AN AMAZON TOP 50 BESTSELLEROn the Rocks is a stand-alone, small town, country romance in the Becker Brothers Series. Noah Becker is nothing but trouble.That’s what Mama told me when I was a kid, kicking his pew in church and giggling at the games we’d play. It’s what the town said when his father died and the Becker brothers went wild. And it’s on repeat in my mind the day I walk into the whiskey … mind the day I walk into the whiskey distillery where he works to buy a wedding gift for my fiancé.
He’s trouble.
Dirty, sweaty, rude trouble.
No matter how many times I repeat it, I can’t escape Noah in our small Tennessee town. And the more I run into him, the more he infuriates me.
Because he sees what no one else does.
He sees me—the real me.
The me I’m not sure I’m allowed to be.
I’m Ruby Grace Barnett, the mayor’s daughter. Soon to be a politician’s wife, just like Mama and Daddy always wanted. Soon to fulfill my family’s legacy, just like I always knew I would.
Until the boy everyone warned me about makes me question everything, like whether the wedding I’m planning is one I even want.
Everyone says Noah Becker is nothing but trouble.
If only I had listened.
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4 “I love Noah Becker” stars
Ok, so I absolutely love the set up Kandi gives us with this one. Small town Tennessee, whiskey distillery is the big business here, and everyone knows everyone which equals gossip city. Enter Noah Becker, one of 4 Becker brothers whose name is pretty much synonymous with trouble and a good time. When Noah is tagged to sell a private barrel to an engaged minor you know it’s about to get interesting. Introducing our heroine, Ruby Grace, 19 yr old Mayor’s daughter, engaged to an up and coming politician…oh, and did I mention she used to annoy Noah in church as a child because he’s 10 years her senior…did that catch your attention? Lol. While Ruby Grace is trying to give off the politician’s trophy wife image, Noah can’t help but catch glimpses of a different girl under that persona, one who loves to help others, one who likes to laugh and have fun, one who has dreams of her own. When Noah offers to be a “friend” he thinks he can help her, but while helping her he starts falling for her and that’s a problem.
There are a lot of layers to this story and a few different storylines that make me think this will be a series of standalones with books about all 4 brothers (and that excites me to no end!!!) I really loved Noah, talk about your swoon-worthy book boyfriend, this guy epitomizes it. I enjoyed the story overall, there was only one part of the story that made me pause because it seemed written a little different from the rest of the book and felt a little rehearsed (which is why I gave it 4 stars, cause it’s a pivotal scene) but everything else about this book is a 5 star read for sure. It reads fast and I enjoyed it!
Welp, she did it again. Kandi Steiner got me good. This small-town romance was big on feels. My heart ached and and soared and broke and healed all in the span of a few hours while reading On the Rocks.
There was something about Noah that just drew me in. I think it was his kindness. How he loved his family, especially his mom. How hard he worked. How much he longed for someone to call his own. That’s not to say he didn’t get a little wild from time to time, but at his heart, he was a good guy who just wanted to make his family proud. Honor the legacy of his father. But it took one look at Ruby Grace and he knew something was about to change.
It was a not so slow burn between these two. Their pull was magnetic but it was more than physical. It was emotional and deep and they couldn’t explain it. I liked that they didn’t try to. But what I loved the most was how Noah saw Ruby Grace. He truly saw her for who she was and that she wanted to be. He saw her as his future, even when hers was hanging in an uncertain balance. Torn between following her heart and loyalty to her family, Ruby Grace was in the middle of an impossible situation. And caught in the crossfire was Noah.
Yes, On the Rocks is a love journey between Noah and Ruby Grace. But even more, Kandi Steiner gave a powerful message on learning to love yourself. To listen to the calling in your heart. To follow your dreams. To know you can have it all because with the right person standing beside you, walking with you, giving you the love you deserve, you absolutely can. It took them a bit to get there, but when they did, was it ever sweet. And that ending! I am so ready to head back to Tennessee and get more of these Becker brothers!
A perfect, page turner for the summer! Original, witty small town romance.
Loved this story and book finished it in 2 short days
**3.5 stars**
This was a cute, fun, and sexy read.
Ruby Grace is only 19, and she’s engaged.
Noah Becker is 28 and works at Scooter Whisky Distillery. They meet when she purchases a whiskey barrel for her fiancé and Noah is the one to show her the choices.
The chemistry and sparks between these two were definitely there. The storytelling of this author is amazing. She made me feel those sparks.
Ruby & Noah shouldn’t be attracted to each other.
1. Because she’s engaged.
2. Because she’s a lot younger than him.
3. Because he’s a Becker. What would the town think?
But they just couldn’t fight the pull toward each other. They found excuses to hang out. Even though they both knew it was wrong. Hello delicious sexual tension!
I loved their interactions and friendship, although at times, I felt Ruby was maybe a bit immature. Or maybe naive is the right word. But at other times, her maturity shined through and I forgot her age. Would I have loved this more if Ruby Grace had been older? Perhaps.
And I have to mention… I really disliked Ruby’s parents… I just couldn’t with them. What they did…what they thought was okay to do was despicable and unforgivable. And for Ruby Grace to (at one point) agree with it really frustrated and irritated me. Especially when the breaking of Noah’s heart was involved.
I loved Noah. He was sexy and charming with a little bit of bad boy mixed in there. He knew there were lines that couldn’t/wouldn’t be crossed, but he wasn’t opposed to fighting for what he wanted. He’s such a romantic, too. I love Noah. Did I mention that yet?
Even though there were some things I didn’t care for, there were plenty of things I loved.
The audiobook was great – the narrators did a fabulous job!
I’m very interested in the other Becker brothers!
I loved Kandi’s descriptive writing and her knowledge for whiskey! It was interesting to learn things I didn’t know about it through this book. Her writing paints a perfect picture in my head for the scenes described throughout. The cover is beautiful and the story was great. Starting out this series with Noah, was the perfect Becker brother to start out with (now that I’ve read all the books).
This was an adorable slow burn southern summer romance that totally stole my heart! Noah and Ruby Grace had such a great connection, starting out as friends, and slowly turning into something more. Noah was the perfect southern cowboy, with words that’ll make you swoon, a big heart, and wanted to see Ruby Grace to follow her dreams. Ruby Grace was a very sweet young girl, who was forced to grow up quickly once the engagement happened and she was selfless in her decision to help her family
Queen Kandi delivers another delightful story- a slow burning, age-gap story infused with small town charm, swoony heroes, and a heart-warming romance that will leave you nostalgic for those Tennessee sunsets and first true love butterflies.
Our heroine, Ruby Grace, has returned to her small town in TN (I love any story about my home state!) to plan her wedding. She’s small town political royalty- the Mayor’s daughter, and is marrying a politician herself (super young, at age 19), just as her parents always wanted. But best laid plans always run amuck, as her entire world shakes when she comes across local bad boy, Noah Bennett, when she visits Scooter Whiskey to buy a present for her fiance.
I love Kandi’s stories- she immerses so much in this sitting while squeezing us with such depth of emotion. Her writing is always beautiful- smooth, engaging, captivating- but even then, I wasn’t sure I would love this book- I don’t love love triangles- the back and forth, the potential for cheating, the wishy washy emotions- not my favorite trope. But, trust in Kandi- because I adored this story, because this isn’t about the triangle- it is about love, what is should be, if only you let it.
I loved Ruby Grace- she’s really charming and lovable, she’s so loving and kind-hearted at her core- and much of her love and support of others led her on this path. She’s young, she doesn’t know what she wants, and Noah help her recognize that no one has ever really cared what she wants, including herself- but he does. And, Noah is swoon worthy- the perfect small town ladies man- the charismatic man with the reputation but a giant, vulnerable heart deep down, a man loyal and protective and committed to those he loves. A family man. He has such heart- I could practically feel it beating my hands. He’s so incredibly sexy in every way, and the chemistry these two have- the banter, the heat, the angsty push-pull- it just oozes from the pages. It is clear they see into each others souls, a visceral connection that is undeniable, and oh so beautiful.
One thing that I always appreciate about Kandi is how empowering her emotional journeys are for her heroines. The theme of self-acceptance, self-worth, charting your own course and owning who you are- her heroines are often caught between the lives they have and the lives they want or haven’t even yet envisioned, and the love story is told in parallel to emotional and captivating arcs around self-identity and self-discovery. Women who experience true love that inspire them to live for themselves, to be unapologetic in the pursuit of their own happiness, and to be bold enough to do what it takes, no matter how hard, to find that version of themselves that has eluded them- not for a man, but for THEMSELVES.
This love story is so charming- slow-burning, at times humorous, others agonizingly angsty, but always captivating- with such dynamic tension- these two have a giant age gap, are from different faces of their small town society, and Ruby is engaged. But love comes when you are bold enough to allow it to. There is just so much heart. Like a some good ole TN whiskey- this story goes down smooth, hits you with that energizing burn, and leaves you warm and content.
4.5 stars
This book is funny, and sweet and all the things a good romance book should be. I really enjoyed it!
I adored Noah and Ruby Grace. On the Rocks was nice and sweet start to this series and I can’t wait to get to know more of the Becker Brothers. Noah was amazing. I loved how he showed Ruby Grace exactly how a woman should be treated. He was so genuine, honest, and supportive of Ruby Grace’s dreams and brought her so much happiness in a time of uncertainty. I honestly felt bad for Ruby Grace because Noah basically called her out on everything wrong with her engagement to her fiance Anthony. He made her so happy and made her feel like her dreams were a reality. I just really loved all the moments they spent together. Now I can’t wait to read about the rest of these brothers.
Kandi Steiner sure had me going on this one! I was rooting for Ruby Grace and Noah so hard!!
Ruby Grace’s character is well-written when her young age is considered: wide-eyed and hoping for the best, not fully confident to make choices for herself. She puts up a good front, but deep down those insecurities show. Then there is Noah’s carefree attitude, willing to go for what he wants no matter the cost.
The journey they go on together had me frustrated, hopeful, sad, laughing, and joyful! I was emotionally in this story, which became a page-turner because I was anxious to see how things would play out.
And, of course, let’s not forget the buildup and explosion of those hot and steamy moments!!
I also love the supporting cast of characters built up here- not least of all Betty!!!
The climax of this story had me gasping, cheering, and laughing! The only thing I was really hoping for was a second epilogue!
Can’t wait to read on with the rest of the Becker brothers!
This is the first book I have had the pleasure of indulging myself with from Kandi Steiner. I was not disappointed. On the Rocks was a sweet, and heartfelt journey to go on with Ruby Grace and Noah. This book had the right amount of angst, humor, and romance. I enjoyed this story.
Ruby Grace is 19 and coming home to get married and when she goes to get her fiancée a gift of rare whiskey she sees Noah. Noah is 29 and works there and sees Ruby Grace and is instantly attracted to her. Noah and Ruby Grace get friendly and he realizes that a Ruby Grace may not be as happy as she seems. There is a lot of obstacles. Great characters and storyline. Highly recommended. Great book. This is my first book by this author definitely not my last.
What can I say about Kandi Steiner’s NEW Becker Brothers series… I mean, it’s Kandi Steiner!!
Noah Becker & Ruby Grace Bennett’s story was perfect! I loved both characters. Noah especially. The patients that he had for Ruby Grace was the thing that kept the story going. He was a perfect gentlemen all the way.
If you are looking for a story that will draw you in from the first words, this the book for you!
~ Review by Heidi Pharo
So much SWOON and angst, and fire, and EVERYTHING!! A joy to read, I immersed myself in this little world and didn’t want to come out. I love, loved, loved it!! Small town romance MUST read!!
~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
Kandi Steiner can write words like no other. This book has all the feels. From one minute you’re biting your nails wondering what’s going to happen next, then you’re laughing along with the characters and in the next minute you’re crying your eyes out wondering how things will end up.
Noah Becker is a real charmer. He’s a family man, he’s true and loyal to those he loves, and he works at the local whiskey distillery. He’s the perfect book boyfriend.
Ruby Grace Barnett isn’t your typical nineteen-year-old. With a father for mayor and a fiance going into politics, she doesn’t live the normal life as she should. Noah is the only one to notice this about her, to call her out on her BS, to tell her that her wants and dreams matter.
I love these two together. With many ups and downs and arguments, when they finally came together it was like fire!! I was so giddy reading this part!! And that ending, OMG I couldn’t believe how it ended, but I’m assuming we’ll see more of them in the upcoming novels.
This book is everything. It has a real small town country feel to it and I love those settings in stories. I’m so excited to read the rest of the series and learn more about the notorious Becker brothers.
Ready to drink some Whiskey!
This book was FABULOUS! 5 Big stars and I cannot wait to continue with this family and their town with the next book!
Don’t ya love it when people antagonize the hell out of each other? Wait, how bout when there is a common denominator and it contains alcohol? Now that is the kind of story that has me all in! On the Rocks is that story and if you know anything about Kandi Steiner, you know she is going to bring the fun story to life.
Noah is that hometown alpha independent male with a good life and all the good looks… or so the women say. He is sure of his abilities and is a motivating team player in all the antics that occur at the distillery. What better life can a man ask for? Oh, if only he knew what was about to sweep into his life like a wildfire.
Ruby Grace is that wildfire. Single, beautiful, self assured, and determined would be great adjectives to describe her. But there are underlying issues facing her daily, and she fights to overcome them repeatedly. Her surprise support comes in the form of a smart alpha male that takes no crap and gives as well as he gets.
I laughed (snort out loud laughing), shook my head, cheered for each of them at one time, and both as the friendship grew, and all out had a blast with this story. There is no way I do not give it all the stars it deserves and more. Well done Kandi!
Terrific small town romance with engaging characters. I loved the Becker boys and Noah was such a hot hunk. A little mystery and a fuzzy past with the distillery and the involvement of the Scooter (what’s up with that name?!) and Becker families. Ruby Grace was intriguing as the town’s good girl with family pressure to be a political side piece rather than living our her true passions. She was so sweet and sometimes clueless but other times she shined as a wonderful human being. The history between Ruby Grace and Noah was cute and provided a strong foundation for their slow burn/build romance. Seemly an odd couple but they are so perfect together it just takes a big step and faith for Ruby Grace to go for the perfect that is the fabulous Noah and a sweet and sexy relationship. I loved the way he was there for her and lead her to her truths rather than the junk feed to her by family and her fiancé. It was a little predictable but still an entertaining read. Loved the small town setting and I can’t wait for the next Becker boy story. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.
Oh the angst. I expected just that and got lots of it. I’m a southern girl currently living in the PNW, and this book gave me some serious homesickness. I adore the south as a setting, it feels like a little vacation back home. Noah Becker and Ruby Grace Barnett were such a rollercoaster. She’s the mayor’s daughter, engaged to an aspiring politician and being pushed into the same life her mom has even though that’s not what she really wants. He’s trying to make sure his father’s not forgotten at the distillery he helped build. Everyone thinks they don’t belong together, but Noah knows they do, he sees through the facade Ruby Grace puts up daily, which is all she wants, to be seen.
**potential spoiler**
I love that this book ends with Ruby Grace heading out for a stint with AmeriCorps. Don’t get me wrong, she belongs with Noah, but she also needs to live her life and follow her dreams. I think sometimes in the romance genre authors focus so much on an HEA being marriage and babies, when in reality, that’s not everyone’s HEA. I know that in the story, Noah talks about both of those things with Ruby Grace, but recognizes her need to follow her dreams first and I really appreciated that about this book. I’m so excited to see where this series goes.
This is one of my favorite reads of 2019. So much angst, tenderness, and WHISKEY. It’s the kind of romance that stays with you for a long time after you’re done reading.