Whiskey River Redemption

Whiskey River #2

by A.J. Turner

Declan Wallace would give anything to take back the words that destroyed them. Anything to erase the moment he pushed her away and straight into the arms of the enemy. While Alex lay in a hospital bed with her future uncertain, he did the only thing he could: he hunted the people responsible. But before he can focus on the threat still circling them, he has to figure out who inside the Bureau he can trust… and who has already betrayed them.
Alex Kelley may have survived the attack, but her heart did not.
After a kidnapping that nearly cost her her life, Alex returns to Whiskey River with scars no one can see and a heart she no longer trusts. Survival came at a price—a deal with the devil born from exhaustion and desperation. A deal neither party may be able to keep.
Her trust in Declan—and in the Bureau—shattered, Alex turns to her family for safety. A family with a name darker than the man she’s trying to outrun… and a reputation to match.
As Alex begins to fit the pieces of her life back together, it becomes clear the danger has not passed. And with the Bureau closer than ever to taking down the Moretti crime family, she and Declan are forced back into each other’s orbits.
Haunted by his failure, Declan is determined to keep her safe… even if she wants nothing to do with him. As they navigate the wreckage between them, a new threat closes in. Old wounds reopen. Old sparks ignite.
At whiskey river…
Redemption isn’t guaranteed.
But neither is survival.
A Whiskey River Novel — Book Two.

398 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 9, 2026

About the author

A.J. grew up in the quiet hills of New Hampshire, where horses, library books, and long walks through the woods shaped her love of stories. After moving to Arkansas in 2011 and earning her Doctor of Nursing Practice, she traded hospital shifts for homeschooling, homesteading, and the everyday chaos that somehow fans her creativity.

Romance is at the center of everything she writes, though she isn’t afraid to wander between subgenres—whether that means small towns with buried secrets, slow‑burn danger, or the occasional brush with old magic. When she’s not writing, she’s in the saddle, in the garden, or tucked away with a good book and a cup of tea she's reheated more times than she cares to admit.

Reviews

[C.S. Veranos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 ended on a cliffhanger that left my heart in pieces. Book 2 has mercifully put it back together. 😭❤️‍🩹

Wow… once again, I have to mention how beautifully written these characters are, and I mean all of them! Every character, no matter how brief their appearance, feels so vivid and full of personality.

I was hooked from the very first chapter. The suspense, danger, and tension never let up, keeping me turning pages until the very end.

Alex and Declan have been through so much in such a short amount of time. Watching them navigate the intensity of their feelings for each other while living under the constant threat of unpredictable danger had me completely invested. And the romance? There was a little bit of spice, and it was so, so sweet! 🥰 The handcuffs scene will forever live rent-free in my mind. 🤭

So many questions from Book 1 were answered, yet somehow even more new ones surfaced. I need Book 3!!

Thank you so much for this ARC!! 😭🖤✨

[ladyintrovert21 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book.

It was emotional and intense, and it kept me interested the whole way through. Alex and Declan’s relationship felt real, especially with all the trust issues and danger around them. Nothing felt rushed, and the tension stayed strong from start to finish.

One of my favorite parts was the handcuff scene… you know what I mean 😂

I finished this wanting more and already excited for the next book.

If you enjoy emotional romance with suspense and a little spice, this one’s for you.

Five stars for me.
Thank you to the author for the ARC.

[Kaela Libbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Author

Book one left us on a bit of a cliffhanger and definitely wanting more. I have been patiently waiting for this second book. All I can say is WOW!!! This second book does not disappoint. If you liked the first book you will definitely love this book. It will have you not wanting to put it down. Now I am left wanting to read more... Come on book number 3 I am ready for you!!!

[A.J. Turner]

✨ Book Two is officially LIVE today! ✨
If you love romantic suspense filled with hidden pasts, single mom/single dad dynamics, forced proximity, and tension that keeps you on the edge of your seat, the Whiskey River series might be your next obsession.

💛 Small town secrets.
🔥 Slow‑burn danger.
👶 Protective parents.
🌾 Characters who stay with you long after the last page!
Organized crime.

Come back to Whiskey River… the truth is waiting.

[Nicci Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot get enough of Alex and Declan, this book took through a wave of emotions. I read this entire book while on a cruise, within a few days because I could not put it down. Takes your imagination into the a vivid movie while reading, completely comes alive with and each and every detail. Highly recommend!!! Thank you for allowing me to ARC read, only sorry I didn’t get to it faster!

[Christi Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading the second book in the series and I have to say I might’ve liked this one even better. All of the ups and downs of the first book carried over into this book and I was kept on the edge of my seat the whole time. The character development and the plot were really elevated and book 2. Alex had to fight for her life and her love and Declan needed to be the one to piece it back together! I am so glad that we got what we needed after the ending of the two. Can’t wait to read more about their journey and book 3.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Reader

Love love love this book! It’s pure chaos from the first page to the last. I have literally been on the edge of my seat since the end of book 1 and the second book is no different. I cannot wait to see where the story goes for some side characters as they got a lot of story line development in this one. Get ready for a rollercoaster filled with twists and turns at 120mph. I promised myself as an ARC reader I would savor this one, as I have been in withdrawal after book 1, but I totally failed at that and greedily consumed this masterpiece in basically 24 hours.

[Hadley Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great second book for this series and looking forward to a continuation! The plot isn’t overdone, and there was a lot more character building and added characters that I enjoyed in this book, particularly Cillian and Bishop!
I would actually give this book 4.5/5, I only took off points for a little bit of predictability, whereas with the first book, I was completely thrown by every curveball. I definitely still recommend and will be reading the next book!

[Cathy M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Redemption

Just as the first book kept me wanting to keep reading, Redemption kept the suspense going. Darn good read, can't wait for the next book.

[Jringz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get to read this as an ARC and I LOVED it! Romance, spice, and suspense all rolled into one. The first book made me care about the main characters because they had real depth to them and I was rooting for them all the way through. The 2nd book just made me love them more. The suspense was also on point - kept me guessing. One other thing this author did was introduce supporting characters that I also cared about which is a real talent. I cannot wait for the next book!

[Ashley Argueta · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

I truly enjoyed this book however I don't like be left on another cliffhanger. I have questions that need answers like now. I can't wait for book 3.

[Stephanie Blankenship · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book! The plot thickens! It has been an emotional roller coaster and I have love every second of it! Seeing Alex and Declan grow and become aware of how much they mean to each other has kept me hooked. I absolutely cannot wait to see where the next book goes.

[Kaitlyn | read_withkaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to the Whiskey River series! After that ending in book one, I couldn’t wait to jump back in—and this sequel delivered the answers I was hoping for while keeping the suspense high.

I was so happy to be back with Declan and Alex, and I loved seeing their story continue. The suspense kept me hooked, and there were plenty of twists that kept me guessing.

And that ending… another cliffhanger! A.J. Turner definitely knows how to keep me immediately reaching for the next book. I can’t wait to dive into Alyssa and Cillian’s story next!

✨If you enjoy romantic suspense with high stakes, found family, and a protective hero who will do absolutely anything for the people he loves, this series is definitely worth picking up.

[Jessica Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely need more Whiskey River! Alex and Declan, the push pull game was strong in this one.

The cliffhanger ending from book 1 was all worth it. This life that Alex lives is a wild one. On the run, dirty family secrets and past life secrets. They all unfolded into a perfect little package.

This thrill ride included so many aspects. Mafia,trafficking, dirty cops and more. I absolutely could not for the life of me figure out who the rats were.

This one included plenty of laughs along the way. A few scenes made me laugh out loud.

And damn it……impatiently waiting for book 3🤦🏼‍♀️

[Kelley D · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give 10 stars, this read would deserve it! From the very first paragraph I was hooked, just like book 1. A.J. certainly has a way of grabbing you and keeping you turning pages late into the night. The pace of this read is strong with some interesting characters. I found myself laughing out loud and holding my breath at different parts. Can’t wait to get my hands on Book 3!

[Katherine Lang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good! Hoping for a book 3

[Jessica Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

This book picks up right where the first left off. I love that the best friend had more page time and now I'm waiting on book three.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gave me mature characters with real-life baggage! The FMC is a single mom and nurse, and the MMC is a single dad and detective. I love when romance characters actually feel like they’ve lived a life before the book starts.

Fast-paced and easy to get through perfect vacation reading. I finished this in about a week while I was away, and it kept me turning pages. The danger elements added a layer of suspense that kept the story moving.

My ick? Bestie may have a drinking problem.

Overall, this was a solid contemporary romance with a little suspense mixed in. It had romance, family dynamics, danger, and enough twists to keep me curious. It wasn’t a book that I could compare to anything else I’ve read, but it definitely scratched that “I want a story that’s entertaining and keeps me hooked” itch.

[Terra Cleveland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A.J. Turner has a gift for creating unforgettable characters whose journeys stay with you long after you’ve finished reading. The emotional depth is beautifully balanced with moments of hope, romance, and tension that kept me saying, “Just one more chapter.” The redemption woven throughout this story feels earned, powerful, and incredibly satisfying.

If you love stories that make your heart race, your emotions run wild, and leave you thinking about the characters long after the final page, Whiskey River Redemption belongs at the top of your TBR. A.J. Turner continues to prove why the Whiskey River series is one I won’t soon forget, not to mention her cliffhangers 😳😂.. I already can’t wait to see what comes next. Bravo!

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I been waiting for this book since the first one ending. Book one was where we met Alex and Declan and the whole gang. The first book ended on a cliffhanger, but this one starts perfectly where that one ended. These had action, suspense, mystery, romance, it was a rollercoaster of emotions but in the best way. It had me at the edge of my seat and every turn was something new. The actual person who did all of this, that was the biggest kicker, would have never thought. But let me just say this author and her writing are amazing for sure, the way she interlock everything to fit perfectly and keep you eanting more is great. You dont want to put it down becuase you don't want to miss anything. So yes this series? Recommended for sure!

[Tracee Reynolds-Riba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare and get ready to be locked in till the end. Whiskey River Redemption provided no pause before go time. The thrills began with literally the first sentence. And yes, questions get answered, while new surprises surface. The plot pacing is perfection! This author knows how to realistically build a romance during the chaos her characters find themselves in. Alex and Declan are both likable and relatable in different ways but create a perfect romantic balance for the story. Cillian though, definitely a new favorite. I love the fun tension between him and Alyssa! Can’t wait to see where that goes. Thrills, romance, and throw in some organized crime and you find yourself not wanting to leave Whiskey River until you forced out with the closing words. Looking forward to book 3!

[Amanda Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
HEA✅️❓️

What a ride! Wow. Ok. Alex and Declan are one of my favorite fictional couples and the insanity they have to navigate is unreal. The suspense in this book is top tier. There are tons of questions that don't get answered until the end. By the time you get there and you take a deep breath...its over. The other shoe has not only dropped, but its been thrown across the room.

And now I am DESPERATE for book 3.

A.J. Turner has crafted such an amazing story with characters you feel connected with. They are realistic and you can't help but see yourself in this group of friends.

[Heather Greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is becoming one of my favorite series. This is book two and I was curious how it could top the first book but man it sure held its own. Book one left me hanging and to be honest, it left me a little mad about it. But I couldn’t wait to dive into this one to see where the story would lead me.

I love all the tension, danger, banter and the twists that come right along with these characters. This author knows how to hook you and take you on a ride and always keep you wanting more. I had a hard time putting it down.
The problem with finishing her books so quickly is that she leaves me hanging for the next one!
I honestly love the anticipation!!

[Angela Henery · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Secrets of Whiskey River, I thought I was prepared for the sequel.

I was, in fact, not prepared.

The twists. The turns. The swoon-worthy moments. The laugh-out-loud ones. This book kept me on my toes from beginning to end. Every time I thought I knew where the story was headed, A.J. Turner proved me wrong.

She strikes the perfect balance between fast-paced action and slower, character-driven moments that make you fall in love with every person on the page. And that ending... talk about a cliffhanger.

I am officially invested in Declan and Alex, and I need to know what happens next.

Secrets was good. Redemption was amazing. I will never stop recommending this series.

[Katina Sites · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - This book does not disappoint!  I was on the edge of my seat from start to finish - it is filled with suspense and danger as well as romance and humor.   The characters are well-written and make you want more, more, more.   You become fully entrenched and emotionally invested in their lives and the story.    The banter and humor are awesome - I am still giggling.   And yes, she does it again with the cliffhanger!  I will be anxiously awaiting Book 3 and cannot even be mad about it as I enjoyed the ride way too much.

[Karen Lindgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this book, I had the pleasure of being an ARC reader for this book. And let me say it was as good as the first one!!! I refuse to give spoilers you all have to read it!❤️ A.J.’s details to the books story line and characters are above par!
And she ALWAYS, ALWAYS leaves you wanting, and needing more. It will not disappoint.

[Annette Pena · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! A.J. Turner has done it again! This is the continuation of the first book Secrets of Whiskey River and this book is even better than the first and that is saying a lot considering I LOVED that book as well! I was hooked from the first page and could not put this book down! This story has it all, thrills, suspense, romance, you name it, it is in this story! This is a MUST, MUST, MUST READ!

[Cydney Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A.J. has done it again! Book 1 had me hooked, book 2 has me addicted!
I loved every twist and turn! Alex is a force to be reckoned with! I loved learning more about her and her family.
Another cliffhanger! But all it did was have me start the count down for book 3! A definite must read!

[Amanda Troutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put this down! Story had me emotionally invested and internally screaming at 3am. Will likely reread the series again just to love these characters again

[Brandi Krause · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. Beautiful story. Twists and turns, highs and lows. Looking forward to book 3.