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The Bourbon Boys #3
Bourbon and Proof
Ace Foxx never planned to marry, until he has no choice but to strike a deal with Hadley Finch, the woman he swore to stay away from. Now he’ll have to break his own rules – in the final book in a bourbon-infused romantic suspense trilogy featuring mystery, murder, and lots of spice.
In Fiasco, Kentucky, there is one never fall for a Foxx brother. Any woman who did, ended up dead – or so the rumour goes.
It isn’t just small-town lore or neighbourhood gossip – I’ve witnessed what happens when the men in my family get too comfortable. And with the responsibility of leading Foxx Bourbon on my shoulders, I’ll go to any lengths to ensure the safety of my business and family.
There’s only one Hadley Finch. An honorary member of my family and the daughter of a deplorable businessman. She’s the woman I swore to stay away from in a bargain I never wanted to make, and now … she’s my wife.
Hadley’s always been the only person who pushes every last shred of my resolve. Before she was mine, I was fine protecting her from afar. It was never about being her hero or happy ending, but now, I crave both. Call it the Foxx curse or penance for my sins, but when all of it explodes and the lives of those I love are threatened, there are only two things I have left to bargain bourbon and proof.
In Fiasco, Kentucky, there is one never fall for a Foxx brother. Any woman who did, ended up dead – or so the rumour goes.
It isn’t just small-town lore or neighbourhood gossip – I’ve witnessed what happens when the men in my family get too comfortable. And with the responsibility of leading Foxx Bourbon on my shoulders, I’ll go to any lengths to ensure the safety of my business and family.
There’s only one Hadley Finch. An honorary member of my family and the daughter of a deplorable businessman. She’s the woman I swore to stay away from in a bargain I never wanted to make, and now … she’s my wife.
Hadley’s always been the only person who pushes every last shred of my resolve. Before she was mine, I was fine protecting her from afar. It was never about being her hero or happy ending, but now, I crave both. Call it the Foxx curse or penance for my sins, but when all of it explodes and the lives of those I love are threatened, there are only two things I have left to bargain bourbon and proof.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2025
2755 people are currently reading
16529 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Wilder
9 books2,155 followersForever a hopeful romantic, I write deliciously witty and wild characters. My stories range from small-town swoon-worthy men to fiercely powerful families and lead characters who aren't afraid to ask for what they want.
You will always find a little bit of fate, a whole lot of steam, and a wildly romantic ride.
You will always find a little bit of fate, a whole lot of steam, and a wildly romantic ride.
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March 2, 2025I have been wanting Ace’s book since day 1, page 1 of book 1. 🤠
June 5, 2025
can u hear me crying in the club over this series being done? bc i am. ✨cue tiny violin✨
i have been DYING over hadley & ace since book one as i know many others have and i am so happy to say they did not disappoint 😭
the thing i really enjoyed about this one is how much damn YEARNING was done in this book, despite them both obviously being in love with the other for years it was still a slow burn in every sense and boy was it delicious 🙂↕️
over all for me this book felt like a love letter to the world victoria created & for those that have loved this series so much. every loose end was tied up beautifully and even though none of us WANT to say goodbye i feel like were able to love & let go and create a new excitement for whats next to come without there being any unanswered questions or lingering feelings.
like some other reviewers there were some moments where i felt a little thrown off by certain aspects in the book but thankfully none of them really were big enough to take away from my reading experience in a negative way.
now if youll excuse me, back to gnawing at the gates of my enclosure over the jeweler being next 😼
i have been DYING over hadley & ace since book one as i know many others have and i am so happy to say they did not disappoint 😭
the thing i really enjoyed about this one is how much damn YEARNING was done in this book, despite them both obviously being in love with the other for years it was still a slow burn in every sense and boy was it delicious 🙂↕️
over all for me this book felt like a love letter to the world victoria created & for those that have loved this series so much. every loose end was tied up beautifully and even though none of us WANT to say goodbye i feel like were able to love & let go and create a new excitement for whats next to come without there being any unanswered questions or lingering feelings.
like some other reviewers there were some moments where i felt a little thrown off by certain aspects in the book but thankfully none of them really were big enough to take away from my reading experience in a negative way.
now if youll excuse me, back to gnawing at the gates of my enclosure over the jeweler being next 😼
July 27, 2025
you'd need a universe-sized crowbar to pry me away from ace's lap.
January 13, 2026
Atticus Foxx is the embodiment of ‘Daddy is a state of mind’
I’ve been waiting for these two patiently since the start. The tension and banter, that I ate up of them throughout the first 2 books.
Ace, well this man has always been fine as hell and then I remembered he is in fact 43 and I combusted on the spot. The fact he’s been fighting his feeling for her for yearrrssss. A man that yearns and yearns well 😌 thank you for your service. If I was rating this book on him alone, 5 stars. But well - I'm not.
Hadley is an likeable FMC, she’s fun, flirty, sexy and fierce, mixed with a more vulnerable side. I just didn’t find myself connecting to her as much as I’d anticipated.
Do you ever read a book where the MMC is hands down on top but their book isn’t your favourite one? That makes me want to throw a pitty party for myself. Cause this was lowkey fine but disappointing.
This was an enjoyable read but a couple of things brought this down for me.
I really feel like this definitely could have been shorter, so I did find it dragging out at times, especially towards the end. There were a few times I felt quite disengaged, and dare i say slightly bored, but other times I was having fun.
Maybe I had higher expectations with these two feeding us throughout the other books, but it just fell flat at times. I definitely wanted more from their book, it was missing a bit of that spark that goes with these two.
“I think if you knew my ‘little kinks,’ you wouldn’t push me with that bratty mouth so often.” 🤭
Overall a fun series!! Small town western romance, with suspense and mixed in with hella spicy spice. If I’m being honest, cause when am I not? Hahaha… I would say this series could be deffo overhyped. It’s good but I wouldn’t scream at you to read it tomorrow. Book 1, meh. Book 2, smash. Book 3, good but underwhelming.
Rankings:
MMCs; Ace, Lincoln, Grant
Books; Secrets, Proof, Lies
_______________
Pre-read: I called it from book 1 that Ace would be my fave Foxx brother 🔝 let’s see if all my dreams come true 😌
I’ve been waiting for these two patiently since the start. The tension and banter, that I ate up of them throughout the first 2 books.
Ace, well this man has always been fine as hell and then I remembered he is in fact 43 and I combusted on the spot. The fact he’s been fighting his feeling for her for yearrrssss. A man that yearns and yearns well 😌 thank you for your service. If I was rating this book on him alone, 5 stars. But well - I'm not.
Hadley is an likeable FMC, she’s fun, flirty, sexy and fierce, mixed with a more vulnerable side. I just didn’t find myself connecting to her as much as I’d anticipated.
Do you ever read a book where the MMC is hands down on top but their book isn’t your favourite one? That makes me want to throw a pitty party for myself. Cause this was lowkey fine but disappointing.
This was an enjoyable read but a couple of things brought this down for me.
I really feel like this definitely could have been shorter, so I did find it dragging out at times, especially towards the end. There were a few times I felt quite disengaged, and dare i say slightly bored, but other times I was having fun.
Maybe I had higher expectations with these two feeding us throughout the other books, but it just fell flat at times. I definitely wanted more from their book, it was missing a bit of that spark that goes with these two.
“I think if you knew my ‘little kinks,’ you wouldn’t push me with that bratty mouth so often.” 🤭
Overall a fun series!! Small town western romance, with suspense and mixed in with hella spicy spice. If I’m being honest, cause when am I not? Hahaha… I would say this series could be deffo overhyped. It’s good but I wouldn’t scream at you to read it tomorrow. Book 1, meh. Book 2, smash. Book 3, good but underwhelming.
Rankings:
MMCs; Ace, Lincoln, Grant
Books; Secrets, Proof, Lies
_______________
Pre-read: I called it from book 1 that Ace would be my fave Foxx brother 🔝 let’s see if all my dreams come true 😌
December 24, 2025
finally, i can put this nonsense past me.
June 28, 2025
3 stars
Marriage of convenience? Cowboy? Age gap? Hell yeah.
They’ve known. For years. And yet they never acted on it—until now. The tension was so thick I could feel it. And the spice? Absolutely worth the wait.
She’s the kind of FMC I love reading: unfiltered, slightly unhinged, and never shrinking herself to fit anyone’s expectations. I especially appreciated that she didn’t wait around for him her whole life. She had partners, she had a life, and she owned it—no guilt, no shame.
It wasn’t just desire, it was years of repressed wanting finally catching fire. And when it did? It burned.
That being said… I do have a problem with the author’s writing style—especially the way she transitions from one scene to another. It felt choppy at times, and I caught myself zoning out more than once, unsure how we even got from point A to B.
many thanks to Luna Literary and the author for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review
Marriage of convenience? Cowboy? Age gap? Hell yeah.
They’ve known. For years. And yet they never acted on it—until now. The tension was so thick I could feel it. And the spice? Absolutely worth the wait.
She’s the kind of FMC I love reading: unfiltered, slightly unhinged, and never shrinking herself to fit anyone’s expectations. I especially appreciated that she didn’t wait around for him her whole life. She had partners, she had a life, and she owned it—no guilt, no shame.
It wasn’t just desire, it was years of repressed wanting finally catching fire. And when it did? It burned.
That being said… I do have a problem with the author’s writing style—especially the way she transitions from one scene to another. It felt choppy at times, and I caught myself zoning out more than once, unsure how we even got from point A to B.
many thanks to Luna Literary and the author for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review
June 28, 2025
I went into this book with high hope...sky-high, honestly. We've met these characters before, we’ve rooted for them, imagined their story unfolding in an epic, explosive way... but unfortunately, this just didn’t deliver on that promise.
Super disappointed, because in my head, their love story was legendary. On paper, sadly, it was just okay.
🎶“illicit affairs” – Taylor Swift
🎶"Girl Crush" – Little Big Town
🎶"The House That Built Me" – Miranda Lambert
🎶"Yours" – Russell Dickerson
Super disappointed, because in my head, their love story was legendary. On paper, sadly, it was just okay.
🎶“illicit affairs” – Taylor Swift
🎶"Girl Crush" – Little Big Town
🎶"The House That Built Me" – Miranda Lambert
🎶"Yours" – Russell Dickerson
October 10, 2025
I’ll be back tomorrow to give this book the six star review that it deserves👏🏻👏🏻
May 22, 2025
Bourbon & Proof is the 3rd and final book in the Bourbon Boys series! I’m so sad this series is done because I loved this series so much but I am excited for what the author has coming next! This one was sooo good, characters we have been waiting for their book for the whole series and I was obsessed! This is a marriage of convenience, best friend’s brother, small town, romantic suspense, found family.
Hadley + Ace! Ugh I love them so much! We have seen Hadley tease Ace throughout the series and they definitely have something between them. In this book we see their past, they’ve been in each other’s lives for years, and just get so much amazing mutual pining between these two. I love a marriage of convenience romance but am super particular of how they’re set up/if they make sense, and this book absolutely worked with the setup. They are pushed to get married/decide to marry because of situations with their families.
Ace is the oldest and head of his family’s bourbon business in Kentucky. He has always had a lot of responsibility on his shoulders and is always there to take care of his family, his loved ones, and his community. Hadley has flirted and teased him for years and he has kept away for reasons (which we get to see explored in the story). The found family vibes in this book were everything, I love Hadley’s relationship with the family (she’s best friends with his brother Lincoln, is close to his grandfather Gris, and even has a guest room in their house). We get romantic suspense in here as well and it played into the story and series so well! I loved this one so much, loved the chemistry between Hadley and Ace, when that tension between them finally snaps 🔥! So many favorites in this: the small town setting, seeing all the couples, Colorado (crossover appearance with Riggs family series from this author), French 75, “Griz dinner”, her journaling, preuve d’amour, Midnight Proof. Such a good end to the series! And I’m reallll excited for what’s coming next from this author. 👀
I received an ARC from the author, all thoughts in this review are my own.
CW: Violence and death on page, descriptive gore, violence toward women, discussion of deceased parents and family, scenes inside of a hospital. (More provided by author at start of story).
Hadley + Ace! Ugh I love them so much! We have seen Hadley tease Ace throughout the series and they definitely have something between them. In this book we see their past, they’ve been in each other’s lives for years, and just get so much amazing mutual pining between these two. I love a marriage of convenience romance but am super particular of how they’re set up/if they make sense, and this book absolutely worked with the setup. They are pushed to get married/decide to marry because of situations with their families.
Ace is the oldest and head of his family’s bourbon business in Kentucky. He has always had a lot of responsibility on his shoulders and is always there to take care of his family, his loved ones, and his community. Hadley has flirted and teased him for years and he has kept away for reasons (which we get to see explored in the story). The found family vibes in this book were everything, I love Hadley’s relationship with the family (she’s best friends with his brother Lincoln, is close to his grandfather Gris, and even has a guest room in their house). We get romantic suspense in here as well and it played into the story and series so well! I loved this one so much, loved the chemistry between Hadley and Ace, when that tension between them finally snaps 🔥! So many favorites in this: the small town setting, seeing all the couples, Colorado (crossover appearance with Riggs family series from this author), French 75, “Griz dinner”, her journaling, preuve d’amour, Midnight Proof. Such a good end to the series! And I’m reallll excited for what’s coming next from this author. 👀
I received an ARC from the author, all thoughts in this review are my own.
CW: Violence and death on page, descriptive gore, violence toward women, discussion of deceased parents and family, scenes inside of a hospital. (More provided by author at start of story).
January 5, 2026
⋆˙⟡ 4 ⭐️ thank the lord, the universe, and whatever higher power was watching over me for bourbon & proof, because my expectations were not just low - they were buried underground. and yet??? this book said surprise, bitch and delivered the best possible payoff. after slogging through the first two books, this one finally gave me everything i was hoping for and then some. i had an absurd amount of fun with ace, hadley, and the entire foxx family. this was flirty, funny, and exactly the reward i deserved for sticking it out.
from the very first moment ace foxx showed up in book one, i knew he would be my favourite brother. i didn’t particularly enjoy the first two books, but i persevered because there was absolutely no way in hell i was missing the inevitable detonation that is ace and hadley. and wow. worth it. ace foxx is the older, darker, hotter foxx brother, and i will not be entertaining debates on this matter.
hadley has been my favourite fmc in this series since book one, and she remains completely unmatched. she is that girl. her sass? elite. her charm? dangerous. her shameless, take-no-shit energy? everything to me. she’s the kind of fmc i’d follow into battle and then get drunk with afterwards. hadley is permanently on my fictional besties list.
everything came together beautifully in this book: romance, suspense, banter, friendship, mystery, and happily ever afters. the found family aspect finally clicked into place, and it felt so warm and earned. i absolutely adored the girl gang that laney, faye, and hadley formed - it added such a fun, lightheartedness to the story.
victoria wilder tied up the series in a way that feels complete and satisfying, and gris’ ending? genuinely heartwarming. that man deserves the world.
in conclusion: i survived two books for ace foxx, and i’d do it again.
from the very first moment ace foxx showed up in book one, i knew he would be my favourite brother. i didn’t particularly enjoy the first two books, but i persevered because there was absolutely no way in hell i was missing the inevitable detonation that is ace and hadley. and wow. worth it. ace foxx is the older, darker, hotter foxx brother, and i will not be entertaining debates on this matter.
hadley has been my favourite fmc in this series since book one, and she remains completely unmatched. she is that girl. her sass? elite. her charm? dangerous. her shameless, take-no-shit energy? everything to me. she’s the kind of fmc i’d follow into battle and then get drunk with afterwards. hadley is permanently on my fictional besties list.
everything came together beautifully in this book: romance, suspense, banter, friendship, mystery, and happily ever afters. the found family aspect finally clicked into place, and it felt so warm and earned. i absolutely adored the girl gang that laney, faye, and hadley formed - it added such a fun, lightheartedness to the story.
victoria wilder tied up the series in a way that feels complete and satisfying, and gris’ ending? genuinely heartwarming. that man deserves the world.
in conclusion: i survived two books for ace foxx, and i’d do it again.
June 9, 2025
Take this review with a pinch of salt because I’m pretty sure I’m over these types of books… maybe I would have enjoyed this a few months ago! However I hated every minute of this and felt dread every time I reached for my kindle because I was for some reason determined to finish it. There was a lot of telling and not much showing. For this reason the characters had 0 chemistry 😭 like why was I hearing about their supposed years and years of tension but feeling none of it. This book draggggged on for so long but also maybe three things happened PACK IT UP. Also every “sexy” moment between them just gave me shivers down my spine from cringe/disgust. You really mean to tell me that him secretly buying her used panties from the internet and keeping them in a drawer to sniff when he got horny and gifting her a bouquet of rose toys and dildos was meant to make me swoon. Also why are you guys as a couple living with his grandfather. I get it was to force them to sleep in the same room to sell their fake marriage but come on. And then he hears them having sex just take me out please. I don’t know why this book gave me anger issues when I’ve read much worse maybe it was because I was actually hoping it would be good 😕. Society has progressed past finding women calling men “daddy” in bed sexy. I’m just so tired of every romance book nowadays recycling the same plot, scenes, and dialogue and I think this book just happened to be the victim of my anger towards this as a whole okay I’m done.
June 9, 2025
This series was truly exceptional. I think the author balances both romance and suspense in a great way. Yet I still felt the pull to each couple and I couldn't stop reading once I picked one up. I'm so sad that Bourbon & Proof was the end of this series, but I can't wait for whatever comes next!
Ace and Hadley were TENSION and ANGST to the heavens and back. The aching and longing was top tier! I was screaming for them to touch, kiss, f*ck whenever they were in the room together. Yet, I was also still engrossed in the story. Their history and chemistry was undeniable.
However, there was real danger, in the form of Hadley's father and his misdeeds. Fiasco is never quite as safe as we wish it could be but Ace is on the case! Though, he doesn't realize what's coming for him, he just plans to keep brooding away and denying himself the woman he wants. Until his hand gets forced and now... a marriage of convenience is needed.
Hadley is a spitfire and Ace had been a secret dream of hers for years but he's always been just out of reach. Now, he's literally thrust her way but... he wants it all to be fake. There need to be "rules" to their marital situation. Well... go luck Ace, Hadley is gonna call your bluff.
This book was an absolute ride. I enjoyed every second. I died for their intimate scenes, especially once Hadley gets him to crack. Haha! Trust me, it's worth the price of admission just for that.
I'm truly impressed with Victoria Wilder and I'm so glad I gave this series a try!
5 Stars
4 on the spice scale
CW: Violence and death, gore, attempted SA, injuries that lead to the hospital, BDSM, "daddy" kink, and a bit more!
*Thank you to the author for an ARC of this title.*
Ace and Hadley were TENSION and ANGST to the heavens and back. The aching and longing was top tier! I was screaming for them to touch, kiss, f*ck whenever they were in the room together. Yet, I was also still engrossed in the story. Their history and chemistry was undeniable.
However, there was real danger, in the form of Hadley's father and his misdeeds. Fiasco is never quite as safe as we wish it could be but Ace is on the case! Though, he doesn't realize what's coming for him, he just plans to keep brooding away and denying himself the woman he wants. Until his hand gets forced and now... a marriage of convenience is needed.
Hadley is a spitfire and Ace had been a secret dream of hers for years but he's always been just out of reach. Now, he's literally thrust her way but... he wants it all to be fake. There need to be "rules" to their marital situation. Well... go luck Ace, Hadley is gonna call your bluff.
This book was an absolute ride. I enjoyed every second. I died for their intimate scenes, especially once Hadley gets him to crack. Haha! Trust me, it's worth the price of admission just for that.
I'm truly impressed with Victoria Wilder and I'm so glad I gave this series a try!
5 Stars
4 on the spice scale
CW: Violence and death, gore, attempted SA, injuries that lead to the hospital, BDSM, "daddy" kink, and a bit more!
*Thank you to the author for an ARC of this title.*
July 16, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up.
With amount of bourbon these men drink there is simply no way they don’t all have liver damage. I refuse to believe they’re this fit and ripped drinking a gallon of Bourban a day. SOMEONE MUST HAVE GOUT.
That said, I did enjoy this book! But, it didn’t quite deliver the emotional payoff or romantic tension I was hoping for… especially after how much buildup Ace and Hadley got in the earlier books.
Where was grumpy ACE? I wanted angry bitter tension, more struggle, more anything to earn the payoff.
Also, some of the plot choices felt… odd. Like a sex club subplot that came out of nowhere … iykyk. Also this felt kind of mafia romance ????
I liked the marriage of convenience setup, and there were heartfelt, funny moments. But overall? The back half felt chaotic with some forced smut.
I’m rounding up though because it is still fun and enjoyable and I think most people will love it.
With amount of bourbon these men drink there is simply no way they don’t all have liver damage. I refuse to believe they’re this fit and ripped drinking a gallon of Bourban a day. SOMEONE MUST HAVE GOUT.
That said, I did enjoy this book! But, it didn’t quite deliver the emotional payoff or romantic tension I was hoping for… especially after how much buildup Ace and Hadley got in the earlier books.
Where was grumpy ACE? I wanted angry bitter tension, more struggle, more anything to earn the payoff.
Also, some of the plot choices felt… odd. Like a sex club subplot that came out of nowhere … iykyk. Also this felt kind of mafia romance ????
I liked the marriage of convenience setup, and there were heartfelt, funny moments. But overall? The back half felt chaotic with some forced smut.
I’m rounding up though because it is still fun and enjoyable and I think most people will love it.
June 6, 2025
What a freaking finisher to this series.
🔥🥵🌶️
“Never fall for a Foxx brother”
Ma’am I would be on my knees for any d*mn Foxx man.
But Daddy Foxx… she saved the best for last.
Hadley & Ace 🥃
Best friends brother
Marriage of convenience
Secret pining
Secrets & lies
Bourbon tasting
Small town
Speakeasy owner
Strong FMC
Oldest brother (morally grey)
Kinks
Romantic Suspense
And the finale to the mystery.
The suspense was suspense-ing.
Sad to be leaving Fiasco.
Arc review ✨
🔥🥵🌶️
“Never fall for a Foxx brother”
Ma’am I would be on my knees for any d*mn Foxx man.
But Daddy Foxx… she saved the best for last.
Hadley & Ace 🥃
Best friends brother
Marriage of convenience
Secret pining
Secrets & lies
Bourbon tasting
Small town
Speakeasy owner
Strong FMC
Oldest brother (morally grey)
Kinks
Romantic Suspense
And the finale to the mystery.
The suspense was suspense-ing.
Sad to be leaving Fiasco.
Arc review ✨
June 10, 2025
daddy ace 🫦
avoid-disgusting-manho
April 21, 2025Self note :
don’t get tricked by a stunning cover again…
don’t get tricked by a stunning cover again…
June 11, 2025
3.5 rounded up
While I enjoyed this book, I wasn't as engrossed in this book as I was the others. This one seemed to drag on a bit in the middle. I'm sad that the series has come to an end though.
I did adore Hadley and Ace though. Their story is adorable.
While I enjoyed this book, I wasn't as engrossed in this book as I was the others. This one seemed to drag on a bit in the middle. I'm sad that the series has come to an end though.
I did adore Hadley and Ace though. Their story is adorable.
June 7, 2025
I along with everyone was have read the first two books have been patiently waiting for Ace and Hadley! It was worth the wait. They were the absolute perfect couple to end the series! I loved everything about this book and this series. The setting. The characters (minus the bad guys LOL). The suspense. The banter. The found family. This one I think was the slowest of slow burns. There was so much obvious tension between them. You could see Ace doing everything in his power to fight it but after so long (like more than 50%) and having a *fake* wife he finally caves. Hadley has had a crush on Ace since forever. And watching her come to the realization that her *fake* hubby has also secretly been obsessed with her- well it made her puff out her feathers like a peacock. The banter between these two has always been on point. The sexual tension and actually spicy scenes were just WOW! I loved their adventure to Colorado and all that entailed - IYKYK. But at the end of the day when Ace finally gave in to his true feelings, these two were soulmates. They had both been in each others inner circles for so long so to watch them embrace their true feelings was epic in the best way :)
Hadley has always crushed on Ace Foxx- her best friend's brother. She can see that he feels SOMETHING for her but every time they get close to exploring anything he backs off. Which is why Hadley has tried to act casual about her feelings. But then they kiss at Lincoln and Faye's wedding and she KNOWS that he feels similar to how she feels. She finds a way that she can help him with the distillery and ends up proposing to him. Secretly of course she wants to push his buttons but she doesn't think twice about offering herself up to him. When he finally comes around to say yes, she couldn't be happier. She is officially going to be a Foxx. The challenge though continues to be Ace himself. Or Daddy as she calls him. She can see that he is thinking about that kiss as much as she is, but the man isn't acting on it. She keeps trying to tempt and right before she gives up on him, he gives in. And the pleasure and intimacy she experiences with him is beyond unique. She knows right away that this man is going to have to drag her away from this fake relationship they have found themselves in. But know that they have hooked up, it's like a switch has flipped in Ace. He is done hiding his feelings. He wants her and everyone to know that he has ALWAYS thought about her. There have just been circumstances fighting against that. But Ace has a way of making Hadley feel like the queen she knows she is. He brings her in as a partner. He plans the future with her. She is LOVING this. They are REAL. But her dad still has a lot to pay for with everything that went down last year. And ignoring the problem seems to have only made his reaction worse. Now Hadley knows where things stand she can only hope that the love of her life and her people will come out on the other side of this situation unscathed.
Ace is a man of control. He likes it. No he THRIVES on it. So when he saw an opportunity to help Hadley out behind closed doors all those years ago- he took it. Even if it meant they could never be. That's fine. She could be his temptation from afar. But then they kiss at Lincoln's wedding and Ace finds his armor cracking. The woman is just too beautiful and too perfect for him. And when she proposes after finding out about what is happening at the distillery he resists- he truly does. Because he knows that if they get *fake* married. He won't want to let her go. Her being his even under false pretenses will be too tempting to walk away from. But he does what he has to do. And he finds himself pinching himself to see if this is real. As much as he has thought about to only himself, he has actually making Hadley a Foxx. But now she is living with him. She was around before, but now she is everywhere. And his armor continues to crack with how much she teases him. So he finally gives in. He decides that he is going to lavish her with everything she wants including himself. And he knows now that he has had a taste, he will only want her. They have too strong of a connection. They are too perfect. So he indulges her. He talks about the future. THEIR future. He shows her what he thinks Fiasco COULD be. He offers her a partnership in more than life. And he loves watching her realize how obsessed with her he actually is. But her dad is still a threat. And even though Hadley has been ignoring these people, Ace has been aware of things lurking coming out to take what is his. He just hopes he is prepared for when Wheeler Finch finally makes his move. Because no one is going to take Hadley away from him.
I felt so much going into this book! I was beyond excited. The banter again was top notch. I absolutely LOVE Hadley. She puts this front on like she is so strong- which she is. But she also has feelings. And she is at a point in this book where she is closing to trying to drop what she feels for Ace. But then they get married. I loved her teasing him. I loved how bold she was. And that when he finally caved that he was that much more bold with her. These two were a match made in heaven. I loved the found family. I loved Griz getting his happy ending with all things. I just absolutely loved this book and this series. The characters had so much depth- they all had so much that they had gone through and truly showed strength and resiliency. And though I am sad we are done with the bourbon boys I am PUMPED that Victoria has let us know that the Whiskey Women are coming!!!
Thank you to Luna Literary and to Victoria for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review :)
Hadley has always crushed on Ace Foxx- her best friend's brother. She can see that he feels SOMETHING for her but every time they get close to exploring anything he backs off. Which is why Hadley has tried to act casual about her feelings. But then they kiss at Lincoln and Faye's wedding and she KNOWS that he feels similar to how she feels. She finds a way that she can help him with the distillery and ends up proposing to him. Secretly of course she wants to push his buttons but she doesn't think twice about offering herself up to him. When he finally comes around to say yes, she couldn't be happier. She is officially going to be a Foxx. The challenge though continues to be Ace himself. Or Daddy as she calls him. She can see that he is thinking about that kiss as much as she is, but the man isn't acting on it. She keeps trying to tempt and right before she gives up on him, he gives in. And the pleasure and intimacy she experiences with him is beyond unique. She knows right away that this man is going to have to drag her away from this fake relationship they have found themselves in. But know that they have hooked up, it's like a switch has flipped in Ace. He is done hiding his feelings. He wants her and everyone to know that he has ALWAYS thought about her. There have just been circumstances fighting against that. But Ace has a way of making Hadley feel like the queen she knows she is. He brings her in as a partner. He plans the future with her. She is LOVING this. They are REAL. But her dad still has a lot to pay for with everything that went down last year. And ignoring the problem seems to have only made his reaction worse. Now Hadley knows where things stand she can only hope that the love of her life and her people will come out on the other side of this situation unscathed.
Ace is a man of control. He likes it. No he THRIVES on it. So when he saw an opportunity to help Hadley out behind closed doors all those years ago- he took it. Even if it meant they could never be. That's fine. She could be his temptation from afar. But then they kiss at Lincoln's wedding and Ace finds his armor cracking. The woman is just too beautiful and too perfect for him. And when she proposes after finding out about what is happening at the distillery he resists- he truly does. Because he knows that if they get *fake* married. He won't want to let her go. Her being his even under false pretenses will be too tempting to walk away from. But he does what he has to do. And he finds himself pinching himself to see if this is real. As much as he has thought about to only himself, he has actually making Hadley a Foxx. But now she is living with him. She was around before, but now she is everywhere. And his armor continues to crack with how much she teases him. So he finally gives in. He decides that he is going to lavish her with everything she wants including himself. And he knows now that he has had a taste, he will only want her. They have too strong of a connection. They are too perfect. So he indulges her. He talks about the future. THEIR future. He shows her what he thinks Fiasco COULD be. He offers her a partnership in more than life. And he loves watching her realize how obsessed with her he actually is. But her dad is still a threat. And even though Hadley has been ignoring these people, Ace has been aware of things lurking coming out to take what is his. He just hopes he is prepared for when Wheeler Finch finally makes his move. Because no one is going to take Hadley away from him.
I felt so much going into this book! I was beyond excited. The banter again was top notch. I absolutely LOVE Hadley. She puts this front on like she is so strong- which she is. But she also has feelings. And she is at a point in this book where she is closing to trying to drop what she feels for Ace. But then they get married. I loved her teasing him. I loved how bold she was. And that when he finally caved that he was that much more bold with her. These two were a match made in heaven. I loved the found family. I loved Griz getting his happy ending with all things. I just absolutely loved this book and this series. The characters had so much depth- they all had so much that they had gone through and truly showed strength and resiliency. And though I am sad we are done with the bourbon boys I am PUMPED that Victoria has let us know that the Whiskey Women are coming!!!
Thank you to Luna Literary and to Victoria for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review :)
Currently reading
January 16, 2026Preread~
MY EXCITEMENT CANNOT BE CONTAINED. MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE???
And the dedication??
"This is for the women who put on a brave face. The ones who stand taller, shove those shoulders back and smile, even when you would rather roundhouse kick all the bullshit in the face and then cry over it. There’s something beautiful about embracing that balance. Lean into the strength and the softness, being the hero and the rescued, the reader and the main character."
STOP IT RIGHT NOW
MY EXCITEMENT CANNOT BE CONTAINED. MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE???
And the dedication??
"This is for the women who put on a brave face. The ones who stand taller, shove those shoulders back and smile, even when you would rather roundhouse kick all the bullshit in the face and then cry over it. There’s something beautiful about embracing that balance. Lean into the strength and the softness, being the hero and the rescued, the reader and the main character."
STOP IT RIGHT NOW
May 26, 2025
4 ½ ★
DADDY ACE DID NOT DISAPPOINT!!
↳ Standingovulation ovation
Great end to an amazing series.
Love the characters, found family, vibes, Foxx brothers, Griz, the women. I'm packing my bags and moving to Fiasco.
DADDY ACE DID NOT DISAPPOINT!!
❝I like how you taste better. Now, stop hovering. I need you on my mouth. Make it hard for me to breathe, sugar, and ride my fucking tongue.❞
↳ Standing
Great end to an amazing series.
Love the characters, found family, vibes, Foxx brothers, Griz, the women. I'm packing my bags and moving to Fiasco.
June 27, 2025
4.5⭐️
my fiance loved this book (he didn't read it)
iykyk
my fiance loved this book (he didn't read it)
iykyk
June 7, 2025
“Somebody call up the western winds! I need to cool off after witnessing that!” Same Romey, same.
I’m honestly tempted to just keep that as the review. But I loved this book so much that I’m going to yap about it for a hot sec 😉
From book one, Hadley has been my favorite and I was HOPING she was going to get her own HEA. Insert Daddy Ace and I was crossing all my fingers and toes that it was going to be them. Then in book 2?! It was like my need to breath to read how they’d get together. I knew it was going to be good but Victoria outdid herself. Like not even joking. This book was EVERYTHING you could have wanted for these two. The tension was PALBABLE. The banter and bratty comebacks was perfection. And then the moment things start to go down I’m fairly certain I have entire pages highlighted 🥵
I don’t know who has bigger BDE — Hadley or Ace? I’m not even joking lmao this couldn’t have been a better ending to the series and I truly don’t think you all understand how hot they are. I’m not even talking about the spice (although as said by Hadley HOLY GODDESSES it’s HOT hot) but the built up and tension that has grown over the first two books makes it hit SO HARD.
Not only did they have the best chemistry but the sweet moments and how they just know each other so well so they can show up for one another in the best way like no one else can. They’re perfect. I love them. And I love this series so much 😭😭😭
HIGHLY highly recommend you read the first two and then this will leave you fully satisfied 😘🤭 Take a trip down to Fiasco, KY and taste the finest bourbon you’ll ever have in your life 👌🥃
♾️⭐️
3.5🌶️
Romantic suspense
Small town
Found family
Delicious tension + banter
Slow burn
marriage of convenience
I’m honestly tempted to just keep that as the review. But I loved this book so much that I’m going to yap about it for a hot sec 😉
From book one, Hadley has been my favorite and I was HOPING she was going to get her own HEA. Insert Daddy Ace and I was crossing all my fingers and toes that it was going to be them. Then in book 2?! It was like my need to breath to read how they’d get together. I knew it was going to be good but Victoria outdid herself. Like not even joking. This book was EVERYTHING you could have wanted for these two. The tension was PALBABLE. The banter and bratty comebacks was perfection. And then the moment things start to go down I’m fairly certain I have entire pages highlighted 🥵
I don’t know who has bigger BDE — Hadley or Ace? I’m not even joking lmao this couldn’t have been a better ending to the series and I truly don’t think you all understand how hot they are. I’m not even talking about the spice (although as said by Hadley HOLY GODDESSES it’s HOT hot) but the built up and tension that has grown over the first two books makes it hit SO HARD.
Not only did they have the best chemistry but the sweet moments and how they just know each other so well so they can show up for one another in the best way like no one else can. They’re perfect. I love them. And I love this series so much 😭😭😭
HIGHLY highly recommend you read the first two and then this will leave you fully satisfied 😘🤭 Take a trip down to Fiasco, KY and taste the finest bourbon you’ll ever have in your life 👌🥃
♾️⭐️
3.5🌶️
Romantic suspense
Small town
Found family
Delicious tension + banter
Slow burn
marriage of convenience
June 17, 2025
It’s a pleasant story about the older brother but I think the female character lacks substance for him!
It’s worth reading.
It’s worth reading.
May 31, 2025
And just like that the world comes to an end and I’m freaking depressed.
This was obviously my most anticipated read out of the three because Daddy Ace delivered from the very beginning and I just knew it was going to be good. Victoria did not disappoint!
Hadley Jean is the kind of girl I aspire to be. Confident to the point of not caring what others think with her sass and style. I knew from the very first book that she would be my favorite and what do you know, she was.
Her relationship with Ace was the most beautiful to me because it had the most history. Who doesn’t love decades worth of pining? Talk about SLOW BURN!
I’m so glad Ace got his happy ending. He deserved it and so much more.
I need to read her other series because this book had a cameo from another couple and I love character crossover so now I have more to look forward to! I’m a fan girl for life over this author and her books.
Thank you so much Victoria for the e-ARC! 🫶🏻
This was obviously my most anticipated read out of the three because Daddy Ace delivered from the very beginning and I just knew it was going to be good. Victoria did not disappoint!
Hadley Jean is the kind of girl I aspire to be. Confident to the point of not caring what others think with her sass and style. I knew from the very first book that she would be my favorite and what do you know, she was.
Her relationship with Ace was the most beautiful to me because it had the most history. Who doesn’t love decades worth of pining? Talk about SLOW BURN!
I’m so glad Ace got his happy ending. He deserved it and so much more.
I need to read her other series because this book had a cameo from another couple and I love character crossover so now I have more to look forward to! I’m a fan girl for life over this author and her books.
Thank you so much Victoria for the e-ARC! 🫶🏻
October 13, 2025
"... life is meant to be enjoyed too, savored and shared.”
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It was about 100 pages too long and had 'daddy' used a few too many times imo (50~ times if you were curious).
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Buddy reading with a few friends irl :)
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It was about 100 pages too long and had 'daddy' used a few too many times imo (50~ times if you were curious).
-----------
Buddy reading with a few friends irl :)
June 14, 2025
DNF @ 76%
as soon as i had begrudgingly accepted that the MMC was a manwhore who slept with countless other women to ~forget~ his feelings for the FMC, they ended up at a sex club together, and the MMC admitted that he had loved “playing with” (i.e., fucking) other women in front of an audience in the past. what an absolute JUMP SCARE of an admission 😭 i had been enjoying the book up until that point (although i did also have to overlook how pathetically desperate the FMC was and how she threw herself at the MMC multiple times despite constant rejection), but the sex club scene very quickly made me lose interest.
as soon as i had begrudgingly accepted that the MMC was a manwhore who slept with countless other women to ~forget~ his feelings for the FMC, they ended up at a sex club together, and the MMC admitted that he had loved “playing with” (i.e., fucking) other women in front of an audience in the past. what an absolute JUMP SCARE of an admission 😭 i had been enjoying the book up until that point (although i did also have to overlook how pathetically desperate the FMC was and how she threw herself at the MMC multiple times despite constant rejection), but the sex club scene very quickly made me lose interest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ | 3🌶️
WOW! Victoria finished this series with a bang. Since starting this series, I have been anxiously waiting for Hadley and Ace’s story. I can assure you that it was everything I’d hoped it would be.
Hadley is the owner of a speakeasy in town called Midnight Proof and has been an honorary member of the Foxx family for over ten years. She’s been obsessed with her best friend’s brother for just as long. She’s full of sass and doesn’t back down from any challenge. Her character is a powerhouse.
Hadley’s father screwed over a lot of people and now some of the town is giving her questioning glances and whispering. On top of that, people have been sending her threats that are getting harder to ignore.
Ohhh Daddy Ace. Ace is the man who basically runs Foxx Bourbon. He’s broody, sexy as hell and protective. Ace is a man of many talents. He does whatever is necessary to keep his company and his family safe. He’s morally grey for the things and people he loves.
For reasons I will not spoil on here, Ace and Hadley enter into a marriage of convenience and it was the best thing they could’ve ever done. They got to see what it was like to be together and holy hotness Batman. It was something 👌🏼
Hadley and Ace have been dancing around each other for years. Mutually pining but never talking about it. The sexual tension and chemistry between these two was absolutely combustible. The push and pull was so hot. She was such a brat, but he loved that someone wasn’t afraid of him.
Ace and Hadley had sexual chemistry for days, but even emotionally these two were in sync. Their marriage was fake at first, but the love & care they had for each other was very real.
Gahh I could go on and on about their chemistry, all of the things that brought them together, their secrets… but I won’t do it. You guys just have to read it for yourselves!
I love this series so much. And going back to Strutts Peak made my heart so happy! A great ending to a great series.
•best friends brother
•small town
•age gap
•marriage of convenience
•she calls him Daddy
•bourbon play
•romantic suspense
WOW! Victoria finished this series with a bang. Since starting this series, I have been anxiously waiting for Hadley and Ace’s story. I can assure you that it was everything I’d hoped it would be.
Hadley is the owner of a speakeasy in town called Midnight Proof and has been an honorary member of the Foxx family for over ten years. She’s been obsessed with her best friend’s brother for just as long. She’s full of sass and doesn’t back down from any challenge. Her character is a powerhouse.
Hadley’s father screwed over a lot of people and now some of the town is giving her questioning glances and whispering. On top of that, people have been sending her threats that are getting harder to ignore.
Ohhh Daddy Ace. Ace is the man who basically runs Foxx Bourbon. He’s broody, sexy as hell and protective. Ace is a man of many talents. He does whatever is necessary to keep his company and his family safe. He’s morally grey for the things and people he loves.
For reasons I will not spoil on here, Ace and Hadley enter into a marriage of convenience and it was the best thing they could’ve ever done. They got to see what it was like to be together and holy hotness Batman. It was something 👌🏼
Hadley and Ace have been dancing around each other for years. Mutually pining but never talking about it. The sexual tension and chemistry between these two was absolutely combustible. The push and pull was so hot. She was such a brat, but he loved that someone wasn’t afraid of him.
Ace and Hadley had sexual chemistry for days, but even emotionally these two were in sync. Their marriage was fake at first, but the love & care they had for each other was very real.
Gahh I could go on and on about their chemistry, all of the things that brought them together, their secrets… but I won’t do it. You guys just have to read it for yourselves!
I love this series so much. And going back to Strutts Peak made my heart so happy! A great ending to a great series.
•best friends brother
•small town
•age gap
•marriage of convenience
•she calls him Daddy
•bourbon play
•romantic suspense
May 27, 2025
3.25 ⭐️
Thank you for this eARC. I had very high hopes and expectations going into this book. I first read Bourbon & Lies back in the summer and loved Grant & Laney’s relationship. Then again with Lincoln & Faye which to this day are my FAV.
I was SO EXCITED for this. I wanted Ace to fold like a lawn chair.. I could not wait for the love story that was Ace & Hadley.
This book was Hadley’s book. Not Ace’s.. and I think that’s where my disappointment lies. The Foxx Bourbon brothers.. and this isn’t even Ace’s book.
Beginning, loved. I love that this marriage of convenience was between two adults, making a decision together and it wasn’t a trip to Vegas sort of situation. It flowed, wasn’t forced and was a great take to the trope. The yearning I felt at the beginning of this book was what I was craving.. and then around the 40% mark the pacing slowed down. A lot of business talk. A lot of intertwining new characters to set up a new series. I have no idea who this Ace character is. Who is this guy?! This is not the Ace from books 1 & 2. Sure he’s mysterious in the first two books but to forgo the future of Fiasco like he’s so adamant about in order to visit a sex club. Like WHY?! And then have Hadley write it in her journal felt like it was there for the sole purpose to say they visit a sex club in the book… The back half of this book felt forced.. and ALOT of forced spice which to me, didn’t flow right and didn’t feel like was in character.
This third book does not match the overall vibes of book 1 and 2. Maybe that’s the point? I don’t know. It was more mafia romance than the small town cowboy bourbon feel of the previous books. I understand they’re bourbon boys but did every book need bourbon play? It felt chaotic and I unfortunately did not love it like how I hoped I would. I’m left feeling a lot of high emotions when it should have tied off nicely considering it’s a third book in a now completed series. You don’t know what direction to look so much is happening and none of it made any sense to me.
Thank you for this eARC. I had very high hopes and expectations going into this book. I first read Bourbon & Lies back in the summer and loved Grant & Laney’s relationship. Then again with Lincoln & Faye which to this day are my FAV.
I was SO EXCITED for this. I wanted Ace to fold like a lawn chair.. I could not wait for the love story that was Ace & Hadley.
This book was Hadley’s book. Not Ace’s.. and I think that’s where my disappointment lies. The Foxx Bourbon brothers.. and this isn’t even Ace’s book.
Beginning, loved. I love that this marriage of convenience was between two adults, making a decision together and it wasn’t a trip to Vegas sort of situation. It flowed, wasn’t forced and was a great take to the trope. The yearning I felt at the beginning of this book was what I was craving.. and then around the 40% mark the pacing slowed down. A lot of business talk. A lot of intertwining new characters to set up a new series. I have no idea who this Ace character is. Who is this guy?! This is not the Ace from books 1 & 2. Sure he’s mysterious in the first two books but to forgo the future of Fiasco like he’s so adamant about in order to visit a sex club. Like WHY?! And then have Hadley write it in her journal felt like it was there for the sole purpose to say they visit a sex club in the book… The back half of this book felt forced.. and ALOT of forced spice which to me, didn’t flow right and didn’t feel like was in character.
This third book does not match the overall vibes of book 1 and 2. Maybe that’s the point? I don’t know. It was more mafia romance than the small town cowboy bourbon feel of the previous books. I understand they’re bourbon boys but did every book need bourbon play? It felt chaotic and I unfortunately did not love it like how I hoped I would. I’m left feeling a lot of high emotions when it should have tied off nicely considering it’s a third book in a now completed series. You don’t know what direction to look so much is happening and none of it made any sense to me.
Want to read
February 9, 2025ace + hadley
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