Whiskey Burn

The Weston Brothers #1

by Ava Hunter

She ran to Montana to save her life.

She never expected to lose her heart.

After witnessing a brutal murder, dancer Delilah Grant has two disappear or die. Armed with a stolen USB and nothing left to lose, she flees to a remote Montana ranch, hiding in plain sight at Weston Whiskey, where hard work and silence are her only shields.

Cole Weston doesn’t trust her for a second.

A former bull rider with a permanent scowl and a dark past he doesn’t talk about, Cole knows trouble when he sees it—and Delilah is drowning in secrets.

But the longer she stays on his ranch, the harder it becomes to ignore the beautiful little liar. Between glasses of whiskey, seductive dances, and chemistry he can’t deny, Cole swears he’s not falling for the woman whose taste he can’t forget.

Until Delilah’s past catches up to her and the truth is far darker than either of them could have imagined.

With the clock ticking and their lives on the line, he’d move heaven and earth to rescue the woman he loves. Because while whiskey might be his family’s business, their real legacy is one of bloody vengeance.

The first book in the brand new Weston Brothers series from bestselling author Ava Hunter.

Genres: Romance, Westerns, Romantic Suspense, Cowboy Romance, Forced Proximity, Small Town Romance, Grumpy Sunshine

Audible Audio

First published October 20, 2026

About the author

Ava Hunter is an Amazon top 50 bestselling author. She writes romance with heart, humor, and heat.

Her bestselling books include Babymoon or Bust, an accidental pregnancy rom-com, and Tame the Heart, a grumpy/sunshine cowboy romance with Yellowstone-vibes.

When she’s not at her computer with a hot cup of coffee, you’ll either find her reading the latest true crime book or traveling with her family. Otherwise, she’ll be behind her desk, plotting out or typing up her next dreamy love story.

Instagram: @authoravahunter

TikTok: @authoravahunter

Reviews

[Scottsdale Public Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s a lyric from an old Paul Westerberg song: “With your eyes like sparks and my heart like gasoline.”
Ride or die, lust and love, two hot sparks with troubled pasts, Whiskey Burn pours gas on the hearts of every archetype in your whiskey-soaked firestorm of a soul.

The chapters bounce back and forth between the main characters’ perspectives. The purple prose gets a little repetitive at times – the same body parts are described the same way, many times – but we get it. They’re hot and they’re hot for each other.

When they finally do get together, the world burns with that expected fire: hot sex for the heroes; righteous violence descending on the very bad guys.

But it’s a fun ride. It’s the kind of all-consuming, physical passion you get to have – maybe, if you’re lucky – once or twice when you’re young. And, my word, it’s graphic. The author puts in a trigger warning at the beginning of the book, so if graphic sex and violence isn’t for you, then neither is this book. But if you’re looking for vivid descriptions, you won’t be disappointed.

It’s a fun, sex-over-logic kind of story: the rugged cowboy, chiseled from the mountains themselves, whose gruff demeanor gives way beneath the fierce and brazen sexuality of the stripper with a heart of gold, whose body’s only matched by her spirit. Tale as old as time. Beauty and the beast. Or rather, beauty and beauty, brains and bold passion. There are supporting characters and subplots, lots of brothers and bad cops, dark secrets and revenge, and a whole lotta whiskey. But the main attraction’s why you came, right? Cole and Delilah. It’s their story. - Eric S.

[Helena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I´m a big fan of Ava´s Runaway Ranch series so thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing the opportunity to read this early. I´m not sure I could´ve waited until October. This book was highly anticipated and I will give my honest thoughts for it in this review.

Who doesn´t love morally gray cowboys? Ava Hunter does it again - creating a bunch of badass and engaging new characters in a mysterious small town setting and plot full of suspense (and a little killing?) I´m a sucker for suspense in romance novels and all the TV series kind of drama. The whole murder mystery and dark secrets of these characters were gripping and it reminded me a lot of Runanway Ranch. We will get five Weston brothers, so buckle up – this series might occupy me for a few years. There´s hints of future plots and I can´t wait to know who will be the next MMC and FMC. I´m hoping for River.

The romance was hot and the spice spicing. There´s something about the way Ava Hunter writes her MMCs that I just love. They´re just so down bad for their women and the love between the characters is fierce and passionate. FMC Delilah is a badass. I loved her.

The only thing that bothered me a little and is the reason this is not 5 stars: Thinking back about the marketing stating something alike that Cole does not have time for women I kind of went into the book hoping for one of my all time favorite tropes that we don´t get treated to often enough: celibate Heros. Oh how I love them xD When FMC is the one who ends MMCs dry spell? I´m always here for it. And we got plenty of those in Ava´s other books so I was hopeful.

It´s not like Cole is a playboy or anything (might have been back then), but the beginning of the story painted Cole to be a grumpy and lonely guy who only works and doesn´t let anyone in - it´s insinuated by his brothers and also his own thoughts several times, so I thought he would´ve been on a dry spell for a while. But then we learn that he hasn´t been with anyone since he´s back in town, but that´s only been 6 months! Come on! That´s nothing, give me a few years at least. He´s also been with buckle bunnies in the past and - personally - the whole topic has always been kind of icky to me. My favorite kind of MMC is the one where it´s not just hard for FMC to get into his heart, but also into his bed. I´ve never liked MMCs who are easy to have. At least Cole has never been in a real relationship before and has never loved before - Delilah is the first special woman for him. He reminded me of a grumpy version of Rhett from The Chestnut Spring series in that regard.

I was able to still enjoy this book because everything else was just so good! And other than that the book is safe, though. No cheating involved, no OW drama. MMCs will all be down bad for their women and kill for them, I´m telling you. That´s always a big fat plus. I´m holding out hope for at least one or two his brothers to be like I hoped (not looking at you, Warren, lol). I read this in a day and can´t wait for book 2.

[Mora · Rating 1.5 out of 5]

I feel like I’m in the minority here but I just couldn’t get into the dynamic between the MCs at all. And maybe it’s just me but this book feels different from Ava’s usual writing…Idk something about it just feels off.
______

Book info:

- Age gap (14): MMC (38) / FMC (24)
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- FMC on the run
- Insta-lust


Safety:

- Experienced MMC… is he a manho?! I’m honestly not sure but he was a bull rider and mentioned that he used to sleep with buckle bunnies until he left the circuit and moved back to his hometown six months ago (he’s been celibate since then).

“Maybe it’s because I haven’t been with a woman since I returned to Tempest. I’ve been focused on the distillery and reconnecting with my brothers. No time for women. But Delilah’s different from all our small-town girls. From every buckle bunny I’ve slept with on the circuit.”

“I haven’t had sex since I left the circuit. Buckle bunnies don’t hold the same allure they used to in my twenties.”

- There isn’t much detail about the FMC’s past! We know her mom’s boyfriend tried to sexually harass her when she was 16 and she ran away afterward. Her ex was abusive and once she left him, she started working as a stripper. I’m not sure exactly how long she’s been doing it but she did mention that she’s never slept with any of her clients.
- OM:
• There are two scenes early in the book where the FMC dances for other men.
• There’s a psychopath who’s obsessed with the FMC. He kidnapped her and tried to SA her.
- Not really OWD:
Also, early in the book OW tried to hit on the MMC but he told her he wasn’t interested.
- Pushing away from the MMC


==========


Self notes so I can remember:


- River:

He’s the one I’m most excited to read about but only if April is his FMC. If it’s someone else then it’s a hard pass for me.

“River’s a moody son of a bitch, but I know where his mind’s gone.
April.
Always April.
My lovesick brother’s never gotten over the disappearance of his high school sweetheart. One night, after graduation, she was just gone. Tempest police claimed she was a runaway, but River never bought it.
Soon after, River went off the rails. He became a different person. Drugs. Alcohol. Gave up his art. He lost his mind wondering what happened to April.
Years later, desperate, River broke into the police station for April’s file. A scuffle broke out. A cop was shot. Tempest PD claimed River was the shooter. It was bullshit. He never had a gun on him.
He went away for seven years for a crime he didn’t commit. Everyone in town believed he was April’s killer. Even now, three years out, some folks still accuse him of having something to do with her disappearance.”

“River’s been a damn monk since April disappeared.” (It’s been 17 years since she disappeared)

“I stare at the blackbird tattoo on his forearm. He gives himself a tattoo for April every year on her birthday.”

“The gold necklace of April’s he wears wrapped around his wrist glitters in the dim light”

“When April disappeared, there was rumor of a trafficking ring in town. It’s been River’s quest. Find her. Even got himself locked up because of it. Framed.”
“By who?”
“By the cops.”

Update: so yeah the author announced River’s book and guess what? His FMC is named Iris 🫪…… I’m disappointed so far because there’s so much potential in a story about him and April. Like HAVE YOU SEEN THE QUOTES ABOVE? THIS MAN IS LITERALLY OBSESSED WITH APRIL. I FEEL SO BETRAYED.

Anyway, Iris doesn’t remember her past (based on the synopsis the author posted) so I’m going to wait for the reviews and see if there’s any chance that Iris and April are actually the same person but honestly my hopes are pretty much nonexistent at this point 😭

______

- Ezra:

Single dad to a 5 yo girl and he was in love with the baby’s mama but she left him.

“What about Ezra? I mean, he has Evangeline. Was he ever—”
“Married?” Hassie’s eyes are hard. Protective. “Thank fuck no.” I listen as she tells me about Ezra’s ex, Shannon. “She fell in with the wrong crowd. In Tempest that’s the easy thing to do. Drugs. Drinking. Then she got pregnant. Ezra loved her, and he did everything he could, but…some people don’t want help.”

“That bitch was fucking high when she went into labor.” Tipping her chin down, Hassie stares at the feather she twirls between her fingers. “I could have killed that woman. Everyone could have. Anyway, a couple of weeks later, Shannon signed over parental rights to Ez and left town.” An exaggerated scoffs pops out of her mouth. “Good fucking riddance.” Hassie nods and looks at me. “Ez never got over that kind of betrayal. It’s why he’s so…buttoned-up, ya know?”

______

- Warren:

Apparently he’s a manho! At the beginning of the book we find out that he slept with the bartender who worked for them… they had some kind of argument and she quit.

“What just happened?” I demand.
“Kimmy quit.” Warren scrubs a big hand down his sharp, stubbled jaw. His dark brown hair’s in disarray and his crisp white shirt is rolled to the elbows.
“No shit. Why?” At his silence, I rub my temple. “Did you sleep with her?”
He clears his throat. “Not recently.”

“Guilt stains his face. Older than me by one year, Warren prides himself on being responsible and coolheaded, but beautiful women are his one distraction. He uses them to keep the darkness at bay, to keep things light. I chalk it up to him making up for the time he lost in his youth. Instead of chasing his hockey dream, he matured overnight and came back home to chase and take care of our three younger brothers.”

I could be wrong but I think his FMC is Hassie, the girl he was the guardian of for two years after her brother (his bff) passed away, until she turned 18 (he was 26 at the time and Hassie was 16. Now he’s around 39–40 and she’s 29).
I honestly don’t know how I feel about this but I really don’t like the idea of the FMC having to watch the MMC with other women for years it’s so icky, esp since Hassie seems to have feelings for him 🙃 and they’re neighbors, so my imagination ran a little wild. I started wondering how many times she might’ve watched other women leave his house (this is never mentioned in the book but as I said my imagination got carried away and it could very well be true lol).

“Crossing his arms, Warren leans back against the bar. Always on edge, on guard when it comes to Hassie Holland. Another responsibility Warren never wanted when he became her guardian at twenty-six—after his best friend, and Hassie’s brother, Rio died. She lived at our ranch for two years until she turned eighteen. She’s like a sister to us.”

______

- Wells:

He was secretly dating Aurora (the daughter of his family’s enemy) and something happened to them involving a serial killer (but I’m confused, is she alive or not?)

“I wish I could get a better read on Wells. He lost Aurora after that fucked-up night at Sweetheart Falls. On the outside, he has it together better than any of us. But it’s the inside we worry about.”

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

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ava Hunter was already an auto-read author for me, and Whiskey Burn is exactly why. She knows how to write a dark cowboy romance with suspense, and every one of them has been an absolute banger.

I loved Delilah. She was such a strong, independent FMC who never stopped fighting, no matter what she’d been through. And Cole? A broody, whiskey-loving cowboy with a heart hidden behind walls? Sign me up. Watching these two slowly open up to each other and heal together was one of my favorite parts of the book.

That twist completely caught me off guard, and the ending has me counting down the days until book two. I’m already making predictions about the next couples, and I can’t wait to see if I’m right.

The Runaway Ranch cameos were the perfect bonus. I loved seeing those characters again. If you love dark cowboy romance with suspense, chemistry, and characters you’ll be rooting for, this one is a must-read.

[Antonella · Rating 2 out of 5]

dnf @20%

it pains me to dnf an arc but i just could't continue...
very similar to Bourbon & Lies which is whatever there are plenty similar plotlines out there but author added bunch of other storylines here and i get it..it is a set up book in a way for a series but i just couldn't be bothered ... too much going on and i do no like main couple...

if you want mystery suspense setting with cowboys and ranch small town.. i would even recommend you try it out

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

☆ 3 stars

“No more suitcases. No more running. . . You deserve a home, Delilah. Make one with me.”

Whiskey Burn is the first instalment in the Weston Brothers series by author Ava Hunter. I’ve read everything that this author has published thus far other than the Nashville Star series (which I plan to rectify soon) and there’s no denying that she’s one of my favourite authors to read and recommend. Unfortunately whilst I still liked this book enough to see it through to the end, it wasn’t the new favourite that I’d hoped it would be. I immediately fell in-love with the cover and have always found Hunter’s writing to feel easy to fall into as I often consume her books in 1-2 sittings. I really enjoyed the setting of Tempest, Montana alongside the lore and complicated history that haunts the locals. There’s definitely a lot information provided that can be assumed will play a role in the storylines across the entire series that I’m excited to explore further. Deadly family rivalries, cult activity, a serial killer that got away, and a mysterious building in the distance that nobody seems to know the purpose of? There’s a lot to uncover and I cannot wait to see how it all comes to fruition across all five brother’s books. This is definitely Ava’s darkest and most graphic book yet so please take care to check the trigger warnings prior to reading. Morally grey cowboys is something that this author has been proven to do well and Whiskey Burn was no exception. I loved getting to delve deeper into the unshakeable family bonds that the Weston’s share as it becomes clear that there is no line they aren’t willing to cross in protection of one another. I’m excited to see what brother will be next in the series and if some of my theories regarding potential love interests may be right.

Now listen, I’m definitely not opposed to a little bit of cringey dialogue for fun and suspended belief to make a story work… but admittedly there are some aspects to this story that stood out to me in not the best way. Some of the dialogue was cringe in a way that just didn’t make sense, such as Delilah’s inner monologue saying “He may be a bull rider through and through, but to me, he feels like mine.” What correlation do these two things have with one another? There are none. This made no sense to me and is a prime example of some of the nonsensical statements sprinkled throughout the story that I did my best to overlook for the sake of entertainment, but unfortunately it’s moment like these that would pull me out of the story in my confusion and secondhand embarrassment.

Delilah Grant is a prime example that strength and resolve doesn’t always need to displayed loudly through action and fight scenes. It can be gentle and soft, yet still formidable with it being showcased through a determination to survive. I have a lot of respect for Delilah and the way she tries her best to embrace the best parts of living the life she chooses amidst the fear of uncertainty. Her capacity for compassion and understanding makes her an easy character to connect with and I loved getting to see how deeply she yearned to be welcomed into the Weston family fold. Delilah really impressed me with the way she refuses to give up every time she is threatened and I felt genuine pride at her ferocity and quick-thinking strategy. Her backstory broke my heart and it was beautiful to witness how closely she guards the memory of her sister as a sort of guidance. Delilah really goes through it during her story and I couldn’t be happier to see her fight so fiercely to acquire the life and family that she has always dreamed to call her own.

Cole Weston is every ‘bad boy cowboy’ fantasy brought to life that I greatly enjoyed getting to see unravel as his story continued to progress. He joins yet another long line of gruff and tortured MMCs that hits every time even if his depiction doesn’t feel new or fresh. I really enjoyed seeing the moments where Cole connects with his family and the unwavering bonds that they keep close to their chests. His protective instincts run deep and I completely understood why he was so mistrustful of Delilah from the moment they met. Family means everything to Cole and I loved getting to see that love slowly begin to extend towards the feisty young woman he couldn’t help but want, no matter how hard he tries to fight against it. It felt significant to see him gradually come to terms with his past in his determination to no longer let it dictate his future. I really appreciated the fact that Cole continued to embrace his fears whilst refusing to let them take control of his life. He learns how to embrace the unknown and vows to strive for love and happiness in a world that would gladly see him burn. I really enjoyed Cole’s character development from beginning to end, and it was sweet to see the man underneath the hard exterior that is capable of so much softness and patience.

Overall I didn’t mind Cole and Delilah as a couple, but I also can’t deny that I did often struggle to connect to and feel invested in their relationship. Lust and attraction acts as the initial spark throughout their dynamic which makes perfect sense in the early stages for two people that exist in a world that has only ever taken from them, and therefore carry the fear of what could happen should they claim something new for themselves. Both Cole and Delilah have experienced the worst tragedy that comes with love and loss, and it was beautiful to witness them use those experiences to better connect on an emotional level. However even as their relationship continues to progress it seems (to me) that lust maintains a pivotal role in the driving force of their chemistry. Moments of vulnerability and emotional connection immediately becomes overshadowed by their sexual intensity which unfortunately lessened the impact of these conversations for me. Sex and intimacy can absolutely play a primary role for couples when it comes to mental and emotional connection as opposed to just physical, and in no way do I mean to disregard this aspect when it comes to Cole and Delilah. However I would’ve loved to have seen more depth and character development to help solidify their relationship that little bit more for greater emotional impact. I loved getting to see their emotional walls crumble as the significance of their feelings became too strong to deny. The way they work to establish trust and find safety within one another was beautiful to witness grow, and I especially enjoyed getting to see how willing both Cole and Delilah were to fight for the life that they yearned to claim as their own.

There was also some (I believe) unintended exploration in power play dynamics that I’m not entirely sure were always depicted in the best way in terms of intent. I’m a huge lover of age-gap romances and firmly believe that there is nothing wrong with them as long as all parties are consenting adults. Delilah is a 24 year old woman and more than grown enough to know who and what she wants. I have zero issue with Cole being 14 years her senior, however I can’t deny that I was at times a little bit unnerved in the way that they regarded one another. Cole is a protector through and through, and Delilah was clearly more than happy to be within a dynamic that made her feel safe and cared for. However when a 38 year old man repeatedly regards his much younger love interest as innocent, small and soft whilst she only ever emphasises his ‘big masculine’ traits… there’s definitely an undercurrent narrative that toes the line in these dynamics. I would like to emphasis that I in no way believe that this is intended and understand the context surrounding Delilah’s ‘innocence’ being more to do with the precarious situation they’re in and what the Weston’s are willing to do in defence of family, rather than to do with their relationship. But I do think that this is something to note and be aware of when exploring wide age-gap dynamics.

Something I really wish we’d gotten to see more of is Delilah interacting with and forging bonds with the Weston brothers, especially during the second half of the story. I was really confused about how they advocated for her staying with them during the summer no questions asked because she had use for them… just to suddenly turn around and become wary and opposed about the potential for Delilah to stick around long-term? They had no issues letting a random woman who turned up on their property in the middle of the night stay without conditions, so why was it suddenly a problem after getting to know her and seeing how Cole has progressed into caring for her? I completely understand why the Weston family were uneasy due to their history and deeply protective instincts, but Delilah’s ‘baggage’ was exactly the same from when she first arrived so their change in attitude felt rather odd. I think it would’ve made more sense if we’d gotten to see Delilah forge relationships with Cole’s brothers and earn their trust organically rather than seeing such a sudden switch-up in opinion. They were shown to accept her in the end which was a nice sentiment to see, but ultimately this progression lacked emotional impact due to how little we see her interacting with them outside of work.

This following paragraph (only this one) will contain spoilers for the end of the book, please only read after finishing:

For the most part I try not to think too hard about gaps in a story or ‘plot holes’ as my main priority is having a good time and feeling entertained in the stories that I read, but ultimately there are a few unresolved aspects within Whiskey Burn that have stood out to me (assuming that there won’t be any follow ups throughout the rest of the series) that leave me with more questions than answers. The main thing that flagged to me is my confusion surrounding Belle’s motives at the start of the book. I already suspected and didn’t trust her relationship with Delilah and the other girls, so the reveal surrounding her betrayal came as no surprise. What I didn’t understand is why Belle encouraged Delilah to run away to begin with considering she was already targeted by Mr. Please (I can’t deal with this name either I’m sorry) and could’ve easily handed her over that same day. Instead Belle had to go through the effort to try and encourage Delilah to return and then Mr. Please had to resort to other methods when that didn’t work. I also really struggled to accept that a mere gold locket was strong enough to stop a bullet from entering Delilah’s chest, even if the symbolism around it is a really sweet sentiment. Lastly, I’m not understanding how Cole and Warren seemed to just get away with murdering two men without explanation considering it was under FBI investigation. I assume Delilah just protected them by refusing to admit that they were even there during the altercation and made up her own story on how she got out, however this could’ve really benefitted with additional information to better explain and finalise this plot line in the end.

End of spoilers.

Whilst Whiskey Burn wasn’t the immediate favourite that I hoped it would be, there’s no denying that this series has a lot of potential to build upon with every new instalment. I’ve loved author Ava Hunter’s work in the past and ultimately need accept that you can be a fan and still discover that some books just won’t resonate with you. I’m genuinely excited and have high hopes for the remainder of the Weston Brothers series with every brother standing out in their own way throughout this instalment. It’s very rare for the first book in a new series to be my favourite, and I highly suspect that either Warren or River’s story will be the stand-out story for me. I’m also crossing my fingers that this book has established the author’s plans to write an MC series in the future because I am very intrigued by some of the side characters introduced.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞.

[Katie Beasley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great intro into a new world, and a NEW group of brothers that we get to watch be morally gray and fall for their leading ladies. I have so many theories on who will end up with who based on this book, but first let's talk about Delilah and Cole. They were so so good for each other! I love it when the FMC has been through something crazy traumatic but feels herself around the MC- that was the case in this book. Delilah didn't know who to trust after what she had witnessed. She didn't know where to go. She happened to end up at the Weston Ranch. I immediately felt the chemistry between these two and boy oh boy was Cole a grump. Ava can write a great grump- Cole was a grump (as most are) because he didn't want to open himself up and get hurt. But he couldn't deny the attraction or want that Delilah made him feel. I liked watching them fold into each other slowly but surely. How Cole's family kind of absorbed her while he was resisting and then when he finally gave in, he was already committed to forever. Ava seems to specialize in morally grey men- and that is what the Weston Brothers were. Cole had the touch her and die vibe down so so hard. Ultimately though this was about found family. And finding the person that makes you feel safe when you least expect it. That's what these two were to each other.

Delilah had a good thing going until everything blew up. Now all she knows is that she needs to lay low while she figures stuff out. She doesn't plan to end up in this small town or at Weston Ranch, but there is something very welcoming about it. Something that calls to her. And after an initial interaction with Cole (why does he have to be so handsome), she is excited to learn she can stay while she works as a bartender. Everything else can stay away for a minute because this place feels so perfect for her. And watching the Weston family work together and slowly bring her into their group is very healing for her. The outlier is of course Cole. He is too grumpy for his own good. She loves needling him and finds herself more comfortable with him than she has been with another man for a long time. There is something about him. Something about watching him slowly lower his walls and letting her in. Something about him sharing his unhealed trauma of his parents' death. Something that makes her feel on the same wavelength as him. And when they can't fight it anymore. When they finally give in to this thing, even though she is supposed to leave, she feels like she has found her missing puzzle piece. She starts to think she could stay here. Maybe she could settle down here. But then her past comes rearing it's ugly head, and Delilah finds out how far Cole is willing to go to keep her safe. Maybe she will get her happily ever after.

Cole is set in his ways. He has his routines for a reason. He doesn't like change. He doesn't like unknowns. Not since everything went down with his parents. But then he meets Delilah. She comes into his life like a tornado and starts to shake everything up. His brothers want her to stay to help out. His niece wants her to stay so she has a woman to play with. He wants her to stay secretly because there is something about her that has his ears perking up. And so she stays, but Cole gives her a wide berth. He doesn't want to get mixed up in whatever she is running from. But he can't seem to stay away. He likes how she pushes back when he tells her to do things. He likes that she is comfortable enough around him to be her true self. He finds himself wanting to know more about her situation. To want to help her. To want her. And he finds himself opening up to her about things he hasn't talked to anyone about- like his parents and his past in general. He feels safe with her too. So he decides he is going to go all in on this. He doesn't care that there is a time limit. That she is leaving at some point. He wants her for however long she will have him. He is ready to admit that to her. He is ready to talk about his feelings but then her past comes back and takes her before he can. And if Cole was unsure about fully committing to her, that feeling is out the window now. Because he knows that she is his person. She is his ride or die. And he is going to do whatever it takes to not only get her back but to get her back safe. And then he is going to continue to treat her like the queen she is to him.

Like I said great intro! I loved the found family and the safe haven that Delilah stumbled into. I liked how much she folded into their group so naturally. Cole was wonderful too. He was SUCH a grump but when his walls dropped he was SUCH an obsessed man it was perfect! I can't WAIT to see who everyone ends up with- I got a little glimpse after getting to see Ava in person where she stated that her next brother is "unhinged." How can that not get you excited LOL. I definitely recommend this book for a spicy, strangers to lovers with some morally gray men who make you want!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Megan Coggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A whiskey drinking cowboy filled romantic suspense.

With all the whiskey books I’ve read lately I feel like I could start making my own at this point 🤣

Delilah & Cole
G string dancer x ex bull rider cowboy
Group of brothers
A corrupt town
She’s in danger

Ranch setting
Distillery setting
Montana

Grumpy x sunshine
Forced proximity

Similar vibes to Victoria Wilders Bourbon and Lies.
Which I loved. So I loved the vibes here.
The plot and storyline, the overall characters.

Sometimes I felt it wordy and repetitive tho.

Netgalley arc review ✨

[Christi · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Whiskey Burn is the first book in a new series by Ava Hunter. This is a dark cowboy, romantic suspense, grumpy x sunshine, with age gap, touch her and die vibes, and found family.

I’ve read a bunch of this author’s books in the past and her Runaway Ranch series has been (and remains) my favorite. This book sounded so good and I was excited for a new series with darker vibes, but this one wasn’t everything I wanted it to be. It took me a while to get into this one and even once I did begin, it took me a long time to even want to get back to it and finish. I was never reaching for it which is never a great sign. While some parts of the story were interesting, I struggled with being excited about the couple and the characters in this one. On top of that, the plot for this one just gave me similar vibes to other books I’ve read before (Bourbon & Lies for example). While it brought some new things to it, it just felt like something I’d read better from before and I just wasn’t pulled in. I think if you enjoy romantic suspense and darker cowboy setting, you’ll probably enjoy.

I was interested in the bourbon family and the five brothers, while the couple and plot for this one just didn’t pull me in as much as I’d hoped, I’d still check out more in the series in the future cause I do enjoy this author’s writing overall.

I received an ARC, all thoughts in this review are my own.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m sorry, but Mr. Please sounds like the name of a kids YouTuber or an Instagram scammer, not a bad guy who kidnaps women across the country

[Leanna · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I loved this small-town cowboy romance! The suspense was done so well and the mystery kept me turning pages, and every time I thought I had things figured out, I wanted to know more.

Cole and Delilah were such a great pairing. Their grumpy sunshine dynamic was chef’s kiss, and I loved the tension, banter, and chemistry between them. Add in the cowboy romance and all that suspense, and I was completely hooked. I loved it!

AUDIOBOOK UPDATE! I did a reread with the audiobook and OMG it was so much better. It raised my rating!
I loved it in audio.

[daphne · Rating 3 out of 5]

“𝐍𝐨 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬. 𝐍𝐨 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞, 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐡. 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐞.”

Ever since getting glimpses of the Weston family in The Runaway Ranch series, I’ve been so curious to learn more about them. First of all, this felt very similar to Victoria Wilder’s books - which isn’t necessarily a bad thing - but at times I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d read this story before. As always, the romantic suspense was a nice addition- although plot holes could be found. I didn’t really connect with the romance in this one but I do have high hopes for the other potential couples in the series. This series also seems to be much darker than The Runaway Ranch series, which was to be expected. Overall, it was an entertaining read.

the vibes ™ :
- whiskey distillery
- midnight ballerina x rancher
- fmc on the run
- grumpy x sunshine

[Lauren (lololovesthings) · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

4.25 stars.

"Whiskey Burn" by Ava Hunter is a doozy of a dark cowboy romance. It's full of intrigue, drama, crime, brooding cowboys, yearning, and of course, whiskey. I found myself riveted by this book. I enjoyed all of the characters. Delilah (FMC) and Cole (MMC) have this "will they, won't they?" pull that is intoxicating and full of want. The book starts with a bang (literally) as Delilah, a fierce, adept dancer in a club, finds herself on the run after she is given a warning about her life and then witnesses something horrible. She finds herself across the country in Montana on a ranch one night, running into a man who says she can stay at his ranch house. It's there she meets Cole, a former bull rider and rugged, broody, handsome, dangerous, grumpy cowboy who prefers grunting to full sentences. The two of them are clearly attracted to one another, but Cole is cautious about the real reasons why Delilah is there. Delilah slowly worms her way into every facet of life on the Westons' ranch, working there, helping the family, aiding the animals, making friends with people in town... that's just who Delilah is, and Cole hates it, but cannot stay away from her. The more time they spend in close proximity with one another, the more their attraction morphs into something much more. The yearning between Delilah and Cole is palpable and excellent. It's mostly built on the physical/the lust of it all, but I do think there is a deeper connection there between them. I think their relationship development is well-paced, and I never felt like it was moving too slowly or too fast for me. I loved watching them deconstruct their sky-high walls and heal from the wounds of their past as they start to fall for each other. The spice is incredible. The drama and suspense are incredible, too! There is a constant, foreboding sense of dread running throughout this book; I never truly believed Delilah was safe on the ranch. Her past is constantly trying to catch up with her, and it might be closer than she knows. Cole won't let anything happen to her, though... provided he has a choice in the matter. The entire last 25% of this book is an insane rollercoaster ride of anxiety and peril that will grab you and won't let go. I will say, there are *a lot* of moving parts in this book. Being that it is the first book in a new series, it has a lot to set up about this universe. There are a ton of characters and relationships to keep straight, lots of things that have happened in the past that are very much relevant in the present, and various situations that are clearly meant to set up future books in the series. You've got the Weston brothers/their ranch/their distillery and whiskey business, their aunt and uncle, what happened with their parents, what happened with River's ex, Hassie, Evangeline, their extracurricular activities with Syd, who is in a motorcycle club, everything going on with Delilah's past, the local police being inept and corrupt, and the rivalry with the Hales... and I am sure I missed some things! You've got to pay attention to the little details here. I found this to be a gripping, fun read. I cannot wait for the next book!

Thank you to Ava Hunter and Edelweiss for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

[Sarah | sarah_rose_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO DANG GOOD! Every time I pick up a book by Ava, I know I can count on a top tier read.

This romantic suspense had me on the edge of my freaking seat, y'all! The plot, the characters, the town of Tempest, everything was set up SO perfectly. And we are in for an absolute TREAT with these Weston brothers, let me tell you. I just know each book is going to be incredible with how Ava has introduced each tortured cowboy.

Delilah and Cole had chemistry that flew off the pages. Delilah is on the run from some serious trouble and finds solace on the Weston Ranch in Tempest, Montana, where she meets the grumpy and brooding cowboy, Cole Weston. Cole and his brothers have been through some trouble of their own, but they have each other, their ranch, and Weston whiskey. But secrets abound in the town of Tempest, and while Delilah is holding her own secrets, the Weston brothers are too. But as she gets to know Cole, his grumpy exterior cracks, and the two share vulnerabilities and secrets they've kept close. Cole may be a grumpy cowboy, but he's all Delilah's and bound and determined to protect her.

Y'all, I highlighted SO much of this book. Ava's writing is just absolutely phenomenal. The love declarations, the spice, the dirty talkin' cowboy Cole, the flirtatious and sassy Delilah - I loved everything about these two and this book. I cannot recommend this one enough!

SO excited for what Ava has in store for us next! I just know this series is going to be a wild and incredible ride!

[Bari (justbookedup) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this one, but unfortunately, I struggled with it more than I expected.

A LOT is happening here. Between Cole & Delilah’s romance, the complicated Weston family dynamics, the suspense & all the different storylines being introduced, I found myself feeling overwhelmed at times. I completely understand that this is the first book in a new series & there is a bigger story being established, but it felt like so much was happening at once that the actual romance got a little lost in the mix.

I also struggled to fully connect with Cole & Delilah. The attraction was definitely there, but I wanted more emotional depth & development in their relationship. With everything else happening around them, I never felt as invested in their love story as I wanted to be.

That said, I do think there is a lot of potential with this series. The Weston brothers are intriguing, the family dynamics are complicated & there are plenty of unanswered questions that have me curious about where everything is headed.

I'll probably pick up the next book because I do want to see how everything unfolds. I'm just hoping that with so much of the groundwork already laid, the next story has a little more room to breathe & the romance can really shine.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava strikes again with another amazing story!

I was hooked from page one. Delilah Grant is a fierce FMC! Even though life has dealt her a tough set of cards but she's made the most of it. She's made herself a name as Lady Lawless the dancer. When she's with her regular client she doesn't expect things to take a drastic turn. She's on the run and finds herself at Copper Run Ranch.

Cole Weston doesn't expect to find Delilah in their creek house when his brother said something was up at the house he should have known he was up to something. Cole is surprised by Delilah. He can't get her out of his head and that makes him angry. Used to life giving him blow after blow it's hard for him to want Delilah. As they work together and become neighbors they find themselves opening up and falling in love.

This romantic suspense hit the mark. They're hard topics in this story so please check the trigger warnings!

Thank you to Ava, NetGalley, and sourcebooks Casablanca for the gifted ebook!

[Sissa · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I was immediately sucked into this world after that CRAZY prologue! Delilah, a midnight dancer, and Cole, an ex-bull rider turned whiskey distiller, had me hooked from the start. I loved the mix of suspense and romance, and I’m already looking forward to learning more about all the brothers!

• T R O P E S •
🥃 Grumpy x Sunshine
🥃 Touch Her & Die
🥃 Dark Cowboy
🥃 Age Gap
🥃 Found Family
🥃 Romantic Suspense

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Ava Hunter for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

[lucialeelibros · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

Gosh!! I don't know why it took me SO LONG to read this—this book clearly had everything I love: mystery, a delightful age gap, and a guy I LOVE IT.

Thanks, Luna Literary, for the ARC!!!

[Shelby (Grace with Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsessed is an understatement. If Ava Hunter writes it… I’m gonna read it. And I freaking loved this book. This was the best introduction to Tempest and Weston’s distillery.

No one writes a cowboy thriller, like Ava. We follow a midnight dancer, Delilah, who ran into trouble in Las Vegas and is now on the run, finding herself in Tempest, Montana and into the arms of Cole Weston. Cole and his brothers are used to trouble, it runs rampant in the town, but he never expected the chaos and fire that Delilah would bring into his life.

Even though it is Delilah and Cole’s story, which is so intense and heart racing, I feel like you also got a great look at the other brothers and the town that makes you excited for this whole series.

Delilah was witty, funny, and so full of energy, despite her dark past and her secrets seeing her collide with Cole was honestly magic, and despite the darker subject matter of the thriller aspect, made the book funny and enjoyable.

If you wanna book that makes you wanna sell your soul for Montana cowboy, that makes your heart race, and leaves you wanting more, I highly recommend whiskey burn.

Thank you so much Ava Hunter and sourcebooks for sending me this ARC and exchange for a honest review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I genuinely don’t even know where to start with Whiskey Burn because this book is completely unhinged in the best possible way, and I loved every single second of it. Imagine Yellowstone with more murder, more trauma, more sex, and somehow an even more dysfunctional family. That’s the vibe we’re working with here, and I was absolutely eating it up. Ava Hunter doesn’t do anything halfway, and this first book in the Weston Brothers series is packed with drama, danger, secrets, and enough emotional baggage to fill an entire ranch. Is everything completely believable? Absolutely not. Did I care? Not even a little. I was having WAY too much fun.

The Weston brothers are such an intriguing, complicated family, and I am already ridiculously invested in all of them. Their shared history is heartbreaking, their loyalty to each other is fierce, and their moral compasses are questionable at best. These are not your typical sweet small town cowboys, and that’s part of what makes them so fascinating. There’s also an overarching family mystery that I cannot wait to see unfold throughout the series. The suspense is intense, the twists keep coming, and every time I thought things couldn’t possibly get more dramatic, Ava proved me wrong. There is SO much happening in this book, yet I never felt bored or overwhelmed. I just wanted more.

But what really made this a five star read for me was Cole and Delilah. Beneath all the chaos, their relationship is genuinely beautiful. Delilah has spent so much of her life feeling unsafe, and watching her finally find someone who made her feel protected and cared for was incredibly satisfying. Cole carries an enormous amount of guilt over his past, and seeing him begin to forgive himself and allow someone into his heart was equally moving. Their chemistry is fantastic, the steam is STEAMING, and I loved how their emotional connection developed alongside all the danger and drama. Somehow, in the middle of this absolutely outrageous story, Ava created a romance that felt tender, meaningful, and deeply earned.

I know Ava Hunter’s books won’t be for everyone. Her stories are dramatic, angsty, over the top, and unapologetically intense. But if you enjoy romantic suspense with morally gray heroes, complicated family dynamics, small town secrets, and enough twists to make your head spin, you need to meet the Westons. I was completely entertained from beginning to end, and honestly, that’s exactly what I want from a five star read. I’m already desperate for the next brother’s story, and I have a feeling this family is going to keep me hooked for years.

Perfect for Readers Who Love

* Morally gray cowboys and fierce family loyalty
* Small town romantic suspense with interconnected mysteries
* Emotional healing, protective heroes, and sizzling chemistry
* Wildly dramatic, action packed stories with Yellowstone vibes

[whatmarissareads · Rating 3 out of 5]

💃"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're afraid of me, Cole Weston."
🤠"Yeah, darlin... I am."
💃"Why?"
🤠"Because it'd be too easy."
💃"Too easy to what?"
🤠"To keep you."

3⭐ 3🌶️

Here's what I enjoyed about this book!

+ Delilah wasn't ashamed of who she was. She's a stripper at a nightclub, and while other people may judge her for it, she knows her worth and understands that she has so much more to offer than her job title. I really appreciated her confidence and the way she owned who she was.
+ I LOVE the Weston family! The brothers are all so fascinating and I am anxious to learn more about their history/storylines
+ he is sooooo grumpy towards everyone (including her at first) but only starts to soften towards HER
+ the romantic suspense was probably my favorite part of this book! I loved the idea of a small town rivalry that's been going on for generations and is STILL affecting the people who live there today. It's even bled into the local government and police officials which added another layer to the suspense and kept me interested in where the story was going
+ when these two finally give in to their feelings it is so satisfying to be apart of!! After all that tension, I loved getting to see them finally let their guard down and give in to what they wanted

I do love me some cowboy romance which is why I was excited to read this!
While I enjoyed several aspects of the story, a few things kept me from connecting with it as much as I had hoped

I do plan on continuing the series! I'm definitely interested in learning more about these characters.
This one just didn't quite hit the way I anticipated.

💕You will enjoy this if you are into:
🤠 dark cowboy romance
🤠 age gap
🤠 woman on the run
🤠 romantic suspense
🤠 whiskey business
🤠 small town rivalry
🤠 grumpy cowboy who slowly softens
🤠 "I've made a lot of bad choices in my life, but Cole makes me think he could be the best one."

[Nena Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!!! It was amazing and I was totally In vested in the suspense.

I can't wait til the next book. I can't wait to see what was in the file.

I loved the chemistry between Dalailah and her cowboy. I loved Evangeline. She was too cute. I loved the friendship she had with Hassie.

I thought it was very well written with a great plot line. I loved the authors description of everything. I could pucture it all.

The audiobook was outstanding. I loved the narration and the narrators fid an excellent job performing
I highly recommend if you love romance/suspense

This book is perfect if your a fan of Catherine Cowles, you'll love this one by Ava Hunter

[Sarcasticpageturner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, what a perfect mix of dark romance and suspense! This gave me Victoria Wilder vibes, and I am so here for it!

I absolutely loved Delilah. She was spunky, witty, strong, and wasn't afraid to fight for herself. Her attitude was one of my favorite things about this book. Then we have Cole, who is all grumpy and tough on the outside, but boy, does that man love deeply. I especially loved his grumpy side!

The suspense kept me hooked, and I can't wait to continue with this family. I have a feeling there are a whole lot of secrets waiting to be unraveled throughout this series.

Also, the audiobook was done so well! Definitely recommend experiencing this one on audio.

[Madison Breaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

I genuinely did not want this book to end. One of my favorite reads this year! It has all of the elements I love. Romantic suspense, age gap, a grumpy cowboy, a sunshiney woman on the run. I loved the fact that despite Delilah’s rough upbringing she still found a reason to smile every day. Her confidence is something I admire so much-she kept Cole on his TOESSS 🤭

I am so excited to see where this series takes us next. I wish I could dive into the next one but it will be well worth the wait!! 🥹

[Jessica Paige (Exercise_Read_Repeat) · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

In Hunter’s newest release, we meet Delilah, a Vegas dancer on the run after being entrusted with a USB drive for safekeeping. She ends up on a ranch in Montana, where she meets Cole, one of the brothers who runs a distillery. I love when romance and suspense blend together! This gave me all the feels I look for in a romance while also keeping me on my toes, wondering how it would all end. Such a fun start to a new series!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was honestly so good I couldn’t put it down from when I started it. I love all the brothers the spice how raunchy & sexy it is, the mystery aspect of it and the little pieces of mystery leaves you wanting more of how sick and twisted it is. 🫣 Excited for river and April’s story it’s just so good. 👏🏻♾️

[Eva ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whiskey, romantic suspense, unsolved mysteries, hot cowboys.. BRB I’m moving to Tempest.

I ate this one UP! As feral as Cole is for Delilah, that was me devouring this book. I’m surprised there aren’t teeth marks in my paperback. I’m obsessed with this world Ava is building and I cannot wait to unravel the mysteries, and get to experience all the Weston brothers in their glory.

You’ll love this one if you love possessive, grumpy MMCs, free spirited and sassy FMCs, banter, romantic suspense and my favorite.. whiskey play. The tasting room scene had me on my god damn KNEES! My jaw was dropped and I had to pick it up off the floor.

Thank you so much to Sourcebooks Casa for the gifted physical arc & for the ALC!! This audio was a 10/10. 🎧

This is easily one of my favorite reads of the year.

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing as expected.

I knew the second I saw Ava's name that this book was going to slap. It was perfect, and I don't say it lightly. The tension built from page one, not only between Cole and Delilah, but also in the plot. The mystery, the suspense, the danger...all of it was paced to allow the reader to yearn for answers, while the romance made us root for the HEA.

And what a hard-earned HEA. Cole and Delilah haven't had it easy once; their past is steeped in loss and pain. Still, they were perfect for each other. The trust built because they saw a kindred spirit there; the chemistry was instant, but it wasn't instant lust. They fought the want because, instinctively, they knew the moment they gave in, lying to themselves would be stupid.

Cole was the best man. His loyalty to his family won me over from the beginning, but his devotion to Delilah, his dirty mouth, and his honesty with her made me fall for him. He was protective but didn't rob her of her independence; he would have gone with her to the ends of the world and fought to keep her happy.

And baby Delilah? My girl, badass and flirty. She wasn't ashamed of her dancing; she stood toe to toe to a cowboy and made him fold; she got herself out of the bad, to land, finally, in the good. She deserved the love of the Weston family, the acceptance of the town, and all the good in the world. She was selfless, caring, and so, so good to others. She was also smart and brave, braver than she should have been taken the cards life dealt her, but she never shied away from helping others. Also, I LOVED Ratson...

Ava, damn, just killed it again. I can't help but hope we get four more books for the rest of the brothers and maybe sneak a Syd book if you have time. Trad life suits you, but your indie days will never be forgotten. I loved it then and will stay through whatever you give me.

NetGalley, Ava, Sourcebooks, I'm in your debt. Reading this early feels like I should pay you or something. Trust me, I'll be first in line for all the books to come!

[Anais Rosa · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Whiskey Burn is book one in Ava Hunter’s new series, The Weston Brothers. I read her Runaway Ranch series and loved it so much, so after meeting Cole in Ride the Sky, I was SO excited to read his book, and it did not disappoint!

What can you expect?
🤠 Small-town romance
🖤 Dark cowboy romance
☀️ Grumpy x sunshine
🔥 Forced proximity
🛡️ Touch her and die
🩷 Found family
⏳ Age gap
🔪 Romantic suspense

4.5 ⭐️ | 🌶️ 2

Delilah, 24, is a dancer at a Las Vegas club. She’s spent her entire life running, and with no family to rely on, witnessing a brutal murder leaves her with only two choices: stay or run for her life. That’s how she ends up in Montana, where she meets Cole Weston, 38, a grumpy ex-bull rider who doesn’t trust her and knows she’s trouble. But the more time she spends at the ranch, the harder it becomes to ignore the attraction and chemistry between them. Now that she’s there, Cole will protect her no matter what.

I loved this book! It was so good to get Cole and his family’s story finally. We first met Cole in Ride the Sky, so I was thrilled when I found out he was getting his own book. This man protects what he loves, and I loved seeing that side of him. A lot is going on with the Westons, and I’m excited to discover more about them!

The Weston brothers lost their parents 18 years ago, and they know they were murdered. However, because of a family feud in town, the police closed the case, and now the brothers are determined to discover who was responsible.

Then there’s Delilah, who somehow manages to be everywhere at the ranch, even when Cole tries to avoid her. The more time they spend together, the more he discovers how sweet, empathetic, and lovely she is. I mean, this girl has a rat son named Ratson! 😂 She starts working at the distillery and does an amazing job, and the chemistry between them keeps getting stronger. Their banter is EVERYTHING! I love how Delilah pushes his buttons, him calling her darlin’, her calling him cowboy, and everything in between. I was eating it all up!

Delilah has spent her life running, but at the ranch, she starts finding something she’s always been missing: a family. I loved seeing her thrive at the distillery and prove that she’s so much more than her past as a dancer. She’s smart, capable, and deserves every good thing coming her way.

When Cole finally gets tired of keeping his distance, I was HERE FOR IT! That first kiss? SO HOT! Their feelings are intense, and even though they try to keep things casual because Delilah plans to leave at the end of the summer, things start to change. With her job, the ranch, the family, and the friendships she builds with Hassie and sweet little Evie, she starts considering staying. Watching them fall in love was EVERYTHING!

When Cole finally lowers his walls and goes all in, I loved it. He’ll do whatever it takes to protect Delilah. She doesn’t trust easily, but Cole opens up to her about things he hasn’t talked about in years. Seeing them share their stories, learn to trust each other, and become a team was everything and more. They finally found someone they could rely on, and I loved watching their relationship grow.

Now, LET’S TALK SPICE because Ava did NOT disappoint! That whiskey-tasting scene had me SWEATING! The chemistry, the tension, the mouth on this man… EVERYTHING! And let's just say he knows exactly what he's doing. He loves to eat…

I also loved the found-family aspect, the brothers, and the little snippets we got of their backstories. Cole thought his brothers were mad at him for leaving to pursue rodeo after their parents' deaths, but they weren't. They were all doing what they needed to do to survive. Now that Cole is back, he doesn't know where he fits in, so he keeps his distance. I loved when he finally realized they weren't angry with him; they had simply missed their brother.

Delilah finds people who don't judge her for her past and trust her enough to put her in charge of the distillery's anniversary launch. She works hard and absolutely nails it! Seeing her grow and find those missing pieces of herself with the Westons made me so happy. I also loved how much she cares about the rescued animals, especially the Highland cows. And then she adopts Waffle! There's nothing Cole wouldn't do for her, including building a whole new pen just for Waffle. Tell me this man isn't the sweetest!

The suspense and darker elements were well done and kept me invested, but now I'm even more curious about who's behind the murder of the Westons' parents. I'll definitely be keeping my eyes open in the next books because I NEED ANSWERS!

I loved Delilah so much! She can be a little too much sometimes, but she was absolutely perfect for Cole. She brought something into his life that he didn't even realize he was missing, and I loved them together. This was such a great start to the series, and I can't wait to see what's next for the Weston brothers!

Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca, NetGalley, and the author for the advance copy. This review reflects my honest thoughts.

[Katie Thayer · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Whiskey Burn
By Ava Hunter

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re afraid of me, Cole Weston.”
“Yeah, darlin’.”
“I am.”
“Why?”
“Because it’d be too easy.”
“Too easy to what?”
“To keep you,”

“All the bad men in my life… But you, I don’t think you’re bad, Cole.”
“I won’t lie. I’ve done bad things, darlin’.”
“But are you bad for me?”
“Yes. I’m bad. This town is bad. And if you know what’s good for you, you’ll leave at the end of summer.”

“I like you, darlin’. My whiskey on your lips, there ain’t nothing more gorgeous than that.”
“Then taste it, cowboy. Taste me.”

Wow! Cole and Delilah, I was expecting suspense and boy did their story deliver! We meet Delilah at her place of work where she is warned to run and hide. Leading her to the town of Tempest. Home of Cole and his brothers. Both Cole and Delilah have a past they are running from. But they have to each decide if they are willing to share the ghost of their past and start to heal and move ahead together. All while Delilah is being hunted, people are going missing and corrupt cops are running the town. I really enjoyed this story and all the twists and turns it delivered!

Tropes:
Grumpy Sunshine
Forced Proximity
Age Gap
Dark Cowboy
Found Family
Man Obsessed

Spice starts at: 52%

Spice: 3/4
Stars: 4.5/5

Available now!