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Whiskey Kisses #1.5

Hunky Heartbreaker

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From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kendall Ryan comes a new story in her Whiskey Kisses series…

Everything’s bigger in Texas.

And that includes Duke Wilder’s sexual appetite.

Together with his twin brother, he runs a whiskey distillery, and when their business takes off—suddenly he’s got it all. Success. Money. Family. But he doesn’t have a woman to share it with.

When Valentina storms into his life, her presence is only supposed to be temporary. She’s a feisty attorney hired to help clean up his company’s recent legal mess. He never counted on her being the one to turn his whole world upside down.

After spending most of his life living in the shadow of his brother, Duke has something to prove, and he’s not about to let this distraction get in the way of his plans, no matter how hot things get.

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

73 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 27, 2018

111 people are currently reading
1094 people want to read

About the author

Kendall Ryan

134 books18.3k followers
Kendall Ryan is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of flirty, feel-good romance filled with heart, heat, and plenty of banter. An American author who has lived all over the world, her books have sold millions of copies and been translated into multiple languages. She writes swoony heroes, bold heroines, and stories that make you laugh, blush, and fall in love. When she’s not dreaming up new plotlines, she is a proud mom to two amazing sons and the wife of her real-life hero.


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5 stars
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4 stars
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3 stars
168 (27%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
Profile Image for Sabrina.
4,315 reviews2,399 followers
December 10, 2018
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This was a good book and I enjoyed it for a quick read. I did get a little annoyed that there was some weird drama brought in near the end that I just didn't feel was very necessary. Especially in a book that was so short and since the drama didn't exactly lead anywhere. But overall I liked the characters and reading about them together.
Profile Image for Shayna.
1,812 reviews615 followers
November 29, 2018
“There was no way in hell I was letting her go.”

Hunky Heartbreaker is a sweet and spicy little treat from one of my favorites, the amazing Kendall Ryan! Duke and Valentina’s story is a steamy standalone novella and it’s also a spin-off from Sexy Stranger, which is Luke (Duke’s twin brother) and Charlotte’s happily ever after.

If this is your very first taste of this author’s writing, go ahead and embrace the addiction. If you’re already a complete Kendall Ryan addict, like myself, just keep smiling…you know the deal…things are about to get scorching HOT up in here! The chemistry is blazing! The story reads quickly but it’s full of sexy goodness, trust me on this! Who doesn’t like when a feisty woman brings a cocky man to his knees? If this sounds like your cup of tea, you MUST pick this up ASAP! It’s the perfect bedtime read!

ARC Tag
Profile Image for Fanny.
2,396 reviews50 followers
May 12, 2020



Tengo la sensacion de que si estos libros hubieran sido intercambiados podian haber sido mucho mas memorables.

Creo que la historia de Luke y Charlotte podia haber funcionado mejor como novela corta, y la de Duke y Valentina como una historia de mas longitud, pese a esa idea, tengo que admitir que las dos lecturas cumplen su funcion : ser entretenidas y ligeras de leer.

Hunky Heartbreaker es un relato breve muy bienvenido para esta epoca del año, se lee sin esfuerzo y pese a no ser la novela mas profunda o sentimental no te deja insatisfecha.

En resumen, un libro recomendable y poco mas puedo decir.

2.5 Estrellas!
Profile Image for Alaina.
7,368 reviews203 followers
April 12, 2019
I feel like I like torturing myself with these novellas. I always wish they were longer.

Hunky Heartbreak was an okay novella. Nothing really stuck out to me but I did get what I came for: smut. I have no idea if I have or haven't listened to Sexy Stranger.. because there are way too many novellas in the Dark Nights series to keep track of. However, after listening to Valentina and Duke's story was steamy af. So I would totally be down to listen to Luke and Charlotte's now.

Valentina was likable. She was feisty and definitely had a back bone - which I love in a character. Then there's Duke, and he was just as lovable.. but sometimes I'm fickle af and want a story plus the smut. Not just smut on smut on.. smut?

Overall, I enjoyed this one - just wished it was longer and I got more out of it.
Profile Image for Ryan - Sweet Red Reader .
1,425 reviews96 followers
December 1, 2018
I've been waiting on Valentina (and Duke's) story since she (they) were introduced in Sexy Stranger - and this quick and hot novella delivered. Valentina's feistiness was just what I needed after reading a novella with a lackluster heroine - I think I prefer my romance to feature female leads with bite and backbone, as well as hero's that can appreciate and handle their fire. That's definitely what I got from Hunky Heartbreaker and I will remain a diehard fan of Kendall Ryan since I can rely on her to deliver characters I love and relate to and stories I get lost in. 4 out of 5 wine glasses.
Profile Image for AC Book Blog .
1,003 reviews136 followers
November 24, 2018
Good things come in small packages. Hunky Heartbreaker is a novella and it is so stinking funny, sweet, sexy, and romantic. This one is on Duke and Valentina. The first time they met in Duke’s kitchen he was hung-over, with tussled hair, barely clothed and he offered her a breakfast with a healthy portion of “sausages” . Valentina was not impressed. Valentina was called in for a favor to straighten out Duke and his twin brother Luke’s distillery. She has no interest in small town USA or the men in it, regardless of their sausage size Duke loves women. He has been called a player but he is more romantic than what he lets people see. Duke knows what happens with Valentina will be temporary as her life is back in the big city but that did not deter him from pursuing the gorgeous lawyer. They’re all adults, right? Nothing wrong with a little steamy good time in the sac! What happens when the time comes and Valentina has to go? Can Duke convince her that there is something or someone worth staying for? There is a little added drama toward the end that I did feel was disconnected with the story but overall an enjoyable read! Cute, hilarious, insta-love, and sexy as all get out.
Profile Image for Kahea.
2,265 reviews123 followers
November 21, 2018
***4 Stars***

This is a fun, quick read that was low on angst and had just the right amount of smexyness to keep things interesting for me.

I really liked Duke and Valentina. Both have big personalities and even bigger hearts and the sparks that fly between them every time they collide prove that they could be a perfect match for each other, if they can get past a few issues that come up.

Though this is a novella it definitely packed a punch, in a no muss, no fuss sort of way. I liked catching up with Luke and Charlotte and that ending was practically perfect! So if you’re looking for something fun and quick to tide you over until your next read than this is the one to grab!

~ Copy provided by the author/InkSlinger PR & voluntarily reviewed ~
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
8,972 reviews173 followers
November 24, 2018
Kendall Ryan never ceases to amaze me. Her stories make it easy to take a chance on forever. Whether falling in love for the first time, losing your heart to the enemy or finding the courage rebuild a broken heart, her characters turn love into a relatable adventure. Hunky Heartbreaker is no exception. Duke and Valentine are an irresistible blend of brash and sexy. Time just flew by.
Profile Image for Kat Cup of Tea Bookblog.
453 reviews6 followers
June 21, 2019
This series is new to me and I loved this book! Again 1001 Dark Nights introduces me to another great series! This is a fun and flirty small town romance. There is a dash of angst and full on steamy romance! Another great story!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,096 reviews93 followers
November 26, 2018
* A review copy was provided by the author for the Blog Tour *

~ 4.5 Hunky Stars ~

If you are looking for a quick and steamy read, with great characters and a little drama to keep you turning the pages, then pick up Hunky Heartbreaker by Kendall Ryan. You will totally love this story.

I loved everything about this story!! I just wish it was a little longer. I wanted more of Valentina and Duke. Plus there was one thing that came up that we never get the answer of what happened. I kind of would’ve like to know how it turned out. But never the less, this story was fantastic!!!

If you have read Sexy Stranger by Kendall Ryan then you will remember Duke (Luke’s twin brother). This is his story. Hunky Heartbreaker is a standalone novel and you DO NOT have to read Sexy stranger first, but I am one of those type of readers that I like to meet my characters from the beginning. Plus once you meet Duke, you will want to meet Luke (Sexy Stranger) This story is told in Dual POV. It is also a novella, so it can be read in a couple hours max. I thought even though this was a quick read, Kendall still added all the elements I look for in a full length novel.

As I said this is the story of Duke and Valentina. Duke is Luke’s (Sexy Stranger) twin brother and Valentina is Charlotte’s (Sexy Stranger) BFF. Duke and Luke have taken over their father’s whiskey distillery and things are going smoothly. Until they are hit with a lawsuit. Charlotte suggests her BFF who is a lawyer to help them out. That is how Duke and Charlotte meet. From there the pages light up. These two have great chemistry. Will they cross the line between professional and unprofessional?? What happens when Charlotte has to go back to LA?? What happens when the past doesn’t stay there?? Can they get their HEA?? Read Hunky Heartbreaker to find out.

I enjoyed seeing Luke and Charlotte again and we even got to Molly (Luke & Duke’s) sister again. I am kind of hoping we get a book for her in the future.

I would definitely recommend this book to Kendall Ryan fans. Or for anyone who loves a sweet, steamy and entertaining love story. This is definitely worth picking up!!!

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Profile Image for Steph.
993 reviews90 followers
January 6, 2019
Duke Wilder and his brother's whiskey distillery, Wilder Whiskey, is more successful than their wildest dreams. But after the company hits a legal snafu, his sister-in-law's attorney BFF, Valentina, comes in to help make things right. Duke is immediately smitten with the sexy as hell woman, and despite her best efforts, Valentina falls for Duke's charms. But when a ghost from Duke's past shows up, with a kid in tow, will Valentina cut and run before things ever get started?

HUNKY HEARTBREAKER is a novella in the Whiskey Kisses series, and also a stand-alone addition to the innovative and fun 1001 Dark Nights series featuring sensual and erotic stories by a variety of popular authors inspired by the classic The Arabian Nights tale.

I loved the back and forth between Duke and Valentina…their banter and chemistry just stole the show for me. Duke very easily could've come off as smarmy instead of confident, but Valentina gave it right back to him, tempering his cocky ‘tude (somewhat). The biggest problem I had with HUNKY HEARTBREAKER was the issue of Duke's ex's son and Valentina's totally ridiculous reaction. She wouldn't stick around if the kid accompanying his ex turned out to be his? I get that some women don't have a motherly bone in their body, but man, that was shallow and terribly off-putting. A blemish on the otherwise impeccable body of work by Ms. Ryan.

Bottom Line: No OM/OW or sharing; condom use; no BDSM/kink; no sexual assault; no violence/murder.

The Romance Review
Profile Image for FMR Book Grind.
2,189 reviews125 followers
December 9, 2018
Review by Stacey:

Kendall Ryan always delivers and this novella was super cute and sexy! Duke is cute twin and bar owner & finds himself in a bind and Valentina comes to help him out! But the chemistry between these two is undeniable even though Valentina doesn’t want to mix business with pleasure! But this might just be the missing piece Duke needs as he has everything but that perfect person to share it all with!
Take the dive and checkout this sexy novella packed full of page turning excitement!

4 Stars




Review by: Flavia

I Have to say that I loved this one. Even though it was a quick read it still got the job done.

Valentina is an attorney and was asked a favour from her best friend, to help with Duke and Luke (twins, lol) distillery. And from the moment she and Duke met there were sparks flying. But even though Duke found Valentina sexy and hot and their chemistry was off the charts he just didn't need the headache of getting involved with his sister in law's best friend.
Valentina is not cut out for a small town or for that fact a playboy like Duke. But when the attraction can't be fought anymore they both know that it's just a temporary thing... isn't it??? Will this city lawyer and small town guy be able to just live in the moment or will their feelings be too much for both of them to walk away?

Even though this was a novella and a short read it was still packed with lots of fun, cute and sexy goodness.


4 Stars
Profile Image for Misty (Reds Romance Reviews).
3,408 reviews6 followers
November 20, 2018
The moment Duke Wilder discovers a beautiful woman in his kitchen, and he takes in all of her sensuous curves he knows he has stumbled onto something good... really darn good. But then she turns around and his dirty thoughts come to a screeching halt. She is his sister in-laws best friend that flew into town to help him and his brother straighten out some legal trouble with their distillery. Getting involved with her would bring on far too many complications, but that doesn't stop him from dreaming about it. The things they could do...

Hunky Heartbreaker is a sinfully delectable novella that satisfied on all fronts. It had emotion to tug on the heartstrings, humor to inspire smiles, steamy times to curl the toes, and just a tad of suspense to keep things exciting! Duke and Valentina brought heat to the pages, every time these two were near one another the banter would start, the temperature would rise, the dance would ensue, and I was left dying with anticipation. This one made the perfect late night literary escape, it spawned some serious swoons and kept me captivated from start to finish!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Love & Lavender Book Review.
485 reviews40 followers
November 24, 2018
Hunky Heartbreaker no more! I loved this book so hard! Kendall Ryan never fails to write fantastic, sexy, heart warming, fun novellas. From the first page I was totally hooked. These southern, small town, hunky twins have created a successful business for themselves. I was swooning from then on.

Our hunky hero, Duke, needs the help of a big wig lawyer to solve a little trademark issue for his distillery. Luckily, Valentina is to the rescue. Not only to solve his legal woes, but Valentina quickly secures a place in Duke's heart. Let's just say their passion burns HOT and never fizzles.

Hunky small town guys take my breath away every time. Duke is incredibly sweet, determined, and SEXY. He's the perfect match for Valentina, our resident city slicker and Starbucks lover. I can tell you I identify with her 100%. These two are so incredibly romantic, I never wanted this story to end.

Kendall Ryan knows how to dish out the romance. Whether the story is long or short, she's a one-click author always at the top of my list! Hunky Heartbreaker is another example of simple and sweet, and completely captivating.

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews363 followers
December 2, 2018
Jess ~
Short, sexy with very little drama.

Duke is making his dreams come true. The business that he shares with his brother is on the brink of something great and his heartbreaker ways are never lacking. Until he needs an attorney to fix what could ruin him.

Valentina is a city girl who is coming to this small town to not only see her best friend but to help her brother-in-law. What she doesn't expect to find is him in his boxers with this cool yet infuriating demeanor.

The back and forth between this unlikely pair was quite entertaining. And I don't know what girl wouldn't be smitten with Duke pretty instantly. But Valentina is not looking for anything, not even a good time since her life is halfway across the US. But sometimes things don't always go to plan. Not my first 1001 Nights book and certainly not my first by this author. This was a delightful stand-alone that great for a snowy afternoon. It seems that Duke's sister might find herself a book in the future and I will surely be looking out for the last of the Wilder family to find their someone.

Profile Image for Booked & Busy Book Blog.
927 reviews33 followers
November 20, 2018
Hunky Heartbreaker is a standalone in the 1001 Dark Nights series and is quick, fun and sexy!! Duke and Valentina were attracted to each other from the start but Valentina was bound and determined that nothing would come of it as she was going back to where she belonged...the big city. I thoroughly enjoyed Duke and Valentina’s story and how quickly they fell for each other. I loved the bit of angst throw in and did not see that coming! Hunky Heartbreaker was steamy, sexy and the perfect read for a cold winter’s evening!
Profile Image for Melissa  ❤️ bookaddict_fanatic .
1,130 reviews112 followers
November 27, 2018
Hunky Heartbreaker is a standalone novella in the 1001 Dark Nights series but was hands down an easy, fun, sexy read that was over way too soon and had me wanting so much more. Duke is the sexy, flirtatious, playboy who finds himself in a hard situation when he realizes the curvy, gorgeous woman in his kitchen is the one person who can help the Wilder brothers with a legal issue. Valentina knows Duke's reputation and has reminded herself over and over that he's no good for her, but we always want what we shouldn't and what could one night hurt.... guess you'll have to read and find out!
Profile Image for Shelby (BookLoversHaveMoreFun).
1,352 reviews42 followers
November 26, 2018
Hunky Heartbreaker was a much anticipated story!! I think I liked it even better than Sexy Stranger. I did love seeing Luke and Charlotte again with their love still going strong. This book IMMEDIATELY sucked me in. Valentina was such a firecracker!! I loved seeing a different side of Duke aside from his playboy ways. Now, I can't help but wonder if their sister is going to get a story as well....
Profile Image for Bree Hill.
1,033 reviews580 followers
June 5, 2019
I love me a country boy hero. I went into this one having no idea what it was about but it’s an interracial romance following a Latina Heroine who is a total ass kicker and a country boy from Texas. Our heroine comes into play by coming to Texas to help our hero’s company with some legal issues they’ve ran into and BAM! Sparks fly. Another quick read that’s available via the Audible Romance package, highly recommend.
Profile Image for Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase .
4,825 reviews178 followers
September 8, 2019
Country boy meets city girl in this sweet but sexy novella by Kendall Ryan. Duke Wilder has a mess to clean up with the family's distillery, and when the beautiful attorney Valentina arrives to clean up the mess there is more than just a professional relationship that is going on. The two have sparks right from the instant they meet and it only continues as they become more and more involved. I only wish this was a full length novel as i hated to see the story end. Perfect in every way!!
Profile Image for Erin.
109 reviews6 followers
November 20, 2018
Another book of gold written by Kendall Ryan.

There hasn’t been a book yet by Kendall I haven’t liked.

I just loved this book and the story line. Twin brothers Luke and Duke get into some legal trouble. Duke falls hard for the lawyer. Loved the characters in the book and hopefully we’ll see more of Luke & Dukes sister.

*arc received in exchange for my honest review*
Profile Image for Besties Books   & Sunshine.
57 reviews3 followers
November 20, 2018
Another book of gold written by Kendall Ryan.

There hasn’t been a book yet by Kendall I haven’t liked.

I just loved this book and the story line. Twin brothers Luke and Duke get into some legal trouble. Duke falls hard for the lawyer. Loved the characters in the book and hopefully we’ll see more of Luke & Dukes sister.

*arc received in exchange for my honest review*
Profile Image for Flo.
1,763 reviews
November 15, 2018
Duke and Valentina were perfect for eachother. Great addition to the 1001 Dark Nights novellas.
Profile Image for Kim Whitehead.
2,830 reviews
November 23, 2018
When City meets Country! Kendall’s novella warms your heart with humor and hotness! Another fantastic book that leaves you smiling and happy!
Profile Image for Sofia Lazaridou.
2,864 reviews136 followers
November 28, 2018
As I have mentioned before I am not a fan of exes in a novella and this book managed not only to bring back an ex but mention a threeway the hero had with two other women. Isn't that a great way to start a novella? It took precious space from the finite number of pages we had. We could have used that space to have Duke romance Valentina because that woman really needed some romancing. I felt like she could have done better and that he should have grooved a little bit more. I liked her and her cursing since it's not something that you see often in a book. She is the reason this book didn't get a rating that was less than 5 stars. Duke and his past ladies ruined some of the fun which is a shame and a disappointment. I do feel like the author could have done better and that my rating is very generous. I was almost going to give it a lower rating, but the author chose a way to end a plotline in the book that felt good to me and it didn't lead to any more drama. I hope that I will enjoy her next release more than I enjoyed Hunky Heartbreaker.
Profile Image for Jo.
1,491 reviews12 followers
November 25, 2018
This book takes two of my favourite things, the 1001 Dark Nights series, and Kendall Ryan, mixes them together and provides a tasty little story.  

Now, sometimes, novellas suffer in the story development by reason of the restricted page count.  But even though I haven't read Sexy Stranger, where I expect backgrounds and characters may have been more fleshed out, I didn't feel as though that was the case here.  I was invested in the plot, the relationship and, well, the story as a whole.

Ultimately, when it comes to this author, I am always going to want a longer story than this.  But, I'll take my fix where I can get it!

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Mary Jo.
2,374 reviews59 followers
November 26, 2018
Steamy, sexy and oh so decadent. Duke and Luke have built a successful distillery but when a lawsuit threatens their success, Luke’s wife Charlotte enlists her friend Valentina to help. Duke makes a very interesting first impression on Valentina with his cocky, alpha ways. Valentina is not a push over as a confident, successful attorney. Of course, the sparks fly between these two taking us on a fabulously sexy ride. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
2,889 reviews160 followers
November 27, 2018
Duke Wilder is a small town country stud while Valentina is a big city girl through and through, and while that difference shouldn’t be an insurmountable obstacle, the reason that Valentina enters Duke’s life and their first less than stellar interaction, at least in Valentina’s mind, proves to be quite the hook-up deterrent, despite the sexual tension and attraction that sizzles whenever they’re in the same room.

Duke and Valentina couldn’t be more opposite in almost every aspect of their lives, but here’s the thing, they’re both judged on their outward personality and actions and if anyone looked beneath their facades and delved a little deeper, they would see that there’s a lot more to both of these characters and it’s that Duke and that Valentina that act on the spark between them and risk being laid bare in significant ways - ones that deal with more than the physical connection they seem to share.

Neither Duke nor Valentina thought that their temporary fascination…their temporary desire for another would remain, so they never considered that their fling would make things difficult once Valentina helped fix the distillery’s legal troubles, but that’s exactly what happens, which means that tough decisions need to be made and heartbreak may be in store for one or both of them.

Hunky Heartbreaker is the perfect story for new readers to be introduced to Kendall Ryan’s hilarious and smexy storytelling as well as her charming and smooth talking characters. And while there is a bit of an instal-love aspect to Duke and Valentina’s story, I feel like it’s more of an insta-lust situation because Valentina is considerably unimpressed when she first meets Duke and gives him shit for his behavior even if she does want to rip his clothes off at the same time. There’s fantastic sparring between these two characters and despite their many differences, they know exactly how to handle each other, both in and outside of the bedroom, which makes for quite the interesting scenes and interactions.

I really hope Kendall Ryan takes her readers back to visit the Wilders sometime soon because I feel like there are more stories to tell and I’d love to catch up with the Wilder twins and their significant others.

4 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews

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