Book: Wildflower and Whiskey by R.C. Stephens
Reviewed by Maggie Hayes
Rating: 4/5
📚✨ ARC REVIEW ✨📚
Wildflower and Whiskey by R.C. Stephens
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)
Thank you, @greyspromo, for the free ARC!
Elyna fled Montreal for her hometown of Val-Du-Lys with her six-month-old son, Braden, after her ex’s gambling debts put them both in danger. She has no money, no home, and no clear plan, but she’s determined to build a safe, happy life for her son.
Phoenix Thorne, the eldest Thorne brother and the son of Elyna’s late mother’s best friend, has always been her secret weakness. There was a spark between them as teens, but a falling out years ago kept their feelings buried. When Phoenix offers her a job at his microbrewery and the loft above his garage, old feelings reignite, hotter than ever.
Just when Elyna and Phoenix begin to lower their walls and let the other in, Elyna's ex starts making veiled threats about seeing Braden. As larger threats close in on the small town of Maple Valley, Phoenix will do anything to protect Elyna and Braden.
I really enjoyed this spicy second-chance romantic suspense. Having read Tempting the Goalie (part of Stephen's Riverside U series) first, I already had a sense of Elyna and Phoenix’s connection, which made their story even more satisfying.
Elyna was such a strong and multifaceted heroine. I loved that she was allowed to be vulnerable and ask for help without losing her independence. She’s resilient, devoted, and fiercely protective of her son.
And Phoenix? Absolute perfection. Rugged, protective, alpha, but also respectful, tender, and emotionally grounded. His devotion to Elyna and Braden melted my heart. Voluntarily putting together a crib? Peak book boyfriend behavior.
If you’re in the mood for a steamy small-town second-chance romance with suspense and heart, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
For fans of: 🕵️♀️ Romantic suspense | 😠 Enemies to lovers | 🏡 Small-town romance | 👩👦 Single mom | 🛡️ Protective hero | 💞 Second chance | 🔥 Open-door spice
ARCReview #WildflowerAndWhiskey #RCStephens #SecondChanceRomance #RomanticSuspense #SmallTownRomance #ProtectiveHero #SingleMomRomance #EnemiesToLovers #Bookstagram #RomanceReaders #SpicyReads