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Tennessee Trouble #1

Tennessee Trouble: A Small Town Rivals to Lovers Romance

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Two fake names and a simple agreement—one night only, wherever the moonshine takes us.

I don’t have time for the cool, older guy with wavy hair, a smile that makes me tingle, and who leaves my sheets smelling of Irish Spring. Even more so after I discover he’s the man on the other side of my family’s corporate battle. He’s my rival.

My focus is on the distillery that’s been in my family for four generations and our newest product. That’s where it needs to stay.

Problem is, the longer he’s around, the longer I want him to stay…to explore this chemistry between us. To make this fling last forever.

Brandt owns a competing brand and might be after something other than a picket-fence forever. I need to keep my guard up.

Finding that balance between rivals and lovers won’t be easy.

Especially once our secrets are revealed.

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 17, 2026

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Claire Hastings

10 books9 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for ForewordPR.
89 reviews390 followers
September 17, 2026
𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐄 is LIVE on Amazon & Kindle Unlimited TODAY!

Two fake names. One night. And a whole lot of Tennessee trouble.

𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒 | 𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐆𝐀𝐏 | 𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐓𝐎𝐖𝐍 | 𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐘

Grab your copy now → https://link.amazon/B0dTmu566
Profile Image for Kristen Shipley.
106 reviews1 follower
October 10, 2026
I really loved the connection between Brandt and Lindee! These two characters are so sweet! What started as a one-night agreement to “wherever the moonshine takes us” turns into something neither of them expected. Lindee is nerdy, absentminded, and forgetful; she has a passion for crafting moonshine. Brandt is on an apology tour after a social media comment lands his company in hot water, only to discover that Lindee is part of the very company his own is battling.

I loved how Brandt understood Lindee in a way no one else seemed to. They’re so much alike, share the same passions, and being together was so easy for them. Brandt wanting to get to know her beyond their one night made their connection even sweeter. Tennessee Trouble is a fun romance with great chemistry and two characters who just get each other!
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
21.1k reviews264 followers
September 17, 2026
This is the first in a new series, and this is Brandt and Lindee’s story,
When these two cross paths they agree to a 1-night stand, with no names. Lindee is focused her distillery which has been in her family for generations, and their newest product, only to find out that Brandt is in town as the owner of a competing brand, and they are rivals.
This is a well written easy to read story, with family dynamics, friendships, emotions, tension, secrets, rivals / lovers, humour, witty banter, revelations, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and fun, small-town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
889 reviews8 followers
September 17, 2026
Making Shine has never been more fun

I liked Brandt from the start! He’s charming, sweet and naughty at the right times. Lindee is the younger sister and the one in her family who has the chemistry background to create new flavors for the family distillery. The two are so cute together; I enjoyed watching them ‘nerd out’, it made me smile each time they talked about something most people would laugh at, but they just understood at a deep level.

I like the way Claire Hastings intertwines her series and builds new ones off of the previous one. I feel like I move from town to town with her, but still have my friends from the last place I “lived”. We’re moving from Georgia to Tennessee, and I’m looking forward to seeing how much more trouble we can get into.
Profile Image for BookAddict.
2,179 reviews215 followers
September 20, 2026
This one is cute, humorous, and fun. I love the brewing and distilling setting, and that it brings two towns together. We have a whole new cast of colorful, quirky characters to get to know in Trouble, TN, while getting to revisit beloved characters from Hickory Hills, GA. It has all the elements I love in a good small-town romance, from a place steeped in history to quirky characters and well-meaning but meddling townsfolk.

Our Hayes' family BFF, Brandt Rawlins, finally gets his chance at forever. Unfortunately, it's with the one woman designed to see him as unsavory competition, once Lindee Murray finally finds out who Brandt really is. He's the biggest rival to her family's business and the biggest threat to her newest distillery product. It makes for an entertaining, if not volatile, path to love, and I loved watching them fall.

What I didn’t love was the third act break-up. It made Lindee come across as a selfish, spoiled brat, making it all about her when it was never only about her. I didn’t see Lindee's character this way at all. I was also unimpressed by the older sister getting a pass time and again for her toxic behavior because it's “just the way she shows love.” However, I really liked the brother, Rylan, and can’t wait to read his romance, coming up next.

If you’ve read any of the Hickory Hills series or you enjoy small-town romance, you'll love Brandt and Lindee's road to forever. It's charming, humorous, smexy, and heartfelt – the perfect mix for a terrific romance reading escape.
Profile Image for World Of Books 65.
3,538 reviews66 followers
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
September 13, 2026
I loved the Hayes family series set in Hickory Hills, so when their story came to an end, I was definitely sad to say goodbye to a family I had become so invested in. So when Claire Hastings brings us back into that world with her brand-new Tennessee Trouble series, I couldn’t wait to see what she had in store for us next. ❤️🥃

And what better way to open this new series than with Brandt Hayes?

Brandt arrives in the small town of Trouble with a mission, but his plans take an unexpected turn when his eyes land on a beautiful blonde. The attraction is instant, the chemistry is undeniable, and with neither of them giving their real names, their first encounter comes with an added little spark of mystery.

But there’s a delicious twist to this meeting… because when they cross paths again, the truth about who they really are changes everything. Suddenly, the woman Brandt can’t stop thinking about is someone he should probably be keeping very firmly on the wrong side of the line.

And this is where Claire Hastings really shines.

The rivals-to-lovers storyline gives us that perfect combination of tension, chemistry and banter, while the Murray siblings bring a fantastic new family dynamic to the series. I loved getting to know this family—their loyalty, their personalities and, of course, their wonderfully entertaining family banter.

And seeing little cameos from the Hayes family was the absolute cherry on top. 🥰 It was wonderful to step back into a world I already loved while being introduced to a new family who I just know are going to steal our hearts.

Tennessee Trouble is everything I want from a small-town romance: sizzling chemistry, rivalry, secrets, family, banter and that irresistible feeling that two people who absolutely shouldn’t be together might just be the two people who belong together.

Claire Hastings has opened the door to Trouble, and after meeting the Murrays, I already know I’m going to want to stay. ❤️🥃
Profile Image for Judie.
486 reviews8 followers
September 17, 2026
This was such a good start to a new series. If you have read Hastings before then you know she can bring the emotion, the spice, and the small town quirks like no one else.

Brandt and Lindee are rivals to lovers' romance; that doesn’t start out that way. Brandt sees Lindee and is instantly attracted. Lindee is ready to just have a night of fun. A hot night of fake names and connections and we are off. These two meet again in the board room and find out that their companies are essentially rivals. However, a shared love of chemistry and experimentation along with the joy of discovery only brings them closer. I love the shared passion and the chemistry tattoos(so cute and on brand) there is an excitement with each other as they create together and I loved that in this romance. There is a twist that you should see coming, but I didn’t. It throws these two off course, but Brandt is determined to prove his intentions to Lindee, and he does!

Overall this is a really solid start to a new series. I can’t wait to read more about the characters and see what Hastings has up her sleeve for this new world she is creating. Maybe a certain sister gets her icy heart melted?
Profile Image for Kelchickbooklover.
2,303 reviews69 followers
September 25, 2026
What a great start to the new series, Tennessee Trouble by Ms. Hastings. She delivers a small-town romance filled with angst, witty banter, and two people who start as lovers, turn into rivals and then back into lovers. It's a full-circle love-to-hate-to-love story that will keep you from putting Tennessee Trouble down.
Brandt Hayes is in trouble and has to make amends, so he heads to Trouble, Tennessee. Now, a hot one-night stand was not on his list of things to do, but when a blonde, Lindee Murray, grabs his attention at the festival, he can't turn her down. Problem number one: she is part of the family he has to make amends to. Problem number two: he can't get her out of his head. the and biggets problem is that her older sister, who seems to be in charge, can't stand him. Now Lindee feels the same way as Brandt; he invades her thoughts. Can they find a happy middle ground where they can be together and get her family to forgive him?
I loved the banter and terrible jokes shared between Brandt and Lindee but also with her brother. From cover to cover, this book had my full attention, was a joy to read and was very entertaining.
Profile Image for Jenn the Readaholic.
2,305 reviews77 followers
Review of advance copy
August 23, 2026
Who knew that I’d be Team Brandt so firmly and adamantly? Not me. I mean, I thought the comment that started it all was funny with that razor edge of “yeah, this can go super sideways” and I appreciated his willingness to go make it right. But I didn’t expect to feel so angry and outraged on his behalf. Maybe because a certain older sister is downright unpleasant, petty, stubborn, and a bit mean. Or maybe it’s because it’s obvious that the man fell hard and completely, so he deserves to be given a break.

I liked Lindee also. But she acts like she had nothing at all to do with falling into the deception, when the reality is that she caused the here-and-now problem she’s facing. And her sister did zero to make it any less explosive. In fact, I can only hope that the man who I’m pretty sure is meant for Madame Mickey is able to curb her snotty attitude, because he’s going to need a LOT of brass of his own to win her heart.

I will say that this new family intrigues me and that I do look forward to more time with them, so we shall see where the next batch of trouble leads.
Profile Image for Julie Booklover.
2,576 reviews104 followers
September 20, 2026
A fantastic start to a new series. Claire Hasting excels at small towns, and her latest town of Trouble, TN has lots of promise. She even pulled one of our favorite families from her previous small town of Hickory Hills, as Brandt Hayes is our first male character.

Brandt rolls into the town of Trouble, a moonshine festival is his reason for the visit. A blonde at the booth next to the brand he is interested in has him taking a detour. The attraction, immediate. The names fake, the night, out of character and unforgettable.

This story had me reading long past my time for bed, I was invested. The quips, the bad jokes, the banter, the tension, make this rivals to lovers story a great series starter.

The Murrays add yet another family to the Hayes crazy. Trouble is where I want to be, and I am ready for more.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review
787 reviews6 followers
September 25, 2026
Brandt, co-owner of a Georgia brewery, knows better than to be on social medial. He took a joke a little too far and insulted a long-standing Tennessee whiskey company, now run by four siblings. His first night in Trouble, Tennessee, he and Lindee have what he thinks will be a one night stand the night before his big apology - imagine his surprise when she shows up in the conference room. But he knows their connection is real so beside just making amends, he also wants to collaborate with her and her new moonshine brand. But when he fails to be truthful about something, all her doubts around her abilities come back around. Can he find a way to regain her trust?

I really loved the two main characters in this book and all the side characters. I have a feeling the author’s other books feed into this one as well but I have not read all of them. I am looking forward to book #2.

I read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
132 reviews8 followers
September 25, 2026
Love it!

What a fun start to the Tennessee Trouble series! Brandt comes to Trouble, Tennessee after a social media post goes a little off the rails. He meets Lindee, although neither uses their real name, and the attraction is immediate. Imagine their surprise when they meet again the next day and discover exactly who the other one is!

I loved Brandt and Lindee from the beginning. The banter, bad jokes, chemistry, and rivals-to-lovers tension kept me reading way past bedtime. I also loved getting a peek into the moonshine business and creating cocktails.

The Murrays are another great family to add to the Hayes craziness, and I’m already ready for more Trouble! And Declan seriously needs to make a move on Mikayla. 😂

Thank you to the author for the advanced copy. This is my voluntary review.
Profile Image for Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog).
2,473 reviews22 followers
September 27, 2026
I can tell you without a doubt that moonshine of any kind leads to bad decisions. But man, oh man, is it so good. When two strangers indulge in the good stuff, bad, rather, sexy decisions are made. They agreed to one night only, but one night usually bites you in the ass the next day. And for Brandt and Lindee, who both own breweries, well, the shock and all is about to hit them. He needs to apologize, and her family is out for blood. But the more time they spend together, the brighter their feelings grow. It's hard to make your own flavors without outside influence, but these two end up helping each other out. Their clothes may or may not come off again, but the banter and laughs will leave you begging for more. And craving some moonshine. Find out what happens when it's time for Brandt to go home.
Profile Image for Petra.
1,656 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 13, 2026
Tennessee Trouble is a great start to a new series, and I really enjoyed reading it!
It’s the story of Brandt and Lindee, who are both working in the same line of business, are true chemistry nerds, and an absolute perfect match. They agree on it being “just one night”, but of course that’s a guarantee to run into each other again.

“And here I thought Tennessee Trouble was just the brand. Turns out it’s the girl too.“

I’m glad that I read the novella/prequel My Kind of Trouble first (I snagged it somewhere), because it tells the story of Lindee’s sister, Kyra, and her best friend, Davis. Both characters also appear in Tennessee Trouble.

I received an arc of the ebook, and this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
7,115 reviews144 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 15, 2026
Tennessee Trouble is Brandt Hayes and Lindee Murray’s small town, rivals to lovers story and it’s book one in A Tennessee Trouble Novel Series. A new quirky small town and a new family to fall in love with and I was captivated from the first chapter.
Brandt is on a mission and he has arrived in town with plans but Lindee has the same plans and that makes them rivals. They work in the same line of business but they share so much chemistry so what happens when they decide to explore the sparks …..will one night be enough.
This is a beautifully written story that goes from heartbreaker to heartwarming, it’s full of sizzling chemistry, witty banter and a couple I fell hard and fast for. I loved everything about this town and this story.
Profile Image for Courtney.
2,129 reviews209 followers
September 17, 2026
Tennessee Trouble is a really good start to Claire's newest series.

This is a rivals-to-lovers romance that brings all the chemistry to the forefront and makes that rival tension even more delicious to watch.

The blurb is really all you need to know going into this one. Brandt and Lindee are after the same thing in business. But neither can deny the chemistry they feel after that one night - what happens if they choose to go for more?!?!

Claire writes this high chemistry story very well. I love that readers can see how both characters react to one another and their inner musings while they are working out where to go after that wild night and then seeing each other unexpectedly the next day.

The story flows really well and I enjoyed this one alot.
Profile Image for Rebekah Powers.
307 reviews6 followers
September 19, 2026
An instant attraction from across the room leads to fake names and a one night stand. The next morning, both can’t get over the interaction, but complications in the real world makes another rendezvous seem impossible.

Brandts few days trip leads to weeks away from the brewery and Lindee can’t help but put her family’s name and business first.

But laws of attraction don’t care about such trivial things. And so begins the can’t-help-but-kick-your-feet-they’re-so-cute story. This book wouldn’t allow me a moments peace if I wasn’t reading. Because my mind would travel straight back to see what shenanigans happened next. I loved this story and Claire Hastings has crafted an amazing start to her new series.
2,006 reviews53 followers
September 24, 2026
A brand new series from Claire - Yes!! Oh how I love this book - it’s filled with humor, amazing banter, a beautiful love story all in a fabulous setting.

Lindee and Brandt have smokin hot chemistry and never imagined their one night stand adventure would become complicated.

Lindee is strong, determined and doesn’t want to like Brandt…but she does. Brandt is kind, thoughtful and creative. …and really likes Lindee. Together they can create something amazing….if they don’t let business get in the way.

Their chemistry is undeniable, they really encourage each other and their journey to love is fantastic.

As with all Claire’s books you will laugh, swoon and fall in love with these two and their story.
Profile Image for Patti Rapozo.
146 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 15, 2026
Brewer and Luna, wait its Lindee and Brandt and that’s where the fun begins. Brandt comes to Trouble, Tennessee to apologize (?) for a social media post that went off the rails. When he gets to town and meets a beautiful woman, they spend the day together without using their real names. Surprise, surprise when the next day he meets her in the conference room of her family’s business, the one he dissed on social media. Now he has to work to prove he’s a fair and honest man and that she’s the one for him. You are going to love taking this roller coaster ride with them. Love this first book in the Tennessee Trouble series.
632 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy
September 17, 2026

4.5 ⭐️ of a flirty, fun, and unexpected romance. Brandt and Lindee meet when he’s in town to visit the company she is part owner in but neither know details about the other when they randomly meet and hit it off. They fall for each other all while using code names and without revealing too many facts. When they figure out who the other is, he just can’t resist staying in town to spend more time with her. He’s sweet and swoon worthy with how supportive and encouraging he is to Lindlee and her knowledge. They have many similarities and enough differences to complement each other really well. Reading how their relationship plays out leaves you truly hoping they can make it work!
4,732 reviews
September 19, 2026
-Age gap
-Rivals to lovers
-Small town

What if moonshine was the key to their perfect brew?

Brandt and Lindee are very similar, but when they agreed that it would only be a one-night stand, they didn't realise that fate had other plans.

Claire's writing is the perfect mix of attraction, banter, and actual chemistry (i.e. chemistry nerds), not to mention meddling siblings and a happy ending. There's also a little tidbit about who the next pair to find love will be. It's an entertaining read. The characters were well-developed and kept me hooked.

I was given a free copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
3,338 reviews10 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 15, 2026
Southern Trouble
Talk about a perfect pair! Brandt and Lindee were so adorable. Both a little nerdy and hyper-focused in the same way - creating new and exciting liquor.
This story is steeped in history, rich in connection and humour. These two were flirty and funny, their secret fling brought the to life and I loved every second.
It’s sweet and steamy with some angst, heartache and tension mixed in. There’s fun family dynamics, lifetime friendships and I learned so much about whiskey and ‘shine that has me wanting more.
I can’t wait for Rylan and Briar’s story next.
Profile Image for Shari Jahn.
400 reviews11 followers
September 19, 2026
This is the first book in the new series and what a great way to start! I loved the crossover between this book and the last series. I like the way it made me feel like this new town of Trouble is an extended family. I loved the story with this creative storyline. I am so interested in the making of different flavors of ciders and/or moonshine this was so much fun. I loved the chemistry of the characters sand the perfect blending of the two locations. What a great start! I am loving the new characters and the family’s dynamic. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
224 reviews
September 18, 2026
As much as I loved Hickory Hills, Georgia, I think I’m just as in love with Trouble, Tennessee! Claire Hastings has come up with a new town & new family for her fans to absolutely consume! And this one has a distillery!! Brandt Rawlins is back with a little competition that turns into a little trouble & a whole lotta fun! These new characters are fantastic & I enjoyed seeing some old favorites too. I’m so excited for this new series!
Profile Image for J.p.
1,652 reviews4 followers
September 19, 2026
A new family, a new town but still a wonderful read with amazing MCs, the witty banter, the great family dynamics and of course the chemistry between the MCs no matter what their names are. A book with secret’s, rivalry and love. Claire really does small town loves so well and im so excited that we got to see the Hayes family again. If this new series is as heartwarming and amazing as the previous one then I know we are in for a treat and I can’t wait.
100 reviews
September 23, 2026
Fun romance with a Southern twist.

I loved Lindee and Brandt. I talked shoued to Brandt, "Be honest with Lindee!" The Prohibition history around the whisky and how Lindee's drinks were created added an extra layer to the story. Lindee and Brandt's sibling relationships felt real and believable.

I read this first on KU. I purchased it as soon as I finished it. I've got the next book in the series on order. I would love to see Mikayla get her own HEA.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
49 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 1, 2026
This had me hooked right from the start! The chemistry is off the charts, and that office meeting when they finally figured it out was gold! Trouble Tennessee has so many cute small town quirks just like Hickory Hills that almost makes this feel like home even tho it’s a new town. And Lindee and Brandt are perfect for each other! And I can’t wait to see what’s next for the Murray family!
Profile Image for K Webz.
2,804 reviews
Review of advance copy
September 17, 2026
Claire nails this rivals to lovers romance. It brings the perfect combination of banter, chemistry and small town vibes. The rivalry between Brandt and Lindee’s competing distilleries creates the perfect tension.

Brandt and Lindee are absolutely perfect for each other. They were flirty and fun, loved the heartwarming moments.
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
9,909 reviews178 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 30, 2026

Tennessee Trouble goes from heartbreaker to heartwarming in a very short span of time. Hastings brings the heat while Brandt and Lindee lay siege to the heart. Instant attraction becomes an uphill battle that dances across the senses. Humor and emotion set the stage for enduring.
Profile Image for Amy.
167 reviews19 followers
September 17, 2026
This is a beautifully written story that goes from 💔 to heartwarming. It is full of chemistry, witty banter and a couple I just can’t get over. I love this new town and this story.

I can’t wait to see what’s to comes next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews