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Welcome to Kissing Springs: The Bourbon Season #7
Bourbon & Bets
He checked all the boxes for a one night stand... tall, dark, rugged, and—most importantly—a stranger I'd never see again. Until the next morning, when I find out I'm now his boss.
Tessa
Dinner and drinks with the girls to celebrate my promotion is the plan until I lock eyes with a well-built stranger across the bar—one whose dark eyes and southern drawl have me revising the schedule.
But what's the harm in having a little fun with this small town visitor? It's not like our paths will ever cross again after tonight. Until they do.
Tanner
Combining business and pleasure is never a good idea, especially when you have no clue that's exactly what you're doing. I'm enjoying a rare night on the town to celebrate my birthday when a curvy spitfire with an irresistible smile across the bar has me ordering another round—and inviting her back to my room in no time.
But in the morning she's vanished and I'm late for a meeting to sign the largest contract in my small construction company's history.
The only problem is... she's the new project manager in charge of the build and the one who gets to call the shots from here on out.
•✫✶• Welcome to Kissing Springs, Romance Capital of the South •✫✶•
Tessa
Dinner and drinks with the girls to celebrate my promotion is the plan until I lock eyes with a well-built stranger across the bar—one whose dark eyes and southern drawl have me revising the schedule.
But what's the harm in having a little fun with this small town visitor? It's not like our paths will ever cross again after tonight. Until they do.
Tanner
Combining business and pleasure is never a good idea, especially when you have no clue that's exactly what you're doing. I'm enjoying a rare night on the town to celebrate my birthday when a curvy spitfire with an irresistible smile across the bar has me ordering another round—and inviting her back to my room in no time.
But in the morning she's vanished and I'm late for a meeting to sign the largest contract in my small construction company's history.
The only problem is... she's the new project manager in charge of the build and the one who gets to call the shots from here on out.
•✫✶• Welcome to Kissing Springs, Romance Capital of the South •✫✶•
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About the author
Ellen Brooks
44 books87 followersEllen Brooks pens sexy & satisfying stories. When she’s not dreaming up her next hero or plotting a happily ever after, you’ll find her absorbed in a novel, relaxing into śavāsana, or downing an iced coffee.
Visit ellenbrooks.info/extras to grab a free book today!
Visit ellenbrooks.info/extras to grab a free book today!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 16, 2023
2 stars for a unique plot line but I really wanted to give it 1 star as THIS IS NOT A STAND ALONE BOOK. Once again, important parts of the story made no sense because there was no background on characters from previous "interconnected" books that were mentioned every other chapter. is Mason both Macy and Hunter's child although they're married to cousins? I'm so confused. More details were needed for this book to make any sense. The spice was also sub-par and the "love" too instantaneous to be meaningful.
October 25, 2023
All bets are off when it comes to love!
It's Ladies' Night at the bar where Tessa Taylor is having drinks with her sister and friends to celebrate her promotion. Then she spots Tanner playing shuffleboard. She's urged to step out of her comfort zone leave with him. After all as her friend says, "No one marries a man they randomly meet at a bar.” She's psyched herself up to approach him but his table has disappeared.
Tessa is the personal assistant to country music superstar, Cole Heartwood. Her promotion will have her moving to Kissing Springs, Kentucky, to oversee the construction of his new home and recording studio. But Cole wants everything kept a secret as it's a surprise for his fiancée. As she will learn, keeping a secret in Kissing Springs isn't easy!
Tanner is celebrating his 30th birthday by going out for drinks with his younger brothers and his head foreman. He's on the eve of signing the biggest contract ever for his small construction business. He's worked so hard at establishing his construction business over the last 8 years that he hasn't had the time or inclination to date. The beauty at the bar is tempting but the guys bet he won't try to make a move on her. After all nothing is more important for the company than the meeting in the morning. They're shocked when he tells them he'll go for it but only if they leave.
It's a rude awakening in the morning to find her gone. It was even more of a shock to find out that she's be his boss on the new hush hush job.
They decide to keep their attraction to one another a secret. However they aren't as good at hiding their feelings for each other as they thought they were!
I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
It's Ladies' Night at the bar where Tessa Taylor is having drinks with her sister and friends to celebrate her promotion. Then she spots Tanner playing shuffleboard. She's urged to step out of her comfort zone leave with him. After all as her friend says, "No one marries a man they randomly meet at a bar.” She's psyched herself up to approach him but his table has disappeared.
Tessa is the personal assistant to country music superstar, Cole Heartwood. Her promotion will have her moving to Kissing Springs, Kentucky, to oversee the construction of his new home and recording studio. But Cole wants everything kept a secret as it's a surprise for his fiancée. As she will learn, keeping a secret in Kissing Springs isn't easy!
Tanner is celebrating his 30th birthday by going out for drinks with his younger brothers and his head foreman. He's on the eve of signing the biggest contract ever for his small construction business. He's worked so hard at establishing his construction business over the last 8 years that he hasn't had the time or inclination to date. The beauty at the bar is tempting but the guys bet he won't try to make a move on her. After all nothing is more important for the company than the meeting in the morning. They're shocked when he tells them he'll go for it but only if they leave.
It's a rude awakening in the morning to find her gone. It was even more of a shock to find out that she's be his boss on the new hush hush job.
They decide to keep their attraction to one another a secret. However they aren't as good at hiding their feelings for each other as they thought they were!
I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
November 9, 2023
Out with her friends, Tessa decides go have some fun before she leaves for a secret project. She spots a guy across the room and knows he's the one to have a one night stand with.
Tanner is head of the construction team that got hired to run a secret project. The project is secret due to the fact it is for a famous musician and his finance and son. It is also a surprise. He spots her from across the room. Finally gets up the courage to talk to her. Both had been drinking and wanted to have some fun.
No names were exchanged so the next morning she was gone. Tanner was upset and wish he'd had gotten her number at least. Then the meeting for the secret project was about to start, when she walked in. Tanner was in shock that he couldn't speak. Tessa tried to keep her feelings in tacked. After everyone left the meeting they could not believe their eyes. They tried to ignore their feelings for each other but it wasn't working. During the Thanksgiving dinner it was no longer a secret about the house being built. Finally now the secret was out they were able to explore their feelings for each other. No drinking was involved like it was when the met. They knew their feelings were real. They stayed together and couldn't be happier.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tanner is head of the construction team that got hired to run a secret project. The project is secret due to the fact it is for a famous musician and his finance and son. It is also a surprise. He spots her from across the room. Finally gets up the courage to talk to her. Both had been drinking and wanted to have some fun.
No names were exchanged so the next morning she was gone. Tanner was upset and wish he'd had gotten her number at least. Then the meeting for the secret project was about to start, when she walked in. Tanner was in shock that he couldn't speak. Tessa tried to keep her feelings in tacked. After everyone left the meeting they could not believe their eyes. They tried to ignore their feelings for each other but it wasn't working. During the Thanksgiving dinner it was no longer a secret about the house being built. Finally now the secret was out they were able to explore their feelings for each other. No drinking was involved like it was when the met. They knew their feelings were real. They stayed together and couldn't be happier.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2023
Bourbon & Bets is a steamy, instalove, OTT, curvy girl gets her hunky construction man romance. Tessa is the assistant to hot country music star, Cole (See Sunshine & Sass, another amazing novel), and in charge of coordinating the construction of a surprise house and studio for his wife. Tanner is a hunky construction company owner and the company that will be handling the secret surprise. The two are confirmed workaholics with little time for love. But as they are both out celebrating one night, the two give into their attraction and have a hot and steamy night of passion. When Tanner goes to work two days later, he finds its Tessa, who will be his new boss as she is the project manager. The two agree to keep things professional, but it's not as easy as they think. This story was a roller coaster of emotions for me. The chemistry between the two is pure fire, and we do get a great HEA after a bit of a bumpy ride. I just loved this couple so much. Ellen Brooks always writes an amazing read. I love the whole Kissing Springs series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 23, 2023
This is a fun, entertaining, good read. Tanner and Tessa are intriguing, entertaining, relatable characters. I enjoyed them from the moment they stepped on page. Their romance had twists and turns that were fun to read. I enjoyed their time on page together. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story. I love the small town of Kissing Springs and the various characters that we meet along the way. One of my favourite things about this series is getting to see the couples from the previous books by the same author. I love the epilogue and the glimpse into Tanner and Tessa’s HEA. The story is easy to read and get into.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 13, 2023
This was a High angst, slow burn and sweet romance.
Sometimes it's nice to read a low drama story every now and then. Bit like cleansing the palate haha..
Tanner and Tessa meet under pretend name and both indulge in a one stand, which neither usually do.
Tanner not from this town and Tessa is off for a secret project, there's no chance neither will see each other again.
Only after that night both want more but can't as life throws a twist in their story.
They both fight their attraction for months. Only until the end do they get together again. I wish we had more of them to together as a couple. I loved all the extra characters. They make it wholesome.
There was Spicy scene, only 2 as they weren't together much.
I did enjoy this story and look forward to more coming from Ellen
Sometimes it's nice to read a low drama story every now and then. Bit like cleansing the palate haha..
Tanner and Tessa meet under pretend name and both indulge in a one stand, which neither usually do.
Tanner not from this town and Tessa is off for a secret project, there's no chance neither will see each other again.
Only after that night both want more but can't as life throws a twist in their story.
They both fight their attraction for months. Only until the end do they get together again. I wish we had more of them to together as a couple. I loved all the extra characters. They make it wholesome.
There was Spicy scene, only 2 as they weren't together much.
I did enjoy this story and look forward to more coming from Ellen
October 31, 2023
Tessa is an assistant to a music artist who wants to build a home and music studio as a surprise for his wife. Tessa is in charge of this secret and meets Tanner, the construction company owner. One problem - they met at the bar last night and had a one night. How will this ever work out over the next eight months? Do they have a shot at more? The characters are great and the storyline works easily into so much more than just steam. Great addition to the series and it had a terrific ending. Well done.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 1, 2023
Wow this story was a rollercoaster. We follow Tessa and Tanner and their story gets off to a flying start. They meet in a bar and sparks immediately fly. The next morning they don't know yet that they will meet each other and that they will end up working together. Will they be able to pretend that night didn't happen and keep their feelings to themselves? It was a pleasure to read their story and how they interacted with each other was wonderful.
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
November 1, 2023
One night stands and bets have away of coming right back at you. Imagine the next day when you find out the woman you met is going to be working with you fir some time and she is also in charge. Tanner has the biggest construction contract in his graos and Tessa is to ge the project manager. Their attraction to each other has its secrets its issues and its challenges, at times with Tanner stumbling along and Tessa feeling rejected and dejected. HEA ending.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2023
Tessa and Tanner are both celebrating for different reasons, when they meet it’s high chemistry and ends with a bang. But when it turns out she’s his new boss, they make a pact to keep it professional, neither realising how hard that is going to be.
Great chemistry, steam and tension, humorous, brilliant characters, a lot of whom are familiar from previous books and a well-paced, engaging story with a beautiful and brilliant HEA.
Love this series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Great chemistry, steam and tension, humorous, brilliant characters, a lot of whom are familiar from previous books and a well-paced, engaging story with a beautiful and brilliant HEA.
Love this series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 30, 2023
I really enjoyed this book though it was slow paced at times and faster during other scenes. The smut was good too, though I wish it was longer (I always wish smut is longer). My favourite scene has to be when he built Dolly a doghouse. That was adorable! I did dislike him at times because he was being ridiculous (hug/kiss scene, grumpiness for unexplained reasons), but overall, he was a good character after his development was done.
Thanks to Booksprout for a copy.
Thanks to Booksprout for a copy.
November 1, 2023
keeping secrets
Tanner and Tessa´s story has elements that are usually not my thing like one night stands and bets, but in the end I liked their story. It´s impossible to keep a secret in Kissing Springs with the interfering inhabitants and I was highly amused by Tanner and Tessa´s up hill fight against a matchmaking town, but what a rewarding way to lose...
I received this book as a review copy.
Tanner and Tessa´s story has elements that are usually not my thing like one night stands and bets, but in the end I liked their story. It´s impossible to keep a secret in Kissing Springs with the interfering inhabitants and I was highly amused by Tanner and Tessa´s up hill fight against a matchmaking town, but what a rewarding way to lose...
I received this book as a review copy.
November 1, 2023
A one night stand that heats up the sheets and dark skies, becomes a lot more professional the next day. Sworn to secrecy Tanner and Tessa are torn by their emotions and working together.
Ellen Brooks brought the essence of Kissing Springs to life. The friendship, support and familiarity between all the characters makes one want to be part of the community.
I was fortunate to receive a copy from Booksprout and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Ellen Brooks brought the essence of Kissing Springs to life. The friendship, support and familiarity between all the characters makes one want to be part of the community.
I was fortunate to receive a copy from Booksprout and this is my honest and voluntary review.
November 8, 2023
It is all in the timing....and these two can two-step with the best of them
Bourbon & Bets by Ellen Brooks is part of the multi-author Welcome to Kissing Springs: The Bourbon Season series. This is a sweet, sexy, and delightful read about Tessa and Taylor, all happening in the small community of Kissing Springs, Kentucky. Get ready to sit back and sip some fine bourbon, which is smooth, warms you on the way down, and wraps you up with some passionate fun.
Bourbon & Bets by Ellen Brooks is part of the multi-author Welcome to Kissing Springs: The Bourbon Season series. This is a sweet, sexy, and delightful read about Tessa and Taylor, all happening in the small community of Kissing Springs, Kentucky. Get ready to sit back and sip some fine bourbon, which is smooth, warms you on the way down, and wraps you up with some passionate fun.
November 11, 2023
Tessa is out with friends when she sees a stranger at a bar. She steps out of her comfort zone after being told she wouldn't. Tanner is out celebrating his birthday when he sees Tessa. They have a one night stand thinking they wouldn't see the other again. Far from it when they discover the next day that she is his boss. Can they hide their attraction for each other or will it get in the way? Will they get a HEA?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 14, 2023
Tessa and Tanner's one night together lead to a very uncomfortable meeting.
So when they come to an agreement to not mix business and pleasure, will they be able to hide their feelings from each other and everyone in their lives.
In the end, will their agreement servive or fail? Will they find a forever/happily ever after?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
So when they come to an agreement to not mix business and pleasure, will they be able to hide their feelings from each other and everyone in their lives.
In the end, will their agreement servive or fail? Will they find a forever/happily ever after?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 22, 2023
I liked that the 'office' romance was not confined to a stuffy office & Tessa was the boss. It was great to see Tessa fit into the Kissing Springs universe & see other characters again. It was low angst & once the secret was out the pace picked up. My only complaint was they only had 2 scenes together and I would have like more after thanksgiving.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 20, 2023
This is an exceptional story. Tanner and Tessa are a great couple. After just meeting and a one night stand can they work together for the next eight months, especially when their chemistry is off the charts. This is well written, great characterization, and a wonderful must read. Loved it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 24, 2023
This is a great story. Is it a good idea to make a bet, when either way you'll lose?
The sexual tension in this book is high and I was rooting for one of them to make the first move!
An addictive read which I would recommend to all.
I received a complimentary copy of the book and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.
The sexual tension in this book is high and I was rooting for one of them to make the first move!
An addictive read which I would recommend to all.
I received a complimentary copy of the book and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.
October 31, 2023
I received this as an arc from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review.
This was a really cute one night to forever romance. It was a well written story that had a great pace and was full of warmth. I loved the chemistry between Tessa and Tanner, they were so good together. I really enjoyed reading this book.
This was a really cute one night to forever romance. It was a well written story that had a great pace and was full of warmth. I loved the chemistry between Tessa and Tanner, they were so good together. I really enjoyed reading this book.
November 1, 2023
Another great addition to the Kissing Springs series. Loved Tanner and Tessa, they had fantastic chemistry.
But what is a girl to do when her one night stand shows up to sign a contract with her company….try to fight the feelings.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
But what is a girl to do when her one night stand shows up to sign a contract with her company….try to fight the feelings.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 7, 2023
This was a cute and sweet story that steals your heart as fate brings Tanner and Tessa together at the bar, only to have them the next day realize they will be working together.
Tanner and Tessa's story is a delightful insta romance that wraps around your heart like a warm hug.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tanner and Tessa's story is a delightful insta romance that wraps around your heart like a warm hug.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 13, 2023
A small town one-night stand, insta-love, fast-paced workplace.
Tanner and Tessa were fun and relatable characters. They met on a one-night stand until they saw each other when she came in as the new manager for his construction company.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tanner and Tessa were fun and relatable characters. They met on a one-night stand until they saw each other when she came in as the new manager for his construction company.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 21, 2023
Tanner and Tessa’s story was a wild ride. From the first time they meet at the bar to the secrets they hide after for their jobs. This was a great story with likeable characters. Their work dynamic was great to see too.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 29, 2023
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I like the way that Tanner and Tess try to fight their attraction and love before they give in. However it looks like they can't resist their friendly bets.
November 19, 2023
Rating - 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Date Read - November 9, 2023
Publication Date - October 31, 2023
*I received an E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review* - Thank you @ellen__brooks!
Bourbon & Bets has what I like to call the “one night stand… or is it” trope with a little bit of fake dating sprinkled in for more fun. It is always entertaining watching characters fight their attraction to each other and waiting to see when they will finally give in!
The banter and attitude between Tanner and Tessa was also fun. They were experts at pushing each other’s buttons! The pages felt like they flew by waiting to see if they would officially get together or not.
Bourbon and Bets is longer than the other books that I have read by Ellen Brooks and I really enjoyed it! I was wondering what a full length Ellen Brooks story would be like and I wasn't disappointed. I liked the depth of the plot with character development on top of romance, which can be really hard to have with really short novellas.
Overall, Bourbon & Bets is a fun book with some well-loved tropes and banter for days!
Bourbon & Bets is now published, so read it today! 🎉
Date Read - November 9, 2023
Publication Date - October 31, 2023
*I received an E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review* - Thank you @ellen__brooks!
Bourbon & Bets has what I like to call the “one night stand… or is it” trope with a little bit of fake dating sprinkled in for more fun. It is always entertaining watching characters fight their attraction to each other and waiting to see when they will finally give in!
The banter and attitude between Tanner and Tessa was also fun. They were experts at pushing each other’s buttons! The pages felt like they flew by waiting to see if they would officially get together or not.
Bourbon and Bets is longer than the other books that I have read by Ellen Brooks and I really enjoyed it! I was wondering what a full length Ellen Brooks story would be like and I wasn't disappointed. I liked the depth of the plot with character development on top of romance, which can be really hard to have with really short novellas.
Overall, Bourbon & Bets is a fun book with some well-loved tropes and banter for days!
Bourbon & Bets is now published, so read it today! 🎉
November 21, 2023
I have been waiting for Tanner's book...and it didn't disappoint. Love Tessa for him! It was also nice seeing the couples from the other books.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 27, 2023
Tessa and Tanner's one night stand. Ladies' night can lead to more than you bargained for. I could not put this one down once I started. Love Ellen's characters and writing. Tessa and Tanner will not disappoint. I think this was my favorite Ellen book so far!!!!!!!!
June 21, 2024
short but good
I really enjoyed this book! I wish it were longer and the author would have spent more time developing the characters. It felt pretty rushed in some parts. Overall worth the read! I’ll be seeking out other books by this author
I really enjoyed this book! I wish it were longer and the author would have spent more time developing the characters. It felt pretty rushed in some parts. Overall worth the read! I’ll be seeking out other books by this author
October 20, 2023
I really enjoyed the story of Tessa and Tanner, rheir chemistry was super hot, and their relationship was fun to follow, this is a definite must-read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews