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Whiskey Business
Ryder Waites will do anything to keep the tiny town of Gallows Grove, Kentucky, from vanishing off the map—even sell his family’s whiskey recipe to Bluegrass Bourbon in Lexington. Hopeful that the larger company can provide necessary improvements to the distillery, Ryder’s ultimate goal is to get Gallows Grove on the Bourbon Trail… and bring in much-needed tourism revenue. But to keep producing Hanged Man Bourbon in Gallows Grove, he’ll have to convince company liaison, unbearably stuffy and seriously hot Adam Keller, that he's worth the investment.
Adam comes from an old-money family, but he’s determined to make his own way in the world. When he’s sent to Gallows Grove, he questions the life choices that led him to a rented room in a funeral home, in a town full of macabre-themed businesses. And he doesn’t know what to make of Ryder, the descendant of bootleggers who’s on a mission to save his strange town from extinction. When Adam and Ryder put aside their initial mistrust, the results are as smooth as good whiskey. But after Adam’s assignment ends, he’ll have to decide if small-town life and a future with Ryder is to his tastes.
Listening Length: 3 hours and 37 minutes
Adam comes from an old-money family, but he’s determined to make his own way in the world. When he’s sent to Gallows Grove, he questions the life choices that led him to a rented room in a funeral home, in a town full of macabre-themed businesses. And he doesn’t know what to make of Ryder, the descendant of bootleggers who’s on a mission to save his strange town from extinction. When Adam and Ryder put aside their initial mistrust, the results are as smooth as good whiskey. But after Adam’s assignment ends, he’ll have to decide if small-town life and a future with Ryder is to his tastes.
Listening Length: 3 hours and 37 minutes
4 pages, Audible Audio
First published December 28, 2016
29 people are currently reading
642 people want to read
About the author
Avon Gale
29 books1,343 followersAvon Gale lives in a liberal Midwestern college town, where she spends her days getting heavily invested in everything from craft projects to video games. She likes road trips by car, rock concerts, thunderstorms, IPAs, Kentucky bourbon and tattoos. As a queer author, Avon is committed to providing happy endings for all and loves to tell stories that focus on found families, strong and open communication, and friendship. She loves writing about quirky people who might not be perfect, but always find a place where they belong. In her former life, Avon wrote fanfiction at her desk while ostensibly doing work in non-profit fundraising for public radio and women’s liberal arts education, and worked on her books in between haircuts and highlights as a stylist. Now she’s a full-time writer, delighted to be able to tell stories for a living.
Avon is represented by Courtney Miller-Callihan of Handspun Literary Agency.
Enjoy fantasy with a bit of a kinky, darker edge? Check out Avon's fantasy books, co-written with author Fae Loxley, under the pen name Iris Foxglove!
Avon is represented by Courtney Miller-Callihan of Handspun Literary Agency.
Enjoy fantasy with a bit of a kinky, darker edge? Check out Avon's fantasy books, co-written with author Fae Loxley, under the pen name Iris Foxglove!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
March 25, 2017
4.5 Stars.
I can't believe I haven't read anything by this Author before....loved it.
Oh,how,I loved this.
Delightful characters,
Great setting,
Humour,
Just enough sexy times,
Brilliant chemistry between Adam and Ryder,
And....dirty talk...YES!!
Ryder is,
young,hip,and seriously hot
He's running his families bourbon business-it's been in his family for years.He's reluctant to sell the recipe for Hanged Man Bourbon....but needs must.
Adam is,
stuffy,closeted,and uptight
Sent by Bluegrass Bourbon( the company who have bought the recipe ) to check over the business and send a report back.
Sparks fly between them but the chemistry is evident from the start.I loved the small town setting with all the quirky residents and it's so funny at times,I'm sure I had a huge smile on my face virtually the whole time I was reading it.
These two are super sexy when they get going with some delicious dirty talk from Adam.And he definitely likes to take charge in the bedroom....or any other surface.
Totally loved it!!
Highly recommended!!
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
I can't believe I haven't read anything by this Author before....loved it.
Oh,how,I loved this.
Delightful characters,
Great setting,
Humour,
Just enough sexy times,
Brilliant chemistry between Adam and Ryder,
And....dirty talk...YES!!
Ryder is,
young,hip,and seriously hot
He's running his families bourbon business-it's been in his family for years.He's reluctant to sell the recipe for Hanged Man Bourbon....but needs must.
Adam is,
stuffy,closeted,and uptight
Sent by Bluegrass Bourbon( the company who have bought the recipe ) to check over the business and send a report back.
Sparks fly between them but the chemistry is evident from the start.I loved the small town setting with all the quirky residents and it's so funny at times,I'm sure I had a huge smile on my face virtually the whole time I was reading it.
"You're gay.He's gay.And you two did the horizontal tango....or whatever the phrase is.I don't know.Robert doesn't tango much anymore,horizontal or otherwise...."
These two are super sexy when they get going with some delicious dirty talk from Adam.And he definitely likes to take charge in the bedroom....or any other surface.
Adam moved quickly and deposited Ryder on the table.He was all flushed and breathing hard,disheveled and staring at Ryder as though he were the dinner they'd forgotten to eat.
Totally loved it!!
Highly recommended!!
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
December 4, 2016
~4.5~
Avon Gale is one of the few author who routinely makes me laugh out loud when I'm reading her books. Scoring Chances is one of my favorite M/M series EVER. If you haven't read it, how are we even friends?
Whiskey Business is set in a small Kentucky town called Gallows Grove, founded by bootleggers on hope, lies, and whiskey. The magic's in the water. You can take the whiskey out of Gallows Grove, but then you take Gallows Grove out of the whiskey. Stay with me.
Ryder Waites (named after a deck of Tarot cards because his mother dabbled in readings) doesn't want to sell his recipe for Hanged Man Bourbon, which has been in his family for generations. But he has no choice.
His town desperately needs an infusion of tourists and cash. And Ryder wants to get his town on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail (which is a big thing apparently).
What Ryder doesn't need is the uptight Adam Keller, sent by the company who bought Ryder's bourbon business, snooping around.
Adam does things by the book. He's serious and proper. And SEXY, so very, very sexy. Ryder has no qualms about fucking Adam. It's a bit of slutty fun, and Adam is totally wanton when he lets go.
But can their fling last?
Ryder and Adam spend but a couple weeks together on page, but there is definite chemistry between them, even if Ryder is afraid Adam will force his distillery out of Gallows Grove. But Adam is, well, he's lonely beneath that stuffy exterior, and he LIKES Ryder, with his band T-shirts and skinny jeans that make his ass look delectable.
While I would have loved a much longer story, Whiskey Business is romantic, steamy, and seriously funny.
The town of Gallows Grove has a rather morbid sense of humor; the local diner is called the Last Minute Diner, and the only room for rent is in a funeral home (with creepy dolls and really loud ticking clocks). Ryder thinks scaring Adam with the dolls is hilarious. And it kind of is.
I loved the small town charm, the (overly) friendly locals, Ryder's snarky wit, Adam's dirty mouth, and Ryder's weird, grumpy uncle, who growls and grunts until you get him talkin' about bourbon.
The epilogue is full of (Gay) Happily Ever After, Dirby Pie, kisses, and bubbles. Very special bubbles. You'll see.
"I'm not trying to seduce you because of dumpster regulations, Adam. I just think you're hot, and I want to bone."
"You don't have to sell me on the idea," said Adam. "I want to . . . But I just . . . hell . . . I'm not fucking in the Ever After Funeral Home. Hard Limit."
Avon Gale is one of the few author who routinely makes me laugh out loud when I'm reading her books. Scoring Chances is one of my favorite M/M series EVER. If you haven't read it, how are we even friends?
Whiskey Business is set in a small Kentucky town called Gallows Grove, founded by bootleggers on hope, lies, and whiskey. The magic's in the water. You can take the whiskey out of Gallows Grove, but then you take Gallows Grove out of the whiskey. Stay with me.
Ryder Waites (named after a deck of Tarot cards because his mother dabbled in readings) doesn't want to sell his recipe for Hanged Man Bourbon, which has been in his family for generations. But he has no choice.
His town desperately needs an infusion of tourists and cash. And Ryder wants to get his town on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail (which is a big thing apparently).
What Ryder doesn't need is the uptight Adam Keller, sent by the company who bought Ryder's bourbon business, snooping around.
Adam does things by the book. He's serious and proper. And SEXY, so very, very sexy. Ryder has no qualms about fucking Adam. It's a bit of slutty fun, and Adam is totally wanton when he lets go.
But can their fling last?
Ryder and Adam spend but a couple weeks together on page, but there is definite chemistry between them, even if Ryder is afraid Adam will force his distillery out of Gallows Grove. But Adam is, well, he's lonely beneath that stuffy exterior, and he LIKES Ryder, with his band T-shirts and skinny jeans that make his ass look delectable.
While I would have loved a much longer story, Whiskey Business is romantic, steamy, and seriously funny.
The town of Gallows Grove has a rather morbid sense of humor; the local diner is called the Last Minute Diner, and the only room for rent is in a funeral home (with creepy dolls and really loud ticking clocks). Ryder thinks scaring Adam with the dolls is hilarious. And it kind of is.
I loved the small town charm, the (overly) friendly locals, Ryder's snarky wit, Adam's dirty mouth, and Ryder's weird, grumpy uncle, who growls and grunts until you get him talkin' about bourbon.
The epilogue is full of (Gay) Happily Ever After, Dirby Pie, kisses, and bubbles. Very special bubbles. You'll see.
December 29, 2016
Avon Gale does it again with a funny, sexy small-town romance. Lovers of sweet, low-angst novellas, look no further!
I'm a REALLY big Avon Gale fan, but this is the first time I've read anything other than her hockey books. I'm SO relieved that she isn't a one-trick pony, and I can't wait to see her continue to stretch her wings.
Whiskey Business is a short, easy read, clocking in at just over 100 pages, but it feels like a much longer book. All the elements of a good romance are there, especially the chemistry. The story is a bit of a veeeery low-level enemies-to-lovers story with a big helping of opposites attract thrown in.
The story is heavy on the charm and light on the drama, with a lot of memorable small-town folks to mix things up. Lots of skinny jeans, easy, funny banter, and the sweetest HEA. You don't have to be a whiskey fan or a southerner to love Whiskey Business!
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
I'm a REALLY big Avon Gale fan, but this is the first time I've read anything other than her hockey books. I'm SO relieved that she isn't a one-trick pony, and I can't wait to see her continue to stretch her wings.
Whiskey Business is a short, easy read, clocking in at just over 100 pages, but it feels like a much longer book. All the elements of a good romance are there, especially the chemistry. The story is a bit of a veeeery low-level enemies-to-lovers story with a big helping of opposites attract thrown in.
The story is heavy on the charm and light on the drama, with a lot of memorable small-town folks to mix things up. Lots of skinny jeans, easy, funny banter, and the sweetest HEA. You don't have to be a whiskey fan or a southerner to love Whiskey Business!
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
December 6, 2016
What a delightful story! I don't think I have ever really been to Kentucky (driving through when I was a kid doesn't count). I don't drink whiskey (I had a bad experience) and I don't watch basketball or horse racing (don't hate me). I tell you what, though, I love the 'enemies to lovers' trope and this story is full of win.
Ryder Waites was named after the Rider-Waite Tarot Card deck. Yeah, his mom was a bit new-agey, and not at all afraid to show her color. His whole family, including his ancestors, were pretty colorful people. Ryder comes from a line of bootleggers who helped found Gallows Grove during the prohibition. Ryder has his own color as well. He loves the town of Gallows Grove and he wants to do everything in his power to help the town, not just survive, but thrive. He aims to put Gallows Grove on the Bourbon Trail to bring in some tourist dollars and revitalizethe town he loves so much.
Adam Keller, or Mr. Lexington as Ryder and some others ocassionally call him, is a bit … uptight. It's not really his fault, though, he comes from a whole family of super uptight people. Horse people. Important people. So Adam doesn't really know how to let his hair down and relax. Since Gallows Grove isn't presently a tourist destination, they really don't have lodging for short time guests. For Adam's stay, he was put up in a room for rent in the "Ever After Funeral Home", which isn't used used for funerals all that often, but does have a room full of super creepy dolls and several clocks that tick too loudly.
At first, things are more than a little tense between Ryder and Adam. Adam is there to evaluate the distillery, after all, and determine if the ROI would be worth it to keep the distillery in Gallows Grove. So, the one thing that Ryder really needs to do is sell the idea of the town to Adam so he can see just how important it is to keep everything local. And if they decide to sex up the place, well, that wouldn't hurt, either, yeah?
I loved all the kitchy names of the businesses. The bar that Ryder lived above was called "Trapdoor", there is a florists called "Pushing up Daisies", and I would be remiss if Ididn't mention "The Last Meal Diner", and "The Perfect Grime" laundromat. The funeral home was called "Ever After", as I mentioned above, but if I would have been in charge of naming it, I would have called it "Wake the Dead", because I am a fan of morbid humor.
My favorite quote in the book will not at all give any of the plot away and it is refering to Ryder's mom's funeral, where she made a rather unique last request: "I want my ashes placed in bubbles, so you can all blow me." -- I seriously LOL'd…then I read that part to my husband, and he LOL'd. I am formally changing my 'last request plans', because some things should be funny.
I really enjoyed Whiskey Business and would definitely recommend it for an evening of light reading fun.
---------------
ARC of Whiskey Business was generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
Ryder Waites was named after the Rider-Waite Tarot Card deck. Yeah, his mom was a bit new-agey, and not at all afraid to show her color. His whole family, including his ancestors, were pretty colorful people. Ryder comes from a line of bootleggers who helped found Gallows Grove during the prohibition. Ryder has his own color as well. He loves the town of Gallows Grove and he wants to do everything in his power to help the town, not just survive, but thrive. He aims to put Gallows Grove on the Bourbon Trail to bring in some tourist dollars and revitalizethe town he loves so much.
Adam Keller, or Mr. Lexington as Ryder and some others ocassionally call him, is a bit … uptight. It's not really his fault, though, he comes from a whole family of super uptight people. Horse people. Important people. So Adam doesn't really know how to let his hair down and relax. Since Gallows Grove isn't presently a tourist destination, they really don't have lodging for short time guests. For Adam's stay, he was put up in a room for rent in the "Ever After Funeral Home", which isn't used used for funerals all that often, but does have a room full of super creepy dolls and several clocks that tick too loudly.
At first, things are more than a little tense between Ryder and Adam. Adam is there to evaluate the distillery, after all, and determine if the ROI would be worth it to keep the distillery in Gallows Grove. So, the one thing that Ryder really needs to do is sell the idea of the town to Adam so he can see just how important it is to keep everything local. And if they decide to sex up the place, well, that wouldn't hurt, either, yeah?
I loved all the kitchy names of the businesses. The bar that Ryder lived above was called "Trapdoor", there is a florists called "Pushing up Daisies", and I would be remiss if Ididn't mention "The Last Meal Diner", and "The Perfect Grime" laundromat. The funeral home was called "Ever After", as I mentioned above, but if I would have been in charge of naming it, I would have called it "Wake the Dead", because I am a fan of morbid humor.
My favorite quote in the book will not at all give any of the plot away and it is refering to Ryder's mom's funeral, where she made a rather unique last request: "I want my ashes placed in bubbles, so you can all blow me." -- I seriously LOL'd…then I read that part to my husband, and he LOL'd. I am formally changing my 'last request plans', because some things should be funny.
I really enjoyed Whiskey Business and would definitely recommend it for an evening of light reading fun.
---------------
ARC of Whiskey Business was generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
November 21, 2017
FOUR HEARTS--It's my first Avon Gale and Kirt Graves!
I know, I know, I'm super late. I've read wonderful things about author and narrator. And after reading/listening to Whiskey Business, I can happily say all those wonderful things are accurate.
Gale takes the reader to her home state of Kentucky in this opposites attract romance that features Ryder Waites, a blue collar distiller in love with his macabre small town of Gallow Groves and Adam Keller, uptight businessman extraordinaire.
Ryder sells his family bourbon recipe to Adam's company. Adam's company sends the Kentucky city boy to investigate Hanged Man Bourbon's facilities and town. It was not love at first site, despite each gentleman finding the other hot as fuck.
All the choices I've read so far from the States of Love house line has made sure to feature a US state heavily. This can be said for Whiskey Business. Kentucky was a character in the novella. A little crazy, a lot snarky, some country and all heart. I've never been to this state but I wanted to visit after reading this. Kentucky was the silent partner in the coupledom of Ryder/Adam.
The two start on opposite sides of the fence, but they did share a common goal of Hanged Man Bourbon. And they grew from there with a plucky, quirky small town that accepted both men being gay (no stereotype of homophobe yokels to be found--yay!). Every member of the town added to the snark and sweetness of this low angst story.
Kirt Graves did a great job with the accents. It took me longer to get into what he did with Adam's voice. I know he was making each guy to be as distinct as their character. I mean, the narrator picked up little details to make the characters really stand out. I ended up really liking the entire thing as I listened along.
There is a heavy dose of sexy added to the plot. Ryder is blunt and wants to "bone" Adam, not because he happened to be the only gay guy in his little town. But because they shared a common attraction and it read believable and not forced. The sex (when it happened) was hot. Someone is bossy and the happy bottom out of the pair really liked that. As did I. I could easily see these two having sex anywhere if left alone for too long. Office sex with a bossy britches makes for fun times.
But I must share my one disappoint.
I was almost taken on a one way trip to smut heaven with possible stairway sex...
I was touching the cum filled gates...
And it wasn't meant to be.
Teased!
Other than that that tease, it was a great time reading/listening. After the Kentucky love, my second favorite thing was the banter and dialogue between Ryder and Adam. There was a nice amount of witty in here. And the puns were cute!
If you're in the mood for something fun and light, with good amount of sexy without it reading like erotica and your a Kentucky fan, definitely give Whiskey Business a try. I recommend it.
This won't be my last Avon Gale!
A copy provided for an honest review.
I know, I know, I'm super late. I've read wonderful things about author and narrator. And after reading/listening to Whiskey Business, I can happily say all those wonderful things are accurate.
Gale takes the reader to her home state of Kentucky in this opposites attract romance that features Ryder Waites, a blue collar distiller in love with his macabre small town of Gallow Groves and Adam Keller, uptight businessman extraordinaire.
Ryder sells his family bourbon recipe to Adam's company. Adam's company sends the Kentucky city boy to investigate Hanged Man Bourbon's facilities and town. It was not love at first site, despite each gentleman finding the other hot as fuck.
All the choices I've read so far from the States of Love house line has made sure to feature a US state heavily. This can be said for Whiskey Business. Kentucky was a character in the novella. A little crazy, a lot snarky, some country and all heart. I've never been to this state but I wanted to visit after reading this. Kentucky was the silent partner in the coupledom of Ryder/Adam.
The two start on opposite sides of the fence, but they did share a common goal of Hanged Man Bourbon. And they grew from there with a plucky, quirky small town that accepted both men being gay (no stereotype of homophobe yokels to be found--yay!). Every member of the town added to the snark and sweetness of this low angst story.
Kirt Graves did a great job with the accents. It took me longer to get into what he did with Adam's voice. I know he was making each guy to be as distinct as their character. I mean, the narrator picked up little details to make the characters really stand out. I ended up really liking the entire thing as I listened along.
There is a heavy dose of sexy added to the plot. Ryder is blunt and wants to "bone" Adam, not because he happened to be the only gay guy in his little town. But because they shared a common attraction and it read believable and not forced. The sex (when it happened) was hot. Someone is bossy and the happy bottom out of the pair really liked that. As did I. I could easily see these two having sex anywhere if left alone for too long. Office sex with a bossy britches makes for fun times.
But I must share my one disappoint.
I was almost taken on a one way trip to smut heaven with possible stairway sex...
I was touching the cum filled gates...
And it wasn't meant to be.
Teased!
Other than that that tease, it was a great time reading/listening. After the Kentucky love, my second favorite thing was the banter and dialogue between Ryder and Adam. There was a nice amount of witty in here. And the puns were cute!
If you're in the mood for something fun and light, with good amount of sexy without it reading like erotica and your a Kentucky fan, definitely give Whiskey Business a try. I recommend it.
This won't be my last Avon Gale!
A copy provided for an honest review.
December 11, 2016
~4.5 stars~
Turns out that Avon Gale not only has the ability to gutpunch me with emotion, but she can also make me laugh like a lunatic. This book put me in such good mood when I needed it the most, I just want to bask in the afterglow. In a few words, Whiskey Business is...
Funny...
Turns out that Avon Gale not only has the ability to gutpunch me with emotion, but she can also make me laugh like a lunatic. This book put me in such good mood when I needed it the most, I just want to bask in the afterglow. In a few words, Whiskey Business is...
Funny...
“Some people don’t like it [whiskey].” He shrugged. “Plenty ’round here, even. Some Baptists. You know how they are.”
“Yeah. They say they don’t like it on Sunday, then go home and drink it while engaging in deviant sex and signing up for Obamacare.”
Sexy...“You said hard and dirty, not fast.” Ryder tried to scowl, but it was hard when he was moaning. “Dirty means you give it to me fast,” he panted.
“Dirty means I give it to you like I want to,” said Adam.
Morbidly quirky......it suited Ryder, who looked like he belonged in the hip area around the university in Lexington—not in a backwater town with a creepy name and a funeral house full of sightless dolls.
Morbidly sweet...“Hey, thanks for that.”
“For blowing bubbles infused with your dead mother’s ashes into the rain? You’re welcome. God. I really must love you.”
“You do. I love you too.”
Sorry for the many quotes and the short review. It matched my mood and I thought I should let the book talk for itself. This was just a small sample of how good it was. Highly recommended! Bottoms up!
~Review cross-posted on Gay Book Reviews.~
December 27, 2021
* 4,5 stars*
Reread December 2021
and I loved it all over again. Great fun!
Original review:
There are only two words for this - utterly adorable. And funny, and cute, and hot ... have I mentioned adorable? Adam and Ryder just made my day.
Ryder: the 'hip' young whisky producer who is so passionate about his quirky little home town of 500 souls it makes your heart melt.
Adam: the 'boring' business guy, stuffy and uptight, until he loosens up and lets out the person he really is.
These two guys were fabulous together - not only for the amount of heat they produce between each other. They click on so many other levels. Their banter, their puns, the way they have so much in common ... argh .... they simply put a permanent smile on my face.
And, this has to be said- Gallows Groves and its 'themed' shop names nearly killed me. Avon Gale must have had a ball thinking these up. Really hilarious, and I can just see all these other unconventional characters so clearly. And the end where these guys blow some very special bubbles .. LOL!
A fabulous novella you can't miss. What a blooming shame it is so short. I could have done with double or triple measures! There was so much scope for more (considering Adam's parents for example)
Highly recommended.
Reread December 2021
and I loved it all over again. Great fun!
Original review:
There are only two words for this - utterly adorable. And funny, and cute, and hot ... have I mentioned adorable? Adam and Ryder just made my day.
Ryder: the 'hip' young whisky producer who is so passionate about his quirky little home town of 500 souls it makes your heart melt.
Adam: the 'boring' business guy, stuffy and uptight, until he loosens up and lets out the person he really is.
These two guys were fabulous together - not only for the amount of heat they produce between each other. They click on so many other levels. Their banter, their puns, the way they have so much in common ... argh .... they simply put a permanent smile on my face.
And, this has to be said- Gallows Groves and its 'themed' shop names nearly killed me. Avon Gale must have had a ball thinking these up. Really hilarious, and I can just see all these other unconventional characters so clearly. And the end where these guys blow some very special bubbles .. LOL!
A fabulous novella you can't miss. What a blooming shame it is so short. I could have done with double or triple measures! There was so much scope for more (considering Adam's parents for example)
Highly recommended.
November 22, 2017
“Ups and downs. Remember?”
This book is quirky, funny, sexy and hot. Set in a town with a creepy name with loud clocks and funeral homes with rooms full of creepy dolls.
Ryder and Adam have chemistry and are so hot together.
I laughed so hard.
The secondary characters are amazing and funny too.
"You're gay.He's gay.And you two did the horizontal tango......or whatever the phrase is.I don't know.Robert doesn't tango much anymore,horizontal or otherwise.Thank Lord jesus for the internet."
For a short book I was left satisfied.
The Epilogue is so cute full of rainbows, laughter, bourbon and lots of love.
Recommended.
"I want my ashes placed in bubbles, so you can all blow me."
May 14, 2017
Whiskey Business is sweet, funny, and sexy with some wonderfully filthy dirty talk thrown in. Add in smooth, easy to listen to narration and this audiobook hit the spot just like a good bourbon.
Kirt Graves, and I just cannot help chuckle every time I see his name associated with this particular story - it just fits so perfectly, does a great job with character voices and so well with the sometimes macabre humor in the story. It's dual POV is narrated really well, and it's an enjoyable, quick (at under 4 hours) listen.
If you're looking for a short, but fun story that has some dirty talk with the sexy times and a lot of love - for both the characters and the setting - then wet your whistle with this one.
Recommended.
Audio review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**
Sweet, funny, and sexy with some wonderfully filthy dirty talk thrown in, this hit the spot just like a good bourbon.
I really liked that Gale wonderfully describes so much of Kentucky and the people I felt like I'd been there.
Adam isn't exactly Ryder's enemy, but the two have a rocky start, even though they both obviously want each other. I love that the chemistry between Ryder and Adam is so combustible even from the start. Coupled with all the humor that Gale infuses into the story, this was just the kind of quick, fun story I needed.
I liked that it wasn't all fun and games, and that Gale interwove some much needed conflict pretty expertly without it devolving into unnecessary angst.
If you're looking for a short, but fun story that has some dirty talk with the sexy times and a lot of love - for both the characters and the setting - then wet your whistle with this one.
Recommended.
Advanced Review Galley copy and Audio copy of Whiskey Business provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
January 19, 2023
Bluegrass Bourbon acquires the recipe for Hanged Man Bourbon and sends Adam Keller to Gallows Grove, Kentucky to perform their due diligence. Adam's boss reminds him: "Be respectful that they’re a bunch of quirky bumpkins with a goddamn delicious bourbon. Okay?” And yup, the town is weirdly charming as all get-out. There's the macabre names for every business in town (The Last Meal Dinner, The Perfect Grime Laundromat), the Ever After Funeral Home with all those creepy dolls, and then there's Ryder Waites - young, slim-hipped townie, high-cheekboned with coal-black hair "looking like some hillbilly avenging angel and hotter than just about any man Adam had ever seen."
The bourbon is smooth, subtle and pretty damn good, the sex between Adam and Ryder is hard, dirty and unbelievably hot, and the story is funny, endearing and well-told.
This book is also a great illustration of what makes Dreamspinner Press' States of Love series so fun to read. Avon Gale really gives us Kentucky's unique qualities and quirks - UK Wildcat mania, Hot Brown and Derby Pie, whiskey drinking, small-town Kentucky, the Bourbon Trail - and the resulting story is pretty damn fine. 4.5 stars!
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
The bourbon is smooth, subtle and pretty damn good, the sex between Adam and Ryder is hard, dirty and unbelievably hot, and the story is funny, endearing and well-told.
This book is also a great illustration of what makes Dreamspinner Press' States of Love series so fun to read. Avon Gale really gives us Kentucky's unique qualities and quirks - UK Wildcat mania, Hot Brown and Derby Pie, whiskey drinking, small-town Kentucky, the Bourbon Trail - and the resulting story is pretty damn fine. 4.5 stars!
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
April 15, 2017
**4.5 stars** for this short sweet and very hot romance that I found very refreshing and so much fun !!
As per Ryder, Adam is uptight and proper but sexy. As per Adam, Ryder is young, hip but hot. They both have different backgrounds, different personalities, different visions of their future. But they have to work together for a few weeks for the bourbon business Ryder inherited in a little town in Kentucky.
And right from the start, there are sparks between them and they just go for it with gusto with Adam not that proper after all.
No drama. Nice setting. Sexy characters and dirty talk. But most of all, great bad puns and hilarious banter.
My only complaint : why is it so short ??? I wanted more : I’m that greedy !!!
Thank you, Josy, for offering me some piece of fun and hotness !!
As per Ryder, Adam is uptight and proper but sexy. As per Adam, Ryder is young, hip but hot. They both have different backgrounds, different personalities, different visions of their future. But they have to work together for a few weeks for the bourbon business Ryder inherited in a little town in Kentucky.
And right from the start, there are sparks between them and they just go for it with gusto with Adam not that proper after all.
No drama. Nice setting. Sexy characters and dirty talk. But most of all, great bad puns and hilarious banter.
”Maybe I met a guy there once. He was into pony play. I don’t have a problem with that or anything, it’s just that the point was to get away from the horse farm – would you stop laughing ?”
My only complaint : why is it so short ??? I wanted more : I’m that greedy !!!
Thank you, Josy, for offering me some piece of fun and hotness !!
April 20, 2017
3.5 Stars!
Well that was a quickie! It was a cute, sexy and fun read!
Well that was a quickie! It was a cute, sexy and fun read!
September 23, 2019
Audiobook 9/2019: FABULOUS performance by Kirt Graves! He was awesome with the Kentucky accents (although I can’t tell the difference between most southern accents!)!
I liked the story much more the second time around and thought it was just the right length, unlike my initial review after reading the novella.
Original review 1/2017:
Sexy and sweet!
I'm a big fan of Avon Gale's Scoring Chances series and was very much looking forward to reading "Whiskey Business." After a bit of a clunky beginning full of exposition, I got into the story. I liked the MC's and given the short length of this novel (novella?) there was a decent amount of character development. I enjoyed the initial tension between MC's and their HEA.
A fun, sexy read! I would have loved for this to have been longer!
I liked the story much more the second time around and thought it was just the right length, unlike my initial review after reading the novella.
Original review 1/2017:
Sexy and sweet!
I'm a big fan of Avon Gale's Scoring Chances series and was very much looking forward to reading "Whiskey Business." After a bit of a clunky beginning full of exposition, I got into the story. I liked the MC's and given the short length of this novel (novella?) there was a decent amount of character development. I enjoyed the initial tension between MC's and their HEA.
A fun, sexy read! I would have loved for this to have been longer!
January 4, 2017
This was so deliciously fun and quirky with a lot of heart!
June 8, 2017
4.5 stars rounded down because still no 1/2 stars here on GR and while this wasn't quite 5 stars it was still a hella' good read...I actually listened to it twice ;)
I may not like whiskey but I loved 'Whiskey Business'...
'Whiskey Business' is Dreamspinner's first book in their 'States of Love' series and my first Avon Gale book...I need to remedy this soon. Especially since I have some of her titles patiently waiting for me to read.
'Whiskey Business' was a wonderful blend of story, sexy times and humor. As Ryder Waites tries to keep his hometown on the map by selling his families whiskey business to larger interest but retaining the actual production of it in his hometown and getting them on the Borbon Trail. Ryder's feeling pretty good about things until the buyer sends a representative to town to assess his manufacturing plant...things go from bad to worse when Adam Keller arrives not only is he serious about his job but one look at him tells Ryder this man is gay and seriously hot...like 'I want you hot'.
I loved the banter between these two and the word play so much fun and at the heart of it was 'Gallow's Grove' a town that is notoriously playing on it's name with businesses using macabre-themed names like 'Hanged Man Whiskey', the Last Meal Diner, the Ever After Funeral Home or The Perfect Grime...it's the local laundromat. So many fun names. I was so entertained by this...loved it and then there was the whole UK sports fanaticism...I got that truly I did I live a place that calls itself 'The Rider Nation' after it's local football team and it's in Canada...hockey anyone?
Add in to this the fact that I just really liked Ryder and Adam together. They worked. They had fun together but they also had disagreements, they spent time getting to know one another. This story so pushed all my buttons and it was just what I needed. No big complicated plots or schemes. Just a fun, sexy story about two men doing what they needed to and falling in love along the way.
'Whiskey Business' was my first audio book narrated by Kirt Graves and happily it was a good experience. I liked the voices, they ticked that basic checklist of mine and while I actually went into this with no real preconceived notions about how the characters would sound the voices that were used worked. The narrators voices for both Ryder and Adam seamlessly lined up with the voices that I felt would be theirs as the story progressed.
'Whiskey Business' was a wonderful introduction for Dreamspinner's 'States of Love' series as well as a new author and narrator for me...it all went down like an nice smooth Kentucky bourbon.
********************
An audiobook of 'Whiskey Business' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I may not like whiskey but I loved 'Whiskey Business'...
'Whiskey Business' is Dreamspinner's first book in their 'States of Love' series and my first Avon Gale book...I need to remedy this soon. Especially since I have some of her titles patiently waiting for me to read.
'Whiskey Business' was a wonderful blend of story, sexy times and humor. As Ryder Waites tries to keep his hometown on the map by selling his families whiskey business to larger interest but retaining the actual production of it in his hometown and getting them on the Borbon Trail. Ryder's feeling pretty good about things until the buyer sends a representative to town to assess his manufacturing plant...things go from bad to worse when Adam Keller arrives not only is he serious about his job but one look at him tells Ryder this man is gay and seriously hot...like 'I want you hot'.
I loved the banter between these two and the word play so much fun and at the heart of it was 'Gallow's Grove' a town that is notoriously playing on it's name with businesses using macabre-themed names like 'Hanged Man Whiskey', the Last Meal Diner, the Ever After Funeral Home or The Perfect Grime...it's the local laundromat. So many fun names. I was so entertained by this...loved it and then there was the whole UK sports fanaticism...I got that truly I did I live a place that calls itself 'The Rider Nation' after it's local football team and it's in Canada...hockey anyone?
Add in to this the fact that I just really liked Ryder and Adam together. They worked. They had fun together but they also had disagreements, they spent time getting to know one another. This story so pushed all my buttons and it was just what I needed. No big complicated plots or schemes. Just a fun, sexy story about two men doing what they needed to and falling in love along the way.
'Whiskey Business' was my first audio book narrated by Kirt Graves and happily it was a good experience. I liked the voices, they ticked that basic checklist of mine and while I actually went into this with no real preconceived notions about how the characters would sound the voices that were used worked. The narrators voices for both Ryder and Adam seamlessly lined up with the voices that I felt would be theirs as the story progressed.
'Whiskey Business' was a wonderful introduction for Dreamspinner's 'States of Love' series as well as a new author and narrator for me...it all went down like an nice smooth Kentucky bourbon.
********************
An audiobook of 'Whiskey Business' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2018
Overall book rating: 4
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 4
I’m ashamed to say, I didn’t give this book the attention it deserved.
I’m hot off a major book hangover and I jumped into this without thinking twice, cause after that kind of “hangover” there is not saving you from anything really.
So. I had fun with it. It was really funny and I liked both the MC’s and the crazy town and its people.
Low angst, short and sweet. And that’s about what I can say at this moment.
I feel it was the right thing to jump into at this point in time for me.
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 4
I’m ashamed to say, I didn’t give this book the attention it deserved.
I’m hot off a major book hangover and I jumped into this without thinking twice, cause after that kind of “hangover” there is not saving you from anything really.
So. I had fun with it. It was really funny and I liked both the MC’s and the crazy town and its people.
Low angst, short and sweet. And that’s about what I can say at this moment.
I feel it was the right thing to jump into at this point in time for me.
January 3, 2017
~4.25 Stars~
I loved this quirky story, it was low angst and pretty sweet while adding in some definite steam. I'm having some great luck with my book choices to kick off this new year!!
I loved this quirky story, it was low angst and pretty sweet while adding in some definite steam. I'm having some great luck with my book choices to kick off this new year!!
January 3, 2017
3.5 stars
Avon Gale is one of my favorite new-to-me authors in 2016; I think I have consumed almost all of her books (I DNF'ed one, but that's probably my issue not yours). So when I saw this book on DSP website, I pre-ordered it immediately.
I ENJOYED the small-town atmosphere in this book! All those gallows humors and puns were entertaining! Unfortunately, I thought the sex scenes (even if they were pretty hot) disrupted the flow of what potentially could be a quirky romantic comedy. I am one of those readers who think less is more when it comes to sex scenes in romance; especially if the book is only a novella length.
Also there were a number of time jumps in this book, which annoyed me quite a bit. I prefer reading Adam and Ryder enjoying more of the Gallows Grove environment, probably more dating scenes, or talking about the progress of getting the town to the Bourbon Trail.
So yeah, all in all this was enjoyable, but it could be a lot more fun to me personally with less sex :)
Avon Gale is one of my favorite new-to-me authors in 2016; I think I have consumed almost all of her books (I DNF'ed one, but that's probably my issue not yours). So when I saw this book on DSP website, I pre-ordered it immediately.
I ENJOYED the small-town atmosphere in this book! All those gallows humors and puns were entertaining! Unfortunately, I thought the sex scenes (even if they were pretty hot) disrupted the flow of what potentially could be a quirky romantic comedy. I am one of those readers who think less is more when it comes to sex scenes in romance; especially if the book is only a novella length.
Also there were a number of time jumps in this book, which annoyed me quite a bit. I prefer reading Adam and Ryder enjoying more of the Gallows Grove environment, probably more dating scenes, or talking about the progress of getting the town to the Bourbon Trail.
So yeah, all in all this was enjoyable, but it could be a lot more fun to me personally with less sex :)
June 14, 2017
4.25 Stars!
This was so cute and quirky and sexy and fun! Just what I was looking for!
This was so cute and quirky and sexy and fun! Just what I was looking for!
December 28, 2016
Review originally posted at Sinfully.
4.5 stars
This story was an absolute delight to read. A quirky town, a good hearted distillery owner, a stuffy corporate-type with some hidden talents and a roomful of creepy dolls make for an entertaining visit to very small-town Kentucky.
It’s not really an enemies to lovers story, but Adam is the man from Lexington sent to evaluate Ryder’s family distillery to decide its fate – will the town lose the distillery or will it become a tourist town on the Bourbon Trail? Ryder has sold the family bourbon recipe in order to save the town, but now he fears that he may have not gotten as good a deal as he thought. So while Adam’s not the enemy, he is the man Ryder sees as holding the fate of the town of Gallows Grove in his hands, and while physically Ryder likes what he sees, Adam comes off as an over-educated, rich, stuffed suit.
Adam likes what he sees in Ryder and isn’t looking to ruin Ryder’s life. He’s just looking to get in and get out, hopefully without anyone in the town dying since he’s staying in the town’s funeral home. Under that suit and stuffy exterior, Adam is a lonely man with a knack for dirty talk and an appreciation of puns, which comes in handy in the quirky town full of businesses playing on the death theme. His life back in Lexington is less than exciting and his well-known family is not something he is really proud to be a part of.
Ryder and Adam spend their time together touring the town and the distillery, Ryder regaling Adam with tales of the town’s dicey history. When the sexual tension becomes undeniable the two decide to go for it. Might as well have some fun while they can. It turns out they have more in common than they ever expected. They banter well and they are combustible in bed. The sex scenes are seriously hot and I loved every minute of them. Adam has a filthy mouth and he knows how to use it. Once they have gotten to know each other in and out of bed, Ryder thinks he just might be ready for a relationship.
When it comes time for Adam to leave town is when the real trouble begins. It’s clear the men are great together and that there is potential for their relationship to continue long distance now that they are more emotionally involved, but does Adam even want that to happen? Ryder is ready, but Adam’s not so sure and though the book is pretty light on the angst, I could definitely feel Ryder’s hurt when Adam walks out to head back home.
The pace of the book was on target and Avon Gale kept the story moving with a light touch. The town’s businesses all have quirky, punny names which just helped to give me a real feel for the town of Gallows Grove. If you’re looking for a sexy romance, with plenty of fun and just a bit of tension as to how the MCs will resolve their issues, grab this book.
4.5 stars
This story was an absolute delight to read. A quirky town, a good hearted distillery owner, a stuffy corporate-type with some hidden talents and a roomful of creepy dolls make for an entertaining visit to very small-town Kentucky.
It’s not really an enemies to lovers story, but Adam is the man from Lexington sent to evaluate Ryder’s family distillery to decide its fate – will the town lose the distillery or will it become a tourist town on the Bourbon Trail? Ryder has sold the family bourbon recipe in order to save the town, but now he fears that he may have not gotten as good a deal as he thought. So while Adam’s not the enemy, he is the man Ryder sees as holding the fate of the town of Gallows Grove in his hands, and while physically Ryder likes what he sees, Adam comes off as an over-educated, rich, stuffed suit.
Adam likes what he sees in Ryder and isn’t looking to ruin Ryder’s life. He’s just looking to get in and get out, hopefully without anyone in the town dying since he’s staying in the town’s funeral home. Under that suit and stuffy exterior, Adam is a lonely man with a knack for dirty talk and an appreciation of puns, which comes in handy in the quirky town full of businesses playing on the death theme. His life back in Lexington is less than exciting and his well-known family is not something he is really proud to be a part of.
Ryder and Adam spend their time together touring the town and the distillery, Ryder regaling Adam with tales of the town’s dicey history. When the sexual tension becomes undeniable the two decide to go for it. Might as well have some fun while they can. It turns out they have more in common than they ever expected. They banter well and they are combustible in bed. The sex scenes are seriously hot and I loved every minute of them. Adam has a filthy mouth and he knows how to use it. Once they have gotten to know each other in and out of bed, Ryder thinks he just might be ready for a relationship.
When it comes time for Adam to leave town is when the real trouble begins. It’s clear the men are great together and that there is potential for their relationship to continue long distance now that they are more emotionally involved, but does Adam even want that to happen? Ryder is ready, but Adam’s not so sure and though the book is pretty light on the angst, I could definitely feel Ryder’s hurt when Adam walks out to head back home.
The pace of the book was on target and Avon Gale kept the story moving with a light touch. The town’s businesses all have quirky, punny names which just helped to give me a real feel for the town of Gallows Grove. If you’re looking for a sexy romance, with plenty of fun and just a bit of tension as to how the MCs will resolve their issues, grab this book.
February 3, 2017
My experience with this book is very complicated. I liked the characters but I didn't really connected with them as a couple. Things just happened way too fast and I didn't had the time to see them as a couple, as individuals yes but not as partners.
The other thing is I found the little town so cute and quirky but I'm not from the U.S and I know close to nothing of Kentucky and the book is all about Kentucky and I was a little bit bored sometimes.
Don't get me wrong, the book is very enjoyable, Avon knows how to write a good story and the epilogue was beautiful.
I only have a question.. what was with the freaking clock?? I felt like there was a story there.
The other thing is I found the little town so cute and quirky but I'm not from the U.S and I know close to nothing of Kentucky and the book is all about Kentucky and I was a little bit bored sometimes.
Don't get me wrong, the book is very enjoyable, Avon knows how to write a good story and the epilogue was beautiful.
I only have a question.. what was with the freaking clock?? I felt like there was a story there.
December 28, 2022
4.5 stars
Pretty much the perfect short story! Very fun (I loved the puns) and these guys (especially Ryder) were so endearing. I'll definitely be re-reading sometime soon.
Pretty much the perfect short story! Very fun (I loved the puns) and these guys (especially Ryder) were so endearing. I'll definitely be re-reading sometime soon.
December 28, 2016
As much as I love Avon Gale’s hockey players, it was nice to see such an adorable departure for her. Not my favourite, but a nice bit ‘o fluff for between the angsty ones.
April 3, 2017
4.5 Rounded up because, bad death puns! Needed a light, humorous read and the day after losing my dad, the gallows humor was kind of fitting. Macabre I know, but that's how I am.
December 28, 2016
Ryder Waites is determined to do everything he can to keep his home town of Gallows Grove from fading into nothing more than empty stores and quite streets. Even if it means selling off the recipe for his family’s Hanged Man Bourbon. He isn’t going to just sell it off to the first person who offers, though, since he needs the distillery to stay in Gallows Grove. Anything less and offering up one the last pieces of his inheritance will be for nothing. When he finally finds a company willing to consider it, he is thrilled–not the least because he was quickly running out of offers–and a little worried. Because to make sure that Ryder’s distillery is actually capable of putting out the whiskey, the company is sending Adam Keller to check them out. If Adam decides that Gallows Grove is bad for the company, then they will move the whole operation–ending all of Ryder’s hopes for the town. Ryder isn’t gonna let that happen, though. Even when messy emotions start to make the whole thing about a million times more complicated.
Oh. My. God. I loved this so much. It was quirky and fun…and there might have been a few times I snorted my laughter over the fanfic references and absolutely awesome puns. I’ve not read anything of Avon Gales that didn’t involve hockey boys, but I snatched this book up, completely assured that she can write some pretty damn great stories no matter the context. I was not in the least bit let down. I enjoyed this book from start to finish and my only regret is that it had to end so soon.
Ok, that’s a lie. I also regret that Gallows Grove is not in fact an actual place that I can go visit. Outside of Adam and Ryder (who were, of course, fantastic) the many punny business and the absolutely charming backstory in this town sold me twice over on this book. I would love to visit this town, it sounded like so much fun. Gale did a great job of not only creating a place that would almost instantly make you want Ryder’s gambit to win, but which also felt like a real place–even if one that is completely absurd at time.
I can’t say enough how much I enjoyed this story. Gale has a wonderful way of crafting stories that are both humorous and heartfelt, and this one is yet another great example of that skill. It of course has my highest recommendation. Not that that is a surprise to anyone.
4.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Oh. My. God. I loved this so much. It was quirky and fun…and there might have been a few times I snorted my laughter over the fanfic references and absolutely awesome puns. I’ve not read anything of Avon Gales that didn’t involve hockey boys, but I snatched this book up, completely assured that she can write some pretty damn great stories no matter the context. I was not in the least bit let down. I enjoyed this book from start to finish and my only regret is that it had to end so soon.
Ok, that’s a lie. I also regret that Gallows Grove is not in fact an actual place that I can go visit. Outside of Adam and Ryder (who were, of course, fantastic) the many punny business and the absolutely charming backstory in this town sold me twice over on this book. I would love to visit this town, it sounded like so much fun. Gale did a great job of not only creating a place that would almost instantly make you want Ryder’s gambit to win, but which also felt like a real place–even if one that is completely absurd at time.
I can’t say enough how much I enjoyed this story. Gale has a wonderful way of crafting stories that are both humorous and heartfelt, and this one is yet another great example of that skill. It of course has my highest recommendation. Not that that is a surprise to anyone.
4.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
December 24, 2016
Whiskey Business has plenty of laugh out loud scenes. Avon Gale scored another one. Ryder & Adam were perfect together! Bourbon, Kentucky-isms, Basketball and Bad Puns what more can you want?
I really enjoyed the town of Gallows Grove! I think the town made for a more interesting character seeing as it brought most of the excitement. Ryder Waites is born and bred Kentucky, it's in his blood, essence, and in his family's bourbon. Trying to do right by the family and town, Ryder agrees to sale his brand to a company that's in state and can equally help his little town. In comes Adam Keller. Adam is from old money, and doesn't need to work, but when you hate horses why work for them? He doesn't. He goes to school to start his own future. He finds his niche in the world and everything is smooth sailing until he rides into Gallows Grove.
Things are a little tense after this. I found myself chuckling at each guy's expense. Both had some hilarious internal monologue-ing going on. Adam is a bit uptight when we meet him, and it immediately raises Ryder hackles. From there it's lust on both guys ends, and funny moments. Who knew Mr.Uptight had such a dirty mouth on him? Good Lord, Adam surprised me. He was super filthy but that's how I like my guys. Of course when feelings get involved signals get crossed then things go to hell in a hand basket for these two. It eventually works itself out and their union is a blessed one at the end of the day. *wink*
To me this is one of the better novels in the States of Love Series. I really had a fun timing reading it, and Avon stories seem to flow so easily for me. I can always count on her to bring the steam, feels, and humor in each and every one of them. To this day Power Play is my favorite book by her. Not to say, the others aren't good, but this one stuck with me big time. I'd highly recommend this novella to anyone who wants to laugh, and have some steamy moments while doing it!
I really enjoyed the town of Gallows Grove! I think the town made for a more interesting character seeing as it brought most of the excitement. Ryder Waites is born and bred Kentucky, it's in his blood, essence, and in his family's bourbon. Trying to do right by the family and town, Ryder agrees to sale his brand to a company that's in state and can equally help his little town. In comes Adam Keller. Adam is from old money, and doesn't need to work, but when you hate horses why work for them? He doesn't. He goes to school to start his own future. He finds his niche in the world and everything is smooth sailing until he rides into Gallows Grove.
Things are a little tense after this. I found myself chuckling at each guy's expense. Both had some hilarious internal monologue-ing going on. Adam is a bit uptight when we meet him, and it immediately raises Ryder hackles. From there it's lust on both guys ends, and funny moments. Who knew Mr.Uptight had such a dirty mouth on him? Good Lord, Adam surprised me. He was super filthy but that's how I like my guys. Of course when feelings get involved signals get crossed then things go to hell in a hand basket for these two. It eventually works itself out and their union is a blessed one at the end of the day. *wink*
To me this is one of the better novels in the States of Love Series. I really had a fun timing reading it, and Avon stories seem to flow so easily for me. I can always count on her to bring the steam, feels, and humor in each and every one of them. To this day Power Play is my favorite book by her. Not to say, the others aren't good, but this one stuck with me big time. I'd highly recommend this novella to anyone who wants to laugh, and have some steamy moments while doing it!
December 30, 2016
I can't get enough of Avon Gale, she never lets me down - not even with a Novella. I was so excited for this story, I liked the premise and her stories have what I am looking for, great MC's with full, enjoyable personalities. A real story, great side characters, no BS extra conflict just for nothing. Real character connection, wonderful and hot sexy moments. Although this was short I felt all of it, this one had great humor, she is a Deserved Favorite of mine. I am looking forward for many more of her books. Highly recommended.
February 6, 2017
3.5 stars for this book. While I enjoyed the characters, the storyline and the Grim Reaper puns, I found myself getting distracted and kept losing the flow. Not sure about the disconnect as I love Avon's work - but hey maybe the timing wasn't quite right.
March 26, 2017
This author just can do no wrong for me. I love her characters, her settings -- the way the writing flows. It is smooth and easy. Just like Whiskey :)
December 27, 2016
4.5 stars
“Whiskey Business” is sweet, fun, sexy and has the added incentive of having the best and unique bourbon you could ever taste. The author has done a fantastic job of describing the quirky Kentucky town of Gallows Grove, with its fantastic but questionable history, sweet and over-friendly townspeople, businesses with morbid names (I loved the puns!!!) and last but not the least, its unique water which makes everything taste better.
Ryder Waites (ya, he is named after a tarot deck!) is left with his family distillery after his mother dies. He reluctantly sells the recipe to their famed “Hanged Man bourbon” to a big corporation because it would hopefully put their small town on the map while boosting the existent businesses and also putting them on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Ryder will do what it takes to benefit his town but that does not mean he has to tolerate the new guy whom the company is sending to snoop around his business. But he is not prepared for the uptight, no-nonsense professional in the suit who is also, God help Ryder, very, very sexy.
Adam Keller is in Gallows Grove to get his job done but he can’t help but feel attracted to Ryder with his tight jeans and band t-shirts. Ryder is like a forbidden fruit to him because mixing business with pleasure is not such a good idea. But when Adam and Ryder do fall into bed, they burn the sheets with some heavy dose of dirty talk thrown in for good measure. Adam is unsure of opening up his heart for fear of disappointment but finally he does realize that Ryder is the guy for whom he can overcome his fears and insecurities and pursue their much deserved HEA.
This book was really fun and romantic. It is funny with the quirky and insane elements which came courtesy to the puntastic and crazy town of Gallows Grave. I really lol’d hard with all the morbid names that everyone came up for their businesses. It has a funeral home with the name “Ever After”, a lawn trimming business with the name: “The Trim Reapers”, a bar named “The Trapdoor”, a diner named “The Last Meal Diner”, I could go on!!! OMG! It was hilarious.
Now for the romance, Ryder and Adam were really sexy together. Their “horizontal tango” (this word comes courtesy of a 70-year old grandma from Gallows Grave, just read it*LOL*) was stellar along with the steady emotional development which leads to a beautiful HEA. There is a lot of mistrust between the MCs which they had to navigate and separate from their personal lives. The angst was handled very nicely without being too much. Adam was the one who had to struggle quite a bit before finally giving in whereas Ryder was totally in for the long haul from the moment they hit the sac.
All the secondary characters were another nice touch to this excellent story. From Ryder’s grunting and clock-fixing uncle to Heather, his office manager to the sweet free-pie giving waitress, everyone in that small town were just great. Everyone was supportive of the couple and their weird enthusiasm to celebrate a “GAY wedding” was funny and adorable. I loved them all.
Whiskey Business is really awesome and now I can’t wait to read Avon Gale’s other works. Recommended!!!
*This review has been cross posted at GayBookReviews*
“Whiskey Business” is sweet, fun, sexy and has the added incentive of having the best and unique bourbon you could ever taste. The author has done a fantastic job of describing the quirky Kentucky town of Gallows Grove, with its fantastic but questionable history, sweet and over-friendly townspeople, businesses with morbid names (I loved the puns!!!) and last but not the least, its unique water which makes everything taste better.
Ryder Waites (ya, he is named after a tarot deck!) is left with his family distillery after his mother dies. He reluctantly sells the recipe to their famed “Hanged Man bourbon” to a big corporation because it would hopefully put their small town on the map while boosting the existent businesses and also putting them on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Ryder will do what it takes to benefit his town but that does not mean he has to tolerate the new guy whom the company is sending to snoop around his business. But he is not prepared for the uptight, no-nonsense professional in the suit who is also, God help Ryder, very, very sexy.
Adam Keller is in Gallows Grove to get his job done but he can’t help but feel attracted to Ryder with his tight jeans and band t-shirts. Ryder is like a forbidden fruit to him because mixing business with pleasure is not such a good idea. But when Adam and Ryder do fall into bed, they burn the sheets with some heavy dose of dirty talk thrown in for good measure. Adam is unsure of opening up his heart for fear of disappointment but finally he does realize that Ryder is the guy for whom he can overcome his fears and insecurities and pursue their much deserved HEA.
This book was really fun and romantic. It is funny with the quirky and insane elements which came courtesy to the puntastic and crazy town of Gallows Grave. I really lol’d hard with all the morbid names that everyone came up for their businesses. It has a funeral home with the name “Ever After”, a lawn trimming business with the name: “The Trim Reapers”, a bar named “The Trapdoor”, a diner named “The Last Meal Diner”, I could go on!!! OMG! It was hilarious.
Now for the romance, Ryder and Adam were really sexy together. Their “horizontal tango” (this word comes courtesy of a 70-year old grandma from Gallows Grave, just read it*LOL*) was stellar along with the steady emotional development which leads to a beautiful HEA. There is a lot of mistrust between the MCs which they had to navigate and separate from their personal lives. The angst was handled very nicely without being too much. Adam was the one who had to struggle quite a bit before finally giving in whereas Ryder was totally in for the long haul from the moment they hit the sac.
All the secondary characters were another nice touch to this excellent story. From Ryder’s grunting and clock-fixing uncle to Heather, his office manager to the sweet free-pie giving waitress, everyone in that small town were just great. Everyone was supportive of the couple and their weird enthusiasm to celebrate a “GAY wedding” was funny and adorable. I loved them all.
Whiskey Business is really awesome and now I can’t wait to read Avon Gale’s other works. Recommended!!!
*This review has been cross posted at GayBookReviews*
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