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The Whiskey Women #1
Rumours and Whiskey
A scorching, emotional, suspenseful romance about secrets, second chances and the kind of love that hits harder than whiskey – from the beloved author of the Bourbon Boys series.
FEATURING DUET NARRATION
In Rumor, Tennessee, the Crowne women are at the centre of every whisper of salacious gossip. Everyone knows you can count on them for a shot of whiskey and a wild night, but their best kept secret is how they deliver quiet revenge . . .
I survived a living nightmare. Forced to stay away from my sisters, I have to hide who I am and start over again. Until a sexy stranger messed everything up – a charming jeweller with a sinful smile and far too many questions.
Now, I’m back in my hometown, hiding my past and trying not to drown in the pressure to be the old me. Especially once I discover that the rumours swirling around my family aren’t the work of bored townies, but hidden truths. And then he turns up again.
Between a dead body, a missing cop and a job that’s connected him to my family, Julian Colton insists on staying in town. I should keep my distance, but the thing even with layers of secrets between us, he soothes my anxious thoughts and feeds my touch-starved, broken body.
When his past catches up with him, and mine threatens to repeat itself, it’s rumours and whiskey that’ll save us.
FEATURING DUET NARRATION
In Rumor, Tennessee, the Crowne women are at the centre of every whisper of salacious gossip. Everyone knows you can count on them for a shot of whiskey and a wild night, but their best kept secret is how they deliver quiet revenge . . .
I survived a living nightmare. Forced to stay away from my sisters, I have to hide who I am and start over again. Until a sexy stranger messed everything up – a charming jeweller with a sinful smile and far too many questions.
Now, I’m back in my hometown, hiding my past and trying not to drown in the pressure to be the old me. Especially once I discover that the rumours swirling around my family aren’t the work of bored townies, but hidden truths. And then he turns up again.
Between a dead body, a missing cop and a job that’s connected him to my family, Julian Colton insists on staying in town. I should keep my distance, but the thing even with layers of secrets between us, he soothes my anxious thoughts and feeds my touch-starved, broken body.
When his past catches up with him, and mine threatens to repeat itself, it’s rumours and whiskey that’ll save us.
Audible Audio
First published June 16, 2026
About the author
Victoria Wilder
9 books3,016 followersForever a hopeful romantic, I write deliciously witty and wild characters. My stories range from small-town swoon-worthy men to fiercely powerful families and lead characters who aren't afraid to ask for what they want.
You will always find a little bit of fate, a whole lot of steam, and a wildly romantic ride.
You will always find a little bit of fate, a whole lot of steam, and a wildly romantic ride.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,419 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Julian Colton, the man that you are!!
I absolutely devoured this, I had such a great time, I wish I read it slower.. An incredible story, filled with strong women, whiskey, a small town that loves to gossip, a love story that heals and some dark elements, so please beware..
Wyn went through hell and then had to stay hidden, but she's back in her hometown now. Back with her family and trying to reclaim her old life, but an unexpected encounter with the only man that made her feel alive is about to change everything. Family secrets, dead bodies, complicated relationships, undeniable chemistry, past chapters that were never closed properly and a man who stays through it all..
Dr. Wynona Crowne was smart, incredibly brave and so strong, she lived through a nightmare and managed to survive. I admired her so much, she deserves everything good in her life, the trauma she went through was truly unfathomable.. I loved seeing the bond she had with her sisters and how she slowly started to understand her mother and grandmother more.
Julian was an amazing man, talented, completely devoted and obsessed with Wyn and with a family legacy that was quite unique. He was there for her in every possible way, made sure she knew that she can always count on him and he never doubted their connection. He was her rock, her safe place and I loved him so much for it!!
Their story started when they were both guarding pieces of themselves and it was very much insta-lust, but I honestly didn't mind that aspect here. Their connection was significant and their chance encounter after everything that happened in Montana was kind of iconic. The bar, the banter, the teasing, the chemistry, the whiskey, the understanding, the support, the airfield, the dancing, the connection, the trip, the emerald.. They were made for each other, they knew the darkest parts of one another and were each others biggest support!!
The suspense part, the secrets that the Crowne women guarded and everything surrounding Wyn's case was handled well, but I did see that coming at the end. That part wasn't really surprising for me, none of the revelations were, but I still had a wonderful time and I absolutely adored all of the Crowne women!!
Some scenes did feel like they were cut short, but that didn't really bother me.
This family is truly something else and I can't wait to learn more about them. Birdie was my favourite, she's an icon, but I'm very curious about Stevie and Theo and Jameson and what's going on there... Nash was absolutely adorable and Tommy was the best!! Lu and her cakes really grew on me, her no filter attitude was so entertaining.
Jo's book is next though and I'm so excited for it, I already know I'm going to love them together!!
Also, I'll be reading the series about the Foxx brothers as soon as I can, I want to read their stories so bad now that I've met them..
*Thank you to Netgalley and to Bloom Books for providing me with an ARC.*
.·:*¨ ¨*:·.
Getting this ARC is definitely the highlight of my week, I'll be devouring it as we speak!!
I absolutely devoured this, I had such a great time, I wish I read it slower.. An incredible story, filled with strong women, whiskey, a small town that loves to gossip, a love story that heals and some dark elements, so please beware..
Wyn went through hell and then had to stay hidden, but she's back in her hometown now. Back with her family and trying to reclaim her old life, but an unexpected encounter with the only man that made her feel alive is about to change everything. Family secrets, dead bodies, complicated relationships, undeniable chemistry, past chapters that were never closed properly and a man who stays through it all..
Dr. Wynona Crowne was smart, incredibly brave and so strong, she lived through a nightmare and managed to survive. I admired her so much, she deserves everything good in her life, the trauma she went through was truly unfathomable.. I loved seeing the bond she had with her sisters and how she slowly started to understand her mother and grandmother more.
Julian was an amazing man, talented, completely devoted and obsessed with Wyn and with a family legacy that was quite unique. He was there for her in every possible way, made sure she knew that she can always count on him and he never doubted their connection. He was her rock, her safe place and I loved him so much for it!!
Their story started when they were both guarding pieces of themselves and it was very much insta-lust, but I honestly didn't mind that aspect here. Their connection was significant and their chance encounter after everything that happened in Montana was kind of iconic. The bar, the banter, the teasing, the chemistry, the whiskey, the understanding, the support, the airfield, the dancing, the connection, the trip, the emerald.. They were made for each other, they knew the darkest parts of one another and were each others biggest support!!
The suspense part, the secrets that the Crowne women guarded and everything surrounding Wyn's case was handled well, but I did see that coming at the end. That part wasn't really surprising for me, none of the revelations were, but I still had a wonderful time and I absolutely adored all of the Crowne women!!
Some scenes did feel like they were cut short, but that didn't really bother me.
This family is truly something else and I can't wait to learn more about them. Birdie was my favourite, she's an icon, but I'm very curious about Stevie and Theo and Jameson and what's going on there... Nash was absolutely adorable and Tommy was the best!! Lu and her cakes really grew on me, her no filter attitude was so entertaining.
Jo's book is next though and I'm so excited for it, I already know I'm going to love them together!!
Also, I'll be reading the series about the Foxx brothers as soon as I can, I want to read their stories so bad now that I've met them..
*Thank you to Netgalley and to Bloom Books for providing me with an ARC.*
.·:*¨ ¨*:·.
Getting this ARC is definitely the highlight of my week, I'll be devouring it as we speak!!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
𝑰 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅; 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒊𝒈𝒈𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒈, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝑰 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒓. 𝑴𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒕𝒐𝒐 𝒃𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒓 𝒕𝒐𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈.
I WILL START THIS WITH: THIS BOOK CONFIRMS WHY I LOVE ROMANTIC SUSPENSE !!!! Anywayyy, the plot is simple: you have Julian and Wyn, who share a very spicy bathroom encounter wink wink 🔥 and then, a few months later, find themselves in the same small town surrounded by secrets, mystery, and family drama 👀!!!! (there's a lot more to it, but let me not spoil it for the blind readers, like me hehe 🤭)
The chemistry between Julian and Wyn absolutely POURS off the page. In my case, it was an audiobook 🎧 but you know what I meant. The narrators did an incredible job with the duet narration, bringing every single emotion to life 🥹 The banter was sharp, the romance was intense 🥵, and don't even get me started on the suspenseeeeeee!!
I loved how Victoria used the small town setting to introduce us to the goddesses that make up the Crowne women✨ Every woman in this family is a force to be reckoned with, and I loved that. Starting with Wyn, who is a total badass professor 📖 🥃 with a love for whiskey. From beginning to end, I was amazed by how every clue and mystery thread connected so seamlessly.
This was a 5 star read for me 🌟 simply because I devoured the audiobook. Period. Lol but seriously I was on the edge of my seat waiting for Julian and Wyn's happy ending 🥹 , and the spice was definitely spicing 😮💨!!!
If you love romantic suspense, family secrets, small-town drama, and chemistry that oozes off the page, this one is PEEERFECT for you!
tropes
🥃 small town
🥃 romance suspense
🥃 strangers to lovers
🥃 dirty mouth mmc
🥃 family secrets
🥃 found family
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 ꪆৎ ˚⋅oh hell yes have this bad boi as an audiobook, thank you Bloom Books & Sourcebooks Audio for my ALC!!!
I WILL START THIS WITH: THIS BOOK CONFIRMS WHY I LOVE ROMANTIC SUSPENSE !!!! Anywayyy, the plot is simple: you have Julian and Wyn, who share a very spicy bathroom encounter wink wink 🔥 and then, a few months later, find themselves in the same small town surrounded by secrets, mystery, and family drama 👀!!!! (there's a lot more to it, but let me not spoil it for the blind readers, like me hehe 🤭)
The chemistry between Julian and Wyn absolutely POURS off the page. In my case, it was an audiobook 🎧 but you know what I meant. The narrators did an incredible job with the duet narration, bringing every single emotion to life 🥹 The banter was sharp, the romance was intense 🥵, and don't even get me started on the suspenseeeeeee!!
I loved how Victoria used the small town setting to introduce us to the goddesses that make up the Crowne women✨ Every woman in this family is a force to be reckoned with, and I loved that. Starting with Wyn, who is a total badass professor 📖 🥃 with a love for whiskey. From beginning to end, I was amazed by how every clue and mystery thread connected so seamlessly.
This was a 5 star read for me 🌟 simply because I devoured the audiobook. Period. Lol but seriously I was on the edge of my seat waiting for Julian and Wyn's happy ending 🥹 , and the spice was definitely spicing 😮💨!!!
If you love romantic suspense, family secrets, small-town drama, and chemistry that oozes off the page, this one is PEEERFECT for you!
tropes
🥃 small town
🥃 romance suspense
🥃 strangers to lovers
🥃 dirty mouth mmc
🥃 family secrets
🥃 found family
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 ꪆৎ ˚⋅oh hell yes have this bad boi as an audiobook, thank you Bloom Books & Sourcebooks Audio for my ALC!!!
June 5, 2026
“I met a woman. Beautiful, smart…
I wanted her more than favors and secrets and a legacy.”
on repeat 𝄞 ࿐♬ 𓍢ִ🎧ྀི ᯓ ♪ˎˊ˗
“ᴛᴇɴɴᴇꜱꜱᴇᴇ ᴡʜɪꜱᴋᴇʏ” x ᴄʜʀɪꜱ ꜱᴛᴀᴘʟᴇᴛᴏɴ
0:41 ─♥───────── 4:53
If you enjoy small towns drowning in rumors, whiskey-soaked family secrets, strong women who refuse to break, and enough mystery to keep you side-eyeing everyone, this one might be for you. Rumors is the perfect name for this town... for it is absolutely overflowing with them.
I’m not gonna lie, the beginning had me completely confused. There were a lot of names, a lot of world-building, and a lot of moving pieces being introduced all at once. More than once I found myself pausing and trying to figure out who was connected to who and what exactly was happening. But somewhere around the 15% mark, everything started clicking into place and suddenly I was in.
First off... Julian and Wyn’s chemistry???
Absolutely ridiculous.
The tension. 🤌🏼 The flirting. 🤌🏼 The push and pull. 🤌🏼
I was eating it uppppp 😩🫠
Then there’s the Crowne women. And wow. I loved them. I loved seeing them come together, support each other, protect each other, and remind each other who they are when things got difficult. There’s something so powerful about stories centered around womanhood and sisterhood, and this book really delivered that for me. They’re messy and complicated and strong, but together they’re even stronger. 🙂↕️
Also, Birdie deserves her own fan club 🤣
I am forever weak for the meddling grandmother character who shows up, causes chaos, drops wisdom, and somehow makes everything more entertaining at the same time.
The found family in this book hits in a slightly unhinged but still comforting way. Like yes there are secrets. Yes there is danger. Yes everything is suspicious 😭 but also… they show up for each other in a way that feels really real underneath all the mess.
A bit more on Julian 😌
He was one of those characters I really didn’t know what to expect from at first. But the way he so clearly and steadily fell for Wyn made him instantly likable. Even when some of his choices leaned more morally grey (but like… whose didn’t in this book? 💀) it still felt rooted in him trying to do right by her in the only way he knew how. There was something really compelling about how certain he was about her, even when everything around them was quite literally anything but certain. 🤣😭
Now back to my girl Wyn.
Watching her slowly reclaim pieces of herself was one of my favorite parts of this book. 🥹🫶🏼There was something really satisfying about seeing her confidence return bit by bit. Not all at once. Not magically. Just gradually finding her footing again after having so much taken from her. That journey hit harder than I expected.
And now that ending. Listen. I was not emotionally equipped.
I had so many conflicting feelings happening at once that I genuinely didn’t know what emotion I was supposed to be having. My jaw dropped more than once, my heart pounded, and the way I was white knuckling was borderline unhealthy.
Overall, while the heavy world-building occasionally pulled me out of the story and left me confused... the chemistry, the family dynamics, the sisterhood, the emotional growth, and the absolute avalanche of secrets kept pulling me right back in. By the end, I was fully invested in these families, these women, and all the messy truths hiding beneath the rumors.
Even though I haven’t read the Bourbon Boys series yet, the little glimpses we got here completely convinced me that I need to go back and read it ASAP because i NEED to know more about them 😭
also one last thing that might be helpful because I had to look it up while reading 🤣🤣: 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐯𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐭 = 𝐩𝐬𝐲𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐜
favorite quotes ↓
“Have you ever done that? Just listened to your gut, because you simply knew it was right?”
“Only once.”
“Falling in love with you.”
“Easiest feeling and decision I’ve ever made.”
“I think we share things with people when we know they can handle bearing the weight of it.”
"You may not have been the reason I came here, but you're why I still am."
“I know this is complicated; everything about this woman and her family is the biggest red flag, but I like color. My life has felt too black and white for far too long.”
things to know about the book ↓
🥃 romantic suspense
🥃 hidden identity
🥃 morally gray MMC
🥃 family secrets
🥃 protective MMC
🥃 strong female relationships
🥃 found family
🥃 dual POV
spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
→ chapters: 4, 16, 20, 23, 30, 33
swearing: yes
Thank you Luna Literary, Netgalley, publisher & author for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
All thoughts and opinions are my own.
─────────
・❥・⁀➷ 🍻🥃 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕
woke up to this in my email?!?!? i can't believe i got accepted 🥹😭😭 reading this ASAP!!!
I wanted her more than favors and secrets and a legacy.”
on repeat 𝄞 ࿐♬ 𓍢ִ🎧ྀི ᯓ ♪ˎˊ˗
“ᴛᴇɴɴᴇꜱꜱᴇᴇ ᴡʜɪꜱᴋᴇʏ” x ᴄʜʀɪꜱ ꜱᴛᴀᴘʟᴇᴛᴏɴ
0:41 ─♥───────── 4:53
If you enjoy small towns drowning in rumors, whiskey-soaked family secrets, strong women who refuse to break, and enough mystery to keep you side-eyeing everyone, this one might be for you. Rumors is the perfect name for this town... for it is absolutely overflowing with them.
I’m not gonna lie, the beginning had me completely confused. There were a lot of names, a lot of world-building, and a lot of moving pieces being introduced all at once. More than once I found myself pausing and trying to figure out who was connected to who and what exactly was happening. But somewhere around the 15% mark, everything started clicking into place and suddenly I was in.
First off... Julian and Wyn’s chemistry???
Absolutely ridiculous.
The tension. 🤌🏼 The flirting. 🤌🏼 The push and pull. 🤌🏼
I was eating it uppppp 😩🫠
Then there’s the Crowne women. And wow. I loved them. I loved seeing them come together, support each other, protect each other, and remind each other who they are when things got difficult. There’s something so powerful about stories centered around womanhood and sisterhood, and this book really delivered that for me. They’re messy and complicated and strong, but together they’re even stronger. 🙂↕️
Also, Birdie deserves her own fan club 🤣
I am forever weak for the meddling grandmother character who shows up, causes chaos, drops wisdom, and somehow makes everything more entertaining at the same time.
The found family in this book hits in a slightly unhinged but still comforting way. Like yes there are secrets. Yes there is danger. Yes everything is suspicious 😭 but also… they show up for each other in a way that feels really real underneath all the mess.
A bit more on Julian 😌
He was one of those characters I really didn’t know what to expect from at first. But the way he so clearly and steadily fell for Wyn made him instantly likable. Even when some of his choices leaned more morally grey (but like… whose didn’t in this book? 💀) it still felt rooted in him trying to do right by her in the only way he knew how. There was something really compelling about how certain he was about her, even when everything around them was quite literally anything but certain. 🤣😭
Now back to my girl Wyn.
Watching her slowly reclaim pieces of herself was one of my favorite parts of this book. 🥹🫶🏼There was something really satisfying about seeing her confidence return bit by bit. Not all at once. Not magically. Just gradually finding her footing again after having so much taken from her. That journey hit harder than I expected.
And now that ending. Listen. I was not emotionally equipped.
I had so many conflicting feelings happening at once that I genuinely didn’t know what emotion I was supposed to be having. My jaw dropped more than once, my heart pounded, and the way I was white knuckling was borderline unhealthy.
Overall, while the heavy world-building occasionally pulled me out of the story and left me confused... the chemistry, the family dynamics, the sisterhood, the emotional growth, and the absolute avalanche of secrets kept pulling me right back in. By the end, I was fully invested in these families, these women, and all the messy truths hiding beneath the rumors.
Even though I haven’t read the Bourbon Boys series yet, the little glimpses we got here completely convinced me that I need to go back and read it ASAP because i NEED to know more about them 😭
also one last thing that might be helpful because I had to look it up while reading 🤣🤣: 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐯𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐭 = 𝐩𝐬𝐲𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐜
favorite quotes ↓
“Have you ever done that? Just listened to your gut, because you simply knew it was right?”
“Only once.”
“Falling in love with you.”
“Easiest feeling and decision I’ve ever made.”
“I think we share things with people when we know they can handle bearing the weight of it.”
"You may not have been the reason I came here, but you're why I still am."
“I know this is complicated; everything about this woman and her family is the biggest red flag, but I like color. My life has felt too black and white for far too long.”
things to know about the book ↓
🥃 romantic suspense
🥃 hidden identity
🥃 morally gray MMC
🥃 family secrets
🥃 protective MMC
🥃 strong female relationships
🥃 found family
🥃 dual POV
spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
→ chapters: 4, 16, 20, 23, 30, 33
swearing: yes
Thank you Luna Literary, Netgalley, publisher & author for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
All thoughts and opinions are my own.
─────────
・❥・⁀➷ 🍻🥃 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕
woke up to this in my email?!?!? i can't believe i got accepted 🥹😭😭 reading this ASAP!!!
![Profile Image for kimberly ⋆౨ৎ˚⟡. [semi-hiatus].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1768626133i/167301477._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
June 16, 2026
— 3.5 stars. ⋆˚☆˖°.ᐟ
₊˚⊹ ᰔ pre-review:
⤿ i bet he smells delicious. you'll need to start spritzing me with water to get me away from his man. rtc!
₊˚⊹ ᰔ pre-read:
⤿ romance with suspense is dangerous because now i'm not only giggling over the tension, i'm also gonna have to use my brain cells and think.
⌗ started: jun. 8th, 2026. ⌝
⌞ finished: jun. 15th, 2026. ✦
₊˚⊹ ᰔ pre-review:
⤿ i bet he smells delicious. you'll need to start spritzing me with water to get me away from his man. rtc!
₊˚⊹ ᰔ pre-read:
⤿ romance with suspense is dangerous because now i'm not only giggling over the tension, i'm also gonna have to use my brain cells and think.
⌗ started: jun. 8th, 2026. ⌝
⌞ finished: jun. 15th, 2026. ✦
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
thank you luna literary & victoria wilder for the eARC—all thoughts are my own!
✦ publication date: june 16, 2026
"I'D LIKE TO BE CALLED YOUR HUSBAND" — JULIAN COLTON
i've officially ascended to a higher plane of existence, and my hair has never looked better, my skin is glowing, and my entire soul belongs to julian colton now. i don’t even know how to process my emotions, but victoria has somehow managed to outdo herself again. i was already obsessed with the bourbon boys so when rumors & whiskey dropped, i was ready to lose my mind. getting the ARC felt like the universe personally apologizing for all my past sins. thank you, luna lit, i'm eternally in your debt.
i’m currently writing this from the floor because my nervous system has completely short circuited. this book launched my expectations into a different galaxy. i'm currently experiencing a whole ass identity crisis now that it’s over. how am i supposed to function in society? this book had me giggling, screaming, and throwing thing. it’s the messy, heart blasting, hot as fuck romance i didn’t know i needed until it ruined me. there is nothing and i mean NOTHING more healing for the soul than watching a man be absolutely humbled by a woman.
wynona crowne is officially my spirit animal. i felt so seen by her it was actually rude. she is a bad bitch and a diva and the energy that i aspire to have, and watching her grow was the most satisfying part of the whole journey. also, can we talk about her taking charge during the sexy time? i was taking notes. a legend, an icon, and julian better know he’s lucky to be in her orbit.
speaking of julian, i need him more than i need oxygen. if he isn’t in my life, i don’t know how to survive. every time this man opened his mouth, i felt my entire life flash before my eyes. i'm not exaggerating when i say i would let this man ruin me and my life simultaneously. the way he is obsessed with her? it’s not even healthy, but it is exactly what i wanted. if i can't have a julian colton level obsessive romance, then just throw the whole life away. i’m dead serious. disconnect the wifi, sell my belongings, and put me in a box. i’m done.
the plot was so fun, and while i saw the twists coming, i didn’t even care because i was too busy having a meltdown over the characters. birdie and lu, please adopt me immediately. those women are absolute legends and i need to be a permanent fixture at the whispering fool. i want to drink whiskey, hear my future told, and just hang with the crowne women until the end of time.
the bourbon boys crossover had my ovaries blasted. too many hot men in one place should actually be illegal.
anywho, i’m off to go touch grass and probably knock on victoria’s door until she drops jo’s book, because i have zero chill and even less patience. send help.
4.5 stars
⤿ professor x jeweler
⤿ small town
⤿ romantic suspense
⤿ found family
⤿ hidden identity
⤿ witness protection
౨ৎ ⋮ more by victoria wilder
— the bourbon boys series
✦ publication date: june 16, 2026
"I'D LIKE TO BE CALLED YOUR HUSBAND" — JULIAN COLTON
i've officially ascended to a higher plane of existence, and my hair has never looked better, my skin is glowing, and my entire soul belongs to julian colton now. i don’t even know how to process my emotions, but victoria has somehow managed to outdo herself again. i was already obsessed with the bourbon boys so when rumors & whiskey dropped, i was ready to lose my mind. getting the ARC felt like the universe personally apologizing for all my past sins. thank you, luna lit, i'm eternally in your debt.
i’m currently writing this from the floor because my nervous system has completely short circuited. this book launched my expectations into a different galaxy. i'm currently experiencing a whole ass identity crisis now that it’s over. how am i supposed to function in society? this book had me giggling, screaming, and throwing thing. it’s the messy, heart blasting, hot as fuck romance i didn’t know i needed until it ruined me. there is nothing and i mean NOTHING more healing for the soul than watching a man be absolutely humbled by a woman.
wynona crowne is officially my spirit animal. i felt so seen by her it was actually rude. she is a bad bitch and a diva and the energy that i aspire to have, and watching her grow was the most satisfying part of the whole journey. also, can we talk about her taking charge during the sexy time? i was taking notes. a legend, an icon, and julian better know he’s lucky to be in her orbit.
speaking of julian, i need him more than i need oxygen. if he isn’t in my life, i don’t know how to survive. every time this man opened his mouth, i felt my entire life flash before my eyes. i'm not exaggerating when i say i would let this man ruin me and my life simultaneously. the way he is obsessed with her? it’s not even healthy, but it is exactly what i wanted. if i can't have a julian colton level obsessive romance, then just throw the whole life away. i’m dead serious. disconnect the wifi, sell my belongings, and put me in a box. i’m done.
the plot was so fun, and while i saw the twists coming, i didn’t even care because i was too busy having a meltdown over the characters. birdie and lu, please adopt me immediately. those women are absolute legends and i need to be a permanent fixture at the whispering fool. i want to drink whiskey, hear my future told, and just hang with the crowne women until the end of time.
the bourbon boys crossover had my ovaries blasted. too many hot men in one place should actually be illegal.
anywho, i’m off to go touch grass and probably knock on victoria’s door until she drops jo’s book, because i have zero chill and even less patience. send help.
4.5 stars
⤿ professor x jeweler
⤿ small town
⤿ romantic suspense
⤿ found family
⤿ hidden identity
⤿ witness protection
౨ৎ ⋮ more by victoria wilder
— the bourbon boys series
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ⊹₊˚‧┈┈┈┈┈✧┈┈┈┈₊୨ᰔ୧₊┈┈┈┈┈✧┈┈┈┈‧˚₊⊹
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤʀᴇᴀᴅ: 4 ᴊᴜɴᴇ/7 ᴊᴜɴᴇ
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤᴅɪꜱᴄʟᴀɪᴍᴇʀ: ɪ ɢᴏᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴛʜɪꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ꜰᴏʀ ꜰʀᴇᴇ ᴛʜᴀɴᴋꜱ
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ/ᴘᴜʙʟɪꜱʜᴇʀ ᴠɪᴀ ɴᴇᴛɢᴀʟʟᴇʏ, ʙᴜᴛ ᴍʏ ᴏᴘɪɴɪᴏɴ
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤᴡɪʟʟ ʙᴇ ꜰᴜʟʟʏ ᴍʏ ᴏᴡɴ.
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤꜰᴏʀᴍᴀᴛ: ᴀᴜᴅɪᴏʙᴏᴏᴋ
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ⊹₊˚‧┈┈┈┈┈✧┈┈┈┈₊୨ᰔ୧₊┈┈┈┈┈✧┈┈┈┈‧˚₊⊹
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ⊱ ۫ ׅ✧ My rating: 3.5/5 ᯽
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ⊹₊ ˚･:🌼࿔ 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 ࿔:･˚ ₊⊹
I was so excited to start this ALC, and the beginning really hooked me. Check the trigger warnings because it starts quite dark and twisted. The book quickly turns horny and in that moment I really didn't mind that.
But then it just never fully commits to anything well enough. Did I have a fun time? Absolutely. But this whole time I felt like I was missing something.
The beginning started out so well, and then the pacing slows so much and in my opinion the entire focus of this "relationship" turns lusty, and while it was definitely hot and both narrators did a great job, it felt like I was missing something.
Because what do you mean their 1 time fingerbang turns into the emotional centerpiece of the romance?
Look I totally get that Wyn has a "reclaiming my sexuality" moment after everything. I in fact liked that aspect. But the story treats that bathroom encounter as this connection that neither of them can move on from and sorry but you lost me there. It just never felt strong enough for me, especially the way it got sold.
Wyn goes/went through so much horrible things, and I just wished for her to have some stronger connection to Julian than solely lust. The change from "wtf did he do?" to "but his hands felt so good" was way too quick and could've been done much better.
I think the Crowne family is really interesting despite it being "sexy aesthetic" a looot of times.
I definitely feel like you have to read the Bourbon Brothers before this, at least to understand dynamics. I didn't read the 3rd book and I somewhat feel like I missed out.
Having said that, naturally that is also the book I compare this one too and in that regard it didn't really hit as good.
Anyhow, the narrators did a really good job, I would fall in love with Wyn just based on her voice. And Julian during spice is top notccchhh. I absolutely didn't have a bad time with this book. it just didn't live up to my expectations and therefore this review feels a lil harsher I guess.
Pre listen:
I can't believe I got the alc! I actually forgot about my request cause it was ages ago lmao and I usually get denied for bigger authors. Gonna read it asap 💞
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤʀᴇᴀᴅ: 4 ᴊᴜɴᴇ/7 ᴊᴜɴᴇ
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤᴅɪꜱᴄʟᴀɪᴍᴇʀ: ɪ ɢᴏᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴛʜɪꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ꜰᴏʀ ꜰʀᴇᴇ ᴛʜᴀɴᴋꜱ
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ/ᴘᴜʙʟɪꜱʜᴇʀ ᴠɪᴀ ɴᴇᴛɢᴀʟʟᴇʏ, ʙᴜᴛ ᴍʏ ᴏᴘɪɴɪᴏɴ
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤᴡɪʟʟ ʙᴇ ꜰᴜʟʟʏ ᴍʏ ᴏᴡɴ.
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤꜰᴏʀᴍᴀᴛ: ᴀᴜᴅɪᴏʙᴏᴏᴋ
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ⊹₊˚‧┈┈┈┈┈✧┈┈┈┈₊୨ᰔ୧₊┈┈┈┈┈✧┈┈┈┈‧˚₊⊹
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ⊱ ۫ ׅ✧ My rating: 3.5/5 ᯽
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ⊹₊ ˚･:🌼࿔ 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 ࿔:･˚ ₊⊹
I was so excited to start this ALC, and the beginning really hooked me. Check the trigger warnings because it starts quite dark and twisted. The book quickly turns horny and in that moment I really didn't mind that.
But then it just never fully commits to anything well enough. Did I have a fun time? Absolutely. But this whole time I felt like I was missing something.
The beginning started out so well, and then the pacing slows so much and in my opinion the entire focus of this "relationship" turns lusty, and while it was definitely hot and both narrators did a great job, it felt like I was missing something.
Because what do you mean their 1 time fingerbang turns into the emotional centerpiece of the romance?
Look I totally get that Wyn has a "reclaiming my sexuality" moment after everything. I in fact liked that aspect. But the story treats that bathroom encounter as this connection that neither of them can move on from and sorry but you lost me there. It just never felt strong enough for me, especially the way it got sold.
Wyn goes/went through so much horrible things, and I just wished for her to have some stronger connection to Julian than solely lust. The change from "wtf did he do?" to "but his hands felt so good" was way too quick and could've been done much better.
I think the Crowne family is really interesting despite it being "sexy aesthetic" a looot of times.
I definitely feel like you have to read the Bourbon Brothers before this, at least to understand dynamics. I didn't read the 3rd book and I somewhat feel like I missed out.
Having said that, naturally that is also the book I compare this one too and in that regard it didn't really hit as good.
Anyhow, the narrators did a really good job, I would fall in love with Wyn just based on her voice. And Julian during spice is top notccchhh. I absolutely didn't have a bad time with this book. it just didn't live up to my expectations and therefore this review feels a lil harsher I guess.
Pre listen:
I can't believe I got the alc! I actually forgot about my request cause it was ages ago lmao and I usually get denied for bigger authors. Gonna read it asap 💞
![Profile Image for Matea ☽ [ia].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1770562207i/166923233._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
Want to Read
April 1, 2026Pre-release
I just got an email saying Connor Crais is the narrator for this book…
I just got an email saying Connor Crais is the narrator for this book…
Want to Read
March 7, 2026pre-read notes:
I MADE IT INTO THE ARC TEAM 😭✨ Thank you so much Victoria Wilder and her amazing team for this opportunity ♡
I’m having a bit of a ‘pinch me’ moment. I’m so happy and READY to read this!!
🗓️: Releasing on June 16, 2026 💚🥃
I MADE IT INTO THE ARC TEAM 😭✨ Thank you so much Victoria Wilder and her amazing team for this opportunity ♡
I’m having a bit of a ‘pinch me’ moment. I’m so happy and READY to read this!!
🗓️: Releasing on June 16, 2026 💚🥃
Did Not Finish
June 7, 2026Plot twist... 🫣 not vibing with the writing so putting this down for now...
_________
Pre-read:
We got the ARC baby lets go 🥃
_________
Pre-read:
We got the ARC baby lets go 🥃
Did Not Finish
June 16, 2026DNF
This book actually managed to catfish me.
The prologue? Great. Chapter one? Even better. I was intrigued. I was invested. I was prepared to settle in for a fun romantic suspense with family secrets, mystery, danger, and maybe a little whiskey.
Instead, what I got was a book suffering from a full-blown identity crisis.
The opening had me convinced I was about to read one thing, and then somewhere around chapter four the book looked me dead in the eyes and said, "Actually, we're going to do whatever we want."
And what it wanted, apparently, was chaos.
The first four chapters alone contain enough timeline jumping to qualify as time travel. Present day. Past. Different past. Another past. Yet another past. By the time I got my bearings, the book had already changed directions again. It felt less like reading a story and more like getting shoved into the backseat of a car with a driver who keeps missing exits.
The thing is, I can handle multiple timelines. I love multiple timelines when they're done well. But here it felt like the book was desperately throwing information at me before giving me any reason to care about it.
And then came the suspense. Or rather, the complete absence of suspense.
Look, if you're going to sell me a romantic suspense novel, I would really appreciate being allowed to participate in the mystery.
I should not be solving major pieces of it before I've even learned everyone's last name.
By chapter four I already knew who the two major players were. Chapter. Four.
At that point I wasn't trying to solve anything anymore. I was just waiting for the characters to catch up.
The prologue sets up this genuinely interesting mystery and I kept waiting for that tension to return. It never did.
Instead, the suspense packed its bags, left the building, and apparently took a permanent vacation.
What followed was pages and pages and pages and pages about whiskey.
I know more about whiskey production now than I know about some members of my own family.
How it's made. How it's aged. How it's stored. How it's bottled. How it tastes. How it smells. How it exists. How it probably pays taxes.
I swear every time I thought we were about to get back to the mystery, someone started explaining whiskey again.
Meanwhile the actual suspense plot was sitting abandoned in a ditch somewhere.
The pacing became absolutely brutal after the opening chapters. The story slows down so much that it genuinely felt like I was walking through wet cement.
And the chapters? Why were they so long? Every time I looked down expecting to be halfway through a chapter, I had somehow completed only three pages.
The worst offender was the family dinner. The family dinner that would not die. The family dinner that somehow consumed two entire chapters. The family dinner that felt longer than some books I've read this year.
And after spending approximately seventeen business days at that table, I still couldn't tell you why it needed that much page time.
Nothing against family dinners, but at a certain point I started feeling like an unwilling guest.
Then there's the cast of characters. I have never seen so many people fighting for page space in my life. Every chapter introduced somebody new. Here's a cousin. Here's another cousin. Here's an uncle. Here's a family friend. Here's a person you've apparently met before in another series. Here's somebody's ex. Here's somebody's friend. Here's somebody's neighbor's dog walker.
At one point I felt like I should have been taking attendance.
And despite all this page time, I somehow finished 40% of the book knowing almost nothing about Julian. Which is particularly impressive considering we literally get his POV. Tell me how I can spend that much time inside a man's head and still feel like we're strangers. The book keeps insisting Julian is important, and I believe it, but I never felt connected to him.
Apparently he's featured in some of the Victoria's previous series, which might explain why certain moments felt like they were supposed to carry emotional weight. Unfortunately, I've only read the second book in that series and he wasn't even in that one, so every reveal involving Julian's existence was met with me politely nodding and moving on.
Also, unlike everyone else in this book, I will be brave enough to speak my truth: Julian's man bun sounded absolutely horrific. Every time it was mentioned, I lost a little more attraction to this man. I could think was that somebody needed to give this man some scissors...
Another issue is that everybody in this book is keeping secrets. Everybody. The main characters. The side characters. The families. The random people standing in the background. Every single person is withholding information from somebody.
They're keeping secrets from each other. They're keeping secrets from family members. They're keeping secrets from readers. They're keeping secrets from themselves.
At some point it stopped feeling mysterious and started feeling like nobody in this town has ever heard of communication.
Then there were several plot details that left me staring at the wall. Maybe they're explained later, but I didn't stick around long enough to find out.
For example, why exactly is Wyn still in witness protection?
The guy who kidnapped her is dead.
Dead.
Gone.
Finished.
So unless his ghost is currently running an organized crime ring, I was struggling to understand the urgency.
And then there's her sister.
A married woman who seems perfectly comfortable kissing random strangers in the family bar.
Which was certainly a choice.
Not necessarily a choice I understood, but definitely a choice.
Also, can we discuss how Wyn never calls her mother "Mom" or her grandmother "Grandma"? It's always names or nicknames. Always. And I know that's a tiny thing, but after a while it started sounding weirdly formal and distancing. Every conversation felt like she was speaking to coworkers instead of family.
As for the audiobook, Connor Crais did exactly what Connor Crais always does. Sounded great. The man could probably narrate a grocery list and I'd enjoy listening to it. The problem was that even Connor couldn't save this for me because I kept mentally wandering off.
I would realize entire scenes had passed and I couldn't tell you a single thing that happened because the story simply wasn't holding my attention.
Samantha Brentmoor was perfectly fine too. I've listened to her before and generally like her narration. But she soes occasionally do this thing where she'd stretch certain words out or end sentences on this odd upward inflection that kept catching my attention, but overall she was solid.
Unfortunately, no narrator on earth can save a story when I'm actively dissociating from it.
And that's really the biggest issue.
I wasn't bored because nothing was happening.
I was bored because too much was happening while simultaneously feeling like nothing was happening.
The book throws timelines, characters, secrets, family drama, whiskey facts, more whiskey facts, and even more whiskey facts at you, but somehow never manages to build enough momentum to keep the story moving.
The prologue and first chapter promised a mystery.
The marketing promised romantic suspense.
What I got was a confusing collection of family conversations, endless exposition, whiskey lectures, and enough characters to populate a small town.
This desperately needed a stronger editor, tighter pacing, fewer characters, and a lot more confidence in what kind of story it actually wanted to tell.
The biggest mystery in this book wasn't the suspense plot. It was how nobody looked at Julian's man bun and said, "Absolutely not."
Underneath all the mess, there are glimpses of a genuinely interesting book.
Unfortunately, I spent 40% of the novel waiting for that book to show up.
It never did
This book actually managed to catfish me.
The prologue? Great. Chapter one? Even better. I was intrigued. I was invested. I was prepared to settle in for a fun romantic suspense with family secrets, mystery, danger, and maybe a little whiskey.
Instead, what I got was a book suffering from a full-blown identity crisis.
The opening had me convinced I was about to read one thing, and then somewhere around chapter four the book looked me dead in the eyes and said, "Actually, we're going to do whatever we want."
And what it wanted, apparently, was chaos.
The first four chapters alone contain enough timeline jumping to qualify as time travel. Present day. Past. Different past. Another past. Yet another past. By the time I got my bearings, the book had already changed directions again. It felt less like reading a story and more like getting shoved into the backseat of a car with a driver who keeps missing exits.
The thing is, I can handle multiple timelines. I love multiple timelines when they're done well. But here it felt like the book was desperately throwing information at me before giving me any reason to care about it.
And then came the suspense. Or rather, the complete absence of suspense.
Look, if you're going to sell me a romantic suspense novel, I would really appreciate being allowed to participate in the mystery.
I should not be solving major pieces of it before I've even learned everyone's last name.
By chapter four I already knew who the two major players were. Chapter. Four.
At that point I wasn't trying to solve anything anymore. I was just waiting for the characters to catch up.
The prologue sets up this genuinely interesting mystery and I kept waiting for that tension to return. It never did.
Instead, the suspense packed its bags, left the building, and apparently took a permanent vacation.
What followed was pages and pages and pages and pages about whiskey.
I know more about whiskey production now than I know about some members of my own family.
How it's made. How it's aged. How it's stored. How it's bottled. How it tastes. How it smells. How it exists. How it probably pays taxes.
I swear every time I thought we were about to get back to the mystery, someone started explaining whiskey again.
Meanwhile the actual suspense plot was sitting abandoned in a ditch somewhere.
The pacing became absolutely brutal after the opening chapters. The story slows down so much that it genuinely felt like I was walking through wet cement.
And the chapters? Why were they so long? Every time I looked down expecting to be halfway through a chapter, I had somehow completed only three pages.
The worst offender was the family dinner. The family dinner that would not die. The family dinner that somehow consumed two entire chapters. The family dinner that felt longer than some books I've read this year.
And after spending approximately seventeen business days at that table, I still couldn't tell you why it needed that much page time.
Nothing against family dinners, but at a certain point I started feeling like an unwilling guest.
Then there's the cast of characters. I have never seen so many people fighting for page space in my life. Every chapter introduced somebody new. Here's a cousin. Here's another cousin. Here's an uncle. Here's a family friend. Here's a person you've apparently met before in another series. Here's somebody's ex. Here's somebody's friend. Here's somebody's neighbor's dog walker.
At one point I felt like I should have been taking attendance.
And despite all this page time, I somehow finished 40% of the book knowing almost nothing about Julian. Which is particularly impressive considering we literally get his POV. Tell me how I can spend that much time inside a man's head and still feel like we're strangers. The book keeps insisting Julian is important, and I believe it, but I never felt connected to him.
Apparently he's featured in some of the Victoria's previous series, which might explain why certain moments felt like they were supposed to carry emotional weight. Unfortunately, I've only read the second book in that series and he wasn't even in that one, so every reveal involving Julian's existence was met with me politely nodding and moving on.
Also, unlike everyone else in this book, I will be brave enough to speak my truth: Julian's man bun sounded absolutely horrific. Every time it was mentioned, I lost a little more attraction to this man. I could think was that somebody needed to give this man some scissors...
Another issue is that everybody in this book is keeping secrets. Everybody. The main characters. The side characters. The families. The random people standing in the background. Every single person is withholding information from somebody.
They're keeping secrets from each other. They're keeping secrets from family members. They're keeping secrets from readers. They're keeping secrets from themselves.
At some point it stopped feeling mysterious and started feeling like nobody in this town has ever heard of communication.
Then there were several plot details that left me staring at the wall. Maybe they're explained later, but I didn't stick around long enough to find out.
For example, why exactly is Wyn still in witness protection?
The guy who kidnapped her is dead.
Dead.
Gone.
Finished.
So unless his ghost is currently running an organized crime ring, I was struggling to understand the urgency.
And then there's her sister.
A married woman who seems perfectly comfortable kissing random strangers in the family bar.
Which was certainly a choice.
Not necessarily a choice I understood, but definitely a choice.
Also, can we discuss how Wyn never calls her mother "Mom" or her grandmother "Grandma"? It's always names or nicknames. Always. And I know that's a tiny thing, but after a while it started sounding weirdly formal and distancing. Every conversation felt like she was speaking to coworkers instead of family.
As for the audiobook, Connor Crais did exactly what Connor Crais always does. Sounded great. The man could probably narrate a grocery list and I'd enjoy listening to it. The problem was that even Connor couldn't save this for me because I kept mentally wandering off.
I would realize entire scenes had passed and I couldn't tell you a single thing that happened because the story simply wasn't holding my attention.
Samantha Brentmoor was perfectly fine too. I've listened to her before and generally like her narration. But she soes occasionally do this thing where she'd stretch certain words out or end sentences on this odd upward inflection that kept catching my attention, but overall she was solid.
Unfortunately, no narrator on earth can save a story when I'm actively dissociating from it.
And that's really the biggest issue.
I wasn't bored because nothing was happening.
I was bored because too much was happening while simultaneously feeling like nothing was happening.
The book throws timelines, characters, secrets, family drama, whiskey facts, more whiskey facts, and even more whiskey facts at you, but somehow never manages to build enough momentum to keep the story moving.
The prologue and first chapter promised a mystery.
The marketing promised romantic suspense.
What I got was a confusing collection of family conversations, endless exposition, whiskey lectures, and enough characters to populate a small town.
This desperately needed a stronger editor, tighter pacing, fewer characters, and a lot more confidence in what kind of story it actually wanted to tell.
The biggest mystery in this book wasn't the suspense plot. It was how nobody looked at Julian's man bun and said, "Absolutely not."
Underneath all the mess, there are glimpses of a genuinely interesting book.
Unfortunately, I spent 40% of the novel waiting for that book to show up.
It never did
May 25, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Let me start off by saying this book has badass women who are willing to do whatever it takes to protect the people they love, a man who is down oh so bad, and a family you’ll desperately want to be a part of.
I am already completely obsessed with this new series. Getting to know Wyn’s family was honestly top-tier. Every single one of them had such a distinct personality and their own things going on, which made every scene with them feel so alive. I already cannot wait to see more of them in the upcoming books.
And then we have Julian… hot, mysterious, talented, and absolutely capable of stealing your heart and your panties lol.
Watching Wyn and Julian meet, reconnect, and slowly fall for each other was everything. Their chemistry was undeniable from the start, but once you start uncovering their backstories? Holy shit. The layers to both of them made this story so addictive.
The suspense throughout this book kept me constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop, and let me just say… that twist? I did NOT see it coming. Victoria Wilder absolutely got me with that one.
If you love suspense, tension, family dynamics, and a romance that keeps you hooked from beginning to end, add this to your TBR immediately.
Let me start off by saying this book has badass women who are willing to do whatever it takes to protect the people they love, a man who is down oh so bad, and a family you’ll desperately want to be a part of.
I am already completely obsessed with this new series. Getting to know Wyn’s family was honestly top-tier. Every single one of them had such a distinct personality and their own things going on, which made every scene with them feel so alive. I already cannot wait to see more of them in the upcoming books.
And then we have Julian… hot, mysterious, talented, and absolutely capable of stealing your heart and your panties lol.
Watching Wyn and Julian meet, reconnect, and slowly fall for each other was everything. Their chemistry was undeniable from the start, but once you start uncovering their backstories? Holy shit. The layers to both of them made this story so addictive.
The suspense throughout this book kept me constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop, and let me just say… that twist? I did NOT see it coming. Victoria Wilder absolutely got me with that one.
If you love suspense, tension, family dynamics, and a romance that keeps you hooked from beginning to end, add this to your TBR immediately.
June 11, 2026
YES TO THIS. WHATEVER IT IS, YES.
June 16, 2026
WAHHHHHH I LOVE THEM
remind-me-once-out
October 2, 2025This, is a need.
May 29, 2026
Just DEVOURED Rumors & Whiskey in less than 24 hours, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!
🗓️ Pub date: June 16th, 2026
🎁 ARC & ALC gifted to me by Bloom Books & Sourcebooks Audio
If you love…
❓Romantic suspense
🗣️1st person, dual POV
🏔️ Small town setting
🙏 He’s down bad
🥃 Whiskey play
🌶️🌶️🌶️ (slow-ISH burn)
Then you won’t regret adding this book to your TBR.
Now, I LOVE Victoria Wilder's Bourbon Boys trilogy, so I can't discredit my love for that series because it definitely carried into this series. I was always curious about Julian's character (The Jeweler) from the Bourbon Boys trilogy, so I'm glad we finally got his story. The connections to that trilogy absolutely heightened my reading experience, and I highly recommend other readers reading it first before diving into Rumors & Whiskey.
This book is SUCH a strong start to the series. The Crowne women and this new cast of characters are incredibly lovable. I love their dynamics & personalities.
Wyn is an incredible FMC. She's resilient, a survivor, and witty. I love the way Julian complements her character and is down SO bad for her. I was a bit nervous he'd be a little too similar to the Foxx brothers, but he completely stands on his own. I really appreciate the way Victoria developed both of their characters.
The pacing of this book? Fantastic
The mystery? Kept me guessing till the very last moment
The spice? Ah heck ya
I was super fortunate to be gifted a paperback ARC and an ALC ahead of this book's release so I immersive read this book, and I HIGHLY recommend doing the same. The narration is phenomenal and absolutely heightened my reading experience. The way this book also had me sobbing?! Such an entertaining read, and I couldn't get enough of it.
If you're a fellow Bourbon Boys fan, you are going to LOVEEEEEE how she ties these series together (because I did), and it actually tied up some loose ends from the Bourbon Boys trilogy.
I went back and forth a bit giving this the full 5 stars because Victoria makes a few goofy word choices (e.g., calling characters morally gray, stating a character gave them comedic relief) and some moments were a littleeee too easy. However, given how quickly I devoured this book, I can't deny it the full 5 stars.
An absolute must-read, and I can't wait for book 2.
A sincere thank you to Bloom Books & Sourcebooks Audio for the ARC & ALC—can't wait for more readers to fall in love with this book and its characters.
🗓️ Pub date: June 16th, 2026
🎁 ARC & ALC gifted to me by Bloom Books & Sourcebooks Audio
If you love…
❓Romantic suspense
🗣️1st person, dual POV
🏔️ Small town setting
🙏 He’s down bad
🥃 Whiskey play
🌶️🌶️🌶️ (slow-ISH burn)
Then you won’t regret adding this book to your TBR.
Now, I LOVE Victoria Wilder's Bourbon Boys trilogy, so I can't discredit my love for that series because it definitely carried into this series. I was always curious about Julian's character (The Jeweler) from the Bourbon Boys trilogy, so I'm glad we finally got his story. The connections to that trilogy absolutely heightened my reading experience, and I highly recommend other readers reading it first before diving into Rumors & Whiskey.
This book is SUCH a strong start to the series. The Crowne women and this new cast of characters are incredibly lovable. I love their dynamics & personalities.
Wyn is an incredible FMC. She's resilient, a survivor, and witty. I love the way Julian complements her character and is down SO bad for her. I was a bit nervous he'd be a little too similar to the Foxx brothers, but he completely stands on his own. I really appreciate the way Victoria developed both of their characters.
The pacing of this book? Fantastic
The mystery? Kept me guessing till the very last moment
The spice? Ah heck ya
I was super fortunate to be gifted a paperback ARC and an ALC ahead of this book's release so I immersive read this book, and I HIGHLY recommend doing the same. The narration is phenomenal and absolutely heightened my reading experience. The way this book also had me sobbing?! Such an entertaining read, and I couldn't get enough of it.
If you're a fellow Bourbon Boys fan, you are going to LOVEEEEEE how she ties these series together (because I did), and it actually tied up some loose ends from the Bourbon Boys trilogy.
I went back and forth a bit giving this the full 5 stars because Victoria makes a few goofy word choices (e.g., calling characters morally gray, stating a character gave them comedic relief) and some moments were a littleeee too easy. However, given how quickly I devoured this book, I can't deny it the full 5 stars.
An absolute must-read, and I can't wait for book 2.
A sincere thank you to Bloom Books & Sourcebooks Audio for the ARC & ALC—can't wait for more readers to fall in love with this book and its characters.
June 18, 2026
First, thank you to Victoria Wilder and the publisher for graciously providing me with both the ARC and ALC of Rumors & Whiskey.
Rumors & Whiskey is officially my favorite Victoria Wilder book to date. I was hooked from the first chapter and completely invested in this story. Julian Colton quickly earned a spot near the top of my book boyfriend list. He’s protective, confident, swoony, and just dreamy in every way. Wyn was equally captivating. She’s a survivor, a total badass, and a character I instantly connected with. I couldn’t get enough of either of them.
I also loved seeing some familiar faces from the Bourbon Boys series woven into the story. It felt like the perfect nod to longtime readers while allowing the Crowne women to fully shine. Speaking of the Crowne women, I’m obsessed. The family dynamics, the secrets, the rumors, and yes, the morally gray grandma, made this such an entertaining read.
Definitely pay attention to the trigger warnings because this story tackles some dark themes. The suspense gave me major Criminal Minds vibes, which I absolutely ate up. Between the mystery, the danger, and the twists, I was glued to the pages trying to figure everything out. The ending was flawless, and the way everything came together left me desperate for more of the Crowne women.
🎧📖 Audiobook Note: Samantha Brentmoor and Connor Crais were fantastic. Their performances brought so much life to the story and made my reading experience even better. Highly recommend this on audio.
Rumors & Whiskey is officially my favorite Victoria Wilder book to date. I was hooked from the first chapter and completely invested in this story. Julian Colton quickly earned a spot near the top of my book boyfriend list. He’s protective, confident, swoony, and just dreamy in every way. Wyn was equally captivating. She’s a survivor, a total badass, and a character I instantly connected with. I couldn’t get enough of either of them.
I also loved seeing some familiar faces from the Bourbon Boys series woven into the story. It felt like the perfect nod to longtime readers while allowing the Crowne women to fully shine. Speaking of the Crowne women, I’m obsessed. The family dynamics, the secrets, the rumors, and yes, the morally gray grandma, made this such an entertaining read.
Definitely pay attention to the trigger warnings because this story tackles some dark themes. The suspense gave me major Criminal Minds vibes, which I absolutely ate up. Between the mystery, the danger, and the twists, I was glued to the pages trying to figure everything out. The ending was flawless, and the way everything came together left me desperate for more of the Crowne women.
🎧📖 Audiobook Note: Samantha Brentmoor and Connor Crais were fantastic. Their performances brought so much life to the story and made my reading experience even better. Highly recommend this on audio.
June 16, 2026
If you already loved the Bourbon Boys - you are going to love the start to Whiskey Women! You don't have to ready Bourbon Boys before this but I'm glad that I did because it was super fun to see the overlap / crossover. I cannot recommend the audiobook enough. Samantha Brentmoor always does her thing and Connor Crais kills it too. I can't wait for the rest of the sisters and some more time in Rumor, Tennessee!
June 16, 2026
ugh genuinely amazing. romantic suspense is my new fav genre, figuring out Wyns past and how it intertwined with Julian’s. Ugh their chemistry !!! genuinely obsessed i adore this story so so much
The audio was stunning, Samantha Brentmoor is my favourite narrator ever
I have the most amazing time in Rumor, TN with the Crowne women and Julian Colton. This book takes you on a journey, figuring out the back stories and tragic pasts of our FMC Wyn, she’s back in her hometown with her family after some time.
While we was away she meets Julian, and when their paths cross again it’s fuelled with passion, secrets and plenty of Tennessee whiskey.
This book feels like a love letter to women, these characters are complex, flawed, undeniably strong, sexy and passionate. The Crowne women will do literally anything for eachother.
“Doesn’t take long to feel the effects of the Crowne women. They’re pretty spectacular separately, but all together...”
“They’re a f*cking force.”
~
“And what would my lips be doing to you, if I were where you are right now?”
“Nothing. They don’t get to taste… But i would let you watch.”
“Tease.”
~
“I believe it is said that men should kneel before their goddesses.”
~
The audio was stunning, Samantha Brentmoor is my favourite narrator ever
I have the most amazing time in Rumor, TN with the Crowne women and Julian Colton. This book takes you on a journey, figuring out the back stories and tragic pasts of our FMC Wyn, she’s back in her hometown with her family after some time.
While we was away she meets Julian, and when their paths cross again it’s fuelled with passion, secrets and plenty of Tennessee whiskey.
This book feels like a love letter to women, these characters are complex, flawed, undeniably strong, sexy and passionate. The Crowne women will do literally anything for eachother.
“Doesn’t take long to feel the effects of the Crowne women. They’re pretty spectacular separately, but all together...”
“They’re a f*cking force.”
~
“And what would my lips be doing to you, if I were where you are right now?”
“Nothing. They don’t get to taste… But i would let you watch.”
“Tease.”
~
“I believe it is said that men should kneel before their goddesses.”
~
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is my first Victoria book and I don’t think it’ll be my last, honestly, what an incredible read!!!!???? Julian and Wyn were a real rollercoaster ride: she was so strong and independent, and he was simply a man who fell head over heels and decided to give her his all and more. I loved the dynamic between them, and also everything to do with the Whisky women.
I’m absolutely THRILLED by all the Crowne women and I can’t wait to read the next one!!!! Thank you Luna and Victoria for this ARC!!!
I’m absolutely THRILLED by all the Crowne women and I can’t wait to read the next one!!!! Thank you Luna and Victoria for this ARC!!!
June 16, 2026
The beginning of this book sure set the tone!
It was a little darker/serious than I was expecting.
(But not in a bad way, I just wasn’t expecting it and it was like “oh ok that’s what’s happening”)
The plot weaving Victoria Wilder does is amazing.
I’m gonna stop there because I don’t want to even hint at a spoiler.
Julian & Wyn
He’s a little morally grey
But obsessed with her
She’s the oldest sister
She’s got a strong family of women
There was a little witness protection / hidden identity action
Chemistry professor x jewelry maker
Romantic suspense 🐊
The town is called Rumors. And boy are there some rumors floating…
The whispering foal is wild!
Loved Birdie.
Cameos present.
Arc review ✨
It was a little darker/serious than I was expecting.
(But not in a bad way, I just wasn’t expecting it and it was like “oh ok that’s what’s happening”)
The plot weaving Victoria Wilder does is amazing.
I’m gonna stop there because I don’t want to even hint at a spoiler.
Julian & Wyn
He’s a little morally grey
But obsessed with her
She’s the oldest sister
She’s got a strong family of women
There was a little witness protection / hidden identity action
Chemistry professor x jewelry maker
Romantic suspense 🐊
The town is called Rumors. And boy are there some rumors floating…
The whispering foal is wild!
Loved Birdie.
Cameos present.
Arc review ✨
June 16, 2026
ARC/ALC REVIEW
You guys … this was quite the ride for me! If you enjoy “true” romantic suspense, this is going to be a series you do not want to miss. I say “true” because this isn’t a romance journey with suspense elements, it’s a suspense journey with romantic elements. Some of you will get that right away and some of you won’t, read this book and find out what I mean!
There’s no real way to give you a “gist” of this story without inadvertently giving away something about the story, so I won’t. I will say that there is a lot more than meets the eye with this story and I honestly don’t think it’s a story that can be listened to while doing other tasks. I say that because I’m the queen of audio listening and multi-tasking and even I had to restart twice and it was on that second restart that I realized I had to sit in my thoughts to fully absorb this story. And boy did I absorb! *eyes wide*
Samantha Brentmoor & Connor Crais have proven time and time again they work as a well-oiled machine, in my opinion. I’ve listened to countless stories performed by each of them and when they come together, especially in duet, they out do themselves every single time. They were magic and fire and truly wrapped this story around me from the very beginning until the very end. I was enraptured by their voices, and I felt like I was living inside the story! It was phenomenal!
Sidenote: I love that Samantha & Connor are the narrators of Rumors & Whiskey, the first in this series and also were the narrators of Bourbon & Lies, the first in the previous series!
Now, back to my earlier thought on romantic suspense. I don’t want to give the wrong impression and have you assume something like the romance was a backseat plot-point or something like that because it was from that. Wyn & Julian’s love was epic. Their steadfast commitment to each other and everything they had to go thru was awe-inspiring and writing so incredibly well. It melded with all the suspenseful parts of the story very well and I am still reeling from it all. When I think back to these two people I see a force. I see magic. I see fire and I see power. I see an epic love that will endure lifetimes. Victoria Wilder made a believer out of me, and I love her for that! I didn’t just enjoy this story; I soaked in it and sat in its beauty. Not everything that “came to light” or was “revealed” was a complete surprise to me but even that was okay.
I utilized both my ARC & ALC when I journeyed thru this story but if someone was to ask me what format would be more epic, it would hands down be the audiobook. Do with that information what you will!
You guys … this was quite the ride for me! If you enjoy “true” romantic suspense, this is going to be a series you do not want to miss. I say “true” because this isn’t a romance journey with suspense elements, it’s a suspense journey with romantic elements. Some of you will get that right away and some of you won’t, read this book and find out what I mean!
There’s no real way to give you a “gist” of this story without inadvertently giving away something about the story, so I won’t. I will say that there is a lot more than meets the eye with this story and I honestly don’t think it’s a story that can be listened to while doing other tasks. I say that because I’m the queen of audio listening and multi-tasking and even I had to restart twice and it was on that second restart that I realized I had to sit in my thoughts to fully absorb this story. And boy did I absorb! *eyes wide*
Samantha Brentmoor & Connor Crais have proven time and time again they work as a well-oiled machine, in my opinion. I’ve listened to countless stories performed by each of them and when they come together, especially in duet, they out do themselves every single time. They were magic and fire and truly wrapped this story around me from the very beginning until the very end. I was enraptured by their voices, and I felt like I was living inside the story! It was phenomenal!
Sidenote: I love that Samantha & Connor are the narrators of Rumors & Whiskey, the first in this series and also were the narrators of Bourbon & Lies, the first in the previous series!
Now, back to my earlier thought on romantic suspense. I don’t want to give the wrong impression and have you assume something like the romance was a backseat plot-point or something like that because it was from that. Wyn & Julian’s love was epic. Their steadfast commitment to each other and everything they had to go thru was awe-inspiring and writing so incredibly well. It melded with all the suspenseful parts of the story very well and I am still reeling from it all. When I think back to these two people I see a force. I see magic. I see fire and I see power. I see an epic love that will endure lifetimes. Victoria Wilder made a believer out of me, and I love her for that! I didn’t just enjoy this story; I soaked in it and sat in its beauty. Not everything that “came to light” or was “revealed” was a complete surprise to me but even that was okay.
I utilized both my ARC & ALC when I journeyed thru this story but if someone was to ask me what format would be more epic, it would hands down be the audiobook. Do with that information what you will!
June 12, 2026
I really enjoyed this book overall, but the pacing through the first 70% kept me from fully falling in love with it, even as a big time fan of the author's previous series.
I found myself wanting more of the backstory from both main characters, along with a deeper sense of tension and angst to strengthen their connection and emotional journey.
That said, this was a strong start to a new series, and I'm excited to see where the story goes from here.
I found myself wanting more of the backstory from both main characters, along with a deeper sense of tension and angst to strengthen their connection and emotional journey.
That said, this was a strong start to a new series, and I'm excited to see where the story goes from here.
June 4, 2026
Advanced Reader Review (gifted by publisher and Author)
Victoria Wilder has done it again! She’s delivered another addictive series packed with unforgettable characters, shocking plot twists, and an incredible romance.
As the first book in the Whiskey Women series, this story introduces us to a whole new world. If you’ve read the Bourbon Boys series, you’ll already be familiar with The Jeweler and probably have plenty of questions about him. Let me tell you👏🏼 I was not prepared to fall as hard for Julian as I did!
Every member of the Crowne family brought something special to the story. The dynamic between the sisters felt so authentic and reminded me of my own relationship with my sister..playful, teasing, and fiercely protective when it matters most. And Birdie? Absolute queen. I cannot wait to spend more time with these Crowne women.
And the plot twists? Buckle up, because YOU 👏 AREN’T 👏 READY! My jaw hit the floor multiple times. The way Victoria weaves together every storyline and twist is nothing short of masterful. She tied everything together brilliantly, and I was completely hooked from beginning to end.
Do yourself a favor and add this book to your TBR immediately. I highly recommend an immersive read because the audiobook was MAGICAL! Victoria always has the best Narrators!
🎧Connor Crais & Samantha Brentmoor have the best chemistry bringing this book TO LIFE!
This was an easy 5-star read for me!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️½
Tropes:
🥃 Witness Protection
🥃 Secret Identities
🥃 Strangers to Lovers
🥃 Found Family
🥃 Romantic Suspense
🥃 Small Town Romance
A must-read for fans of romantic suspense, swoon-worthy heroes, and jaw-dropping twists.
Victoria Wilder has done it again! She’s delivered another addictive series packed with unforgettable characters, shocking plot twists, and an incredible romance.
As the first book in the Whiskey Women series, this story introduces us to a whole new world. If you’ve read the Bourbon Boys series, you’ll already be familiar with The Jeweler and probably have plenty of questions about him. Let me tell you👏🏼 I was not prepared to fall as hard for Julian as I did!
Every member of the Crowne family brought something special to the story. The dynamic between the sisters felt so authentic and reminded me of my own relationship with my sister..playful, teasing, and fiercely protective when it matters most. And Birdie? Absolute queen. I cannot wait to spend more time with these Crowne women.
And the plot twists? Buckle up, because YOU 👏 AREN’T 👏 READY! My jaw hit the floor multiple times. The way Victoria weaves together every storyline and twist is nothing short of masterful. She tied everything together brilliantly, and I was completely hooked from beginning to end.
Do yourself a favor and add this book to your TBR immediately. I highly recommend an immersive read because the audiobook was MAGICAL! Victoria always has the best Narrators!
🎧Connor Crais & Samantha Brentmoor have the best chemistry bringing this book TO LIFE!
This was an easy 5-star read for me!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️½
Tropes:
🥃 Witness Protection
🥃 Secret Identities
🥃 Strangers to Lovers
🥃 Found Family
🥃 Romantic Suspense
🥃 Small Town Romance
A must-read for fans of romantic suspense, swoon-worthy heroes, and jaw-dropping twists.
June 18, 2026
4.25 ⭐️ Listened to the audiobook of this and it was great! Enough mystery to keep me intrigued and a morally grey MMC to fawn over. 🫠 Can’t wait to read more on the Crowne sisters!
June 18, 2026
I absolutely loved getting the chance to read an advance reader copy of Rumors and Whiskey! I already had a feeling this series was going to be something special, and I have to admit... I might be enjoying it even more than the Bourbon Boys series, and I REALLY liked the Foxx brothers!!
The spice is fantastic, and I knew from Wilder's writing I would, but what really surprised me were the suspense elements! There were genuinely scary moments in Wynn's memories that had me turning pages and simultaneously wanting to chew my nails!! (Which I don't ever do because it would mess up my manicure!!) The intensity reminded me a lot of the way Jennifer Hartmann can make your heart race - so if you're a JH fan - you'll love this too!
What really stood out about this series was the family dynamics. Between the three sisters, their wild grandma, and a mother who is equal parts chaotic and narcissistic, there is never a dull moment. The family drama was incredibly entertaining - and MESSSYYYYY. Which I loved, of course!
***But before I end my review, we need to talk about the physical edition for a second. If you're planning to pick this one up, I highly recommend grabbing a copy with the sprayed edges. I have never seen a design quite like it with the pinup vibes?!!
Victoria Wilder has me completely hooked on this family, and I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book!
HOUSEKEEPING:
* Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
* Reader Age Suggestions: adult
* Content Warnings: kidn4pping and t0rture
* Kindle Unlimited: ✅
* Part of A Series: ✅ / Can it be read alone?: No - I really think you need to read these books in order to not spoil anything!!
**Thank you, Victoria Wilder, for the book! I rec3ived this book for fr3e, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR🖤
Follow me on Instagram for honest reviews, bookish freebies & giveaways! 🖤
IG keywords: Romantic suspense readers will love this fast-paced story filled with danger, secrets, emotional tension, high-stakes romance, protective hero vibes, strong female characters, mystery, suspenseful twists, edge-of-your-seat moments, forced proximity, trust issues, hidden truths, small-town suspense, crime and investigation elements, relationship drama, emotional healing, second chances at love, intense chemistry, gripping plot twists, page-turning suspense, and a satisfying romance that keeps you invested until the very last page. Perfect for fans of romantic suspense novels that balance heart-pounding action with emotional depth and unforgettable characters!!! Romantic Suspense | Family Drama | Small Town Romance | Spicy Romance | ARC Review #SouthernLadyReads
#VictoriaWilder #RomanticSuspense #SuspenseBooks #RomanceReaders #BookstagramReview
The spice is fantastic, and I knew from Wilder's writing I would, but what really surprised me were the suspense elements! There were genuinely scary moments in Wynn's memories that had me turning pages and simultaneously wanting to chew my nails!! (Which I don't ever do because it would mess up my manicure!!) The intensity reminded me a lot of the way Jennifer Hartmann can make your heart race - so if you're a JH fan - you'll love this too!
What really stood out about this series was the family dynamics. Between the three sisters, their wild grandma, and a mother who is equal parts chaotic and narcissistic, there is never a dull moment. The family drama was incredibly entertaining - and MESSSYYYYY. Which I loved, of course!
***But before I end my review, we need to talk about the physical edition for a second. If you're planning to pick this one up, I highly recommend grabbing a copy with the sprayed edges. I have never seen a design quite like it with the pinup vibes?!!
Victoria Wilder has me completely hooked on this family, and I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book!
HOUSEKEEPING:
* Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
* Reader Age Suggestions: adult
* Content Warnings: kidn4pping and t0rture
* Kindle Unlimited: ✅
* Part of A Series: ✅ / Can it be read alone?: No - I really think you need to read these books in order to not spoil anything!!
**Thank you, Victoria Wilder, for the book! I rec3ived this book for fr3e, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR🖤
Follow me on Instagram for honest reviews, bookish freebies & giveaways! 🖤
IG keywords: Romantic suspense readers will love this fast-paced story filled with danger, secrets, emotional tension, high-stakes romance, protective hero vibes, strong female characters, mystery, suspenseful twists, edge-of-your-seat moments, forced proximity, trust issues, hidden truths, small-town suspense, crime and investigation elements, relationship drama, emotional healing, second chances at love, intense chemistry, gripping plot twists, page-turning suspense, and a satisfying romance that keeps you invested until the very last page. Perfect for fans of romantic suspense novels that balance heart-pounding action with emotional depth and unforgettable characters!!! Romantic Suspense | Family Drama | Small Town Romance | Spicy Romance | ARC Review #SouthernLadyReads
#VictoriaWilder #RomanticSuspense #SuspenseBooks #RomanceReaders #BookstagramReview
June 4, 2026
I was fortunate enough to receive an e-arc through the author and an ALC through the publisher, so I was able to do immersive reading for this book.
I'm going to start by saying that overall, I enjoyed this book. I loved being back with Victoria Wilder's writing, which I just find so enjoyable and easy to read. However, this book definitely wasn't what I was expecting. I thought there would be a bigger mystery overall, when really it just felt like a minor plot twist at the end.
Naomi was such an interesting character and her story was a difficult one. You're definitely thrown straight into it with that prologue. I will say I found Naomi's timeline slightly confusing at times - specifically around the kidnapping, witness protection, returning home and who knew what. However, this became a lot clearer in the second half of the book. I want to highlight that Naomi's narrator in the audiobook was fabulous and really did her character justice!
I also loved getting to know Julian better, as we only knew bits and pieces about him from the Bourbon Boys series. The male narrator didn't quite work for me as Julian, but that is definitely a personal preference! And I did find the relationship development was definitely on the insta-love side for me, which isn't my favourite trope but they were super cute so I'll allow it.
Now, the Whiskey women! They're going to be an interesting bunch, let me tell you! When we first meeting them, it felt like being thrown straight into a chaos, which is a pretty accurate to what this family is. It took me a little while to warm up to everyone, especially the mother, but everything started to click for me in the second half of the book. However, they definitely hold a lot of secrets and I have so many questions that need answering! Particularly Stevie's situation!
I found the second half of the book stronger than the first half, which I found a little convoluted at times. But I'm so excited to be back in this world, and I can't wait for each sister's story. I just know Stevie is going to have the wildest one! Can you tell I already have a fave sister???
I'm not sure anyone will beat Ace and Hadley for me but Rumours & Whiskey was a strong book that gives you a good idea of what to expect from this series.
I received an advanced reading copy for free through the author, and an advanced listening copy through the publisher, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I'm going to start by saying that overall, I enjoyed this book. I loved being back with Victoria Wilder's writing, which I just find so enjoyable and easy to read. However, this book definitely wasn't what I was expecting. I thought there would be a bigger mystery overall, when really it just felt like a minor plot twist at the end.
Naomi was such an interesting character and her story was a difficult one. You're definitely thrown straight into it with that prologue. I will say I found Naomi's timeline slightly confusing at times - specifically around the kidnapping, witness protection, returning home and who knew what. However, this became a lot clearer in the second half of the book. I want to highlight that Naomi's narrator in the audiobook was fabulous and really did her character justice!
I also loved getting to know Julian better, as we only knew bits and pieces about him from the Bourbon Boys series. The male narrator didn't quite work for me as Julian, but that is definitely a personal preference! And I did find the relationship development was definitely on the insta-love side for me, which isn't my favourite trope but they were super cute so I'll allow it.
Now, the Whiskey women! They're going to be an interesting bunch, let me tell you! When we first meeting them, it felt like being thrown straight into a chaos, which is a pretty accurate to what this family is. It took me a little while to warm up to everyone, especially the mother, but everything started to click for me in the second half of the book. However, they definitely hold a lot of secrets and I have so many questions that need answering! Particularly Stevie's situation!
I found the second half of the book stronger than the first half, which I found a little convoluted at times. But I'm so excited to be back in this world, and I can't wait for each sister's story. I just know Stevie is going to have the wildest one! Can you tell I already have a fave sister???
I'm not sure anyone will beat Ace and Hadley for me but Rumours & Whiskey was a strong book that gives you a good idea of what to expect from this series.
I received an advanced reading copy for free through the author, and an advanced listening copy through the publisher, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 18, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks, Bloom Books, and Victoria Wilder for the ARC of Rumors & Whiskey!
What a wild ride. The story opens with Wyn Crowne being held captive by a monster of a man, trapped in a living nightmare. After losing hope of ever escaping or seeing her family again, a mistake by her captor gives her the chance to break free.
Before returning to her hometown of Rumor, Tennessee, Wyn goes into hiding to recover and make sure the man who kidnapped her is truly gone. During that time, she meets a mysterious stranger named Julian, and the chemistry between them is instant.
When circumstances finally allow Wyn to return home and reunite with her family, Julian unexpectedly reappears. Their connection is as intense as ever but back in Rumor, things aren't quite as they seem. Some rumors may be far more true than Wyn ever imagined.
This book perfectly blends mystery, thriller, and romance. If you love a “he falls first” hero who is completely obsessed, fiercely protective, and willing to beg for the woman he loves, Julian delivers. The yearning and tension between these two is absolutely delicious.
The story gets very dark at times, and as the secrets unravel, the twists will leave your stomach in knots. Add in a badass family of whiskey-making women fueled by rage and loyalty, and you have a book that is impossible to put down.
What a wild ride. The story opens with Wyn Crowne being held captive by a monster of a man, trapped in a living nightmare. After losing hope of ever escaping or seeing her family again, a mistake by her captor gives her the chance to break free.
Before returning to her hometown of Rumor, Tennessee, Wyn goes into hiding to recover and make sure the man who kidnapped her is truly gone. During that time, she meets a mysterious stranger named Julian, and the chemistry between them is instant.
When circumstances finally allow Wyn to return home and reunite with her family, Julian unexpectedly reappears. Their connection is as intense as ever but back in Rumor, things aren't quite as they seem. Some rumors may be far more true than Wyn ever imagined.
This book perfectly blends mystery, thriller, and romance. If you love a “he falls first” hero who is completely obsessed, fiercely protective, and willing to beg for the woman he loves, Julian delivers. The yearning and tension between these two is absolutely delicious.
The story gets very dark at times, and as the secrets unravel, the twists will leave your stomach in knots. Add in a badass family of whiskey-making women fueled by rage and loyalty, and you have a book that is impossible to put down.
June 13, 2026
✨ Oh my. This book is just TOO good! 🔥 The man that Julian Colton is… whew. 😮💨❤️
From the very first chapter, you’re thrown into a dark and intriguing story with a mystery lurking beneath the surface. It carries throughout the entire book and kept me guessing the whole time. I absolutely loved it! 🖤🔍
Wyn is such a baddie FMC. 👏 Her story was incredible, and the way Julian just knew her was honestly awe inspiring. Send me a Julian ASAP because we love a down bad MMC, and wow… he is perfection. 😍❤️
I’m a sucker for a slow burn, and this one delivered. 🫶🔥 But when the romance finally hit? Dang. I was so here for it! The chemistry was everything, and the tension was absolutely fire. ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
I am so thankful for the opportunity to be on Victoria’s ARC team. 🥹📚 I will forever root for her and scream about her books. The Bourbon Boys hold such a special place in my heart, and I loved getting little cameos from other characters along the way. Ugh, so good! ✨
Thank you again, Victoria, for the eARC and for allowing me the opportunity to read this one early! 💛 I cannot wait to continue this series and see what comes next. 📖✨
From the very first chapter, you’re thrown into a dark and intriguing story with a mystery lurking beneath the surface. It carries throughout the entire book and kept me guessing the whole time. I absolutely loved it! 🖤🔍
Wyn is such a baddie FMC. 👏 Her story was incredible, and the way Julian just knew her was honestly awe inspiring. Send me a Julian ASAP because we love a down bad MMC, and wow… he is perfection. 😍❤️
I’m a sucker for a slow burn, and this one delivered. 🫶🔥 But when the romance finally hit? Dang. I was so here for it! The chemistry was everything, and the tension was absolutely fire. ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
I am so thankful for the opportunity to be on Victoria’s ARC team. 🥹📚 I will forever root for her and scream about her books. The Bourbon Boys hold such a special place in my heart, and I loved getting little cameos from other characters along the way. Ugh, so good! ✨
Thank you again, Victoria, for the eARC and for allowing me the opportunity to read this one early! 💛 I cannot wait to continue this series and see what comes next. 📖✨
Did Not Finish
June 17, 2026⋆˙⟡ ── ❌ DNF @58%
I honestly should have DNFd this sooner. I went from ‘bored’ to ‘kind of not’ to ‘I don’t care.’ Since I enjoyed her other series, I figured this would be a cute story too. Wrong. It seemed like a nice concept, but the dynamic between the FMC and MMC was so cringe. There’s also only so much you can do with WITSEC, but even still this could have done without that bit.
I honestly should have DNFd this sooner. I went from ‘bored’ to ‘kind of not’ to ‘I don’t care.’ Since I enjoyed her other series, I figured this would be a cute story too. Wrong. It seemed like a nice concept, but the dynamic between the FMC and MMC was so cringe. There’s also only so much you can do with WITSEC, but even still this could have done without that bit.
June 10, 2026
what was this book even about truly?
I started speed reading through it right after like chapter 1-2….this wasn’t hitting for me IN THE SLIGHTEST.
the chemistry between the characters?
WHERE?! Where was it!?
Why was I confused the entire time?
The only redeeming quality was reading daddy Ace Foxx
womp womp womp 🫤
I started speed reading through it right after like chapter 1-2….this wasn’t hitting for me IN THE SLIGHTEST.
the chemistry between the characters?
WHERE?! Where was it!?
Why was I confused the entire time?
The only redeeming quality was reading daddy Ace Foxx
womp womp womp 🫤
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