Barrel Proof

Bourbonland #3.5

by Jennifer Bramseth

So much for staying away from each other.

When Coraleigh Boyle seeks out Clay London to beg him to help her to stop the destruction of a Civil War battlefield, she gets the reaction she expected. A gentle but decisive rebuff. Not to mention a painful reminder of her broken heart.

But she’s not the only one trying to stop the destruction. The denizens of Craig County are plotting and planning to save the site as well.

Yet there is an unexpected, unknown hero. One that Coraleigh discovers only after a chance encounter with residents of Bourbon Springs who take a rare tour of her historic estate, Traveler’s Rest.

Coraleigh’s guests remind her that the strength and proof of one’s character is discerned in the smallest of ways. Especially when one tries to hide one’s true nature.

Barrel Proof , a 17,000-word short story, is the fourth work in the Bourbonland Short Stories and Novellas series. It takes place during Where the Fire Is Hottest , Bourbonland Book 3.

60 pages, ebook

Published December 15, 2017

About the author

Jennifer Bramseth is the author of the Bourbon Springs Series and Bourbonland Series of contemporary romances, and the Devil Springs Cozy Mysteries. She is a Kentucky native and lifelong resident who lives next to a horse farm and within minutes of several bourbon distilleries.

Reviews

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barrel Proof is a guide to all things happening in the land of Bourbon. There is a twofold purpose to the novella. A chance to catch up with characters past and a foothold into characters we have yet to meet. Barrel Proof is a story within a story. Ms. Bramseth, takes us back to tie up loose ends. A historic monument, feuding adversaries and a fiery attraction sets about seducing readers. Past, present and future collide in a big way. Epic drama in a tiny package.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barrel Proof by Jennifer Bramseth
Bourbonland Short Stories and Novellas #4

I can never get enough of Coraleigh and Clay – childhood friends then sweethearts that have been unable to find their way to a HEA. Each snippet I get of their story rounds them out as people and as a potential couple and I eagerly await each bit of their story that comes my way. This book also updates readers about many characters in the two series by Bramseth and runs parallel with her book “Where the Fire is Hottest” giving a few insights not mentioned in the story of Maisie, Cord and Perryville.

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

[Coco.V]

🎁 The complete Bourbonland Short Stories and Novellas (8 book series) is FREE on iBooks today (4/1/2020)! 🎁

[Becky Burciaga · Rating 5 out of 5]

These Novellas are so welcomed because they fill in some of the gaps of what was happening behind the scenes of the previous story. In this case, much is explained about Clay and Corrie's history. Though much is alluded to his previous stories, there is much that sets the stage for there own story.

It was also great to have Bourbon Springs' characters make an appearance, providing some wonderful comedic scenes. It's like having old friend pay a visit.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the author. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

[Brooke Clanton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love reading these little glimpses into Corrie and Clay as well as getting the blanks filled in about what my other favorite characters were up to! This installment gave us a glimpse as to what parts the others were playing in trying to preserve Perryville! I love reading how these relationships are growing especially the emotions behind Corrie and Clay that keep drawing them back together! Thank you for these quick catch-ups!

[Mary Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Corrie and Clay are an amazing couple that isn’t a couple. These two belong together but family obligations keep them apart as they both work to support their parents the best way they know how even sacrificing their own happiness. Yet life keeps forcing them to cross paths as their careers put them on opposites sides of a cause. During all of their drama, we also get to visit with other members from Bourbon Springs, catching up with the families and their children, which is always a delight for me. I have been enjoying this wonderful cast of characters and the lives they lead in Kentucky. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

[Rosemary Rowlette- · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barrel Proof is a short story that tells what was going on behind the scenes with Coraleigh and Clay regarding the preservation of the Civil War battlefield land in Where the Fire Is Hottest. My favorite part of the book is where the couples from Bourbon Springs are attending a birthday party with six kids all under five years old, some running around covered in cake and frosting! So relatable! I think you will enjoy reading this story. Thanks to the author for the ARC.

[Bernadette Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella brings one up to date on several of the families from Bourbon Springs who also have an interest in the events going on in WHERE THE FIRE IS HOTTEST. This is not really a standalone; it really should be read in order with the Bourbon series.

I did enjoy the interactions between Clay and Corrie in this novella because they were not so hostile with each other. I can hardly wait until we can read their story!

I received an ARC but all opinions are my own.

[Antonette Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great companion book to “Where the Fire Is Hottest”. In this book you find out more about Corrie and Clay, in addition to a little more back story to Cord and Maisie’s situation with the Park.

[Janet Overstreet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've become obsessed with the ongoing saga between Clay and Corrie. Every time I think they might be able to get passed their history and work it out, something unexpected happens. It surely with be a wonderful event when it finally happens.