Two best friends follow a dangerous and seductive path in the final standalone novel of the bestselling Whiskey and Lies series from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan.Ainsley Harris has always kept a secret from her best friend. She’s stood by his side, helped him raise his daughter, and tried to keep her distance even though she’s been in love with him for years. She knows he has secrets of … secrets of his own and she’s not willing to chance what they have on a possibility.
Loch Collins has hidden himself and his past from the world for good reason. Darkness always comes back to haunt those who fight against it, and he knows better than most. One night of temper, however, forces him to realize his true feelings for Ainsley—for better or worse.
But Loch’s former allies aren’t on his side anymore, and now not only is his life and the life of his daughter on the line, but Ainsley is in the crosshairs, as well. Together, two best friends must fight for each other and their small town, because Whiskey has never burned brighter. And danger, it seems, is ever lurking.
more
FINALLY!!!!!!!!! Since book 1 I’ve been dying to see what happens with Loch and Ainsley!!
The way these two finally got together was THE BEST!! I loved the uncertainty of it, the breaking point and the pieces that followed. There were so many layers to them as a couple, even before they were a couple. It was great to see them get peeled back to see how they fit together. One of the most adorable parts was how Misty was involved. This little girl seemed to really want to play Cupid, even though that’s never really made mention.
The twists and turns in this book were amazing. I loved the edge of suspense that this book took on. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I love how Loch dealt with the bad situations and how caveman like he was about protecting everyone around him.
And the ending. I am the biggest fan of epilogues and Carrie Ann does them SO WELL. This was a beautiful ending to an amazing series. So glad we got to see another connection with the Montgomery’s with this family
Wow! I absolutely loved Loch and Ainsley’s story!!! They have been best friends for years and she has been his and his daughters rock. She has been in love with him for years, but is too afraid to say anything and ruin what they have. One night at the family bar Loch realizes that he is seeing Ainsley not just as his best friend, but someone he is lusting after. That scares him on many levels, and he feels he needs to keep his emotions locked down. That all changes when a threat from his past comes back into his life, and his daughter and the woman he loves are now in danger. Will he have the courage to admit his feelings after one smoking hot night together, or will he push her away forever? I’m not telling…read to find out!!!!
Ryan sure knows how to keep the readers asking for more!
Loved this series
This third and final installment to this series was an enjoyable read as Loch and Ainsley move their relationship from friends to lovers as the pair come to terms with their feelings for each other. Their story was an action packed read that I could not get enough of that had a few twists that I did not see coming. The chemistry between the pair was off the charts when they finally gave into their feelings. I enjoyed the return of the characters from the previous books since they were all close through out the previous books in the series. Loch and Ainsley’s story was a great way to end this series and I am a bit sad that the series had to come to an end.
The narration from the audio version of this book that was performed by Maxine Mitchell was performed well making this book an enjoyable listening experience. The narration was clear and she did well differentiating between the different characters.
I would recommend this book and series to others.
Carrie Ann Ryan captivates you with Whiskey Undone. A perfect example of a masterpiece. Emotional and heartfelt, this book is must.
The final book in this series gives us Loch and Ainsley’s story. She is a teacher and he has a thing in security. But when the past comes back to haunt Loch, he must not only keep safe the daughter he loves but his best friend for whom he has feelings. Can everyone survive the onslaught and come out at the other end? Their family and friends of course are there to support them and help them to their HEA. I so loved their story. I always find that once you read a friends to lovers story you seem to of read them all as they seem to have the same story but what Carrie Ann Ryan does is take a story and spin it off its axis, throw in a few familiar faces to help out and what we have is a fantastic story. All of these can be read as a stand alone but a read of a few book to get an understanding might be a good idea.
With this final installment in the Whiskey & Lies series, readers have saved the best for last as a friends-to-lovers romance is put to the test by danger from the hero’s past. Through two previous books readers have come to feel like a part of the Collins family and become fully invested in this couple’s unforgettable journey to HEA with everything coming to a head here.
Loch Collins was once a member of a powerful security organization, an organization that stayed within the bounds of the law. With his suddenly becoming a father though he decided to leave that way of life behind. Unfortunately, other nefarious members of the group have come knocking on his door to take what they think is theirs in a powerful battle over doing what’s right. Loch’s always felt ashamed by his past, despite making sure he never crossed any lines, and has always kept silent about his work. With him coming face to face with his past he can no longer stay silent and by telling the truth he can only hope to keep his loved ones safe and still be loved by them unconditionally. Loch is a drool-worthy hero, strong and silent, but no less clear on his devotion to Ainsley once he finally claims her. For too long he worried about his ability to be loved, considering his past, and kept her at arm’s length as he’d rather have her as a friend than not at all. With her life on the line though he realizes how much time he’s wasted in an emotionally intense journey to HEA.
Ainsley Harris grew up always loving Loch. He was older but she was wiser in knowing they belonged together as more than friends. He might’ve kept her close, but he kept her from becoming more out of fear. She’s ingrained in his life though, a part of his family and a psuedo-mother to his child. One night of frustration eventually changes things between them irrevocably and shows him just how much she means to him as they take their first rocky step to HEA. Ainsley’s an immensely likable heroine with her own past of heartbreak. The death of her sister fractured her family, left her alone, with the Collins family becoming her new family from a young age. Her interactions with the Collins clan showed their tight bond as they were heartwarming, supportive, and just what she needed when she felt frustrated by Loch’s behavior. When danger came to his doorstep Ainsley stood strong beside him, put her life and heart on the line for him in a pulse-pounding conclusion.
From the first page to the last this was an exhilarating read. The romance of friends-to-lovers was a powerful one that evolved in a slow and steady pace. Ainsley and Loch’s interactions were supportive and teeming with sexual tension that finally paid off for readers who have been patiently waiting for them through two previous books. The suspense putting their HEA in jeopardy was full of twists and turns, kept me on the edge of my seat with a few surprises along the way. Through it all Ainsley was a kick butt heroine. She fought for her HEA, both physically and emotionally, every step of the way in scenes that had me cheering. Loch too fought for their HEA, put his fears aside while watching in pride while Ainsley rescued herself. Alongside this memorable main couple was an equally appealing cast of secondary characters. I’m not normally a fan of kids in romance stories but Loch’s daughter Misty is a wise child throughout this story. She saw the connection between Ainsley and Loch long before the two of them admitted it and saved herself when need be too. I also enjoyed seeing the other members of the Collins family, getting updated on their HEAs, which added another emotional layer to the story. The girl’s night between Ainsley and the other Collins heroines was a fun addition to the story too and solidified the sense of family permeating this entire series. On a whole this was a familiar story with an exciting blend of sensuality and suspense, crafted with loving care by an author who beautifully defines family. Despite its familiarity it was a story that was immensely satisfying, cheer-inducing, and ended in a bow-worthy conclusion that will have readers ready to read this series from the very beginning all over again.
I really loved this book. Loch & Ainsley’s story as best friends, to two people fighting an attraction that has been growing deeper, and finally to lovers was a pleasure to read. When a single moment of passion creates longing and confusion, Loch’s past comes back to hunt him. Trying to find a way to protect all he cares for while still hoping for their HEA makes this a wonderful read and great ending to this series.
Action packed romance with just the right amount of drama! Ainsley and Loch had the best foundation for their love… friendship. But that transition wasn’t easy, but rather emotional and full of back and forths. Loved Ainsley the mostest, her willingness to be herself but also do for others what they needed. I wanted to smack Loch sometimes for his lack of action. But oh, when there was action…it was hot (gym scene!!!) or nail-biting drama. Fun roller coaster to their HEA!
The Whiskey series is definitely action packed. It was such a thrilling tale I couldn’t put it down!!
Possible SPOILERS
Ainsley and Loch have been best friends forever however things are changing….for the better??
Loch is hiding secrets from Ainsley and from his family as well but he is doing it for their own good/safety.
Ainsley is tired of Loch’s secrets and him pushing her away so she decides it’s time to confront him!
Loch’s past coworker has showed up in town causing havoc so Loch decides to move Ainsley into his place to keep her safe. Ainsley needs to get some groceries for the house but Loch isn’t available. On the way to the store Ainsley’s car is run off the road and all Ainsley can think about is protecting Loch’s four year old daughter Misty in the backseat.
Loch can’t figure out why Ainsley won’t answer her phone…..
This is the third and final book in the Whiskey and Lies series. Loch and Ainsley have been friends since they were in school and after everything they have been through together they have remained only friends. But they each horbor feelings for the other, and afraid of changing thier relationship or of the problems that could come they both stay quiet about their feelings. Until enough is enough and neither can hold back anymore. Their timing couldnt be worse as someone from Lochs past is out to destoy him even if it means framing him for murder, and they have no problems using Ainsley snd his daughter against him.
I loved this series and this book was the perfect was to cap it off. All of loch secret are revealed and in the end they have to fight together he cant just protect her or take over like hes always trying to do.
Ainsley and Loch are best friends. He is a single Dad, gym owner, and security installer. She is a teacher, and she watches his daughter, Misty.
One of Loch’s employees, Dennis, is found at the gym dead. Loch has an alibi from his family and Ainsley. He receives letters from an unknown person, claiming to the murder, and saying Dennis will not be Loch’s only friend who is murdered. His former mentor, Jadon, died, and left Loch his entire company, to either run or disband. Loch has to keep himself, his family, Misty and Ainsley safe.
This is book 3 of the trilogy, can be a standalone, but I would recommend the first 2 as well, because they are both great books as well.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Great conclusion to the series. Great friends to lovers romance with good suspense and drama. I think this is my favorite book in the series. Loch and Ainsley have been best friends forever and afraid to mess up their relationship by acting on growing feelings. On the path to their HEA they have to overcome their insecurities and outside interferences.
Ainsley and Lochs story is amazing, but so is any book by Carrie Ann Ryan. I dont want to put the book down!!!
As you may already know, if you follow my reviews, I am a fan of Carrie Ann Ryan’s Contemporary Romances and this book, Whiskey Undone, is a perfect example of why. This is a Friends to Lovers story which is always a fun trope for me, I guess it’s because I married my best friend so I can relate to it on a more personal level. While this book can be read as a standalone, it is the last book in the Whiskey and Lies series and will contain spoilers for the two previous books so I would suggest reading the books in order.
Loch and Ainsley have been best friends for years and Ainsley has been helping Loch raise his daughter, since her mother took off shortly after her birth. They have always said they were “Just Friends” but honestly you could feel the chemistry between the two in the first two books so I knew they were bound to get their HEA and I am soooooo happy they did.
This story had more than the romance between Loch and Ainsley, it had a Murder in the small town of Whiskey PA, it had break-ins, car crashes, and so much more. This story kept me on the edge of my seat and it wasn’t only from the great writing I believe it was also from the great narration of Maxine Mitchell. I received an Advanced Readers Copy eBook version, but I purchased the audiobook and I am really glad I did. Maxine did a wonderful job with narrating the audiobook she definitely added another layer to the storytelling.
This book is easy to recommend to just about everyone, lovers of Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, the Friends-to-Lovers Trope, even those that enjoy the DILF Trope. Happy Reading!!!
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Loch Collins seems to be having an off day. Ainsley Harris has had enough and has to pull up her big girl pants. She’s not going to know what hit her – or so I thought. Then Loch pulls one of those moments where we see a man who’s clueless. I liked how Ainsley didn’t slink away but stood up to him and spoke her mind. The days of when women kowtow to men is over. But there were times when I didn’t like Loch very much because of the way he made Ainsley feel.
This story shows that nothing seems to go smoothly in Whiskey. And for our enjoyment our author gives us a little mystery – got my hot chocolate ready. And because it has me in its claws early on, I prepared myself and kept some tissues handy just in case. Luckily the kitchen’s not too far away so that I don’t have to stock up.
Some may consider her a secondary character but Loch’s daughter Misty actually has a major role. One reason being she’s just too cute for words. Another reason is she steals both the scenes she is in as well as stealing the reader’s heart. She’s also the character that connects Loch and Ainsley. Family is important here and I loved that the ending shows that.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Does this series really have to be over? I suppose and since it does, I have to say, it ended in a wonderful way. Ainsley and Loch have been 2 of my favorite characters since the first book and It made me so happy to get to them in this last installment. I love the chemistry of these two characters so much.
This is Ainsley and Loch’s story, Ainsley and Lock are just friends but Ainsley loves Loch. She’s helped Loch and stood by him through everything, then they have a night that changes everything and Loch pushes her away to protect her. However, she’s already in danger so he needs to be keeping hr close not pushing her away.
I love this series and this story!!!
The end of a series is always hard, you have to say goodbye to characters you have grown to love, knowing that they are forever in your mind, but not with the Whiskey and Lies series. Carrie Ann Ryan is sure to make each of these brothers show up in some of her Montgomery books. They are just that great!
Loch and Ainsley finally get the book that we have been waiting for. So many twists and scary stuff going on here. Emotions were all over the chart with this one. The things these characters go through for love, oh my!
You have DONE it again Carrie.