READING THE WHISKEY ROW SERIES BEFORE THIS SPIN-OFF IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
DISCLAIMERS:
SLOW BURN Multilayered Contains Violence Mature Love Scenes Must be at least 18 years old to read
Their paths never should have crossed, but a mandate for justice sealed their fate. From their first encounter, Cruz “The Butcher” Merada and Zafira Wilder’s meticulously laid plans were shot to hell.
He’s a charmingly persuasive player, a keeper of sinful promises, who’s used to getting what he wants. She’s resilient, determined, and nobody’s pushover. They know a relationship between them would never work; However, it’s only a matter of time before they risk giving in to their desires. Soon, they’re spiraling out of control in a tangled web of heartstrings and treachery.
If they’re smart, they’ll call it quits, and walk away before someone gets hurt; Or, just maybe, Cruz and Zafira will be brave enough to confront their fears and fight for what’s inevitable between them - love.
D. A. Young is a best-selling author and lover of multilayered adventures. Food, traveling, and music are her passions. You can often find all three in the contemporary escapades she creates.
All of D.A. Young's stories have a lot going on in them....and this one was no different....The author gives you a lot of context and it's up to the reader to keep up...there are times that I have to stop listening for a few minutes because there's so much information offered on these characters. This story was basically Cruz "The Butcher" Merada's story and how he met Zafira Wilder who turns out to be the love of his life...if you read previously stories about the Whiskey Row characters, then you know Cruz is not a big believer in love...he's simply about having fun and moving on....He meet Zafira because they are after the same person and of course their stories of love blossoms....I do love catching on with the other characters from Whiskey Row...I believe they are my favorite character of the authors. The Narration from Sean Crisden & Mari was as always great with this series.
I have to be honest, this wasn't what I was expecting from this author. I've read alot of her books and I'm always drawn in from the very beginning of the very first page. However, this wasn't the case with this story at all. I didn't feel a connection to these characters at all even though Cruz was a part of one of my favorite series by this author.Although I finished the book, I just couldn't get into this story.
Even though this book had a lot going on - several flashbacks, several characters, their stories and how they connected - it was still an awesome read. The jumping flashbacks to tell of what happened in the past right in the middle of a major event messed me up at times because they felt like interruptions. However, after a while I adjusted and expected a flashback to fill in the gaps as to why something was happening or was said. I enjoyed finding out about Valencia, Vivienne, Kat and Cedrick’s connection and history. Valencia made a huge sacrifice and I’m glad she is getting a chance with family. I always love how the crew rallies around each other no matter what and Merada was family. Merada and Zaffy were hot and the chemistry was blazing! Loved it! I recommend this book if you are someone who respects a take charge woman who demands respect, knows her worth, and despite the hell she’s been through can still be open to love. Great read!
How exciting and fun was this book? I didn't know how this would work out, because I did like Ty. But as the saying goes "what's meant to be will be". And Cruz and Fira are meant to be. Yes, this is what's probably called a "slow burn" type of romance, but given the situation, nothing else would have worked. Once the connection happens though, watch out for the sparks that will burn you. They are sexy apart, but together... You do have to know a little history on a few of these characters to get the whole picture. So keep that in mind if this is a first book by this wonderful author for you. I loved seeing old friends (Darby! Graham!) and meeting some new ones (what's up Emir). This book will take you on a few emotional ups and downs, but it is worth every gasp, laugh, and fan worthy moment. Again, I absolutely love this couple and S'mores. Awesome job as usual D.A.
I like reading this book but it was most definitely took me a long time to finish this.
This book started off catching your interest right away. Especially if you’re coming from the book before this one.
I just knew I couldn’t wait to read this one. But the very beginning of this book was such a slow read for me.
It took a very long time for it to get heated up to good parts. I couldn’t wait for Cruz and Zafira to meet. And as soon as they finally did get to meet the sparks the flew from these two, had me more then excited.
I really enjoyed reading these two. The chemistry between these two is just WOW.
Again I want to say it took me a very long time to read. In the beginning the excitement was there, before it dribble out. But please hang in there it does start to get exciting the more you read.
I’m glad I held on until the end, I found myself laughing a lot between Alexis and Holt. Lmfao these two are just too much.
4.5 stars. This was a good read. I waited for The Butcher and I was not disappointed. I loved Zaphira and Cruz together. A bonus to see the connection and deeper roots of Viviene's story. What I appreciate about Ms. Young's writing is that she never forgets fan favorites and makes connections throughout her stories. I like multilayered series and this author is one of the best at it. Zaphira is one of those heroines you root for. She's just as accomplished and dangerous as her Butcher and the other men of Whisky Row. I wish we had seen more of her in action. I would love to read more of her story with her mixing it up and not quite as domesticated as she becomes toward the end of the book. Overall a great read.
While I usually love DA's work, this one was a little harder for me to finish. I'm not sure if it was the dialogue between Cruz and Zafira...or the set up of the entire story. I wasn't captured by those two like I'm usually am with the other characters of Whiskey Row.
Funny though, I love Cruz in all her previous works. I also loved Holt, the silent Thor God...maybe it's because the characteristics that made me fall in love with them didn't quite match up to what I perceived them to be in their own stories.
This is by no means, means their story bad story. I enjoyed it for what it was and it helped passed the time. I ALWAYS enjoy catching up with the other characters. Especially my favorite ginger, and Ms. Avery ❤ looking forward to the next chapter.
Mannnnnnnn oh msn was this an absolute great read! My book bae Cruz found love and with a woman just as tough, worldy, hurt as he was. Bonus she's connected to Vivienne! It was good to see some more backstory of Vivienne's parents. D.J. is whom I can't wait to grow up and get his own book. That is going to be hilarious! I love my peoples from Whiskey Row. Wish that there was a town that existed like the Row in real life. A few towns like the Row. Maybe then this world would be a much better experience for all walks of life. All in all, I love every book D.A. drop. Five Stars is never enough
A slightly different approach to this book from the other Whiskey Row books but non the less exciting and enjoyable. Cruz and Zafira’s connection from the onset was sure to strap you in for the wild ride! Well done Mrs. Young, well done indeed!! Now you need to take a peak into Ian and Dominick’s story and bring us some well deserved tidbits into the progression of Kat and Holton’s future with maybe twins!?? Lol 😜 thank you for all your wonderful stories on these amazing characters, I wish they were real folks and that I was a part of their crazy group! 💋 xoxo
This was such an amazing story. I loved the slow burn of Zafira & Cruz’s relationship. Cruz has always been an enigmatic as well as very dangerous, cavalier killer, to me. He still is but I got to experience a softer, emotional side, of him, in private. This couple, especially Zafira, experienced a mountains-worth of loss, sadness, trials, and triumphs to finally overcome and end up in happiness. It was done in D. A. Young’s wonderfully spectacular gift of weaving love and adventure and suspense and most importantly, love. As expected, very well played out story that gave me ALL the feels. BRAVA!!
Honestly disappointed. There were a lot of grammatical and spelling errors and the main characters didn’t even really meet officially until the book was over 50% finished. There was soooooo much focus on the events leading up to Zafira’s showdown with the first villain and then everything else moved in hyperdrive for no reason. I feel cheated and disappointed. I know reality is suspended here but a whole lot more than usual of this is completely unbelievable.This is one of my favorite authors but this book doesn’t feel like it’s part of her canon at all.
I have been waiting to read about Cruz Merada and let me tell you I was not disappointed. The action and drama were in full supply. One of the things I LOVE about this author is her ability to keep you going with the main characters storyline while introducing you to new characters and their drama. Zafira was a perfect match for Cruz in so many ways. It was interesting to see his perspective on things and how he feels, almost like a child seeking acceptance from a parent due to his history.
Zafira thought her life would never be the same without her fiancé in it. She thought life was bad without her parents because she was just existing. She finally got the opportunity to exact revenge on the person that destroyed her life.
Cruz Merada, “the Butcher” was the consummate bachelor playboy, not interested in any one woman until he spied Zaffy across a room in New York, only lamenting that she belonged to someone else, and regretting that he’d never get the chance to know her, until one fateful day in Spain. His life was turned upside down by this take charge and take no prisoners kind of woman. But, there was another woman who thought she was the only one for Cruz and wanted Zafira out of the way. But, she did not know what kind of woman Zaffy was. She totally underestimated her skill
I loved how the author interwove all of the characters of Whiskey Row in this story, especially the children. We finally get to know Cruz’s backstory. Who’s next? Will it be Emir and Kendra? Or, will it be Tio Rafael and Granny Pru?
Cruz and Zafira's, story is a good addition to the Whiskey Row Family and friends storyline. It was fun to revisit those great characters and incorporate new ones as well. This story was adventurous and took the reader all over the world on their exciting adventures allowing the reader to learn so much about different cultures, spices, professions, and countries. The plot was interesting and the characters individual storylines made you want to root for them and their HOA.
Just like the Men Of Whiskey Row Cruz fit right in. I just love Zafira. My heart broke at all she'd lost and endured at the hands of a monster. It took her a while but I was glad she was able to avenge her parents and fiance. I liked Tyson and know he loved Fira before his untimely death but Cruz and Fira are a perfect fit. I'm glad they finally got Violet handled because she was really out of control. The icing on the cake is FIFA is Vivienne's niece and she fits right in. I hope Ian gets his story also.💝💝
Zafira and Cruz are a fantastic couple, I loved the way the story was told, and how it developed so organically. Leading you to the ultimate goal, Cruz and Zafira's love story. This was a brilliant story to read and has lead to other stories waiting to be told on the back of this one. I am so excited for the next instalment, I can't contain my absolute joy. Beautiful story, beautiful people, makes me want to live in Whiskey Row.
The book was good but disappointing as well this book was not about the main characters this book was more about catching up with whiskey row. I wish it would of been more about them. To be honest I skipped any chapter that had to do with old characters that didn’t involve the main characters.. I feel like there story was cut short because of the unnecessary back story on old characters. Just ugh
The story was very choppy and ~ 50% of the first half of the book focus on the Whiskey Row characters and their reactions to Valencia and her story. The main female character was very underdeveloped and it was challenging to feel connected or close to Cruz and Zafira's storyline. I'm still a fan of the author's writing and hope there is a way to keep the Whiskey Row characters at bay, if they are connected to a future story.
Boy oh boy talking about a nail bitter. I was on my toes reading this whole book. You talking about another don't put down book. The whole book was exciting and boy oh boy the chemistry between everyone was off the chain. This book will make you cry and it will also make you want to kick some butt. I'm not going to let you know names because this book you have to get it because it's just that great.
This was just a well written and thought out story with a plot and storyline that.not only gives you some.of everything. The story is filled with all.the mystery and intrigue you can stand. Along with we get one of the sweetest romances, with a whole lot of sizzle. Of course it is always a pleasure to see old.friends and get to meet new ones. This was and is an awesome addition to a really good series.
I truly enjoyed this book and the characters were very entertaining and believable. There was so much drama and romance. The journey that Cruz and Zafria went on was so intense it kept you on the edge of your seats. Loved the chemistry between Cruz and Zafria it was smoking hot 🔥 and so intense. Violet was super crazy and got just what she deserved. I highly recommend this book to my fellow romance readers you will not be disappointed with this series.
I read the book in one sitting. I could not put this book down. It was good to see all of the Whiskey Row characters being included along with meeting the new characters. The love stories are captivating. The action is real. The revenge is there. But at the end of everything it's peace and family. I'm ready for the next book
I love love love my peeps from Whiskey Row. This book was twisty and turnt but oh so good. Felt bad Ziev but Violet got more than what she had coming. Wondered what happens to Baby Hildago? If I was his Dad I know what I would do. Loved Zaffy and Cruz's story. Can't wait for Emir and Kenny.
What a sweeping and romantic story. The hero and Heroine are world travellers as well as Sexy. Davies is excellent at just about everything and Cruz is as talented and sexy as they come. I loved the travels to all the exotic places, to in include Whiskey Roe. Don't we wish we could find such a place. So interested in Kendra and Emir's story.
Excellent read! This is a little different from D.A.Young norm, but keep reading, you won’t be disappointed. A whiskey Row Spin off … you will have the privilege to spend time with the Whisky Row’s beautiful people. And, Zaffy and Cruz are a real treat… plus the Wilders are awesomeness personified! 👍👍
I love all of these books. It’s amazingly detailed content and genuine love and respect for each other - family and friends. The support for one another and unconditional love. I can’t wait to read and absorb more. Keep up the good work DA Young. You are one in a million!!!
I loved Cruz and Zaffy so much both of their individual journey was so overwhelming and heartbreaking. Zaffy and Emir childhood and adulthood was an adventure I'm saddened by all they loss but happy about the justice that was served. I honestly can't wait to get more of them as well as read the story of Kendra and Emir.
This one started off a little slow, but definitely ended up very satisfying! Cruz was the least likely to find the endless love but found himself trapped by one look. A lot of things happened between the look and the meeting, but all worked out in the end . Beautiful love story!
I always love WR...All the character traits...the adventure...the love... sex...humor...babies....this was a well written story...the depth of emotion it provoked...the darkness...the anger...the love...all of the good revenge!!!
If was great reading Cruz story. He found his equal in Zafira. It was so sad what happened to her parents. I am glad she got her revenge and found out she had family she didn't know about. Love Cruz and Zafira together.