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The Blackstone Billionaires #1
The Bourbon Bet
A bookstore. A bet. A love that could cost them everything.
I need sixty days.
That's how long I have to save my bookstore and my father's home before all my dreams go into foreclosure. When a powerful man offers me a devil's bargain, every instinct screams to walk, no run, away. But desperation makes cowards of us all. Make Sebastian fall for me, steal his business secrets at their derby party, and keep my store. Refuse, and lose everything.
The plan was simple. But I never bet on falling for him. Or how the truth would ruin me.
This isn't about love.
It's a bet, a way to finally cut my brother loose. Rosalia is the bait. Sweet. Sharp. Sent to play me. And I let her. Because I want to believe she's different. I'm betting on it. And when she moans my name like it's real, I almost believe her.
In bourbon country, family betrayals go down smoother than aged whiskey. With the
Derby clock ticking and their hearts tangled in lies and desire, when the truth finally spills, can love survive the burn?
I need sixty days.
That's how long I have to save my bookstore and my father's home before all my dreams go into foreclosure. When a powerful man offers me a devil's bargain, every instinct screams to walk, no run, away. But desperation makes cowards of us all. Make Sebastian fall for me, steal his business secrets at their derby party, and keep my store. Refuse, and lose everything.
The plan was simple. But I never bet on falling for him. Or how the truth would ruin me.
This isn't about love.
It's a bet, a way to finally cut my brother loose. Rosalia is the bait. Sweet. Sharp. Sent to play me. And I let her. Because I want to believe she's different. I'm betting on it. And when she moans my name like it's real, I almost believe her.
In bourbon country, family betrayals go down smoother than aged whiskey. With the
Derby clock ticking and their hearts tangled in lies and desire, when the truth finally spills, can love survive the burn?
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2025
About the author
D.K. Marie
12 books180 followersDK Marie’s a voracious reader. Her number one love is romance and devours any and all of its genres, but also enjoys thrillers, horror, and non-fiction. Basically, if there are words on a page and a spectacular story, she’s diving in, heart and soul.
However, there’s one thing she loves even more, and that’s writing her own steamy contemporary romances. They’re a mixture of heart, heat, and humor. Brimming with confident heroines and kind heroes, all living, loving, and lusting in and around her hometown of Detroit, Michigan.
When not falling in love with her characters, DK Marie is laughing, relaxing, and planning her next adventure with her family. Okay, and also drinking boatloads of coffee, chatting on social media, and dreaming about her next travel destination.
However, there’s one thing she loves even more, and that’s writing her own steamy contemporary romances. They’re a mixture of heart, heat, and humor. Brimming with confident heroines and kind heroes, all living, loving, and lusting in and around her hometown of Detroit, Michigan.
When not falling in love with her characters, DK Marie is laughing, relaxing, and planning her next adventure with her family. Okay, and also drinking boatloads of coffee, chatting on social media, and dreaming about her next travel destination.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
August 8, 2026
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑 (some maybe a touch longer)
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥+
Humor: A touch
Perspective: first person from both hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? slow
When mains are first on page together: immediately
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, three years later
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy from Hambright PR in e-book form
Why I chose this book: Hambright reached out and suggested so I thought I’d give it a try
Mains: Sebastian Blackstone and Rosalia Manchester – this is a M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine
Audiobook available (as of posting)? No
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
This is the first in Marie’s Blackstone Billionaires series.
Basic plot:
Rosalia must save her bookstore – and a shady bet with the powerful Blackstone family seems like the only way
Give this a try if you want:
- contemporary romance
- Kentucky, US setting – heroine is a Michigan transplant
- he has dimples
- divorced hero
- billionaire hero
- Bourbon master distiller hero
- bookshop owning heroine
- low relationship angst / higher external angst
- bet – with some secret keeping…
- mid to higher steam – but a slower burn – 6ish full scenes plus some kisses and a shorter scene I didn’t count as a full flame
Ages:
- I think he’s 32? I didn’t catch her but would guess late 20s / early 30s
First line:
I run my hand along the spin of the limited-edition romance novel.
My thoughts:
I was hoping I would love this one a bit more – I think there IS a lot to love here but for me it was just a bit too gentle between the mains. While I liked Sebastian and Rosalia, I didn’t find myself loving them or caring overmuch. I think the way they were manipulated was painful and I was shocked either of them would even entertain Thorne’s bet. I also think I have some personal background here that comes into play – I find I really struggle with plots that have an outside manipulation that lasts most of the book (probably from experiencing narcissistic abuse myself) and waiting for them to extract themselves really stresses me out. So that’s just on me.
There is a lot of sweetness here – I did love that Rosalia owned a bookstore and that Sebastian was a reader. I enjoyed him bringing her into his world and trying to protect her. As a fellow sufferer of ‘cilantro tastes like dish soap’, I appreciated seeing it as a niche representation in the hero. The steam was great and I liked that it was a slower burn with a build up between them.
Overall I think this one would be fun for someone that loves a bit of secret keeping between the mains, a slow burn and the circling of a bookstore owning heroine and a bourbon business billionaire with a healthy splash of family drama.
Minor complaint
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: This is my first
Average rating from me: 3 stars
Favorite book: This one by default
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑 (some maybe a touch longer)
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥+
Humor: A touch
Perspective: first person from both hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? slow
When mains are first on page together: immediately
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, three years later
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy from Hambright PR in e-book form
Why I chose this book: Hambright reached out and suggested so I thought I’d give it a try
Mains: Sebastian Blackstone and Rosalia Manchester – this is a M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine
Audiobook available (as of posting)? No
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
This is the first in Marie’s Blackstone Billionaires series.
Basic plot:
Rosalia must save her bookstore – and a shady bet with the powerful Blackstone family seems like the only way
Give this a try if you want:
- contemporary romance
- Kentucky, US setting – heroine is a Michigan transplant
- he has dimples
- divorced hero
- billionaire hero
- Bourbon master distiller hero
- bookshop owning heroine
- low relationship angst / higher external angst
- bet – with some secret keeping…
- mid to higher steam – but a slower burn – 6ish full scenes plus some kisses and a shorter scene I didn’t count as a full flame
Ages:
- I think he’s 32? I didn’t catch her but would guess late 20s / early 30s
First line:
I run my hand along the spin of the limited-edition romance novel.
My thoughts:
I was hoping I would love this one a bit more – I think there IS a lot to love here but for me it was just a bit too gentle between the mains. While I liked Sebastian and Rosalia, I didn’t find myself loving them or caring overmuch. I think the way they were manipulated was painful and I was shocked either of them would even entertain Thorne’s bet. I also think I have some personal background here that comes into play – I find I really struggle with plots that have an outside manipulation that lasts most of the book (probably from experiencing narcissistic abuse myself) and waiting for them to extract themselves really stresses me out. So that’s just on me.
There is a lot of sweetness here – I did love that Rosalia owned a bookstore and that Sebastian was a reader. I enjoyed him bringing her into his world and trying to protect her. As a fellow sufferer of ‘cilantro tastes like dish soap’, I appreciated seeing it as a niche representation in the hero. The steam was great and I liked that it was a slower burn with a build up between them.
Overall I think this one would be fun for someone that loves a bit of secret keeping between the mains, a slow burn and the circling of a bookstore owning heroine and a bourbon business billionaire with a healthy splash of family drama.
Minor complaint
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: This is my first
Average rating from me: 3 stars
Favorite book: This one by default
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
August 8, 2026
I actually really liked this billionaire romance! The principles discussed went beyond money and the ability to just cut a check to make everything “right.” It leaned heavily into principles and making the right choice despite the financial aspect.
I feel like that’s a strong point in billionaire romances. Sebastian definitely notices Rosalia, and they have a fun, casual relationship. When Sebastian’s brother, Thorne, wants to strike a bet, I was like, legit rich people games 🙄
The bet is that Thorne will offer Rosalia a payout to save her struggling business if she agrees to date Sebastian and betray him by stealing a business document from him… showing that she cares more about money than her relationship with Sebastian. OR, if she refuses, Thorne agrees to step away from the company.
First off, I felt bad about the state of these brothers’ relationship. There are lots of references to how their relationship used to be, and it was sad comparing that to where they are now. Thorne has lost his faith in love and loyalty, so the bet is basically his twisted view of the world playing out while actively affecting people’s lives.
Okay, so they agree to the bet… Now Sebastian is going to openly pursue Rosalia (which he wanted to anyways), but he knows she’s been offered Thorne’s deal 🫠
Both of them falling for each other while carrying this nagging guilt was intense. They each had a lot to lose by coming clean, but talk about being tormented!
I did enjoy the ending. I was dying to see how all of this played out, and I wasn’t disappointed!
Thank you so much Hambright PR for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I feel like that’s a strong point in billionaire romances. Sebastian definitely notices Rosalia, and they have a fun, casual relationship. When Sebastian’s brother, Thorne, wants to strike a bet, I was like, legit rich people games 🙄
The bet is that Thorne will offer Rosalia a payout to save her struggling business if she agrees to date Sebastian and betray him by stealing a business document from him… showing that she cares more about money than her relationship with Sebastian. OR, if she refuses, Thorne agrees to step away from the company.
First off, I felt bad about the state of these brothers’ relationship. There are lots of references to how their relationship used to be, and it was sad comparing that to where they are now. Thorne has lost his faith in love and loyalty, so the bet is basically his twisted view of the world playing out while actively affecting people’s lives.
Okay, so they agree to the bet… Now Sebastian is going to openly pursue Rosalia (which he wanted to anyways), but he knows she’s been offered Thorne’s deal 🫠
Both of them falling for each other while carrying this nagging guilt was intense. They each had a lot to lose by coming clean, but talk about being tormented!
I did enjoy the ending. I was dying to see how all of this played out, and I wasn’t disappointed!
Thank you so much Hambright PR for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 11, 2026
Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book called, The Bourbon Bet. This is about Rosalia, her day starts out great because she just got asked out by Sebastian Blackstone but then she finds out her on her bookstore lease isn't being renewed. So now she has two months to figure out how to either find the money she needs or find a new space for her bookstore. When one of the owners of the property, Thorne Blackstone, shows up offering her a deal to save her store, she feels like she's making a deal with the devil. She is supposed to date his brother Sebastian to get close to him so she can steal an important folder from him to give to Thorne, but if she doesn't do it she'll lose her bookstore. Thorne knows Sebastian likes Rosalia, so he not only makes that deal with her but also makes a bet with him over Rosalia and her bookstore, and whichever brother loses their bet has to step away from their family bourbon business. Can Rosalia and Sebastian build a real relationship when Thorne is setting them both up to fail and stacking all the cards against them?
This was a really good small town romance with southern charm, toxic family, betting brothers, slow burn, billionaire romance, and a woman willing to fight to the very end for her bookstore and her chance at love. I really liked this story, it was entertaining and enjoyable. The brother pulling the strings to keep these two from what they wanted was a storyline I don't see too often, which I enjoyed reading! Rosalia and Sebastian were from totally different worlds, but both were good people with kind hearts, ultimately trying to protect each other and their happiness. I really enjoyed this story! And I definitely want to read Thorne's book! 💛📚
Thank you to @dkmarieauthor and @hambright_pr for this ARC of The Bourbon Bet, in exchange for an honest review.
This was a really good small town romance with southern charm, toxic family, betting brothers, slow burn, billionaire romance, and a woman willing to fight to the very end for her bookstore and her chance at love. I really liked this story, it was entertaining and enjoyable. The brother pulling the strings to keep these two from what they wanted was a storyline I don't see too often, which I enjoyed reading! Rosalia and Sebastian were from totally different worlds, but both were good people with kind hearts, ultimately trying to protect each other and their happiness. I really enjoyed this story! And I definitely want to read Thorne's book! 💛📚
Thank you to @dkmarieauthor and @hambright_pr for this ARC of The Bourbon Bet, in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2026
Cute romance!!
Rosalia is the owner of a bookstore in a thriving area in Kentucky! The building she leases is owned by the Bourbon Whiskey company in town. Rosalia doesn't just offer books, she offers community! Her bookstore is a community staple bringing people together for events, helping underprivileged children get books, and advocating for reading programs!!
Everything is going right until Rosalia receives notice that her lease will not be renewed and she has 2 months to move out!
Sebastian is a handsome man who frequently visits the bookstore. He and Rosalia flirt and talk about books. There is def an attraction between them.... He also happens to be the same Blackstone whose company owns Rosalia's building!
When Sebastian approaches his brother about Rosalia's lease. His brother decides to offer Sebastian a choice- a bet. BUT, this bet has some pretty significant consequences...
❤️ If you love:
📖 Bookstore romance
💔 Betrayal & forbidden love
🥃 Bourbon country vibes
🐎 Kentucky Derby glamour
🔥 Slow-burn chemistry
👨👩👧 Family secrets & high stakes
...this romance is calling your name.
Rosalia is the owner of a bookstore in a thriving area in Kentucky! The building she leases is owned by the Bourbon Whiskey company in town. Rosalia doesn't just offer books, she offers community! Her bookstore is a community staple bringing people together for events, helping underprivileged children get books, and advocating for reading programs!!
Everything is going right until Rosalia receives notice that her lease will not be renewed and she has 2 months to move out!
Sebastian is a handsome man who frequently visits the bookstore. He and Rosalia flirt and talk about books. There is def an attraction between them.... He also happens to be the same Blackstone whose company owns Rosalia's building!
When Sebastian approaches his brother about Rosalia's lease. His brother decides to offer Sebastian a choice- a bet. BUT, this bet has some pretty significant consequences...
❤️ If you love:
📖 Bookstore romance
💔 Betrayal & forbidden love
🥃 Bourbon country vibes
🐎 Kentucky Derby glamour
🔥 Slow-burn chemistry
👨👩👧 Family secrets & high stakes
...this romance is calling your name.
September 2, 2025
I was completely swept up in The Bourbon Bet!
The story had me hooked from the start, especially with Rosalia owning a bookstore - I'm a sucker for book-loving characters! The romance between Rosalia and Sebastian is a sweet, delicious slow burn, and the tension between them is palpable. I loved how the author wove together the bet between the brothers, Sebastian and Thorn and their relationship.
What I enjoyed most was the emotional depth of the story. I could really feel the characters' struggles and ached for them as the story grew. The themes of family, loyalty, and love are well written and I ate up all the banter and spice.
Overall, The Bourbon Bet is a delightful read that will appeal to fans of billionaire romance, class difference, small-town settings, and stories about family and love.
I'm so glad I read it!
The story had me hooked from the start, especially with Rosalia owning a bookstore - I'm a sucker for book-loving characters! The romance between Rosalia and Sebastian is a sweet, delicious slow burn, and the tension between them is palpable. I loved how the author wove together the bet between the brothers, Sebastian and Thorn and their relationship.
What I enjoyed most was the emotional depth of the story. I could really feel the characters' struggles and ached for them as the story grew. The themes of family, loyalty, and love are well written and I ate up all the banter and spice.
Overall, The Bourbon Bet is a delightful read that will appeal to fans of billionaire romance, class difference, small-town settings, and stories about family and love.
I'm so glad I read it!
September 13, 2025
This is as such a great story and my first read for DK Marie
You have two billionaire brothers who run the Bourbon distillery and one adorable bookstore owner.
Rosalia moved to Kentucky and opened a bookstore on the famous Bourbon row , she met Sebastian As a customer and they are great friends .
Thorne wants his brother position in the company and schemes up a bet that will put Rosalia out business since they own the building she rents , this way his brother Sebastian will have to choose her or the company ……
You have two billionaire brothers who run the Bourbon distillery and one adorable bookstore owner.
Rosalia moved to Kentucky and opened a bookstore on the famous Bourbon row , she met Sebastian As a customer and they are great friends .
Thorne wants his brother position in the company and schemes up a bet that will put Rosalia out business since they own the building she rents , this way his brother Sebastian will have to choose her or the company ……
October 8, 2025
Great book! It is HEAvy on the miscommunication trope but I did love the story and spice and relationship that develops between the main characters. Absolutely loved that the FMC owned a book shop too! The spicy scenes were written sooo well too!
September 9, 2025
I was completely blown away by The Bourbon Bet by DK Marie! From the very first chapter, I knew this book was going to check all my romance boxes and wow, did it ever deliver. This is my first time reading a D.K. Marie book but it will not be my last!
Let’s start with Rosalia. A bookstore owner FMC is one I am such a sucker for. I love characetrs who love books just as much as we do, and Rosalia instantly had my heart. She’s determined, hardworking, and just trying to hold onto her dream despite being thrown into a nearly impossible situation. I loved her resilience, and I rooted for her every step of the way. Then there’s Sebastian. He is broody, guarded, and a bourbon billionaire who you know has a soft center hiding under all that rough exterior. Watching him slowly open up to Rosalia was so satisfying, and their chemistry was really electrifying. The tension between them is drawn out in the best slow burn way, and when things finally spark... ohhh, it was worth every second of waiting.
One of the things I loved most about this book was how much emotional depth DK Marie wove into the story. On the surface, yes, it’s a romance with a fun bet at the heart of it, but underneath it’s really about family, loyalty, betrayal, and learning who you can trust. The dynamic between Sebastian and his brother, Thorne, was fascinating to read, and I loved how their relationship became just as important to the story as the romance. Honestly, I am so ready for Thorne’s redemption arc because while he may be the black sheep of the family, you just know his story is going to be incredible.
The small town Kentucky setting was another highlight for me. The bourbon distillery backdrop added such a rich, Southern vibe to the story and it felt warm, sultry, and atmospheric, the perfect stage for a romance filled with both sweetness and burn. Pair that with Rosalia’s charming bookstore, and you get the ultimate cozy yet dramatic contrast. Honestly, I felt like I was living in Louisville right alongside the characters.
And I have to shout out the banter because it was top tier. The playful back and forth between Rosalia and Sebastian had me grinning, but there was also a tenderness in their dialogue that made me giggle and smile. Add in a sprinkle of spice (enough to heat things up without overshadowing the story), and it was exactly the right balance.
The Bourbon Bet is one of those books that sneaks up on you; it lures you in with the promise of a fun bet and a grumpy billionaire, but by the end you’re feeling for for these characters so deeply. I devoured every word, and when I finished, I just sat there smiling, because it was the exact kind of romance I love to read.
Read if you’re a fan of:
🥃 Billionaire romance with heart
📚 Bookstore FMC you’ll want to be best friends with
💔 Emotional family drama (and sibling rivalry)
🌶️ A slow burn romance with just the right amount of spice
Thank you to D.K. Marie and The Author Agency for the eARC of this book.
Let’s start with Rosalia. A bookstore owner FMC is one I am such a sucker for. I love characetrs who love books just as much as we do, and Rosalia instantly had my heart. She’s determined, hardworking, and just trying to hold onto her dream despite being thrown into a nearly impossible situation. I loved her resilience, and I rooted for her every step of the way. Then there’s Sebastian. He is broody, guarded, and a bourbon billionaire who you know has a soft center hiding under all that rough exterior. Watching him slowly open up to Rosalia was so satisfying, and their chemistry was really electrifying. The tension between them is drawn out in the best slow burn way, and when things finally spark... ohhh, it was worth every second of waiting.
One of the things I loved most about this book was how much emotional depth DK Marie wove into the story. On the surface, yes, it’s a romance with a fun bet at the heart of it, but underneath it’s really about family, loyalty, betrayal, and learning who you can trust. The dynamic between Sebastian and his brother, Thorne, was fascinating to read, and I loved how their relationship became just as important to the story as the romance. Honestly, I am so ready for Thorne’s redemption arc because while he may be the black sheep of the family, you just know his story is going to be incredible.
The small town Kentucky setting was another highlight for me. The bourbon distillery backdrop added such a rich, Southern vibe to the story and it felt warm, sultry, and atmospheric, the perfect stage for a romance filled with both sweetness and burn. Pair that with Rosalia’s charming bookstore, and you get the ultimate cozy yet dramatic contrast. Honestly, I felt like I was living in Louisville right alongside the characters.
And I have to shout out the banter because it was top tier. The playful back and forth between Rosalia and Sebastian had me grinning, but there was also a tenderness in their dialogue that made me giggle and smile. Add in a sprinkle of spice (enough to heat things up without overshadowing the story), and it was exactly the right balance.
The Bourbon Bet is one of those books that sneaks up on you; it lures you in with the promise of a fun bet and a grumpy billionaire, but by the end you’re feeling for for these characters so deeply. I devoured every word, and when I finished, I just sat there smiling, because it was the exact kind of romance I love to read.
Read if you’re a fan of:
🥃 Billionaire romance with heart
📚 Bookstore FMC you’ll want to be best friends with
💔 Emotional family drama (and sibling rivalry)
🌶️ A slow burn romance with just the right amount of spice
Thank you to D.K. Marie and The Author Agency for the eARC of this book.
September 16, 2025
The Bourbon Bet is a steamy, slow burn, billionaire romance and is the story of Sebastian and Rosalia.
This was such a great story and I struggled to put it down when I needed to. Rosalia is a book store owner on Whiskey Row in Louisville and loves to bring the joy of reading to her community. Connecting with her customers is a gift she cherishes, but when Sebastion Blackstone, the owner the local bourbon distillery asks her out for coffee, she can't help but ask herself why.
As the second anniversary of her book store nears, Rosalia learns her lease is not being renewed by the owner of her building. Coincidentally, Sebastion's company owns the building her bookstore is in and she wonders if he has an ulterior motive for asking her out. Sebastian has been attracted to Rosalia and wants to get to know her better. When his brother informs him that Rosalia's lease will not be renewed, Sebastian fights for her but that just antagonizes his brother to push harder and proposes a bet Sebastian cannot resist. Not to be beaten, Sebastian's brother corners Rosalia and forces her into a bargain to save her store, she must steal from Sebastian.
Will Sebastian and Rosalia be able to make a real connection or will the bet between brothers and the deal between Rosalia and Sebastian's brother poison any future they could have together? This was such a twist on the typical romance storyline between characters of different backgrounds. The way the author was able to weave the story of Sebastian and his brother's tumultuous relationship and how he pitted Sebastian and Rosalia against each other without their knowledge was well done and a great twist. I enjoyed the banter and relationship building between Sebastian and Rosalia and the heart felt moments when the bet was discovered and how they were able to be honest and come to a place of understanding and move forward. The spice and tender moments were perfect and Rosalia's found family was wonderful and it was great to see how they stood behind her when things got tough. I recommend this book to all lovers of romance, especially those who love a little drama and angst with some personal growth for all of the characters.
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This was such a great story and I struggled to put it down when I needed to. Rosalia is a book store owner on Whiskey Row in Louisville and loves to bring the joy of reading to her community. Connecting with her customers is a gift she cherishes, but when Sebastion Blackstone, the owner the local bourbon distillery asks her out for coffee, she can't help but ask herself why.
As the second anniversary of her book store nears, Rosalia learns her lease is not being renewed by the owner of her building. Coincidentally, Sebastion's company owns the building her bookstore is in and she wonders if he has an ulterior motive for asking her out. Sebastian has been attracted to Rosalia and wants to get to know her better. When his brother informs him that Rosalia's lease will not be renewed, Sebastian fights for her but that just antagonizes his brother to push harder and proposes a bet Sebastian cannot resist. Not to be beaten, Sebastian's brother corners Rosalia and forces her into a bargain to save her store, she must steal from Sebastian.
Will Sebastian and Rosalia be able to make a real connection or will the bet between brothers and the deal between Rosalia and Sebastian's brother poison any future they could have together? This was such a twist on the typical romance storyline between characters of different backgrounds. The way the author was able to weave the story of Sebastian and his brother's tumultuous relationship and how he pitted Sebastian and Rosalia against each other without their knowledge was well done and a great twist. I enjoyed the banter and relationship building between Sebastian and Rosalia and the heart felt moments when the bet was discovered and how they were able to be honest and come to a place of understanding and move forward. The spice and tender moments were perfect and Rosalia's found family was wonderful and it was great to see how they stood behind her when things got tough. I recommend this book to all lovers of romance, especially those who love a little drama and angst with some personal growth for all of the characters.
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
September 17, 2025
Bourbon and Books, I am already in my happy place, but this story hooked me in and did not let go.
Rosalia owns a bookstore on Bourbon Row in Kentucky. The bookstore is her dream, she is working hard to be successful. She is doing well and has made friends with her customers, one is Sebastian.
Thorne is the villain in this story, he wants what his brother has, feels it should be his by birthright. He is a manipulator and a schemer. He thinks he has figured out a way to beat his brother, with a weakness. His brother is Sebastian, and the company owns Rosalia’s building. Thorne is setting Sebastian up to choose.
Now I have given all the information I plan to, as you need to read this book. It is a slow burn, the backdrop is a small bourbon town, two brothers with a complicated history, and that slow southern charm. I will admit I favored Rosalia, and was cheering her on.
I am looking forward to more from this author.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Rosalia owns a bookstore on Bourbon Row in Kentucky. The bookstore is her dream, she is working hard to be successful. She is doing well and has made friends with her customers, one is Sebastian.
Thorne is the villain in this story, he wants what his brother has, feels it should be his by birthright. He is a manipulator and a schemer. He thinks he has figured out a way to beat his brother, with a weakness. His brother is Sebastian, and the company owns Rosalia’s building. Thorne is setting Sebastian up to choose.
Now I have given all the information I plan to, as you need to read this book. It is a slow burn, the backdrop is a small bourbon town, two brothers with a complicated history, and that slow southern charm. I will admit I favored Rosalia, and was cheering her on.
I am looking forward to more from this author.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
August 4, 2026
As someone from Kentucky, I absolutely loved the Kentucky Derby setting and everything surrounding it. The atmosphere, traditions, fashion, and excitement made this story feel especially meaningful to me.
The romance had wonderful chemistry, but the secrets and emotional complications kept me fully invested. When the truth behind the bet was revealed, my heart broke for the heroine. Realizing she had unknowingly been placed at the center of someone else’s game was devastating.
I especially loved this quote:
“Our worlds don’t have to align perfectly. What matters is how we are together. And when we’re together, it’s like I can finally breathe.”
It perfectly captures the heart of the romance and the idea that two people don’t need to come from identical worlds to belong together.
The Bourbon Bet delivered romance, emotion, secrets, chemistry, and plenty of Kentucky charm. I loved this book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
The romance had wonderful chemistry, but the secrets and emotional complications kept me fully invested. When the truth behind the bet was revealed, my heart broke for the heroine. Realizing she had unknowingly been placed at the center of someone else’s game was devastating.
I especially loved this quote:
“Our worlds don’t have to align perfectly. What matters is how we are together. And when we’re together, it’s like I can finally breathe.”
It perfectly captures the heart of the romance and the idea that two people don’t need to come from identical worlds to belong together.
The Bourbon Bet delivered romance, emotion, secrets, chemistry, and plenty of Kentucky charm. I loved this book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
September 17, 2025
Rosalia is sweet and strong and is on the brink of losing her bookstore and her father’s house, while Sebastian is a broody and powerful billionaire, who offers her a deal.
This is a well written slow burn, easy to read story, with family, friendships, emotions, drama, betrayal, conflict, redemption, secret agenda, humour, witty banter, romance, and undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
This is a well written slow burn, easy to read story, with family, friendships, emotions, drama, betrayal, conflict, redemption, secret agenda, humour, witty banter, romance, and undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
August 5, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
I enjoyed this way more than I thought!
A bookworm bookstore owner meets a hot billionaire who owns a bourbon company? Say less. 🙂↕️
Sebastian was perfection charming, witty, full of banter, dimpled, and radiating big 🍆 energy. The only thing standing in his way? A bet with his brother, make the bookworm fall for him… or lose his share of the company.
If you loved How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, this has those same fun, flirty vibes, but with even higher stakes. I honestly thought it might be a little cheesy, but the cover pulled me in, the blurb sealed the deal, and I’m so glad I picked it up.
I enjoyed this way more than I thought!
A bookworm bookstore owner meets a hot billionaire who owns a bourbon company? Say less. 🙂↕️
Sebastian was perfection charming, witty, full of banter, dimpled, and radiating big 🍆 energy. The only thing standing in his way? A bet with his brother, make the bookworm fall for him… or lose his share of the company.
If you loved How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, this has those same fun, flirty vibes, but with even higher stakes. I honestly thought it might be a little cheesy, but the cover pulled me in, the blurb sealed the deal, and I’m so glad I picked it up.
September 28, 2025
This book was a fun read about the developing romance between a bookstore owner and a master distiller whose family has a long-standing successful whiskey business in Kentucky.
September 12, 2025
Ahh, I loved this book!! The Bourbon Bet by D.K. Marie had me hooked from the very first page. Billionaire meets sweet bookstore owner—honestly, what more could you ask for?
Rosalia and Sebastian’s connection was immediate, but what really drew me in was the tension and complications beneath the surface. With the bet hanging over them thanks to Sebastian’s brother, Thorne, their budding romance had so many layers of doubt, fear, and vulnerability. I loved how Rosalia worried about hurting him, and how Sebastian struggled with whether he could truly trust her feelings—or if his money was the only draw.
The slow burn was so well done! The push and pull kept me turning pages late into the night. On top of the chemistry, there was such an emotional depth to both characters. Watching them open up, wrestle with their insecurities, and fight for something real made their romance feel all the more satisfying.
If you love swoony billionaires, strong and relatable heroines, and a romance that balances heat with heartfelt emotion, this one is a must-read!
Thank you D.K. Marie for the ARC!
Rosalia and Sebastian’s connection was immediate, but what really drew me in was the tension and complications beneath the surface. With the bet hanging over them thanks to Sebastian’s brother, Thorne, their budding romance had so many layers of doubt, fear, and vulnerability. I loved how Rosalia worried about hurting him, and how Sebastian struggled with whether he could truly trust her feelings—or if his money was the only draw.
The slow burn was so well done! The push and pull kept me turning pages late into the night. On top of the chemistry, there was such an emotional depth to both characters. Watching them open up, wrestle with their insecurities, and fight for something real made their romance feel all the more satisfying.
If you love swoony billionaires, strong and relatable heroines, and a romance that balances heat with heartfelt emotion, this one is a must-read!
Thank you D.K. Marie for the ARC!
October 8, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
Sebastian and Thorne are heirs to the Blackstone empire and have been at odds for years. Thorne, the oldest, was passed over for the role of Master Distiller, a position given to Sebastian instead.
When Sebastian starts frequenting Rosalia’s new bookstore, Novel Idea, he’s instantly drawn to her and wants to see where it could lead. But his biggest mistake? Letting his brother see his interest. Thorne uses it against him, threatening to destroy Rosalia and forcing Sebastian into a dangerous bet. Rosalia is an unwilling participant in this and is forced into making decisions that go against her beliefs.
I loved this story; it had me hooked until the very end. I’m kind of hoping for a Thorne redemption arc, but we’ll see!! 👀
✨ What to Expect ✨
💰 Billionaire MMC
📚 Bookstore Owner FMC
💔 Family Betrayal
🎲 A Bet
🤐 Secrets & Lies
🌶️🌶️/5
Sebastian and Thorne are heirs to the Blackstone empire and have been at odds for years. Thorne, the oldest, was passed over for the role of Master Distiller, a position given to Sebastian instead.
When Sebastian starts frequenting Rosalia’s new bookstore, Novel Idea, he’s instantly drawn to her and wants to see where it could lead. But his biggest mistake? Letting his brother see his interest. Thorne uses it against him, threatening to destroy Rosalia and forcing Sebastian into a dangerous bet. Rosalia is an unwilling participant in this and is forced into making decisions that go against her beliefs.
I loved this story; it had me hooked until the very end. I’m kind of hoping for a Thorne redemption arc, but we’ll see!! 👀
✨ What to Expect ✨
💰 Billionaire MMC
📚 Bookstore Owner FMC
💔 Family Betrayal
🎲 A Bet
🤐 Secrets & Lies
September 25, 2025
This book delivers a sensational story. I devoured this. The storyline is perfection and the characters are very likeable. I loved the dynamics of this, of how everything unraveled and came to fruition. I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
December 15, 2025
I know the rules authors shouldn't star their own books. But I feel like that saying, if you don't love yourself, how do you expect others to? I think it is the same for books. If I didn't love and adore the stories I've written, why would I expect readers?
August 5, 2026
I have such a soft spot for romances where both characters are keeping secrets, because you know the truth is eventually going to come out—and it’s going to hurt.
The Bourbon Bet delivers exactly that.
Rosalia is desperate to save her family bookstore and her father’s home, and when she’s offered an impossible deal, she agrees to a plan she never imagined she’d go through with: make Sebastian fall for her and steal information that could change everything. Of course, things become infinitely more complicated once real feelings enter the picture.
Sebastian was more than the typical billionaire hero. Beneath the confidence and wealth is someone who’s carrying the weight of complicated family relationships and learning that trusting people isn’t always easy. I appreciated that he wasn’t just brooding for the sake of it—his vulnerability made him feel much more genuine.
Rosalia was equally easy to root for. Her motivations were understandable, even when her choices were frustrating. I never questioned why she made the decisions she did because the stakes felt real, and that made the emotional conflict all the more compelling.
The chemistry between them was undeniable from the start. Their romance is filled with longing, stolen moments, and constant tension because both of them know there’s more being left unsaid than spoken aloud. Watching them slowly lower their defenses while knowing heartbreak was inevitable kept me turning the pages.
I also loved the bourbon-country setting. It gave the story a rich atmosphere that felt different from the usual billionaire romance, and the family dynamics added another layer of emotion beyond the romance itself.
The pacing occasionally slowed during the family and business discussions, but the emotional payoff was worth sticking with. The betrayal, the fallout, and the road back to forgiveness felt believable without becoming overly dramatic.
Overall, The Bourbon Bet is an emotional, slow-burning romance about trust, forgiveness, and discovering that love is never as simple as the deals people make.
The Bourbon Bet delivers exactly that.
Rosalia is desperate to save her family bookstore and her father’s home, and when she’s offered an impossible deal, she agrees to a plan she never imagined she’d go through with: make Sebastian fall for her and steal information that could change everything. Of course, things become infinitely more complicated once real feelings enter the picture.
Sebastian was more than the typical billionaire hero. Beneath the confidence and wealth is someone who’s carrying the weight of complicated family relationships and learning that trusting people isn’t always easy. I appreciated that he wasn’t just brooding for the sake of it—his vulnerability made him feel much more genuine.
Rosalia was equally easy to root for. Her motivations were understandable, even when her choices were frustrating. I never questioned why she made the decisions she did because the stakes felt real, and that made the emotional conflict all the more compelling.
The chemistry between them was undeniable from the start. Their romance is filled with longing, stolen moments, and constant tension because both of them know there’s more being left unsaid than spoken aloud. Watching them slowly lower their defenses while knowing heartbreak was inevitable kept me turning the pages.
I also loved the bourbon-country setting. It gave the story a rich atmosphere that felt different from the usual billionaire romance, and the family dynamics added another layer of emotion beyond the romance itself.
The pacing occasionally slowed during the family and business discussions, but the emotional payoff was worth sticking with. The betrayal, the fallout, and the road back to forgiveness felt believable without becoming overly dramatic.
Overall, The Bourbon Bet is an emotional, slow-burning romance about trust, forgiveness, and discovering that love is never as simple as the deals people make.
August 5, 2026
Books, bourbon, Southern charm… honestly, this book had me from page one.
I loved the atmosphere of this story. A cozy bookstore tucked away on Bourbon Row paired with the rich Kentucky setting created the perfect backdrop for a romance filled with tension, family drama, and impossible choices.
Rosalia was such an easy heroine to root for. She’s built something she’s proud of, but everything she’s worked for is suddenly at risk. Then there’s Sebastian—a man caught between loyalty to his family and following his heart. Their relationship unfolds at the perfect pace, making every moment between them feel earned.
What really kept me turning the pages, though, was the family conflict. The rivalry between the brothers added so much depth and kept me wondering how everything would play out. The stakes felt real, and there was just enough suspense mixed with the romance to keep me completely invested.
What you can expect:
🤎 Slow-burn romance
🥃 Southern charm & bourbon country vibes
📚 Bookstore setting
💰 Billionaire romance
👥 Brother vs. brother conflict
✨ Great banter and an engaging supporting cast
This was my first book by D.K. Marie, and it definitely won’t be my last. If you enjoy emotional romance with layered family dynamics and a charming small-town atmosphere, I’d absolutely recommend adding this one to your TBR.
Thank you to the author and Hambright for allowing me to read and review this. These are my honest opinions.
I loved the atmosphere of this story. A cozy bookstore tucked away on Bourbon Row paired with the rich Kentucky setting created the perfect backdrop for a romance filled with tension, family drama, and impossible choices.
Rosalia was such an easy heroine to root for. She’s built something she’s proud of, but everything she’s worked for is suddenly at risk. Then there’s Sebastian—a man caught between loyalty to his family and following his heart. Their relationship unfolds at the perfect pace, making every moment between them feel earned.
What really kept me turning the pages, though, was the family conflict. The rivalry between the brothers added so much depth and kept me wondering how everything would play out. The stakes felt real, and there was just enough suspense mixed with the romance to keep me completely invested.
What you can expect:
🤎 Slow-burn romance
🥃 Southern charm & bourbon country vibes
📚 Bookstore setting
💰 Billionaire romance
👥 Brother vs. brother conflict
✨ Great banter and an engaging supporting cast
This was my first book by D.K. Marie, and it definitely won’t be my last. If you enjoy emotional romance with layered family dynamics and a charming small-town atmosphere, I’d absolutely recommend adding this one to your TBR.
Thank you to the author and Hambright for allowing me to read and review this. These are my honest opinions.
August 4, 2026
Set against the rich backdrop of Kentucky bourbon country, this emotional small town billionaire romance blends family drama, slow burn, and secrets into a story I couldn’t put down.
Rosalia instantly won me over. As the owner of a charming bookstore on Whiskey Row, she’s passionate, hardworking, and determined to protect the dream she’s built. I’m always a sucker for book loving characters, so I was invested in her story from the very beginning! Then there’s Sebastian, a guarded bourbon billionaire with a heart that’s much softer than he lets on!
What really kept me hooked was the main conflict. When Sebastian’s brother, Thorne, threatens Rosalia’s bookstore. The tension between the brothers added so much depth, and I found myself just as invested in that storyline as I was in the romance!
The banter between Rosalia and Sebastian was effortless, the slow burn delivered exactly the right amount of anticipation, and when the spice finally arrived, it felt well earned rather than rushed. I also adored Rosalia’s community rallied around her when everything seemed to be falling apart.
Tropes:
Bookstore owner FMC
Billionaire bourbon distillery owner MMC
Slow burn romance
Billionaire romance
Small town
Friends to lovers
Rosalia instantly won me over. As the owner of a charming bookstore on Whiskey Row, she’s passionate, hardworking, and determined to protect the dream she’s built. I’m always a sucker for book loving characters, so I was invested in her story from the very beginning! Then there’s Sebastian, a guarded bourbon billionaire with a heart that’s much softer than he lets on!
What really kept me hooked was the main conflict. When Sebastian’s brother, Thorne, threatens Rosalia’s bookstore. The tension between the brothers added so much depth, and I found myself just as invested in that storyline as I was in the romance!
The banter between Rosalia and Sebastian was effortless, the slow burn delivered exactly the right amount of anticipation, and when the spice finally arrived, it felt well earned rather than rushed. I also adored Rosalia’s community rallied around her when everything seemed to be falling apart.
Tropes:
Bookstore owner FMC
Billionaire bourbon distillery owner MMC
Slow burn romance
Billionaire romance
Small town
Friends to lovers
August 3, 2026
🥃 SYNOPSIS: Rosalia has just 60 days to save her family’s bookstore and home. Desperate, she agrees to a dangerous deal: make the enigmatic Sebastian fall for her and steal his business secrets. But what begins as a calculated scheme quickly turns into something far more complicated when real feelings get in the way. As secrets, betrayal, and family loyalties collide against the backdrop of Kentucky bourbon country and the Kentucky Derby, they’ll have to decide if love can survive the truth.
🥃 REVIEW: I absolutely loved The Bourbon Bet! This was such a heartfelt romance with great pacing that kept me turning the pages. Sebastian completely won me over. He was such an easy character to root for, and my heart genuinely ached for everything he went through. I also found myself sympathizing with Rosalina. Put in her situation, I’m honestly not sure I would have made a different choice. Their emotional journey felt authentic. The romance was beautifully done, with a slow burn that made every moment of their growing connection feel worthwhile.
If you’re a fan of:
✨ Billionaire Romance
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ Small Town
✨ Slow Burn
✨ Bookstore Owner FMC
✨ Bet / Secret Agenda
Definitely pick this one up! Highly recommend!
🥃 REVIEW: I absolutely loved The Bourbon Bet! This was such a heartfelt romance with great pacing that kept me turning the pages. Sebastian completely won me over. He was such an easy character to root for, and my heart genuinely ached for everything he went through. I also found myself sympathizing with Rosalina. Put in her situation, I’m honestly not sure I would have made a different choice. Their emotional journey felt authentic. The romance was beautifully done, with a slow burn that made every moment of their growing connection feel worthwhile.
If you’re a fan of:
✨ Billionaire Romance
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ Small Town
✨ Slow Burn
✨ Bookstore Owner FMC
✨ Bet / Secret Agenda
Definitely pick this one up! Highly recommend!
August 3, 2026
Billionaire romance with a bookstore owning FMC? Immediately I said yes! This is my first read from DK Marie and I will definitely be reading more.
I am a sucker for a book loving character, so I immediately liked Rosalia. She is hard working and determined to do everything she can to keep her dream alive even though she is facing a pretty tough situation. I was rooting for her the entire time.
Then we have Sebastian. The billionaire bourbon distiller that is guarded and broody but has a soft spot for Rosalia. I really loved watching him slowly open up to her.
Then we toss in Thorne and well...let's just say he can go sit on a cactus. The sibling rivalry and family issues with him and Sebastian was very interesting. I didn't like the situation that Throne put both Sebastian and Rosalia in and I was kind of on the edge of my seat just waiting to see how everything was really going to play out in the end.
If you're looking for a slow burn romance full of tension, chemistry, great banter, a book loving FMC, broody billionaires, loyalty, betrayal, and family then I definitely recommend you check this one out! Huge thanks to the author and HambrightPR for the copy to read!
I am a sucker for a book loving character, so I immediately liked Rosalia. She is hard working and determined to do everything she can to keep her dream alive even though she is facing a pretty tough situation. I was rooting for her the entire time.
Then we have Sebastian. The billionaire bourbon distiller that is guarded and broody but has a soft spot for Rosalia. I really loved watching him slowly open up to her.
Then we toss in Thorne and well...let's just say he can go sit on a cactus. The sibling rivalry and family issues with him and Sebastian was very interesting. I didn't like the situation that Throne put both Sebastian and Rosalia in and I was kind of on the edge of my seat just waiting to see how everything was really going to play out in the end.
If you're looking for a slow burn romance full of tension, chemistry, great banter, a book loving FMC, broody billionaires, loyalty, betrayal, and family then I definitely recommend you check this one out! Huge thanks to the author and HambrightPR for the copy to read!
August 2, 2026
Rosalia Manchester is the owner of a local indie bookstore on Whisky Row. Sebastian Blackstone, a billionaire and master distiller of Blackstone Bourbon visits the bookshop frequently and becomes interested in getting to know Rosalia better.
Thorne Blackstone, Sebastian’s brother, deviously decides to make a bet with each Sebastian and Rosalie which leaves them with an impossible choice to make and 60 days to do it.
As Rosalie and Sebastian grow closer, the lies become heavier to bear. Will their new relationship be able to bear the lies and mistrust?
I really liked this book a lot. The characters are charming and achingly real. Both main characters have been through bad relationships and have trust issues. The attraction and longing Sebastian and Rosalia feel for one another is very swoon-worthy. The burn is slow but rewarding for the reader as you see these characters fall deeply for one another. The dual POV was an awesome way for the reader to get to know what the characters are thinking and feeling. The author does a great job of making the reader care about the characters. This is definitely a “one more chapter” kind of book.
Thorne Blackstone, Sebastian’s brother, deviously decides to make a bet with each Sebastian and Rosalie which leaves them with an impossible choice to make and 60 days to do it.
As Rosalie and Sebastian grow closer, the lies become heavier to bear. Will their new relationship be able to bear the lies and mistrust?
I really liked this book a lot. The characters are charming and achingly real. Both main characters have been through bad relationships and have trust issues. The attraction and longing Sebastian and Rosalia feel for one another is very swoon-worthy. The burn is slow but rewarding for the reader as you see these characters fall deeply for one another. The dual POV was an awesome way for the reader to get to know what the characters are thinking and feeling. The author does a great job of making the reader care about the characters. This is definitely a “one more chapter” kind of book.
September 16, 2025
This was my first DK Marie book and it didn’t disappoint. The story was rich with tension, familial and love betrayal and brother vs. brother.
The story is set in Kentucky on Bourbon Row in Louisville. This is where Rosalia (FMC) owns a bookstore, but rents the building from two billionaires, who have a rocky and toxic relationship.
Tropes:
-Billionaire Southern Romance
-Small town
-Top tier banter between main MC’s
-Slow burn
-Familial betrayal
-Bet and Double Bets
-Dual POV
-Strong friend group
Do you choose love or your livelihood? That is a question for both Sebastian and Rosalia!
Run and add this to your TBR. This was a five star read.
Thanks to The Author Agency and DK Marie for the ARC opportunity.
The story is set in Kentucky on Bourbon Row in Louisville. This is where Rosalia (FMC) owns a bookstore, but rents the building from two billionaires, who have a rocky and toxic relationship.
Tropes:
-Billionaire Southern Romance
-Small town
-Top tier banter between main MC’s
-Slow burn
-Familial betrayal
-Bet and Double Bets
-Dual POV
-Strong friend group
Do you choose love or your livelihood? That is a question for both Sebastian and Rosalia!
Run and add this to your TBR. This was a five star read.
Thanks to The Author Agency and DK Marie for the ARC opportunity.
August 5, 2026
I thought this was a good book. The story follows Rosalia, a bookstore owner who is forced into a risky bet to save her shop and her father's home. She has to get close to Sebastian, a billionaire bourbon distiller, and steal his business secrets during Derby season.
I liked the setup and the slow-burn romance between Roasalia and Sebastian. Sebastian is guarded and broody, but watching him slowly open up around Rosalia was done well. The chemistry between them is strong, and the romance has a good amount of spice that actually fits the plot. I also liked the Kentucky setting and the contrast between her cozy bookstore and his family's distillery world. It is an entertaining billionaire romance with a lot of family drama. I recommend checking it out!
I liked the setup and the slow-burn romance between Roasalia and Sebastian. Sebastian is guarded and broody, but watching him slowly open up around Rosalia was done well. The chemistry between them is strong, and the romance has a good amount of spice that actually fits the plot. I also liked the Kentucky setting and the contrast between her cozy bookstore and his family's distillery world. It is an entertaining billionaire romance with a lot of family drama. I recommend checking it out!
August 10, 2026
I really enjoyed Bourbon Bet! The bookstore setting immediately pulled me in (because obviously, give me a romance involving a bookstore and I’m there ), but I also loved the tension that came from the whole bet and knowing there were secrets just waiting to blow everything up. Rosalia and Sebastian had such great chemistry, and I loved watching their relationship shift as real feelings started getting tangled up in something that was never supposed to be real in the first place. The lies, family drama, betrayal, and that constant feeling of ohhh this is going to get messy kept me wanting to see how everything would play out.
Overall, this was such an enjoyable read with romance, plenty of drama, and just the right amount of angst. And honestly…a bookstore + bourbon country + a relationship built on a bet? Such a fun combination!
Overall, this was such an enjoyable read with romance, plenty of drama, and just the right amount of angst. And honestly…a bookstore + bourbon country + a relationship built on a bet? Such a fun combination!
August 3, 2026
4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
2/5 🌶️🌶️
What to Expect:
🥃Southern Small Town
📚Bet between Brothers
🥃Forced Proximity
📚Billionaire MMC
🥃Bookstore Owner FMC
📚Slow Burn
🥃Family Secrets
📚Family Betrayals
🥃Dual POV
I absolutely fell head over heels in love with The Bourbon Bet. What started as a charming romance between a bookstore owner and a bourbon billionaire quickly turns into an emotional rollercoaster of a story filled with ALL the secrets, some incredibly impossible choices, and a all the family drama.
I loved watching Rosalia fight for her bookstore that she's built from the ground up, while Sebastian struggled to balance his feelings for her vs. the family legacy pulling/forcing him in a different direction. The slow-burn romance always gets me, and toss in the small town Kentucky vibes and we got such a cozy, heartfelt world that made everything that went on, hit that much harder.
A HUGE thank you to DK Marie and Hambright PR for sending this one over. It was such a good time vibe. I’m forever appreciative and cannot wait to read more of DK’s books, as this was my first.
-
RTC!!!
2/5 🌶️🌶️
What to Expect:
🥃Southern Small Town
📚Bet between Brothers
🥃Forced Proximity
📚Billionaire MMC
🥃Bookstore Owner FMC
📚Slow Burn
🥃Family Secrets
📚Family Betrayals
🥃Dual POV
I absolutely fell head over heels in love with The Bourbon Bet. What started as a charming romance between a bookstore owner and a bourbon billionaire quickly turns into an emotional rollercoaster of a story filled with ALL the secrets, some incredibly impossible choices, and a all the family drama.
I loved watching Rosalia fight for her bookstore that she's built from the ground up, while Sebastian struggled to balance his feelings for her vs. the family legacy pulling/forcing him in a different direction. The slow-burn romance always gets me, and toss in the small town Kentucky vibes and we got such a cozy, heartfelt world that made everything that went on, hit that much harder.
A HUGE thank you to DK Marie and Hambright PR for sending this one over. It was such a good time vibe. I’m forever appreciative and cannot wait to read more of DK’s books, as this was my first.
-
RTC!!!
August 3, 2026
I really enjoyed this one! It had everything you could want in a contemporary romance — a high stakes deal, betrayal, complicated family dynamics, and two characters who absolutely should not fall for each other but do anyway.
Rosalia is determined to save the bookstore she has poured her heart into and built into a true part of the community, while Sebastian comes from one of Kentucky’s most powerful bourbon families, where family loyalty and business are often intertwined. When his brother Thorne sets a bet into motion that puts Rosalia and Sebastian at the center of it, what starts as a challenge between brothers quickly becomes much more complicated than either of them expected.
I appreciated how the dynamic between Sebastian and Thorne added another layer to the story. Their complicated history and unresolved resentment brought so much depth to the family drama, while the tension between Sebastian and Rosalia kept me invested as they navigated the lies, secrets, and growing attraction between them. The bourbon country setting also added such a fun atmosphere to the story and really helped bring the world to life.
My only complaint was that the guilt surrounding the bet became a little repetitive, especially since we get both POVs and revisit those same feelings multiple times. That being said, it didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the overall story and the characters.
If you like romances with secrets, family drama, complicated relationships, and two people trying to figure out if love can survive the truth, this one is definitely worth picking up!
Rosalia is determined to save the bookstore she has poured her heart into and built into a true part of the community, while Sebastian comes from one of Kentucky’s most powerful bourbon families, where family loyalty and business are often intertwined. When his brother Thorne sets a bet into motion that puts Rosalia and Sebastian at the center of it, what starts as a challenge between brothers quickly becomes much more complicated than either of them expected.
I appreciated how the dynamic between Sebastian and Thorne added another layer to the story. Their complicated history and unresolved resentment brought so much depth to the family drama, while the tension between Sebastian and Rosalia kept me invested as they navigated the lies, secrets, and growing attraction between them. The bourbon country setting also added such a fun atmosphere to the story and really helped bring the world to life.
My only complaint was that the guilt surrounding the bet became a little repetitive, especially since we get both POVs and revisit those same feelings multiple times. That being said, it didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the overall story and the characters.
If you like romances with secrets, family drama, complicated relationships, and two people trying to figure out if love can survive the truth, this one is definitely worth picking up!
March 9, 2026
Steamy, smart and full of plot twists!
I was gripped from the first page! I adored smart, kind bookworm Rosalia from the start.
And handsome aloof Sebastian was the perfect smouldering, heart of gold billionaire.
Both Rosalia and Sebastian make their own deals with his villainous brother, Thorne, but will they turn their back on each other to save their business?
I loved the chemistry between this pair and their love, mutual pining and respect for each other was adorable.
I was gripped from the first page! I adored smart, kind bookworm Rosalia from the start.
And handsome aloof Sebastian was the perfect smouldering, heart of gold billionaire.
Both Rosalia and Sebastian make their own deals with his villainous brother, Thorne, but will they turn their back on each other to save their business?
I loved the chemistry between this pair and their love, mutual pining and respect for each other was adorable.
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