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The Weston Brothers #1
Whiskey Burn
Not yet published
Expected 20 Oct 26She ran to Montana to save her life.
She never expected to lose her heart.
After witnessing a brutal murder, dancer Delilah Grant has two choices: disappear or die. Armed with a stolen USB and nothing left to lose, she flees to a remote Montana ranch, hiding in plain sight at Weston Whiskey, where hard work and silence are her only shields.
Cole Weston doesn't trust her for a second.
A former bull rider with a permanent scowl and a dark past he doesn't talk about, Cole knows trouble when he sees it—and Delilah is drowning in secrets.
But the longer she stays on his ranch, the harder it becomes to ignore the beautiful little liar. Between glasses of whiskey, seductive dances, and chemistry he can't deny, Cole swears he's not falling for the woman whose taste he can't forget.
Until Delilah's past catches up to her and the truth is far darker than either of them could have imagined.
With the clock ticking and their lives on the line, he'd move heaven and earth to rescue the woman he loves. Because while whiskey might be his family's business, their real legacy is one of bloody vengeance.
The first book in the brand new Weston Brothers series from bestselling author Ava Hunter.
She never expected to lose her heart.
After witnessing a brutal murder, dancer Delilah Grant has two choices: disappear or die. Armed with a stolen USB and nothing left to lose, she flees to a remote Montana ranch, hiding in plain sight at Weston Whiskey, where hard work and silence are her only shields.
Cole Weston doesn't trust her for a second.
A former bull rider with a permanent scowl and a dark past he doesn't talk about, Cole knows trouble when he sees it—and Delilah is drowning in secrets.
But the longer she stays on his ranch, the harder it becomes to ignore the beautiful little liar. Between glasses of whiskey, seductive dances, and chemistry he can't deny, Cole swears he's not falling for the woman whose taste he can't forget.
Until Delilah's past catches up to her and the truth is far darker than either of them could have imagined.
With the clock ticking and their lives on the line, he'd move heaven and earth to rescue the woman he loves. Because while whiskey might be his family's business, their real legacy is one of bloody vengeance.
The first book in the brand new Weston Brothers series from bestselling author Ava Hunter.
411 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 20, 2026
About the author
Ava Hunter
14 books1,672 followersAva Hunter is an Amazon top 50 bestselling author. She writes romance with heart, humor, and heat.
Her bestselling books include Babymoon or Bust, an accidental pregnancy rom-com, and Tame the Heart, a grumpy/sunshine cowboy romance with Yellowstone-vibes.
When she’s not at her computer with a hot cup of coffee, you’ll either find her reading the latest true crime book or traveling with her family. Otherwise, she’ll be behind her desk, plotting out or typing up her next dreamy love story.
Instagram: @authoravahunter
TikTok: @authoravahunter
Her bestselling books include Babymoon or Bust, an accidental pregnancy rom-com, and Tame the Heart, a grumpy/sunshine cowboy romance with Yellowstone-vibes.
When she’s not at her computer with a hot cup of coffee, you’ll either find her reading the latest true crime book or traveling with her family. Otherwise, she’ll be behind her desk, plotting out or typing up her next dreamy love story.
Instagram: @authoravahunter
TikTok: @authoravahunter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
July 14, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ava Hunter was already an auto-read author for me, and Whiskey Burn is exactly why. She knows how to write a dark cowboy romance with suspense, and every one of them has been an absolute banger.
I loved Delilah. She was such a strong, independent FMC who never stopped fighting, no matter what she’d been through. And Cole? A broody, whiskey-loving cowboy with a heart hidden behind walls? Sign me up. Watching these two slowly open up to each other and heal together was one of my favorite parts of the book.
That twist completely caught me off guard, and the ending has me counting down the days until book two. I’m already making predictions about the next couples, and I can’t wait to see if I’m right.
The Runner Ranch cameos were the perfect bonus. I loved seeing those characters again. If you love dark cowboy romance with suspense, chemistry, and characters you’ll be rooting for, this one is a must-read.
Ava Hunter was already an auto-read author for me, and Whiskey Burn is exactly why. She knows how to write a dark cowboy romance with suspense, and every one of them has been an absolute banger.
I loved Delilah. She was such a strong, independent FMC who never stopped fighting, no matter what she’d been through. And Cole? A broody, whiskey-loving cowboy with a heart hidden behind walls? Sign me up. Watching these two slowly open up to each other and heal together was one of my favorite parts of the book.
That twist completely caught me off guard, and the ending has me counting down the days until book two. I’m already making predictions about the next couples, and I can’t wait to see if I’m right.
The Runner Ranch cameos were the perfect bonus. I loved seeing those characters again. If you love dark cowboy romance with suspense, chemistry, and characters you’ll be rooting for, this one is a must-read.
July 15, 2026
A whiskey drinking cowboy filled romantic suspense.
With all the whiskey books I’ve read lately I feel like I could start making my own at this point 🤣
Delilah & Cole
G string dancer x ex bull rider cowboy
Group of brothers
A corrupt town
She’s in danger
Ranch setting
Distillery setting
Montana
Grumpy x sunshine
Forced proximity
Similar vibes to Victoria Wilders Bourbon and Lies.
Which I loved. So I loved the vibes here.
The plot and storyline, the overall characters.
Sometimes I felt it wordy and repetitive tho.
Netgalley arc review ✨
With all the whiskey books I’ve read lately I feel like I could start making my own at this point 🤣
Delilah & Cole
G string dancer x ex bull rider cowboy
Group of brothers
A corrupt town
She’s in danger
Ranch setting
Distillery setting
Montana
Grumpy x sunshine
Forced proximity
Similar vibes to Victoria Wilders Bourbon and Lies.
Which I loved. So I loved the vibes here.
The plot and storyline, the overall characters.
Sometimes I felt it wordy and repetitive tho.
Netgalley arc review ✨
July 13, 2026
“𝐍𝐨 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬. 𝐍𝐨 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞, 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐡. 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐞.”
Ever since getting glimpses of the Weston family in The Runaway Ranch series, I’ve been so curious to learn more about them. First of all, this felt very similar to Victoria Wilder’s books - which isn’t necessarily a bad thing - but at times I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d read this story before. As always, the romantic suspense was a nice addition- although plot holes could be found. I didn’t really connect with the romance in this one but I do have high hopes for the other potential couples in the series. This series also seems to be much darker than The Runaway Ranch series, which was to be expected. Overall, it was an entertaining read.
the vibes ™ :
- whiskey distillery
- midnight ballerina x rancher
- fmc on the run
- grumpy x sunshine
Ever since getting glimpses of the Weston family in The Runaway Ranch series, I’ve been so curious to learn more about them. First of all, this felt very similar to Victoria Wilder’s books - which isn’t necessarily a bad thing - but at times I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d read this story before. As always, the romantic suspense was a nice addition- although plot holes could be found. I didn’t really connect with the romance in this one but I do have high hopes for the other potential couples in the series. This series also seems to be much darker than The Runaway Ranch series, which was to be expected. Overall, it was an entertaining read.
the vibes ™ :
- whiskey distillery
- midnight ballerina x rancher
- fmc on the run
- grumpy x sunshine
July 12, 2026
Obsessed is an understatement. If Ava Hunter writes it… I’m gonna read it. And I freaking loved this book. This was the best introduction to Tempest and Weston’s distillery.
No one writes a cowboy thriller, like Ava. We follow a midnight dancer, Delilah, who ran into trouble in Las Vegas and is now on the run, finding herself in Tempest, Montana and into the arms of Cole Weston. Cole and his brothers are used to trouble, it runs rampant in the town, but he never expected the chaos and fire that Delilah would bring into his life.
Even though it is Delilah and Cole’s story, which is so intense and heart racing, I feel like you also got a great look at the other brothers and the town that makes you excited for this whole series.
Delilah was witty, funny, and so full of energy, despite her dark past and her secrets seeing her collide with Cole was honestly magic, and despite the darker subject matter of the thriller aspect, made the book funny and enjoyable.
If you wanna book that makes you wanna sell your soul for Montana cowboy, that makes your heart race, and leaves you wanting more, I highly recommend whiskey burn.
Thank you so much Ava Hunter and sourcebooks for sending me this ARC and exchange for a honest review.
No one writes a cowboy thriller, like Ava. We follow a midnight dancer, Delilah, who ran into trouble in Las Vegas and is now on the run, finding herself in Tempest, Montana and into the arms of Cole Weston. Cole and his brothers are used to trouble, it runs rampant in the town, but he never expected the chaos and fire that Delilah would bring into his life.
Even though it is Delilah and Cole’s story, which is so intense and heart racing, I feel like you also got a great look at the other brothers and the town that makes you excited for this whole series.
Delilah was witty, funny, and so full of energy, despite her dark past and her secrets seeing her collide with Cole was honestly magic, and despite the darker subject matter of the thriller aspect, made the book funny and enjoyable.
If you wanna book that makes you wanna sell your soul for Montana cowboy, that makes your heart race, and leaves you wanting more, I highly recommend whiskey burn.
Thank you so much Ava Hunter and sourcebooks for sending me this ARC and exchange for a honest review.
July 10, 2026
Some books entertain you for a few hours. Others make you want to stay in their world long after you've finished the last page. Whiskey Burn was definitely the second kind for me.
What I appreciated most wasn't just the romance—it was the feeling that every character had their own story waiting to be told. The Weston family felt real, messy, loyal, and protective, and I found myself just as invested in them as I was in Cole and Delilah.
Cole isn't the type of hero who wears his heart on his sleeve, which made every moment of vulnerability feel earned. Delilah was exactly the kind of heroine I enjoy reading about: resilient, compassionate, and quietly brave. Their relationship developed in a way that kept me emotionally invested from beginning to end.
Another thing I loved was how naturally the suspense fit into the story. It created tension without taking the focus away from the romance, and more than once I caught myself reading "just one more chapter" because I needed answers.
By the end of the book, I wasn't only satisfied with Cole and Delilah's journey—I was genuinely excited about everything that's still waiting for the Weston family. For a first book in a series, that's probably the biggest compliment I can give.
If you're looking for a romance that gives you heartfelt moments, unforgettable characters, and enough mystery to keep the pages turning, I definitely recommend picking this one up.
Thank you to Ava Hunter and NetGalley for the ARC🤍
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
What I appreciated most wasn't just the romance—it was the feeling that every character had their own story waiting to be told. The Weston family felt real, messy, loyal, and protective, and I found myself just as invested in them as I was in Cole and Delilah.
Cole isn't the type of hero who wears his heart on his sleeve, which made every moment of vulnerability feel earned. Delilah was exactly the kind of heroine I enjoy reading about: resilient, compassionate, and quietly brave. Their relationship developed in a way that kept me emotionally invested from beginning to end.
Another thing I loved was how naturally the suspense fit into the story. It created tension without taking the focus away from the romance, and more than once I caught myself reading "just one more chapter" because I needed answers.
By the end of the book, I wasn't only satisfied with Cole and Delilah's journey—I was genuinely excited about everything that's still waiting for the Weston family. For a first book in a series, that's probably the biggest compliment I can give.
If you're looking for a romance that gives you heartfelt moments, unforgettable characters, and enough mystery to keep the pages turning, I definitely recommend picking this one up.
Thank you to Ava Hunter and NetGalley for the ARC🤍
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
July 3, 2026
cole and delilah were everything!! i waited so long for this book and it was such a great intro to this series. I love the brotherly bond between this family. there's so much pain buried between all these characters so I am so excited to explore all their eventual love stories. cole was such a strong and silent type but he has so much heart to him. when he finally let delilah in, I truly melted. delilah is also such a sweet character and I was so happy to see her finally have a family. the stakes were crazy and this was great. Thank you to Ava Hunter and team and NG for the copy!
July 17, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
this was a perfect example of how to do a dark cowboy romance right, i need the next book right now
this was a perfect example of how to do a dark cowboy romance right, i need the next book right now
July 23, 2026
Wow! From start to finish this book was an emotional, action packed, romantic suspense all the way to the last word! It is a heavy read in parts so definitely check your trigger warnings but I really enjoyed it! There was character development and growth. There was love and trauma. Overall it was really well done!
July 25, 2026
Aahhh!! Screaming running round the room!!
I absolutely loved this book, everything that Ava writes it pure gold. It has the spice, the cowboys and the drama. Amazing, amazing, amazing!!!
I absolutely loved this book, everything that Ava writes it pure gold. It has the spice, the cowboys and the drama. Amazing, amazing, amazing!!!
Want to Read
May 23, 2026Expected publication October 20
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I´m a big fan of Ava´s Runaway Ranch series so thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing the opportunity to read this early. I´m not sure I could´ve waited until October. This book was highly anticipated and I will give my honest thoughts for it in this review.
Who doesn´t love morally gray cowboys? Ava Hunter does it again - creating a bunch of badass and engaging new characters in a mysterious small town setting and plot full of suspense (and a little killing?) I´m a sucker for suspense in romance novels and all the TV series kind of drama. The whole murder mystery and dark secrets of these characters were gripping and it reminded me a lot of Runanway Ranch. We will get five Weston brothers, so buckle up – this series might occupy me for a few years. There´s hints of future plots and I can´t wait to know who will be the next MMC and FMC. I´m hoping for River.
The romance was hot and the spice spicing. There´s something about the way Ava Hunter writes her MMCs that I just love. They´re just so down bad for their women and the love between the characters is fierce and passionate. FMC Delilah is a badass. I loved her.
The only thing that bothered me a little and is the reason this is not 5 stars: Thinking back about the marketing stating something alike that Cole does not have time for women I kind of went into the book hoping for one of my all time favorite tropes that we don´t get treated to often enough: celibate Heros. Oh how I love them xD When FMC is the one who ends MMCs dry spell? I´m always here for it. And we got plenty of those in Ava´s other books so I was hopeful.
It´s not like Cole is a playboy or anything (might have been back then), but the beginning of the story painted Cole to be a grumpy and lonely guy who only works and doesn´t let anyone in - it´s insinuated by his brothers and also his own thoughts several times, so I thought he would´ve been on a dry spell for a while. But then we learn that he hasn´t been with anyone since he´s back in town, but that´s only been 6 months! Come on! That´s nothing, give me a few years at least. He´s also been with buckle bunnies in the past and - personally - the whole topic has always been kind of icky to me. My favorite kind of MMC is the one where it´s not just hard for FMC to get into his heart, but also into his bed. I´ve never liked MMCs who are easy to have. At least Cole has never been in a real relationship before and has never loved before - Delilah is the first special woman for him. He reminded me of a grumpy version of Rhett from The Chestnut Spring series in that regard.
I was able to still enjoy this book because everything else was just so good! And other than that the book is safe, though. No cheating involved, no OW drama. MMCs will all be down bad for their women and kill for them, I´m telling you. That´s always a big fat plus. I´m holding out hope for at least one or two his brothers to be like I hoped (not looking at you, Warren, lol). I read this in a day and can´t wait for book 2.
Who doesn´t love morally gray cowboys? Ava Hunter does it again - creating a bunch of badass and engaging new characters in a mysterious small town setting and plot full of suspense (and a little killing?) I´m a sucker for suspense in romance novels and all the TV series kind of drama. The whole murder mystery and dark secrets of these characters were gripping and it reminded me a lot of Runanway Ranch. We will get five Weston brothers, so buckle up – this series might occupy me for a few years. There´s hints of future plots and I can´t wait to know who will be the next MMC and FMC. I´m hoping for River.
The romance was hot and the spice spicing. There´s something about the way Ava Hunter writes her MMCs that I just love. They´re just so down bad for their women and the love between the characters is fierce and passionate. FMC Delilah is a badass. I loved her.
The only thing that bothered me a little and is the reason this is not 5 stars: Thinking back about the marketing stating something alike that Cole does not have time for women I kind of went into the book hoping for one of my all time favorite tropes that we don´t get treated to often enough: celibate Heros. Oh how I love them xD When FMC is the one who ends MMCs dry spell? I´m always here for it. And we got plenty of those in Ava´s other books so I was hopeful.
It´s not like Cole is a playboy or anything (might have been back then), but the beginning of the story painted Cole to be a grumpy and lonely guy who only works and doesn´t let anyone in - it´s insinuated by his brothers and also his own thoughts several times, so I thought he would´ve been on a dry spell for a while. But then we learn that he hasn´t been with anyone since he´s back in town, but that´s only been 6 months! Come on! That´s nothing, give me a few years at least. He´s also been with buckle bunnies in the past and - personally - the whole topic has always been kind of icky to me. My favorite kind of MMC is the one where it´s not just hard for FMC to get into his heart, but also into his bed. I´ve never liked MMCs who are easy to have. At least Cole has never been in a real relationship before and has never loved before - Delilah is the first special woman for him. He reminded me of a grumpy version of Rhett from The Chestnut Spring series in that regard.
I was able to still enjoy this book because everything else was just so good! And other than that the book is safe, though. No cheating involved, no OW drama. MMCs will all be down bad for their women and kill for them, I´m telling you. That´s always a big fat plus. I´m holding out hope for at least one or two his brothers to be like I hoped (not looking at you, Warren, lol). I read this in a day and can´t wait for book 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2026
Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 3.75/5
Spicy rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3.5/5
Spoilers are at the end of the review if you want to avoid them.
Sooo there was a lot I enjoyed about this book but it did fall short in parts for me. I’ll discuss those at the end as they contain spoilers.
Firstly, I do love Ava’s writing and her runaway ranch series is fantastic which I think maybe this is why it hasn’t hit as well for this new trad debut. The series has a lot of potential though and I’ll absolutely read the rest in the hopes that this just ends up being my least favourite of the series you know?
I loved the premise and it handles some really dark themes which I absolutely love to read it was full of angst and secrets and it was plenty suspenseful with lots of different threads and elements of mystery, crime, deceit and revenge. The second half of the book in particular is where it gets very gripping.
I very much enjoyed the relationship development between Cole and Delilah even if it was a little contradictory at times (eg I want him/her I’m going for it and then the next moment no I can’t). Cole in particular has so excellent character growth. It was plenty romantic and the spice was JUICY! That whiskey ‘tasting’ scene will live rent free in my head for a very long time!
The relationship between the brothers was also a joy to read and I feel like they all have their own very clear and distinct personalities and no one gets lost which is impressive when it’s a start of a new series and there’s 5 of them to get to know and love. I also loved the set ups for the following brother’s books in the series and I am still really excited to read those.
A few nonsensical plot points/ plots holes were apparent though which let us down for me:
For one Belle - if she was all under Please’s thumb (don’t live that name for the villain either) the whole time why bother sending Delilah away at the start to ‘save her’ in the first place she could’ve just handed her over like she did Melly? Also as soon as she asked where she was u knew she was a baddie so that wasn’t all that subtle.
Secondly, at the end she’s talking about the FBI coming to interview her and how she told them everything but no reference is made to the face that Cole shot and murdered one guy and Warren shot and murdered the other. So like are they just forgiven of that? No reproductions? Or is the FBI covering it up? Did she not tell them? In which case how does she explain how she got away. That was such a massive loose end that should’ve been tied up.
Also I found it a little far fetched to believe a simple gold locket could stop a bullet. Don’t get me wrong I love the idea and the sentiment of it given its importance to the story but it’s not a massive plate it’s a tiny locket. Maybe I’m wrong and that’s totally possible but it didn’t feel right.
All these things couple with some occasional cringey dialogue just made it hard for me to rate it any higher.
Spicy rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3.5/5
Spoilers are at the end of the review if you want to avoid them.
Sooo there was a lot I enjoyed about this book but it did fall short in parts for me. I’ll discuss those at the end as they contain spoilers.
Firstly, I do love Ava’s writing and her runaway ranch series is fantastic which I think maybe this is why it hasn’t hit as well for this new trad debut. The series has a lot of potential though and I’ll absolutely read the rest in the hopes that this just ends up being my least favourite of the series you know?
I loved the premise and it handles some really dark themes which I absolutely love to read it was full of angst and secrets and it was plenty suspenseful with lots of different threads and elements of mystery, crime, deceit and revenge. The second half of the book in particular is where it gets very gripping.
I very much enjoyed the relationship development between Cole and Delilah even if it was a little contradictory at times (eg I want him/her I’m going for it and then the next moment no I can’t). Cole in particular has so excellent character growth. It was plenty romantic and the spice was JUICY! That whiskey ‘tasting’ scene will live rent free in my head for a very long time!
The relationship between the brothers was also a joy to read and I feel like they all have their own very clear and distinct personalities and no one gets lost which is impressive when it’s a start of a new series and there’s 5 of them to get to know and love. I also loved the set ups for the following brother’s books in the series and I am still really excited to read those.
A few nonsensical plot points/ plots holes were apparent though which let us down for me:
For one Belle - if she was all under Please’s thumb (don’t live that name for the villain either) the whole time why bother sending Delilah away at the start to ‘save her’ in the first place she could’ve just handed her over like she did Melly? Also as soon as she asked where she was u knew she was a baddie so that wasn’t all that subtle.
Secondly, at the end she’s talking about the FBI coming to interview her and how she told them everything but no reference is made to the face that Cole shot and murdered one guy and Warren shot and murdered the other. So like are they just forgiven of that? No reproductions? Or is the FBI covering it up? Did she not tell them? In which case how does she explain how she got away. That was such a massive loose end that should’ve been tied up.
Also I found it a little far fetched to believe a simple gold locket could stop a bullet. Don’t get me wrong I love the idea and the sentiment of it given its importance to the story but it’s not a massive plate it’s a tiny locket. Maybe I’m wrong and that’s totally possible but it didn’t feel right.
All these things couple with some occasional cringey dialogue just made it hard for me to rate it any higher.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2026
“I like my whiskey like I like my cowboys. At least ten years older than me and made in Montana.”
Ava Hunter knocked this one out of this realm! Holy moly y’all. This new series is rich in layers and layers of dark mysteries and tragic pasts. Whiskey Burn set the tone of Tempest, Montana; a place so embedded with twisted secrets, the locals have just come to terms with things that go bump in the night.
This story had me channeling my inner Nancy Drew and creating a note in my phone with everyone’s backstories, and my theories on where their books were going to lead them! I truly had a blast reading this story because I was actively engaged the entire time.
“Enchantress. Vixen. There are so many words I could use to describe Delilah, but my favorite one is: mine.”
Our leading men, the Weston’s are characters layered in heartache. It changed each of them differently but one thing that never changed was how STRONG their brotherhood is. (Their love for the youngest, Wells, was so flipping heartwarming while also heartbreaking when you learn why they are so protective of him.)
“My darlin’, my girl, my Delilah. Can’t live without you. Won’t.”
Cole Weston was such an interesting part of Ride the Sky, I am so excited we finally are getting his story! He was so grumpy but it was a blast getting to see Delilah tame him!
“I’m his harmony. He’s my darkness.”
Delilah was the best. Ava Hunter’s FMCs are ALWAYS powerhouses. Her life was built around packing bags and running, but in Tempest & Cole Weston she finally found a place to put it all down.
“Keep teasing me darlin’—we know how it’ll end.”
This man was OBSESSED. The tasting room scene? OMG, it will live in my brain rent free for forever! ❤️🔥🫠🥃
“You thirsty, darlin’?”
“For you, always.”
This book’s baddie, and everything involving the missing girls and the climax of this story is DARK. It please check the warnings before diving in. That being said, I was on the edge of my seat, sweating and biting my nails submersed in the suspense of it all!
“He’s ruthless. But I’ve never felt safer. I see his demons, his grief, his bad habits, but I still see him too.”
Tempest isn’t like other towns, when things hit the fan you do NOT call the cops. You trade favors with the local MC! I love that the bikers are the good guys, (mostly)! I can’t wait to get for some of the towns baddies to get what’s coming to them! 👊🏼
‘“Here.” Warren slides a small, serrated blade from its sheath. “A promise. Brothers don’t turn on brothers.” Jack’s words.’
If you are a suspense lover AND ready to fall head of sparkly boots in love with the Weston’s, PLEASE ADD THIS TO YOUR TBR!
I can’t wait to experience this story again on audio!
Tropes:
💃🏻 Woman on the Run
👀 Romantic Suspense
🫶🏼 Band of Brothers
❤️🔥 Dark Cowboy Romance
🖤 Town Full of Dark & Twisted Secrets
🥃 Whiskey Distillery & Animal Rescue
🍷 Age Gap (14yrs)
🏡 Neighbors
☀️ Grumpy x Snarky Sunshine
💋 Tasting Room Fun
Ava Hunter knocked this one out of this realm! Holy moly y’all. This new series is rich in layers and layers of dark mysteries and tragic pasts. Whiskey Burn set the tone of Tempest, Montana; a place so embedded with twisted secrets, the locals have just come to terms with things that go bump in the night.
This story had me channeling my inner Nancy Drew and creating a note in my phone with everyone’s backstories, and my theories on where their books were going to lead them! I truly had a blast reading this story because I was actively engaged the entire time.
“Enchantress. Vixen. There are so many words I could use to describe Delilah, but my favorite one is: mine.”
Our leading men, the Weston’s are characters layered in heartache. It changed each of them differently but one thing that never changed was how STRONG their brotherhood is. (Their love for the youngest, Wells, was so flipping heartwarming while also heartbreaking when you learn why they are so protective of him.)
“My darlin’, my girl, my Delilah. Can’t live without you. Won’t.”
Cole Weston was such an interesting part of Ride the Sky, I am so excited we finally are getting his story! He was so grumpy but it was a blast getting to see Delilah tame him!
“I’m his harmony. He’s my darkness.”
Delilah was the best. Ava Hunter’s FMCs are ALWAYS powerhouses. Her life was built around packing bags and running, but in Tempest & Cole Weston she finally found a place to put it all down.
“Keep teasing me darlin’—we know how it’ll end.”
This man was OBSESSED. The tasting room scene? OMG, it will live in my brain rent free for forever! ❤️🔥🫠🥃
“You thirsty, darlin’?”
“For you, always.”
This book’s baddie, and everything involving the missing girls and the climax of this story is DARK. It please check the warnings before diving in. That being said, I was on the edge of my seat, sweating and biting my nails submersed in the suspense of it all!
“He’s ruthless. But I’ve never felt safer. I see his demons, his grief, his bad habits, but I still see him too.”
Tempest isn’t like other towns, when things hit the fan you do NOT call the cops. You trade favors with the local MC! I love that the bikers are the good guys, (mostly)! I can’t wait to get for some of the towns baddies to get what’s coming to them! 👊🏼
‘“Here.” Warren slides a small, serrated blade from its sheath. “A promise. Brothers don’t turn on brothers.” Jack’s words.’
If you are a suspense lover AND ready to fall head of sparkly boots in love with the Weston’s, PLEASE ADD THIS TO YOUR TBR!
I can’t wait to experience this story again on audio!
Tropes:
💃🏻 Woman on the Run
👀 Romantic Suspense
🫶🏼 Band of Brothers
❤️🔥 Dark Cowboy Romance
🖤 Town Full of Dark & Twisted Secrets
🥃 Whiskey Distillery & Animal Rescue
🍷 Age Gap (14yrs)
🏡 Neighbors
☀️ Grumpy x Snarky Sunshine
💋 Tasting Room Fun
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠’𝐬 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐬𝐭, 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐚. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐰𝐛𝐨𝐲𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧.
And that's how we like them... right ? RIGHT ?
Whiskey Burn was one of most anticipated releases of the year and it did NOT disappoint. I'm the biggest fan of the runaway ranch series and while Ford is still my favorite Ava MMC, Cole IS STILL PERFECT. I have over a hundred highlights for that book which proves how good it is. They also have highland cows on the ranch so that alone should convince everyone to read that book!
Whiskey burn follows Delilah, a midnight ballerina, who ran away from Vegas after witnessing a client's death. She ends up lost on a side road in the middle of the night and a cowboy (our mmc's brother) finds her and offers a cabin for her to stay in.
Safe to say Cole, our MMC, is not a fan of her being on the ranch. He thinks they're dealing with enough trouble as it is and doesn't want her bringing any more to the distillery or the ranch.
Flash news ? she stays. She starts working as a bartender at the distillery and does a pretty damn good job too.
The physical attraction between our MCs is almost immediate. But both are wary and don't open up easily. The more time they spend together, the easier it gets tho. And once they act on their attraction ? the chemistry is EXPLOSIVE. That scene in the tasting room ? phewwwww, I don't drink whiskey but maybe I could be convinced.
I really loved Cole's protectiveness and grumpiness, even if the grumpiness disappeared when Delilah started really getting under his skin. My favorite part was when Delilah randomly brought back a mini cow one day and he acted all grumpy and then spent a few hours build an enclosure for the lil baby.
Now, the suspense side of things definitely kept me on my toes. Both characters are caught up in some shady stuff, and when Delilah's past catches up to her, she ends up telling Cole EVERYTHING. it was really great to see her finally open up, and feel better after sharing it with Cole.
These last few chapters kept me on the edge of my seat, and that ending was really really satisfying.
One thing Ava always does well is the found family. Sure there are five brothers but they continually choose each other, occasionally bringing in new people like Delilah. And when things got serious, they all showed up for her and Cole and that's what matters. I loved every brother but I'll have to admit I have a feeling River is gonna be my favorite.
Ezra's daughter, Evangeline, is the cutest kid ever.
I absolutely can't wait to see what Ava has in store for us and the Weston brothers next.
Huge thank you to Ava, her team, and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for the early digital copy in exchange for my honest review 🫶🏼
And that's how we like them... right ? RIGHT ?
Whiskey Burn was one of most anticipated releases of the year and it did NOT disappoint. I'm the biggest fan of the runaway ranch series and while Ford is still my favorite Ava MMC, Cole IS STILL PERFECT. I have over a hundred highlights for that book which proves how good it is. They also have highland cows on the ranch so that alone should convince everyone to read that book!
Whiskey burn follows Delilah, a midnight ballerina, who ran away from Vegas after witnessing a client's death. She ends up lost on a side road in the middle of the night and a cowboy (our mmc's brother) finds her and offers a cabin for her to stay in.
Safe to say Cole, our MMC, is not a fan of her being on the ranch. He thinks they're dealing with enough trouble as it is and doesn't want her bringing any more to the distillery or the ranch.
Flash news ? she stays. She starts working as a bartender at the distillery and does a pretty damn good job too.
The physical attraction between our MCs is almost immediate. But both are wary and don't open up easily. The more time they spend together, the easier it gets tho. And once they act on their attraction ? the chemistry is EXPLOSIVE. That scene in the tasting room ? phewwwww, I don't drink whiskey but maybe I could be convinced.
I really loved Cole's protectiveness and grumpiness, even if the grumpiness disappeared when Delilah started really getting under his skin. My favorite part was when Delilah randomly brought back a mini cow one day and he acted all grumpy and then spent a few hours build an enclosure for the lil baby.
Now, the suspense side of things definitely kept me on my toes. Both characters are caught up in some shady stuff, and when Delilah's past catches up to her, she ends up telling Cole EVERYTHING. it was really great to see her finally open up, and feel better after sharing it with Cole.
These last few chapters kept me on the edge of my seat, and that ending was really really satisfying.
One thing Ava always does well is the found family. Sure there are five brothers but they continually choose each other, occasionally bringing in new people like Delilah. And when things got serious, they all showed up for her and Cole and that's what matters. I loved every brother but I'll have to admit I have a feeling River is gonna be my favorite.
Ezra's daughter, Evangeline, is the cutest kid ever.
I absolutely can't wait to see what Ava has in store for us and the Weston brothers next.
Huge thank you to Ava, her team, and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for the early digital copy in exchange for my honest review 🫶🏼
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was my first Ava Hunter book and it was such a fun surprise. I needed a palate cleanser in between some heavy books and this was perfect.
Going in, I was really intrigued by how it would juggle all of its different flavours. It’s a small-town romance, a cowboy romance, and it has some genuinely darker, crime-adjacent elements running through it. Ava strikes a really satisfying balance among them.
I absolutely loved the cast, esepcially. The Weston brothers, and all the women introduced, are incredibly endearing, and this feels like exactly the kind of first-in-series book that gets you excited for every sibling’s story to come. That’s not an easy thing to pull off when the first book has to do so much heavy lifting, but it has left me genuinely excited to keep reading every book that comes next.
Delilah was another huge win for me, as someone who has a soft spot for renegades. She’s fiercely independent, stubborn, and more than capable of holding her own. The same goes for the other women we’re introduced to—they’re all headstrong, opinionated, and memorable in their own right, even as the classic rescue tropes play out.
Delilah is on the run from a club where she worked as a dancer in Vegas, and finds herself crashing at the Westons' ranch in Tempest, a town with dark secrets. The Weston family employ her, indulges her, and absorbs her as an extended part of their family. Ofcourse, especially, Cole, the grumpy MMC.
There are plenty of secrets unfurling, events from the past, and chase-escapes that keep you hooked.
I will say here were a couple of moments where the romance lingered on the same emotional beat for just a little too long. I joked to myself that I could make a drinking game out of how often Cole reminded himself that Delilah was “trouble” and he needed to stay away, or how determined Delilah was to crack his grumpy exterior. I was ready for those two to stop circling each other and take the next step.
That said, the slower moments gave me time to settle into the town, the family dynamics, and the emotional stakes, so by the time everything came together, I felt fully invested.
Overall, this was such a strong series opener. It delivers the romance, the intrigue, the family drama, and just enough mystery to leave me desperate to see where the rest of the Weston family goes next.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Going in, I was really intrigued by how it would juggle all of its different flavours. It’s a small-town romance, a cowboy romance, and it has some genuinely darker, crime-adjacent elements running through it. Ava strikes a really satisfying balance among them.
I absolutely loved the cast, esepcially. The Weston brothers, and all the women introduced, are incredibly endearing, and this feels like exactly the kind of first-in-series book that gets you excited for every sibling’s story to come. That’s not an easy thing to pull off when the first book has to do so much heavy lifting, but it has left me genuinely excited to keep reading every book that comes next.
Delilah was another huge win for me, as someone who has a soft spot for renegades. She’s fiercely independent, stubborn, and more than capable of holding her own. The same goes for the other women we’re introduced to—they’re all headstrong, opinionated, and memorable in their own right, even as the classic rescue tropes play out.
Delilah is on the run from a club where she worked as a dancer in Vegas, and finds herself crashing at the Westons' ranch in Tempest, a town with dark secrets. The Weston family employ her, indulges her, and absorbs her as an extended part of their family. Ofcourse, especially, Cole, the grumpy MMC.
There are plenty of secrets unfurling, events from the past, and chase-escapes that keep you hooked.
I will say here were a couple of moments where the romance lingered on the same emotional beat for just a little too long. I joked to myself that I could make a drinking game out of how often Cole reminded himself that Delilah was “trouble” and he needed to stay away, or how determined Delilah was to crack his grumpy exterior. I was ready for those two to stop circling each other and take the next step.
That said, the slower moments gave me time to settle into the town, the family dynamics, and the emotional stakes, so by the time everything came together, I felt fully invested.
Overall, this was such a strong series opener. It delivers the romance, the intrigue, the family drama, and just enough mystery to leave me desperate to see where the rest of the Weston family goes next.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Tropes: Dark Western Romance, Slow Burn, Small Town, Secrets, Grumpy X Sunshine, Age Gap, Found Family, Touch Her & ☠️, Whiskey, He Cools for Her
Quotes: "There are so many words I could use to describe Delilah, but my favorite one is: MINE.”
Review No Spoilers: a gripping dark western romantic suspense that blends danger, emotional healing, and slow burning romance against the rugged backdrop of rural Montana. With high stakes suspense, forced proximity, and a broody cowboy hero, this first installment in The Weston Brothers series delivers a captivating mix of action and heart.
Delilah Grant is running for her life after witnessing a brutal murder, carrying nothing but a stolen USB drive and the secrets that make her a target. Seeking refuge, she takes a job at Weston Whiskey, a secluded ranch and distillery where she hopes to disappear. But hiding proves difficult when she crosses paths with Cole Weston, the ranch’s guarded owner and former bull rider, whose instincts tell him she’s hiding far more than she’s willing to admit.
Cole’s rough exterior and deeply buried scars make him reluctant to trust anyone, especially a mysterious stranger. As the two are thrown together, suspicion gradually gives way to undeniable attraction. Their slow building romance unfolds alongside a suspenseful mystery, with both characters forced to confront their pasts as danger closes in.
The novel shines in its atmospheric western setting, creating a vivid backdrop of sprawling ranch land, whiskey making traditions, and close knit family loyalty. The Weston family dynamic adds warmth and depth to the story, balancing the darker themes with moments of humor, tenderness, and unwavering support.
The suspense remains tense throughout, with enough twists to keep the pages turning while never overshadowing the emotional journey of the main characters. The chemistry between Cole and Delilah is intense, fueled by trust earned rather than given, making their relationship feel authentic and rewarding.
It is an engaging blend of romantic suspense and modern western romance. Readers who enjoy protective cowboy heroes, women on the run, forced proximity, found family, and suspense filled love stories will find plenty to enjoy. It sets up The Weston Brothers series with compelling characters and leaves readers eager to return to Tempest, Montana.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Quotes: "There are so many words I could use to describe Delilah, but my favorite one is: MINE.”
Review No Spoilers: a gripping dark western romantic suspense that blends danger, emotional healing, and slow burning romance against the rugged backdrop of rural Montana. With high stakes suspense, forced proximity, and a broody cowboy hero, this first installment in The Weston Brothers series delivers a captivating mix of action and heart.
Delilah Grant is running for her life after witnessing a brutal murder, carrying nothing but a stolen USB drive and the secrets that make her a target. Seeking refuge, she takes a job at Weston Whiskey, a secluded ranch and distillery where she hopes to disappear. But hiding proves difficult when she crosses paths with Cole Weston, the ranch’s guarded owner and former bull rider, whose instincts tell him she’s hiding far more than she’s willing to admit.
Cole’s rough exterior and deeply buried scars make him reluctant to trust anyone, especially a mysterious stranger. As the two are thrown together, suspicion gradually gives way to undeniable attraction. Their slow building romance unfolds alongside a suspenseful mystery, with both characters forced to confront their pasts as danger closes in.
The novel shines in its atmospheric western setting, creating a vivid backdrop of sprawling ranch land, whiskey making traditions, and close knit family loyalty. The Weston family dynamic adds warmth and depth to the story, balancing the darker themes with moments of humor, tenderness, and unwavering support.
The suspense remains tense throughout, with enough twists to keep the pages turning while never overshadowing the emotional journey of the main characters. The chemistry between Cole and Delilah is intense, fueled by trust earned rather than given, making their relationship feel authentic and rewarding.
It is an engaging blend of romantic suspense and modern western romance. Readers who enjoy protective cowboy heroes, women on the run, forced proximity, found family, and suspense filled love stories will find plenty to enjoy. It sets up The Weston Brothers series with compelling characters and leaves readers eager to return to Tempest, Montana.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC REVIEW- WHISKEY BURN
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
🥃Cowboy Romance
🥃Romantic Suspense
🥃Morally Grey MMC
🥃FMC on the Run
🥃Grumpy x Sunshine
🥃Forced Proximity
______________________________________
Thanks to Ava Hunter, Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for the ARC! I received an advance copy of the book and am leaving an honest review. All opinions are my own.
______________________________________
WOW. JUST WOW. I always know I'm gonna love an Ava Hunter book but I didn't know if she could top Tame the Heart for me with a protective AF cowboy. COLE WESTON HAS ENTERED THE CHAT. He might tie Charlie Montgomery for my favorite cowboy MMC. I am feral and obsessed and in love.
This book is classic Ava Hunter morally grey cowboy goodness. Delilah is a dance in Las Vegas who finds herself in trouble and goes on the run. She ends up meeting River Weston on the side of the road outside his ranch in Montana and offers her a place to stay. She then runs into the grumpiest of grumps Cole Weston, who has a mind to run her off. But of course, he falls, she falls and it’s all kinds of romantic suspense yumminess.
This book had me in a chokehold the entire story. I literally couldn't put it down and had to keep turning page after page. It had a really compelling mystery, trying to understand just who was out for Delilah and why they were. The budding romance between Cole and Delilah was just the right pace and the spice hit at just the right time and frequency for me. That being said, this is a very high spice book for those who might like a little bit less.
Cole and Delilah were both on journeys of self-discovery. Cole still needed to process and work through his feelings of grief and trauma, from his parents and brother's death, to learning to be vulnerable and let other people in. Delilah had always been running from something, it was really something to see her put down roots and decide who and where she wanted to be,
The book was a wild ride and such a stellar start to a new series. If you love cowboys, morally grey men and compelling suspense plotlines, this is definitely the book for you. I will never not read or recommend an Ava Hunter book. She cannot do wrong in my book!
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
🥃Cowboy Romance
🥃Romantic Suspense
🥃Morally Grey MMC
🥃FMC on the Run
🥃Grumpy x Sunshine
🥃Forced Proximity
______________________________________
Thanks to Ava Hunter, Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for the ARC! I received an advance copy of the book and am leaving an honest review. All opinions are my own.
______________________________________
WOW. JUST WOW. I always know I'm gonna love an Ava Hunter book but I didn't know if she could top Tame the Heart for me with a protective AF cowboy. COLE WESTON HAS ENTERED THE CHAT. He might tie Charlie Montgomery for my favorite cowboy MMC. I am feral and obsessed and in love.
This book is classic Ava Hunter morally grey cowboy goodness. Delilah is a dance in Las Vegas who finds herself in trouble and goes on the run. She ends up meeting River Weston on the side of the road outside his ranch in Montana and offers her a place to stay. She then runs into the grumpiest of grumps Cole Weston, who has a mind to run her off. But of course, he falls, she falls and it’s all kinds of romantic suspense yumminess.
This book had me in a chokehold the entire story. I literally couldn't put it down and had to keep turning page after page. It had a really compelling mystery, trying to understand just who was out for Delilah and why they were. The budding romance between Cole and Delilah was just the right pace and the spice hit at just the right time and frequency for me. That being said, this is a very high spice book for those who might like a little bit less.
Cole and Delilah were both on journeys of self-discovery. Cole still needed to process and work through his feelings of grief and trauma, from his parents and brother's death, to learning to be vulnerable and let other people in. Delilah had always been running from something, it was really something to see her put down roots and decide who and where she wanted to be,
The book was a wild ride and such a stellar start to a new series. If you love cowboys, morally grey men and compelling suspense plotlines, this is definitely the book for you. I will never not read or recommend an Ava Hunter book. She cannot do wrong in my book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved Ava Hunter's Runaway Ranch series and expected this book, which kicks off her new cowboy series, to be very similar to those, but this one was more mysterious, definitely darker and way spicier than her previous books. I loved Cole and Delilah's stories- their backgrounds, their love for family, and their willingness to (reluctantly) open up to each other and share feelings they would normally hold close to the chest. I wanted more backstory on the Weston family, which I think will come in the future since this is the first book in a new series; I can't wait for the next story and brother!
What I loved about this book was Delilah being strong yet uncertain of herself at times. She was definitely not a weak FMC and wasn't nasty to people to make sure they knew she wasn't a pushover which I appreciated. Cole was more secretive and reserved when it came to discussing his past, eventually opening up to Delilah and letting her see the real him- flaws and all. The only complaint I have is that I feel we got to know Cole and Delilah's body parts and functions more than their souls. I personally prefer plot and substance over smut, but I also know that's what sells romance these days, so I usually skim those parts. I am in no way saying this book was only smexy scenes, and I still adore Ava Hunter's writing, I was just left wanting a little more about the town, the corruption, and the thoughts the characters had about all of it. Bonus points for the surprise visit from my favorite couple at the end- it was nice to see them thriving and happy.
I will definitely be picking up the next book in this series (and all that follow) as I really enjoyed where this story is going and am curious to see who the rest of the brothers end up with. I'm most looking forward to finding out all the secrets of the town, especially who murdered the Weston parents and what those mysterious green lights are.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for an advanced reader copy!
What I loved about this book was Delilah being strong yet uncertain of herself at times. She was definitely not a weak FMC and wasn't nasty to people to make sure they knew she wasn't a pushover which I appreciated. Cole was more secretive and reserved when it came to discussing his past, eventually opening up to Delilah and letting her see the real him- flaws and all. The only complaint I have is that I feel we got to know Cole and Delilah's body parts and functions more than their souls. I personally prefer plot and substance over smut, but I also know that's what sells romance these days, so I usually skim those parts. I am in no way saying this book was only smexy scenes, and I still adore Ava Hunter's writing, I was just left wanting a little more about the town, the corruption, and the thoughts the characters had about all of it. Bonus points for the surprise visit from my favorite couple at the end- it was nice to see them thriving and happy.
I will definitely be picking up the next book in this series (and all that follow) as I really enjoyed where this story is going and am curious to see who the rest of the brothers end up with. I'm most looking forward to finding out all the secrets of the town, especially who murdered the Weston parents and what those mysterious green lights are.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for an advanced reader copy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a highly anticipated read, and it certainly did not disappoint! I loved Delilah and Cole so much, but especially Delilah. From the moment she was introduced, I knew I was going to love her character. She was so confident and strong, but she also had such a soft heart.
When I first saw that one of the tropes listed was dark cowboy, I didn't realize just how dark this book would get compared to Ava's other series. I think this might be the darkest book she's written so far. But don't get me wrong, I already love a good cowboy romance, so a dark cowboy romance? I was completely here for it! I love a morally grey cowboy who is absolutely down bad for his woman and would move heaven and earth to protect her, and Cole was no exception. Whether he realized it or not, from the moment he laid eyes on Delilah, he was an absolute goner for her. Seeing him fall harder and harder for her while trying to fight it made me love him even more.
Don't even get me started on the suspense in this book. The stakes were so much higher, and there were so many moments that had me on the edge of my seat wondering how everything was going to play out. I genuinely had no idea what was going to happen next, and that made it impossible to put the book down.
I think one of the reasons I loved this book so much is because Delilah and Cole reminded me of Ruby and Charlie from the Runaway Ranch series. They gave me the same kind of chemistry that I loved so much before, especially with the grumpy and sunshine dynamic. Cole and Charlie are both complete grumps around everyone else, but when it comes to their women, they are nothing but soft. I seriously can't get enough of that type of romance.
I also love a series that follows one family, with each sibling getting their own book. It always makes me more invested because you get little glimpses of the next characters along the way. I'm already so excited for each of the Weston brothers to get their own story, but especially River. After everything we got from him in this book, I need River's book ASAP!
When I first saw that one of the tropes listed was dark cowboy, I didn't realize just how dark this book would get compared to Ava's other series. I think this might be the darkest book she's written so far. But don't get me wrong, I already love a good cowboy romance, so a dark cowboy romance? I was completely here for it! I love a morally grey cowboy who is absolutely down bad for his woman and would move heaven and earth to protect her, and Cole was no exception. Whether he realized it or not, from the moment he laid eyes on Delilah, he was an absolute goner for her. Seeing him fall harder and harder for her while trying to fight it made me love him even more.
Don't even get me started on the suspense in this book. The stakes were so much higher, and there were so many moments that had me on the edge of my seat wondering how everything was going to play out. I genuinely had no idea what was going to happen next, and that made it impossible to put the book down.
I think one of the reasons I loved this book so much is because Delilah and Cole reminded me of Ruby and Charlie from the Runaway Ranch series. They gave me the same kind of chemistry that I loved so much before, especially with the grumpy and sunshine dynamic. Cole and Charlie are both complete grumps around everyone else, but when it comes to their women, they are nothing but soft. I seriously can't get enough of that type of romance.
I also love a series that follows one family, with each sibling getting their own book. It always makes me more invested because you get little glimpses of the next characters along the way. I'm already so excited for each of the Weston brothers to get their own story, but especially River. After everything we got from him in this book, I need River's book ASAP!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5⭐️
3🌶️
Dark, Cowboy Romance
Age Gap
Midnight Ballerina x Ex Bull Rider
FMC on the run
Man Obsessed
Grumpy x Sunshine
Found Family
Touch her & ☠️
He calls her “Darlin’”
🥃play
This was my first Ava Hunter book and will absolutely not be my last! Whiskey Burn is as balanced as a good whiskey. The pain of the past, the character growth, the romance and suspense flowed so well and had me clutching my kindle.
I love when a grumpy, broody cowboy meets a sassy, full of sunshine FMC who will knock his boots off. The immediate pull and tension between Cole and Delilah made for a delicious slow burn. He was obsessed but determined to push her away and keep his distance. Delilah was undeterred, she loved to push his buttons and get under his skin and I was here for it! I loved the banter between them. Delilah was a perfect blend of sweet and sassy!
Both the FMC and MMC have pasts that haunt them. My heart hurt for both of them and what they’ve lived through. I really loved the fact Cole never made her feel bad about being a dancer and would stand up for her. They were truly made for each other. Despite what Delilah has lived through she brings such light to his dark world. When they finally give into each other… it made for some scorching hot chemistry. At the distillery, I see why they call it a “tasting room”.👀🥵
The suspense was woven throughout the book and kept me engaged. I thought it was a great build up. I also really enjoyed the other characters especially the brothers. I thought the author did a great job at giving us glimpses of each brother and a little backstory to each and I can’t wait to see their stories next! I already have my theories on one potential pairing!
If you enjoy morally grey cowboys, a slow burn romance, suspense and found family then I highly recommend adding this book to your TBR!
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca, Author Ava Hunter and NetGalley for the advance reader copy of Whiskey Burn in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
3🌶️
Dark, Cowboy Romance
Age Gap
Midnight Ballerina x Ex Bull Rider
FMC on the run
Man Obsessed
Grumpy x Sunshine
Found Family
Touch her & ☠️
He calls her “Darlin’”
🥃play
This was my first Ava Hunter book and will absolutely not be my last! Whiskey Burn is as balanced as a good whiskey. The pain of the past, the character growth, the romance and suspense flowed so well and had me clutching my kindle.
I love when a grumpy, broody cowboy meets a sassy, full of sunshine FMC who will knock his boots off. The immediate pull and tension between Cole and Delilah made for a delicious slow burn. He was obsessed but determined to push her away and keep his distance. Delilah was undeterred, she loved to push his buttons and get under his skin and I was here for it! I loved the banter between them. Delilah was a perfect blend of sweet and sassy!
Both the FMC and MMC have pasts that haunt them. My heart hurt for both of them and what they’ve lived through. I really loved the fact Cole never made her feel bad about being a dancer and would stand up for her. They were truly made for each other. Despite what Delilah has lived through she brings such light to his dark world. When they finally give into each other… it made for some scorching hot chemistry. At the distillery, I see why they call it a “tasting room”.👀🥵
The suspense was woven throughout the book and kept me engaged. I thought it was a great build up. I also really enjoyed the other characters especially the brothers. I thought the author did a great job at giving us glimpses of each brother and a little backstory to each and I can’t wait to see their stories next! I already have my theories on one potential pairing!
If you enjoy morally grey cowboys, a slow burn romance, suspense and found family then I highly recommend adding this book to your TBR!
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca, Author Ava Hunter and NetGalley for the advance reader copy of Whiskey Burn in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First, thank you so much to Ava Hunter for the ARC! I was so excited to get to read Whiskey Burn early, and it completely lived up to everything I was hoping for.
At this point, Ava Hunter is an auto buy author for me. I honestly love everything she writes, so I went into this expecting to love it and I absolutely did. I read this in one day because I could not put it down.
This is a dual POV, small town cowboy romance with an ex bull rider MMC, a girl on the run, an age gap, incredible tension and chemistry, a slow burn, mystery, suspense, grief, and one of my favorite big family dynamics. Cole and Delilah were so easy to root for. Cole is protective, loyal, and doesn't hesitate when it comes to the people he loves. Delilah is such a confident, badass FMC, and I loved watching these two together.
The spice was so good, and I actually think this is Ava's darkest book yet. The suspense kept me turning the pages, and I still have so many questions that I need answered in the rest of this series.
I also loved getting to see Fallon and Wyatt again from Ride the Sky. Seeing familiar characters always makes me so happy, and I loved finally getting Cole's story after meeting him in the Runaway Ranch series. If you haven't read that series yet, I highly recommend starting there first because it makes this book even more enjoyable.
One of my favorite parts of Ava's books is always the family relationships, and this one was no different. I loved seeing how much Cole loves his brothers, and now I need every single one of them to get their own book. Ava there are five brothers, and I know the current deal is for four books, but I need all five stories. 😂
I already have this book preordered because there was never any doubt that I was going to add it to my shelves. I even have an entire shelf dedicated to Ava Hunter's books. I cannot wait to see where this series goes next!
At this point, Ava Hunter is an auto buy author for me. I honestly love everything she writes, so I went into this expecting to love it and I absolutely did. I read this in one day because I could not put it down.
This is a dual POV, small town cowboy romance with an ex bull rider MMC, a girl on the run, an age gap, incredible tension and chemistry, a slow burn, mystery, suspense, grief, and one of my favorite big family dynamics. Cole and Delilah were so easy to root for. Cole is protective, loyal, and doesn't hesitate when it comes to the people he loves. Delilah is such a confident, badass FMC, and I loved watching these two together.
The spice was so good, and I actually think this is Ava's darkest book yet. The suspense kept me turning the pages, and I still have so many questions that I need answered in the rest of this series.
I also loved getting to see Fallon and Wyatt again from Ride the Sky. Seeing familiar characters always makes me so happy, and I loved finally getting Cole's story after meeting him in the Runaway Ranch series. If you haven't read that series yet, I highly recommend starting there first because it makes this book even more enjoyable.
One of my favorite parts of Ava's books is always the family relationships, and this one was no different. I loved seeing how much Cole loves his brothers, and now I need every single one of them to get their own book. Ava there are five brothers, and I know the current deal is for four books, but I need all five stories. 😂
I already have this book preordered because there was never any doubt that I was going to add it to my shelves. I even have an entire shelf dedicated to Ava Hunter's books. I cannot wait to see where this series goes next!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“𝐍𝐨 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬. 𝐍𝐨 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞, 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐡. 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐞.”
Let it be known that I absolutely LOVE Ava's Runaway Ranch series. I reread those books all the time, so I had some high hopes for this one. That being said, it didn't quite hit the mark for me.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱:
❤️The brothers. Morally grey cowboy brothers?! Yes please! Absolutely loved their individual personalities & the brotherhood between them. I want to learn more about all of them & the brothers alone are enough to keep me locked into this series.
❤️The suspense. It starts off with a bang (literally) & though it's a slow creep through the story, it really has you on the edge of your seat.
❤️The underlying mystery. There's a mystery that is going to continue throughout the series & Ava does a great job of luring you in, just giving you enough to hook you, & then leaving you with all the questions. I can't wait to see how it all shakes out!
❤️Is Ava setting up an MC series?! As soon as that was introduced I gasped. I am SO READY for more of them in this series.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗻’𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:
🖤The romance. I just really couldn't connect with Cole & Delilah. I tried, I really did, but I found myself just not really invested in their romance.
🖤A bit too dark. There's some really dark things in this one, & though there's a trigger warning, I just don't understand why that stuff is needed in books in such detail. It could be written in a way that isn't so graphic. Once it hit, I had to skim read.
Overall this one just wasn't a favorite for me, but still a good start to a series. I'll definitely continue reading!
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗴𝗲𝘁:
🍺whiskey distillery
🍺dancer/stripper x rancher
🍺fmc on the run
🍺grumpy x sunshine
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Let it be known that I absolutely LOVE Ava's Runaway Ranch series. I reread those books all the time, so I had some high hopes for this one. That being said, it didn't quite hit the mark for me.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱:
❤️The brothers. Morally grey cowboy brothers?! Yes please! Absolutely loved their individual personalities & the brotherhood between them. I want to learn more about all of them & the brothers alone are enough to keep me locked into this series.
❤️The suspense. It starts off with a bang (literally) & though it's a slow creep through the story, it really has you on the edge of your seat.
❤️The underlying mystery. There's a mystery that is going to continue throughout the series & Ava does a great job of luring you in, just giving you enough to hook you, & then leaving you with all the questions. I can't wait to see how it all shakes out!
❤️Is Ava setting up an MC series?! As soon as that was introduced I gasped. I am SO READY for more of them in this series.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗻’𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:
🖤The romance. I just really couldn't connect with Cole & Delilah. I tried, I really did, but I found myself just not really invested in their romance.
🖤A bit too dark. There's some really dark things in this one, & though there's a trigger warning, I just don't understand why that stuff is needed in books in such detail. It could be written in a way that isn't so graphic. Once it hit, I had to skim read.
Overall this one just wasn't a favorite for me, but still a good start to a series. I'll definitely continue reading!
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗴𝗲𝘁:
🍺whiskey distillery
🍺dancer/stripper x rancher
🍺fmc on the run
🍺grumpy x sunshine
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you for the eARC! Whiskey Burn is a blend of suspense, family secrets, small town, and romance. It follows our FMC Delilah who is on the run from a bad situation and our MMC Cole, a cooper for his family's whiskey brand. It's set in a small town of Tempest in Montana. Cole and his brothers run Weston Whiskey along with their ranch. Delilah finds herself in Tempest looking for work and the brothers need a new bartender, which seems like the perfect solution. Cole is grumpy and closed off but finds himself connecting with Delilah. Ultimately the trouble in Tempest and Delilah's past end up coming together for the two to face...
I really liked this book! The author did a great job setting up the atmosphere of the town and the brother's places in it. The book ended up being a little darker and grittier than I originally thought. It definitely holds true to the "Yellowstone" vibes. I thought the depth of feelings between Cole and Delilah seemed to develop a tad insta-lovey but overall liked the two of them together. This one is definitely spicy! The last 20% percent of the book was action packed and kept me waiting to see what would happen. I think some of my favorite parts of the book were how well developed the side characters were and there's a lot of back story for each of them to be told. We got bits and pieces-so I could already see potential future plot lines forming. But it made me really interested in learning more and continuing the series to see what brother will be next. I also liked how there was the current situation Cole and Delilah were dealing with but also the overall mystery related to the Weston brothers' parents. I'm definitely going to continue and think that this was a good kick off to a new stories! Would recommend!
I really liked this book! The author did a great job setting up the atmosphere of the town and the brother's places in it. The book ended up being a little darker and grittier than I originally thought. It definitely holds true to the "Yellowstone" vibes. I thought the depth of feelings between Cole and Delilah seemed to develop a tad insta-lovey but overall liked the two of them together. This one is definitely spicy! The last 20% percent of the book was action packed and kept me waiting to see what would happen. I think some of my favorite parts of the book were how well developed the side characters were and there's a lot of back story for each of them to be told. We got bits and pieces-so I could already see potential future plot lines forming. But it made me really interested in learning more and continuing the series to see what brother will be next. I also liked how there was the current situation Cole and Delilah were dealing with but also the overall mystery related to the Weston brothers' parents. I'm definitely going to continue and think that this was a good kick off to a new stories! Would recommend!
Review of advance copy
If you’re a fan of the Runaway Ranch Series, or just cowboys in general, you’re going to love this spin-off series that begins with Cole Weston. He was quite the competition in the rodeo world for our friends Wyatt and Fallon, but he's returned home to Cooper Run Ranch and his brothers in Tempest, MT. This is a family that's seen a lot of trouble in a town that turns everything into a fight for survival. You're about to enter the old west, my reader friend, so buckle up. It's about to get wild.
Cole Weston is the grumpy, morally gray cowboy you can’t help but love. He's all about family and protecting those he loves, and seeing him smile is like watching an eclipse and just as rare. When a dancer on the run ends up at a cabin on their ranch, Delilah Grant is just the girl to turn Cole's world and the family whiskey distillery on its head.
This gifted wordsmith is one of the most under-rated writers in romantic suspense, but you’re in luck. Once you read Cole and Delilah's story, you'll fall in love with the drama and danger right along with the complicated, layered characters and their hard-won HEA. Then you can binge your way through Hunter's back catalog for even more heartfelt, riveting, satisfying romantic suspense.
This is the kind of romance that keeps me coming back for more. Endearing characters with painful pasts who find love and healing amidst mystery and peril had me devouring this in one sitting. Humorous and steamy with tons of heart, I couldn’t get enough and can’t wait to read each of the Weston brothers’ stories! Run. 1-Click. Read. You can thank me later.
Cole Weston is the grumpy, morally gray cowboy you can’t help but love. He's all about family and protecting those he loves, and seeing him smile is like watching an eclipse and just as rare. When a dancer on the run ends up at a cabin on their ranch, Delilah Grant is just the girl to turn Cole's world and the family whiskey distillery on its head.
This gifted wordsmith is one of the most under-rated writers in romantic suspense, but you’re in luck. Once you read Cole and Delilah's story, you'll fall in love with the drama and danger right along with the complicated, layered characters and their hard-won HEA. Then you can binge your way through Hunter's back catalog for even more heartfelt, riveting, satisfying romantic suspense.
This is the kind of romance that keeps me coming back for more. Endearing characters with painful pasts who find love and healing amidst mystery and peril had me devouring this in one sitting. Humorous and steamy with tons of heart, I couldn’t get enough and can’t wait to read each of the Weston brothers’ stories! Run. 1-Click. Read. You can thank me later.
July 21, 2026
First of all, a big thank you to the author and NetGalley for this ARC.
En este primer libro seguimos a Cole Weston y Delilah Grant. Él es un ex jinete de toros y trabaja en el negocio familiar del Whiskey que maneja con sus hermanos. Ella presenció algo que nunca debió ver y decide huir a Montana y consigue un trabajo en Weston Whiskey.
Algo que me gusta de esta autora es que todas sus historias tienen la combinación perfecta entre vaqueros, romance y mucho suspenso. También como ella escribe sus historias y sus personajes. En esta historia tenemos a Delilah. Ella es una persona fuerte y valiente que nunca dejó de luchar a pesar de todo lo que le pasó. Luego está Cole quien es alguien cerrado que no está acostumbrado a hablar o mostrar sus sentimientos pero Delilah llegó para cambiar esto. El romance entre ellos es hermoso y lleno de pasión.
Me encantó el suspenso en la historia. Es ese tipo de tensión que quieres saber más y cuando te enteras de todo te re sorprende. Me hizo acordar a otra serie de libros de esta autora la cual la recomiendo y es Runaway Ranch. No puedo esperar a saber de que hermano va a ser el siguiente libro pero tengo mis teorías 👀
Si buscan una historia de romance con suspenso, misterio y con vaqueros moralmente grises, entonces anótense este libro que ya en Octubre se publica.
4/5⭐️
3/5🌶️
--------------------------------------------------------------------
In this first book of this series, we follow Cole Weston and Delilah Grant. He’s a former bull rider who works in the family whiskey business alongside his brothers, and she witnessed something she never should have seen, so she fled to Montana and got a job at Weston Whiskey.
One thing I love about this author is that her stories strike the perfect balance between morally grey cowboys, romance, and plenty of suspense. I also love the way she writes because you feel as if you were part of it and her characters are so lovable. I absolutely adored Delilah. She's strong, brave, and never stopped fighting despite everything she went through. Then there’s Cole. He's reserved and isn’t used to show his feelings, but Delilah is ready to change that.
I loved the suspense in the story. It’s the kind of tension that keeps you wanting to know more, and the final reveal is a total surprise. It reminded me of another series by this author, Runaway Ranch, which I also highly recommend. I can’t wait to find out which brother the next book will focus on but I have my theories 👀
If you’re looking for a romance filled with suspense, mystery, and morally grey cowboys, then put this book on your list because it comes out in October.
En este primer libro seguimos a Cole Weston y Delilah Grant. Él es un ex jinete de toros y trabaja en el negocio familiar del Whiskey que maneja con sus hermanos. Ella presenció algo que nunca debió ver y decide huir a Montana y consigue un trabajo en Weston Whiskey.
Algo que me gusta de esta autora es que todas sus historias tienen la combinación perfecta entre vaqueros, romance y mucho suspenso. También como ella escribe sus historias y sus personajes. En esta historia tenemos a Delilah. Ella es una persona fuerte y valiente que nunca dejó de luchar a pesar de todo lo que le pasó. Luego está Cole quien es alguien cerrado que no está acostumbrado a hablar o mostrar sus sentimientos pero Delilah llegó para cambiar esto. El romance entre ellos es hermoso y lleno de pasión.
Me encantó el suspenso en la historia. Es ese tipo de tensión que quieres saber más y cuando te enteras de todo te re sorprende. Me hizo acordar a otra serie de libros de esta autora la cual la recomiendo y es Runaway Ranch. No puedo esperar a saber de que hermano va a ser el siguiente libro pero tengo mis teorías 👀
Si buscan una historia de romance con suspenso, misterio y con vaqueros moralmente grises, entonces anótense este libro que ya en Octubre se publica.
4/5⭐️
3/5🌶️
--------------------------------------------------------------------
In this first book of this series, we follow Cole Weston and Delilah Grant. He’s a former bull rider who works in the family whiskey business alongside his brothers, and she witnessed something she never should have seen, so she fled to Montana and got a job at Weston Whiskey.
One thing I love about this author is that her stories strike the perfect balance between morally grey cowboys, romance, and plenty of suspense. I also love the way she writes because you feel as if you were part of it and her characters are so lovable. I absolutely adored Delilah. She's strong, brave, and never stopped fighting despite everything she went through. Then there’s Cole. He's reserved and isn’t used to show his feelings, but Delilah is ready to change that.
I loved the suspense in the story. It’s the kind of tension that keeps you wanting to know more, and the final reveal is a total surprise. It reminded me of another series by this author, Runaway Ranch, which I also highly recommend. I can’t wait to find out which brother the next book will focus on but I have my theories 👀
If you’re looking for a romance filled with suspense, mystery, and morally grey cowboys, then put this book on your list because it comes out in October.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow! It didn't take long for Whiskey Burn to have me completely hooked. I absolutely loved the Runaway Ranch series, so my expectations were high—but Cole and Delilah's story blew them away. I think this might be Ava Hunter's best book yet.
From the very beginning, my heart broke for Delilah. She's traumatized, terrified, and on the run, but she's also incredibly resilient.
And Cole Weston... swoon. I was already intrigued by him in the Runaway Ranch series, and getting his story did not disappoint. He's the perfect grumpy cowboy with a heart of gold—a protector who isn't afraid to get his hands dirty for the people he cares about. Watching him fall for Delilah was everything.
This book delivers plenty of suspense, action, and steam, with kidnapping, forced proximity, murder, whiskey play, and enough emotional tension to keep the pages turning late into the night. The chemistry between Cole and Delilah is electric, and the found family dynamic with the Weston brothers makes you want to move onto the ranch myself.
What really impressed me though, was how Ava Hunter balanced this plot line with an intriguing setup for the rest of the series. The mystery surrounding the Weston parents' murder? I have so many questions. What happened to April? I need answers. And Wells... I cannot wait to find out more. The anticipation for the next book is already killing me.
If you love morally grey cowboys, protective heroes, strong heroines, and romantic suspense with plenty of heat, Whiskey Burn is a must-read.
I'll absolutely be first in line for book two!
Wow! It didn't take long for Whiskey Burn to have me completely hooked. I absolutely loved the Runaway Ranch series, so my expectations were high—but Cole and Delilah's story blew them away. I think this might be Ava Hunter's best book yet.
From the very beginning, my heart broke for Delilah. She's traumatized, terrified, and on the run, but she's also incredibly resilient.
And Cole Weston... swoon. I was already intrigued by him in the Runaway Ranch series, and getting his story did not disappoint. He's the perfect grumpy cowboy with a heart of gold—a protector who isn't afraid to get his hands dirty for the people he cares about. Watching him fall for Delilah was everything.
This book delivers plenty of suspense, action, and steam, with kidnapping, forced proximity, murder, whiskey play, and enough emotional tension to keep the pages turning late into the night. The chemistry between Cole and Delilah is electric, and the found family dynamic with the Weston brothers makes you want to move onto the ranch myself.
What really impressed me though, was how Ava Hunter balanced this plot line with an intriguing setup for the rest of the series. The mystery surrounding the Weston parents' murder? I have so many questions. What happened to April? I need answers. And Wells... I cannot wait to find out more. The anticipation for the next book is already killing me.
If you love morally grey cowboys, protective heroes, strong heroines, and romantic suspense with plenty of heat, Whiskey Burn is a must-read.
I'll absolutely be first in line for book two!
August 4, 2026
Ava Hunter writes the broody, dark, protective MMC’s of my dreams and Cole Weston fits right in to the family. When I hear romantic suspense, I definitely expect some drama, some darkness, some, well, suspense.
When it came to Whiskey Burn, the first book in the Weston Brothers series, everything started out more or less than I expected. We have a new band of brothers, a midnight ballerina on the run, and a whole lot of baggage trailing after both of them. The concept just makes my brain happy. Cole is closed off, bitter and unsure but Delilah works her way into his heart, as she did mine. At about the halfway point, I could kind of see the direction things were taking, the darkness was creeping in slowly and surely, however, when the ball dropped the way that it did… oh my god was I shocked. Whiskey Burn goes from 0-100 in a matter of chapters and I was getting more and more sucked in with every sentence. It was more than what I expected out of a romantic suspense, it definitely played into the dark cowboy romance category perfectly.
I have one tiny little gripe with this book and it’s so minor it feels silly to mention, but the amount of “darlin’s” and “cowboy’s” that were used started to make it a little harder to feel completely immersed in, but like I said at the start, it’s so minor. I had quite the journey reading this book and I’m so incredibly excited and intrigued for the rest of the family. There’s so much lurking under the surface and Delilah and Cole were the perfect introduction.
When it came to Whiskey Burn, the first book in the Weston Brothers series, everything started out more or less than I expected. We have a new band of brothers, a midnight ballerina on the run, and a whole lot of baggage trailing after both of them. The concept just makes my brain happy. Cole is closed off, bitter and unsure but Delilah works her way into his heart, as she did mine. At about the halfway point, I could kind of see the direction things were taking, the darkness was creeping in slowly and surely, however, when the ball dropped the way that it did… oh my god was I shocked. Whiskey Burn goes from 0-100 in a matter of chapters and I was getting more and more sucked in with every sentence. It was more than what I expected out of a romantic suspense, it definitely played into the dark cowboy romance category perfectly.
I have one tiny little gripe with this book and it’s so minor it feels silly to mention, but the amount of “darlin’s” and “cowboy’s” that were used started to make it a little harder to feel completely immersed in, but like I said at the start, it’s so minor. I had quite the journey reading this book and I’m so incredibly excited and intrigued for the rest of the family. There’s so much lurking under the surface and Delilah and Cole were the perfect introduction.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow, this was SO good! I already love Ava Hunter's books, and she writes cowboy romance in such a way where it doesn't feel cringe or full of clichés. This was such a strong start to a new series, and I loved every minute of it.
I loved Cole and Delilah together! Their chemistry was so good, and I loved that Cole was the grumpy one who took a while to warm up but was secretly so down bad for Delilah. He was such a softie underneath it all, especially with his niece, Evangeline, who was such a cutie. Delilah was also an amazing FMC. She was fierce, capable, and such a badass. I seriously wanted to be her friend.
The romance was great, but I think my favorite part was the suspense and mystery. There is SO much going on with the Weston family, their enemies, and all five brothers. It gave me major Hatfield and McCoy vibes (which is referenced in the book), and I loved learning about the family while also getting little hints about each brother's story. I already can't wait for the rest of the series. I especially need to know what happened to April!
And that ending... diabolical. I cannot believe Ava Hunter left us with that cliffhanger! I had such a great time reading this, and now I'm desperate for the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ava Hunter, and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the eARC of this book.
I loved Cole and Delilah together! Their chemistry was so good, and I loved that Cole was the grumpy one who took a while to warm up but was secretly so down bad for Delilah. He was such a softie underneath it all, especially with his niece, Evangeline, who was such a cutie. Delilah was also an amazing FMC. She was fierce, capable, and such a badass. I seriously wanted to be her friend.
The romance was great, but I think my favorite part was the suspense and mystery. There is SO much going on with the Weston family, their enemies, and all five brothers. It gave me major Hatfield and McCoy vibes (which is referenced in the book), and I loved learning about the family while also getting little hints about each brother's story. I already can't wait for the rest of the series. I especially need to know what happened to April!
And that ending... diabolical. I cannot believe Ava Hunter left us with that cliffhanger! I had such a great time reading this, and now I'm desperate for the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ava Hunter, and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the eARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rating: 3.5-4 ⭐
This is a classic Ava Hunter book with a morally gray cowboy/rancher and a runaway-from-her-troubles FMC. I loved it. It was everything I was expecting from this book, and I'm so excited for all the books in this series because what do you mean there's FIVE (yes, 5) brothers!! I'm so ready for all their individual books, especially after meeting each of them and getting sneak peeks about their lives.
I love me a morally gray cowboy, and Cole was everything and MORE! He was grumpy, overprotective, and so caring. Delilah is the love of my life. I loved her so much. She's so sweet, charismatic, and hardworking. All the love and hugs for her. Cole and Delilah just worked so perfectly.
The pacing in the beginning of the book was a bit slower, but I didn't mind it as much. It picks up after the 50% mark, and the SPICE also picks up. My god, they're both so hot.
If you like these tropes below, I'd HIGHLY recommend reading this:
- Morally gray cowboys
- Touch her and die
- Runaway FMC
- 5 BROTHERS
- Found Family
Please check your TWs before reading. It does involve some darker themes.
If you need to know this entire book was consumed in ONE day, it was good. I'm so READY for the next book!! Thank you so much to Sourcebooks and Ava Hunter for the eARC. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
This is a classic Ava Hunter book with a morally gray cowboy/rancher and a runaway-from-her-troubles FMC. I loved it. It was everything I was expecting from this book, and I'm so excited for all the books in this series because what do you mean there's FIVE (yes, 5) brothers!! I'm so ready for all their individual books, especially after meeting each of them and getting sneak peeks about their lives.
I love me a morally gray cowboy, and Cole was everything and MORE! He was grumpy, overprotective, and so caring. Delilah is the love of my life. I loved her so much. She's so sweet, charismatic, and hardworking. All the love and hugs for her. Cole and Delilah just worked so perfectly.
The pacing in the beginning of the book was a bit slower, but I didn't mind it as much. It picks up after the 50% mark, and the SPICE also picks up. My god, they're both so hot.
If you like these tropes below, I'd HIGHLY recommend reading this:
- Morally gray cowboys
- Touch her and die
- Runaway FMC
- 5 BROTHERS
- Found Family
Please check your TWs before reading. It does involve some darker themes.
If you need to know this entire book was consumed in ONE day, it was good. I'm so READY for the next book!! Thank you so much to Sourcebooks and Ava Hunter for the eARC. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3⭐ | 2.5🌶️
I went into this one with high hopes, but unfortunately it didn't fully work for me.
I couldn't help noticing some similarities to both the Bourbon Boys series and The Quiet Horseman series. Romance can definitely be formulaic, so that alone didn't bother me, but there were enough familiar plot beats that it made the story feel less original than I was hoping.
My biggest challenge, though, was connecting with Cole and Delilah. I was invested in them at the beginning, but as the story progressed, I wanted more depth and character development. Because of that, their relationship never felt as emotionally convincing to me as I'd hoped.
There were also a few moments of dialogue that felt overly cheesy for my personal taste, and the chemistry and spice didn't quite land for me. Instead of adding emotional intensity, some scenes felt a little forced, which made it harder for me to fully invest in their romance.
Overall, this one just wasn't the right fit for me. That said, I'm giving it 3 stars because I do think some of my experience could have come down to timing and personal preference. If you enjoy dark cowboy romances, especially with a brooding hero and familiar romance tropes, I can absolutely see this working better for other readers than it did for me.
I went into this one with high hopes, but unfortunately it didn't fully work for me.
I couldn't help noticing some similarities to both the Bourbon Boys series and The Quiet Horseman series. Romance can definitely be formulaic, so that alone didn't bother me, but there were enough familiar plot beats that it made the story feel less original than I was hoping.
My biggest challenge, though, was connecting with Cole and Delilah. I was invested in them at the beginning, but as the story progressed, I wanted more depth and character development. Because of that, their relationship never felt as emotionally convincing to me as I'd hoped.
There were also a few moments of dialogue that felt overly cheesy for my personal taste, and the chemistry and spice didn't quite land for me. Instead of adding emotional intensity, some scenes felt a little forced, which made it harder for me to fully invest in their romance.
Overall, this one just wasn't the right fit for me. That said, I'm giving it 3 stars because I do think some of my experience could have come down to timing and personal preference. If you enjoy dark cowboy romances, especially with a brooding hero and familiar romance tropes, I can absolutely see this working better for other readers than it did for me.
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