Research scientist Renee Lockwood has returned home to Magnolia Lake after her failed marriage, hoping to restore her family’s farming enterprise and create a better life for her 4-year old son Mercer. She’d hope to have more time before seeing her high school crush, Cole Abbott but no such luck when they connect at the grocery store. He’s not much for commitments and her feelings have only intensified. But, their mutual attraction is hard to ignore, even by their families. But maybe a fling with a bad boy friend might be worth the risk to Renee’s heart.
It’s rare for me to read a series out of order so starting at the last book would normally make me itchy. However, I am such a fan of the author and this story appealed on several fronts. I really liked Renee’s goal of managing a career and parenting a child on the autism spectrum on her own. She has a beautiful spirt and is smart, talented and resourceful. Cole isn’t any slouch either. Yes, he’s been quite popular with the ladies but always honest and up front about there being no strings. He stood up to his family and went his own way, now a successful real estate developer with his own company. The friendship between them was genuine, a great foundation for something more despite them thinking it wouldn’t work.
I enjoyed this story and never felt like I was missing all those back stories about Cole’s other siblings as the focus was on him. With that said, I’m committed to starting from the beginning and reading what came earlier because I also fell for these families. Cole and Renee were great characters and things got pretty steamy along the way. It was lovely how he bonded with Mercer, having his own connection with the child. While this book concludes the series, the epilogue sets up the upcoming spinoff spectacularly! Glad I get to have more of the Abbott family.
Book Info
- Release Date: December 28, 2021
- Series: The Bourbon Brothers #6
- Page Numbers: 225
- Publisher: Harlequin Desire
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Excerpt
Graceful, Renee. You’re a regular Misty Copeland.
“Ren?” Cole hurried down the stairs. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. I thought maybe you’d… I don’t know.” She shrugged. “Changed your mind.”
She was flustered and rambling like a fool. Yep, this was definitely a bad idea.
Stop talking and make a graceful exit, if that’s even possible at this point.
“Not a chance, sweetheart.” Cole extended a hand. “C’mon inside.”
Renee swallowed hard, her hand trembling as she placed it inside his.
Don’t chicken out now.
Cole led her into the kitchen. Like hers, it was outdated. It reminded her of her Aunt Bea standing at the old stove making fried corn or her famous chicken and dumplings—the first thing Ren had ever learned to cook.
“Still feels weird being here, huh?” Cole’s voice shook her from her temporary daze.
“Very.”
They entered the living room where an exercise mat and weights were on the floor.
“You were working out. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have disturbed you.” Ren glanced at the equipment. “I know it’s really late and—”
“Renee…” Cole drew her closer, pulling her attention back to him. His gaze was soft and warm as he stroked her cheek. “It’s okay. We both know why you came here.” He managed to say the words without sounding cocky. “But I need to hear it from you. Tell me exactly what you want from me.”
Ren’s head was spinning. No one had ever asked her that. Not in a relationship or her career. And now that he had, she wasn’t quite sure what to say.
So instead, she clutched Cole’s white Abbott Construction & Development T-shirt, pulled him closer and pressed her lips to his.
About the Author
Reese Ryan writes sexy, contemporary romance featuring a diverse cast of complex characters. She presents her characters with family and career drama, challenging love interests and life-changing secrets while treating readers to emotional love stories with unexpected twists. Past president of her local RWA chapter and a panelist at the 2017 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, Reese is an advocate of the romance genre and diversity in fiction.
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(Thanks to Harlequin for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Blue Mood Café 
I can see why you want to go back and read the rest of the series. The characters sound completely relatable and what a great story ❤️. Excellent review!
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Thank you, Tessa💜 I loved the characters in this story and series.
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This sounds like a wonderful series with great characters and families. I had not heard of Reese Ryan before, but if they are steamy, that is probably why. Wonderful review, Nicki.
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Thanks, Carla💜 If I recall, they all have a bit of steam but her characterizations are stellar. I’ve been reading her since the Indie days and love her writing.
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Thanks.
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I love when the last book encourages you to go back to the first of the series. Wonderful review, Jo!
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Thanks, Marialyce💜 I’m pretty excited about starting from the first, too.
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Great review, Jonetta! Sounds like a story I’ll love reading.
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I love when a book makes you excited for the rest of the series, even if they are the earlier books 🙂 Happy reading 🙂
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Thank you, Jules💜
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