Life isn’t a game. Life isn’t an empty bottle of bourbon spinning on a warehouse floor as I hold my breath. I feel weak when others perceive me as strong. I’m passionate though I appear to hate the world around me.I see beauty in all ugly things. I feel pain when I laugh. No one knows the truth.Well, no one knew the truth until now.Somehow, Brody Pearson understands more about me than anyone else … understands more about me than anyone else in my life. The severed connection should mean something significant, but I don’t know if I can forget all my self-proclaimed promises.
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Bourbon on the Rocks by Shari J. Ryan is book Two in The Barrel House Series. This the story of Brody Pearson and Journey Quinn. I do think reading the previous book helped me to fully enjoy this one but I do think you could make it a standalone book. Also know that in the previous book dealt with Journey’s sister and Brody’s brother. Journey and Brody’s families were friends so they have know each other for a while. They even shared a mind blowing kiss but then something happened and Journey left town. Now she is back because of a family tragedy which puts her seeing Brody again. Brody is now a divorced single father but he hasn’t forgotten the mind blowing kiss they shared. Journey feels unlovable and doesn’t trust anyone with her feelings. Brody isn’t backing down that he has Journey back in his life. This was another emotional page turning read by this author.
This is the 2nd book in this awesome series and is Brody and Journey’s tale. No spoilers: this is a definite must read, you will not be disappointed. This is a beautifully written story which is an emotional roller coaster journey throughout, as well as having, heartbreak, loss, regret, forgiveness, guilt, hope and an abundance of love.
This gifted author had penned a truly brilliant masterpiece, and I highly recommend for all readers.
Bourbon on the Rocks was a story that took you on a complete journey. My emotions ran high, tears fell almost constantly to a point where I thought my heart would literally break. Journey and Brody were a couple that owned me from the start. This man who just wanted a smile and to see that darkness deep within her soul disappear. Journey was a woman drowning in her past and the guilt that she carried heavily on her shoulders. This was a story of confessions, understanding, forgiveness and a love that would conquer all. Some books touch your heart in a way that you never expect and this second book in the Barrel House was exactly that. A story that is overflowing with emotions, passion, devotion, heartache and finally joy. This book was captivating, enchanting and took hold of your heart with such a tight grip that it left you breathless. Fill up your glass, sit back with this book and let the words on the pages soak deep into your skin.
Bourbon on the Rocks just blew me away! The characters and the storyline grabbed me right at the beginning and held my heart hostage as both Journey and Brody worked their way through the pain of their past in order to find love in the present.
They had a brief past that was cut short and tarnished by tragedy but now they have found friendship and possibly more.
Journey held a heaviness in her heart that I could feel leaking off of the pages. She needed to find some peace and let go of the pain she held on to so tightly.
Brody has his own tarnished past but he ends up being the one to slowly unlock Journey’s pain and open her heart. With his support, her dad’s beautiful letters and Adams forgiveness Journey finally finds her way out of the the darkness that has plagued her for years.
Bourbon on the Rocks is the second story in the Barrel House series. This is Journey’s story. Throughout the book, we discover what happened in the past to make Journey the person she is today. This is combined with a slow-burn romance with Brody, Brett’s brother. I thought there were sparks between them in the last book.
Journey’s story is filled with heartbreak and guilt. She can’t forgive herself for events in the past and she doesn’t believe that she deserves to be happy. Brody is instantly smitten with Journey when they are reintroduced and he pushes Journey outside of her comfort zone. He won’t take no for an answer and Journey slowly begins to rediscover herself while learning to love herself as well as Brody and his daughter.
Brody is a sweetheart and I loved how patient and understanding he was with Journey. He knew when to push her and when to pull back. He understood her pain and gave her room to grow. I can’t wait to read his story and find out what happened in his past. I’m also curious about what is happening with Brett in the future.
The author paints a beautiful story of heartache, remorse, self-hatred, self-reflection and forgiveness. Journey’s character comes full circle during the course of the story. She confronts the ghosts of her pasts and forges ahead to a strong future with the man she loves and her family.
If there’s one thing this author knows how to do, it’s tap in to the complex, overwhelming emotions of grief and loss. She then turns them toward character development, creating authentic, irresistible characters that resonate deeply with readers, helping those who carry the wounds and scars realize that a common bond unites us with others who travail on their own lonesome journeys. Her words act as a balm, soothing some wounds, bringing people with like tragedy together, and we take heart knowing that, although it is a solitary journey, we are not alone.
Journey Quinn is one of the most complicated, multi-layered characters I’ve ever read. She’s strong but broken. She’s generous and loving but prefers a solitary existence. She’s a riddle wrapped in a conundrum topped with an enigma. Other than her family, there hasn’t been anyone willing enough to take the time to sort through all those layers and breach her impenetrable walls to get to the real Journey. Until Brody Pearson. Brody, with his irreverent, unapologetic grin and his unwillingness to take ‘no’ for an answer. Brody, the guy she’s known all her life, their families being friends, but she really doesn’t know him at all.
I completely adore both of these characters, and I’m not nearly ready to let them go. Their lively banter is charming and they’re just the right amount of wounded and vulnerable, strong and determined, and teasing and snarky to keep me enchanted from the first page through the last.
My preconception is that I prefer dual POVs, because I’ve read many with only one character’s perspective and I don’t connect with the silent character nearly as well. No worries here. Although this is Journey’s POV, Ryan does a wonderful job of making Brody larger than life, easily relatable and loveable. Brody stole his piece of my heart before I ever realized it was missing.
Then I find out the next book is Brett’s story, so my optimistic heart is anticipating more of Brody and the Quinn sisters. Yay! This is one of those exceptional reads you’re not going to want to pass up. Full of feeling, poignant and hopeful, this one will leave its mark on your soul.
Barrel House series book 2 is my favorite.
I could not wait for Journeys story. This by far was so much more than I imagined. The grief and pain she’s endured just breaks your heart. Brody Pearson has his mind set on getting to know her after reconnecting after so many years. This wonderfully written book is full of LOL moments, lots of steamy times and heartbreaking tears.
This author is definitely one to follow. Her characters spring to life in her books and just grab your attention. Most definitely recommend this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4.5 Cranky Stars
Get ready for another addition to this series that will tug on your heart strings. I mean Journey is a tough nut to crack and Brody is the textbook definition of persistent. Pair that with a very involved family and a snarky tween and we have the perfect storm for a laugh out loud, heart tugging, happy sighing kind of book. Journey has been through it and she isn’t coping well especially with the loss of her father so very fresh in her mind. Brody well he’s been betrayed by someone who was supposed to love him but he has Hannah so that more than makes up for what has happened according to him.
We’ve all seen those teenage movies where someone throws an epic party and it doesn’t always end up with someone cleaning all the red solo cups hungover that are floating in a pool but in the opposite direction. This is where the start of Journeys problems come from. She’s experienced tremendous guilt and has closed herself off to love. We are now in the present and Journey is back home and a successful photographer. She doesn’t begrudge Melody for being happy with Brett but it just isn’t her thing and doesn’t expect to run into his brother Brody. They both challenge each other with Journey digging her heels in the whole time. Why can’t this man understand she isn’t here for relationships or guys with bushy beards? Brody has never forgot that stolen moment at a NYE party with Journey. He admitted to having deep feelings and that turned out to be a bust. So when he sees her at a function with his niece he approaches her. While they dance around each other Brody is falling while trying to maintain being a single parent to Hannah. He can tell by her eyes that she needs someone in her life, and he makes a vow to be that person. What happens next is trying for any fledgling relationship but do Journey and Brody have what it takes?
Ok I need to know more about Brody and his story. Like we know he’s divorced and has this amazingly snarky ten year old on his hands. Journey my heart broke for her. To carry that guilt must have been hard. It’s hard to see that sometimes people make decisions that aren’t your fault. I did love these two together. I think they are both what each other needs. Such a pretty awesome story just like the one before it.
I was totally consumed by this sweet, emotional, and heartfelt slow burn romance. This journey through love, loss, redemption, hope, and forgiveness will have you in tears of heartbreak and joy! Journey and Brody have a history, but after years apart they are back in each others lives again. Brody is a sweet, caring and thoughtful single dad. He has never forgotten Journey and the night she rocked his world with one kiss then disappeared. Now that she is back in his life, he is intrigued and determined to learn who she is today. Journey is still heartbroken over the death of her father and is finding it hard to move on with her life. No matter how hard she tries to keep Brody at a distance, he keeps coming back, because he sees and understands her like no one else. Brody has a way of making her feel safe to open herself up and maybe begin to live again. But Journey’s guilt, her belief that she’s not worthy of love and happiness, along with several secrets, could just be too much to overcome. I loved how artfully Ryan weaved this story between the past and present. It kept me totally engaged and helped me understand Journey and her actions, making me care for her even more. Ryan is a phenomenal storyteller, and this slow burn romance was perfectly balanced with sass, sweetness, and heat. I loved Brody’s patience with Journey and his daughter. He made me totally swoon with the thoughtful things he did for both of them. I enjoyed how Brody and Journey helped and supported each other and their fiery attraction and chemistry leaped right off the page. I did feel like I wanted to know more about Brody and Ryan teased us a bit with that mystery, so hopefully we will get that soon! This was a sweet, emotional and steamy journey that took my breath away! I love this series and only want more from The Barrel House!
What can I say about Brody and Journey? They were made for each other!!! Their story is ..just….so good!!!
Brody was so patient with Journey. He melted my heart. They just balance each outer out perfectly. I absolutely loved their story. Their banter had me chuckling and on the opposite side I was tearing up at what Journey was putting herself through.
I Really enjoyed Bourbon Love Notes by I believe Mrs Ryan amped up the game when she penned Bourbon on the Rocks!!! My one and only problem: why was Brody never at a family function when he was younger? Maybe we’ll get that in Book 3.
In the second installment of her Barrel House series, Shari Ryan gives us a slow burn romance filled to the brim with heartache, gut wrenching regrets and a chance at forgiveness.
In Bourbon on the Rocks, Ryan features Journey, the sister to Melody who was previously featured in Bourbon Love Notes. You do not have to ready Melody’s second chance love story in order to read Bourbon on the Rocks. Where Melody’s story was full of hope, childhood crushes and second chance at romance, Journey’s is a completely different story. Her path is filled with jaw dropping, live changing moments that will leave you breathless, a little conflicted but filled with emotion for this character. Journey’s history and feelings left me glued to my kindle aching for another snippet of information.
While Journey’s story is heavier than her sisters, Ryan also used that trademark wit to bring life to this sassy female. The banter between her and Brody is light hearted when needed but also deeply complex at times too. Ryan balanced the best of both emotions within the pages of this book.
Bourbon on the Rocks is appropriately named. Journey and Brody’s relationship was rocky but not for the trivial reasons romance sometimes brings to the surface. Ryan gave real emotion and empathy to those who are struggling for self forgiveness while also delivering a romantic second chance at love.
This author writes such poingnant and emotionally charged stories. There is so much going on in this story but in the very best of ways. Journey has so much sorrow and guilt that she is drowning in it. Her life is on hold and she is slowly dying from all the pressure. All of her experiences lead her to where she ends up and it is beautifully written. I know that everything doesn’t always end up with a happy ever after but I wish there was more to Adams story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.