Rumors & Whiskey

The Whiskey Women #1

by Victoria Wilder

In Rumor, Tennessee, one family sits at the center of every whisper.
The Crowne women have survived decades of salacious gossip. Everyone knows you can count on them for a shot of whiskey and a wild night, but their best kept secret is how they deliver quiet revenge.

I survived a living nightmare. Forced to stay away from my sisters, I’ve been sworn to secrecy about who I am. Somehow, though, I started over again. But all it takes to mess everything up is a sexy stranger—a charming jeweler with a sinful smile, deliciously dirty promises, and far too many questions.

Now, I’m back in my small town, craving routine, hiding my past, and trying not to drown in the pressure to be the old me.

I never expected to see him again. Especially once I discover that the gossip and rumors swirling around my family aren’t the work of bored townies, but of hidden truths.

Between a dead body, a missing cop, and a job that’s connected him to my family, Julian Colton insists on staying here. I should keep my distance—not provoke and flirt with him at every turn. But even with layers of secrets between us, he soothes my anxious thoughts and feeds my touch-starved, broken body.

When his past catches up with him, and mine threatens to repeat itself, it’s my family, their rumors, and our whiskey that’ll save us.

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Small Town Romance, Contemporary, Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Mystery

Kindle Edition

Expected publication June 16, 2026

About the author

Forever a hopeful romantic, I write deliciously witty and wild characters. My stories range from small-town swoon-worthy men to fiercely powerful families and lead characters who aren't afraid to ask for what they want.

You will always find a little bit of fate, a whole lot of steam, and a wildly romantic ride.

Reviews

[Matea ☽]

Pre-release

I just got an email saying Connor Crais is the narrator for this book…

[tiana ♡]

pre-read notes:
I MADE IT INTO THE ARC TEAM 😭✨ Thank you so much Victoria Wilder and her amazing team for this opportunity ♡
I’m having a bit of a ‘pinch me’ moment. I’m so happy and READY to read this!!
🗓️: Releasing on June 16, 2026 💚🥃

[Halo]

YES TO THIS. WHATEVER IT IS, YES.

[Noi (in & out)]

This, is a need.

[Ally Bateman · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

This book starts dark. Read those trigger warnings and be warned that it starts on page one.

I prefer my romance novels without cannibalism, but other than that, this story was really good.

I don’t want to give any spoilers. If I had to figure it out, then so do you. I felt pretty dumb for taking so long to connect the dots.

After having it taken from her, Win has to find her voice and discover who she wants to be.

[vioreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 5 of my 24 hour readathon 📚 Thank you so much to Simon & Schuster for the physical ARC ❤ Video review -> https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNR9CwmtV/

[skyeslibrary]

“It’s too easy to get lost with you”

Having loved The Bourbon Boys series so much, I was eager to start Whiskey Women! Finding myself in Rumor, Tennessee with the Crowne women was such a delight, and I already can’t wait for the next book in this series!

The story began with so much suspenseful intrigue that it locked me in until the very end. Julian was a character in the Bourbon Boys that I wanted to know more about, and I love that he was the MMC to FMC, Wyn. There’s a very specific man that could slot into the world of the Crowne women, and Julian was the perfect one to do it.

Victoria Wilder’s ability to write angsty love stories while also having a suspense focus is incredible. She doesn’t shy away from hard topics, but she handles them with such intentionality. And, I’m not going to spoil anything, but I KNEW that person was not to be trusted from the moment I met them on the page. 👀
—

this and that:
♡ bluegrass and whiskey
♡ distilling spirits
♡ dual pov
♡ family business
♡ found family
♡ insta-ish love
♡ jeweler x professor
♡ open door spice
♡ palm reading
♡ reading tea leaves
♡ romantic suspense
♡ small town
♡ tarot
♡ witness protection

triggers:
☞ blood x gore
☞ cannibalism
☞ captivity
☞ death of a loved one
☞ drugging
☞ grief
☞ PTSD
☞ SA (alluded to, off-page)
☞ violence

notable quotes:

“Might have just tasted my new favorite thing.
_
“So, she likes praise.”
_
“Be careful, looking at me like that.”
_
“It’s too easy to get lost with you.”
_
“I want you to make me nice and messy.”
_
“I go where you go.”
_
“I can see all of this life with you.”

—

thank you to Victoria Wilder and Bloom Books for the gifted review copies!
—
♡ find me on Instagram!

[Amelia Blackmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Rumors & Whiskey
Author: Victoria Wilder
Series: The Whiskey Women, 1

Format: Edelweiss ebook
Genre: Contemporary, romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV’s: Wyn (FMC) & Julian (MMC)

What to expect:
*Jeweler x Professor
*Small town, Found family
*Witness protection

Safety:
No OW/OM drama in the form of jealousy. No third act breakup. Flashbacks of abuse against the FMC.

Review:
Very angsty romance involving some incredibly hard topics. Read the trigger warnings before jumping in. Abuse was told through flashbacks, but could still be triggering to some readers.

I loved both of the main characters so much! Wyn was so strong after surviving what she went through, but did not let her past keep her from falling for Julian. Julian was all in with Wyn from the moment he laid eyes on her, and he made sure to prove how much he loved her by accepting her palm reading, whiskey making family whole heartedly!

Can’t wait to see where this series leads next!

[Tanika Millington · Rating 3 out of 5]

We were first welcomed with the hot Bourbon Boys of Fiasco, Kentucky and now we have our own Whiskey Women of Rumour, Tennessee. A small gator town with the hottest gossip and rumours to go around. 🥃🥃🥃🥃

I was so excited to get the story of our beloved Jeweller Julian. After meeting him in the Bourbon boys i needed to know more about him. He was always so elusive in the Bourbon Boys series. And he did not disappoint, the way he carries him self and cares for other people. Whilst on top of that protecting what is his 🤭

Our FMC Wyn is a little troubled, but shes also super fiery and passionate. I loved her flirty banter she had with Julian which created some sultry sparks immediately.

The tension between Wyn and Julian is so freaking HOT. I mean it was oozing off the page, utterly electric and fiery from the get go. I loved that their chemistry and pull towards each other made you feel giddy and excited. And boy did i have some blushing. 🔥

I overall loved the women in Rumour, they were badass and loved that they are the queens of revenge and were giving that boss energy throughout the book. I did however find this one a little bit slower paced whilst we navigated new characters and plot lines, and at times it felt some what derailing when i thought we were going to learn more info only for it to completely change course.

I am eager to see where this series takes off too. And how the other stories progress. Rumour Tennessee has got more in store for us i can tell!

Thankyou to Victoria, Simon and Schuster Australia and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this one early

[Whispering Chapters · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ I don’t know if it’s because this was an early ARC, but the pacing in the first half of the book felt off. The story moves in different directions at once—it didn’t give me time to absorb what was happening before pulling me somewhere else. Once I passed the 50%, though, the story felt like it had better pacing and overall structure.

Despite Wyn having a traumatic past, she certainly doesn’t let it derail her from living her life. She’s still figuring out what she wants for her future, but once she decides, there’s no stopping her. It’s the same for her attraction to Julian. Once she gave in, she was all in. And Julian never stood a chance. That man was all in from the moment he laid eyes on her.

I was heavily invested in the side characters and their potential love interests, and I cannot wait for their stories! The Crowne women are so bold and confident. I want to be a combination of Birdie Crowne and Lolli (Sparrow Falls series) when I grow old.

As someone who lived for a year near a rustic small town in Tennessee—I kid you not, I always expected to see a tumbleweed roll by because of the whole western, cowboy look and feel—Rumor, Tennessee felt very much like a real life small town, complete with all the never-ending whispers and rumors. After reading this book, the "rumors" have a whole different meaning, especially when it comes to the Crowne women. I can't wait to discover how that will continue to play a role in the upcoming books.

🥃 small town
🥃 romantic suspense
🥃 hidden identity
🥃 found family

I received an eARC for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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[Kate Lauder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ended up really enjoying Rumors and Whiskey and flew through it way quicker than I expected. The mix of mystery, tension, secrets, and romance made it such an easy book to binge! 🥃💋🖤🔍👢

After being gone for three years, Wyn comes back home only to run into Julian - someone she never expected to see again, especially not living a completely different life than the one she remembered. What starts as an awkward reunion quickly turns into something far messier involving hidden truths, danger, and a suspicious death that keeps pulling them together.🔍

The chemistry between Wyn and Julian was undeniable, and their banter honestly carried so many scenes for me. They had that push-and-pull dynamic that keeps you invested, and I liked how intense their connection felt from the beginning.🖤

My biggest issue was that the romance felt very fast-paced, and sometimes the amount of spice took away from the emotional weight of certain moments. There was one confronting scene closer to the end where I felt the story needed more time to breathe emotionally before jumping back into the physical side of the relationship. I think a bit more emotional development between the characters would have made their relationship feel stronger overall.

Even with that, I still had a good time reading this and would pick up more books in this world!!!!

(Trigger warnings: murder/death, violence, trauma, corruption, emotional manipulation, explicit sexual content, kidnapping themes, and darker emotional topics)

Out: 16th June
Thank you to NetGalley + Victoria Wilder + Simon & Schuster (Australia) for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Tabetha (tabsbooknook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review: Rumours and Whiskey by @authorvictoriawilder published by @atriabooksaus @simonschusterau and supplied by @netgalley
Release date: 16 June 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First we had the Bourbon Boys of Fiasco, Kentucky and now we have the Whiskey Women of Rumour, Tennessee.
I loved how this book connected back to the Bourbon Boys trilogy but in saying that, you can read this as a standalone but I highly recommend reading Bourbon Boys first.
Our FMC Wyn has returned to Rumour after mysteriously being away from the small town for 3 years. What Wyn does not expect is to run into our MMC Julian out of the blue, after she first met him 10 months previously but u@der a different name and occupation. From here you follow two people trying to work out what happened on both their pasts that lead them to this moment. Throw in the other women of the Crowne family and you have more drama than one could expect in a small town.
The tension and spice between Wyn and Julian was perfection to me. I loved their little back and forth dance and watching them come together and accept each other was beautiful.
I loved how plot points in this book connected back to major plot points in the Bourbon Boys series, and that the Foxx brothers and their partners made an appearance again.
I will definitely be tuning in for book 2 and following the next Crowne sister, Jo, on her adventure.

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

🩷 Book Review 🩷
📚 Rumours and Whisky
✒️ Victoria Wilder
💫💫💫💫💫

Thank you Simon & Schuster for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

First we had the Bourbon Boys of Fiasco, Kentucky and now we have the Whisky Women of Rumour, Tennessee ft Coyote Ugly.

Rumours and Whisky was such a good book. It does have connections to the original Bourbon Boys trilogy and I recommend reading them to have the full experience. There is a lot of easter eggs and full circle moments that will have a bigger impact if you read the series before.

Wyn has returned home after being away for 3 years and runs into Julian, the last person she expected and a different name and occupation to what he knew him to have and be. But a series of unfortunate events; a dead body, a missing cop and hidden truths, Wyn and Julian's story has only just begun.

Wyn and Julian's relationship can only be described as electrical. The chemistry was intense in such a good way, that I found myself blushing. Apart from the romance, their dynamic was fun and witty. I really appreciated their banter throughout, helped keep the pace of the story. There was a few moments in the plot that had me going, why? It was mainly when you got so close to learning the end and then suddenly it just stops and a new topic is raised. It was a little frustrating.

I am keen to read the rest of the series though!

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Julian & Wynona

Well this book lives up to its title, the rumour mill in Rumor, Tennessee is rampant when Wyn returns home after a mysterious amount of time away. There's bad ass women, sassy escapades and whole heap of secrets to uncover.

We learn the horrifying ordeal that leads her to not only have physical Scars but a whole heap of emotional ones. She meets Julian along the way and she finally let's herself feel for the first time. These two had delicious tension and chemistry from so early on in the book. The emotions and undeniable pull these two had together was one of my favourite things about the book.

I found it to be a bit slower paced as we had to learn all the new chatacters and started the world building and at times I felt like the story was getting somewhere where we might get answers only for it to stop and change direction.

When we were able to connect the dots and discover some answers the story took off. Im intrigued to see where the rest of the series goes.

🥃Romantic Suspense
🥃Small Town Romance
🥃Found Family
🥃Hidden Identity
🥃Trauma Survivor

3.5⭐️ 2.5 🌶

Thankyou to Victoria, Simon and Schuster Australia and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this one early 🫶🏻

[amyinthepages · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was closure to a story I didn't even know I needed! The way this story comes full circle with the characters and events in the Bourbon Boy series is masterfully done. I loved that we get Wyn's story and how it ties in with Julian and his family - their chance meeting felt quite serendipitous. The Crowne women are a total vibe, all completely badass in their own ways and I loved the Coyote Ugly vibes that Wyn's sisters brought to the story. In this we get the suspense, the chemistry, and the steamy spice that we've come to know and love from Victoria Wilder. The last 25% of this really bumped it up for me. Excited for Jo and Stevie's stories - I've got theories!

Definitely recommend reading Bourbon Boys series first.
I also now want a crop that has a rooster on the front and a lollipop on the back.

- small town
- romantic suspense
- hidden identity
- found family
- witness protection
- chemistry professor x jeweller

Spicy Chapters: 4, 16, 20, 23, 30, 33

Thank you to Simon and Schuster Australia for the Netgalley eARC.

[Alexa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Victoria just does 👏 not 👏 miss 👏 I was obsessed from the very first chapter, as gritty and dark as they were. This book is definitely darker than the books in The Bourbon Boys series so make sure you check your triggers before diving in 🖤

That said, Wyn and Julian will always hold such a special place in my heart 🥹 I felt like I could really feel the love and understanding they had for each other through the pages. Wyn is such a strong but complex character, I loved her from the very beginning. Julian's patience and understanding of Wyn's trauma was so touching. And every time he pushed hair back from her face or kissed her palm, my heart melted a little more and he moved higher and higher on my list of top tier book boyfriends 🖤

Tropes:
🖤hidden identity
🖤second chance
🖤everyone is morally grey
🖤badass FMC
🖤touch her and 💀
🖤suspense and mystery
🖤slow burn with spice
🖤forced proximity


Thank you so much Bloom for the gifted ARC, I will cherish it forever 🫶🖤

[Katie Eaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author, and I really loved the women in this story. They’re bold, confident, and fully in their revenge era which made them so fun to read about. The small-town gossip element definitely lives up to the title and adds a lot of drama. I did find the pacing a bit slow at times, but overall I enjoyed the strong female energy and the mix of secrets, romance, and suspense.

Summary:
Wyn returns to her small town in Tennessee after a mysterious absence, trying to keep her past hidden. But with rumors swirling, a dead body, and a connection to a charming stranger, secrets begin to surface that could change everything.

Read if you like:
Small town gossip
Strong female leads
Revenge and secrets
Romantic suspense
Found family / sisterhood
Hidden past
Slower pacing

[Liz - dreamyreadswithliz · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review ✨

I’m only going to say so much this early, and I’ll add more later. But… let me just say, no suspense has ever thrown me like this one has. I am not the most emotional reader, and I gasped, screamed, cried, and still have chills every time I think of a certain scene. VW is an absolute genius, let me just say that.

Diving into a new, adjacent world, was incredibly exciting and these two are something special.

I’ll also say, please read the triggers as there’s some heavy topics here.

- romantic suspense
- small town romance
- found family
- hidden identity
- trauma survivor

3/4 🌶️
♾️/5 ⭐️

[BHK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rumors & Whiskey is an addictive small town drama with a mysterious vibe! The writing was super easy to get into, and the pacing kept me hooked from start to finish. I actually listened to the audiobook, and that made it even better! Samantha Brentmoor and Connor Crais are hands down my favorite narrators and seriously the best in the business. They brought so much emotion and chemistry to the story that I didn’t want to stop listening. The romance had that push and pull tension that I love. This was such a fun and bingeable listen with just enough drama, mystery, and heat to keep me fully invested! Definitely recommend if you love small town secrets and spicy romance.

[Kirby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for the ALC.
I always enjoy Wilder's southern gothic-y romances, and her writing gets more polished with each release. This one is good, the setting and the plot aren't overshadowed the spice. A lot of times in the romance genre, we see MC parental figures as either complete wastes of space or angels here on earth-- I really appreciate that Wilder writes multifaceted supporting characters in both Lu and Birdie. I think this would be good pick for Catherine Cowles fans okay with something darker or Brynne Weaver fans who who don’t mind something a little less humorous.. I'm looking forward to/hoping for Stevie & Jo's stories next!

[Thebluereadingchair · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
I really liked this book but the beginning and ending were what made it for me. I spent the middle wondering where it was going and then at 70% ... BAM there were three massive reveals relatively close that tied it altogether! It all made sense, even more so if you've read the fox brothers series.

Loved the relationship between Wyn and Julian. The kooky side characters kept me highly entertained and I really hope we get a book for both sisters! Here for the found family and romantic suspense, though I felt like it lulled in the middle.

Definitely recommend!

[Quartz Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher & Author for access to this ARC.

““Doesn’t take long to feel the effects of the Crowne women. They’re pretty spectacular separately, but all together…” He shakes his head. “They’re a fucking force.””

Ain’t that the truth! After reading The Bourbon Boys series, I had high hopes for this new series, and I am so so glad to say this first book did not disappoint!

Wilder has created yet another world where dark intrigue & mystery melds with the South, Whiskey & Family to give us a truely compelling story.

The resilience that is written in to these female characters, especially our FMC, Wyn, is so powerfully done. The way her story unfolds and is uncovered keeps you captivated and inspired to find out just how far she has come. The fact she is a total Academic Baddie who loves the chemistry of creating unique Whiskey makes her even more impressive.

And where our MMC is concerned, I think this quote sums it up the best, “ Julian Colton is a f*cking fantasy.”
Because truely, the lengths this man will go to prove his obsession, passion and devotion, while staying true to himself & the MAN HE IS. Chefs Kiss!

I was so so excited to know that this series would be female lead focussed and this introduction to the Crowne Family and the Whiskey Women is perfection!
They give Earthy Witchy Women vibes with a hefty dose of Family Secrets, a Coyote Ugle style bar they own/run and a fierce bond between generations that you cannot help but want to be apart of.

I’m so excited to see who will be our next Leads in the this series because I just know it will be another wild and wonderful ride!

[erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5 ⭐️*

when i tell you i had the time of my life reading this on my little stationary bike at the gym, to the point where i accidentally pedaled 12kms because i was so immersed (LIKE HUH ?!?!)

romance was great, found family was top tier and the suspense element gave this book an edge i just wasn’t expecting.

i can’t wait for the rest of the whiskey women series cause god damn these crowne women are phenomenal leading fmc’s.

finally, i shall leave you all with some parting words - if you ever go to rumour tennessee, watch out for the gators 😉👑

[Charlene Hedges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rumors and Whiskey was such a fun, addictive read. I absolutely loved the story from start to finish the characters pulled me in, the pacing was great, and the emotional moments really hit. And the spice? So good. It added just the right amount of heat without overpowering the plot. Overall, this book had everything I look for: heart, chemistry, and a story that kept me turning pages. Highly recommend! I can't wait fo the next one!

[McKenzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I was excited to see what we would see next from Victoria and I’m so glad it was Julian’s story. I loved Wyn and loved getting to know the family. The connection to Foxxs make it so much better.
Can’t wait for the next book!

[Maddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Early read for a fun little project! Victoria Wilder has done it again with a BANGER of an amazing romantic suspense story.

Full RTC!

[Sarah - Get Booked with Sez]

I will try and come back to this book. But four chapters in and the MFC has already frustrated me.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

SCREAMING, CRYING, THROWING UP WITH HOW MUCH I LOVE THIS BOOK.

Julian is ABSOLUTELY TOP TIER book boyfriend material!

And I want to by Wyn Crowne when I grow up.

♾️⭐️’s

[Emily]

DNF at 30%

[Breanna]

ARC provided by the publisher Bloom Books.