she returns to her childhood home on the Isle of Skye, Scotland because she inherited her family’s whisky distillery, a business rich in heritage but struggling to survive 😬. Upon arrival, April’s surprised to discover that Malcolm/Mal, a gruff yet attractive master distiller, has been managing the distillery 😅. Mal, who cherishes his routines and solitude, is VERY unhappy about April’s return 😬, viewing her as an outsider who abandoned her roots and has no place in the distillery 😅.
In fact, when she tries to change things up to make “more profit,” he gets upset 😬. She’s been gone 🤷♀️ so he’s gonna know more 💁♀️. But April has a hard time telling him that they NEED to do more in order to keep the distillery running 😬.
Tensions rise and as time passes, they discover that they have deeper feelings for each other 👀.
Could a relationship work? 👀 what will their future look like?
What I loved: potential spoilers
—ummm. Mal blushing? 🫠 hello. This man made my heart melt 🥹 he’s so gruff and grumpy yet he disintegrates when things start getting steamy with April 👀 gaaaah
—when they have their first official date, he handpicks flowers for her AND cleans himself up so he’s worthy of her 😭😭😭 gaaahhh this man 🥹🥹🥹
—the 🔥. So. This is a slow burn 😅 and man did it work for me 👏. They were butting heads so much 😅 , but it sure built up the tension 👀. Their first kiss happens at about 48% followed by some 🔥 times with Mal using his mouth (😉) at about 60% and then alllll helllll breaks loose before 70% 🥵
—the acting out sex scene from the movie deserves its own bullet 🥵. Laaawwd… tell me you’re obsessed without telling me you’re obsessed Mal 🫠 he knew all the lines 😮💨 (and him fumbling for the remote? 🫣). This led to their first full 🔥. Gaahhh 💦
—the dirty talk 💦. Okaaaay Mal… you and your bad boy mouth be diiiirtay just for April, and I appreciate it 👏😮💨🔥. That’s why she’s so special ❤️.
—Mal enjoys eating cereal 🥵. So much so that his pants suffered the consequences of that 🤣💦
When he says this while she’s using his face as a chair:
Isn’t he so sweet??? 🥹🫶🔥🔥🔥🔥
—Mal not being a man hooooar/April being more experienced 👏. Sad that I even have to make it a bullet point
—mentally clicking pictures 🥹. Can I just squeeze Mal please!😭 this was soooo cute
—he calls her Princess and Baby (the first time he calls and baby? Uffff 😮💨🔥)
—the mental health aspect 🫶. Humans are not perfect, and I appreciate that everything wasn’t portrayed as rainbows and butterflies. Mal has anxiety, stemming from his cleft palate and other reasons as well (why are people so cruel?!!). I just wanted to hold him ☹️❤️
—character growth 🫶. Both Mal and April had some growing to do, and I LOOOVE that we get to see this, especially because of the slow burn ❤️. They get to know each other before being physical 🔥 which only deepened their connection even more 🥹
—the animals ❤️. Not only do we get two dogs that made me smile, but we also get foxes too!!!
—the banter 🤣. I love it when banter increases the tension, and theirs does 👀
—the epilogues ❤️ ESPECIALLY the bonus chapter one 😭 gaaaahhh!!! It was PERFECT 🥹
What I didn’t like:
—the beginning was slow for me 😅. I found myself rereading because of it 🫣. Luckily the end made up for it
—I wanted more of their future in the epilogue 😭. I love what we got, but come on 😭 give me more 😅🤣
Overall, I loved it ❤️
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating/sharing
-mild owd/omd mostly to cause jealous. The owd was an ow trying to make the h jealous but the H never even dated her/omd is to cause the H jealous
-parent with Alzheimer’s
-death of a sick grandparent aftermath cancer
-mental health/anxiety
-mentions of online bullying/body shaming/gross sexual innuendos
-dirty talking/praise kink
-HEA/epilogue/months later/bonus chapter
This hero takes mental pictures of times he’s with the heroine 🥹. Can I swoon anymore? 🫠
This book got me in my feels 🥹 and the way Mal was always about April made my heart melt ❤️.
“So, aye, princess, I want your body, but that’s only a fraction of what I want from you.”
April (30) ,once a celebrated Hollywood actress, has a declining career, so she returns to her childhood home on the Isle of Skye, Scotland because she inherited her family’s whisky distillery, a business rich in heritage but struggling to survive 😬. Upon arrival, April’s surprised to discover that Malcolm/Mal, a gruff yet attractive master distiller, has been managing the distillery 😅. Mal, who cherishes his routines and solitude, is VERY unhappy about April’s return 😬, viewing her as an outsider who abandoned her roots and has no place in the distillery 😅.
In fact, when she tries to change things up to make “more profit,” he gets upset 😬. She’s been gone 🤷♀️ so he’s gonna know more 💁♀️. But April has a hard time telling him that they NEED to do more in order to keep the distillery running 😬.
Tensions rise and as time passes, they discover that they have deeper feelings for each other 👀.
Could a relationship work? 👀 what will their future look like?
What I loved: potential spoilers
—ummm. Mal blushing? 🫠 hello. This man made my heart melt 🥹 he’s so gruff and grumpy yet he disintegrates when things start getting steamy with April 👀 gaaaah
—when they have their first official date, he handpicks flowers for her AND cleans himself up so he’s worthy of her 😭😭😭 gaaahhh this man 🥹🥹🥹
—the 🔥. So. This is a slow burn 😅 and man did it work for me 👏. They were butting heads so much 😅 , but it sure built up the tension 👀. Their first kiss happens at about 48% followed by some 🔥 times with Mal using his mouth (😉) at about 60% and then alllll helllll breaks loose before 70% 🥵
—the acting out sex scene from the movie deserves its own bullet 🥵. Laaawwd… tell me you’re obsessed without telling me you’re obsessed Mal 🫠 he knew all the lines 😮💨 (and him fumbling for the remote? 🫣). This led to their first full 🔥. Gaahhh 💦
—the dirty talk 💦. Okaaaay Mal… you and your bad boy mouth be diiiirtay just for April, and I appreciate it 👏😮💨🔥. That’s why she’s so special ❤️.
—Mal enjoys eating cereal 🥵. So much so that his pants suffered the consequences of that 🤣💦
When he says this while she’s using his face as a chair:
“Princess, if the last thing I taste in this world is your pretty little pussy, I’ll die a happy man.”
Isn’t he so sweet??? 🥹🫶🔥🔥🔥🔥
—Mal not being a man hooooar/April being more experienced 👏. Sad that I even have to make it a bullet point
—mentally clicking pictures 🥹. Can I just squeeze Mal please!😭 this was soooo cute
—he calls her Princess and Baby (the first time he calls and baby? Uffff 😮💨🔥)
—the mental health aspect 🫶. Humans are not perfect, and I appreciate that everything wasn’t portrayed as rainbows and butterflies. Mal has anxiety, stemming from his cleft palate and other reasons as well (why are people so cruel?!!). I just wanted to hold him ☹️❤️
—character growth 🫶. Both Mal and April had some growing to do, and I LOOOVE that we get to see this, especially because of the slow burn ❤️. They get to know each other before being physical 🔥 which only deepened their connection even more 🥹
—the animals ❤️. Not only do we get two dogs that made me smile, but we also get foxes too!!!
—the banter 🤣. I love it when banter increases the tension, and theirs does 👀
—the epilogues ❤️ ESPECIALLY the bonus chapter one 😭 gaaaahhh!!! It was PERFECT 🥹
What I didn’t like:
—the beginning was slow for me 😅. I found myself rereading because of it 🫣. Luckily the end made up for it
—I wanted more of their future in the epilogue 😭. I love what we got, but come on 😭 give me more 😅🤣
Overall, I loved it ❤️
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating/sharing
-mild owd/omd mostly to cause jealous. The owd was an ow trying to make the h jealous but the H never even dated her/omd is to cause the H jealous
-parent with Alzheimer’s
-death of a sick grandparent aftermath cancer
-mental health/anxiety
-mentions of online bullying/body shaming/gross sexual innuendos
-dirty talking/praise kink
-HEA/epilogue/months later/bonus chapter
Read
May 3, 2025dnf 12% BORINGGGG 😑
November 13, 2024
“Good girl… now swallow.”
Oh gawd damn.... He wasn't even talking about anything dirty, he was talking about drinking whisky. It's always the quiet ones....
I REALLY loved Mal. He was real and his struggles were real and talked about beautifully. I loved how his character was handled.
The only complaint I have is that they started fucking like rabbits after they got together and it was tooooo much 😭
But Mal... the mouth on this man !
“I wanted you to know you’ll always have a place in the world where someone adores you, a place where someone is wondering where you are and if you’re okay.”
May 29, 2023
Loved it
It's always the quiet ones! A little shy and a lot grumbly, this hero steals the show in a big way. He's this reserved, gentle giant who rarely speaks to anyone (other than our heroine), and he's convinced that he doesn't have what it takes to keep a woman happy in the long run. Watching him fall hard and fast for his girl while struggling to accept that he's enough for her was so compelling, and I loved the little bit of enemies-ish tension thrown into the mix. The heroine was also great, as was the setting - it's a small town romance that's set in Scotland, so there are accents and even a sexy kilt scene or two. This slow burn also brings the SIZZLE towards the end, dialing up the intensity for a spicy, intimate love story. I ended up loving the whole thing, and I'm looking forward to reading more from this new-to-me author.
The story follows April, an actress whose career has been moving in the wrong direction. When she's called back to her hometown to take care of the whisky distillery she just inherited, it's a surprisingly welcome break for her. Unfortunately, her new business partner is not overly excited to see her. While Mal may have crushed on April as a teenager, he's disappointed in her recent actions. He's always been quiet and unapproachable, but it was never like this. But as the two work on rebuilding the business together, their tension simmers into an entirely different kind. Mal knows there's no way a woman like April intends to stick around forever, but that doesn't stop his feelings from growing.
I really didn't know what to expect going into this, and that made the reading experience even better. I loved the small town vibes paired with the Scottish feel, I loved the mutual crushes turned into adult tension of a different variety. I loved the sweetheart of a hero and the way his adoration for April was palpable. I also found his insecurities and unique background to be the things that made this a complex, multi-faceted read. There's something so compelling about a hero who not only shows his sweet side, but also acknowledges that he might not be enough... especially when that is clearly not the case. Mal and April have great chemistry in this, and that was proven once they crossed those lines. It was spicier than I expected, and the whole thing was a feel good, (mostly) lighthearted read. A definite win for me.
It's always the quiet ones! A little shy and a lot grumbly, this hero steals the show in a big way. He's this reserved, gentle giant who rarely speaks to anyone (other than our heroine), and he's convinced that he doesn't have what it takes to keep a woman happy in the long run. Watching him fall hard and fast for his girl while struggling to accept that he's enough for her was so compelling, and I loved the little bit of enemies-ish tension thrown into the mix. The heroine was also great, as was the setting - it's a small town romance that's set in Scotland, so there are accents and even a sexy kilt scene or two. This slow burn also brings the SIZZLE towards the end, dialing up the intensity for a spicy, intimate love story. I ended up loving the whole thing, and I'm looking forward to reading more from this new-to-me author.
The story follows April, an actress whose career has been moving in the wrong direction. When she's called back to her hometown to take care of the whisky distillery she just inherited, it's a surprisingly welcome break for her. Unfortunately, her new business partner is not overly excited to see her. While Mal may have crushed on April as a teenager, he's disappointed in her recent actions. He's always been quiet and unapproachable, but it was never like this. But as the two work on rebuilding the business together, their tension simmers into an entirely different kind. Mal knows there's no way a woman like April intends to stick around forever, but that doesn't stop his feelings from growing.
I really didn't know what to expect going into this, and that made the reading experience even better. I loved the small town vibes paired with the Scottish feel, I loved the mutual crushes turned into adult tension of a different variety. I loved the sweetheart of a hero and the way his adoration for April was palpable. I also found his insecurities and unique background to be the things that made this a complex, multi-faceted read. There's something so compelling about a hero who not only shows his sweet side, but also acknowledges that he might not be enough... especially when that is clearly not the case. Mal and April have great chemistry in this, and that was proven once they crossed those lines. It was spicier than I expected, and the whole thing was a feel good, (mostly) lighthearted read. A definite win for me.
June 11, 2023
Sweet but so fucking boring.
September 1, 2024
5 stars for Mal!! Mal might be my favorite male main character that I've read this year. I found his anxiety so relatable, but he was also endearing, grumpy, sweet, and so deserving of the love he found with April. He is so grumpy, shy, and awkward, but he was also painfully sweet and desperate for April. He reminded me of Archer from Archer's Voice.
I loved the setting in Scotland and the Hollywood/Whiskey distillery sub-plot. I can tell this is going to be a series about Mal's brothers, and I'm excited for that.
The smut in this is also HOT.
Thank you Noi for the recommendation!!
I loved the setting in Scotland and the Hollywood/Whiskey distillery sub-plot. I can tell this is going to be a series about Mal's brothers, and I'm excited for that.
The smut in this is also HOT.
Thank you Noi for the recommendation!!
September 18, 2023
I knew this book was for me, MADE FOR ME, when I saw that it was about an actress who returns to her small hometown and falls for the grumpy man living on her property.
Whisky Business was simply so lovely. And I highly recommend everyone to read it if you find those topics and tropes interesting! It's a very easy book to get into, not one boring moment, and you get a fabulous set of characters you will definitely fall in love with. You, like me, will want books for every secondary character NO DOUBT. This is one of the main reasons I love small-town romances like... the community is such a big part of the book just as much as anything else. It's important to fall for the other characters as well as the main characters, if not I feel like it won't work. The appeal of small-town romances doesn't only fall in the protagonists or the love story but the world around them.
The romance itself was so good. Mal is shy, gentle, and easily annoyed by April. I love the very specific trope of "I misjudged her so badly at first and now I have to grovel and apologize because I was obviously in the wrong" and this book has this!!! Also, he hasn't had sex with anyone in about five years or had any meaningful relationships aside from his siblings and he doesn't talk to them much either. He prefers to be sort of reclusive in his cottage and do puzzles, watch movies, and be with his pup Boy. I loved Mal very much!
And then we have April who is coming back home while having a current slump at work. After a series of problems in her career, she decides to take a break at home, at the place she once ran away from. She reunites with old friends and people who she once knew back in the day, and one of them is Mal. They knew each other as kids and kind of had a crush on each other? Maybe hehe. It's very cute to see them bump into each other again and you notice from the get-go how amazing their relationship will be. HE CALLS HER PRINCESS IN A CONDESCENDING WAY AT FIRST BUT THEN HE CALLS HER PRINCESS WITH LOVE AND CARE.
Whisky Business was simply so lovely. And I highly recommend everyone to read it if you find those topics and tropes interesting! It's a very easy book to get into, not one boring moment, and you get a fabulous set of characters you will definitely fall in love with. You, like me, will want books for every secondary character NO DOUBT. This is one of the main reasons I love small-town romances like... the community is such a big part of the book just as much as anything else. It's important to fall for the other characters as well as the main characters, if not I feel like it won't work. The appeal of small-town romances doesn't only fall in the protagonists or the love story but the world around them.
The romance itself was so good. Mal is shy, gentle, and easily annoyed by April. I love the very specific trope of "I misjudged her so badly at first and now I have to grovel and apologize because I was obviously in the wrong" and this book has this!!! Also, he hasn't had sex with anyone in about five years or had any meaningful relationships aside from his siblings and he doesn't talk to them much either. He prefers to be sort of reclusive in his cottage and do puzzles, watch movies, and be with his pup Boy. I loved Mal very much!
And then we have April who is coming back home while having a current slump at work. After a series of problems in her career, she decides to take a break at home, at the place she once ran away from. She reunites with old friends and people who she once knew back in the day, and one of them is Mal. They knew each other as kids and kind of had a crush on each other? Maybe hehe. It's very cute to see them bump into each other again and you notice from the get-go how amazing their relationship will be. HE CALLS HER PRINCESS IN A CONDESCENDING WAY AT FIRST BUT THEN HE CALLS HER PRINCESS WITH LOVE AND CARE.
February 10, 2025
2.5 stars
tropes:
· grumpy reclusive whisky distiller x bubbly sunshiney famous actress
· small town vibe
· (mutual) childhood crush
· close proximity/ neighbor
· adorable pups
· no third act breakup
I had such high expectations for this one, especially since it had some of my favorite tropes and a lot of my mutuals loved it, but unfortunately, it ended up falling flat for me. it started off promising, but the writing style and pacing made it really hard to connect with these characters and to stay intrigued. when I wasn’t confused, I was just plain bored. there were a few (very few) cute moments but that was about it. I don’t think it’s a terrible book, just not the right one for me 😔
tropes:
· grumpy reclusive whisky distiller x bubbly sunshiney famous actress
· small town vibe
· (mutual) childhood crush
· close proximity/ neighbor
· adorable pups
· no third act breakup
I had such high expectations for this one, especially since it had some of my favorite tropes and a lot of my mutuals loved it, but unfortunately, it ended up falling flat for me. it started off promising, but the writing style and pacing made it really hard to connect with these characters and to stay intrigued. when I wasn’t confused, I was just plain bored. there were a few (very few) cute moments but that was about it. I don’t think it’s a terrible book, just not the right one for me 😔
June 8, 2024
3.5-4⭐️
I don't think I vibed with the MMC. He was a little too shy for my liking but I did love the FMC! I knocked off a star and a half because of the MMC and also because I got a little bored with the distillery business side of the book. Otherwise, this was a cute easy read!
I don't think I vibed with the MMC. He was a little too shy for my liking but I did love the FMC! I knocked off a star and a half because of the MMC and also because I got a little bored with the distillery business side of the book. Otherwise, this was a cute easy read!
January 21, 2025
I love books with grumpy, silent MMCs, so this one caught my interest. Overall, I liked it, though it felt a bit boring at times. I also think the transformation in the second part—from a shy hero to a passionate lover with dirty talk—was a bit too abrupt.
Callum intrigued me, I will definitely read his book.
Callum intrigued me, I will definitely read his book.
October 26, 2025
4 stars⭐️: This Scottish romance was a bloody good time. I loved the setting, the family element, the banter and, of course the relationship between Mal and April....definitely continuing the series.
January 21, 2025
So... if you like emasculated MMCs, and MFCs who actually wear the pants in the relationship then this book is definitely for you.
As for me, this is how much I cared for these two (or the side characters for that matter) 😶 💅 Why did I finish it you ask? well because I needed to tick another square in my Bingo Card! Can't have Lori getting ahead of me 😈
Ok back to this written torture, I mean book 😏
🐑 The MMC, Mal, needs constant reassurance, back patting, hand holding, and a Manual guide provided by the much experienced MFC on how to 🪄 his 🍆 into the 🥅... or so to speak.
Example 1️⃣, "I like MY MEN when they're between my legs to get to the point". Obviously this woman is not into foreplay.
Example 2️⃣, "Have you ever tried to dip just the tip?". Well, ofcourse he hasn't because he is almost inexperienced having been with only 3 women, including her.
Example 3️⃣, Mal: "Are you ok? Was it too much? Was I rough?", April: " No, I like it rough!"... see? Constant reassurance.
Excerpt One:
I paid them no mind, dropping my hand to his wrist to
play with the corded leather bracelets he wore. He cupped
my cheek, winding a curl around his finger. "Red hair."
"Lucky me. What else?" I leant closer. I was almost in his
lap by this point, letting his free hand explore my thigh,
fingers flirting under the edge of the short summer dress
I still wore.
His thumb brushed roughly over my lower lip. "Fuck-me
lips like these -are you going to let me fuck your mouth tonight, April?"
🤢🤢😤😤 Nope you didn't guess! THIS 👆 is not Mal, this is a random man at the bar whom April was fooling around because she saw a negative comment about her in social media, eventhough she was very attracted to Mal but she didn't find it disloyal or inappropriate to have a random hookup you know, strong independent woman and all 💪
And the worst thing is, Mal wasn't even upset about this, he was just jealous of how the other guy talked to her. Which brings us to...
Excerpt Two:
"Why were you at the pub?", asks April.
"I... uh... well, you see..." I decided it was better not to lie.
"I wanted to make sure you were all right. I didn't plan on
interfering until-- well, you heard what he said."
"You mean the part where he said he wanted to fuck my
mouth?" Jesus.
My hands gripped the steering wheel as she sputtered. "Did
it ever occur to you that I might enjoy him saying those
things to me?"
"No," I barked, something viscous seeping into my veins
"It didn't.'"
Slow clapping 👏 👏 👏 what a wonderful thing for the MFC to tell the spinless MMC. 🙄🤐😶
Excerpt Three:
Her words sent a flush of heat up my neck and she
hummed at the sight, bringing our foreheads flush.
"Please never stop doing that." My confusion must have
been apparent because she continued, "Blushing... after
every filthy thing that's happened between us." Oh. In-
stinct had me dropping my chin, but she caught my jaw
before I made it very far, looking at me head on. "You're
beautiful."
Ladies and gentleman, He blushes, And he's shy, And he can't look her in the eyes!!!! W T F!!!!!!
Why is the author adamant on reversing gender roles!
And it gets worse!
Everybody has the hots for everybody. Of course, everybody hits on her. Jasmine, whom I have the feeling will be the MFC in Book 3, propositioned herself to Mal, and later on was found openly flirting with Callum, Mal's older brother.
June, was engaged to Alastair, Mal's other brother, YET, she is the MFC in book 2 and her MMC is Callum, Alastair's older brother 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️ This village must be comprised of 10 maybe 15 people seeing as couples keep getting rotated!
This book organically caused me an Ulcer.
📝 ticking another Bingo square
09) "MC owns or works in a distillery, winery, or brewery"
25┃🔴┃87┃13┃68┃40┃🔴┃59┃76┃44
10┃86┃04┃45┃47┃98┃50┃🔴┃85┃75
88┃51┃🔴┃02┃42┃29┃24┃92┃82┃01
100┃🔴┃17┃96┃43┃49┃64┃70┃15┃38
🔴┃31┃62┃🔴┃21┃73┃28┃46┃90┃77
03┃12┃80┃69┃52┃65┃54┃91┃23┃72
18┃95┃22┃🔴┃93┃🔴┃41┃08┃🔴┃58
57┃94┃16┃56┃05┃60┃78┃26┃81┃61
97┃48┃79┃67┃53┃30┃06┃36┃89┃🔴
71┃19┃39┃66┃55┃27┃20┃63┃11┃83
As for me, this is how much I cared for these two (or the side characters for that matter) 😶 💅 Why did I finish it you ask? well because I needed to tick another square in my Bingo Card! Can't have Lori getting ahead of me 😈
Ok back to this written torture, I mean book 😏
🐑 The MMC, Mal, needs constant reassurance, back patting, hand holding, and a Manual guide provided by the much experienced MFC on how to 🪄 his 🍆 into the 🥅... or so to speak.
Example 1️⃣, "I like MY MEN when they're between my legs to get to the point". Obviously this woman is not into foreplay.
Example 2️⃣, "Have you ever tried to dip just the tip?". Well, ofcourse he hasn't because he is almost inexperienced having been with only 3 women, including her.
Example 3️⃣, Mal: "Are you ok? Was it too much? Was I rough?", April: " No, I like it rough!"... see? Constant reassurance.
Excerpt One:
I paid them no mind, dropping my hand to his wrist to
play with the corded leather bracelets he wore. He cupped
my cheek, winding a curl around his finger. "Red hair."
"Lucky me. What else?" I leant closer. I was almost in his
lap by this point, letting his free hand explore my thigh,
fingers flirting under the edge of the short summer dress
I still wore.
His thumb brushed roughly over my lower lip. "Fuck-me
lips like these -are you going to let me fuck your mouth tonight, April?"
🤢🤢😤😤 Nope you didn't guess! THIS 👆 is not Mal, this is a random man at the bar whom April was fooling around because she saw a negative comment about her in social media, eventhough she was very attracted to Mal but she didn't find it disloyal or inappropriate to have a random hookup you know, strong independent woman and all 💪
And the worst thing is, Mal wasn't even upset about this, he was just jealous of how the other guy talked to her. Which brings us to...
Excerpt Two:
"Why were you at the pub?", asks April.
"I... uh... well, you see..." I decided it was better not to lie.
"I wanted to make sure you were all right. I didn't plan on
interfering until-- well, you heard what he said."
"You mean the part where he said he wanted to fuck my
mouth?" Jesus.
My hands gripped the steering wheel as she sputtered. "Did
it ever occur to you that I might enjoy him saying those
things to me?"
"No," I barked, something viscous seeping into my veins
"It didn't.'"
Slow clapping 👏 👏 👏 what a wonderful thing for the MFC to tell the spinless MMC. 🙄🤐😶
Excerpt Three:
Her words sent a flush of heat up my neck and she
hummed at the sight, bringing our foreheads flush.
"Please never stop doing that." My confusion must have
been apparent because she continued, "Blushing... after
every filthy thing that's happened between us." Oh. In-
stinct had me dropping my chin, but she caught my jaw
before I made it very far, looking at me head on. "You're
beautiful."
Ladies and gentleman, He blushes, And he's shy, And he can't look her in the eyes!!!! W T F!!!!!!
Why is the author adamant on reversing gender roles!
And it gets worse!
Everybody has the hots for everybody. Of course, everybody hits on her. Jasmine, whom I have the feeling will be the MFC in Book 3, propositioned herself to Mal, and later on was found openly flirting with Callum, Mal's older brother.
June, was engaged to Alastair, Mal's other brother, YET, she is the MFC in book 2 and her MMC is Callum, Alastair's older brother 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️ This village must be comprised of 10 maybe 15 people seeing as couples keep getting rotated!
This book organically caused me an Ulcer.
📝 ticking another Bingo square
09) "MC owns or works in a distillery, winery, or brewery"
25┃🔴┃87┃13┃68┃40┃🔴┃59┃76┃44
10┃86┃04┃45┃47┃98┃50┃🔴┃85┃75
88┃51┃🔴┃02┃42┃29┃24┃92┃82┃01
100┃🔴┃17┃96┃43┃49┃64┃70┃15┃38
🔴┃31┃62┃🔴┃21┃73┃28┃46┃90┃77
03┃12┃80┃69┃52┃65┃54┃91┃23┃72
18┃95┃22┃🔴┃93┃🔴┃41┃08┃🔴┃58
57┃94┃16┃56┃05┃60┃78┃26┃81┃61
97┃48┃79┃67┃53┃30┃06┃36┃89┃🔴
71┃19┃39┃66┃55┃27┃20┃63┃11┃83
July 6, 2025
📖 buddy read with the lovely cara ೀ.ᐟ⭒ ☁️♡🪐༘⋆
As a Scottish lass, I LOVED this grumpy x sunshine, close proximity small town rom-com which had as much steamy moments as there were sentimental! For fans of Alexandra Kiley, B.K. Borison and Tarah DeWitt. 💐
And how can you resist this cover? It’s gorgeous, got the same level of chemistry as the one within and, more importantly, so aesthetically pleasing! 😍
[ Contains some spoilers ]
PLOT SUMMARY
30-year-old April Murphy (Stage name: April Sinclair) is a world-famous actress whose career has gone from all-time high (like she only needs to get an Oscar) to rock bottom. The passing away of her grandfather Kier instils an urge to return to her hometown Kinleith on the Isle of Skye, and take over her family’s whisky distillery business. Most are delighted at her arrival, except for one: enter 32-year-old grumpy and exceedingly tall Malcolm “Mal” Macabe, who she has known since they were teenagers, and who happens to have worked for Kier for years and lives in the home she inherited.
Mal, not the shy teenager he used to be but still prefers his own company to others, has been incredibly disappointed in April: after all, what devoted granddaughter doesn’t even show up to Kier’s funeral? And now she shows up and thinks she can run the place. But he cannot help but be surprised by her dedication to showing up early at the distillery, keen to work and learn. And her millions of followers on the internet is just the sort of thing that they need to restore the whisky business.
The more time they spend together, the more sparks fly. But Mal blows from hot to cold. April has a terrible secret that could ruin things. And Mal feels unworthy of her: April was the one who got away for Mal all those years ago, will she get away again when a career opportunity knocks?
OVERALL OPINIONS
Ever since this book and its pun of a title caught my eye in the bookshop – and I discovered it was a Scottish romance – I’ve been dying to read it. I mean come onnn, it’s so pretty (yes, I always judge a book by its cover). Glad I’ve got round to it now! Worth the wait. I expected more conflicts and issues and a third-act breakup, so I was very glad none of that happened. Everything tied up beautifully at the end.
Elliot Fletcher’s descriptions of the Isle of Skye were so stunning and amazing for people who haven’t been there – the Scottish atmosphere was accurate! I like that the houses are painted a multitude of colours which makes me believe this is based on Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. She also really captured the essence of a small town by introducing many characters with a variety of quirks and personalities.
The dual POV has been used so effectively here : we first follow April and her encounter with Mal, where he treats April quite coldly and we’re like “whoa, what’s with that guy?”, and then we follow Mal and find out more about April through his perspective. I really liked this gradual reveal about things in this way.
The relationship between April and Mal has to be one of the most healthy dynamics I’ve seen in a while. Their story is such a beautiful aspect. How they meet again is so unexpected it’s hilarious! It’s cute that her contact name on his phone is Princess and his name is Gruffalo on her phone! Not to mention the Twilight book with his name doodled in it by teen April. Aww! And don’t get me started about the way he makes that bench haha. I loved the parallels between them: they both had a crush on each other as teens, have dogs, defend each other during important moments, have insecurities about a facial feature (Mal’s scar from his operation, April’s nose job that was promised to give her more roles), bring out the best in each other. The tension is there, the passion is there and most importantly, the level of maturity is there: they are 30-year-olds and act like it by communicating with each other.
Something I particularly liked here was seeing a male main character physically and emotionally insecure about himself. His cleft palate backstory was a really interesting and rare concept to include that allows us to understand why he was so shy as a child, and it is lovely to see his change since. He is also insecure about his height and build, deeming himself to be large and intimidating. Because everyone else in the family is so successful, he believes he is a failure and also sees himself as not being good enough for April. All of which was explored exceptionally well!
<< Positives >>
🠚 Very atmospheric and accurate descriptions of Scotland. I especially loved the mention of Old Man of Storr, and the reference to Robert Burns (as we should).
🠚 Main female character, despite her fame and likelihood of being selfish, is actually very mature, strong and intelligent.
🠚 The cleft palate and mental health representation through Mal.
🠚 The toxic and horrible side of Hollywood is covered through Aaron’s mistreatment of April. Such a great way of addressing this issue.
🠚 I like the “April, May and June” friendship, it’s cute.
🠚 The variety of positions and dynamics (in terms of who was initiating/dominating) for the spice scenes was incredibly refreshing. April recreating one of her movie scenes while it’s playing in the background was quite a cool idea.
🠚 No third-act breakup.
🠚 Significantly drama-free story.
<< Negatives >>
🠚 I like that the chapters have suggested songs but I got initially confused because I thought it was listing the month April first, then the location or something. Not that the character’s name was April.
🠚 The reveal about Kier not having any intention to sell this distillery to him could have been explored much later on and perhaps had more of a significant impact on the story.
🠚 The story’s pacing really picked up at the end, especially the last few chapters and I think it would have benefited from some fleshing out. An interaction with Sydney, for example, was missing.
🠚 Some interactions felt too forced, one example that really stood out to me was the scene where she freaks out about the movie and wants Mal. Though it’s funny that he is so worried about her that he’s on his way, really now! She could’ve just paused the film until Mal got there.
🠚 The spice was on the verge of being too much spice.
🠚 No real shock factors in here as the story was predictable. Could tell the father had Alzheimer’s; knew Jasmin might become an obstacle.
🠚 The Scottish accent, except from the guy at the start of the book, is actually lacking here which can make you think this could be set anywhere really.
CHARACTERS
-ˋˏ ꒰ April꒱ ˎˊ-
↳ The moment I read “I was the living embodiment of the meme of the guy walking in with pizza to find the entire apartment on fire”, I knew I would like her. April wants to be liked and that people-pleasing attitude resonated with me.
🠚 I expected April to be far more of a brat than she was (someone like Piper in It Only Happened One Summer) – in fact, April is actually very self-aware, wise and mature when it comes to understanding people, especially men, and I loved that. I also loved when she decided to be completely honest with Mal.
🠚 “What the hell just happened?” (very big catchphrase)
-ˋˏ ꒰ Mal꒱ ˎˊ-
↳ Repeat after me: it’s always ALWAYS the quiet ones! “Hold onto the headboard” was very Cassian-coded. No because I love how shy he is – but then his confidence just wow! The idea that he takes a photo in his mind of April is so cute! He is just super cute!
🠚 “I was already cursed to a lifetime of cooking far too much pasta for one person” – okay but SAME! Also, Mal calling his dog Boy reminds me so much of Kratos from God of War.
🠚 I had hysterics every time his siblings appeared and the discovery that they intervened to try and bring the two of them together. Looking forward to the rest of the Macabe brothers romances!
FAV QUOTES
• “Mal isn’t happy to see anyone, you have to worm your way into that man’s life until he doesn’t know how to live without you. Just go and talk to him, knock until he realises you’re not going away.”
• Like any good meddlesome family, as soon as my brother left, my sister appeared. Blonde hair swaying around her chin as she hopped down from her Land Rover. *What did a guy have to do to sulk in peace?* I could already feel a headache coming on.
• Her full pink lips tipped at the corners, revealing a dangerous, beguiling little grin. I filed it away for future examination.
• That voice. When I ignored the words that came with it, that voice did things to me. Delicious things. He should narrate the smutty audiobooks I loved to listen to. It would be like having a sexier James McAvoy whisper in your ear. And James McAvoy was exceedingly hot.
• She always looked this way, like a semi-pulsing live wire lived beneath her skin. Every job I set her she completed with enthusiasm—even the horrible ones. She asked insightful questions and never seemed bored at the technical details that would have others checking out. I couldn’t decide if it was fake, she was an award-winning actress after all. Her excitement always felt a little too much for me to handle because deep down, I craved it. I wanted it to be real.
• she looked at me and beamed. The smile was full and unrestrained. *Click.* It was like the flash of a camera behind my eyelids, my mind immortalising every detail of that moment. I could swear my heart fucking stopped. And when it restarted, that next thump in my chest had her name on it.
• I didn’t know what to make of this Malcolm. How to act. It was like trying to dance to your favourite song and being unable to catch the beat.
• What had started as brief glances was beginning to feel like a game now, both of us watching while the other wasn’t looking. Each time, we tiptoed a little closer to the line. I didn’t know what waited on the other side of it, if anything. And I was desperate to know.
• “I’ve discovered that buying books and reading books are two completely different things.”
• Men often had that way of dismissing me, like I was too stupid, too vapid to bring anything of worth to the table. Reducing me to nothing more than a pretty arm piece. Having Malcolm pull the same tired shit left me seething. I pushed it down and raised my chin, holding my nerve.
• His eyes were storm clouds, boring straight into mine. It was as unnerving as it was electrifying, probably because it didn’t happen often. When he looked at you, he looked. I felt like he could see right beneath my skin, to every insecurity I tried so hard to hide from the world.
• My gaze snagged on the puzzle I’d spent countless hours on the night before. My first emotion when she’d spotted it was acute humiliation. Not many single men in their thirties spent their evenings building puzzles with their dog... And then, with that sunshine way of hers, she’d flipped the feeling on its head and a vision of the two of us on a lazy Sunday came to the forefront. The fireplace crackling, April in my lap, dressed in nothing but one of my T-shirts as we slotted puzzle pieces into place.
• “Women aren’t as complicated as men like to make out. We don’t need you to walk across hot coals when all we’re looking for is a sincere apology. That’s always the part that gets missed out.”
• Not even thirty seconds later my phone pinged and my heart leapt with it. Over the past few days I’d begun to associate the sound with April. Every time, my heart reacted the same.
• My eyes fell shut and my head rolled back, landing snuggly between the muscles of his chest. We fit. We fit just right.
• That hand slid to my jaw, thumb landing at the corner of my lips as he titled my head back to look at him. His eyes bore into mine and my next breath went absolutely nowhere. He’d never looked at me like that before. So fully, like he wanted me to know I had all of his attention.
• That was one of my favourite things about him. He didn’t talk to *talk*, didn’t say the first thing that came to mind like most men I knew. If you asked him a question, he thought it through, gave it the time it deserved. You might not like the answer you received, but you’d know it was the truth.
• She was more beautiful than every star in the sky.
• His shirtsleeves were rolled up to his elbows and I studied the flex of muscle and thick veins. What was it about forearms that made them the epitome of the female gaze?
• She tasted of everything good, whisky and sunshine and Christmas morning. It was a kiss that fogged windscreens, the sticky heat penetrating the thick stone walls, driving us higher.
• This man. This sexy, shy, dichotomy of a man. How I wanted him.
• “How does he look at me?” | “Like… you’re a revelation.”
• “There wasn’t a day or a moment when you finally worked your way beneath my skin, you were already there… every time I saw you, you buried yourself a little deeper. You were inevitable, princess. Holding back my feelings was like trying to hold back the tide.”
• a tear rolled down my cheek and fell to the ground, like a wish to the land that I might somehow get to keep her.
• The truth will set you free. In this instance, the truth felt more like a hidden knife.
• “You *need* to leave and I won’t ever try to hold you back. But how about this… when you go, what if I just keep on loving you. For the rest of my life. Would that be okay?” I had no words. His declaration had carved its way inside my chest and stolen everything I’d been dying to tell him all these weeks.
As a Scottish lass, I LOVED this grumpy x sunshine, close proximity small town rom-com which had as much steamy moments as there were sentimental! For fans of Alexandra Kiley, B.K. Borison and Tarah DeWitt. 💐
And how can you resist this cover? It’s gorgeous, got the same level of chemistry as the one within and, more importantly, so aesthetically pleasing! 😍
“I want someone to keep me warm… I want… I want to be important to someone.” Her voice broke in the middle. “I want someone to text me every day and ask me what I want for dinner so I can reply ‘no idea.’ I want someone to wonder where I am… I want someone to see me.”
I’d hurt her. I saw that fully now. My cold shoulder and accusations… throwing out mixed signals in an effort to protect myself. Failing to see that she needed protecting too… All of these weeks, I’d seen myself as a blip on her radar. A single star in an endless sky. A glare on the windscreen you put on sunglasses to block out. When to me… she was becoming the whole sun.
[ Contains some spoilers ]
PLOT SUMMARY
30-year-old April Murphy (Stage name: April Sinclair) is a world-famous actress whose career has gone from all-time high (like she only needs to get an Oscar) to rock bottom. The passing away of her grandfather Kier instils an urge to return to her hometown Kinleith on the Isle of Skye, and take over her family’s whisky distillery business. Most are delighted at her arrival, except for one: enter 32-year-old grumpy and exceedingly tall Malcolm “Mal” Macabe, who she has known since they were teenagers, and who happens to have worked for Kier for years and lives in the home she inherited.
Mal, not the shy teenager he used to be but still prefers his own company to others, has been incredibly disappointed in April: after all, what devoted granddaughter doesn’t even show up to Kier’s funeral? And now she shows up and thinks she can run the place. But he cannot help but be surprised by her dedication to showing up early at the distillery, keen to work and learn. And her millions of followers on the internet is just the sort of thing that they need to restore the whisky business.
The more time they spend together, the more sparks fly. But Mal blows from hot to cold. April has a terrible secret that could ruin things. And Mal feels unworthy of her: April was the one who got away for Mal all those years ago, will she get away again when a career opportunity knocks?
Instinct flared, that one that told me April wasn’t quite as content as she wanted the world to believe. Perhaps she wasn’t as adept at hiding it as she thought she was. Perhaps I noticed because it was the same look reflected back at me in the mirror every morning. Or perhaps I noticed because, deny it as I might, I noticed every little thing about her.This is told from the first-person past-tense POV of April and Mal.
OVERALL OPINIONS
Ever since this book and its pun of a title caught my eye in the bookshop – and I discovered it was a Scottish romance – I’ve been dying to read it. I mean come onnn, it’s so pretty (yes, I always judge a book by its cover). Glad I’ve got round to it now! Worth the wait. I expected more conflicts and issues and a third-act breakup, so I was very glad none of that happened. Everything tied up beautifully at the end.
Elliot Fletcher’s descriptions of the Isle of Skye were so stunning and amazing for people who haven’t been there – the Scottish atmosphere was accurate! I like that the houses are painted a multitude of colours which makes me believe this is based on Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. She also really captured the essence of a small town by introducing many characters with a variety of quirks and personalities.
The dual POV has been used so effectively here : we first follow April and her encounter with Mal, where he treats April quite coldly and we’re like “whoa, what’s with that guy?”, and then we follow Mal and find out more about April through his perspective. I really liked this gradual reveal about things in this way.
The relationship between April and Mal has to be one of the most healthy dynamics I’ve seen in a while. Their story is such a beautiful aspect. How they meet again is so unexpected it’s hilarious! It’s cute that her contact name on his phone is Princess and his name is Gruffalo on her phone! Not to mention the Twilight book with his name doodled in it by teen April. Aww! And don’t get me started about the way he makes that bench haha. I loved the parallels between them: they both had a crush on each other as teens, have dogs, defend each other during important moments, have insecurities about a facial feature (Mal’s scar from his operation, April’s nose job that was promised to give her more roles), bring out the best in each other. The tension is there, the passion is there and most importantly, the level of maturity is there: they are 30-year-olds and act like it by communicating with each other.
As humans, we demanded a beginning and end to make sense of the world around us. But for this, there would be an after, but no end. My love for her was as boundless as the mountain we lay upon. When she left me, my love would remain, burning just as fiercely as it did now.
My final thought before sleep found me—April’s hair still tickling my nose—was an old Burns poem we’d recited at school,
Till a’ the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi’ the sun;
I will love thee still, my dear,
While the sands o’ life shall run.
Something I particularly liked here was seeing a male main character physically and emotionally insecure about himself. His cleft palate backstory was a really interesting and rare concept to include that allows us to understand why he was so shy as a child, and it is lovely to see his change since. He is also insecure about his height and build, deeming himself to be large and intimidating. Because everyone else in the family is so successful, he believes he is a failure and also sees himself as not being good enough for April. All of which was explored exceptionally well!
<< Positives >>
🠚 Very atmospheric and accurate descriptions of Scotland. I especially loved the mention of Old Man of Storr, and the reference to Robert Burns (as we should).
🠚 Main female character, despite her fame and likelihood of being selfish, is actually very mature, strong and intelligent.
🠚 The cleft palate and mental health representation through Mal.
🠚 The toxic and horrible side of Hollywood is covered through Aaron’s mistreatment of April. Such a great way of addressing this issue.
🠚 I like the “April, May and June” friendship, it’s cute.
🠚 The variety of positions and dynamics (in terms of who was initiating/dominating) for the spice scenes was incredibly refreshing. April recreating one of her movie scenes while it’s playing in the background was quite a cool idea.
🠚 No third-act breakup.
🠚 Significantly drama-free story.
<< Negatives >>
🠚 I like that the chapters have suggested songs but I got initially confused because I thought it was listing the month April first, then the location or something. Not that the character’s name was April.
🠚 The reveal about Kier not having any intention to sell this distillery to him could have been explored much later on and perhaps had more of a significant impact on the story.
🠚 The story’s pacing really picked up at the end, especially the last few chapters and I think it would have benefited from some fleshing out. An interaction with Sydney, for example, was missing.
🠚 Some interactions felt too forced, one example that really stood out to me was the scene where she freaks out about the movie and wants Mal. Though it’s funny that he is so worried about her that he’s on his way, really now! She could’ve just paused the film until Mal got there.
🠚 The spice was on the verge of being too much spice.
🠚 No real shock factors in here as the story was predictable. Could tell the father had Alzheimer’s; knew Jasmin might become an obstacle.
🠚 The Scottish accent, except from the guy at the start of the book, is actually lacking here which can make you think this could be set anywhere really.
CHARACTERS
-ˋˏ ꒰ April꒱ ˎˊ-
↳ The moment I read “I was the living embodiment of the meme of the guy walking in with pizza to find the entire apartment on fire”, I knew I would like her. April wants to be liked and that people-pleasing attitude resonated with me.
🠚 I expected April to be far more of a brat than she was (someone like Piper in It Only Happened One Summer) – in fact, April is actually very self-aware, wise and mature when it comes to understanding people, especially men, and I loved that. I also loved when she decided to be completely honest with Mal.
🠚 “What the hell just happened?” (very big catchphrase)
-ˋˏ ꒰ Mal꒱ ˎˊ-
↳ Repeat after me: it’s always ALWAYS the quiet ones! “Hold onto the headboard” was very Cassian-coded. No because I love how shy he is – but then his confidence just wow! The idea that he takes a photo in his mind of April is so cute! He is just super cute!
🠚 “I was already cursed to a lifetime of cooking far too much pasta for one person” – okay but SAME! Also, Mal calling his dog Boy reminds me so much of Kratos from God of War.
🠚 I had hysterics every time his siblings appeared and the discovery that they intervened to try and bring the two of them together. Looking forward to the rest of the Macabe brothers romances!
FAV QUOTES
• “Mal isn’t happy to see anyone, you have to worm your way into that man’s life until he doesn’t know how to live without you. Just go and talk to him, knock until he realises you’re not going away.”
• Like any good meddlesome family, as soon as my brother left, my sister appeared. Blonde hair swaying around her chin as she hopped down from her Land Rover. *What did a guy have to do to sulk in peace?* I could already feel a headache coming on.
• Her full pink lips tipped at the corners, revealing a dangerous, beguiling little grin. I filed it away for future examination.
• That voice. When I ignored the words that came with it, that voice did things to me. Delicious things. He should narrate the smutty audiobooks I loved to listen to. It would be like having a sexier James McAvoy whisper in your ear. And James McAvoy was exceedingly hot.
• She always looked this way, like a semi-pulsing live wire lived beneath her skin. Every job I set her she completed with enthusiasm—even the horrible ones. She asked insightful questions and never seemed bored at the technical details that would have others checking out. I couldn’t decide if it was fake, she was an award-winning actress after all. Her excitement always felt a little too much for me to handle because deep down, I craved it. I wanted it to be real.
• she looked at me and beamed. The smile was full and unrestrained. *Click.* It was like the flash of a camera behind my eyelids, my mind immortalising every detail of that moment. I could swear my heart fucking stopped. And when it restarted, that next thump in my chest had her name on it.
• I didn’t know what to make of this Malcolm. How to act. It was like trying to dance to your favourite song and being unable to catch the beat.
• What had started as brief glances was beginning to feel like a game now, both of us watching while the other wasn’t looking. Each time, we tiptoed a little closer to the line. I didn’t know what waited on the other side of it, if anything. And I was desperate to know.
• “I’ve discovered that buying books and reading books are two completely different things.”
• Men often had that way of dismissing me, like I was too stupid, too vapid to bring anything of worth to the table. Reducing me to nothing more than a pretty arm piece. Having Malcolm pull the same tired shit left me seething. I pushed it down and raised my chin, holding my nerve.
• His eyes were storm clouds, boring straight into mine. It was as unnerving as it was electrifying, probably because it didn’t happen often. When he looked at you, he looked. I felt like he could see right beneath my skin, to every insecurity I tried so hard to hide from the world.
• My gaze snagged on the puzzle I’d spent countless hours on the night before. My first emotion when she’d spotted it was acute humiliation. Not many single men in their thirties spent their evenings building puzzles with their dog... And then, with that sunshine way of hers, she’d flipped the feeling on its head and a vision of the two of us on a lazy Sunday came to the forefront. The fireplace crackling, April in my lap, dressed in nothing but one of my T-shirts as we slotted puzzle pieces into place.
• “Women aren’t as complicated as men like to make out. We don’t need you to walk across hot coals when all we’re looking for is a sincere apology. That’s always the part that gets missed out.”
• Not even thirty seconds later my phone pinged and my heart leapt with it. Over the past few days I’d begun to associate the sound with April. Every time, my heart reacted the same.
• My eyes fell shut and my head rolled back, landing snuggly between the muscles of his chest. We fit. We fit just right.
• That hand slid to my jaw, thumb landing at the corner of my lips as he titled my head back to look at him. His eyes bore into mine and my next breath went absolutely nowhere. He’d never looked at me like that before. So fully, like he wanted me to know I had all of his attention.
• That was one of my favourite things about him. He didn’t talk to *talk*, didn’t say the first thing that came to mind like most men I knew. If you asked him a question, he thought it through, gave it the time it deserved. You might not like the answer you received, but you’d know it was the truth.
• She was more beautiful than every star in the sky.
• His shirtsleeves were rolled up to his elbows and I studied the flex of muscle and thick veins. What was it about forearms that made them the epitome of the female gaze?
• She tasted of everything good, whisky and sunshine and Christmas morning. It was a kiss that fogged windscreens, the sticky heat penetrating the thick stone walls, driving us higher.
• This man. This sexy, shy, dichotomy of a man. How I wanted him.
• “How does he look at me?” | “Like… you’re a revelation.”
• “There wasn’t a day or a moment when you finally worked your way beneath my skin, you were already there… every time I saw you, you buried yourself a little deeper. You were inevitable, princess. Holding back my feelings was like trying to hold back the tide.”
• a tear rolled down my cheek and fell to the ground, like a wish to the land that I might somehow get to keep her.
• The truth will set you free. In this instance, the truth felt more like a hidden knife.
• “You *need* to leave and I won’t ever try to hold you back. But how about this… when you go, what if I just keep on loving you. For the rest of my life. Would that be okay?” I had no words. His declaration had carved its way inside my chest and stolen everything I’d been dying to tell him all these weeks.
October 26, 2025
4.75 ⭐️
oh how i loved this!!!!!! i adored april and mal together. i didn't know what to expect when i opened this; id owned a copy for months and loved the cover so so much. it exceeded my expectations!!!
i love a scottish gentle grumpy giant! mal was so perfect and obsessed with april (the only way a man should be!) i loved his story and his past. i thought his anxiety was well represented. grumpy but also somehow the sweetest cinnamon roll ever 😭 and hello A KILT YES!!!!!! YES YES YES. and the mouth on this man???? hello yes.
april was such a wonderful fmc. she was strong & resilient. as an actress, she went through a lot in regard to body image, but i loved the positivity she exemplified.
there was no third act breakup and both characters learned to communicate healthily with each other! even with no third act breakup, the pacing was still on point and there was never a lull. i started this on audio, then needed to read it physically because i couldn't be apart from them yet. this goes to my list of one of my favorites.
the only reason this isn't a five 5 star read is because i wish april's character had a bitt more expansion. i loved it but it just didn't give a five star read feeling yknow???? but it was still everything i want in a romance novel 🥹🥹
oh how i loved this!!!!!! i adored april and mal together. i didn't know what to expect when i opened this; id owned a copy for months and loved the cover so so much. it exceeded my expectations!!!
i love a scottish gentle grumpy giant! mal was so perfect and obsessed with april (the only way a man should be!) i loved his story and his past. i thought his anxiety was well represented. grumpy but also somehow the sweetest cinnamon roll ever 😭 and hello A KILT YES!!!!!! YES YES YES. and the mouth on this man???? hello yes.
april was such a wonderful fmc. she was strong & resilient. as an actress, she went through a lot in regard to body image, but i loved the positivity she exemplified.
there was no third act breakup and both characters learned to communicate healthily with each other! even with no third act breakup, the pacing was still on point and there was never a lull. i started this on audio, then needed to read it physically because i couldn't be apart from them yet. this goes to my list of one of my favorites.
the only reason this isn't a five 5 star read is because i wish april's character had a bitt more expansion. i loved it but it just didn't give a five star read feeling yknow???? but it was still everything i want in a romance novel 🥹🥹
June 3, 2023
I adored this book. I loved both the hero and heroine a lot and the setting. This was such a fun story.
However, the author has quite a few editing issues and there's some sloppiness to her writing. This is set in Scotland but it feels like it was written by an American not familiar with much of Scottish language or culture. Ok. According to her author bio, it says she's British. But seriously... it doesn't make sense for the way this book is written... perhaps I'm wrong and this is how folks talk there too? It just feels like it was written by an American trying to be authentic but failing.
For instance, there is drinking of lemonade and eating of s'mores. These seem very American. But perhaps I'm wrong! The language the characters used was inconsistent. Lots of wee and tae (instead of to) and then it went to straight unaccented English.
It's a fun story if you don't let those inconsistencies get in your way.
Also, the constant self-doubt from the hero is a bit exhausting but we do get to hear of him getting some therapy in the epilogue.
However, the author has quite a few editing issues and there's some sloppiness to her writing. This is set in Scotland but it feels like it was written by an American not familiar with much of Scottish language or culture. Ok. According to her author bio, it says she's British. But seriously... it doesn't make sense for the way this book is written... perhaps I'm wrong and this is how folks talk there too? It just feels like it was written by an American trying to be authentic but failing.
For instance, there is drinking of lemonade and eating of s'mores. These seem very American. But perhaps I'm wrong! The language the characters used was inconsistent. Lots of wee and tae (instead of to) and then it went to straight unaccented English.
It's a fun story if you don't let those inconsistencies get in your way.
Also, the constant self-doubt from the hero is a bit exhausting but we do get to hear of him getting some therapy in the epilogue.
March 27, 2024
➸ 3.75 stars
“As humans, we demanded a beginning and end to make sense of the world around us. But for this, there would be an after, but no end. My love for her was as boundless as the mountain we lay upon. When she left me, my love would remain, burning just as fiercely as it did now.”
Tropes:
↬ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Praise Kink, Dirty Talk, Grump in the Streets/Freak in the Sheets)
↬ Contemporary Romance
↬ Dual POV; First Person
↬ Small Town
↬ Grumpy/Sunshine
↬ “Saving the Business” Trope
↬ Forced Proximity
↬ Slow Burn
↬ Anxiety and Cleft Palate Rep
Ratings:
↬ Characters: 4.5/5
↬ Romance: 5/5
↬ Plot: 5/5
↬ Structure 3.5/5
↬ World-Building: 3.5/5
↬ Writing: 3.5/5
↬ Uniqueness/Creativity: 3.5/5
↬ Overall Enjoyment: 3.75/5
↬ Read: on Kindle
_________ ׂׂૢ་༘࿐
This was really cute! I’ve been really excited to pick up Whisky Business for awhile. I remember seeing this advertised a lot over on Instagram by the author, and it seemed to have pretty good reviews by arc readers. I’ve finally got around to reading it, and I’m so glad I did! The small town vibes of this were great, and the reoccurring side characters were also fun!
I really enjoyed both of the main characters. April, our heroine is an actress with a current dip in her career, and decides to come back to her hometown after he grandfather passes. I really liked seeing her become reacquainted with her home town, and fall back in love with it. I also enjoyed seeing her fall in love with her grandfather’s business, the whisky distillery. Her flirty personality was also so fun, I feel like you don’t see that type of heroine a lot!
I enjoyed Malcolm, our hero the most though. He’s very shy and has crippling anxiety and I thought the depiction was really well done. He’s definitely seen as a grump/very unapproachable by the people in town, but he’s really just too anxious to talk to people. His overthinking, and constant self-doubt was very relatable, and I enjoyed the author also showing his childhood trauma/why he had anxiety. He also had a cleft palate, which I’ve never read about in a book, and I’m so glad authors are adding more representation in their books. In terms of personality, I loved Mal’s. He was so sweet behind his hardened exterior, and I thought all the thoughtful things he did for April were just adorable.
The romance between April and Malcolm was so sweet. I really loved how they shared their love of books and movies, and I adored the scenes where they were working together to help save the whisky distillery. They had so much chemistry, and I was rooting for them for the entire book. Them having crushes on each other as teenagers just added the cherry on top for me, especially because Mal thought there was no possible way April could be into him. I also loved the confession scene where he tries to make her a bench and just utterly fails lol.
This is like the perfect “cutesie palate cleanser” type of romance. It’s not too heavy, it’s very fluffy, and it has both a lovable plot and characters to suck you in. I’m really excited to see what this author puts out next, this was a great, fun time!
* * *
Ugh this cover is to die for!!!
“As humans, we demanded a beginning and end to make sense of the world around us. But for this, there would be an after, but no end. My love for her was as boundless as the mountain we lay upon. When she left me, my love would remain, burning just as fiercely as it did now.”
Tropes:
↬ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Praise Kink, Dirty Talk, Grump in the Streets/Freak in the Sheets)
↬ Contemporary Romance
↬ Dual POV; First Person
↬ Small Town
↬ Grumpy/Sunshine
↬ “Saving the Business” Trope
↬ Forced Proximity
↬ Slow Burn
↬ Anxiety and Cleft Palate Rep
Ratings:
↬ Characters: 4.5/5
↬ Romance: 5/5
↬ Plot: 5/5
↬ Structure 3.5/5
↬ World-Building: 3.5/5
↬ Writing: 3.5/5
↬ Uniqueness/Creativity: 3.5/5
↬ Overall Enjoyment: 3.75/5
↬ Read: on Kindle
_________ ׂׂૢ་༘࿐
This was really cute! I’ve been really excited to pick up Whisky Business for awhile. I remember seeing this advertised a lot over on Instagram by the author, and it seemed to have pretty good reviews by arc readers. I’ve finally got around to reading it, and I’m so glad I did! The small town vibes of this were great, and the reoccurring side characters were also fun!
I really enjoyed both of the main characters. April, our heroine is an actress with a current dip in her career, and decides to come back to her hometown after he grandfather passes. I really liked seeing her become reacquainted with her home town, and fall back in love with it. I also enjoyed seeing her fall in love with her grandfather’s business, the whisky distillery. Her flirty personality was also so fun, I feel like you don’t see that type of heroine a lot!
I enjoyed Malcolm, our hero the most though. He’s very shy and has crippling anxiety and I thought the depiction was really well done. He’s definitely seen as a grump/very unapproachable by the people in town, but he’s really just too anxious to talk to people. His overthinking, and constant self-doubt was very relatable, and I enjoyed the author also showing his childhood trauma/why he had anxiety. He also had a cleft palate, which I’ve never read about in a book, and I’m so glad authors are adding more representation in their books. In terms of personality, I loved Mal’s. He was so sweet behind his hardened exterior, and I thought all the thoughtful things he did for April were just adorable.
The romance between April and Malcolm was so sweet. I really loved how they shared their love of books and movies, and I adored the scenes where they were working together to help save the whisky distillery. They had so much chemistry, and I was rooting for them for the entire book. Them having crushes on each other as teenagers just added the cherry on top for me, especially because Mal thought there was no possible way April could be into him. I also loved the confession scene where he tries to make her a bench and just utterly fails lol.
This is like the perfect “cutesie palate cleanser” type of romance. It’s not too heavy, it’s very fluffy, and it has both a lovable plot and characters to suck you in. I’m really excited to see what this author puts out next, this was a great, fun time!
* * *
Ugh this cover is to die for!!!
July 29, 2025
dnf 50%
I'm sorry, but I couldn't take it anymore, EVERY SINGLE INTERACTION ICKED ME, mmc icked me, fmc icked me, was curious abt side characters, but main ones had such strong off vibes, couldn't stand them together
I'm sorry, but I couldn't take it anymore, EVERY SINGLE INTERACTION ICKED ME, mmc icked me, fmc icked me, was curious abt side characters, but main ones had such strong off vibes, couldn't stand them together
June 14, 2025
Absolutely adorable grump and sunshine story!
And as an added bonus there were dogs!
I am sold.
And as an added bonus there were dogs!
I am sold.
November 9, 2024
something about romances that take place in Scotland have my entire heart😭🩷.
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March 26, 2024
4.75 ⭐️ Screaming, crying and all around devastatingly in love with this book.
I had already read this book before - this is a reread for me, and the fact that I still loved it as much as I did the first time says so much about this book. Most importantly, this edition was given to me as an eARC through NetGalley (thank you so much!) and it has an extra special epilogue chapter at the end, and -omg- I could cry. It's so beautiful.
Both MCs in this book are so different from one another, and in my opinion, neither are particularly likeable. April is an actress trying to cling to what feels like her already fleeting career due to issues she can't help but silently blame herself for, and Malcolm is a gruff, quiet, gentle giant with heaps of social anxiety stemming from a difficult childhood in and out of hospitals. The chances of such different people having this kind of intense chemistry together feels impossible, but it's so, so incredibly beautiful to witness.
So... yeah. I did enjoy this book immensely. This entire story feels like an odd, contemporary fairytale. Mal is this mix of Eeyore and Winnie the Pooh all rolled in one -aka just an anxious teddy bear deserving of all kinds of love and attention!- and I can't get enough. This book is by no means perfect, and there are a couple of times where the characters make... let's just call them questionable choices (imo), but there's one thing that makes this book superior to most other romances out there.
THERE IS NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP.
Listen, there's nothing that turns me off a romance faster than an unnecessary, drawn-out breakup. And to be honest, if it would have happened here, I wouldn't even have called it unnecessary. There were so many ways this could have gone wrong, or at least many other outcomes where the MCs chose to put themselves as individuals above one another and their relationship. I truly think that it's one of my favourite things in the entire book. Even though they are scared for themselves, and their feelings, they still put the other and the chance of a future together first. I loved the friends and family aspect too, and I cannot wait to see future books about Juniper, Heather, Callum... There were so many hints to possible future books, and I want them all!! And if one of them is not Callum x Juniper I'm going to be so heartbroken (it might not be for everyone, but I so sincerely do not care about Alastair... he can get his own book too, just not with Juni!)
Thank you so much RL for the rec! She was the first that put me on to this story, and even the second time around, I love this book so much. Even if it's not perfect, this could definitely be used as a yardstick to measure all other romcoms I read in the future.
🌶🌶🌶- This is a spicy book, and although I don't think it's too over-the-top, it does have a generous handful of s*x scenes. Mal is HOT -yes, I say that with all caps. The fact that he's always so anxious when he speaks, but finds the words to 'spicy talk' with April... I have no words. I just loved it all!
I had already read this book before - this is a reread for me, and the fact that I still loved it as much as I did the first time says so much about this book. Most importantly, this edition was given to me as an eARC through NetGalley (thank you so much!) and it has an extra special epilogue chapter at the end, and -omg- I could cry. It's so beautiful.
Both MCs in this book are so different from one another, and in my opinion, neither are particularly likeable. April is an actress trying to cling to what feels like her already fleeting career due to issues she can't help but silently blame herself for, and Malcolm is a gruff, quiet, gentle giant with heaps of social anxiety stemming from a difficult childhood in and out of hospitals. The chances of such different people having this kind of intense chemistry together feels impossible, but it's so, so incredibly beautiful to witness.
So... yeah. I did enjoy this book immensely. This entire story feels like an odd, contemporary fairytale. Mal is this mix of Eeyore and Winnie the Pooh all rolled in one -aka just an anxious teddy bear deserving of all kinds of love and attention!- and I can't get enough. This book is by no means perfect, and there are a couple of times where the characters make... let's just call them questionable choices (imo), but there's one thing that makes this book superior to most other romances out there.
THERE IS NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP.
Listen, there's nothing that turns me off a romance faster than an unnecessary, drawn-out breakup. And to be honest, if it would have happened here, I wouldn't even have called it unnecessary. There were so many ways this could have gone wrong, or at least many other outcomes where the MCs chose to put themselves as individuals above one another and their relationship. I truly think that it's one of my favourite things in the entire book. Even though they are scared for themselves, and their feelings, they still put the other and the chance of a future together first. I loved the friends and family aspect too, and I cannot wait to see future books about Juniper, Heather, Callum... There were so many hints to possible future books, and I want them all!! And if one of them is not Callum x Juniper I'm going to be so heartbroken (it might not be for everyone, but I so sincerely do not care about Alastair... he can get his own book too, just not with Juni!)
Thank you so much RL for the rec! She was the first that put me on to this story, and even the second time around, I love this book so much. Even if it's not perfect, this could definitely be used as a yardstick to measure all other romcoms I read in the future.
🌶🌶🌶- This is a spicy book, and although I don't think it's too over-the-top, it does have a generous handful of s*x scenes. Mal is HOT -yes, I say that with all caps. The fact that he's always so anxious when he speaks, but finds the words to 'spicy talk' with April... I have no words. I just loved it all!
September 5, 2023
i put off this book for months just to end up loving it so much 🤭 it made me cry. a good cry
i started this and didn’t think i was going to like it. it starts off with April & Malcolm in a bit of a tift, well more so just on Mal’s part. i don’t like when books are solely based off of a misunderstanding between adults like you’re in your 30s?? communicate maybe?
that aside .. i absolutely LOVED this!!
no third act breakup
inexperienced H/experienced h 😮💨
childhood crushes
actress h/blue collar H
dirty talking H 🥵
BLUSHING H (idk why i love this 🤭)
this book follows Mal and April. her childhood best friends older brother. unbeknownst to the other they had crushed on each other as teens. besides being her friends brother, Mal also worked for her recently deceased grandfather’s distillery. April left home to become an award winning movie star until her career hit the brakes and her grandfather passed away suddenly.
Mal does not like that April is home and is under the impression she’s trying to take the distillery out from under him and sell it for profit. Mal also thinks she put her career above her dying grandfather and resents her for it, but April didn’t know he was even sick.
April on the other hand doesn’t know why Mal dislikes her so much and is truly trying to save the distillery from a mess of debt her grandfather left behind. they eventually come to terms and work along side one another and eventually can’t deny their feelings anymore. i’d say this is a slow burn, there’s push & pull from both Mal & April at times so nothing officially happens until around 70%.
Mal pushes April away after their first kiss. he can’t come to terms that she would actually want him and tells her he doesn’t want her anymore. now this would have pissed me off if April would’ve gone home and wallowed (and we didn’t know Mal was just scared) but she goes out to a bar and flirts with a guy. Mal shows up and the jealousy scene 🙌🏼🙌🏼 i love it
April then pushes Mal away and asks for time. he makes it known that she can take all of the time she needs but it doesn’t mean he’s going to just disappear. they FINALLY!! figure out their issues and have a fairly easy going relationship as they learn how to communicate with each other.
i loved Malcolm so much 🥹🥹 my sweet baby deserves the world!! April was a good fmc. she was so patient and understanding with Mal’s anxiety and i loved her for it.
safety into 🤗
Mal has been celibate for 5/6 YEARS. only with 2 ow before April. never any relationship, just to “scratch the itch” neither compared to what he had with April.
doesn’t say how long it’s been for April. i’d like to say around a year or more? it’s implied she hasn’t been with anyone since her last long term relationship ended and the drama causing her career to nosedive started which had been going on for a while i think.
i started this and didn’t think i was going to like it. it starts off with April & Malcolm in a bit of a tift, well more so just on Mal’s part. i don’t like when books are solely based off of a misunderstanding between adults like you’re in your 30s?? communicate maybe?
that aside .. i absolutely LOVED this!!
no third act breakup
inexperienced H/experienced h 😮💨
childhood crushes
actress h/blue collar H
dirty talking H 🥵
BLUSHING H (idk why i love this 🤭)
this book follows Mal and April. her childhood best friends older brother. unbeknownst to the other they had crushed on each other as teens. besides being her friends brother, Mal also worked for her recently deceased grandfather’s distillery. April left home to become an award winning movie star until her career hit the brakes and her grandfather passed away suddenly.
Mal does not like that April is home and is under the impression she’s trying to take the distillery out from under him and sell it for profit. Mal also thinks she put her career above her dying grandfather and resents her for it, but April didn’t know he was even sick.
April on the other hand doesn’t know why Mal dislikes her so much and is truly trying to save the distillery from a mess of debt her grandfather left behind. they eventually come to terms and work along side one another and eventually can’t deny their feelings anymore. i’d say this is a slow burn, there’s push & pull from both Mal & April at times so nothing officially happens until around 70%.
Mal pushes April away after their first kiss. he can’t come to terms that she would actually want him and tells her he doesn’t want her anymore. now this would have pissed me off if April would’ve gone home and wallowed (and we didn’t know Mal was just scared) but she goes out to a bar and flirts with a guy. Mal shows up and the jealousy scene 🙌🏼🙌🏼 i love it
April then pushes Mal away and asks for time. he makes it known that she can take all of the time she needs but it doesn’t mean he’s going to just disappear. they FINALLY!! figure out their issues and have a fairly easy going relationship as they learn how to communicate with each other.
i loved Malcolm so much 🥹🥹 my sweet baby deserves the world!! April was a good fmc. she was so patient and understanding with Mal’s anxiety and i loved her for it.
safety into 🤗
Mal has been celibate for 5/6 YEARS. only with 2 ow before April. never any relationship, just to “scratch the itch” neither compared to what he had with April.
doesn’t say how long it’s been for April. i’d like to say around a year or more? it’s implied she hasn’t been with anyone since her last long term relationship ended and the drama causing her career to nosedive started which had been going on for a while i think.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2024
I was so excited to read this, because I was in Scotland last summer and absolutely loved Isle of Skye! It’s other worldly beautiful, and we visited whisky distilleries and ate oysters while we gazed dreamily at the sea and wondered why we didn’t wake up and do all that everyday.
So I’m really bummed that this book, set in a whisky distillery on Skye, just isn’t working for me. I don’t love the exposition-heavy, somewhat scattered writing style, I can feel the framework of the trilogy snapping into place, the h/H feel pretty typical, movie star/rock star/whatever characters are not my thing, there are way too many mentions of Julia Roberts, I hate the nickname “Princess” and how it is always, always egregiously overused in books, she refers to a gross prank she pulled in the past that I hate, she overreacts in a Rachel-and-Monica-fogged-Danny kind of way, and neither the rom-com hijinks nor the attempts to give angsty back story ring particularly true. The whole thing just feels a bit forced and a bit overly referential, as there are a ton of pop culture echoes in the dialogue and zany scenarios.
I wish there was more immersion in the setting as well. And call me delusional, but so much of this felt very American to me, too, though maybe that’s a by-product of a ton of contemporary romance language and sitcom shenanigans.
Skimmed ahead—the second half does seem better, and the sex seems surprisingly not bad—but it’s not enough to save this for me. So disappointed.
DNF and I still live in stupid America.
So I’m really bummed that this book, set in a whisky distillery on Skye, just isn’t working for me. I don’t love the exposition-heavy, somewhat scattered writing style, I can feel the framework of the trilogy snapping into place, the h/H feel pretty typical, movie star/rock star/whatever characters are not my thing, there are way too many mentions of Julia Roberts, I hate the nickname “Princess” and how it is always, always egregiously overused in books, she refers to a gross prank she pulled in the past that I hate, she overreacts in a Rachel-and-Monica-fogged-Danny kind of way, and neither the rom-com hijinks nor the attempts to give angsty back story ring particularly true. The whole thing just feels a bit forced and a bit overly referential, as there are a ton of pop culture echoes in the dialogue and zany scenarios.
I wish there was more immersion in the setting as well. And call me delusional, but so much of this felt very American to me, too, though maybe that’s a by-product of a ton of contemporary romance language and sitcom shenanigans.
Skimmed ahead—the second half does seem better, and the sex seems surprisingly not bad—but it’s not enough to save this for me. So disappointed.
DNF and I still live in stupid America.
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