Early Review of Wild at Whiskey Creek (Hellcat Canyon, #2) by Julie Anne Long

Title: Wild at Whiskey Creek
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Hot in Hellcat Canyon
Format: Paperback; 384 pages
Publisher: Avon (November 29, 2016)
ISBN-10: 006239763X
ISBN-13: 978-0062397638
Author's Website: http://www.julieannelong.com/
Notes: I received an eARC loan from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I am also an Avon Addict which means I love the books that Avon publishes enough to volunteer to read as many ARCs and books as they can send my way. So you'll be seeing a lot of books reviewed by me from this publisher. Please note, however, that if I don't like a book, it will be truthfully reflected by a low rating.

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Glory Greenleaf knew she was destined for greatness. Everyone who listened to one of her songs or heard her sing knew she had talent. Her plan after graduating from high school had been to leave town and get discovered. She'd been saving for years to do just that, but life had other plans. Just days before her planned exit her brother was arrested and in order to keep her mother from losing her house, she'd had to use her savings to help pay what she could on the mortgage.  Now, several months later, Glory is still living in the same small town hoping to one day make it big.

Deputy Eli Barlow had known the Greenleafs for years and Glory's brother, Jonah, had been his best friend. He'd once harbored a crush on Glory and, truth be told, still does. After arresting Jonah, he'd known she'd never forgive him and the one kiss they'd shared would likely be his last. While romance seems off the table, he's determined to gain her friendship back. He'll try to earn her forgiveness all the while knowing it won't be easy. Glory is fiercely loyal to her friends and family and she believes what Eli did was an all out betrayal. 

When I first started reading this story, I thought it would be your average run of the mill girl makes it big in the music industry type of romance story. After pressing on for a couple of chapters, however, I started to get drawn into the story by a surprisingly multifaceted, complex, and real to life set of characters. It soon became clear this was a surprisingly heartwarming and touching story that had individuals with clear cut dreams, goals, set backs, disappointments, and issues. In other words, I became totally hooked.

Glory is the type of person who is tough as nails, determined, loyal to a fault, and tenacious as they come. While her family is far from perfect, it has always been filled with love and affection. When Eli arrested Jonah he was doing his job, but to Glory it felt like a betrayal. The two have never talked about what happened and the arrest hangs between them like a barrier they can't get past. While Eli is determined to make it up to her, he needs to get her to talk to him first.The thing Glory doesn't realize is that Eli feels betrayed as well. His best friend put him in a position he never wanted to be in. 

I couldn't help but give this one 5 out or 5 roses. I fell in love with this couple, It was like watching two good friends you know are meant to be together finally get it right. Glory's journey to get noticed and gain a break in the music industry was like being on an emotional roller coaster filled with highs and lows accompanied by a lot of twists and turns. As I always say, little things (aka details) mean a lot, and this tale was jam packed with them and a gesture on Eli's part that turned the story into something special. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed. A wonderful story I HIGHLY recommend.

Order of the Hellcat Canyon series: