Savannah's Secrets

The Bourbon Brothers #1

by Reese Ryan

Falling for the boss has big consequences in this story that launched The Bourbon Brothers series by Reese Ryan.Savannah Carlisle has the perfect plan. By infiltrating the Abbott family’s Tennessee bourbon empire as their events manager, she’d be one step closer to claiming half of the business they stole from her grandfather. Now, she’s not so sure. Because sexy Blake Abbott, heir to it all, is simply intoxicating. He’s supposed to be the enemy. But after one long, stormy weekend trapped with him, her defenses fail her and she gives into temptation.Now she’s pregnant with his child….From Harlequin scandal, desire—welcome to the lives of the American elite.Don’t miss a single story in The Bourbon Brothers series from Reese 1 — Savannah’s SecretsBook 2 — The Billionaire’s LegacyBook 3 — Engaging the EnemyBook 4 — A Reunion of Rivals

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Harlequin, Contemporary, Harlequin Desire, Category Romance, Workplace Romance

173 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 6, 2018

About the author

Vivian Award-winning author Reese Ryan writes sexy, emotional, “grown folks” romantic fiction set in small Southern towns. Her characters find love while navigating career crises and family drama.

Reese's books have been featured on Entertainment Weekly, BuzzFeed, and BookRiot. She is the host of Story Behind the Story—her YouTube show where readers and authors connect.

Reviews

[Rebekah Weatherspoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly appreciate that these two could not stop having sex with each other.

[Delaney Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, this cover is everything. But Savannah’s Secrets is also a really good story. Savannah didn’t stand a chance when she arrived at the Abbott’s bourbon business to reclaim what she felt was rightfully owed to her grandfather, and essentially, her family. The reason she didn’t stand a chance? Mr. Blake Abbott, who put it on her and left our poor heroine second-guessing her mission, lol.

These two were attracted to each other from the outset, which complicated things since Savannah was a subordinate and the family had an unwritten rule about not dating employees. I appreciated the details Ryan added about bourbon-making, and I’m interested to learn more about Parker, the CFO and Blake’s serious brother. Great story with a perfectly sweet ending.

[Antonella · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was quick and just what I expected!
an okay read!!

[Timitra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savannah's Secrets

This is my first book this author but it won't be my last as I enjoyed this story and look forward to the rest of the series.

[Jess O. (From Jess to You) · Rating 3 out of 5]

"3 out of 5 stars, Savannah wants to give her family a better life but while trying to unearth secrets she might just fall in love with her own enemy ...

First off, I want to state that this novel I originally read and reviewed in 2018, but because of recent life events my original review for this novel has been lost (find out the whole story on my blog). However, because I had read this novel during a readathon rating for this novel and a video sharing my thoughts is still available .... plus, it helps that I still remember this novel even though I read it two years ago. Therefore, my following review is based off of my recorded thoughts and what I can recall. Sadly, this novel was not one of my favorite reads and it is all because of ..."

Read more of this review and a vlog here: https://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2020/05/made-grade-bourbon-brothers-series-book.html

[Whit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved Savannah's determination to right a wrong that was lodged, against her family, a long, long time ago. However falling in love with the grandson of your family's enemy was a challenge that Savannah just didn't see coming.

Although I understand Blake's anger at Savannah's actions, he still should have given her a chance to explain.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Their grandfather raised Savannah and her sister after their parents died in a tragic fire. Finances were tight and Savannah grew up listening to her grandfather talk about how his moonshine partner cheated him. Joe Abbott went on to found the wildly successful King's Finest Bourbon Distillery, while Martin McDowell was poor and bitter.

Savannah is determined to find the proof necessary for her grandfather to claim half the business. The perfect opportunity arises when she is hired as the new event planner for the distillery. All she needs to do is keep under the radar until she discovers the truth. Having grown up hearing about how terrible the Abbotts are, Savannah doesn't expect the intense attraction she feels for Blake Abbott.

Blake has buried himself in his work since the end of his last relationship. He doesn't typically interview new employees, but with key members of the family out of town, it fell to him to interview the possible new event planner. To say that he was stunned by her beauty would be putting it mildly. He had a hard time concentrating on the interview, but it wasn't difficult for him to realize that her qualifications were excellent. The only downside was the unwritten rule that Abbotts don't get involved with employees.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Blake and Savannah. Both feel the intense attraction, but both have good reasons to resist it. Blake because of the prohibition against dating employees, and Savannah because of her secret agenda. That resistance becomes more difficult by the day, as Savannah discovers that Blake is not the heartless scum her grandfather described. Instead, he is sweet, thoughtful, and easy to work with. Blake is more impressed with Savannah's abilities every day, as well as more attracted to her.

They did well with their resistance until a storm trapped them together for a weekend. The combination of the sparks between them and Blake's kindness during a rough part of the storm blew their resistance to pieces. The immediate connection that went deeper than just the physical attraction surprised them both, making each of them wary of getting too close. Over the next weeks, they spent as much time together as they could while at the same time trying to keep it to themselves.

I ached for Savannah, who knew she was falling for Blake and was eaten up by guilt over her deception. She has a harder and harder time seeing how the situation will end well. The more time he spends with her, the harder Blake falls for Savannah, but he also feels that there is something more going on. I kept waiting for it to blow up in Savannah's face, and sure enough, it did. I hurt for both Savannah and Blake when it happened. Blake's feelings of betrayal were heartbreaking. Savannah knew she had earned his anger, but she also felt that her reasons were justified. An unexpected complication arose when Savannah discovered she was pregnant, and Blake had some choice words and accusations when he found out.

It was hard to see how any of this was going to have a positive outcome. This is where the strength of family and love came into play. There were some interesting twists and revelations on both the Abbott and McDowell sides. I liked seeing the support that both Savannah and Blake received, which included some tough love from their family members. The ultimate resolution was realistic and satisfying, making it possible for Blake and Savannah to find their happy ending.

I'm looking forward to the rest of the series and seeing Blake's siblings find love, too. Parker looks like he will be an especially tough nut to crack.

[Richelle Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story, but I had a hard time feeling the connection between the main couple while reading this story.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Reese Ryan has hit the ball out of the park with this one. Savannah’s Secrets is so, so good. The raw passion between Savannah and Blake is intense, hot and consuming. I finished the book in a matter of hours. The plot was engrossing, the dialogue intense and the lush prose along with the passionate yet deeply flawed characters swept me away. I just couldn't get enough!

Highly Recommended
4.5 Stars

[Yuna]

Ehh. It's ok. Didn't really like anyone or the setting enough to feel like I need to binge read the rest of the series.

Felt like Savannah brings up how dastardly cruel and horrible those wicked cheating Abbotts must be in every single chapter. It's ridiculous. Evil mustache twirling villain level.

Frustrated with Savannah's character because she's otherwise smart and competent except to suit the plot, and Blake comes across as completely righteous and she looks ridiculously incompetent/out of touch by comparison. And yea, there are exterior reasons for that for both, but it felt like she shouldn't have been that naive/unconditionally believing. Some of her dialogue during their fight and the resolution is super cliche.

At least little sister Laney is the voice of reason lol. Wish there'd been more space for their relationship to be shown. That's kind of an overall crit for the book--it felt too short for all the emotion and backstory it was leaning on. And I didn't get a feel for the setting at all, even though it's supposed to be this small town where everyone knows everyone's business.

[ShayBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savannah Carlisle moved to Magnolia Lake with one agenda and that was proving that half of King’s Finest belonged to her grandfather and her family. Blake Abbot fresh out of a failed relationship threw himself into his work to help him forget about his last relationship and the women who left him for another man, when Savannah Carlisle steps into his office for a job interview. Both of their worlds will be turned up side down.

I enjoyed Savannah’s Secrets, it was quite the love story scandal. I enjoyed the fact that the story was not predictable, I also liked the fact that after the truth was revealed the author did not allow what you think may have happened to happen. I really enjoy this authors work, this is the third book by her and I have not been disappointed at all. I looked forward to reading more about the Abbot family and more from this author. If you like a romance scandal this is the book for you.

[Ariel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick, tense, sexy.

I know that "technically" Savannah was in the wrong, but Blake still should have apologized for his comments about the pregnancy being plan b. You pursued her, playboy.

Looking forward to the next.

[Kim Reads (Read Your Writes Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

How far would you go to get justice for the person who has sacrificed and given you everything they possibly could? Savannah Carlisle is willing to walk into the lion’s den and risk arrest to prove that Joseph Abbott, founder of King’s Finest Distillery, stole her grandfather's Bourbon recipe and cheated him out of millions.

Savannah grew up listening to her grandfather Martin tell stories of his days of being a moonshiner and how he was cheated out of what was rightfully his and his family's legacy. She has bided her time and honed her skills to position herself to infiltrate King's Finest and expose Joseph and his family for the thieves they are. The vacant Event Manager position is just the opportunity she needs.

As VP of Operations, Blake Abbott would rather be walking the floor of King’s Finest instead of preparing to interview someone for the Event Manager position. After all, that should be something the VP of Marketing, his brother Max, should be doing. Blake finds himself lusting at first sight the moment he lays eyes on Savannah. She's beautiful, confident, and seems to know the company's history. He hires her knowing he should keep his distance but is unable to do so.

Savannah has very impressive ideas and plans to help the company grow. She shows dedication by working late hours without being asked. However, it doesn't go unnoticed that she seems to have a fascination with Joseph, the recipes used, and the early days of the company. It also doesn't go unnoticed that while she is polite to everyone at the company, she chooses to not socialize and keeps everyone at a distance.

When a rainstorm hits Magnolia Lake, bringing with it a flash flood and blocking the entrance to town, Savannah is forced to spend the weekend with Blake at his house. This weekend marks a turning point in their relationship and the start of a secret fling. As unwanted feelings start to grow between the two, Savannah's time in Magnolia Lake is running out. Pushing the envelope means risk and Savannah and Blake's lives will be changed forever.

Reese Ryan has this really good ability to take a character who shows traits that should make them unlikable likable. I'm not a fan of liars and deceitful people. Yet, I found myself split on my feelings towards Savannah. I understand why she felt the need to go to Magnolia Lake and do what she did. A part of me admires her for it. But it doesn't make it right. Reese has written a really good story about family. It amazes me how the main and secondary characters are so entrenched in family. I have to admit that I was very surprised by the understanding and humbleness of Martin and the Abbott family. Reese has set up the Bourbon Brothers series nicely, with likeable characters that you want to know more about. She's even giving readers a little peek at the future heroes and heroines. I can't wait to lose myself in the next book.

**Received a copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed.**

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I loved Blake and pretty much the whole Abbott clan. Savannah is where I had more difficulties connecting to the story. I admire what she wanted to accomplish for her family, but my ethics just couldn't support the way she went about it. When Savannah wasn't hiding behind the lies demanded by her plot, I really liked the relationship between her and Blake. I adored the place they were able to get to in the end, I just wasn't a fan of the steps that Savannah took getting there. Now I'm looking forward to reading more about the Abbotts in the future.

[Dawn ♥ romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story but I am not a big fan of plots that include deception even though I understood the characters reasoning. The hero was bit too extreme on both sides of his behavior and I'm not completely convinced of the HEA. Savannah gets a job at the Abbott family business to avenge her grandfather and is pulled in to a mutual attraction to one of the sons, Blake.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savannah is such a great character, who just wsnts to take care of her family, and I loved her. Blake is an awesome counterpart to her, and together they just burn up the pages! A great story, with some twists that you might not see coming!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great start to this series.

[Shelley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Neither of the main characters worked for me and their chemistry felt forced. Having loved the final book in the series, this was a disappointment as it was hard to give much of a shit about anything or anyone in the story. It did keep me from falling asleep during a boring zoom call, so there's that.

[stilwaterz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC, so I tried to approach this review objectively, but when I read that the leading female character, Savannah Carlisle, was from my home state of West Virginia, it was a wrap!

The Bourbon Brothers series is about five siblings who are heirs to King’s Finest Distillery. This installment features oldest sibling, Blake and Savannah, their new special event planner for from West Virginia.

Savannah is an amateur con artist with a secret motive. She has devised a scheme to infiltrate King’s, get hired, gain proof that their bourbon recipe was stolen from her grandfather and then return victoriously to her family. Blake is immediately smitten with Savannah at their first meeting, but company policy discourages dating employees and puts a damper on his plans for them. So Blake and Savannah conceal their relationship until their carelessness exposes both their relationship and Savannah’s motives.

SAVANNAH’S SECRET is a heartwarming story of family loyalties and half-truths. Savannah and Blake’s grandfathers partnered to run moonshine in their youth. The partnership dissolved and Grandfather Abbott went on to create King’s and Savannah’s grandfather faded into bitter obscurity. He suffered a series of misfortunes which impacted Savannah deeply. As a result, she blamed the Abbotts for their misfortune and vowed to seek revenge. However, she wasn’t prepared for the overwhelming attraction to Blake and the consequences of an impromptu passionate weekend.

This novel is a winner and I recommend readers take the plunge and sample this smooth bourbon laced tale you will be hooked too!

[Lindaisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 2.75

This book is exactly what the synopsis advertises it to be.

Savannah is an event planner who has moved to the small town of Magnolia Lake with the purpose of infiltrating Kings Finest Distillery, a company owned by the Abbott family, in order to prove that long ago, the family patriach stole her granddads hooch recipe leading to the success and notoriety the company sees in present times. Only she was not expecting Black Abbott to swoop in and sweep her off her feet, putting her in a position of having to choose between her families honor and legacy or her heart.

I devoured this book. This was another <24 hour read. But I have to say that is more a testament to Ryans fluid writing style than my actual enjoyment and investment in the story. Savannahs Secret did a lot of TELLING of the story and not much showing and allowing me as a reader to experience what was happening along with the characters. Throughout the story, you're TOLD how the characters felt for one another rather than presented with scenes thats showed how they felt.

That coupled with the fact that all the major plot points and conflict in the story happened in the course of about two and a half months, made it really hard for me to actually setting into the story and feel invested and engaged with the characters and what was going on in the story. I found myself side-eyeing and doubting may parts of the story because it felt like we were going from 0 to 1000 from one chapter to the next as far as their feelings for one another. The lack of exposition and pacing just made it feel inauthentic.

I did enjoy the characters and the world that is established in this first installment, but the prospect of powering through 3-4 more books like this one, isn't really all that appealing to me so as much as i'm interested in seeing grouchy Mr. Parker Abbott brought to his knees by the woman of his dreams, I don't think i'll be reading the other books in this series.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really good. I love the aspect of revenge as the conflict in a romance. I get why Savannah did what she did and on a base level I thought Blake should understand also. He knows how important family is. I was really rooting for this couple to make it because they were really good together. I really liked the conflict in this one. Sometimes when I read books and the characters are being sneaky, I’m so nervous for when they get caught. No lie when Savannah did, I jumped reading it like they caught me doing something. The one thing I didn’t like was what Blake insinuated when he found out about the pregnancy. He was the one pursuing her heavily so he should have known that she didn’t plan that. I usually hate books set in a small towns but I really liked this one. Even though it was still very gossipy, the other characters mainly minded their own business. I liked that Blake’s mom acknowledged that she heard gossip about him but didn’t badger him or give him her 2 cents. Overall I really enjoyed this one. I look forward to books on the rest of the family.

[K. Sterling · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s a saying about best laid schemes and that’s what comes to mind with Savannah’s Secrets. Savannah had a very good scheme with very good intentions and, boy, did she get laid. And then some. Savannah sets out to right a wrong and regain something her family lost but things get confusing almost as soon as she meets Blake Abbott. First of all, there’s too much damn chemistry and they can’t keep their hands off of each other. Then, Savannah begins to question the old grudge and family tale that brought her to King’s Finest. I loved the whole Abbott family but especially Zora and I couldn’t wait for Savannah to realize how wrong she was while still rooting for her. The ending is super satisfying and I’m looking forward to inhaling the rest of the series!

[LaKendra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good

This was a good, sweet book. Savannah and Blake are good together. I felt like it was too much repetition when she kept mentioning Savannah's revenge. Other than that, good read.

[Michelle Styles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect for a Friday night escape -- like a really good Bourbon -- smooth with a long finish. One of the best Desires I have read for a long time. Reese Ryan is an author to savour. Thankfully this is the start of a series which looks worthy of laying down.

[Jaime K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted a short book and I got one, but I still feel like a lot was rushed.
The writing isn't bad at all.

I can't stand Savannah. I don't know how Blake falls for her when she can't take "no" for an answer. Her mission, while devious, is understandable, but she is absolutely disrespectful.

[Happily Ever After Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance

I’m a reader who gets the most enjoyment from a series by starting at the very beginning. So, when I began to see information about a new series connected to The Bourbon Brothers series (Valentine Vineyards) coming out toward the end of 2022 I knew what I’d end up doing… going back to the first story, Savannah’s Secrets. Frankly, there is no time limit on any book or series, it begins for the reader when they pick up that first book. And I’m so glad I went back because Savannah’s and Blake’s story is powerful, steamy, emotional, and such a great start to the Abbott family stories to come.

Savannah grew up on her grandfather’s stories of his moonshine days, and how his partner at that time stole a now very profitable business out from under him. In a child’s eyes a beloved grandfather can do no wrong (usually) so as she grew into an adult Savannah made a plan, an ingeniously good plan that might have worked… if she hadn’t fallen for the man she set out to deceive.

Blake has his own issues as he meets Savannah for the first time while interviewing her for that necessary to Savannah’s plans position. Coming off of a rough relationship Blake shouldn’t have been the least bit interested in the beauty at his desk, since he wasn’t willing to go that route again any time soon. But there’s something about this woman that calls to him, makes him break a promise to himself that could turn into a disaster… or be the best decision of his life.

I was so easily caught up in Savannah’s Secrets. The story is well-written, the plot smooth and involved, the characters realistic, and the emotions simply drew me into their lives. Without giving away important details I can say that everything you’d want to know before you pick this one up is in that cover description. What you won’t find there is how emotionally powerful their story is. Yes, there were mistakes made, and words said in anger that will be difficult to get past, but this couple will find a way to navigate through some intense situations, the kind that can tear people apart.

If you enjoy a romance that speaks to the heart, a couple that you’ll be rooting for to find their happy ending, and starting the adventure of a complex family series then you’ll want to get started with Savannah’s Secrets before the new connecting series releases. I had a blast and would definitely recommend it.

I own a Kindle edition of this title.

[D.T. Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

On Edge, was what I was while reading every page of this masterpiece. Savannah’s Secrets proved to be a sizzling romantic drama that could put any lifetime movie or episode of Dynasty to shame. Story kicks off with Blake Abbot, a sexy southerner and one of the many heirs to the King’s Finest Bourbon Distillery. His main goal in life is to keep his family’s business thriving and making it as successful as possible. So, when he hires Savannah Carlisle as the new event manager he has no doubt that she can take the distillery all the way to the top, but I bet he didn’t plan on falling in love with her. Savannah is a woman on a mission, not just to boost King’s Finest sales but to get what is rightfully owed to her family. She will stop at nothing to expose the truth about the Abbot Family and their deceptive past but there is only one problem standing in her way, and his name is Blake Abbot.

Let me start by saying this book was everything I wanted it to be. Captivating, intriguing, sexy, suspenseful and so much more. The plot was perfect and definitely kept the scenes between the two main characters interesting. I loved how Savannah came to town under false pretenses and was later torn between her feelings for Blake and loyalty to her grandfather. Also, the interactions between the two as they slowly let their guard down and gave into their desires to be together was displayed perfectly. And might I say, the whole severe storm weekend/sleepover was romantically epic. Those moments Blake and Savannah shared were filled with passion, intimacy, and closeness detailed so beautifully I didn’t want them to end. (10’s all around the board for those chapters.) Then later when the truth was finally revealed and trust that was built up by our star-crossed lovers came tumbling down they were eventually brought back together by the ultimate bond that could only be shared between the two of them. This book was amazing read in every way. A+ without a doubt. 

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Red hot revenge or a happily ever after? With the first book in her Bourbon Brothers series, Reese Ryan thrills us with her Harlequin Desire debut! Her characters are attention grabbing from the start, the flirty connection between them is not only steamy but also draws the occasional chuckle as they banter back and forth. I loved them both, in addition to the rest of the family, so I look forward to more of the series!

Savannah Carlisle has the ultimate plan of revenge scoped out against the Abbott family! She plans to get hired as their latest and greatest events manager for their Tennessee bourbon empire and then once she's worked her way into the fold, she's going to find the proof that she needs to support her grandfather's claim that they stole his bourbon recipe to make their fortune! All these years he's been struggling while they live a life of luxury, so it's time for a little evening of the score!

Blake Abbott can't believe their luck in hiring such an ambitious and hard working events manager. This anniversary celebration is going to be something else! He has to admit though, that being around the gorgeous and luscious Savannah is driving him insane! As luck would have it, being stranded together one stormy weekend is just the permission they needed to embark on a steamy love affair. The event planning is going great, Blake is so enchanted with Savannah that he's ready to admit to their relationship to his family so they can go public ... but then the house of cards comes crumbling down around them!

[Sherri Lupton Hollister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soul Wrenching and Scorching Scenes
BySherri Lupton Hollisteron March 1, 2018
Savannah’s Secrets by Reese Ryan, The Bourbon Brothers
I loved Reese Ryan’s Pleasure Cove Series. I loved the location, Pleasure Cove is set in part on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and the characters, a host of personalities that filled the pages and made me feel as if they were old friends.
But I believe The Bourbon Brothers are going to be my favorite series. The family dynamics of the Abbotts, the Tennessee hills and the small town feel of Magnolia Lake add something to the stories I can’t quiet name. Perhaps it’s the feeling of belonging or coming home.
Like all of her books, Reese Ryan weaves setting, characters and story into a lovely tapestry that leaves the reader longing to be a part of it.
Intrigue, family drama and a forbidden love amid the beauty of the Tennessee mountains and the big, bourbon empire are a recipe for a great story.
Blake and Savannah would do anything for their families, even risk losing each other. A lie and a half-truth threatens their newly discovered love and leaves them shattered. Can they ever learn to trust each other again? This is a passionate romance that will leave you reaching for the bourbon bottle or the handsome fella beside you. I read the last half of the book with tears in my eyes. From burning down the house hot, steamy sex to the deep, soul wrenching emotions, this book delivers it all and promises to bring it back over and over again as each member of the Abbott family finds their own happy ending.

[Jenn Bradshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dive into a steamy read on a rainy day, about love, lies, and other tricky business in Reese Ryan's short novel, SAVANNAH'S SECRETS.

Savannah is a determined woman on a mission. Fifty years ago, her grandfather's business partner cheated him out of a fortune and stole his recipe for the bourbon that has made the Abbott family wealthy. Or so the story goes. So when Savannah manages to land a job as an event manager for the company, she grasps her opportunity to expose their lies and get what her grandfather is owed. Only, she didn't count on falling hard for one of them.

Blake Abbott has his own ghosts, and he knows better than to get involved with an employee, but when Savannah is stranded at the office, with the only connecting road flooded between office and her apartment, taking her home with him for the weekend seems like the right thing to do, even if it is a horrible idea.

As the situation becomes more and more complicated, their just-budding love is tested, but is it strong enough to weather the outing of so many lies?

Reese Ryan crafts a sensual love story with humor liberally sprinkled throughout. Well crafted characters draw the reader in for a rollercoaster ride that ends in fireworks.