Bourbon & Lies Review

By Victoria Wilder

From the Back

In Fiasco, Kentucky, there is one rule: never fall for a Foxx brother. Any woman who did, ended up dead—or so the rumor goes. Townies call it a curse. But I’ve lived it, and I won’t survive it again.

I’m not a cop anymore, but I’ve seen enough danger to know that Laney Young, the beautiful stranger who just showed up in my small town, is running from it. She’s lying about where she came from and what she’s doing here.

I don’t want her near my family or the quiet life I’ve made for myself. But my brothers have other plans. Now she’s everywhere–working at my distillery, living in our guest house, calling me ‘cowboy’ and skinny-dipping in my horse trough.

But it’s the way she dishes out attitude from that pretty mouth of hers that has me wanting things I’ve sworn to myself I’d never want again. I should push her away, forget how her lips taste, and ignore how she makes me want more out of life again.

When her past shows up and mingles too closely with mine, her lies begin to unravel. The rules don’t matter anymore. I mess up, dig too far, and get too close. Only two things have the power to keep her safe now: bourbon and lies.

Themes

• Romantic Suspense & Secrets: The plot weaves themes of hidden identities and witness protection, with characters living under assumed names amidst danger. It explores past traumas shaping present actions and relationships. As secrets unfold, a web of lies threatens both safety and emotional well-being, challenging characters to confront fears and embrace love amid chaos.

• Small Town & Found Family: Fiasco, Kentucky, is a character itself, with its charm and quirks of small-town life. The close-knit community fosters belonging, where family is defined by love, loyalty, and shared struggles. This environment is crucial for character development, offering support and solace in crisis.

• Grief and Healing: The narrative explores grief and healing after personal loss, showing how past tragedies affect interactions and decisions. It illustrates grief's isolating nature and potential for growth, emphasizing vulnerability and connection as paths to healing and a brighter future.

• Bourbon & Craft Culture: A family distillery enriches the setting, symbolizing tradition and artistry in bourbon crafting. It parallels characters' journeys, highlighting patience, transformation, and beauty from adversity. The distillery underscores heritage and connections, enhancing the narrative.

Review

This book totally nailed the mix of romance, suspense, tension, and spice. The bourbon distillery setting was stunning and felt like a fresh twist on small-town romance. I hadn't come across a setting like this before, so it was awesome to read something new. Bourbon isn't just a job here—it's a lifestyle, and the world-building really brought Fiasco to life. By the end, I was seriously tempted to book a bourbon tour. Laney was such a standout character, instantly lovable, and her chemistry with Grant was perfect. I also fell for the Foxx brothers right away and can’t wait to dive into the rest of the series. The found family vibe was done so well, it deserves a shoutout. By the end, I was all in—for the couple, the Foxx family, and this bourbon-soaked little world. This was my first read from this author, and I’m already eager to grab the next one. Do yourself a favor and check it out.