New Make

Bourbonland #4.7

by Jennifer Bramseth

Elizabeth never expected to fall for a politician, but fate has other plans. As one of Kentucky's top attorneys, she's focused on her career and has little time for love. But when a case of mistaken identity leads her to meet the state's governor, she can't deny the sparks that fly between them.

Despite their initial crazy start, Elizabeth and the governor can't seem to stay away from each other. They keep running into each other at events and the First Daughter keeps finding ways to bring them together. Elizabeth never thought she could fall in love, but this unexpected romance is making her question everything she thought she knew about herself.

Meanwhile, Corrie and Clay are still carrying on their secret affair, even as they pretend to be estranged in public. They've found a new place to meet, away from prying eyes, and their passion for each other is stronger than ever.

As Elizabeth and the governor's relationship heats up, Corrie and Clay's secret affair becomes more complicated. They know they can't keep their love hidden forever, but they also can't bear the thought of going public and facing the judgment of those around them.

Will Elizabeth and the governor's romance be able to withstand the pressures of his high-profile job and her demanding career? And will Corrie and Clay ever be able to be together openly, or will they continue to hide their love forever?

New Make, a contemporary romance novella, is the eighth installment in the Bourbonland Short Stories and Novellas Series. It takes place in the weeks and months after Blissful Thinking (Bourbonland Short Stories and Novellas #7).

120 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 16, 2019

About the author

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

Reviews

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Make proved to be a delight. Bramseth stepped away from serious for a bit to put a double dose of romance in fans hearts. From a surprise romance to catching up with a few old friends, New Make is a stepping stone into the next chapter of Bramseth's imagination.

[Coco.V]

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

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Make by Jennifer Bramseth
Bourbonland Short Stories & Novellas #8

This was so much fun! I was definitely NOT expecting the main couple to be who they were. In some ways this was two romances in one since Coraleigh and Clay were together half of the pages. I was able to catch up with them though they still have some issues to deal with before they can reach a final HEA. The second romance was one that has two older people who find one another rather serendipitously and I was thrilled for both of them. I won’t tell you who they are but it was a treat to read how they met and fell in love. And now I am looking forward to finding out who will get together next. I really want to find out if Candace and Ting will find a way back to the happy relationship they had earlier in the series, am curious to see who will run for and win Governor and...well...this series still has a few more twists and turns to take care of before all will be tied up neatly in a bow. And guess what? I can’t WAIT to read whatever happens next!

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

5 Stars

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I loved the continuation of Clay and Corrie’s story, there was really nothing new happening here. Also, Doug and Elizabeth’s romance has zero development. I know this is a novella, and there isn’t room for much, but this seemed an almost pointless installment except to set up a reason for Candace to get back to Bardstown sooner rather than later. It also reminded the reader that the house at Perryville doesn’t solve Clay and Corrie’s problems, though anyone who thought it would hasn’t been paying attention. I’m getting annoyed that it hasn’t occurred to Corrie that if she accepts the role of lieutenant governor and Clay is the governor’s chief of staff, they will be expected - required, actually - to reconcile professionally and be seen together regularly in public. Assuming Gray wins, of course.

This could be a road, though a slow one, toward a real relationship for them. In the end, though, I suspect Clay’s mother will have to die first as a step for Clay to get out from under daddy’s thumb.

At this point I’m looking for more Ting and Candace...and that mysterious couple from Shaker Village, what’s going on with them?

In addition to the plot issues I had, there were quite a few, though minor, grammatical/typographical errors here. I wonder if the author is stretched too thin or if she doesn’t have adequate editorial support. Such things were nonexistent in her earlier works, so I don’t consider her one of those careless authors that just cranks them out.

Despite any issues I had with this latest installment, I love this Kentucky soap opera world Jennifer Bramseth has created. I should really check out the mysteries she writes.

[Mary Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unexpected romance blossoms between Elizabeth and the Governor, Doug. This was a true joy to experience as both individuals have weathered some treacherous storms in their life and each deserved to find happiness again. Having Candace push her father, Doug, to pursue Elizabeth was fun. At the same time, Corrie and Clay continue to pursue their secret relationship since they both remain loyal to their families but love each other. Someday I know these two will be able to shout to the world that they love each other but for now, we get to enjoy their romantic escapes amidst the crazy twists of the political landscape in Kentucky. I love how this series keeps evolving and giving me a wonderful cast that feels like family when I experience their journeys. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story. Jennifer Bramseth writes a smooth story. Corrie and Clay continue their secret liaison, but the focus is on a new couple Doug, the Governor, and Elizabeth, an attorney. The governor is a widower and his relationship following that was a disaster. He is cautious about relationships now. Elizabeth is trying to get her life back together after a bout with breast cancer. A mix up at the mansion brings the two together to what will become a sweet and beautiful relationship. These are two characters who definitely deserve this happy story. I am always delighted by the authors ability to tell the story as if she is talking to a friend. It invites the reader into the lives and world of the characters where you feel like you are building life long friends.

[Brooke Clanton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventures in the Govenor's Mansion

These little trips back to my home state through the Bourbonland stories always makes me happy! After our last visit I left being extremely angry with a character... I will say this visit left me happier! I truly love the Govenor with Elizabeth! I will be happy to see the conclusion of Corrie and Clay although sad at the same time as I know that may end this series... Although, so many new characters pop up along the way so maybe it will never end! Lol! I can't wait for the future Adventures of Candace away from the Governor's Mansion! I will be waiting impatiently for the next installment!

[Liz J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all the Bourbonland and Bourbon Springs books, but I think this book is my favorite so far. I had so much fun reading it! The new couple was a total surprise to me, but I loved seeing them get together. And as always, I enjoyed getting to see more of Clay and Corrie’s story. That poor couple has gone through so much already, and there is definitely more that they will have to endure before they get their happily ever after. And believe me, they will have earned it! Looking forward to the next in the series! I received an advanced copy and this is my honest review.

[Lady M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a nice short dose of Bourbonland. It actually is about two different couples, which is hard to believe because of the length, but it's very satisfying! I love any chance to read more of Corrie and Clay. Their slow burn through the series is downright delicious. I just loved everyone involved in this book, both couples and all the side characters

[Janet Overstreet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when I get to read more pieces of Cory and Clay’s story. They have such obstacles to overcome so when they find a little happiness, I’m thrilled. However this book, to my surprise, was mostly about another character which ends up with a little wedding fever. I was delight that Jennifer brought this deserving happiness into their lives. What a wonderful series.

[Rosemary Rowlette- · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Make is a great novella featuring two couples. Clay and Corrie who are still secretly meeting and Doug Keane, the governor and Elizabeth Minton, an attorney, their love story was a surprise and a joy to read. I really liked it. Looking forward to what's in store for Corrie and Clay. Thanks to the author for this ARC.

[robert tabora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hopeless Romantic

Again no happy ending for Clay & Corrie. Really liked the story line for Doug & Elizabeth. Can't wait to read more about Cadence.

[Beverly Nance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leaves you wanting more.

[Lady M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a nice short dose of Bourbonland. it's actually about two couples, which is hard to believe because of the length, but it's very satisfying! I love any chance to read more of Corrie and Clay. Their slow burn through the series is downright delicious. I just loved everyone involved in this book, both of the couples and the side characters