Whiskey and Willow

The Hamiltons #8

by S.J. McCoy

Willow DuPont has spent most of her adult life running from her family name. She loves the family business – she never wanted to be anything but a winemaker. But she wanted to make her own way and she’s done just that. She’s worked for some of the finest names around the world from Sicily to the Barossa, and Mendoza to Bordeaux.

It wasn’t only the family name that she wanted to get away from; she didn’t feel like she could survive the stifling love of her family – well, her mother. Things have changed in the last few years, though; her mother’s changed. Her mom’s in love, and Willow’s back home in Napa – as the new COO of DuPont Wineries.

She’s every bit the rich, beautiful, wine-country heiress, but she’s also a free spirit and a party lover.

Slade Hawkins is another party-loving free spirit. He’s a former Marine who came home to Napa to take over his dad’s old job – working security for Jacobs Estate winery. He grew up around the wine families, he even considers some of them to be his friends – but he’s never been one of them.

He and Willow might have had some fun whenever she came home to visit over the last few years, but he knows there’s no future in it. He might wish there could be, but he lives in the real world. He knows that she’s wine country royalty – and he’s just the help. But that doesn’t mean that they can’t keep things going until she moves on – as she inevitably will.

If Slade thinks that Willow is going to conform to what’s expected of her, he’s going to have to think again, and Willow is going to have to figure out if he doesn’t believe they can be together for the long term – or if he just doesn’t want to.

Genres: Romance

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 24, 2023

About the author

Hi, I'm SJ. A coffee addict, lover of chocolate and drinker of good red wines. I'm a lost soul and a hopeless romantic. Reading and writing are necessary parts of who I am. Though perhaps not as necessary as coffee! I can drink coffee without writing, but I can't write without coffee.

I grew up loving romance novels, my first boyfriends were book boyfriends, but life intervened, as it tends to do, and I wandered down the paths of non fiction for many years. My life changed completely a couple of years ago and I returned to Romance to find my escape.

I write 'Sweet N Steamy' stories because to me there is enough angst and darkness in real life. My favorite romances are happy escapes with a focus on fun, friendships and happily-ever-afters, just like the ones I write.

These days I live in beautiful Montana, the last best place. If I'm not reading or writing you'll find me just down the road in the park - Yellowstone. I have deer, eagles and the occasional bear for company, and I like it that way :0)

Reviews

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willow was one of the daughters of the DuPont winery owner and had everything she ever wanted. I loved that she wasn’t one who wanted everything and acted spoiled. She was an independent person who had her life set out for her, but not to take money from her family. She wanted to become a woman, travel all over the world to learn all she could about wine, and eventually get married. I loved how she got to Slade when she was in Coronado with her friend was she was only 18. They both said they weren’t looking for anything serious. They may have seen each other a few times over sixteen years until they both came back to Napa to work. I loved how Ms. McCoy brought the two together slowly and had them fall in love. The two had some obstacles to overcome, and it was fun watching them. I super enjoyed catching up with past characters, especially Willow’s mother Ria. If you have been reading this series, this is a must read. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.

[Michelle Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked how this book started off with looking into the past for Willow and Slade and they definitely had a past and it was interesting to see them first ‘get together’ and then with another trip that they just happen to see each other but when we reach current time in the book, Willow is still working overseas however Slade has come home and now works his dad’s old job at the security gate for the Jacobs estate. I didn’t think these two would actually try a relationship in the real world so to speak but after they see each other at a gathering of their friends they reconnect. At first, it’s kept secret but eventually they go out in public as a couple and I liked that they talked about comments they both made years ago when they first got together and each of them thought the other didn’t want anything serious but in current time, they both want something serious. I just loved being along for the ride with Willow and Slade and watching to see what would happen and where it might go. There were definitely a lot of references and connections back to Smoke and Laura and I also liked the whiskey night reference as well. I love this group of friends and now couples that have come together from being friends and I especially loved little Miss Ava and her relationship with all her aunts and uncles, especially Uncle Slade. The ending is great especially when her mother pulls out a gift and when you see what it is, you know that she knew about Slade the whole time and the gift from Slade’s dad is just the cherry on top and puts everything into place. I have to admit as I was reading this story I was thinking that Xander needs a story and after the book ends I not only find out that Xander gets a story but we’re back to the lake for another Summer Lake Silver book and also visit the MacFarland’s as well. Can’t wait for these great stories heading our way. Another wonderful book in the Hamilton’s series.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 8th book in this awesome series, and this is Slade ad Willow’s story, which is told in dual POV’s. Slade is a former marine who has returned to his hometown to take over his dad’s job as security on the Jacob’s estate. Willow is an independent free spirit and party girl, and is the daughter of the DuPont winery owner, and she has travelled the work learning as much as she can about wine before returning home. Slade and Willow have crossed paths before, and now they meet again and the sparks fly, and the chemistry between them is off the charts and they complement each other perfectly. This is a well written story which has family, friendships, secrets, romance, humor, witty banter, challenges, emotions, and love, which leads to a fun and entertaining addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Laurie Louis · Rating 5 out of 5]

SJ does it again! Every time I read one of her books , I wish I lived in a place that SJ McCoy has created. This book did not disappoint.

The story of Slade and Willow is a long will it best. It definitely takes them a while to finally get to a point that their friends and family have been waiting on for so long. The best thing that Willow finally did was moving back home.

Although we didn’t get to spend much time in Summer Lake, Slade and Willow do drop in briefly to visit Willow’s, mom and Russ. It’s always fun to catch up with past characters making the story stronger.

I can't wait for the next book.

I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.

[Orla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back to Napa with a bang! Whiskey and Willow is book 8 in The Hamiltons. Slade and Willow have been hovering in the periphery in that past few Hamilton books. Slade works as the "hired help" aka the gatekeeper for the Jacobs wine family. Willow herself is an wine heiress part of the DuPont Dynasty. These two characters couldn't be more opposite but what is they say opposites attract. This is a great read and I loved the Napa characters blending with some of our Summer Lake favourites. The only downside is I want more ... An extended epilogue would be fab to revisit these two and their HEA.

[Nicole R Skapik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slade and Willow are a great couple. Even though Willow comes from a giant wine family in Napa and Slade is a tattooed Marine, Willow and Slade are made for each other. It may have taken them over 16 years to figure out they belong together, but they finally succumb to the inevitable. What starts as a crazy weekend together, becomes a whirlwind type of love that is made to last forever. SJ has written another hit and I can't wait for the next one!

[Richard Kruzewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willow & Slade

SJ McCoy is one talented author. Love her stories and family dynamics. Willow & Slade fell for each other from their first intimate connection. Due to statements made that night each held their individual insecurities for years. But after an evening of confessions, misunderstandings and realizations they finally cleared up the issues & moved forward towards their happily ever after. Loved this book & looking forward to the next

[Mary Jane McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Slade and Willow’s story. I had been waiting for their story and it didn't disappoint. We've had glimpses and teases about them in other books that really had me wondering about them. Their story captivated me from the beginning and left me with a smile. SJ McCoy has a way of wrapping me up in a story and making these characters come alive. I anxiously await the next book.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Slade and Willow’s story. I loved how the DuPont wine heir falls for the Jacob’s employee. Meeting when they are young and unknowingly falling in love until they discuss their feelings and realize it years later. SJ always keeps you turning the page. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit by S.J. McCoy! I loved how we got the backstory for these two, showing their shared history and ultimately their love for one another. Despite their vastly different upbringings, S.J. manages to bring them together with love and family support. Always nice to catch up with old friends and meet new ones. Looking forward to the next instalment in the Hamilton series.

[Ann Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willow and Slade are amazing together!! Boy from the wrong side, girl from wealth yet they keep making their way to each other, no matter the years in between. I just love Willow she is so Brazen, Slade is the Marine tough guy. They are so different, yet so perfect together. Great read. Great series.

[Emily Haskins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a romantic

Slade...I picture him as quite a hunk ! Willow (I love that name) as this svelt beautiful confident woman. She knows what she wants and reaches our to grab the brass ring. I hope the future will be somewhat like Summer Lake where they all get together and just be themselves. Great friends. Can't wait for Tory and Xander. Good story, enjoy

[Kali M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is all of my favorite things in one! Brothers best friend, childhood friends, former military tough guy turns to jelly, independent woman, steamy, tight knit family, and so much more. I loved every second of it!

[Kerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love

SJ McCoy, each book you write gets better and better, and Whiskey and Willow is no different. I love Willow and Slade's story, I mean the fact that their love continued for 16 years is epic. Loved it so much, cannot wait for Xander and Tori's story.

[Brandi Sartin lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

SJ did it again…a great story! Willow and Slade are great together. I loved that we got to go back in time to see how their story unfolds. It was great to catch up with everyone too! Ava can steal the show though.

[Veronica Mostel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

What an amazing story. They knew each other from childhood. When they first met up later in life, he could not believe how beautiful she was. They connected on a love for each other that was amazing. Great series

[alfawolf1 ~Sherri K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willow and Slade's story is great! All of SJ McCoy's series are wonderful. It's great to read each couples' story. Can't wait for the next one!

[Isabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

****1/2

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!!!

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I just loved Slade and Willow story!! They have such a connection and you have to want it alk for them !! I recommend this book to everyone!! It is a must read!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slade and Willow were just perfect together. Lifetime of love for these two.

[karen sperduti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series. Slade & Willow are perfect for each other. They just needed to open up to each other sooner. When they did the world was their pearl. Love all the recurring characters!