Rumours and Whiskey

The Whiskey Women #1

by Victoria Wilder

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.

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. But all it takes to mess everything up is a sexy stranger – a charming jeweller with a sinful smile, deliciously dirty promises, 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 gossip and rumours swirling around my family aren’t the work of bored townies, but hidden truths. And I never expected to see him again. 

Between a dead body, a missing cop, and a job that’s connected him to my family, Julian Colton insists on staying here. I should keep my distance – not provoke him at every turn. The thing even with layers of secrets between us, he soothes my anxious thoughts and feeds my touch-starved, broken body.

But when his past catches up with him, and mine threatens to repeat itself, it’s my family, our rumours, and our whiskey that’ll save us.

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, Small Town Romance, Contemporary Romance, Suspense, Audiobook

416 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication June 16, 2026

About the author

Forever 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.

Reviews

[naz · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK IS A CONFIRMATION ON WHY I LOVE ROMANTIC SUSPENSE !!!! full review soon

𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 ꪆৎ ˚⋅oh hell yes have this bad boi as an audiobook, thank you Bloom Books & Sourcebooks Audio for my ALC!!!

[cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

“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, 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!!!

[Matea ☽]

Pre-release

I just got an email saying Connor Crais is the narrator for this book…

[Mora ౨ৎ]

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 💞

[tiana ♡]

pre-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 💚🥃

[Halo]

YES TO THIS. WHATEVER IT IS, YES.

[Noi (in & out)]

This, is a need.

[Sandy (Sandy.Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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.

[Karly · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Luce · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

“In his arms, I finally breathe.”

Have you ever tried to savor a dessert? This audiobook right here, in its entirety, was a 5 star TREAT. I was so torn between devouring it in one sitting and trying to take breaks while listening because I knew when I finished I would be FERAL for more.

“You’re in charge,” he interrupts my wayward thoughts. Slowly, and so smooth that it sounds as if this drink has already dripped down his throat, he says, “I’ll take whatever you give me.”

The narration by Samantha Brentmoor & Connor Crais was quite frankly, decadent. Samantha’s sultry voice brought so much depth to the Crowne women, especially Wyn. Every single time Connor Crais/Julian said the F word, my soul left my body.

This story has darker elements to it and Samantha and Connor perfectly captured the tone to match the aesthetic. I could listen to these two narrators read a grocery list and be one happy listener.

“I’d go anywhere you want, Crowne.” Leaning in closer, I nip at her lip. “Thought that was clear by now.”

I highlighted nearly this entire story. There were so many layers to this book and mystery that I was enraptured. If you loved Victoria’s Bourbon Boy series, you will LOVE this darker side of her writing. And who knows, there may even be a few cameos of our favorite characters. 🤭

“You’re the only person who calls me that—Crowne.” He hums, like he’s agreeing with what I’ve said. “You wear it well.”

Wyn is a survivor. She didn’t deserve what happened to her, and she lost so much but she’s back in her home town and trying to finally live again. The entire Crowne family is fascinating to me. The vibes they gave off truly reminded me so much of the movie Practical Magic. (IYKYK) I can’t wait to get more of them in future books.

Our morally grey hero, Julian was a dreamboat. Wyn changed everything he thought he wanted in life, and he was determined to try to win her heart. This man fell SO HARD.

“You’ve earned a ride, Crowne,”

The spice between Julian and Wyn was perfect. I loved the power dynamic between them!

“Show me what’s mine, Julian.”

I have so much to say about all the plot twists and surprise connections but I’ll wait until more people have enjoyed this story! (If you’ve read it already PLEASE hop in my DMs because I’m so excited to talk to people about this book!)

Tropes:
👀 Romantic Suspense
🥃 Dark(ish) Romance
👑 Powerful Women
🩶 Morally Grey MMC
❤️‍🩹 Heroine w/ Traumatic Past
🤭 Hidden Identity
🫶🏼 Found Family
😳 Small Town w/ Secrets
✨ Practical Magic Vibes
❤️‍🔥 Spicy

[Victoria Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Megan Coggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 ✨

[Amelia Blackmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Rumors & Whiskey
Author: Victoria Wilder
Series: The Whiskey Women, 1

Format: Edelweiss ebook
Genre: Contemporary, romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV’s: Wyn (FMC) & Julian (MMC)

What to expect:
*Jeweler x Professor
*Small town, Found family
*Witness protection

Safety:
No OW/OM drama in the form of jealousy. No third act breakup. Flashbacks of abuse against the FMC.

Review:
Very angsty romance involving some incredibly hard topics. Read the trigger warnings before jumping in. Abuse was told through flashbacks, but could still be triggering to some readers.

I loved both of the main characters so much! Wyn was so strong after surviving what she went through, but did not let her past keep her from falling for Julian. Julian was all in with Wyn from the moment he laid eyes on her, and he made sure to prove how much he loved her by accepting her palm reading, whiskey making family whole heartedly!

Can’t wait to see where this series leads next!

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to be honest, I was incredibly excited when I received this ARC. I started the audiobook and listened to the first four chapters, and I immediately connected with the characters and really enjoyed the writing style. The author’s voice drew me in quickly, and I found myself already rooting for these characters and their journey.

However, I experienced a great deal of hesitation and discomfort due to the disclaimer regarding cannibalism at the beginning of the audiobook. That element weighed heavily on me while listening, and ultimately it prevented me from continuing. While I understand that some readers may not be affected, it created too much unease for me personally to move forward.

That said, I truly believe this story has strong potential. The characterization and storytelling were engaging right from the start, and I am genuinely curious about what happens next. I do hope to eventually read a summary so I can see how everything unfolds.

I also can’t help but wonder if this particular element might limit the audience, as the rest of the story feels like it could appeal to a much wider group of readers without it.

[vioreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 5 of my 24 hour readathon 📚 Thank you so much to Simon & Schuster for the physical ARC ❤ Video review -> https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNR9CwmtV/

[Francesca 🇮🇪 ♥️🥀 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for this ALC 💖🥰
~
No spoilers beyond general themes and atmosphere
~
I absolutely devoured Rumours and Whiskey. This book was rich with atmosphere from the very beginning tarot whimsy, smoky bar vibes, family secrets and emotional tension woven through every chapter. The Crowne women were magnetic and the MMC is so dreamy, a handsome well mannered gentleman.

The story was packed with plot in the best way. Between the hidden truths, trauma, mystery and the dark family history, there was constantly something happening without it ever feeling overwhelming. Both the FMC and MMC carried so much pain and were lost in life and I really enjoyed how layered their connection became as their secrets slowly unravelled. Their relationship development was beautiful.

The audiobook narration enhanced the experience even more. The female narrator’s husky voice gave the FMC such a raw edge while the male narrator had a calm, soothing quality. Their performances were top tier!

I also loved the author’s writing style, atmospheric, emotional and addictive. The author writes spicy scenes extremely well and then do be spicing, I had to fan myself!!

If you love emotional suspense romance with trauma healing, family secrets, spice, found family and moody small-town vibes then this one is definitely worth picking up.

[Sarah Medeiros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only Victoria Wilder could get me to seriously consider trying bourbon and now whiskey. I mean, seriously, I don’t think you understand how impressive that is.

This new world, this new set of characters, I’m obsessed. Booking a trip to Rumor, TN asap.

The Crowne women are a force to be reckoned with. Wyn’s story is equal parts devastation and resilience. I loved seeing her journey and growth throughout this story and Julian is literal perfection for her. Their romance?? 🥵 His devotion and loyalty?? 😮‍💨

Side note- the entire vibe at The Whispering Fool was reminding me of Coyote Ugly. Just pure fun, run by women, a place everyone wants to visit. The Crowne women are literally cooler than any of us could ever hope to be.

If you’ve read the Bourbon Boys series, I think you’re going to be really happy how this series complements it and seems like will continue to complement it as the series progresses. 👀

This series has me hooked and I’m loving the little hints we get for book 2 and I’m already sat and ready to be back in this world!

Thank you to Victoria and her team for this early copy!

[Ally Bateman · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

This book starts dark. Read those trigger warnings and be warned that it starts on page one.

I prefer my romance novels without cannibalism, but other than that, this story was really good.

I don’t want to give any spoilers. If I had to figure it out, then so do you. I felt pretty dumb for taking so long to connect the dots.

After having it taken from her, Win has to find her voice and discover who she wants to be.

[angelictaleslibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was absolutely phenomenal. The narrators brought every emotion, every bit of tension, and every heartfelt moment to life in such an immersive way that I couldn’t stop listening. The chemistry between the characters felt even more intense through the performances, and the emotional scenes hit so hard.

I found myself completely lost in the story and thinking about it long after ended..





#RumorsWhiskeyAudio #NetGalley

[skyeslibrary]

“It’s too easy to get lost with you”

Having loved The Bourbon Boys series so much, I was eager to start Whiskey Women! Finding myself in Rumor, Tennessee with the Crowne women was such a delight, and I already can’t wait for the next book in this series!

The story began with so much suspenseful intrigue that it locked me in until the very end. Julian was a character in the Bourbon Boys that I wanted to know more about, and I love that he was the MMC to FMC, Wyn. There’s a very specific man that could slot into the world of the Crowne women, and Julian was the perfect one to do it.

Victoria Wilder’s ability to write angsty love stories while also having a suspense focus is incredible. She doesn’t shy away from hard topics, but she handles them with such intentionality. And, I’m not going to spoil anything, but I KNEW that person was not to be trusted from the moment I met them on the page. 👀
—

this and that:
♡ bluegrass and whiskey
♡ distilling spirits
♡ dual pov
♡ family business
♡ found family
♡ insta-ish love
♡ jeweler x professor
♡ open door spice
♡ palm reading
♡ reading tea leaves
♡ romantic suspense
♡ small town
♡ tarot
♡ witness protection

triggers:
☞ blood x gore
☞ cannibalism
☞ captivity
☞ death of a loved one
☞ drugging
☞ grief
☞ PTSD
☞ SA (alluded to, off-page)
☞ violence

notable quotes:

“Might have just tasted my new favorite thing.
_
“So, she likes praise.”
_
“Be careful, looking at me like that.”
_
“It’s too easy to get lost with you.”
_
“I want you to make me nice and messy.”
_
“I go where you go.”
_
“I can see all of this life with you.”

—

thank you to Victoria Wilder and Bloom Books for the gifted review copies!
—
♡ find me on Instagram!

[Ashley Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5 stars*

*Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Australia for providing a digital copy to review*

I haven’t read The Bourbon Boys series, and I think that might have put me at a disadvantage going into this book.

As a result, I didn’t feel like I knew Julian that well. Even though we got his POV, I was still totally unsure about him; his actions and feelings didn’t feel genuine. I had issues with the relationship as a whole between Julian & Wyn. It just felt so superficial and purely driven by physical attraction. There was also a spicy scene where there just shouldn’t have been.

There were pacing issuess at the beginning, and I felt like the beginning of Wyn & Julian’s relationship could have been shown in a different way. I don’t know if it’s because I read an ARC copy, but the writing confused me, and some sentences just didn't make sense.

Wyn’s story is quite dark and deals with serious topics. I enjoyed seeing her development and watching her build relationships with her sisters, mother, and grandmother again. The women in her family are so interesting, and I was invested in the mystery of them and what they were doing.

While I didn’t connect with the romance, I enjoyed following the Crowne woman, and I am interested in learning more about Wyn’s sisters.

[Paige (wingsandsmut) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect way to kick off the Whiskey Women series and I loved it so much! Wyn & Julien have instant chemistry and I was here for all the flirty banter between them! I love how their lives meshed together and their dynamic as their relationship grew stronger. And the suspense throughout this book had me itching to know if my guesses were correct! Also loved the glimpses of our favorite Foxx men as well! I’m so excited for this series and to see where it goes next!

What to expect:
🥃ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴛɪᴄ ꜱᴜꜱᴘᴇɴꜱᴇ
🐊ꜱᴍᴀʟʟ ᴛᴏᴡɴ
🥃ꜰᴏᴜɴᴅ ꜰᴀᴍɪʟʏ
🐊ʜɪᴅᴅᴇɴ ɪᴅᴇɴᴛɪᴛʏ
🥃ᴡɪᴛɴᴇꜱꜱ ᴘʀᴏᴛᴇᴄᴛɪᴏɴ

Thank you so much to Victoria Wilder for letting me read an early copy of this book! All opinions are my own!

[lucialeelibros]

i just got accepted to the arc team and i'm so ready.

[Tanika Millington · Rating 3 out of 5]

We were first welcomed with the hot Bourbon Boys of Fiasco, Kentucky and now we have our own Whiskey Women of Rumour, Tennessee. A small gator town with the hottest gossip and rumours to go around. 🥃🥃🥃🥃

I was so excited to get the story of our beloved Jeweller Julian. After meeting him in the Bourbon boys i needed to know more about him. He was always so elusive in the Bourbon Boys series. And he did not disappoint, the way he carries him self and cares for other people. Whilst on top of that protecting what is his 🤭

Our FMC Wyn is a little troubled, but shes also super fiery and passionate. I loved her flirty banter she had with Julian which created some sultry sparks immediately.

The tension between Wyn and Julian is so freaking HOT. I mean it was oozing off the page, utterly electric and fiery from the get go. I loved that their chemistry and pull towards each other made you feel giddy and excited. And boy did i have some blushing. 🔥

I overall loved the women in Rumour, they were badass and loved that they are the queens of revenge and were giving that boss energy throughout the book. I did however find this one a little bit slower paced whilst we navigated new characters and plot lines, and at times it felt some what derailing when i thought we were going to learn more info only for it to completely change course.

I am eager to see where this series takes off too. And how the other stories progress. Rumour Tennessee has got more in store for us i can tell!

Thankyou to Victoria, Simon and Schuster Australia and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this one early

[Gabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to be a Crowne woman and I’ll take Julian Colton, please and thank you.

Wyn and Julian were so scrumptious. Their chemistry and tension was chefs kiss. I have so many highlights of their back and forth. If the description, walk him like a dog was in the dictionary, Julian’s name would be next to it because Wyn said jump, this man said how high? Julian was pretty cheeky though and I loved every second of it. It’s the long hair pulled half back and the way this man just wanted to be in her orbit. The first baby in this one hit just right. Wyn was a force to be reckoned with though. This woman had been through enough and she was not letting some man walk in without working for it. And Julian worked for it, even said he’s not above begging 🙌.

This book was so so good, I couldn’t put it down. I loved the Foxx brothers but the Crowne women are in their own league and I just wanna be one of them. You can tell from the very beginning of this book that the Crowne women are fierce and don’t take sh*t from anyone. The Whispering Fool bar was describes as if Coyote Ugly was on steroids. These women just made you want to be apart of their tight knit group. The sisters in this, though, is what really had me laughing. These three women, when Wyn comes back, didn’t take their sisterhood for granted. I cannot wait for more from these sisters.

And Victoria Wilder, you sneaky, brilliant woman you. I saw what you did there and I loved every part of it.

Thank you to Victoria Wilder for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Tropes:
🥃Romantic suspense
🐊Small town
🥃Found family
🐊Hidden identity
🥃Witness protection

[Nicole (literary_nics) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished this at 1am, immediately texted three people, then sat in the dark wondering how I get a flight to Rumor, Tennessee that doesn't technically exist.

Welcome to Rumor, a town that runs on gossip, grudges, and the Crowne women, who have been delivering shots and quiet, surgical revenge for generations. In the prologue, Wyn is living under a different name in a different life, buried under a past she's barely surviving, and she has one unforgettable night with a charming stranger named Julian who has no idea who she really is. Cut to chapter one: she's finally safe enough to come home, back to her sisters, back to her real name, back to the bar. She thinks she's finally got her feet under her. Enter Julian Colton: charming jeweller, filthy mouth, far too many questions, and, minor inconvenience, the man from that one unforgettable night, now standing in her town under his real identity while she's standing in hers. Then there's a dead body. And a missing cop. And a job that ties him to her family. Cool, cool, cool, nothing to see here.

What worked: EVERYTHING. The Crowne women are my new whole personality, sharp-tongued, ride-or-die, every conversation feels like sitting at the kitchen table in a house where the women would absolutely help you bury a body and then pour you a drink. The bar is a CHARACTER. I need it built, brick by brick, in a town I can drive to. Wyn is the kind of FMC who is barely holding it together with both hands, and Julian is unbearable in the best way, relentless, smug, and somehow tender right when it counts. The slow unspooling of her past against the suspense plot is so well paced I forgot to be suspicious of anyone until I should have been. Also: the dirty-talking, jewellery-making, ex-something-shady MMC archetype is doing the LORD'S work in romantic suspense right now.

Trope Chaos Check
✨ Second chance (but make it she didn't even tell him her real name the first time)
✨ Small town, big secrets
✨ Found family / sisters who would commit crimes for each other
✨ Dirty-talking MMC who Will Not Be Ignored
✨ Romantic suspense with actual stakes (a body! a missing cop! questions!)
✨ Hidden identity / woman on the run
✨ He falls first and so hard it's embarrassing for him

★★★★★ Hand it to me as a series, a TV adaptation, AND a functioning bar I can sit at, Victoria Wilder has built a town and a family I am refusing to leave.

Thank you to Bloom Books for the ARC, I have been a menace in everyone's DMs about this since I opened it, so consider this my formal apology and also: please send the next one immediately, I will be unwell until then.

[Allie | booked.with.allie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️ 4🌶️
I wanted to love this one, but boy, is it hard to follow the Foxx Brothers! I found myself really struggling with the timeline in the beginning as there were three different timelines and I didn’t totally understand what was happening.

Character-wise, I really loved the Crown women and am looking forward to seeing more of them! What a line of strong, badass women! Definitely a force to be reckoned with! The romance felt a little meh for me, but I still loved Wyn and Julian in their own ways. The twist in the end did get me, but more so in the fact that I forgot there was a subplot that had yet to be resolved.

Overall, I’m very curious to see where this series goes. While I feel a bit apathetic to the story, the audio performance was phenomenal, as is the standard when Crais and Brentmoor pair up! They do such a great job bringing these dark and suspenseful stories to life.

Thank you Bloom for the ALC!

[Brady Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT ON EARTH?? Seriously, what did Victoria Wilder put in this book? Magic? Whatever it is, whatever the formula, it should be studied! Truly.

I thought I was a fan of the Bourbon Boys, but even they could not properly prepare me for the Whiskey Women of Rumor, TN.

If you hear Tennessee and Whiskey and think of bachelorette parties in downtown Nashville, turn around, you missed the exit. This is NOT that story-in all the best ways.

These women are fierce, intelligent, hilarious, and strong-willed. There is so much to this story- unbreakable bonds, vigilante justice (maybe?), and a romance so hot your pages will melt!

Thankfully for me, I listened to this title as well, so no melted pages on my end. And having Samantha and Connor as the duet narrators?? Gahhhh…it’s so incredibly perfect!!

My only complaint? I flew this story and now have to wait for the next one to release! Can’t wait for the road trip back to Rumor!

Thank you to the publishing team for the opportunity to read and listen to this title in advance of its release. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[readwithdanica · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

I really loved this read.

Loved the nods to the Bourbon Boys Series, one piece had me SUPERRR emotional lord I was shedding tears.

I felt an attachment to both the FMC and MMC. Now I know what the trope meant when it says strangers to lovers, like don’t most people start out as strangers anyway? but nooo the author meant something more!! This one pulled way too many of my heartstrings I am telling you

I loved the connection the FMC has with her family, and keeping those connections and touch points in another life was genius.

Can’t wait for the rest of this series! I think the sisters are really interesting