What do you think?
Rate this book
Moonlight & Whiskey
When life gives you curves, you gotta learn how to rock them.
Successful businesswoman Avery Barrows likes her dips and curves, but she’s sick of the haters telling her that she should be ashamed of her body instead of embracing it. Determined to send them a big f*** you, Avery resolves to cut loose during a girls’ trip, hightailing her quick-mouthed, plus-sized self to New Orleans. So, what’s a smart woman with a little extra gotta do to get laid in this town?
Not much if you ask Declan McGinn, the lead singer of BlackSmith. Tall, dark, and tattooed, with a body made for sin, Declan prefers his women as curvy as his guitars. Avery’s sharp tongue and keen mind makes him want her even more.
As they burn up the sheets, Avery and Declan realize this is no one-night (or even one-week) stand. But for all of her bluster, Avery isn’t sure she can handle any more rejection. Besides, Declan has demons of his own. Now Avery has a choice to make: play it safe, or place her trust in the hands of a man who’s as tempting as the devil himself.
This ebook includes an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
Successful businesswoman Avery Barrows likes her dips and curves, but she’s sick of the haters telling her that she should be ashamed of her body instead of embracing it. Determined to send them a big f*** you, Avery resolves to cut loose during a girls’ trip, hightailing her quick-mouthed, plus-sized self to New Orleans. So, what’s a smart woman with a little extra gotta do to get laid in this town?
Not much if you ask Declan McGinn, the lead singer of BlackSmith. Tall, dark, and tattooed, with a body made for sin, Declan prefers his women as curvy as his guitars. Avery’s sharp tongue and keen mind makes him want her even more.
As they burn up the sheets, Avery and Declan realize this is no one-night (or even one-week) stand. But for all of her bluster, Avery isn’t sure she can handle any more rejection. Besides, Declan has demons of his own. Now Avery has a choice to make: play it safe, or place her trust in the hands of a man who’s as tempting as the devil himself.
This ebook includes an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2019
97 people are currently reading
1571 people want to read
About the author
Tricia Lynne
5 books207 followersTricia Lynne is fluent in both sarcasm and cuss words and has little filter between her brain and mouth––a combination that tends to embarrass her husband at corporate functions. A tomboy at heart, she loves hard rock, Irish whiskey, and her Midwestern roots. She’s drawn to strong, flawed heroines and believes writing isn’t a decision one makes but a calling one can’t resist.
Tricia lives in Dallas with her husband, the world's sweetest rescued Cane Corso, and a completely terrifying Clumber Spaniel pup.
Tricia lives in Dallas with her husband, the world's sweetest rescued Cane Corso, and a completely terrifying Clumber Spaniel pup.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews
January 15, 2019
Totally love this hot emotional roller coaster.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sometimes a book takes a while to get you warmed up to the story. And there are others that you immediately know it’s gonna be a knockout.
Moonlight & Whiskey is one of those books I just knew was going to be amazing from the very first chapter.
As a big beautiful woman myself I have to say that I usually shy away from reading books about women who are larger in size. It’s not because of the shape of the woman but mainly because of how the author adds in the negativity surrounding their weight.
I didn’t really notice in the synopsis that Avery was a larger woman, or it didn’t sink in, so once I started reading I thought it was going to be disappointed.
But the opposite happened. While the author did include some negative connotations and confusing views about weight, the main difference I think was more in the fact that the main character was very sure herself.
Yes, she had a hard time excepting someone would appreciate her curves over someone else. But she was willing to work through it, for the most part.
I think what got me the most excited about this book was the balance between the two characters. They both had issues but it didn’t drag down the story. I loved the balance and the humor between the entire group. I loved the support of the band members and how they had each other’s back. I loved the immediate care and love for one another throughout.
Did these characters piss me off about their “differences and problems”? Hell yes. I wanted to reach out and smack them! But there was something about the authors writing, a deep connection these two felt, the steamy scenes, and just the overall enjoyment I got out of the story that made this a five star read for me.
Moonlight & Whisky is steamy, sexy, emotional, and just a delight to read, I am looking forward to more from this new author.
* copy received for review consideration
full review - https://amidlifewife.com/moonlight-wh...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sometimes a book takes a while to get you warmed up to the story. And there are others that you immediately know it’s gonna be a knockout.
Moonlight & Whiskey is one of those books I just knew was going to be amazing from the very first chapter.
As a big beautiful woman myself I have to say that I usually shy away from reading books about women who are larger in size. It’s not because of the shape of the woman but mainly because of how the author adds in the negativity surrounding their weight.
I didn’t really notice in the synopsis that Avery was a larger woman, or it didn’t sink in, so once I started reading I thought it was going to be disappointed.
But the opposite happened. While the author did include some negative connotations and confusing views about weight, the main difference I think was more in the fact that the main character was very sure herself.
Yes, she had a hard time excepting someone would appreciate her curves over someone else. But she was willing to work through it, for the most part.
I think what got me the most excited about this book was the balance between the two characters. They both had issues but it didn’t drag down the story. I loved the balance and the humor between the entire group. I loved the support of the band members and how they had each other’s back. I loved the immediate care and love for one another throughout.
Did these characters piss me off about their “differences and problems”? Hell yes. I wanted to reach out and smack them! But there was something about the authors writing, a deep connection these two felt, the steamy scenes, and just the overall enjoyment I got out of the story that made this a five star read for me.
Moonlight & Whisky is steamy, sexy, emotional, and just a delight to read, I am looking forward to more from this new author.
* copy received for review consideration
full review - https://amidlifewife.com/moonlight-wh...
November 18, 2018
Wow! I don’t know what I loved the most about this book! It kept me interested from the very first word! Avery was my girl! She was smart, beautiful and the mouth of her ! Loved her. Declan hmmmm wow! All the characters leapt from the page into real people. Katia, Matt, Jamie, Shaun, Sasha they all came to life . It’s hard to believe this is the authors very first book! I will def add Tricia to my list of fabulous authors! I loook forward to more from her!!!!!!!!
April 2, 2019
3.5 Fates Bring Them Together Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
A Strong start for a New Author-You have a woman who is successful and able to compete with any engineer out there. She does have to play down who she truly is deep down because of what corporate America /Men think...women do not belong as engineers. She is more talented, her work proves it and she has been striving to become a partner. She is just tired of all the BS and luckily for her, her best friend is taking her down to New Orleans to vacation and experience the "Real Deal".
This curvy big personality woman meets a Rock God when he bumps into her at the hotel they are both staying in. He is every woman's dream....and he is focused on our gal, not her beautiful model bestie. He really wants to hang out with her but has to go due to a gig.
Fate plays a big hand in making sure these two connect again and we are off and running.
This is a very sexy story, perfect with so many layers of insecurity from Both Characters. Each in their own heads about what they think the other is doing to them... is this connection real or are they being played.
Each of these characters had major pain from past relationships. It causes them to make major missteps and they have to work hard to get to the level of trust they thought they had built.
Well worth the read and I think another book maybe becoming for the Bestie and her guy.
A gifted copy was provided by Loveswept via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
A Strong start for a New Author-You have a woman who is successful and able to compete with any engineer out there. She does have to play down who she truly is deep down because of what corporate America /Men think...women do not belong as engineers. She is more talented, her work proves it and she has been striving to become a partner. She is just tired of all the BS and luckily for her, her best friend is taking her down to New Orleans to vacation and experience the "Real Deal".
This curvy big personality woman meets a Rock God when he bumps into her at the hotel they are both staying in. He is every woman's dream....and he is focused on our gal, not her beautiful model bestie. He really wants to hang out with her but has to go due to a gig.
Fate plays a big hand in making sure these two connect again and we are off and running.
This is a very sexy story, perfect with so many layers of insecurity from Both Characters. Each in their own heads about what they think the other is doing to them... is this connection real or are they being played.
Each of these characters had major pain from past relationships. It causes them to make major missteps and they have to work hard to get to the level of trust they thought they had built.
Well worth the read and I think another book maybe becoming for the Bestie and her guy.
A gifted copy was provided by Loveswept via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
August 29, 2018
Tricia Lynne's Moonlight & Whiskey is a lovely story about personal growth with enough sizzle in the bedroom to make you wish you had a spare pair of underwear. I was lucky enough to get my hands on an early copy of this debut, and wow. The rich and detailed setting of New Orleans, coupled with a kickass heroine who owns her career in a male-dominated field, really stuck with me. Avery, the aforementioned heroine, beautifully learns to rock her curves and accept her plus-size figure while falling for the panty-dropping frontman of a rock band.
Gritty and deep, tantalizing and scarred with his own array of internal conflict, Declan isn't without fault. And that's executed perfectly. The author fully fleshes out his character flaws and uses them to forge a stronger bond between him and Avery. And Avery's voice? Holy. Cow. That woman will leap off the page and smack you to make a point, in the absolute best possible way. Tricia's descriptions are flawless. Her characters, swoon-worthy. I can't recommend Moonlight & Whiskey highly enough. Definitely mark this as a must-read!
Gritty and deep, tantalizing and scarred with his own array of internal conflict, Declan isn't without fault. And that's executed perfectly. The author fully fleshes out his character flaws and uses them to forge a stronger bond between him and Avery. And Avery's voice? Holy. Cow. That woman will leap off the page and smack you to make a point, in the absolute best possible way. Tricia's descriptions are flawless. Her characters, swoon-worthy. I can't recommend Moonlight & Whiskey highly enough. Definitely mark this as a must-read!
November 21, 2018
New Orleans is my favorite city and my go to vacation spot. So, I try to read as many novels in that setting as I can find. Clearly, my many trips there have been remiss. I have never experienced NOLA like Avery did. She’s a very different leading character and her size is not the issue. Her personality runs hot and cold. Declan is full of angst and hotness that you would expect from a musician. Their initial meeting was unusual and the discrepancies continued. The reader finds they have more in common than it seemed and enough differences to keep their growing relation intriguing. I enjoyed this book and need to schedule another trip to the crescent city.
March 12, 2019
4.5 stars
Tricia Lynn's debut novel really impressed me. Moonlight & Whiskey was interesting, I enjoyed the story line and really found myself rooting for both Avery and Declan.
When I read the first chapter, I was crying because I was laughing so hard. I honestly thought that I was going to be reading a hysterical RomCom. Then, things got real when Avery made it to New Orleans and the real story started. And, she got me, I was enthralled. I couldn't wait to see where everything was leading. We knew about Avery's insecurity but we needed to learn what drove Declan. As everything unfolded and Avery's insecurities got the best of her, Declan tried his hardest but couldn't convince her that he would be there for her despite his past.
I was heartbroken for both of them because I understood. How? Tricia Lynn made me understand. Her characters were well defined and the feelings that she wrote were real. You could tell that this story came from her heart. I was impressed with how the story was told and the way she mixed humor with the more serious aspects of what they were both dealing with. She also wrote some amazing minor characters too that brought the story together. From Declan's band brothers to Avery's best friend Kat, I was either laughing or cringing. And, the ending. Yea, just wow.
So, welcome to the publishing world Tricia Lynn. I am really looking forward to more from you.
November 18, 2018
This was a fantastic book! It’s about Avery, an overweight engineer who’s always been treated like crap by men; both personally and professionally due to her weight. She also has a “who gives a f*@k” attitude. She and Kat, her ex-model bff, go to NOLA. There she meets Declan, a super hot, tatted up musician. Through the story, Avery finds herself and maybe even love along the way if she’ll just let down her walls.
I wasn’t sure how this story would go. Would there be heartache or HEA at the end? Does it matter though when you finally learned to embrace who and what you really are?
The writing and character development was outstanding. I got pulled into this story and had many late nights since I just couldn’t put it down. The secondary characters were also fantastic and I feel they had as much a stake in this story as Avery and Declan. I kinda want to read it again right away!
I wasn’t sure how this story would go. Would there be heartache or HEA at the end? Does it matter though when you finally learned to embrace who and what you really are?
The writing and character development was outstanding. I got pulled into this story and had many late nights since I just couldn’t put it down. The secondary characters were also fantastic and I feel they had as much a stake in this story as Avery and Declan. I kinda want to read it again right away!
November 22, 2018
Declan can be an honest man, "...saying what you think is one of the things I like most about you.” Declan eyed my boobs. “Okay, maybe a distant second. But you couldn’t back down if you wanted..." I liked this book, I fell in love with Declan.
March 13, 2019
4 ❤️❤️❤️❤️ beautifully curvy 🌟🌟🌟🌟s ❣️
This was such a good read! The concept was exceptional, fully developed and delivered throughout the plot.
The characters were so alive and real, with their flaws, fears and insecurities that the least I could do was to love them even more.
I would like to read the stories of the secondary characters.
November 25, 2018
**I received a copy of Moonlight and Whiskey from Loveswept and Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. The opinions are mine and not solicited**
Moonlight and Whiskey by Tricia Lynne is her debut book and I have three words for you Oh. My. God. What a book! This is filled with a hot Irish hard rock singer and a badass not afraid to speak her mind chick. When is Jamie and Kat's book out? Please say soon, please? Then we need to find a lady for Matt because he's a big lovable fella. You won't be disappointed with this book it's filled with self doubt, angst, tears, a fantastic former model turned photographer who's Avery's best friend Kat who can out snark whatever Avery throws her way.
Avery Barrows is not only a successful engineer is Dallas who's well know for her building designs but with self esteem issues she's ready to let lose in New Orleans. But when she sees the interest in BlackSmith's lead singer can she settle for just a one-night stand and will Declan look beyond her curves? When a one night turns into several both Dec and Avery will have to deal with abandonment by parents, old flames who used her but didn't want a permanent relationship before they can finally admit that love was always there they just had to find each other.
Declan McGinn who's the lead singer of BlackSmith doesn't want anything beyond one night and he knows from watching his father that love only hurts. But when he meets Avery and one night turns into several he suddenly realizes he doesn't want her to go home to Dallas. He hopes their chemistry together can last forever but both of them are going to have to work hard to overcome their fears to find forever ever after.
Moonlight and Whiskey by Tricia Lynne is her debut book and I have three words for you Oh. My. God. What a book! This is filled with a hot Irish hard rock singer and a badass not afraid to speak her mind chick. When is Jamie and Kat's book out? Please say soon, please? Then we need to find a lady for Matt because he's a big lovable fella. You won't be disappointed with this book it's filled with self doubt, angst, tears, a fantastic former model turned photographer who's Avery's best friend Kat who can out snark whatever Avery throws her way.
Avery Barrows is not only a successful engineer is Dallas who's well know for her building designs but with self esteem issues she's ready to let lose in New Orleans. But when she sees the interest in BlackSmith's lead singer can she settle for just a one-night stand and will Declan look beyond her curves? When a one night turns into several both Dec and Avery will have to deal with abandonment by parents, old flames who used her but didn't want a permanent relationship before they can finally admit that love was always there they just had to find each other.
Declan McGinn who's the lead singer of BlackSmith doesn't want anything beyond one night and he knows from watching his father that love only hurts. But when he meets Avery and one night turns into several he suddenly realizes he doesn't want her to go home to Dallas. He hopes their chemistry together can last forever but both of them are going to have to work hard to overcome their fears to find forever ever after.
December 8, 2018
I received an ARC from Netgalley! Thanks so much <3
WOW! So, let me just say I absolutely loved this book. Avery is my girl! I love her sass, cleverness, and her struggles. She is real and complicated but someone I would want to be friends with. I know she'd tell me the truth if I asked her something and would be a lot of fun to hang out with.
Declan. Wow. What a hero ;) Loooved him. He surprised me a few times which I loved. I wasn't sure what to make of him when him and Avery first met. I love Kat and Jamie <3 Kat is the type of best friend every girl wants. She's fun, sensitive, and calls you out when you need it.
Thanks again for the ARC and I can't wait to read more from Tricia!
Loie
WOW! So, let me just say I absolutely loved this book. Avery is my girl! I love her sass, cleverness, and her struggles. She is real and complicated but someone I would want to be friends with. I know she'd tell me the truth if I asked her something and would be a lot of fun to hang out with.
Declan. Wow. What a hero ;) Loooved him. He surprised me a few times which I loved. I wasn't sure what to make of him when him and Avery first met. I love Kat and Jamie <3 Kat is the type of best friend every girl wants. She's fun, sensitive, and calls you out when you need it.
Thanks again for the ARC and I can't wait to read more from Tricia!
Loie
March 11, 2019
I’m not sure I’ll be able to actually articulate my feelings on this one, but I will say that two stars might be too high.
I liked the idea of Avery and Declan. They both have some issues and I did like that they found something in the other. There was some great banter and playfulness, but nothing I was blown away by. The other characters had potential, but I wanted more from all of them.
Plot wise, it was a lot of clichés and tropes. For me, there were a lot of odd word choices, repetitive phrases, and cringe-y sex scenes. I will say that the background of New Orleans was like a love letter to the city and it might have been the best part of the story.
Overall, it could have been something I loved. Sadly, I spent a good portion of the time skimming passages and rolling my eyes.
**Huge thanks to Loveswept for providing the arc free of charge**
I liked the idea of Avery and Declan. They both have some issues and I did like that they found something in the other. There was some great banter and playfulness, but nothing I was blown away by. The other characters had potential, but I wanted more from all of them.
Plot wise, it was a lot of clichés and tropes. For me, there were a lot of odd word choices, repetitive phrases, and cringe-y sex scenes. I will say that the background of New Orleans was like a love letter to the city and it might have been the best part of the story.
Overall, it could have been something I loved. Sadly, I spent a good portion of the time skimming passages and rolling my eyes.
**Huge thanks to Loveswept for providing the arc free of charge**
Read
September 16, 2025This might just be a case of me and not the book but I went in with certain expectations and they just didn't pan out.
I had a hard time connecting with Avery - her character was too blunt and in-your-face aggressive. I felt like she was portrayed one way but the wrong image came across and not as intended. I got the feeling this was supposed to be an opposites attract romance. She’s a brainy mechanical engineer, he’s a tattooed hottie in a rock band, she was conservative and straight laced, he was outgoing. He’s a fit and gorgeous male, she’s a curvy self-conscious type.
And some of this was true but it didn’t really correlate with what she said and did. Avery was described one way but acted completely different and it was jarring. Like she was supposed to be funny and quirky but her humor was too crude and her quirks missed their mark, passing charming and landing in *eye-roll* territory. I really disliked Avery.
I liked Declan, he seemed a decent hero but I wasn't seeing a convincing reason why he would be so attracted to a woman who would act and treat him the way Avery did. It got old fast how quick she was to jump to conclusions. The saying about when you assume really came to life in this one and not in a good way.
I made it to 40% and had to call it quits. I couldn’t handle another whiplash (and wholly incorrect) assumption from Avery anymore and honestly *smh* I kept wondering why Declan was trying so hard to hold on to her. It’s a bad sign when you want the H/h to run long and far from the H/h their intended for. Romance Killer 101.
Bottom line, I couldn't relate to the characters enough to really get into the story. Bummer because the blurb really sells it. I'm rating it because I literally DNF because I didn't like it #SorryNotsorry It takes a lot to get me to the level of not finishing. I hate quitting but sometimes you can't help it.
* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
SAFETY INFO:
I had a hard time connecting with Avery - her character was too blunt and in-your-face aggressive. I felt like she was portrayed one way but the wrong image came across and not as intended. I got the feeling this was supposed to be an opposites attract romance. She’s a brainy mechanical engineer, he’s a tattooed hottie in a rock band, she was conservative and straight laced, he was outgoing. He’s a fit and gorgeous male, she’s a curvy self-conscious type.
And some of this was true but it didn’t really correlate with what she said and did. Avery was described one way but acted completely different and it was jarring. Like she was supposed to be funny and quirky but her humor was too crude and her quirks missed their mark, passing charming and landing in *eye-roll* territory. I really disliked Avery.
I liked Declan, he seemed a decent hero but I wasn't seeing a convincing reason why he would be so attracted to a woman who would act and treat him the way Avery did. It got old fast how quick she was to jump to conclusions. The saying about when you assume really came to life in this one and not in a good way.
I made it to 40% and had to call it quits. I couldn’t handle another whiplash (and wholly incorrect) assumption from Avery anymore and honestly *smh* I kept wondering why Declan was trying so hard to hold on to her. It’s a bad sign when you want the H/h to run long and far from the H/h their intended for. Romance Killer 101.
Bottom line, I couldn't relate to the characters enough to really get into the story. Bummer because the blurb really sells it. I'm rating it because I literally DNF because I didn't like it #SorryNotsorry It takes a lot to get me to the level of not finishing. I hate quitting but sometimes you can't help it.
* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
SAFETY INFO:
November 22, 2018
This was a new to me author, and absolutely loved this book, well written and all the characters were interesting really hoping this isnt the last of them. Am looking forward to reading more of her work.
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House for this advanced copy.
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House for this advanced copy.
November 23, 2018
I can't finish this. I can't get into a storyline where the female protagonist acts like a raging insult monster to a nice man and he STICKS around. When men fall for women who are "challenges", it's not romantic; instead, Declan is pathetic for seeing Avery for anything other than the foul mouthed beast she is. Avery is so brash, so rude, so un-ladylike that I simply couldn't read this. The dialogue is bad, too. Who says "you have perky sweater puppies" to friend? Women don't speak like that. We say "you have great tits", if anything.
December 11, 2018
Holy shit. This was everything. Raw and emotional. It was perfect.
Full Review on my blog!
*a copy was provided by NetGalley*
Holy shit. I was instantly hooked in by Avery's sass! I absolutely loved this book.
From the well developed characters to the detailed setting of New Orleans, this book was so raw and emotional. It was perfect in every way I could have hoped for. I've never been to New Orleans, besides watching a couple of tv shows set in that area - or rather had the vibe of New Orleans, it sounds so beautiful and upbeat from the way the author described it.
Avery and Declan, both have personal demons that made their HEA journey a bit rough, but totally worth it.
Avery is one hell of a character, I love her sass, cleverness, and her struggles. She's such a real and complicated character. Declan is the lead singer of BlackSmith. He's literally the male version of Avery, he's sexy, has his issues, and has a mouth on him! But when he meets Avery, one night turns into several he suddenly realizes he doesn't want her to go back to Dallas, and she secretly doesn't want to either... but certain events occur... which make her question things.
Ahh the ending was heartwarming, it was beautiful. If you like Contemporary Romance novels, then I highly recommend it! I cannot wait to read more from this author!
From what I can tell Moonlight & Whiskey is Tricia Lynne's debut novel, which is sooo freaking good for a debut. This is the second debut I've read this year besides, Crown of Feathers by Nicki Pau Petro, which is also a 2019 release, I can't compare the two since they're different genres, BUT holy shit, they both are up there on my two favourites this year~
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Full Review on my blog!
*a copy was provided by NetGalley*
Holy shit. I was instantly hooked in by Avery's sass! I absolutely loved this book.
From the well developed characters to the detailed setting of New Orleans, this book was so raw and emotional. It was perfect in every way I could have hoped for. I've never been to New Orleans, besides watching a couple of tv shows set in that area - or rather had the vibe of New Orleans, it sounds so beautiful and upbeat from the way the author described it.
Avery and Declan, both have personal demons that made their HEA journey a bit rough, but totally worth it.
Avery is one hell of a character, I love her sass, cleverness, and her struggles. She's such a real and complicated character. Declan is the lead singer of BlackSmith. He's literally the male version of Avery, he's sexy, has his issues, and has a mouth on him! But when he meets Avery, one night turns into several he suddenly realizes he doesn't want her to go back to Dallas, and she secretly doesn't want to either... but certain events occur... which make her question things.
Ahh the ending was heartwarming, it was beautiful. If you like Contemporary Romance novels, then I highly recommend it! I cannot wait to read more from this author!
From what I can tell Moonlight & Whiskey is Tricia Lynne's debut novel, which is sooo freaking good for a debut. This is the second debut I've read this year besides, Crown of Feathers by Nicki Pau Petro, which is also a 2019 release, I can't compare the two since they're different genres, BUT holy shit, they both are up there on my two favourites this year~
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
March 26, 2019
2.5 stars
I liked this debut by Ms. Lynne, though with big caveats.
The story begins with Avery Barrows, waiting for her wax appointment (her actual waxing genuinely made me LOL) and ruminating on the rut that she is stuck in. She’s preparing for a trip with her friend to New Orleans, and try to loosen up and find her big brass balls. When she arrives, she has an interesting encounter with Declan McGinn, a very hot (natch), very charming Irishman with a very broody center (and again, I say, are there any other kind?). Things get wild, whiskey is involved, and yes, romance happens.
The romance itself drew me in. I liked her chemistry with Declan and the Firsts of their romance were interesting and kept me turning the page. Avery and her friend, Kat, are raunchy, funny and outrageous, yet believable as best friends and their chemistry helped to balance the story. Avery’s work does factor into the story a bit, and Declan’s most definitely did, and really I liked meeting Declan’s bandmates and yes - I could see myself revisiting this ‘verse easily.
However, on the downside, the shaming of other female characters while dealing with her own body shaming by others was just not my cuppa tea. There’s alot of time spent setting up the reasons for Avery’s trust issues when it comes to men and relationships, and it was an emotional journey that stood on its own. But having the heroine throwing shade at other women didn’t make her shine to me, and that’s a real shame.
Towards the end, the melodrama came on strong, and the typical devices used to create that final obstacle, so by the time the ending rolled around, I was a bit exhausted from the drama. But, I loved the use of music as a connection between Declan and Avery, I loved seeing her stand up for herself, and essentially seeing these two save themselves and be stronger together. I would give the next book in the series a chance.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**
November 30, 2018
ARC Netgalley.
Debut novel and Damn, it was excellent. I love New Orleans and could just picture (smell and taste) everything Avery and Kat got into in the Big Easy.
I really loved the characters. I really hate the way Avery's weight was something she had people use against her in negative ways. I love how Kat explained that she also had body issues and was her biggest fan of her (Avery's) boobs. Some of the writing (banter) was so fun!! Avery was a bit coarse and some of it was explained as losing her mother and how she felt treated by her father plus her career in a firm of "Old Boys"...always having to prove herself. She really got turned around in New Orleans. Declan had his own box of rocks he carried also. These were people who weren't perfect but good people.
I really enjoyed the book. I'd recommend for anyone who loves New Orleans and good people.
Debut novel and Damn, it was excellent. I love New Orleans and could just picture (smell and taste) everything Avery and Kat got into in the Big Easy.
I really loved the characters. I really hate the way Avery's weight was something she had people use against her in negative ways. I love how Kat explained that she also had body issues and was her biggest fan of her (Avery's) boobs. Some of the writing (banter) was so fun!! Avery was a bit coarse and some of it was explained as losing her mother and how she felt treated by her father plus her career in a firm of "Old Boys"...always having to prove herself. She really got turned around in New Orleans. Declan had his own box of rocks he carried also. These were people who weren't perfect but good people.
I really enjoyed the book. I'd recommend for anyone who loves New Orleans and good people.
July 9, 2023
Well, of course, my review is biased.
I just wanted to add that for me--and for Avery--body positivity isn't a decision that we make one morning to never have negative thoughts about the size of our asses again, and poof, all the world agrees we're beautiful. Nope. Never happened to a single person I know.
Instead, Body Positivity is a question we ask ourselves.
Am I letting opinions about my size--either mine or the opinions of others--hold me back from doing/being/trying/living XYZ?
"Oh, I am? Well, f*ck it. Ima do it anyway and live my life how *I* want."
;)
This message is Avery and Declan approved.
I just wanted to add that for me--and for Avery--body positivity isn't a decision that we make one morning to never have negative thoughts about the size of our asses again, and poof, all the world agrees we're beautiful. Nope. Never happened to a single person I know.
Instead, Body Positivity is a question we ask ourselves.
Am I letting opinions about my size--either mine or the opinions of others--hold me back from doing/being/trying/living XYZ?
"Oh, I am? Well, f*ck it. Ima do it anyway and live my life how *I* want."
;)
This message is Avery and Declan approved.
January 5, 2019
As daring and seductive as the city of New Orleans itself, this is a story of a woman opening up to herself...and also to a smoking hot rock star with a panty-incinerating Irish accent.
This has always been a city of transgression and possibility, which makes it the perfect backdrop for these characters' journey.
A little bit kinky and a whole lot of fun!
This has always been a city of transgression and possibility, which makes it the perfect backdrop for these characters' journey.
A little bit kinky and a whole lot of fun!
March 12, 2019
This was a smokin' hot and intense roller coaster with complicated and stubborn characters and I thought it was an awesome read!
Avery and Declan had sizzling chemistry. It could be flirty and playful, off the charts hot and sexy, as well as emotional and tense. Avery has a fiery attitude and is full of spunk, I liked her instantly. Declan is super sexy and has this edge to him I really liked. There are inner demons to be fought and personal battles to deal with and I really liked how it all unfolded while learning their histories and embracing their personalities. This story is very insta-lust and I pretty much embraced that aspect to fully enjoy it. Overall it really worked even though there were a few things that felt over the top. When I say this story was hot, I mean it was cold shower worthy… these two together were on fire!
There's a nice cast of characters from Avery's best friend to Declan's bandmates. I liked all the different dynamics and relationships that were happening and how that played into the story. I'd love to see the best friend get her own story, I really like what was set up in this one.
The writing was good, there was a decent pace and nice descriptions. There's drama and angst, emotion and heat, I thought it was really well rounded. Avery and Declan could both be pretty hard headed and some times that back and forth between them got to be a little much but they got there in the end. It was a great HEA!
I thought Moonlight and Whiskey had great entertainment value and was hooked! It was exciting to read. This was my first time reading this author and I'd definitely read more. Great way to kick off a series!
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
Avery and Declan had sizzling chemistry. It could be flirty and playful, off the charts hot and sexy, as well as emotional and tense. Avery has a fiery attitude and is full of spunk, I liked her instantly. Declan is super sexy and has this edge to him I really liked. There are inner demons to be fought and personal battles to deal with and I really liked how it all unfolded while learning their histories and embracing their personalities. This story is very insta-lust and I pretty much embraced that aspect to fully enjoy it. Overall it really worked even though there were a few things that felt over the top. When I say this story was hot, I mean it was cold shower worthy… these two together were on fire!
There's a nice cast of characters from Avery's best friend to Declan's bandmates. I liked all the different dynamics and relationships that were happening and how that played into the story. I'd love to see the best friend get her own story, I really like what was set up in this one.
The writing was good, there was a decent pace and nice descriptions. There's drama and angst, emotion and heat, I thought it was really well rounded. Avery and Declan could both be pretty hard headed and some times that back and forth between them got to be a little much but they got there in the end. It was a great HEA!
I thought Moonlight and Whiskey had great entertainment value and was hooked! It was exciting to read. This was my first time reading this author and I'd definitely read more. Great way to kick off a series!
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
December 26, 2019
4.5 Stars
December 28, 2019
My first newbie author for the year. So next year I vow to use my platform and read a few new authors.
May 17, 2019
I am struggling with my rating on this one ... some aspects were 5 star for me but some were 2 star. As a result, I'm going with 3 stars for the overall book. I loved the heroine. I loved the fact that she is a larger beautiful lady and that it wasn't treated like a horrible, terrible thing to be larger. She is smart, beautiful and ambitious. She just happens to be a bit more curvy. And she struggles with her curves in a not unhealthy way - she has insecurities but she's working through them and trying to focus loving herself because of them not in spite of them. Anyway, I loved that aspect. And she was SHARP - intellectually and in her words. She is candid, honest and not afraid to tell it how it is. LOVED her. And I loved Declan (the hero) - hot with lots of flaws and insecurities. What threw me a bit was the language and dialogue - I just don't feel like it was realistic. I've never seen people who talk like this. Maybe I'm crazy but to have an entire book of people who speak the way these characters do seemed outlandish. It made the book feel unrealistic to me. I cringed over and over because of the dialogue. If that had been edited a bit, i would have LOVED this book. But, that just took away from the overall feel of things for me. There is so much drama in the speaking of all of the characters - melodrama to the extreme! I don't mind drama but how it came out in the language of the characters just didn't work for me. But, I still liked this one and do recommend it especially if the drama component isn't something that concerns you.
NOTE: Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book free for an honest review.
NOTE: Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book free for an honest review.
December 25, 2018
Okay, can I just say I loved this book? Like full-on devoured it in a sitting. I adore that the story was about two fabulous people (who didn’t fully understand how fabulous they were), who seemed very different on the outside, but were actually very similar on the inside. The way that their wounds matched, and how that both brought them together and drove them apart, kept you so emotionally connected. Both of them, Avery and Declan were so real to me. They made me laugh and ache and root for them every single second, even when they both made mistakes—terrible, but understandable mistakes that I so appreciated.
And can we talk about how hot Avery and Declan are together? Like masterfully so. The chemistry is off the charts and the sexy-times…well…no spoilers, but I’ll never look at tiramisu the same way again.
This book is so special, but the friendships are so amazingly well done. Avery and Kat are lovely together—the way they know and accept each other, and their origin story, brought together by understanding what it’s like to lose a mother, is so beautiful—they have exactly that close type of friendship that is almost like sisterhood or something more and it’s written so well. And the band members are each distinct and unique.
And the setting. New Orleans is beautifully drawn and the rock and roll atmosphere is so perfect and clear. More than anything, the spirit of this book is just magical, the title totally sums it up—moonlight and whiskey all the way. I recommend this a million times over.
And can we talk about how hot Avery and Declan are together? Like masterfully so. The chemistry is off the charts and the sexy-times…well…no spoilers, but I’ll never look at tiramisu the same way again.
This book is so special, but the friendships are so amazingly well done. Avery and Kat are lovely together—the way they know and accept each other, and their origin story, brought together by understanding what it’s like to lose a mother, is so beautiful—they have exactly that close type of friendship that is almost like sisterhood or something more and it’s written so well. And the band members are each distinct and unique.
And the setting. New Orleans is beautifully drawn and the rock and roll atmosphere is so perfect and clear. More than anything, the spirit of this book is just magical, the title totally sums it up—moonlight and whiskey all the way. I recommend this a million times over.
November 21, 2018
A great book by another new-to-me author! This is the story about Avery and Declan, both had personal demons that made their HEA journey a bit bumpy. Avery, is an awesome heroine in this story, she has a career in a male-dominated field along with having some self-esteem issues, but she also has this strength to her. As for Declan, it took a bit to really get a feel of him, but I really liked his reaction to their first meet. Avery was a bit snarky to him, her past relationships has made her a bit defensive especially with how attractive he was, but he didn’t back down and the pursuit was on.
What started off as just a temporary fling became so much more as their feelings became stronger. They both fought hard against anything more, but the chemistry was too strong. Those sexy scenes were off the chart! Unfortunately their demons arises and causes a bit of angst between the two. But once they both were able to let go of past hurts, their happily ever after was really beautiful.
The secondary characters in this book were so instrumental to their story, I hope we can get their story too.
All in all a great book.
Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept for giving me the opportunity to read this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
What started off as just a temporary fling became so much more as their feelings became stronger. They both fought hard against anything more, but the chemistry was too strong. Those sexy scenes were off the chart! Unfortunately their demons arises and causes a bit of angst between the two. But once they both were able to let go of past hurts, their happily ever after was really beautiful.
The secondary characters in this book were so instrumental to their story, I hope we can get their story too.
All in all a great book.
Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept for giving me the opportunity to read this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
November 18, 2018
This was an ARC from Netgalley.
I'd never read anything by this author before and after looking for other books, I guess this is her debut. I enjoyed it. She's very descriptive and makes it easy to imagine New Orleans. I liked both Declan and Avery. I don't know about Avery's size issues. There are a lot comments from others as well as personal feelings of insecurity, but her only issue appears to be one roll of fat that appears when she bends over. She also has large breasts, which are her best asset and everyone loves them. So..
The back and forth of "this is temporary vacation sex" versus something real got a little annoying. I rarely say this, but some of the sex scenes were unnecessary. And using a condom the first time and then saying "fuck it" every other time, especially for "temporary vacation sex", was irresponsible - Declan gets around.
It was a good book. It's been a couple days since I finished it and I'm still thinking about it. I'll look for future books from this author as I'd like to find out how she grows/improves.
I'd never read anything by this author before and after looking for other books, I guess this is her debut. I enjoyed it. She's very descriptive and makes it easy to imagine New Orleans. I liked both Declan and Avery. I don't know about Avery's size issues. There are a lot comments from others as well as personal feelings of insecurity, but her only issue appears to be one roll of fat that appears when she bends over. She also has large breasts, which are her best asset and everyone loves them. So..
The back and forth of "this is temporary vacation sex" versus something real got a little annoying. I rarely say this, but some of the sex scenes were unnecessary. And using a condom the first time and then saying "fuck it" every other time, especially for "temporary vacation sex", was irresponsible - Declan gets around.
It was a good book. It's been a couple days since I finished it and I'm still thinking about it. I'll look for future books from this author as I'd like to find out how she grows/improves.
February 18, 2019
Reviewed for
Wit and Sin
A take-no-s*** heroine, a rockin’ hero, and the city of New Orleans are the stars of the show in Moonlight & Whiskey . Tricia Lynne’s debut shows she has a lot of promise as an author – the way she writes about NOLA makes you feel like you’re really there. The city is a vivid, luscious character in and of itself and was unquestionably my favorite part of the book.
I really wanted to like Avery and there are some things I really did enjoy about her. Watching her come into her own in her professional life was fantastic and she has some body image issues that make her relatable. But aside from that, Avery is a bit much for me. She tends to go from zero to one hundred in no time flat, she and her best friend can be crass (and it takes a lot to put me off in that area), and she just felt too over-the-top all the time with very few breathers. Declan starts out the book a pretty hot hero (who doesn’t love a hero who’s a bad boy/skilled lover/kind soul?), but the deeper he and Avery fall in love, the more his demons are brought out. There’s a lot of talk of the light and the dark in Moonlight & Whiskey , especially as it relates to Declan, and sometimes I felt like I was getting repeatedly hit over the head with this particular theme.
The romance is filled with erotic moments, but once the book starts travelling down the light/dark path the passion turns into flat-out drama. There are times Avery and Declan work really well together, but I wanted something more substantial than what was given to make me believe in them as a couple given how quickly they fall in love. A lot of overused tropes start appearing as well in the latter half of the book (the big misunderstanding, pushing someone away for their own good, the heroine who is always overlooked yet two very different kinds of guys fall all over themselves for her, etc.). I don’t want to spoil the story, but many of the obstacles in the way of Avery and Declan’s happily ever after don’t feel organic. There’s a certain character’s interference in particular that just felt shoehorned in for added drama and honestly I just wanted to shake all the characters and tell them to calm the f*** down for five minutes. Call it reader preference, but for me if there’s high drama there also needs to be some balance or the characters start to seem immature and the entire reading experience is like being hit by a two-by-four.
As I mentioned before, Moonlight & Whiskey is Ms. Lynne’s debut and while I had issues with the characters and romance, there really are times in the story her writing was captivating. The way she brought NOLA to life ensures that I’ll definitely want to read another one of her books because I’m interested to see how she grows as an author.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A take-no-s*** heroine, a rockin’ hero, and the city of New Orleans are the stars of the show in Moonlight & Whiskey . Tricia Lynne’s debut shows she has a lot of promise as an author – the way she writes about NOLA makes you feel like you’re really there. The city is a vivid, luscious character in and of itself and was unquestionably my favorite part of the book.
I really wanted to like Avery and there are some things I really did enjoy about her. Watching her come into her own in her professional life was fantastic and she has some body image issues that make her relatable. But aside from that, Avery is a bit much for me. She tends to go from zero to one hundred in no time flat, she and her best friend can be crass (and it takes a lot to put me off in that area), and she just felt too over-the-top all the time with very few breathers. Declan starts out the book a pretty hot hero (who doesn’t love a hero who’s a bad boy/skilled lover/kind soul?), but the deeper he and Avery fall in love, the more his demons are brought out. There’s a lot of talk of the light and the dark in Moonlight & Whiskey , especially as it relates to Declan, and sometimes I felt like I was getting repeatedly hit over the head with this particular theme.
The romance is filled with erotic moments, but once the book starts travelling down the light/dark path the passion turns into flat-out drama. There are times Avery and Declan work really well together, but I wanted something more substantial than what was given to make me believe in them as a couple given how quickly they fall in love. A lot of overused tropes start appearing as well in the latter half of the book (the big misunderstanding, pushing someone away for their own good, the heroine who is always overlooked yet two very different kinds of guys fall all over themselves for her, etc.). I don’t want to spoil the story, but many of the obstacles in the way of Avery and Declan’s happily ever after don’t feel organic. There’s a certain character’s interference in particular that just felt shoehorned in for added drama and honestly I just wanted to shake all the characters and tell them to calm the f*** down for five minutes. Call it reader preference, but for me if there’s high drama there also needs to be some balance or the characters start to seem immature and the entire reading experience is like being hit by a two-by-four.
As I mentioned before, Moonlight & Whiskey is Ms. Lynne’s debut and while I had issues with the characters and romance, there really are times in the story her writing was captivating. The way she brought NOLA to life ensures that I’ll definitely want to read another one of her books because I’m interested to see how she grows as an author.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
December 9, 2018
Moonlight & Whiskey is a fabulous debut that is sure both scorch your heart and ignite your very soul. This story shocked my system with its superb realism, sizzling heat, and breathtaking honesty. My heart was utterly shattered, unabashedly cherished, and supremely set aflame. What I found within these pages transformed the way I see people around me. I understand now that there is so much more then will ever be seen at one glance. People are infinitely more complex than any story that will ever be written, but at their heart their needs and desires are all the same. Life sometimes twists us into overly complex people in how we learn to deal with those around us. However, our hearts beat the same and no matter how we fight it, we need each other more then we will ever know.
A simple vacation for Avery Barrows sets her on a life-changing journey that challenges the way she sees herself and opens her heart to the greatest adventure she could ever ask for. Just when she finds herself on the cusp of something new and freeing, Declan Barrows shows her what has been painfully missing. His captivating eyes forever challenge her to push her boundaries while his rough hands savor every delicate inch of her. Unfamiliar with the lavish and overpowering attention of a man with honest intentions, Avery is unsure if she can afford to let her heart lead her down the path that is set before her. Confused and dazed Avery finds herself balancing on a precipice that will either send her barreling towards an ecstasy induced heaven or a painfully bitter heartache. Will Declan be there to catch her when she falls, or will Avery find herself enduring the excruciating pain of moving forward without the powerful presence and gentle care of the enigmatic yet loving Declan.
Declan and Avery took my heart by storm. I wasn’t prepared for them or the power of their story. My heart couldn’t contain everything I felt during this incredible story. It was too big, too complex, and too rich for just one person to house. This needs to be felt and experienced by everything strong enough to endure a real yet rewarding love story firmly rooted in real life. While I enjoy fiction for its innate virtues, my heart thrives on emotions and people and situations that reflect reality moreso then imagination alone. Power is born from vulnerability, and this story celebrates and revels in it. Never be afraid or ashamed of allowing others to see the real you. Only then can we form the deep connections that our very soul needs in order to live and thrive.
Tricia Lynne has created a superb masterpiece that is sure to delight, entertain, and set your very soul on fire! Nothing is as pure and perfect as writing from the depths of your heart, and Lynne has proved that with flying colors. I am completely and totally in love with this book and the marvelous characters that fill it. This author has graced us with a gold standard story, and has raised the bar for other debut authors! I see great things in Lynne’s future, and I am excited to see what she creates next!
A simple vacation for Avery Barrows sets her on a life-changing journey that challenges the way she sees herself and opens her heart to the greatest adventure she could ever ask for. Just when she finds herself on the cusp of something new and freeing, Declan Barrows shows her what has been painfully missing. His captivating eyes forever challenge her to push her boundaries while his rough hands savor every delicate inch of her. Unfamiliar with the lavish and overpowering attention of a man with honest intentions, Avery is unsure if she can afford to let her heart lead her down the path that is set before her. Confused and dazed Avery finds herself balancing on a precipice that will either send her barreling towards an ecstasy induced heaven or a painfully bitter heartache. Will Declan be there to catch her when she falls, or will Avery find herself enduring the excruciating pain of moving forward without the powerful presence and gentle care of the enigmatic yet loving Declan.
Declan and Avery took my heart by storm. I wasn’t prepared for them or the power of their story. My heart couldn’t contain everything I felt during this incredible story. It was too big, too complex, and too rich for just one person to house. This needs to be felt and experienced by everything strong enough to endure a real yet rewarding love story firmly rooted in real life. While I enjoy fiction for its innate virtues, my heart thrives on emotions and people and situations that reflect reality moreso then imagination alone. Power is born from vulnerability, and this story celebrates and revels in it. Never be afraid or ashamed of allowing others to see the real you. Only then can we form the deep connections that our very soul needs in order to live and thrive.
Tricia Lynne has created a superb masterpiece that is sure to delight, entertain, and set your very soul on fire! Nothing is as pure and perfect as writing from the depths of your heart, and Lynne has proved that with flying colors. I am completely and totally in love with this book and the marvelous characters that fill it. This author has graced us with a gold standard story, and has raised the bar for other debut authors! I see great things in Lynne’s future, and I am excited to see what she creates next!
March 19, 2019
3.5 stars.
If it weren't for the typos, this would be getting 4 stars. But I saw multiple instances of the wrong word used, like "creek" instead of "creak", and "here" instead of "hear". I admit it; stuff like that takes me out of the story.
I'm not usually one for rock star romances, even though I love my music. Still, this was an awesome example of one. Declan was the broody but likable singer and rhythm guitarist of a band in New Orleans, and Avery was a foul-mouthed and conflicted engineer just trying to make her way in a man's world. The two meet when Avery and her friend Kat go on vacation to New Orleans. Declan runs into Avery who cusses him out. After apologies on both of their parts, the two develop a pretty quick attraction. Declan doesn't want anything serious from a woman because of his parents' failed relationship, while Avery doesn't believe that anyone would want her for her looks and personality when there's Kat, her thinner and famous friend. Watching these two work things out was definitely an interesting read. The last few chapters were probably my least favorite, and I want to know what happens with one of the side characters, so I really hope he gets a book.
I loved Kat and Avery's friendship. They told each other everything and were so open and at ease with each other. It was great, and the friendship between the women, as well as Declan and his band mates, really made this book stand out. I liked that Avery was a bit of a bigger woman, too. Overall, I'm glad I read this book. I wish things hadn't slowed down near the end and that there weren't so many typos, but I'm definitely going to be reading the author's next story.
If it weren't for the typos, this would be getting 4 stars. But I saw multiple instances of the wrong word used, like "creek" instead of "creak", and "here" instead of "hear". I admit it; stuff like that takes me out of the story.
I'm not usually one for rock star romances, even though I love my music. Still, this was an awesome example of one. Declan was the broody but likable singer and rhythm guitarist of a band in New Orleans, and Avery was a foul-mouthed and conflicted engineer just trying to make her way in a man's world. The two meet when Avery and her friend Kat go on vacation to New Orleans. Declan runs into Avery who cusses him out. After apologies on both of their parts, the two develop a pretty quick attraction. Declan doesn't want anything serious from a woman because of his parents' failed relationship, while Avery doesn't believe that anyone would want her for her looks and personality when there's Kat, her thinner and famous friend. Watching these two work things out was definitely an interesting read. The last few chapters were probably my least favorite, and I want to know what happens with one of the side characters, so I really hope he gets a book.
I loved Kat and Avery's friendship. They told each other everything and were so open and at ease with each other. It was great, and the friendship between the women, as well as Declan and his band mates, really made this book stand out. I liked that Avery was a bit of a bigger woman, too. Overall, I'm glad I read this book. I wish things hadn't slowed down near the end and that there weren't so many typos, but I'm definitely going to be reading the author's next story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews