Silver Lining

by J. Lee

Avery Adams has had a hard start to life. She has pulled herself out the grim and a life of bad luck. She has never felt any love from her family and has little friends. She decides to leave her hometown to make a better life for herself. With no money and only what could fit into her car she heads east. Her journey comes to a stop when she runs out of gas. She is now face to face with a huge hunk of a man in a dark parking lot; instead of running she feels a spark of hope.

Grant Easton is dedicated to his club. He loves the music he’s surrounded by and takes pride in the work he has done to get the family business out of the red and back in the black. He has no time for love in his life but from the moment he meets the spit fire with a foul mouth he feels a pull to her. The only trouble is what he sets in the way of a future with her. Too bad his obstacles are not the only ones they have to get around.

Having finally found love from group at the Barrelhouse will Avery’s silver lining be tarnished or will she be able to have the life of love she has always wanted?

Unknown Binding

Published September 30, 2016

Reviews

[Marcella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avery Adams leaves her family, if you can call them that, and Vegas in search of a new beginning. She was dealt a crappy hand with a druggie for a mother and a step dad who didn't feel the need to protect her when his friends got a little too handsy with her. She didn't have a lot of money but she knew she had to get out of the environment she was in. Unfortunately Avery still can't seem to catch a break as her car decides to run out of gas at the Barrelhouse. She is out of money and has no idea what she is going to do, especially since she currently has a broken foot.

As she is contemplating her crappy luck, someone knocks on her window. She is startled and becomes a little nervous when the person that knocks her window is a huge guy. He tells her that she can't park in the lot and she proceeds to tell him that she doesn't have any money. He immediately gets upset, not because she can't get her car out of his lot, but because of how young she is. Grant, the owner of Barrelhouse can't believe what he is seeing. A young woman is stranded with no money and has no means to take care of herself. It makes him wonder what possible circumstances she could possibly have dealt with to make her leave her home. He is struck with a sudden need to protect her so he offers her a job at the club and a place to stay with him and his sister, Zaylee until she can get back on her feet.

There is an immediate attraction between the two of them. Grant knows that Avery is a lot younger than him and just doesn't want to go there, especially now that she will be living with him and Zaylee and that he is technically her boss. No matter how hard he tries, Grant just can't get Avery out of his mind. She has gotten under his skin.

Grant is a favorite character of mine. He is everything a woman wants in a man. he is protective, kind, generous, caring and most definitely sexy as sin. I just loved how protective he was of Avery. He was so angry on Avery's behalf and he had just met her. His empathy just made him even more desirable as a character. I enjoyed every minute of this story. I could not get enough of Avery and Grant. I was so say when it was over. These are characters I did not like saying goodbye to.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two in the Barrelhouse series. It starts where book one leaves off. I feel that it would be beneficial to read book one first just because it does talk about other characters who are in this book. Avery has had a really tough life. Her mother is a drug addict who could care less about her. She runs out of gas in front of barrelhouse after leaving her mother's home in Las Vegas due to issues with her step father. And honestly it's best she leaves anyway with a mother like hers I am sure I would have left too. Anyway she meets Grant who is one of the owners of the bar and at first he's being all gruff and telling her to leave but once she starts telling him she has nowhere to go, no money and a broken foot he feels as if he needs to help her. He gives her a job and a home on the spot. There is an instant attraction between them and he's completely protective of this girl when he barely knows her. You can't help but root for them and hope they can figure things out. At least that was my feelings from the get go. I have really enjoyed reading this series. They are easy to read and easy to get lost in. I like the characters a lot and chuckled at some of phrases. Fun book!

[Jazmine Cabrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silver Lining by J. Lee, is the second book in her Barrelhouse Series. I feel like it can be read as a standalone, since all the characters are well introduced. A silver lining is a hopeful or comforting prospect in the midst of difficulty, and that is what this story is.
We meet Avery Adams, a sweet 19 year old who has been dealt more than anyone can imagine. Even though she lived with her mother and stepdad she had to grow up faster than most kids her age. Her mother didn’t care for her, the only thing she worried about was when she was getting her next fix. She changed men like she changed her underwear, meaning a lot! Avery had to find odd jobs in order to be able to get food and have money to buy a car. It wasn’t the best or the newest, but it got her from point A to point B, or at least sometimes it did.
Then we have Grant Easton, a hard working club owner. He lives with his sister Zaylee and they both are partners in the business. His club is different from the others, it’s not a bar. At the Barrelhouse you can come in for a drink and enjoy some good food and music. It’s not a place to hook up, but one where you can just relax and find yourself, to have a good time. Some people may think that he over works himself but he does it all for the club. It’s been in the family for some time so he only wants to keep it that way.
Both Avery and Grant meet one night when Avery’s car leaves her stranded in the parking lot of the Barrelhouse. Avery has left her home in Las Vegas, in search of a new life. It wasn’t a good one to begin with, so she can only hope it gets better. Man on man, will it get better. Upon meeting Grant, she is given a job, food and a home to live in. While it may seem strange that Grant takes her in so quickly, no questions asked; I can see why he does it. He doesn’t want to put her in anymore danger. Time passes and they both can’t deny the feelings they have for each other. While Avery is more than ready to see where it goes, Grant is afraid to start a relationship with her since she is so young. Not only that but the fact that she works for him, if things don’t go as planned her doesn’t want her to feel like she has to leave.
So the big question here is will Grant get his head out of his behind and finally make a move or will he let Avery go? I’m hopeful that there will be a happy ending for the both of them. Grant might just be that silver lining in Avery’s life.
Well done Ms. Lee. 5 stars!!!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silver Lining is book 2 in the Barrelhouse Series following Mend her Heart. It can be read as a stand alone but don’t miss out on book 1!
What an absolute cute, fun, romantic story! Avery is looking for a little happiness. Not necessarily a happily ever after, because she knows those only happen in books and movies. Right? But it couldn’t hurt her to have just a little happy in her life. Fate decides she needs to meet Grant! And once Grant becomes a part of Avery’s life, boy do things heat up! The attraction between the two is instant but there are some things in the way of true happiness, like her age, their living and work arrangements. Neither wants to ruin a good thing. Avery isn’t even sure if Grant feels anything for her much less if he feels the same way she feels about him. Can they take a chance on even more happiness by being together? Or will life continue to hand Avery sour lemons. While Happiness is a place everyone wants to be, sometimes you have to work harder to get there.

“I can definitely appreciate the sun set now that I am out of the rough waters.”

Grant is the owner of a bar…er…club as he likes to call it. When he finds Avery in her broken down car in his parking lot, the fun begins! Grant doesn’t want to add Avery to his list of worries or cause her any more unhappiness but there’s just something about being a knight in shining armor that Grant can’t turn away from. Any chance to make Avery smile and laugh is a chance Grant wants to take. He often wonders though if Avery has the same feelings for him.
I really liked this story! The characters were fun and clever. J Lee is on to something with this series! I’m already looking for more!

[Lyndsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silver Lining (Barrelhouse book 2) by J. Lee
4 Stars

Silver Lining is the 2nd book in the Barrelhouse series by J. Lee.It can be read as a standalone but would suggest reading the first book,Mending Her Heart, as we see the previous characters.
Avery lives in Las Vegas with her neglectful mother and loser stepdad. When she finally saves enough money, she buys a car, throws all she can into her car and starts driving east, after a trip to ER for a broken foot. When she makes it to Florida and runs out of has in the parking lot of Grants club, sparks fly but he's not having it because she's too young.
Grant is a workaholic. Running the family business is a lot of work and he doesn't have time for anything else, until Avery pulls into his life. He's fighting the attraction because of her age but how long before he gives in?
I really liked this book because we saw a glimpse of them in the first book and have been patiently waiting to find out their story. I loved seeing all the previous characters as well, I mean who wouldn't want to!! This author has a great series going and I for one cannot wait to read more!

[Krystal gaston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silver Lining was an addicting read right from the beginning J. Lee hooks you. Silver Lining is book 2 but can be read as a stand alone. This is a very well written story about a young girl 19 year old girl (Avery) decides to leave home. Unfortunately for her, her car runs out of gas in a creepy, dark empty parking lot, and she has no cell phone, no money, nothing to protect herself with. Grant is a no nonsense kind of guy, full blown alpha male. When he sees a car in his club parking lot he knocks and tells them to leave, until he notices it a young girl, with a sassy mouth and he instantly feels the need to protect her...plus she’s broke, living out of her car and has nothing going for her. He may be a jerk but something about her calls to him and makes him offer her a place to stay and job. Here is where the story get a interesting there are about 5 others introduced in this story Zaylee (Grants sister and room mate), Elsy and her boyfriend Dee, Dax, and Aziel (security and the club). All the characters are funny, alpha, and blend so well together. The one thing I found that bothered me was you never actually learn Grants age. There at parts that hint at it but it is never actually revealed, normally this would not bother me however it plays a major part in The story. Overall I loved the book and recommend it.

[Kate_mrs539 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am pretty sure J. Lee is a master at anticipation! The Barrelhouse Series has it in spades! I love how J. Lee doesn't make it easy for her characters. There is always something in the way, making the anticipation some of the best I have read in a long time.

This series is quickly checking off my must haves in a favorite read or series, making J. Lee a permanent fixture on my one-click list.

Silver Lining is the second book in Barrelhouse Series. It is a standalone with an HEA. You don't need to read the previous books to understand what is happening; however, as this is a series, many of the characters crossover from book to book. You become so invested in these characters that passing on the other books simply isn't an option. Happy Reading!


Synopsis:
Leaving her past behind her, Avery hits the road intending to never return to the life she is leaving. But her trip is cut short when she runs out of gas and no money to her name. Little does she know her life is about to take a drastic change.

Closing up the Barrelhouse for the night, Grant notices a leftover car in the lot, except this car still has a driver. Intending to clear the car out of the parking lot, he confronts the owner only to find Avery, down on her luck. Not only does she have no gas or no money, she has a broken foot.

Grant extends some goodwill to Avery and gives her a job and a place to stay, but being a good Samaritan is not the only thing on his mind. Grant feels an attraction to Avery and doesn't quite know how to handle it. Not only is Avery years younger than him, but she has befriended his friends and family and because of her tumultuous past, he doesn't want to disrupt her new life.

Besides all of that, a local trouble maker fixates on Avery and her potential importance to Grant. Getting close to Avery means putting her at risk and that is definitely off the table.

Only time will tell if they can remove all the roadblocks in their way to give a relationship a chance.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Silver Lining” is the second book in The Barrelhouse Series by J Lee, where we get the story of Grant and Avery. “Silver Lining” can be read as a standalone but it’s nice to have a bit of backstory to the dysfunctional family that you read about. Grant is the co-owner of The Barrelhouse with his sister, Zaylee as the bar was handed down from their father, Ron when he retired. Grant and Zaylee live together in Zaylee’s house since Grant had to move out of the place he shared with his old friend, Wes, who tends to get into trouble. Avery finally got enough money to leave her emotionally abusive mother’s house in Las Vegas and made it as far as The Barrelhouse parking lot before running out of gas and money. Grant is the one to tell her to keep moving and she flatly explains why she can’t. Suddenly, Grant goes from gruff bar owner to very concerned and overprotective man. He offers Avery a room to stay at the house with him and Zaylee and a job at the club checking IDs. Both Avery and Grant feel immediate and overwhelming electricity in their touch. However small a touch it may be left both of them changed. Some time passes and feelings grow but so does the doubt. Grant worries about losing the friendship he has with Avery, their age difference, and making life awkward being her boss and roommate. For Avery, she still can’t wrap her head around having people in her life that care about her and doesn’t want to lose any of them if things didn’t work out with Grant. How long can they deny themselves of what could be the best thing in their lives? I was so glad when I finally got my hands on this book! I loved the first book “Mending Her Heart” and was desperate to read the next installment! I quite literally couldn’t put it down! I love J Lee’s books and this amazing group of people she has been sharing with the world! Grant wasn’t as big a part of the first book and I was really glad he was the focus of this book. He is the strong silent type and I loved getting to read about his part in this quirky family. Grant and Avery have to be one of my new favorite book couples. Avery had to go through so much in her life that she really deserved the love he received from them all and was grateful for it. She makes a good role model being so strong and empowering for women! So eager for more from J Lee and The Barrelhouse series! I obviously give “Silver Lining” five stars! Would give more if I could!!

[Laura Furuta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silver Lining (The Barrelhouse House Series Book 2)
By: J Lee
5 out of 5 stars
 
The story Silver Lining (The Barrelhouse House Series Book 2) by J Lee is a romantic suspense. Avery Adams has never felt the warmth and closeness of family and best friends. She always has to take care of herself from the time that she is very young. She decides that she is going out on her own. She has crossed the US and ends up in a parking lot with no gas, no money and a broken foot. In comes Grant Easton to the picture. He finds Avery that night and decides that he can’t leave her out on her own. He decides that she will come home with him and room with himself and his sister. Things move fairly quickly from there. Grant hires her to work at his bar or “club” as he calls it. Grant also feels the electricity that goes through him every time they touch. He is so much older than her and he is her boss. Will Avery get Grant to see her as the mature woman that she is? Oh, there is one other person who is trying to get Avery’s attention. He doesn’t have the best reputation or character. This man is trying to force his affection on Avery. Grant throws him out however will he be able to keep her safe going forward?
 
This is a wonderful second book in the Barrelhouse series. It is told from the POV of both Grant and Avery. First of all the story is really interesting and addicting, very hard to put down. Everything else I have on my to do list is forgotten. The characters are the main part of the series and book that I love. You will remember most of them from the first book and the addition of Avery makes it even better. The way the characters are written makes caring for them and their situations in life that much easier. Having friends that treat you like family and will do anything for each other is a new experience for Avery who never got this growing up. It takes her a while however she does learn that she doesn’t have to be on her own anymore and she can ask for help.

If you love a romance story with plenty of laughs and friends/family pulling together for one another, with just a side order of danger, this is the book for you. There is adult language, situations and some wild and sexy love scenes. I would recommend for those 18 years and older.

[Lynn Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

SILVER LINING. BY J LEE *****5*****
AVERY ADAMS HAD A MESSED UP LONELY LIFE. SHE HAD A MOTHER WHO DESPISED HER FROM THE MOMENT SHE WAS BORN. HER MOTHER NEGLECTED HER AND FROM A VERY YOUNG AGE AVERY LEARNED TO TAKE CARE OF HERSELF. SHE NEVER HAD LOVE OR FRIENDS IN HER LIFE. WHEN SHE WAS ABLE TO GET A JOB SHE SAVED HER MONEY TO BUY A CHEAP CAR TO LEAVE HOME. SO WHEN SHE HAD HER CAR SHE THREW AS MUCH AS HER CAR WOULD HOLD AND BROKE HER FOOT WHILE DOING IT. SHE STOPS BY THE ER AND THEY PUT A CAST ON. SO WITH HER CAR PACKED SHE LEAVES LAST VEGAS AND HEADS EAST. AVERY HAS NO MONEY, AND NO PHONE AND AS SHE RUNS OUT OF GAS SHE PULLS INTO A PARKING LOT IN FLORIDA WHICH HAPPENS TO BE A BAR.
GRANT EASTON IS A WORKAHOLIC WHO SPENDS ALL HIS TIME IN HIS CLUB AND WITH HIS FRIENDS WHO HE REFERS TO HIS DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY. HE DOES NOT HAVE TIME FOR A SOCIAL LIFE OR A GIRLFRIEND. HE NOTICES A CAR IN HIS LOT AND WALKS OUT TO TELL WHOEVER IT IS TO MOVE. HE KNOCKS ON AVERY'S WINDOW AND IS SCARS HER SO GRANT OPENS HER DOOR. HE TELLS HER SHE HAS TO MOVE AND AVERY INFORMS HIM SHE HAS NO GAS AND HE TELLS HER HE WILL TAKE HER TO GET SOME. AVERY THEN TELLS GRANT SHE HAS NO MONEY AND HE TELLS HER HE WILL GIVE HER A JOB AS A WAITRESS. A VERY TELLS HIM SHE HAS A BROKEN FOOT SO HE SCOOPS HER UP AND THEY BOTH FEEL THE ELECTRICAL SHOCK OF EACH OTHER TOUCH. GRANT TAKES HER INSIDE AND MAKES HER A SANDWICH AND TELLS AVERY SHE CAN CHECK ID'S AT THE DOOR AND SHE. AN STAY WITH HIM AND HIS SISTER.
AS THE WEEKS GO BY GRANT TRIES HIS BEST TO KEEP HIS FEELING IN CHECK FOR AVERY. HE HAS ALREADY MADE HIS MIND UP THAT SHE IS TOO YOUNG FOR HIM TO START A RELATIONSHIP WITH AND IT WOULD BE WEIRD SINCE HE IS HER BOSS AND ROOMMATE. SO HE CONTINUES TO PUSH HER AWAY EVEN THOUGH EVERYONE AT THE CLUB INCLUDING HIS PARENTS KNOWS HOW HE FEELS ABOUT HER.
IF YOU LOVE DRAMA A LOT OF SASS YOU WILL.LOVE THIS BOOK. THIS IS THE FIRST BOOK I HAVE READ FROM THIS AUTHOR AND I'M WONDERING IF I HAVE BEEN HIDING UNDER A ROCK. THIS WAS AN AWESOME READ AND I LOVED HOW SHE INTERTWINED ALL THE CHARACTERS WITH EACH OTHER LIVES. I ENCOURAGE YOU TO READ THIS SERIES

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

RUNNING OUT OF GAS CAN LEAD TO BETTER PLACES THAN A GAS STATION!!
Silver lining is the second book in the Barrelhouse Series. It can be read as a standalone but it is better to read the first one to get the feel of all the characters.
Avery has had a very tough start in life. Her own mother doesn’t love her she just calls Avery nasty names and has as long as Avery can remember. All her mother cares about is her and her boyfriend’s next fix. Avery is done!! She has worked hard to save enough money to buy her a car to leave this life behind. Now she is on the road and doesn’t really know where she will find her next home but for now she is content with the apartment she is driving. At nineteen going on twenty-five she has had to grow up fast. Now it is time for her to find her own way in this world. Avery plan was not very thought out but she knows it is now or never. She no money or food other than snack cakes she grabbed going out the door. When the car starts to sputter and she rolls to a dead stop in a dark parking lot, she is now confronted by a huge man with a cap pulled down over his eyes.
Grant Easton runs his families club and he doesn’t tolerate loiterers in his parking lot. When he gets to the window of the car to tell them to move on he is confronted by a scared young woman. With no money and out of gas he decides she is going to stay with him and his sister until she can get on her feet. There is one small problem, Avery has a broken leg which limits what she can do. Grant is going to help her if it kills him. There is a spark of electricity that they both feel but will Grant go it? Avery feels the same spark every time she is near him. There is one person standing in the way. With intentions of hurting anyone Grant cares about, can Grant keep everyone safe?
This is a good read! I love the family dynamics in this story and how they take on a stranger and make her feel something she has never felt before! J Lee has written an amazing story that flows right into your heart.

[Crystal aguilar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing!

Silver Lining by J Lee is the second book in the Barrelhouse series and can be read as a standalone, but I recommend to start with book one to get a better feel of some of the characters. This book tells the story about Grant, who was introduced in the first book and a new character named Avery. Grant is a workaholic who dedicates all of his time to his club, his family and his friends. Avery is a 19 women who has not had a good life so far while living in Las Vegas with her mother and looser stepfather so she decides the only way to find her own happiness is to leave Vegas and head out to the unknown. After driving across country with no phone, no money, no food and a beat up car Avery runs out of gas in a parking lot somewhere in Florida. The parking lot that she breaks down in just happens to be Grant's club and as soon as Avery and Grant meet the connection between them is instant and the moment they touch sparks fly. After finding out about Avery’s lack of money, food and housing Grant welcomes her into his home and life with open arms, except even though he is insanely attracted to her he puts up a wall and pushes any thoughts of anything other than friendship from his mind due to Avery’s young age. The author takes you on a journey while Grant tries to figure out if him pushing Avery away is the best thing for her or if he should just give into the desires he has and make them both happy.
I really liked this book and was happy to see all of the characters from the first book back again in this one. This book was well written and flowed well. The author did an amazing job telling the story and took you on a rollercoaster ride full of laughter, love, happiness, suspense, sadness and drama. The book is told in first person through both Grant's and Avery’s points of view. I recommend readers be over the age of 18 due to adult content and language. I give this book 4 stars.

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIVE STARS
This is book two in the Barrelhouse Series but this could totally be a stand alone book. It does mix the characters from book one into this and I must say I am still loving all of the characters and they way they create what they lovingly refer too as " one big dysfunctional family".
Avery packed up all her clothes got in her car and drove east from Nevada. Never looking back. Not knowing where she was going or what she was going to do once she got there. In the middle of the night she ended up in the parking lot of a bar, her car has gone as far as it can on the gas she had and now with no money and no gas she is stranded. A big hulking, beast of a man comes to her car and tells her she needs to move it or it gets towed. She admits to him she has no money and no place to go and Grant offers her a place to stay with him and his sister.
Avery comes from a home where she was just an inconvience. She has never known stability, love, happiness, safety or even caring. She learns a lot about herself and the people around her and she learns to trust and love and even though she doubts herself sometimes she never doubts those around her.
Grant is the ower of the club and he is trying his hardest to stay away from Avery, she is too young and his employee. He should not get involved with her but seeing her laughing and having fun with his friends is eating at him. He wants to be the one to put the smiles on her face and to be the reason she laughs. After telling Dax that he can take her out, he regrets it immensely. Dax and Avery discuss the fact that Avery likes Grant and Dax is cool with it. He knows when to step back.
Then it is just a matter of time before they get together.
This is a wonderful book and I can't wait to read more about the people of the the Barrelhouse Series.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silver Lining by J Lee is a four star book. This is the second book in the Barrelhouse series. I love how the author is able to use the start of the story in the first book and continue on in this one without having had to read the first one in order to understand the second one. Avery is just nineteen years old but knows she wants more out of her life than what her mother has to offer. She has never felt the love from her mother that she knows she should have. The drugs were just too important to her and getting her next fix became her top priority. Her father left without a second thought in the world and she had no idea who he even was. When her mother married her step father, she became even more invisible. His friends thought they could do whatever they wanted with her but she quickly learned self defense and made sure she was always ready to protect herself from those kinds of people that came around her house. She has saved up some money, and she decides the best thing for her to do is to drive as far as she can. She needs to get out of Las Vegas and make a new life for herself. When she lands herself in Florida, she is out of money and out of gas. She gets off the road and into a darkened parking lot. While she is sitting there trying to figure out what she is going to do, a man steps out of the building and yells at her that she needs to leave. It is the middle of the night and she tells him her car is out of gas and out of money. Grant then tells her that he is going to take car of her. She is going to his house and he is going to employ her at his club. As they become friends, he knows he can't be with her because he doesn't want to ruin anything they already have. But try as he might, he can't let her go.

[Tracy Antonelli Manderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silver Lining by J.Lee Barrelhouse book 2
5 out of 5 stars
Silver Lining is book 2 in the Barrelhouse Series with Mend her Heart the first book to this awesome series. . This is a very well written story with well-developed characters. We met Grant in book one of this series and Avery is new to town.
Avery Adams is a nineteen year old girl who has had a hard start in life. She has never felt any kind of love from her family and has little to know friends. She decides to leave her home/hometown to make a better life for herself. With no money and only what could fit into her car she heads east.
Her journey comes to a stop when she runs out of gas. Her car makes it into a in a creepy, dark empty parking lot, with no cell phone, and no money, and nothing to protect herself with.
Grant is a workaholic who’s dedicated all of his time to his club, his family and his friends. He is a full blown alpha male and a no nonsense kind of guy.
Leaving the club one night he sees a car in his parking lot he knocks and tells them to leave, until he notices it a young girl, with a sassy mouth and he instantly feels the need to protect her. He has never felt anything like this for anybody but his family and close friends.
Anyway she’s broke, living out of her car and has nothing going for her. So Grant welcomes her into his home and life with open arms, but he keeps his distance and puts up some walls due to Avery’s young age even though he is insanely attracted to her.
J Lee is has something really special with this series! I can’t wait until I get my hands on the next book in this series!
By
Tracy Manderson

[Melissa Schaub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silver Lining is book two in The Barrelhouse House series by J Lee and if at all possible it is even better than the first. I think it is because it is all of the same characters from book 1 so we have more “invested” in them at this point. In book 1 we get a small glimpse of what the life of Avery and Grant could be like but at that point everything was new. In this book it picks up where the last one left off, except we get more of the story. It starts off with Avery’s car breaking down in the parking lot of Grant’s club. When he tries to make her leave he realizes that if anyone needs help it is Avery and vows to give her a place to call home. He brings her home and lets her rent a room from him and gives her a job. Their dysfunctional family instantly adopts her. After spending some time together he realizes that he never wants her to leave and Avery never wants to lose what she has recently found. Avery has never had a family before even her own never wanted her; her feelings towards Grant are instant and overwhelming. Grant feels the connection too but is hesitant to start anything with her other than friendship because he is scared to lose what they already have and the age difference bothers him. However, Avery is determined to know down every wall surrounding him. When a family friend targets Grant and tries to get to Avery, emotions start to run high and they start to wonder if they will all get out of it alive.
Seriously just do yourself a favor and buy this entire series. It is such a fun, hilarious, emotion filled ride that you will never want to step off of. I cannot wait for the rest of the series and to learn more about all of these characters.

[Anna Hirsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silver Lining by J.Lee
5 Stars

This is book two in the Barrelhouse Series. Though it is part of a series, it is also a perfect standalone. It has the same characters as in part one but in this book it concentrates on the love story between Grant and Avery.

Avery had to raise herself. Her mother was a drug addict and neglected Avery completely. Their house was a revolving door for her mother’s boyfriends who were just there to chase the dragon. The latest boyfriend never touched Avery but thought she could be a plaything for his buddies. She learned from a young age how to fend them off. Scraping together some money, she bought a car and took off. Amazingly she made it from Vegas all the way to Florida until fate had her car give up in the parking lot of Grant’s club.

It was the end of the night and Grant didn't want anyone loitering in his lot. Banging on her window, he told her so. He never expected to meet a fiery red head full of attitude. She took his breath away. Noticing she was living out of her car, he gave her a job and let her stay at his place until she could get on her feet. He never expected to fall in love with her. There was an electric charge between them that was undeniable. Though Grant knew she was only nineteen and had her whole life ahead of her, he needed to claim her as his. She was his soulmate and he couldn't breathe without her.

It took them a while to admit their feelings. Each had issues to deal with and someone was trying to kill Avery but when they finally got it together, it was beautiful. Many times throughout the book I got teary eyed. It was a story I really enjoyed.

[Carissa Anelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

After running from a drug addled mother and step father and his abusive friends in Nevada, she finds herself out of fuel in an empty parking lot with what appears to be a run down shack in it. She grabs her water and a knock on her window has her spitting it all over the steering wheel. Grant introduces himself also tells Avery she will be working and staying with him when he notices she is living out of her car and catches her and carries her to his truck when she tries to go after him with a broken foot. She isn't working at the Barrel House long when it comes out that she can sing and regularly makes an appearance on stage since Dino was shot by his girlfriends crazy ex.

Nothing like a case of boy meets girl, boy likes girl, girl likes boy, boy can't get his head out the sand enough to notice. Everybody else in their dysfunctional family can see it but Grant is afraid that with the age gap she is going to resent him later on by not allowing her to follow her dreams. He does give into temptation once though in the truck in the driveway where Avery's butt hits the horn and breaks the spell. After two run ins with Wes for Avery, Grant finally tells her what happened between them and how he finally told his father and they cut all ties. Avery finally spells it all out for him exactly what and who she wants she just has to sit back and wait for him to come around, and it looks like she has Grant and Zaylee's dad on her side.

These books just keep getting better, you get sucked into this dysfunctional family and feel like you belong. The story is still great even into the second book and I cannot wait to continue this series.

[Cara Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avery has had a really hard life and by the age of 19 she knows that she needs to get out from under her mom who has never wanted her anyway. When her car dies, she meets Grant who decides that he isn't going to just let her keep on living in her car for the time being. He takes her in and she lives with him and his sister Zaylee, as well as works for them at the club that they own. She finds that not only do these people around her become her friends, they become the family that she has never had. Grant realizes that he feels something for Avery, but is afraid to act on it due to the age difference. Over time he sees her for who she is and decides to take things to the next level wth her. When they start dating, things start happening and while they know who is doing it, they can't really do anything about it until he is caught in the act. Avery and Grant do their best to overcome everything that is happening and in the end come out the other side a stronger couple, and watching and Avery realizes that Grant will do anything in the world possible to keep her is amazing. Grant is an amazing man who loves with his whole heart and he loves Avery more than anything in the world. By the end of the book Avery has found a home and a family that loves her and cares for her more than anyone ever has before. I hope that if you take the time to read this book that you enjoy it like I did. I know for me I couldn't put this book down!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rate: 4 Stars
Title & Author: Silver Lining By J Lee
Writing: Great
Violence: None
Sex: Some

Avery never know safety, or love before, especially from her own mother or step-father. She always had to look out for herself, and take care of herself since she can remember. So when she finally leaves the crappy place she called home, she had no regrets. Avery had everything somewhat plan out, and the number one thing that she wanted the most is to start a new life elsewhere. But with only a little bit a money, and a little bit a food, and a broken down car that is running out of fuel, her luck seems to be running thin. That is until she meets Grant and he gives her a chance to make her new life and to depend on him, and his family. Will Avery be able to really trust Grant and the people around him, or will leave and try somewhere else.

I enjoy reading this story, Avery and Grant sister Zaylee, are too funny together. I love that Avery give into Grant demands, and stands up and tells him how she feels when he thinks he can decide everything to her. It made me want to shout out “You go girl! Don’t let him everything for you.” Avery has a lot of spunk, and yes Grant is only trying to help, and do what’s best for Avery. But you can always ask a person instead of trying to decide everything for yourself. But Grant is such an amazing person, yes he came off rough, and kind of mean. But he has a great heart, and he’s very protective of those he loves.

[Michelle Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silver Lining by J. Lee was a great 5 star read.

This is Avery and Grant’s story and book two in the Barrelhouse Series.
Avery has decided to leave her hometown to start a new life for herself. Her home life wasn’t the greatest and she is done with her mother and step dad. When she runs out of gas in the Barrelhouse parking lot she comes face-to-face with Grant who is demanding that she leave his parking lot or be towed.

Grant owns the Barrelhouse bar and is shocked to see how young Avery is. When he finds out that she has no money and is stranded he immediately wants to help her. He invites Avery to stay with him and his sister and offers her a job at the club.

Lets just say that Grant and Avery have an instant connection, Grant tries to keep their relationship professional. However there is something about Avery that draws him in. As he watches her connect with his friends and Dax he realizes that he can no longer stay away.
Will Avery trust Grant enough to let him in?

This was a great fun read and I was happy to see these two connect the way they did. I really liked Avery’s strength, Grant was so good for her. The secondary characters were great and added a great element to the story. This is actually my first read in the series and feel this could be read as a stand alone. I do plan on going back to book one so I know everyone’s story.Thank you for the great read, I suggest you 1-Click and get started today.

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silver Lining is the second book in the Barrelhouse Series and it can be read alone. But because there are points in the second book that are from the first book, I recommend you reading the them in order. Avery is a wonderful character who doesn’t take anything from anyone. Grant is a workaholic that needs someone to love. When Avery’s car runs out of gas in front of the bar Grant owns and runs, he tries to run her off. What he didn’t know at the time was that she was driving away from a horrible situation. With her foot broken, out of money, she gives Grant a run for his money when they butt heads the first night. When Grant offers her a place to stay to help her out, she fights him because he didn’t get his sisters permission. When his sister, throws a fit about her staying, Avery tells him to take her back to her car and she will stay there. Over time, Avery and Grant find out that they both have feelings for each other. Avery doesn’t hide that fact and she wants Grant. Grant tries to hide his feelings and thinks that since Avery is much younger than him she deserves a chance with someone else.
Silver Lining is a romance novel for everyone who loves to read. J. Lee writes for everyone not just romance readers. This book will keep laughing at Avery’s antics and Grants stubbornness. J. Lee is an exceptional story teller and writer. Recommended to anyone who likes romance suspense or just romance in general. Happy reading.

[Amanda O'Connell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silver Lining by J Lee is the second book in The Barrelhouse series. Avery Adams has not had an easy life, growing up with no love in her life from her family and always wondering were her next meal will come from. She decides to leave her home and her crappy family to make a better life for herself. With no money and only what she could fit in her run down car she heads East, with no destination in mind. Her journey comes to an end when she runs out of gas in a dark parking lot. But what she finds there just might be what she was looking for.
Grant Easton is invested in his club, its his whole life. He takes pride in the work he has done to get the family business out of the red and into the black. He has no room for anything other then his job, that is until he meets Avery, a spit fire with a foul mouth. He feels a pull to her but he believes she is to young. When the future they could have is jeopardized, will Grant step up? Having finally found love and the feeling of belonging from the group at the Barrelhouse, will Avery finally find her silver lining or will it be taken away before she can find it?
I love this story! J Lee did and outstanding job. The raw emotion in this book is so overwhelming. The feelings that you experience through Avery and Grant are mesmerizing. Its comedy and romance mixed with a little heartache. It will have you cheering and crying right along with the characters. I highly recommend this book!

[Stefanie Carney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great example of a simple read captivating you and holding you in its clutches and not letting go. This has all the fun things you want to read in a book yet it doesn’t seem like the same old story. This has all the makings of a fairy tale, heartbreak, drama, love, bravery, everything but yet it feels very modern too. To be completely honest I think I may have found my book family, I so love these people.
Grant is the perfect modern prince charming, rough around the edges but with a giant heart. Avery is in need of some rescuing having just run away from a loveless home, her story will make you want to tell everyone you care about just how much they mean to you. Zaylee, Grant’s sister is the perfect comic relief for this dramatic and sometimes heartbreaking. It shows that family doesn’t have to be blood.
Coming from a very messed up family, I was easily sucked into this story and it resonated with me deep down to my bones. I felt like I was riding a roller coaster with everything I was feeling while reading this. Grant made me smile, Zaylee made me laugh, Avery made me cry and Wes made me so very angry. I don’t get protective of fictional characters often, but for some reason I wanted to join this fierce group of friends and shield Avery from any farther harm. I highly recommend this for anyone who is grateful for their family, blood or not.

[Moriah Venable]

Silver Lining is the second book in the Barrelhouse series by J. Lee. This is my second book by this author.

Avery is a nineteen year old girl who leaves an abusive household. She broke her foot while she was packing and now it's in a cast.She runs out of gas and is helped by Grant. He offers her a place to stay and a place to work. She starts to work for him at the Barrelhouse. She meets his sister Zaylee and friends and they get along really well. Grant is instantly protective of her especially after learning her back story.

After some time, she starts to sing at he Barrelhouse.

While out with Zaylee and Elsy, Avery admits that she does like Grant but wouldn't want anything to interfere with her job or place to stay if it didn't work out.

Over the next few weeks, Avery notices Grant looking at her like he wants to kiss her but he doesn't act on it and she isn't sure why.

It was great seeing these characters and seeing Grant and Avery’s story. Avery is such a strong character for still coming out on top after the life she has had and I was glad that everything worked out for her.

I loved how the relationship between Grant and Avery progressed. Grant was a little irritating but he finally got it together.

I still hope we get another story with Zaylee and Bryson. We got a little bit more into their history but I would love for them to have a happy ending.

[Alisha Kreider · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is kinda the second book to Mending her heart but can be read as a standalone. I am really enjoying books by J. Lee.
Grant finds a girl in his parking lot at the Barrelhouse Night Club. He offers to help her but gets crappie when she tells him that she can not wait tables for him but before hearing her out he storms off with an attitude. Avery yelling after him to tell him she has a broken foot than Grant comes back to help her into the club. Once inside Grant offers your a place to stay but Avery unsure about it at first when grants tells her that his sister also lives there. Avery finally agrees but wants to ask Zaylee. Grant tells her she is staying. Zaylee is not happy but let's her stay. This is the first time in a while Avery has not slept in her car. Grant and Avery had a connection that Grant was unable to deal with so he didn't. Avery started work at the club checking Ids because she could not walk in a cast to wait tables. Grant was growing overprotective of her but refused to see it. Grant could not see past their age difference. Avery was becoming fast friends with their group of friends. Wes was a family friend that grants and Zaylee father promised to look after but was always causing trouble came up to Avery and started hitting on her. Will she go out with Wes? Or Will Grant pull his head out of the sand? This is a great story so read it!!

[Pam Snell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Such an awesome book. Avery is running from her past. She had to get away from her mom and step dad so she loaded up her car and took off. She has hardly any money is trying to get as far away as she can until her car breaks down in a parking lot and she is stranded. Next thing she knows there is a handsome man rescuing her and he actually cares about her which she is surprised because no one has ever cared about her. Grant is one HOT guy that works his tail off at his club that his parents used to run. He doesn’t have a lot of time for a social life because he runs the club with his sister and spends most all of his time there. Grant sees someone broke down in his parking lot and goes to see who it is so he can make them leave and it is a beautiful young woman that he instantly falls in love with but there is a problem, she looks really young and he can’t do that. Grant invites Avery to stay with him and his sister until she can get on her feet. Right now she is on crutches and can’t do a lot at the club but he plans on having her work with him. Ends up she is a singer too and does a pretty good job of that as well so he has her sing some also. This book is so breathtaking. I loved it so much. Their story just is so sweet.

[Gail Guerrero · Rating 5 out of 5]

So happy that I took the chance on this book. It was worth the wait and read. It started slow but picked up and didn’t disappoint. Avery has had a hard start in life her mother didn’t want her and she basically took care of herself. I couldn’t understand how anyone could have a child and not love that child. The child is the best part of you. So Avery finally leaves and finds herself out of gas in Florida.
Grant was a control freak borderline OCD. But I could look pass all that because he is HOT. He didn’t expect the spitfire of a woman to become his because of their age difference. So I am glad that he came to his senses and made her his. I liked bow he took care of her and his sister. That he took over his family bar and never complained.
Life is too short to let great things pass you by. He was stubborn and she didn’t put any effort into it. She was all about not letting a man tell her what to do and being such a strong woman. But she never took charge h did all the work. It worked out for them though and I am happy to see that the writing style the author displayed in the first book has grown and is looking awesome. I can’t wait to dive into Zaylee and Bryson's book because we all know they will have one.

[Romaine Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silver Lining is part two of The Barrelhouse series. When Grant finds a homeless girl, Avery in her car parked in front of his club with no money or gas and a broken foot, he immediately steps up keep care for her.
Even from the beginning stubborn Grant and foul mouth, fiesty to Avery butt heads. When the sparks begins to fly, Grant is determined to avoid Avery at all costs since she is his employee, roommate and the age difference.
Does Avery find her silver lining or will it all disappear with her last breath?
I am never disappointed in Author J Lee's books. You just can't put down one of her comical, romance, suspense books. She is an amazing author that will not let you down. I would definitely recommend this Barrelhouse Series as well as her other books.