The Bourbon Thief

The Bourbon Thief
By Tiffany Reisz

SUMMARY
When Cooper McQueen wakes up from a night with a beautiful stranger, it's to discover he's been robbed. The only item stolen—a million-dollar bottle of bourbon. The thief, a mysterious woman named Paris, claims the bottle is rightfully hers. After all, the label itself says it's property of the Maddox family who owned and operated Red Thread Bourbon distillery since the last days of the Civil War until the company went out of business for reasons no one knows… No one except Paris.

In the small hours of a Louisville morning, Paris unspools the lurid tale of Tamara Maddox, heiress to the distillery that became an empire. But the family tree is rooted in tainted soil and has borne rotten fruit. Theirs is a legacy of wealth and power, but also of lies, secrets and sins of omission. The Maddoxes have bourbon in their blood—and blood in their bourbon. Why Paris wants the bottle of Red Thread remains a secret until the truth of her identity is at last revealed, and the century-old vengeance Tamara vowed against her family can finally be completed. 

REVIEW
Oh my! What an epic story! 5 epic stars!

I first have to say that I never thought I would be approved to receive an ARC for this story. I never get approved for the big books and authors, I am a small fish in the ocean of reviewers. I was just shooting in the wind when I requested it. I was also weary about reading this author again. I was caught up in the original sinners series until I got to the last book and I returned that book and got my money back. I was so mad at it, I never thought I would read her again. Well as the book says fate has a way of interfering, I got approved and started reading.

This book was OUATANDING! It was a true tale of sex, vengeance, evil, love, and slavery. It wound itself so tight and memorized me beyond reason. I had to keep reading no matter what. The Maddox family made me think of the Kennedys or Vanderbilts, who had tons of money and no real happiness; just scandals, bribery, unfaithfulness, corruption, and jealousy. It was so real that it could have happened and many parts of it has in real life. Wealthy men are corrupt and will do anything to make their legacies live on. It becomes a sickness, an obsession till it consumes until there is nothing left.

I can't really talk about the story because it will give it all away. It is dark and disturbing in its own right about how power and wealth are all corrupting and destroy all in its path without discrimination. Just know that the main characters are strong beyond belief and really tried to set things right. They are amazing and beautiful and just so tortured.

Ms. Reisz knows how to spin a tale and breathe life into her characters. It is great to see she expanded from her series and brought me back to her fold of fans! I highly recommend this book and beware that you need to schedule out a time to read it all!! I think I may read it again!

Received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley. (less)

Rake's Redemption (Wind Dragons MC, #4)

Rake's Redemption (Wind Dragons MC, #4)
By Chantel Fernando

SUMMARY
Rake is known for being up for anything, in and out of the bedroom. He’s wild, he’s deadly, yet quick with a joke or a stolen kiss. Known as the player of the WDMC, he loves women, the more the merrier. However, behind his womanizing façade, Rake hides the pain of losing his first love, Bailey. He hasn’t loved anyone since, and doesn’t think he ever will.

Seven years after their split, Rake and Bailey run into each other at the MC’s favorite club. Old wounds resurface, secrets are spilled...and passionate feelings are awakened. But they’ve each done things to hurt the other, hurt them too badly to get over it—haven’t they? Only when Bailey’s connection to Rake puts her in danger from another Club member does he realize that there’s nothing he won’t do to protect her—and claim her as his once again.

REVIEW
I was worried about reading this because I haven't read the other books in the series, but you can read this without being lost. There are a few references but you aren't really left in the dark.

I liked this book for the most part there were a couple of parts I was not thrilled with.

Rake aka Adam, was a real ass at the beginning. Now I am not saying he didn't have his reasons, but he was over the top at times and almost ruined his character. He is a man whore and that is a great deal for Bailey to live with. Now I know he turned it all off when he got with her, but Bailey's comment on how he jumps over all the men who approached her, but she can't feel hurt when all his conquest talk to him. He is sexy and adventurous!

Bailey was ok. She seemed to have it all together, but then just gives everything up when with Rake. She says her kid is everything to her, but once she meets up with her old friends and Rake she is a party girl...even on a school night? Kinda not consistent. I am not saying a mom can't have fun.

Overall good story. The side characters were interesting. It as a good read.

Received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for a honest review.

Bound Beneath His Pain (Dirty Little Secrets, #1)

Bound Beneath His Pain (Dirty Little Secrets, #1)
By Stacey Kennedy

SUMMARY
Real estate mogul Micah Holt exerts absolute control over all aspects of his life. He keeps his dark side hidden away from the press, who will chase down any hint of scandal. He’s always in command of his world, careful to expose his closely guarded secrets only to those he knows he can trust. Then Allie Bennett shakes his legendary discipline. She’s beautiful, pure, untainted. But is Micah willing to sacrifice her innocence for his own selfish obsessions?

When that sexy smile makes her body burn, Allie tries with all her might to ignore it. For one thing, Micah's her new boss. For another, he's as complicated as he is devastatingly handsome. Still, Allie can only fight so much before she gives in to his dangerous games. She knows he's got dark secrets. But when she discovers the true depth of his pain, Allie must decide how far she's willing to go to light the way for love.
 
REVIEW

 3 1/2- 4
I didn't know what to expect from this book, I have never read this author. This book had ebbs and flows. Sometimes it clicked with me and other times I was like that did not really happen...that was the big reveal?

I liked Allie. She really seemed to know who she was and what she wanted. She was not the type of girl that settled. I liked how she was her own person and didn't want to depend on anyone. I really didn't get the relationship between her brother and her. It would be interesting to see what he felt he owed her.

Micah well he was a tad dramatic about things. His big reveal was like...oh well so.. I don't understand the big deal and how Allie needed protected. He was a jerk to her twice and I wondered why she kept him around, but I guess she saw straight through him. He was a charming billionaire.

The next book was set up at the end. It has me interested.

I received an ARC from Loveswept via NetGalley for a honest review.