A review by mollyreadsandcrafts
68 Whiskey by Erin Russell

4.0

Tristan wants to escape his past and live a quiet life working as a paramedic in small town Possum Hollow. When he gets a call out to help a friend, he meets the enigmatic Ford and is immediately drawn to the strong, silent, brooding stranger. Ford lives a life of solitude but when Tristan forces his way into his world, neither can deny the spark of chemistry between them. 

Ford and Tristan both have tragic histories that have shaped them into who they are now. Tristan is a bit of a bratty loudmouth and Ford is the strong silent type, both with about zero experience with any type of relationship. But as different as their personalities are, Ford and Tristan also have a lot of emotional similarities. They are pretty much idiots when it comes to emotional intelligence so they try to fight their inevitable draw, but it slowly chips away at them until they give in. They both want someone to truly care about them, and they trade off the role of being the protector/caregiver when the other needs it. They learn to read each other so well, and know exactly what role to slip into to support and care for the other. It was heartwarming seeing these two overcome their emotional hang ups to let the other see the vulnerable side they've kept hidden from everyone else. 

This book went a lot like the first in the series for me. I really enjoyed the beginning, the characters have really interesting backstories, the chemistry and spicy scenes were done so well, and the plot was intriguing. But as the book goes on it just starts to drag a bit and I'm ready to move on before the book is done. The ending was also left a bit too open ended with the mafia plot. I'm not sure if they are getting another book, but I didn't see anything about it and it felt weird to leave such a large part of the story not wrapped up. 

There was lots of good in this book and I do enjoy how the author sets up the story and creates her characters. I liked that there was a lot of Silas and Cade, and seeing them from another point of view really makes me look forward to their second book. Also curious about the mafia spin off now that we've been introduced to the Banna's. But first, going to finish out the next Possum Hollow!

Read if you like: 

• opposites attract

• hurt/comfort          

• small town              

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