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3.39 AVERAGE
3.39 AVERAGE
Thank you so much to partner Berkley Romance for a free copy of <i>Ruby Spencer's Whiskey Year</i> and PRH Audio for the complimentary audiobook!
"If you love it, then it's right. Doesn't have to be anymore complicated than that."
Scotland has been on my shortlist of international places to visit and this book made me want to go there even more. One thing I love about reading is being able to escape to these different locations and get a feel of what that city is like. Another thing I love about reading is when you see characters doing what you sometimes dream of doing. In this case, its leaving everything behind and deciding to live in a foreign country for 1 year to work on a cookbook. Okay so maybe I do not want to write a cookbook but just the idea of being able to pick up a luggage bag or two and go wherever your heart desire with no plan sounds like a fun dream!
One thing Ruby Spencer did not intend to do while being away was to meet a suitable bachelor. She had her fair share of one night stands or dates that didn't amount to anything or just trying to force something to happen. But Brochan was different. I like that they took their time, being friends first with occasional flirts. They knew each other was special even if they couldn't pinpoint what made them special when they first met. They just were so drawn to one another. And I love that Ruby thought that this was going to be just a fling until she realized that he was what she wanted & that being in Scotland was where she was meant to be. I mean how does one not melt when they say, "I want you so much I would set the world on fire just so you could warm your hands." SWOOOON! And yes of course there is a conflict but I won't go into details of what happens, you'll have to read for yourself.
"Life gets weird and messy. And doing life with another person is even harder."
Another element of this book that I loved was the trope(?) of found family. It is not that Ruby did not have parents or family back in the United States but when you move to a new country, you are starting over. You need those supportive people in your life and she was able to find that with those in the Cosy Hearth and in Thistlecross. Grace was such a motherly figure for Ruby and I love their connection and their relationship was exactly what Ruby needed. There was also a reconnection made that I thought was going to be more awkward and troublesome that wasn't - lips sealed on that too!
I thought the audiobook was fantastic and that the narrator did a wonderful. I am not skilled in Scottish dialects or accents but Nikki Massoud did a great job with the different characters. Also with the going back and forth between American and Scottish must not have been an easy feat to do.
Does this all seem to be too perfect? Sure but that is what fictional romance is all about!
Check this book out if you are looking for a cozy romance that makes you long to go to Scotland and also hungry for some yummy food!
"If you love it, then it's right. Doesn't have to be anymore complicated than that."
Scotland has been on my shortlist of international places to visit and this book made me want to go there even more. One thing I love about reading is being able to escape to these different locations and get a feel of what that city is like. Another thing I love about reading is when you see characters doing what you sometimes dream of doing. In this case, its leaving everything behind and deciding to live in a foreign country for 1 year to work on a cookbook. Okay so maybe I do not want to write a cookbook but just the idea of being able to pick up a luggage bag or two and go wherever your heart desire with no plan sounds like a fun dream!
One thing Ruby Spencer did not intend to do while being away was to meet a suitable bachelor. She had her fair share of one night stands or dates that didn't amount to anything or just trying to force something to happen. But Brochan was different. I like that they took their time, being friends first with occasional flirts. They knew each other was special even if they couldn't pinpoint what made them special when they first met. They just were so drawn to one another. And I love that Ruby thought that this was going to be just a fling until she realized that he was what she wanted & that being in Scotland was where she was meant to be. I mean how does one not melt when they say, "I want you so much I would set the world on fire just so you could warm your hands." SWOOOON! And yes of course there is a conflict but I won't go into details of what happens, you'll have to read for yourself.
"Life gets weird and messy. And doing life with another person is even harder."
Another element of this book that I loved was the trope(?) of found family. It is not that Ruby did not have parents or family back in the United States but when you move to a new country, you are starting over. You need those supportive people in your life and she was able to find that with those in the Cosy Hearth and in Thistlecross. Grace was such a motherly figure for Ruby and I love their connection and their relationship was exactly what Ruby needed. There was also a reconnection made that I thought was going to be more awkward and troublesome that wasn't - lips sealed on that too!
I thought the audiobook was fantastic and that the narrator did a wonderful. I am not skilled in Scottish dialects or accents but Nikki Massoud did a great job with the different characters. Also with the going back and forth between American and Scottish must not have been an easy feat to do.
Does this all seem to be too perfect? Sure but that is what fictional romance is all about!
Check this book out if you are looking for a cozy romance that makes you long to go to Scotland and also hungry for some yummy food!
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Abandonment, Alcohol
lighthearted
medium-paced
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
If you’re looking for a cozy and romantic getaway this Valentine’s Day, you’ll definitely want to pick up Ruby Spencer’s Whiskey Year! It releases on Valentine’s Day itself, so it’s absolutely perfect.
Escape into an absolutely charming setting and get ready to swoon over this beautiful slow-burn romance. Sparks may fly instantly, but things progress naturally and in a wonderful way.
My fellow romance readers need to add this to their TBRs.
*Disclaimer* I received an eARC from Berkley Publishing Group on NetGalley. An honest review was provided.
*Disclaimer* I received an eARC from Berkley Publishing Group on NetGalley. An honest review was provided.
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Alcoholism, Infidelity, Grief, Death of parent
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to Berkeley for the free ebook via Netgalley.
Well, Ruby Spencer’s Whisky Year has solidified its place in my heart and on my favorites list. It is delightfully cozy, like a warm hug. The cooking aspects made my foodie heart sing. The slow burn, moderately open door romance was extremely satisfying for me and a nice chance of pace from all the enemies to lovers I’ve been reading.
I fell in love with these characters instantly - every single one (except the “disney villain,” of course). I love that Ruby is in her thirties, an age I don’t see represented too often in contemporary romance. The narrative voice swept me in and the small Scottish town setting is perfection. I want to live in Thistlecross, and settle in for a meal at the Cozy Hearth.
In short: I was transported. I already want to read this again and buy a finished copy (or two). Absolutely recommend.
CW: As the name implies, many drinking references throughout. And complicated parental relationship.
Well, Ruby Spencer’s Whisky Year has solidified its place in my heart and on my favorites list. It is delightfully cozy, like a warm hug. The cooking aspects made my foodie heart sing. The slow burn, moderately open door romance was extremely satisfying for me and a nice chance of pace from all the enemies to lovers I’ve been reading.
I fell in love with these characters instantly - every single one (except the “disney villain,” of course). I love that Ruby is in her thirties, an age I don’t see represented too often in contemporary romance. The narrative voice swept me in and the small Scottish town setting is perfection. I want to live in Thistlecross, and settle in for a meal at the Cozy Hearth.
In short: I was transported. I already want to read this again and buy a finished copy (or two). Absolutely recommend.
CW: As the name implies, many drinking references throughout. And complicated parental relationship.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
I had such high hopes for this book. I requested an arc on Netgalley but was denied. And then the publicist reached out and offered me a digital arc.
I just could not connect with these characters and found myself skimming. There was too much tell and not enough show.
The female MC had a narrative voice that came across as too immature and disingenuous. The plotline was too drawn out and definitely could have used a heavier editing hand to rework some of the awkward pacing.
I do like the male MC, but I don’t understand his attraction to the female MC. It seems to be primarily based on appearance as her character came across as one dimensional to me. His character is a little more layered.
I just could not connect with these characters and found myself skimming. There was too much tell and not enough show.
The female MC had a narrative voice that came across as too immature and disingenuous. The plotline was too drawn out and definitely could have used a heavier editing hand to rework some of the awkward pacing.
I do like the male MC, but I don’t understand his attraction to the female MC. It seems to be primarily based on appearance as her character came across as one dimensional to me. His character is a little more layered.
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
2022 seems to be the year where I read books where women decide to drastically change their life to recenter themselves. In this book, you have Ruby Spencer, a burnt-out New Yorker who moves into a rustic cabin in Scotland to write her own cookbook. She found a small village by throwing a dart at a map and will be spending a year there to reset her life. Along the way, she bonds with the Village and falls in love with the town's Handyman.
Overall, this book was cute. Ruby was a fun character to read from, and the village was a great setting. The romance was slower but still good. The ending was positive and overall it was a solid read. I will say, it didn't have a ton of staying power in my brain, nor did it entertain me as much as other books I read with the same premise. I will say I finished it right before Christmas Eve and now it is New Year's Day as I write it, so quite a bit has happened that could be affecting my memory. I can see why this is the most anticipated for a lot of people in 2023, and I do think a lot of people will like the story and the characters. So I do suggest picking this book up when it comes out in February.
2022 seems to be the year where I read books where women decide to drastically change their life to recenter themselves. In this book, you have Ruby Spencer, a burnt-out New Yorker who moves into a rustic cabin in Scotland to write her own cookbook. She found a small village by throwing a dart at a map and will be spending a year there to reset her life. Along the way, she bonds with the Village and falls in love with the town's Handyman.
Overall, this book was cute. Ruby was a fun character to read from, and the village was a great setting. The romance was slower but still good. The ending was positive and overall it was a solid read. I will say, it didn't have a ton of staying power in my brain, nor did it entertain me as much as other books I read with the same premise. I will say I finished it right before Christmas Eve and now it is New Year's Day as I write it, so quite a bit has happened that could be affecting my memory. I can see why this is the most anticipated for a lot of people in 2023, and I do think a lot of people will like the story and the characters. So I do suggest picking this book up when it comes out in February.