Love & Moonshine

Familyl Forever #2

by Aliyah Burke

Going home can be the best medicine.

Country boy Colum Boyle has been home to work the family farm for a while now. He’s shocked when he’s sent to pick up his sister’s best friend for a wedding, and he realizes he’s never gotten over her.

Veterinarian Xaya Asher isn’t sure all the mental preparation in the world has her ready to face Colum again. The sparks between them are combustible and soon the flames erupt.

Do these two have what it takes to overcome the obstacles before them?

131 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 25, 2022

About the author

A USA Today Bestselling author, Aliyah Burke is an avid reader and is never far from pen and paper (or the computer). She loves to hear from her readers and can be reached http://aliyah-burke.com/blog/contact/
Facebook, twitter, Instagram, or via email.

She is married to a career military man, and they are owned by 4 Borzoi. Her days are spent sharing her time between work, writing, and dog training/showing.

Reviews

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in The Family Forever Series and it is Colum and Xaya's story and it is definitely worth reading. When Xaya had a telephone call from Avery saying that Lani was getting married in there hometown of Conception where Xaya had some not very good memories of the man that she was in love with but didn't want her but she couldn't say no to not being at the wedding so she would just have to get through it the best that she can. Colum has had feelings for Xaya for year's but he always thought that he wasn't good enough for her and now that she was back and more beautiful than ever be didn't know how he was going to keep away from her and not do something stupid. When things get complicated between them will they embrace how they feel about each other and work everything out and realise that they are perfect for each other and meant to have a future together or will they both miss out on something special and the happy ending that they both deserve. I absolutely loved this book and I couldn't put it down as it was a real page turner that I had to keep reading to see what would happen next between them and I can't wait to read more books by Aliyah Burke who is an amazing author and writer and her books are definitely worth reading.

[Cici · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh...no

This is so poorly written with underdeveloped characters & a lackluster love story. I can not describe how cringe it was to have Colum's sister Avery talking about his sex life constantly. When have you ever known a sister to talk about her brother in a sexual explicit manner. I have read this author's books & I have enjoyed them, so I'm not sure if it's this particular series or the author decided to change her style. Either way, this is disappointing. Xaya was undercooked, boring, desperate, and pathetic. She was running around her childhood town like a horny kicked puppy with not an ounce of pride. The way bw characters are written in interracial books by black women authors is truly baffling & needs to be studied. This undercurrent of pathetic desperation for the crumbs from a white man is pretty telling. Not all, but way too many authors are letting their insecurities & low opinion of bw bleed into every character they create. In addition, the story is told in such a sporadic all over the place way, the scene jumping is jarring. It's really poorly paced, which does such a disservice. The dialog is too try hard, the overt sex talk non-stop is not edgy or realistic, it only dilutes the sex talk when it should count during intimate moments.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is steamy and delightfully raunchy. The naughty flirting, the snarky banter and the very passionate encounters may well melt your e-reader. Xaya and Colum have both carried a torch for each other for years and everyone who knows them is aware of it. They never acted on their attraction when they were younger and both went their separate ways. She became a successful veterinarian with a practice of her own in a city a thousand miles from her home town. He became a Marine and traveled the world. Now he is back on the family farm and she is coming home for his sister’s wedding. The sparks fly the minute they see each other again. It becomes a game of who can resist who the longest, talk dirtier or tease the other more. Underneath it all, they are both yearning for the happily ever after with each other, but insecurities, misperceptions and stubbornness keep them from revealing how they feel to each other. Their path to that dreamed of happily ever after is a bit bumpy, a tad twisty and very captivating. Enjoy!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xaya is a successful veterinarian several miles from her hometown. One day her best friend, Avery calls to tell Xaya that 'their' little sister is getting married the only problem being that Xaya will have to return to Conception for the wedding. Xaya will also be in close contact with Avery's brother whom she has always loved.
Colum is every woman's fantasy come to life and Xaya is no exception, unfortunately Colum has never felt worthy of Xaya's affection. Now that Xaya is a successful vet, Colum feels even less worthy.
Unfortunately, when these two get in close proximity of each other major sparks fly, clothes keep coming off and feelings get tangled.
Read to see if Colum can ever admit how he feels about Xaya and see if there is a future with them as a couple.
I loved the back and forth between these two with the addition of mischievous Avery and a spiteful acquaintance or two. I now want to go back and read the stories involving Xaya's cousins and I am looking forward to reading the next story in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[IRLover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worthy of Love💗💗💗

Colum and Xaya growing up in a small town meant everyone knew of their attraction for one another, but nothing came up it as teens😘.  Now back for a friend’s wedding Xaya is anxious of what her time back it town will be like especially her interaction with her teen crush😍.  Colum himself is unsure how to act around her, he’s wanted to be with Xaya for as long as he can remember but always felt unworthy😣.
 
The lengths these 2 go through to keep from acting on their attraction and desires were at times funny, definitely steamy and it annoyed me in a hurry and get to it.🥵😈🥵  I understood why Colum felt he wasn’t right for her but making the decision and not telling her why he couldn’t entertain a relationship with Xaya was wrong.  Xaya had every right to make the decision for herself and Colum not being upfront with her about his misgivings costed them unnecessary heartache😝.
 
Colum and Xaya are both headstrong and stubborn.  Colum needed a gut punch and I’m glad Xaya was strong enough to make herself a priority to walk away🥲. 
 
The book does end in a HEA and was glad that Colum finally got his shit together❤️🥰❤️.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love & Moonshine is the second book in Aliyah Burke's Family Forever Series and it is definitely worth reading.
Colum and Xaya both had feeling for each other when they were younger but neither acted on those feeling. Colum thought he wasn’t good enough for her and she thought he just didn’t want her.
Xaya is now a successful veterinarian and he served in the service as a Marine and currently returned home to his family farm. Their paths are now crossing again because Xaya has to return for Lani wedding in Conception.
There is an immediate pull between the two of them and sparks fly the minute they see each other. The question is can they quit playing the game of cat and mouse, open up and speak their mind. Will they let their insecurities and misperceptions keep them from having their happily ever after? You will have to read their story to find out. However, I can say I immensely enjoyed the banter between the two and the love between the two characters. I love second chance romances and can’t wait to read the other book others in the series.

[Ljay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love a good small town romance with characters that have known and loved each other forever. While things should go smoothly because of this, oftentimes, it goes sideways sooooo badly! That would be Colum and Xaya. But especially Colum. Just never getting it right. So much in his own way and head most of the time. He had some I wanted to knock him upside his head...a lot!! For Xaya's part, she was perhaps a little too patient. Communication is key, and Colum didn't do that very well. I loved Xaya's BFF relationship with Colum sister, Avery. His whole family, really.

The supporting characters; the Triple X( Xaya's and her cousins, Xahara and Xandra) formidable, those three; Avery and the whole freaking town! They were witty, warm and protective.

In the end, the reader gets the payoff with all the small town benefits added to that.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CLorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love & Moonshine is book 2 in Aliyah Burke's Family Forever Series. I always enjoy Ms. Burke's quick but soulful reads. In this installment, we get the story of Colum Boyle and Xaya Asher. Veterinarian Xaya Asher returns home for the wedding of her bestfriend. This visit puts her in the orbit of Colum, the only man she has ever loved. Colum loves her just as much but thinks that he is not good enough for her. He makes the decision to keep her at arms' length. The only thing is that he arms haven't gotten the message. When he is unable to go the distance they connect only for him to pull away again. When the consequences of his actions come to light will he be able to convince Xaya that he deserves to be in her life even though he has steadily pushed her away? I loved this second chance story and look forward to the next story in this fabulous series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steam, second chances and heart.

I have read other books by Aliyah Burke and I’ve never been let down. The streak continues. This book was fantastic and I couldn’t put it down. I had to know what would happen next and got emotionally involved with the characters.

I love a good redemption story and this one fit the bill. Colum never felt good enough for Xaya and he knows his limits. He also knows he’s attracted to her. He can’t keep away from her. I liked his ability to be sweet and still goof up. He’s relatable and human, which was great for the hero. Xaya loves him and always has. Now that she’s got to be in close contact with him, she sees him for who he is–the man who loves her. I loved how they gave each other a run for their money. They were perfectly matched, even if they drove each other nuts.

If you’re looking for a book that’s got lots of heart, heat and one that you won’t be able to put down, then this is the one for you.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. It was a cute and adorable read without unnecessary drama.
The male lead, Colum annoyed me with his insecurity. It took him some time to eventually catch up.
The female lead, Xaya liked Colum since school, but it seems he was not interested in her.
She moved to the city where she studied and eventually worked as a Veterinarian.
She returned to their hometown for a wedding.
She realize she still likes Colum very much.
After Xaya returned, Colum realized that he will have to make a move or will lose her.
This is the second book in this series that I have been reading and I love it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Books+Coffee=Happiness Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this second chance romance!

Colum has only ever wanted one woman. Too bad he can’t man up and tell her. There were times I wanted to smack him for being an idiot, and others he had me swooning.

Xaya doesn’t like chasing someone who’s made it clear they don’t want her. Then Colum gives her mixed signals. She was feisty and strong, and even found the courage to walk away when it seemed like he’d never love her.

There’s a teensy bit of drama, lots of steamy scenes, and a happily ever after that will make you smile. As well as an unexpected surprise that leaves us hanging a bit. But Xaya and Colum’s story wraps up nicely. Can’t wait to see what happens next in the series.

(I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review)

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Xaya and Colum were childhood sweethearts that weren't. She loved him, he loved her...yet nothing ever came of it. Xaya has returned to their hometown for a wedding and both Xaya and Colum are still feeling the familiar tug of attraction. The more time they spend together, the more difficult it is to give in to their attraction to each other. When they finally do give in, it's explosive. Misunderstandings and feelings of inadequacy hinder them from realizing what the town, Colum's family, and everyone else already know...that Colum and Xaya are perfect for each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mylene Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Xaya and Colum have been skirting each other for a long time. With Xaya being his sister's bestie, it was hands off at all times. But a return visit to town for Colum's sister's wedding has those old feelings surfacing and matters getting out of hand. A good read but difficult to picture this couple as they carried on like teenagers but Xaya was a Vet with her own business and Colum was a ex Marine who was 5 years older than Xaya.

There are typos throughout.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colum and Xaya has so much chemistry and she gives such banter filled with innuendo that you are wrapped up in the story hoping that they get their feelings and egos together so they can live their HEA. Colum is so caught up in not feeling worthy of her that he pushes and pulls, Xaya knows what she wants and keeps giving the green light but is confused by Colum’s apparent lack of commitment. Emotional, funny, oh so steamy and a great HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another great read by Aliyah Burke. Xaya heads back to her home town after being away for years and comes face to face with the man she always had a crush on growing up. Colum and Xaya had chemistry that was off the charts and an undeniable pull towards each other. However, there were some hang ups they both had and had to overcome if they were going to try and make anything work. I loved reading this story. Both characters were strong, strong-willed, and definitely met their match in one another. Another great book in this series and I'm looking forward to book 3.

[BreakingtheEpigraph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Xaya and Colum

That moonshine will do it to you every time, won't it? Xaya Asher has always had a thing for Colum Boyle. Same goes for Colum Boyle; only he never thought he was good enough for her. When Xaya returns home to attend his sister's wedding, will he finally find courage or his moonshine and lonely night his future?

I loved this couple together. The chemistry between the two was undeniable. Mrs. Boyle laid the law down. 😆 Best scene in this story was the towel chase.

[Anita Snyder · Rating 3 out of 5]

No offense but this is not the story for me. I’ve heard that sex sells but really why can’t people have both, a good plot with a touch of sexy. I was half way through the book wondering if I should bother with reading the rest. I wasn't even curious enough to see how the story ends. It’s not a badly written story it just seems that sex drives the story instead of it being plot driven.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining small town second chance at romance between Xaya and Colum. It takes a bit for them to come to the same conclusion everyone else already knew .. they are perfect for each other. The author brings all the feels in this sexy , emotional and fun read. I loved reading their story!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Christyn P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great one! Loved Xaya and Calum’s story. Both had backstories but were so intertwined with one another’s that their connection was palpable. Their passion was intense and intimacy was super hot. The twists were spot on to keep the pages turning. All with a HEA. Loved this one and can’t wait to read about the other X cousins!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria Ziglor-smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t Miss This

Man this just keep getting better and better. I know how it is to be short. Man but I’m drooling over these Alpha males. When Colum thought that he wasn’t good enough for Xaya, that just made my eyes just blink what. Good enough to lay with, good enough to keep. But it was funny to, really enjoyed it. I don’t give the story out you want to know about go get your copy, you will never regret it.

[BusyM3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series Family Forever and my first. I enjoyed this book , the story will keep you interested to what will happen next with Colum and Xaya. Will they finally succumb to their feeling and get their happy ending? This is a new author for me and I am looking forward to read more from them and this series. A great read.

I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Manisha Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good it's a great read . The characters Colum and Xaya have a past the chemistry is still there and Colum never got over Xaya and she feels the same . Can two people who still have feelings for each other can still make it work .

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christina Sneeringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!
Colum and Xaya are given a second chance at love in this heated romance. They are perfect for each other and each line proves their chemistry is hot as a wildfire. I love this perfectly sexy romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Column goes home to the farm. He also goes to pick up his sisters bestie for a wedding and he cant believe its the girl hes never gotten over. Xaya is a veterinarian now and she doesn't know if she can be around him again. Great book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely second chance romance.

Veterinarian Xaya Asher returns to her home town for a friend's wedding. She meets her old boyfriend, Colum, but Colum broke up with her when he didn't think he was good enough for her. Does Colum still feel that way or can they have a relationship?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Willie-mai · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Family First series and it was a well written book. Colum and Xaya’s chemistry burned up the pages. This book had great character development and a storyline that was captivating from the beginning. Looking forward to reading more in this series and from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a good, and enjoyable romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Xaya and Colum have a cute story. I liked the banter and chemistry between them. I enjoyed the steam and fun storyline. This is the second book in the Family Forever, this was the first book I have read in this series and was able to follow along with no issues.

[AND 1515 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turn up the Charm...
by and1515

This definitely is a great book with that Small town romance filled with big charm and over the top smoldering bits and pieces that's just begging to be read over and over.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.