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Bourbon & Backroads
SHE WANTS HIM TO SEE HER.
HE’S TOO AFRAID TO LOOK.
One moment can change everything.
Isabelle Tate and Reid Andersen know that better than most.
For Isabelle, leaving Swiftwater was the only way to outrun the rumors and reputation she never earned.
For Reid, hiding out on his family’s failing ranch was the only way to survive the wreckage of his former life.
She’s spent a decade wanting the man he used to be.
He lost himself years ago and has nothing left to give.
Now, a six-month assignment forces them into close quarters with long days, shared miles, and no escape from each other.
The chemistry is suffocating.
Each lingering glance screams everything they’re too afraid to say.
She’s ready for a second chance.
He doesn’t believe he’s worth one.
HE’S TOO AFRAID TO LOOK.
One moment can change everything.
Isabelle Tate and Reid Andersen know that better than most.
For Isabelle, leaving Swiftwater was the only way to outrun the rumors and reputation she never earned.
For Reid, hiding out on his family’s failing ranch was the only way to survive the wreckage of his former life.
She’s spent a decade wanting the man he used to be.
He lost himself years ago and has nothing left to give.
Now, a six-month assignment forces them into close quarters with long days, shared miles, and no escape from each other.
The chemistry is suffocating.
Each lingering glance screams everything they’re too afraid to say.
She’s ready for a second chance.
He doesn’t believe he’s worth one.
- GenresCowboy Romance
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2025
About the author
Amanda Jayne
4 books10 followersAmanda Jayne writes romances that will make you swoon, sweat, laugh, and cry. She’ll always deliver rugged heroes, wild-hearted heroines, and deeply satisfying happily-ever-afters. She's got a soft spot for grumpy men with gooey centers, can't resist when he only smiles for her, and will never say no to a possessive alpha. When she's not writing your next book boyfriend, she's probably hyperfixating over a new obsession, rearranging her bookshelves, or ignoring her to-do list in favor of just one more chapter.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 30, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
Firstly, I want to take a moment to just say how incredibly grateful I am to have had the opportunity to ARC read Bourbon and Backroads, and that I send a big congratulations to Amanda Jayne on such an exciting accomplishment!
Bourbon and Backroads has solid bones to be a great book. I don’t say it often, but I do wish this book would have been fleshed out a little better and even longer. There was so much potential here but I felt like everything was so crammed that parts that should have hit hard, didn’t.
The MMC wasn’t my favourite for quite a majority of this book. There is a difference between grumpy and a straight up dick and our MMC often crossed the line with some pretty hurtful jabs. There were moments he was incredibly sweet, but I couldn’t get past the things he had said and the way he would act. I think with more longevity to this book, it could have done his character wonders with growth.
As mentioned earlier, the bones were all there. I think diving deeper into Isabella’s past and her current home life would have really benefited the story. Everything felt glanced over and not really dug into. Both characters carried a lot of trauma and I think diving a little deeper into that would have brought an emotional level to the book that I felt like was missing.
There were also a few lines of language that had me stumped and took away some of my enjoyment of the story.
For example:
“Who I live with. Who does sex to me. I love my life.”
Overall a lovely debut that brings so much potential to a brand new series. I’m excited to watch this author grow.
Firstly, I want to take a moment to just say how incredibly grateful I am to have had the opportunity to ARC read Bourbon and Backroads, and that I send a big congratulations to Amanda Jayne on such an exciting accomplishment!
Bourbon and Backroads has solid bones to be a great book. I don’t say it often, but I do wish this book would have been fleshed out a little better and even longer. There was so much potential here but I felt like everything was so crammed that parts that should have hit hard, didn’t.
The MMC wasn’t my favourite for quite a majority of this book. There is a difference between grumpy and a straight up dick and our MMC often crossed the line with some pretty hurtful jabs. There were moments he was incredibly sweet, but I couldn’t get past the things he had said and the way he would act. I think with more longevity to this book, it could have done his character wonders with growth.
As mentioned earlier, the bones were all there. I think diving deeper into Isabella’s past and her current home life would have really benefited the story. Everything felt glanced over and not really dug into. Both characters carried a lot of trauma and I think diving a little deeper into that would have brought an emotional level to the book that I felt like was missing.
There were also a few lines of language that had me stumped and took away some of my enjoyment of the story.
For example:
“Who I live with. Who does sex to me. I love my life.”
Overall a lovely debut that brings so much potential to a brand new series. I’m excited to watch this author grow.
September 13, 2025
Arc reader!
Let me just preface, 3 stars is not terrible. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I think Isabelle and Reid have great chemistry and work very well together.
I also LOVE a tortured MMC. I think they work well together healing from their demons
I did slightly lose interest towards the end. I also hate that she forgave him so easily with not much grovelling.
I am excited to read, hopefully, the next books. She did such a great job setting up the next couples.
All in all, not my #1 book but i did enjoy reading it and am excited to read more!
Let me just preface, 3 stars is not terrible. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I think Isabelle and Reid have great chemistry and work very well together.
I also LOVE a tortured MMC. I think they work well together healing from their demons
I did slightly lose interest towards the end. I also hate that she forgave him so easily with not much grovelling.
I am excited to read, hopefully, the next books. She did such a great job setting up the next couples.
All in all, not my #1 book but i did enjoy reading it and am excited to read more!
September 10, 2025
ARC READER
Isabelle & Reid!!!
So to begin with I seriously didn’t know how on earth Reid was going to be able to redeem himself from being such a prize pri*k, but boy did he. *swoon*
I really enjoyed this authors writing style, I found it very easy to read. Inner monologues are sometimes written very formally which never really makes sense to me as it’s supposed to feel like you’re actually inside their characters head. I know this is a personal preference thing though.
My heart actually shattered for the MC’s in this book as they both have such deep trauma and it’s so lovely seeing them work through it. Isabelle works hard at her confidence and Reid worked to make himself a better person.
This book is a slow burn with no third act breakup (I should hope not given the time it took to get them together 🤣). I would personally give this a 🌶️🌶️🌶️ spicy rating, again as it’s slow burn it takes us quite some time to get there but BOY is it good when we get there. P.S. he whimpers…. (I’m still melting over it).
Based on this book I can already see so many individual stories starting to spin off for this series and I am so excited to see what’s to come. This book has skyrocketed up my list of favourite books & I hope everyone else enjoys it just as much.
Happy Reading Besties xoxo
Isabelle & Reid!!!
So to begin with I seriously didn’t know how on earth Reid was going to be able to redeem himself from being such a prize pri*k, but boy did he. *swoon*
I really enjoyed this authors writing style, I found it very easy to read. Inner monologues are sometimes written very formally which never really makes sense to me as it’s supposed to feel like you’re actually inside their characters head. I know this is a personal preference thing though.
My heart actually shattered for the MC’s in this book as they both have such deep trauma and it’s so lovely seeing them work through it. Isabelle works hard at her confidence and Reid worked to make himself a better person.
This book is a slow burn with no third act breakup (I should hope not given the time it took to get them together 🤣). I would personally give this a 🌶️🌶️🌶️ spicy rating, again as it’s slow burn it takes us quite some time to get there but BOY is it good when we get there. P.S. he whimpers…. (I’m still melting over it).
Based on this book I can already see so many individual stories starting to spin off for this series and I am so excited to see what’s to come. This book has skyrocketed up my list of favourite books & I hope everyone else enjoys it just as much.
Happy Reading Besties xoxo
September 30, 2025
ARC review Bourbon & backroads by
-Cowboy Romance
-Force proximity
-Age gap
-Childhood crush
-past trauma
I refuse to believe that this is Amanda’s first book because oh my god this first book was absolutely phenomenal. I was laughing. I was crying 😂😂😂 the emotional depth that I felt in this book was something that I don’t think I felt for a very long time reading a book.
The story follows Isabelle and Reid , Isabelle starts working with Reid on his family farm and he’s not really happy about it as he is obviously heard rumours about Isabelle from when she was younger.
Isabelle has had a secret crush on Reid basically most of her life but then Reid does start feeling things for Isabelle during the book as well
I love Reid . He’s my broken man and if anyone knows me knows that I love a good broken man but just the way that he is in the book and I think the biggest thing for me about this book is just a character development from the start of the book right through to the very end of the book was really empowering.
On the topic of spice , the spice in this book was HOT HOT HOT 🔥 🥵🥵 but it’s not just that the spice was hot,It was I guess the way that the spice was written. It was written in a really beautiful way based on the events of the book as well.
I want to thank @authoramandajayne for an opportunity to read this because an Arc this book blew me away honestly and EVERYONE needs to read it 💕
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
-Cowboy Romance
-Force proximity
-Age gap
-Childhood crush
-past trauma
I refuse to believe that this is Amanda’s first book because oh my god this first book was absolutely phenomenal. I was laughing. I was crying 😂😂😂 the emotional depth that I felt in this book was something that I don’t think I felt for a very long time reading a book.
The story follows Isabelle and Reid , Isabelle starts working with Reid on his family farm and he’s not really happy about it as he is obviously heard rumours about Isabelle from when she was younger.
Isabelle has had a secret crush on Reid basically most of her life but then Reid does start feeling things for Isabelle during the book as well
I love Reid . He’s my broken man and if anyone knows me knows that I love a good broken man but just the way that he is in the book and I think the biggest thing for me about this book is just a character development from the start of the book right through to the very end of the book was really empowering.
On the topic of spice , the spice in this book was HOT HOT HOT 🔥 🥵🥵 but it’s not just that the spice was hot,It was I guess the way that the spice was written. It was written in a really beautiful way based on the events of the book as well.
I want to thank @authoramandajayne for an opportunity to read this because an Arc this book blew me away honestly and EVERYONE needs to read it 💕
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
September 24, 2025
Bourbon and Backroads by Amanda Jayne is a beautiful mix of grumpy/sunshine banter, forced proximity tension, and a heartfelt second chance at love.
Years ago, Isabelle Tate left town, desperate to escape the weight of small town rumors. Now she’s back, ready to finally claim a second chance at happiness. Reid Anderson the broody grump who once held her heart doesn’t believe he has anything to offer, but fate (and a little bourbon soaked forced proximity) has other plans.
The tension between them is electric. Isabelle’s sunshine persistence against Reid’s guarded walls made for a delicious slow burn, and when those walls finally start to crack? Pure swoon. The small town setting adds the perfect cozy charm, but it’s the emotional depth and vulnerability between these two that makes the story shine.
If you love:
☀️ grumpy x sunshine
💔 second chance romance
⛺ forced proximity
🥃 small-town charm
🔥 slow burn with a steamy payoff
…then Isabelle and Reid’s story is a must read for your TBR.
Thank you to the author for the ARC! 💕
Years ago, Isabelle Tate left town, desperate to escape the weight of small town rumors. Now she’s back, ready to finally claim a second chance at happiness. Reid Anderson the broody grump who once held her heart doesn’t believe he has anything to offer, but fate (and a little bourbon soaked forced proximity) has other plans.
The tension between them is electric. Isabelle’s sunshine persistence against Reid’s guarded walls made for a delicious slow burn, and when those walls finally start to crack? Pure swoon. The small town setting adds the perfect cozy charm, but it’s the emotional depth and vulnerability between these two that makes the story shine.
If you love:
☀️ grumpy x sunshine
💔 second chance romance
⛺ forced proximity
🥃 small-town charm
🔥 slow burn with a steamy payoff
…then Isabelle and Reid’s story is a must read for your TBR.
Thank you to the author for the ARC! 💕
November 6, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! This was the first book from this author that I have read and it won’t be the last. This was a cowboy, grumpy sunshine, forced proximity, sweet and spicy book! The FMC has had a crush on the MMC for 10 years but he wasn’t aware and didn’t really know her. He was the high school football quarterback when they were in high school and she was bullied by alot of the kids. She moves back home and is offered a job at his family’s business, and they have to work together very closely.
He was in an accident that scarred him in multiple ways and was very broken, so he tried to hide from everyone. His brother passed away just a few months before they started working together as well/ He’s rude and grumpy, and she’s always sweet no matter what because she’s so grateful for the job.
This is a ‘second chance at life for both of them’ type of book! I loved how well the author handled both of their situations and personal growth in this book!
The banter was great! It was so sweet and swoony but once the spice hit, wow! Definitely recommend!!
He was in an accident that scarred him in multiple ways and was very broken, so he tried to hide from everyone. His brother passed away just a few months before they started working together as well/ He’s rude and grumpy, and she’s always sweet no matter what because she’s so grateful for the job.
This is a ‘second chance at life for both of them’ type of book! I loved how well the author handled both of their situations and personal growth in this book!
The banter was great! It was so sweet and swoony but once the spice hit, wow! Definitely recommend!!
September 8, 2025
I love a grumpy and sunshine small town book and this delivered.
I was a little skeptical about where this book was going the first couple of chapters but then it hooked me instantly to where I spent the entire day reading it just because it was so good.
Oh, Reid. The grumpy cowboy who is the maintenance worker for his families business is a total recluse and kind of a jerk after an accident changes the course of his life. Honestly, I wanted to slap him a couple times but he redeemed himself so greatly that I’ll forgive him for previous actions.
And the queen of rising from the bottom, is our fierce firecracker Isabelle. This girl was just going through life trying to avoid conflict which she never caused but good old small town drama didn’t let her get away to easy. Watching her discover herself was just the best. And finding out her trauma was heartbreaking but the way it was written was with grace.
Highly recommend this book as your next read. Please check trigger warnings.
I was a little skeptical about where this book was going the first couple of chapters but then it hooked me instantly to where I spent the entire day reading it just because it was so good.
Oh, Reid. The grumpy cowboy who is the maintenance worker for his families business is a total recluse and kind of a jerk after an accident changes the course of his life. Honestly, I wanted to slap him a couple times but he redeemed himself so greatly that I’ll forgive him for previous actions.
And the queen of rising from the bottom, is our fierce firecracker Isabelle. This girl was just going through life trying to avoid conflict which she never caused but good old small town drama didn’t let her get away to easy. Watching her discover herself was just the best. And finding out her trauma was heartbreaking but the way it was written was with grace.
Highly recommend this book as your next read. Please check trigger warnings.
September 9, 2025
BOURBON & BACKROADS BY AMANDA JAYNE
I freaking loved this book! I devoured it in just a few hours because I could not put it down. Reid and Isabelle… omg, their story had me hooked from the very beginning! This has definitely become one of my new favorites.
Reid has turned into an introvert after his accident, and Isabelle carries her own heavy trauma—keeping her head down and her walls up. They’re both so strong, but it takes time for them to realize it. Reid’s anger lashes out at everyone, especially Isabelle, but she meets it with kindness and patience until he finally lets her in.
This book gave me all the emotions—I laughed, I swooned, I felt their love, and I absolutely sobbed more than once. Do not hesitate to grab this one! I’m so excited for what’s to come in this series—Connor and Delilah’s story better be next! And if this really is Amanda’s debut? She nailed it. I cannot wait to read more from her.
✨ Release day must-read! ✨
I freaking loved this book! I devoured it in just a few hours because I could not put it down. Reid and Isabelle… omg, their story had me hooked from the very beginning! This has definitely become one of my new favorites.
Reid has turned into an introvert after his accident, and Isabelle carries her own heavy trauma—keeping her head down and her walls up. They’re both so strong, but it takes time for them to realize it. Reid’s anger lashes out at everyone, especially Isabelle, but she meets it with kindness and patience until he finally lets her in.
This book gave me all the emotions—I laughed, I swooned, I felt their love, and I absolutely sobbed more than once. Do not hesitate to grab this one! I’m so excited for what’s to come in this series—Connor and Delilah’s story better be next! And if this really is Amanda’s debut? She nailed it. I cannot wait to read more from her.
✨ Release day must-read! ✨
September 28, 2025
This was a great read! I loved how both Isabelle and Reid had their own issues before they had to work together. Reid's issues especially stood in the way of any kind of relationship in the beginning of the book. Both Isabelle and Reid grew a lot as a character during the story. Isabelle tries to prove the rumours about her are not true and Reid pushes her buttons. Reid was lost in his past trauma until he started working with Isabelle, and he wants to do better for her. I had a little issue in the beginning because it felt like most of the time they were talking about each other's physical appearance. I still recommend this book to everyone who likes:
-Cowboy Romance
-Sunshine/grump
-Forced proximity
-Age gap
-Childhood crush
-Past trauma
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
-Cowboy Romance
-Sunshine/grump
-Forced proximity
-Age gap
-Childhood crush
-Past trauma
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
November 8, 2025
What an incredible story of strength, resilience and compassion. Isabelle is one tough chick! To go through all that at 15 and come out on the other side the way she did. To finding her forever, whom she had a crush on since high school. And Reid finding a way out of his self destruct. Losing his brother sent him on a spiral. Isabelle came at the right time to help him and he helped her find herself again. This is a quote from the book that stuck with me.
“Thank you” I hope my two words convey the depth of what they mean to me.
Thank you for seeing me.
Thank you for being better for me.
Thank you for erasing my pain.
Thank you for accepting the gift of my body.
Because he’s the only man who’ll ever have my heart.
“Thank you” I hope my two words convey the depth of what they mean to me.
Thank you for seeing me.
Thank you for being better for me.
Thank you for erasing my pain.
Thank you for accepting the gift of my body.
Because he’s the only man who’ll ever have my heart.
September 23, 2025
Review – Bourbon & Backroads by Amanda Jayne (ARC)
What a joy this book was to read! Reid and Isabelle are the perfect grumpy/sunshine couple, and I loved every moment of their journey together. Both characters carry trauma, and the way they navigate their ups and downs — learning, healing, and finding love along the way — was heartfelt and beautifully done.
The chemistry between them felt so natural, equal parts tender and passionate. Their story is one of resilience and second chances, and I found myself rooting for them on every page.
And the best part? This is only the beginning of the series! I’m so excited to see what Amanda Jayne has planned for the next installment.
What a joy this book was to read! Reid and Isabelle are the perfect grumpy/sunshine couple, and I loved every moment of their journey together. Both characters carry trauma, and the way they navigate their ups and downs — learning, healing, and finding love along the way — was heartfelt and beautifully done.
The chemistry between them felt so natural, equal parts tender and passionate. Their story is one of resilience and second chances, and I found myself rooting for them on every page.
And the best part? This is only the beginning of the series! I’m so excited to see what Amanda Jayne has planned for the next installment.
October 3, 2025
Congratulations to Amanda Jayne for her romance debut. A solid debut, and a storyteller with promise as she perfects her craft. This takes time and practice. As a reader I must remain patient, and I will be following her career.
I enjoyed Reid and Isabelle’s story. A slow burn, a character redemption, and plenty of spice. It is an easy read. I want address Reid, he is well written, you are not pleased with the man, until you are and then swoon!
I am looking forward to more in this world, we have been set up nicely for more and I look forward to reading them!
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
I enjoyed Reid and Isabelle’s story. A slow burn, a character redemption, and plenty of spice. It is an easy read. I want address Reid, he is well written, you are not pleased with the man, until you are and then swoon!
I am looking forward to more in this world, we have been set up nicely for more and I look forward to reading them!
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
October 15, 2025
Reid was a dick for the majority of the book & didn’t grovel nearly enough in my opinion but he did fall madly in love with her. I just can’t fathom a woman giving a man a third chance (yes third) I don’t think Izzy’s home life was described enough, it was hard to truly imagine how she and her sister got by with parents like theirs. The author did a good job of setting the scene for future couples in the series, although James gave me the ick so I’m not looking forward to his as much as I am Greyson & Connors books.
September 8, 2025
For the first few chapters, it was hard to root for the pairing of Reid and Isabelle. Once each of the characters started to open up to each other and reveal some of their past and current challenges, it is a whole other ballgame -- you can't stop wanting the characters to support each other. I also really appreciated how the friends and family were portrayed, in particular how James and Grey worked behind the scenes to set Reid's plan in motion.
Keep in mind to read the trigger warnings.
Keep in mind to read the trigger warnings.
September 9, 2025
This was definitely a 5 ⭐️read for me. Reid is a grumpy cowboy who struggles with his feelings. Isabelle is trying to find herself after a childhood full of trauma. Reid definitely grew into the man that Isabelle deserves. Isabelle is able to let go of her past and with the way that they love each other it was always meant to be. I definitely cried a couple of times while reading this! I would definitely recommend reading this book! I can’t wait to see what’s next!!!
September 17, 2025
Bourbon & Backroads is the debut novel from Amanda Jayne and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Both Reid and Isabelle have pain from their pasts that they want to keep hidden but between road trips and hot tubs they share their pain and love.
Definitely can not wait for more from Lucky Spur Ranch
Both Reid and Isabelle have pain from their pasts that they want to keep hidden but between road trips and hot tubs they share their pain and love.
Definitely can not wait for more from Lucky Spur Ranch
September 30, 2025
This book was so raw and real! You can tell how much emotion and care when into it! I loved Reid and Isabelle so much! I can’t wait to see what comes next in the Lucky Spurs Ranch series!
❤️slow burn
❤️grumpy x sunshine
❤️cowboy romance
❤️forced proximity
❤️slow burn
❤️grumpy x sunshine
❤️cowboy romance
❤️forced proximity
September 30, 2025
Age gap, unrequited crush, close quarters and so much more. Isabelle and Reid’s story will have you shaking your head, cursing and then swooning. Oh and so much more. Just enjoy
October 7, 2025
Book one in the Lucky Spurs Ranch series. Isabella is back to her home town. She left behind the rumors and the hate. Now she’s a new person and has a new job. That where she sees Reid again. Not the say person she knew before. This man is broken and so hurtful. Everything that comes out of his mouth is either an insult or just cruel. They have to work together. She’s shy but when mad she’s so sassy. He’s mean to her. She forgives him so many time till she can’t no longer take it and she walks away. They share secrets and fears. That bind them together. Both learn to love themself and bring love to one another.
October 10, 2025
2⭐️ | 📖 | 🌶️🌶️ | Oh I wanted to love this one, but it just fell short for me. I am so supportive of new authors and some I really connect with, but this one was a miss for me. The grumpy MMC was actually just straight up MEAN a lot of the book which was a huge👎🏻. Isabelle has had a crush on Reid since forever, but her reputation precedes her and small-town rumors follow her. I wish I connected with them more, but I found myself skimming the last 50% of the book to finish and get to the HEA.
October 11, 2025
This book feels like a country song in novel form. With small-town vibes, rugged charm, and heartfelt romance, Bourbon & Backroads delivers a story full of warmth and longing.
December 9, 2025
so good
Such a good book. They both had some series scars both physical and emotional and just them helping each other though that you could feel the love between them.
Such a good book. They both had some series scars both physical and emotional and just them helping each other though that you could feel the love between them.
Read
April 24, 2026This book was so terrible it was geneusflly like painful and it took me amotnh to get through. No wonder there is 50 reviews 0 dyes
September 30, 2025
Yesss!!
Loved loved loved! The asshole meter peaked with Reid but the way his walls come down for Isabelle was so good! The banter was on point. cannot wait for Delilah's story!
Loved loved loved! The asshole meter peaked with Reid but the way his walls come down for Isabelle was so good! The banter was on point. cannot wait for Delilah's story!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews