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The Bourbon Brothers #5
Waking Up Married
Will these friends’ temporary Vegas marriage lead to forever? Find out in this Bourbon Brothers novel from Reese Ryan!
What’s wrong with a little fake marriage between friends?
Their night on the town is a blank, but when Zora Abbott and Dallas Hamilton awaken in a Vegas hotel room, they’re man and wife. With news of the nuptials spreading virally, the high-profile best friends decide to stay married, temporarily. Maybe under the cover of marriage, Dallas can even make his best friend’s baby dream come true. But can their friendship survive their newly unleashed passions?
What’s wrong with a little fake marriage between friends?
Their night on the town is a blank, but when Zora Abbott and Dallas Hamilton awaken in a Vegas hotel room, they’re man and wife. With news of the nuptials spreading virally, the high-profile best friends decide to stay married, temporarily. Maybe under the cover of marriage, Dallas can even make his best friend’s baby dream come true. But can their friendship survive their newly unleashed passions?
216 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 17, 2021
147 people are currently reading
1732 people want to read
About the author
Reese Ryan
174 books604 followersVivian Award-winning author Reese Ryan writes sexy, emotional, “grown folks” romantic fiction set in small Southern towns. Her characters find love while navigating career crises and family drama.
Reese's books have been featured on Entertainment Weekly, BuzzFeed, and BookRiot. She is the host of Story Behind the Story—her YouTube show where readers and authors connect.
Reese's books have been featured on Entertainment Weekly, BuzzFeed, and BookRiot. She is the host of Story Behind the Story—her YouTube show where readers and authors connect.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
February 14, 2024
i don’t even like friends to lovers but this are omg! i just love the married in vegas trope like its so fun and underrated
June 8, 2021
This story gave me constant tummy flutters!
I love Zora & Dallas’s love story so much! Best friends since they were six years old..now grown in their early 30’s..sometimes the best is truly saved for last. I’m wrapped up in love with these two!
I love Zora & Dallas’s love story so much! Best friends since they were six years old..now grown in their early 30’s..sometimes the best is truly saved for last. I’m wrapped up in love with these two!
March 21, 2021
I loved this. Very rarely do I ever sit and read a book in one sitting, but Zora and Dallas had me hooked! The beginning made me laugh out loud a handful of times because of how much it resembled The Hangover movies! These two childhood besties go on a work trip to Vegas together, and wake up having taken part in a Marriage Under the Influence. The ways Reese Ryan sets up scenes, the banter.. you can't help but laugh. The beginning half especially felt like a romantic comedy. Now these two are legit married, Zora wants a baby so in typical fake marriage situation, a time limit is put on things and Zora is constantly telling herself "this isn't Real." While along, it is blatantly obvious that Dallas is a thousand percent crazy about her.
March 1, 2021
5 stars
I love Reese Ryan's Bourbon Brothers series. And when I say that, I mean it to the depths of my soul. That's some serious love. All four of the previous books have been special. Waking Up Married exceeded all of my expectations and then some. This story is definitely on my list of favorite books. Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and Reese wrote this story to perfection.
Zora Abbott is the youngest of five and the only daughter of Duke and Iris Abbott. At almost 32, she has proven herself to be a very good businesswoman and is the sales VP of the family distillery, King’s Finest. Currently, she is in competition with three of her older brothers to be the next CEO of the company. Zora has watched her older brothers and cousin find love and start families. She desperately wants in on that. When she's cuddling her nephew, niece, or cousins she desperately wishes they were her kids. Zora doesn't want to wait for mister right to come around. She wants children now. She’s prepared to be a single mother and visit a clinic to help her achieve her goal.
Dallas Hamilton is a premier furniture maker. He took his hobby that he learned from his grandfather, and turned it into a thriving business, Hamilton Haus. Dallas isn't really big on relationships or commitments, as a result of his childhood. In fact, his longest relationship has been his friendship with Zora, which started when they were in Kindergarten.
Over the years, Dallas and Zora have been each other's plus one to weddings, family gatherings, and other events, when the other wasn't seeing anyone else. Dallas is receiving an innovation award in Las Vegas, and Zora is going to be his date for the evening. While in Vegas, they are also going to celebrate Zora's 32nd birthday. A night of celebrating Dallas's winning his award results in Dallas and Zora waking up in the same bed and discovering they are married to each other.
What transpires next is comical, sweet, and romantic. Is there a such thing as a book husband? If there is, then Dallas is definitely mine. Waking Up Married contains the best first kiss scene ever! What makes this story so special is the love Zora and Dallas share. They have this deep, ingrained love that they’ve cultivated their entire lives without knowing. Seeing them together is really special.
There is so much I’m not saying about this story. I found every part to be special, and I don’t want to ruin anything. I’m a reader who at times will go back and reread snippets of books. Waking Up Married is a book I will go back and reread, in its entirety multiple times.
~ FAVORITE QUOTES ~
“You are a strong, confident woman who knows what you want. Don’t let anyone get inside your head and make you lose sight of that. Not even the people you love.”
“Please have a little faith in me.”
“Marriage is about compromise. Both sides have to give a little to find a happy medium.”
**Received a copy from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed.**
I love Reese Ryan's Bourbon Brothers series. And when I say that, I mean it to the depths of my soul. That's some serious love. All four of the previous books have been special. Waking Up Married exceeded all of my expectations and then some. This story is definitely on my list of favorite books. Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and Reese wrote this story to perfection.
Zora Abbott is the youngest of five and the only daughter of Duke and Iris Abbott. At almost 32, she has proven herself to be a very good businesswoman and is the sales VP of the family distillery, King’s Finest. Currently, she is in competition with three of her older brothers to be the next CEO of the company. Zora has watched her older brothers and cousin find love and start families. She desperately wants in on that. When she's cuddling her nephew, niece, or cousins she desperately wishes they were her kids. Zora doesn't want to wait for mister right to come around. She wants children now. She’s prepared to be a single mother and visit a clinic to help her achieve her goal.
Dallas Hamilton is a premier furniture maker. He took his hobby that he learned from his grandfather, and turned it into a thriving business, Hamilton Haus. Dallas isn't really big on relationships or commitments, as a result of his childhood. In fact, his longest relationship has been his friendship with Zora, which started when they were in Kindergarten.
Over the years, Dallas and Zora have been each other's plus one to weddings, family gatherings, and other events, when the other wasn't seeing anyone else. Dallas is receiving an innovation award in Las Vegas, and Zora is going to be his date for the evening. While in Vegas, they are also going to celebrate Zora's 32nd birthday. A night of celebrating Dallas's winning his award results in Dallas and Zora waking up in the same bed and discovering they are married to each other.
What transpires next is comical, sweet, and romantic. Is there a such thing as a book husband? If there is, then Dallas is definitely mine. Waking Up Married contains the best first kiss scene ever! What makes this story so special is the love Zora and Dallas share. They have this deep, ingrained love that they’ve cultivated their entire lives without knowing. Seeing them together is really special.
There is so much I’m not saying about this story. I found every part to be special, and I don’t want to ruin anything. I’m a reader who at times will go back and reread snippets of books. Waking Up Married is a book I will go back and reread, in its entirety multiple times.
~ FAVORITE QUOTES ~
“You are a strong, confident woman who knows what you want. Don’t let anyone get inside your head and make you lose sight of that. Not even the people you love.”
“Please have a little faith in me.”
“Marriage is about compromise. Both sides have to give a little to find a happy medium.”
**Received a copy from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed.**
January 23, 2022
2.5 to be fair.
It hurts me to rank this so low as I've been enjoying the Bourbon Brothers series. My problem lies with two things. One: there's a baby plot line that wasn't mentioned in the synopsis. (This series made me realize I really hate babies and pregnancies in romance novels 😬) Zora decides she wants to have a baby, even if she has to do so all on her own. The eventual Vegas marriage becomes a cover with the goal of her being with child within a year.
And two: the story comes to a halt when both Zora and Dallas are surprised to learn they really enjoy the marriage and love being with each other. However, Zora keeps insisting that they need to stick to their original plan to end the marriage in a year for ... reasons. It was kind of frustrating to read; like the story was trying to create a conflict where there wasn't one. So they angst over how to make their marriage work in light of their (self-imposed) timeline.
I did appreciate that the CEO search got wrapped up and seeing more of Cole. His is the final story and I'm really hyped to see who convinces him to finally settle down.
It hurts me to rank this so low as I've been enjoying the Bourbon Brothers series. My problem lies with two things. One: there's a baby plot line that wasn't mentioned in the synopsis. (This series made me realize I really hate babies and pregnancies in romance novels 😬) Zora decides she wants to have a baby, even if she has to do so all on her own. The eventual Vegas marriage becomes a cover with the goal of her being with child within a year.
And two: the story comes to a halt when both Zora and Dallas are surprised to learn they really enjoy the marriage and love being with each other. However, Zora keeps insisting that they need to stick to their original plan to end the marriage in a year for ... reasons. It was kind of frustrating to read; like the story was trying to create a conflict where there wasn't one. So they angst over how to make their marriage work in light of their (self-imposed) timeline.
I did appreciate that the CEO search got wrapped up and seeing more of Cole. His is the final story and I'm really hyped to see who convinces him to finally settle down.
March 4, 2021
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Style: Multicultural / Interracial Romance
Story: 4/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
Dark Level: 0/5
Sexual Level: GOOD
Triggers: No
Violence: No
Male: Sexy & Lovable
Series: Book 5
Pages: loc. 2746
Audio: N/A
Kindle Unlimited: No
STORY:
Appealing characters and a sweet story. I normally don’t do friends to lovers because it’s not believable if not done correctly, but this one was done well. Dallas’ and Zora’s friends to lovers are very much believable. Dallas, was just so sweet, adorable and sexy all rolled into one. I look forward to his pov chapters more than Zora’s sometimes. Zora is a strong character with always needing to prove a point with so many brothers. I like that she showed vulnerability and uncertainty with Dallas because we get to see Dallas at work convincing Zora.
I just have one question though, where can I buy some of those brownies? I’m planning a trip to Vegas too hahah.
CHEMISTRY:
Dallas and Zora had good chemistry and I enjoyed watching their relationship evolve.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS
I have not read this series prior to this, but Zora’s brothers sounds yummy. After reading Zora’s story, I am interested in reading Blake’s story. Cole seems interesting as well.
Overall, if you are familiar with the harlequin desire formula, then you will know what to expect. This was a light read for me and I liked it.
***I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read and hope this review was helpful.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Style: Multicultural / Interracial Romance
Story: 4/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
Dark Level: 0/5
Sexual Level: GOOD
Triggers: No
Violence: No
Male: Sexy & Lovable
Series: Book 5
Pages: loc. 2746
Audio: N/A
Kindle Unlimited: No
STORY:
Appealing characters and a sweet story. I normally don’t do friends to lovers because it’s not believable if not done correctly, but this one was done well. Dallas’ and Zora’s friends to lovers are very much believable. Dallas, was just so sweet, adorable and sexy all rolled into one. I look forward to his pov chapters more than Zora’s sometimes. Zora is a strong character with always needing to prove a point with so many brothers. I like that she showed vulnerability and uncertainty with Dallas because we get to see Dallas at work convincing Zora.
I just have one question though, where can I buy some of those brownies? I’m planning a trip to Vegas too hahah.
CHEMISTRY:
Dallas and Zora had good chemistry and I enjoyed watching their relationship evolve.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS
I have not read this series prior to this, but Zora’s brothers sounds yummy. After reading Zora’s story, I am interested in reading Blake’s story. Cole seems interesting as well.
Overall, if you are familiar with the harlequin desire formula, then you will know what to expect. This was a light read for me and I liked it.
***I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read and hope this review was helpful.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
March 14, 2021Zora has been a fan favorite in my Bourbon Brothers series, which chronicles the business and romantic adventures of a family that runs their own world famous distillery.
Waking Up Married is book #5 in the Bourbon Brothers series. It was so much fun finally giving bold, determined, and opinionated sales VP Zora Abbott her own love story with her best friend, Dallas Hamilton.
I hope you enjoy my friends-to-lovers, waking up married in Vegas, marriage of convenience story as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Happy reading!
Waking Up Married is book #5 in the Bourbon Brothers series. It was so much fun finally giving bold, determined, and opinionated sales VP Zora Abbott her own love story with her best friend, Dallas Hamilton.
I hope you enjoy my friends-to-lovers, waking up married in Vegas, marriage of convenience story as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Happy reading!
February 27, 2021
Thank you Reese Ryan for my free finished copy of this book.
Dallas and Zora have been friends since childhood and end up getting married in Vegas. They pretend to go with and eventually real feelings start to surface. While reading this book I definitely felt the conflict between the two, but I wish they would have communicated more about their feelings in the beginning. There was a lot of inner dialogue that I would have preferred to see as one on one conversation.
I’ve been looking forward to reading Zora’s book for a long time. She is the baby sister and I love how fierce she is and doesn’t take any of brother’s nonsense. As a woman executive she has to work twice as hard to prove herself and having the family name doesn’t exempt her from these challenges.
Dallas is an absolute sweetheart and it’s nice seeing a man who is vulnerable and willing to lay his whole heart out for the woman he loves. He held nothing back when it came to his feelings for Zora.
The Bourbon Brothers series has been a long time favorite of mine and reading this book felt like I was being reunited with the family. I love the small town feel, the meddling parents and siblings. The Sunday family dinners. I’m also looking forward to Cole’s book even though I know it will be the last book.
Dallas and Zora have been friends since childhood and end up getting married in Vegas. They pretend to go with and eventually real feelings start to surface. While reading this book I definitely felt the conflict between the two, but I wish they would have communicated more about their feelings in the beginning. There was a lot of inner dialogue that I would have preferred to see as one on one conversation.
I’ve been looking forward to reading Zora’s book for a long time. She is the baby sister and I love how fierce she is and doesn’t take any of brother’s nonsense. As a woman executive she has to work twice as hard to prove herself and having the family name doesn’t exempt her from these challenges.
Dallas is an absolute sweetheart and it’s nice seeing a man who is vulnerable and willing to lay his whole heart out for the woman he loves. He held nothing back when it came to his feelings for Zora.
The Bourbon Brothers series has been a long time favorite of mine and reading this book felt like I was being reunited with the family. I love the small town feel, the meddling parents and siblings. The Sunday family dinners. I’m also looking forward to Cole’s book even though I know it will be the last book.
March 1, 2021
I have loved this whole series, but Zora and Dallas are definitely my favorite! I laughed, I teared up, I was just so happy for them. A really, really great book!
May 15, 2021
This one was a toughie in that the premise of the story was super fun. An African American smart business woman accidentally falling for her sweet, white, friend-zoned, ride or die guy. I have little patience for a story in which adults act like they don’t know what the hell attraction feels like. Like, “Oh my skin is flushed and core heating, but I wonder why! I mean he’s only my friend!” 🤦🏻♀️ That went on for too many chapters. But I did finish and it pulled the story out decently so...2.3 ⭐️.
April 28, 2023
Although I really enjoyed this story, Zora just fought too hard and too long against a real relationship with Dallas.
He really loved her but she just kept hurting his feelings over and over.
March 10, 2021
Waking Up Married by Reese Ryan is a sexy friends to lovers romance and the fifth story in the author’s Bourbon Brothers series set in small town Tennessee.
Zora Abbott and Dallas Hamilton have been best friends since they were kids and have always found time to spend together no matter what other relationships they might have been involved in. Both currently single, when Dallas, an innovative furniture maker is being honored with an award in Las Vegas, he wants his BFF by his side. Zora, sales VP at her family owned distillery, wouldn’t miss the opportunity to celebrate her friend’s success. With a luxury suite at the hotel, sharing is a no brainer. But ever since a kiss under the mistletoe a few years earlier, Dallas had started thinking more than friendly thoughts about Zora, a fact to which she seemed oblivious.
But two unexpected things happen on their trip. First, Zora confesses her desire to have a baby to Dallas, having gotten very maternal feelings since the birth of her niece and nephews. And secondly, after a night of drinking (and some other ‘goodies’), they wake up to discover they are in the same bed, and married! Neither remembers the event but a posting Zora had made on social media means everyone knows about it, including their very startled families. Not wanting to admit their mistake, they decide to play it off as if they meant to get married, though between themselves they plan to only let it go on for a year before splitting up. But what if fate was just giving them a helping hand?
I have been really enjoying this series and was eager for Zora’s story! Having four older brothers means she’s always had to be strong and fight for herself and knowing she’ll have Dallas’s support with her decision to become a single mom is important to her. But now that they’re married, and she and Dallas realize their mutual attraction, the idea of having a baby with Dallas, something he’s excited to participate in (whether they stay married or not), takes hold.
Becoming lovers is an easy decision, and they share some steamy scenes. As best friends they already know a lot about each other and understand each other. Dealing with their families who are surprised but mostly thrilled by their news (at least the moms, though disappointed at not being invited) is a major focus of the story as they all adjust to the new circumstances. Zora doesn’t want her brothers and father to think poorly of her hasty marriage and think she isn’t up to her work responsibilities.
But Zora also doesn’t want their marriage and her plans for a baby to affect Dallas’s work opportunities. He has a chance to partner with a furniture company in Iceland and she doesn’t want him to sacrifice his future for hers. But marriage is about compromise and with the deep affection they feel for each other that has turned into love, they find a way to get their happy ending. There’s a sweet epilogue to wrap things up nicely. I’ve enjoyed all the stories in the series and look forward to more from this author!
This review appears at Harlequin Junkie: https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-wa...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher.
Zora Abbott and Dallas Hamilton have been best friends since they were kids and have always found time to spend together no matter what other relationships they might have been involved in. Both currently single, when Dallas, an innovative furniture maker is being honored with an award in Las Vegas, he wants his BFF by his side. Zora, sales VP at her family owned distillery, wouldn’t miss the opportunity to celebrate her friend’s success. With a luxury suite at the hotel, sharing is a no brainer. But ever since a kiss under the mistletoe a few years earlier, Dallas had started thinking more than friendly thoughts about Zora, a fact to which she seemed oblivious.
But two unexpected things happen on their trip. First, Zora confesses her desire to have a baby to Dallas, having gotten very maternal feelings since the birth of her niece and nephews. And secondly, after a night of drinking (and some other ‘goodies’), they wake up to discover they are in the same bed, and married! Neither remembers the event but a posting Zora had made on social media means everyone knows about it, including their very startled families. Not wanting to admit their mistake, they decide to play it off as if they meant to get married, though between themselves they plan to only let it go on for a year before splitting up. But what if fate was just giving them a helping hand?
I have been really enjoying this series and was eager for Zora’s story! Having four older brothers means she’s always had to be strong and fight for herself and knowing she’ll have Dallas’s support with her decision to become a single mom is important to her. But now that they’re married, and she and Dallas realize their mutual attraction, the idea of having a baby with Dallas, something he’s excited to participate in (whether they stay married or not), takes hold.
Becoming lovers is an easy decision, and they share some steamy scenes. As best friends they already know a lot about each other and understand each other. Dealing with their families who are surprised but mostly thrilled by their news (at least the moms, though disappointed at not being invited) is a major focus of the story as they all adjust to the new circumstances. Zora doesn’t want her brothers and father to think poorly of her hasty marriage and think she isn’t up to her work responsibilities.
But Zora also doesn’t want their marriage and her plans for a baby to affect Dallas’s work opportunities. He has a chance to partner with a furniture company in Iceland and she doesn’t want him to sacrifice his future for hers. But marriage is about compromise and with the deep affection they feel for each other that has turned into love, they find a way to get their happy ending. There’s a sweet epilogue to wrap things up nicely. I’ve enjoyed all the stories in the series and look forward to more from this author!
This review appears at Harlequin Junkie: https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-wa...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher.
January 14, 2021
4.5/5⭐
Last month I was expressing my excited for Waking Up Married to the author herself, and she was wonderful to offer me an early copy so I wouldn't have to wait!
I adore The Bourbon Brothers series by Reese Ryan, which I discovered last summer. Waking Up Married is a perfect addition to the series and I loved it just as much as I did the last.
Zora and Dallas have been best friends since childhood. They may have had less than friendly thoughts every now and then about the other but would never ever risk the amazing friendship they have. They decide to spend weekend together in Vegas to celebrate an award for Dallas and Zora's birthday. One too many cocktails and some not so innocent brownies result in them waking up hitched. Dallas isn't in a rush to fix their union and their family already know, so they decide to keep the marriage on a trial bases. Zora wants to a baby and now that Dallas has experienced what it's like to be more than friends he needs to convince her to make this permanent.
"he wanted to take his time with her. Show her just how good things between them could be. If only she gave them a chance."
Zora is such a fantastic strong female lead. She is a successful professional, with so much love to give that she was ready to take on being a single parent. She has a great relationship with her family, and it isn't a huge surprise because they may but heads once and a while but there's no doubt how much the Abbott family love one another. Her friendship with Dallas was complete friendship goals and the two falling in love was inevitable. Dallas was such a sweetheart who always respected and supported Zora in everything. I loved that he used his actions to show how much he cared and that his love was sincere. Together they had explosive chemistry and there are some deliciously steamy encounters in the book.
"the fire and passion between them built. Her kiss became hungrier, and his was down-right greedy. Because he honestly didn't think he could ever get enough of her."
I know I already said this, but I loved this book! Best friends to lovers, fake relationship, and smoldering passion. Once I start I didn't stop till I was finished, and now I want the next book. Yes I know I'm impatient, but I can't wait for Cole Abbott to find someone to treasure his heart.
Last month I was expressing my excited for Waking Up Married to the author herself, and she was wonderful to offer me an early copy so I wouldn't have to wait!
I adore The Bourbon Brothers series by Reese Ryan, which I discovered last summer. Waking Up Married is a perfect addition to the series and I loved it just as much as I did the last.
Zora and Dallas have been best friends since childhood. They may have had less than friendly thoughts every now and then about the other but would never ever risk the amazing friendship they have. They decide to spend weekend together in Vegas to celebrate an award for Dallas and Zora's birthday. One too many cocktails and some not so innocent brownies result in them waking up hitched. Dallas isn't in a rush to fix their union and their family already know, so they decide to keep the marriage on a trial bases. Zora wants to a baby and now that Dallas has experienced what it's like to be more than friends he needs to convince her to make this permanent.
"he wanted to take his time with her. Show her just how good things between them could be. If only she gave them a chance."
Zora is such a fantastic strong female lead. She is a successful professional, with so much love to give that she was ready to take on being a single parent. She has a great relationship with her family, and it isn't a huge surprise because they may but heads once and a while but there's no doubt how much the Abbott family love one another. Her friendship with Dallas was complete friendship goals and the two falling in love was inevitable. Dallas was such a sweetheart who always respected and supported Zora in everything. I loved that he used his actions to show how much he cared and that his love was sincere. Together they had explosive chemistry and there are some deliciously steamy encounters in the book.
"the fire and passion between them built. Her kiss became hungrier, and his was down-right greedy. Because he honestly didn't think he could ever get enough of her."
I know I already said this, but I loved this book! Best friends to lovers, fake relationship, and smoldering passion. Once I start I didn't stop till I was finished, and now I want the next book. Yes I know I'm impatient, but I can't wait for Cole Abbott to find someone to treasure his heart.
March 3, 2021
Two best friends navigate the perilous waters between romantic love and friendship.
Waking Up Married is a lovely friends-to-lovers romance about two strong and independent friends that, after inadvertently getting married in Vegas, slowly realize they kind of like being married to each other.
Reese Ryan became an auto-buy for me because her books are fun, full of family cheer, and tastefully steamy.
Zora was a favorite of mine from previous books in the series. She had it all: beauty, intelligence, strength, and wealth. Her biggest dream was to become the new CEO of her family’s distillery.
Dallas was an artist. He poured his talent into his furniture business and traveled the world looking for inspiration and incorporating different cultures into his unique pieces.
Zora and Dallas were friends since kindergarten. They went to Vegas for him to receive an award from the furniture industry. A couple of drinks later, they wake up married, without remembering much of it.
I loved how Dallas was always so transparent about his feelings. He was such a sweetheart! Zora was a little more careful, afraid of damaging their friendship. I could totally relate to her fears, and I bit my nails, wondering how they would find a way to balance their friendship, their increasing attraction to each other, and their crazy business schedules.
One of the many things I love about Reese Ryan’s books is that the relationships feel genuine, and the main characters are always down-to-earth and easy to relate to.
Waking Up Married is a lovely feel-good romantic read. I read it all in one sitting.
*For more reviews, book art, and book-related articles, please visit https://lureviewsbooks.com *
Waking Up Married is a lovely friends-to-lovers romance about two strong and independent friends that, after inadvertently getting married in Vegas, slowly realize they kind of like being married to each other.
Reese Ryan became an auto-buy for me because her books are fun, full of family cheer, and tastefully steamy.
Zora was a favorite of mine from previous books in the series. She had it all: beauty, intelligence, strength, and wealth. Her biggest dream was to become the new CEO of her family’s distillery.
Dallas was an artist. He poured his talent into his furniture business and traveled the world looking for inspiration and incorporating different cultures into his unique pieces.
Zora and Dallas were friends since kindergarten. They went to Vegas for him to receive an award from the furniture industry. A couple of drinks later, they wake up married, without remembering much of it.
I loved how Dallas was always so transparent about his feelings. He was such a sweetheart! Zora was a little more careful, afraid of damaging their friendship. I could totally relate to her fears, and I bit my nails, wondering how they would find a way to balance their friendship, their increasing attraction to each other, and their crazy business schedules.
One of the many things I love about Reese Ryan’s books is that the relationships feel genuine, and the main characters are always down-to-earth and easy to relate to.
Waking Up Married is a lovely feel-good romantic read. I read it all in one sitting.
*For more reviews, book art, and book-related articles, please visit https://lureviewsbooks.com *
February 8, 2021
Rated 4.5 Stars
Waking Up Married was an utter delight to read. I loved Dallas and Zora’s journey. It was funny, sexy and sensual. I loved watching them fall for each other. I love all the books in this series but I think this might be my fave. I highly recommend this book and series. I can’t wait for last book in the series.
Copy provided by author
Waking Up Married was an utter delight to read. I loved Dallas and Zora’s journey. It was funny, sexy and sensual. I loved watching them fall for each other. I love all the books in this series but I think this might be my fave. I highly recommend this book and series. I can’t wait for last book in the series.
Copy provided by author
April 16, 2021
wish this was a longer story. there was plenty chemistry, great premise too but it didn't quite come together for me. i did appreciate the emphasis on friendship, friends to lovers is a great trope and the ending was very nice.
March 19, 2021
Zora Abbot is the sales VP to the family distillery. Her best friend Dallas Hamilton is a premier furniture maker. They known each other since they were kids and always been the friendly plus-one for each other so it's only natural that Zora accompany him to a gala in Vegas. What is a little more unusual is that they woke up married the next day. And forget about keeping it a secret when one of them already post a video of the ceremony on social medias. Dallas wants to make it a real marriage but Zora have her doubt it can works. Who's wrong or right? Is there such a thing as a good answer when it comes to feelings and love?
Waking Up Married was such a fun ride and I felt in love with both characters but my heart belong to the hero! I love how he believe from the start in their chemistry and what it could become. I think what made this story so special is that Zora and Dallas already had such a strong and precious frienship that only deepen with the romance part.
Waking Up Married was such a fun ride and I felt in love with both characters but my heart belong to the hero! I love how he believe from the start in their chemistry and what it could become. I think what made this story so special is that Zora and Dallas already had such a strong and precious frienship that only deepen with the romance part.
July 12, 2021
3.7 i might’ve cried bc under the influence kind of elopement then turn into marriage of convenience x best friends to lovers x trying to make a baby are great combos of tropes like hello ??? i need more of this pls omg brb crying
March 6, 2021
Waking up married was an adorable love story with a cute twist. Dallas Hamilton and Zora Abbott were caught in a precarious situation when the strangers woke in the same bed married—yes, married. For a came from a family of means, so the first thought was, Dallas married her for money. The story takes a fun turns and ends with a sweet solution you will enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 19, 2021
Fabulous characters with relatable lives that are so attractive you feel you want to know and socialize them. This storyline will hook you and make you read every book in the series! Definitely a 5-star read!
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February 2, 2021Categories
African American Romance, Contemporary Romance, Multicultural & Interracial Romance
Miniseries
The Bourbon Brothers (Book #5)
African American Romance, Contemporary Romance, Multicultural & Interracial Romance
Miniseries
The Bourbon Brothers (Book #5)
June 5, 2021
Fantastic friends-to-lovers story. Zora is the youngest and only girl in the family and had to fight to earn her place in the family's bourbon business. She is intelligent, fierce, and doesn't put up with anyone's BS. Zora also envies those family members who found their true loves and started families. Each new addition brings home how much she wants that for herself. Tired of waiting for Mr. Right, she decides to go ahead and become a single mother. Before facing her family with her decision, Zora wants her best friend's opinion and support.
Dallas is a talented furniture maker and designer. He and Zora became best friends in kindergarten when she confronted the bullies tormenting the new kid (loved that story and the way Dallas told it!). For years, he and Zora were each other's "plus ones" at various events when they weren't involved with other people. That was often the case with Dallas, whose relationships tended to be short-lived. That's okay with him because he doesn't see himself as a husband and father, thanks to the poor example of his own father.
As the book opens, Zora joins Dallas in Las Vegas to support him as he receives a prestigious award for his furniture designs. They then plan to celebrate Zora's upcoming birthday. From the moment of Zora's arrival, there is a feeling that something is changing. Both Zora and Dallas determinedly work to preserve their friendship, ruthlessly suppressing any hint of attraction. A spontaneous kiss under the mistletoe a few years earlier started a slow burn that was about to burst into flame. Their post-ceremony celebration included some potent cocktails and some enhanced brownies, leading to waking up the next morning in bed together and wearing wedding rings. Unable to pretend it didn't happen, thanks to a viral video of the wedding, Dallas and Zora agree to stay married for at least a year.
I loved seeing the progress of Dallas and Zora's relationship from friends to lovers. Though Zora freaks out at the marriage, Dallas finds that he doesn't mind at all. In fact, he wants to make it real. I loved watching him negotiate the "terms" of their bargain to his best advantage, including offering to make her baby dream come true. From the beginning, Dallas does everything he can to show Zora how right they are together. I loved the little things he did, from making sure she got the waffles he promised her (fantastic scene!) to having her back when dealing with her family.
Zora's fear of losing their friendship causes her to fight her growing feelings for Dallas. Though she freely admits they love each other, she's not so convinced about the "in love" part. She doesn't want to deprive either of them of that lightning bolt "aha" moment when they meet the right person. She doesn't realize that she and Dallas have already passed that point, thanks to their well-developed friendship. She especially worries about Dallas sacrificing his happiness in his desire to make things perfect for her.
I ached for them both when he confesses his feelings, and she doesn't reciprocate, not because she doesn't care but because of what he gives up. I understood why she wanted to ensure his needs counted as much as hers. I ached for them both as she pushed him to accept the opportunity in Iceland. I loved seeing how their time apart helped Zora come to terms with her feelings for Dallas (with a bit of brotherly encouragement) and what she did about it. The twist at the end regarding the direction of the family company and Zora's part surprised me. The epilogue was sweet and perfectly showcased Dallas and Zora's relationship.
Dallas is a talented furniture maker and designer. He and Zora became best friends in kindergarten when she confronted the bullies tormenting the new kid (loved that story and the way Dallas told it!). For years, he and Zora were each other's "plus ones" at various events when they weren't involved with other people. That was often the case with Dallas, whose relationships tended to be short-lived. That's okay with him because he doesn't see himself as a husband and father, thanks to the poor example of his own father.
As the book opens, Zora joins Dallas in Las Vegas to support him as he receives a prestigious award for his furniture designs. They then plan to celebrate Zora's upcoming birthday. From the moment of Zora's arrival, there is a feeling that something is changing. Both Zora and Dallas determinedly work to preserve their friendship, ruthlessly suppressing any hint of attraction. A spontaneous kiss under the mistletoe a few years earlier started a slow burn that was about to burst into flame. Their post-ceremony celebration included some potent cocktails and some enhanced brownies, leading to waking up the next morning in bed together and wearing wedding rings. Unable to pretend it didn't happen, thanks to a viral video of the wedding, Dallas and Zora agree to stay married for at least a year.
I loved seeing the progress of Dallas and Zora's relationship from friends to lovers. Though Zora freaks out at the marriage, Dallas finds that he doesn't mind at all. In fact, he wants to make it real. I loved watching him negotiate the "terms" of their bargain to his best advantage, including offering to make her baby dream come true. From the beginning, Dallas does everything he can to show Zora how right they are together. I loved the little things he did, from making sure she got the waffles he promised her (fantastic scene!) to having her back when dealing with her family.
Zora's fear of losing their friendship causes her to fight her growing feelings for Dallas. Though she freely admits they love each other, she's not so convinced about the "in love" part. She doesn't want to deprive either of them of that lightning bolt "aha" moment when they meet the right person. She doesn't realize that she and Dallas have already passed that point, thanks to their well-developed friendship. She especially worries about Dallas sacrificing his happiness in his desire to make things perfect for her.
I ached for them both when he confesses his feelings, and she doesn't reciprocate, not because she doesn't care but because of what he gives up. I understood why she wanted to ensure his needs counted as much as hers. I ached for them both as she pushed him to accept the opportunity in Iceland. I loved seeing how their time apart helped Zora come to terms with her feelings for Dallas (with a bit of brotherly encouragement) and what she did about it. The twist at the end regarding the direction of the family company and Zora's part surprised me. The epilogue was sweet and perfectly showcased Dallas and Zora's relationship.
March 18, 2021
Zora and Dallas have been friends since they bonded on the playground in grade school. As the years passed there friendship only grew stronger, so when Dallas asked Zora to be his plus 1 to a awards banquet given in his honor there's no way she would have missed it. So how did to best friends celebrating one's achievement one night wake up married the next morning? Will one drunken night lead to the end of a lifetime friendship or will it open the door to so much more?
Zora and Dallas proved that being lovers and friends makes for the best relationships. Even though they tried to fight it, they way these to cared for each other made falling head over heals in love inevitable. I loved how Dallas, once he realized how he truly felt about Zora, laid his hear bare to her even when Zora refused to admit she felt the same. This story was a passionately sweet romance that was a joy to read. Even though this was my first taste of the Bourbon Brothers series, after reading Zora and Dallas's story, I will definitely be reading the ones that I have missed so far and looking out for any upcoming releases.
Zora and Dallas proved that being lovers and friends makes for the best relationships. Even though they tried to fight it, they way these to cared for each other made falling head over heals in love inevitable. I loved how Dallas, once he realized how he truly felt about Zora, laid his hear bare to her even when Zora refused to admit she felt the same. This story was a passionately sweet romance that was a joy to read. Even though this was my first taste of the Bourbon Brothers series, after reading Zora and Dallas's story, I will definitely be reading the ones that I have missed so far and looking out for any upcoming releases.
March 31, 2021
Song: Something to Talk About
Artist: Bonnie Raitt
Trope: Friends to Lover, marriage of convenience
Feeling: One of the sweetest romances I've read in a minute.
🥃
Waking Up Married is a fantastic addition to the Bourbon Brothers series.
🥃
Story: Zora Abbott, the VP of Sales for King's Finest, is the sole girl in a family of boys. Three of the four boys are involved, engaged, or married with children (Blake, Parker, and Max). Zora's babysitting fueled an unrealized desire; she craves to have a wee one too. What she wants, she gets. The absence of a man is of no consequence. When Zora wakes up unknowingly married to her best friend, Dallas Hamilton, ish hits the fan. The cause of their union is hilarious.
🥃
The Couple: As Toni Morrison asserts, "I didn't fall in love. I rose in it." Their love is contrary to the notion of "fall." Zora and Dallas rise synchronically into their union. It is exhilarating to witness two people with an existing bond solidify and expand their love. They might be my favorite couple. But I am still waiting on Cole's book!
🥃
Dallas is a worthy hero in every sense of the word. He's willing to sacrifice for love. He doesn't spend the entire novel running from what's transpiring with his heartstrings. Zora knows friendship grounded in love is precious and elusive. Her fear of losing Dallas is a valid concern. Nonetheless, Zora listens to sage counsel. Thank goodness.
🥃
My favorite aspect is Ryan subverting the grand gesture trope. BOTH characters fight for their love. It's not only the man making amends. They BOTH make a gesture for love. But it didn't entail excessive groveling. Bravo.
🥃
P.S. Reese Ryan needs to write a rom-com. I laughed so many times.
Artist: Bonnie Raitt
Trope: Friends to Lover, marriage of convenience
Feeling: One of the sweetest romances I've read in a minute.
🥃
Waking Up Married is a fantastic addition to the Bourbon Brothers series.
🥃
Story: Zora Abbott, the VP of Sales for King's Finest, is the sole girl in a family of boys. Three of the four boys are involved, engaged, or married with children (Blake, Parker, and Max). Zora's babysitting fueled an unrealized desire; she craves to have a wee one too. What she wants, she gets. The absence of a man is of no consequence. When Zora wakes up unknowingly married to her best friend, Dallas Hamilton, ish hits the fan. The cause of their union is hilarious.
🥃
The Couple: As Toni Morrison asserts, "I didn't fall in love. I rose in it." Their love is contrary to the notion of "fall." Zora and Dallas rise synchronically into their union. It is exhilarating to witness two people with an existing bond solidify and expand their love. They might be my favorite couple. But I am still waiting on Cole's book!
🥃
Dallas is a worthy hero in every sense of the word. He's willing to sacrifice for love. He doesn't spend the entire novel running from what's transpiring with his heartstrings. Zora knows friendship grounded in love is precious and elusive. Her fear of losing Dallas is a valid concern. Nonetheless, Zora listens to sage counsel. Thank goodness.
🥃
My favorite aspect is Ryan subverting the grand gesture trope. BOTH characters fight for their love. It's not only the man making amends. They BOTH make a gesture for love. But it didn't entail excessive groveling. Bravo.
🥃
P.S. Reese Ryan needs to write a rom-com. I laughed so many times.
March 4, 2021
Waking Up Married is the fifth book in Reese Ryan’s The Bourbon Brothers series. I absolutely loved this book from start to finish.
Zora Abbott and Dallas Hamilton have been best friends since kindergarten. Zora is vying for to become CEO of her family company but also decides she wants to have a family. Dallas, on the other hand, has a successful career of his own. He designs furniture and is owner of Hamilton Haus furniture.
They meet up in Las Vegas to celebrate Dallas winning a prestigious award. One thing leads to another and they wake up married.
Of course, neither remembers walking down the aisle but what Dallas knows is he loves Zora and wants to spend the rest of his life with her. Zora, on the other hand, wants a child of her own but isn’t convinced she wants to remain married. What she wants is to be CEO for her family run business.
Will Zora become CEO and have the family she wants? Will they remain married or give up after their trial period ends? Waking Up Married was a fast read that I read in one sitting.
I received an advance copy which I chose to read and review. I highly recommend reading this and the other books in the series.
Zora Abbott and Dallas Hamilton have been best friends since kindergarten. Zora is vying for to become CEO of her family company but also decides she wants to have a family. Dallas, on the other hand, has a successful career of his own. He designs furniture and is owner of Hamilton Haus furniture.
They meet up in Las Vegas to celebrate Dallas winning a prestigious award. One thing leads to another and they wake up married.
Of course, neither remembers walking down the aisle but what Dallas knows is he loves Zora and wants to spend the rest of his life with her. Zora, on the other hand, wants a child of her own but isn’t convinced she wants to remain married. What she wants is to be CEO for her family run business.
Will Zora become CEO and have the family she wants? Will they remain married or give up after their trial period ends? Waking Up Married was a fast read that I read in one sitting.
I received an advance copy which I chose to read and review. I highly recommend reading this and the other books in the series.
April 28, 2021
This was a first for me! I had never read a Vegas wedding story! So that was super fun. But let's start with what I liked? I loved Zora's unapologetic CEO energy in all aspects of her life - except her emotions. I loved Dallas' sweetheart energy and heart eyes that poured out of every page. What was a struggle for me was the fact that Dallas was really hurt at one point and I never felt like Zora really owned up to that and health with it - it just sort of solved itself on the last pages. I struggled with Zora's reluctance to allow Dal inter her life - when he was very much already there. There are also lots of descriptions of things that felt wildly extraneous and I found it slowed the pacing on an already short book. Plus... lots of baby talk which just isn't my jam.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam: 🔥🔥
Tropes: friends to lovers, married in Vegas, let's make a baby
For Fans Of: fast paced and low angst reads
Subgenre: contemporary
CW/ TW: some emotional trauma from childhood
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam: 🔥🔥
Tropes: friends to lovers, married in Vegas, let's make a baby
For Fans Of: fast paced and low angst reads
Subgenre: contemporary
CW/ TW: some emotional trauma from childhood
May 5, 2021
First of all kudos for the great cover! A model with an actual afro!??? I am delighted!
Now, on to the book! Longtime friends Zora and Dallas wake up married after a weed and booze-filled binge in Vegas. While this was a rash decision, it's not totally without its merits: Zora can now fullfill her dream of becoming a mother with the help of her best friend. Plus, a legitimate marriage will lower her parents suspicions...not to mention the unresolved attraction between the newlyweds.
Great premise! The main characters are fun but their attraction...didn't beleive it. Their banter...didn't hold my attention. I found myself skipping through some lines just to get to the point. I don't know what it is, but I couldn't finish it. I might revisit it because this book is by no means terrible. It felt like it was written by a teenager sometimes lol
For now, it's a dud.
Now, on to the book! Longtime friends Zora and Dallas wake up married after a weed and booze-filled binge in Vegas. While this was a rash decision, it's not totally without its merits: Zora can now fullfill her dream of becoming a mother with the help of her best friend. Plus, a legitimate marriage will lower her parents suspicions...not to mention the unresolved attraction between the newlyweds.
Great premise! The main characters are fun but their attraction...didn't beleive it. Their banter...didn't hold my attention. I found myself skipping through some lines just to get to the point. I don't know what it is, but I couldn't finish it. I might revisit it because this book is by no means terrible. It felt like it was written by a teenager sometimes lol
For now, it's a dud.
January 1, 2021
This story is fun, funny, sensual and incredible. It’s a friends to lovers tale and it lives up to the hype 🙂. It had all the sweet drama that we’ve come to expect and love from this author.
It’s a page turner and worth all of your time and I definitely recommend it.
It’s a page turner and worth all of your time and I definitely recommend it.
July 9, 2021
Not for me
This book was cheesy. If it waa a kindle unlimited book I'd be on . However, when I pay for books I expect more . More details about their wild night. More dialogue between characters. Etc. But at least I got to see Soda story.
This book was cheesy. If it waa a kindle unlimited book I'd be on . However, when I pay for books I expect more . More details about their wild night. More dialogue between characters. Etc. But at least I got to see Soda story.
December 14, 2022
I read this novel because I was in the mood for an interracial romance. It disappointed. It just wasn’t giving me what I was looking for. I literally picked it up because of the cover though so it’s my own fault.
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