For the Love of Whiskey (The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Redemption Ranch) – book review

For the Love of Whiskey
by Melissa Foster
Release Date: April 19, 2023
Book #2 in The Whiskeys: Dark Knights
at Redemption Ranch series
Part of the larger Love in Bloom series
Number of Pages:  409
Contemporary Romance
Ages 16 and up
CW: rape, pedophilia, physical abuse,
child abuse, kidnapping, cult
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He’s a natural-born protector, a Dark Knights biker, and a hell of a rancher. What happens when he falls for a woman who has no idea who she really is?
When Sullivan Tate escaped from a cult, leaving behind the only life she’d ever known, she thought she’d already endured the most difficult things she’d ever have to deal with. She knew she needed to figure out who she was, but she hadn’t expected to fall for overprotective and sexy-as-hell Callahan “Cowboy” Whiskey along the way. How can she give her heart to a man who has always known exactly who he is, when she’s only just begun figuring that out about herself?

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This story has been in the works for a while. A lot longer than even avid readers of this author were aware. Per the author’s notes, she first wrote about Sully in 2013 but didn’t know her full story yet. I think it’s important to point out that the author makes sure to point out, in her author’s note, that Sully’s timeline of recovery is drastically accelerated for story purposes. That being acknowledged from the beginning made it easier for me to sink into this story.

The Whiskeys are an amazing family and I wish they were real and I could be in their inner circle when I read any of their books. Callahan aka Cowboy is so patient and gentle with Sully. He never pressures her to open up even when he knows she’s holding a lot in that is eating at her. He may not be one of the therapists on Redemption Ranch, but it’s obvious that he grew up with and lives around therapists. He’s learned some tricks to help others over the years. Yet there are times Cowboy is so focused on doing what is right for Sully and making sure she has the space and time she needs that he completely disregards his own wants and needs.

Sully has been through things most people cannot even imagine. Growing up in a cult has kept her sheltered in many ways, but it means she has seen and experienced things nobody should have to, especially a child. She is understandably skittish, but Cowboy helps her to feel safe. Although I wouldn’t have blamed her if she didn’t realize how much potential she had to hurt Cowboy, she still knew that any decisions she made about her future would affect him.

While this story broke my heart at times, I didn’t want to put it down. The love and support found in this story wrapped me in warmth. I expected nothing less from this family.

4.5 stars

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Freeing Sully
A Redemption Ranch short-story

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Freeing Sully
by Melissa Foster
Release Date: April 5, 2023
Publisher: World Literary Press
Book #1.5 in The Whiskeys: Dark Knights
at Redemption Ranch series
Part of the larger Love in Bloom series
Number of Pages:  42
Contemporary Fiction
Ages 16 and up
CW: rape, pedophilia, physical abuse, cult

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This a very short introduction to Sully, whose story is told in For the Love of Whiskey. This short story tells of how Sully escaped the cult. Per the author, she wrote this story in 2013 but didn’t find the right person for Sully to find her HEA with until almost 10 years later.

While this story is touching and intense and shows how brave and strong Sully is, it is not necessary to read it before reading her full-length book. But if you get the chance, it’s worth the short amount of time it will take.

5 stars