The Burbon Bride by: Adrian R. Hale

The Bourbon Bride (Southern Gods #1)
Author: Adrian R. Hale
Published: December 2023
Publisher: Adrian R. Hale
Format: ARC E-Book
Pages: 348
Rating: 5/5
Summary:
She could have fled, but she chose to stay, and I’m just shameless enough to use that to my advantage to get what I want.

Hayes Olsen: Billionaire, Demanding Businessman, Killer of Dreams…

I rule as king of the corporate underworld, my worst deeds performed as CFO of Olympus International where I reign with my two brothers. My ruthlessness means I’m not well-liked, and far from accepted, but as luck would have it, the fates intervene on my behalf, sending a sweet debutante into my garden on the very night society gets its claws in her. Her innocence kept her at my mercy and now I’m never letting her go.

Paige Fairchild: Hotel Heiress, Southern Belle, Virgin…

I begged Mama to have my debutante ball at an exclusive nightclub. Meeting the club’s mysterious owner, however, was a bittersweet twist of fate. Hayes is refined, well-aged, and sinfully hot in a way that promises temptation and a world of pleasures I’ve never known. He could be the very key I’ve needed to leave my tightly controlled life behind, but it’s a risk that could have disastrous consequences.

I ran straight into the arms of the devil, and now he’ll never let me leave.

Review:

First I'd like to thank Adrian R. Hale and Grey's Promo for sending me an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. Let me tell you right now that I am HOOKED on this book, series and can mark Hale as a new auto-buy author. I'll read anything she's got... gimme it all!

This book was amazing. I had to physically force myself to put it down at the last 10% so I could go to bed, otherwise I would've finished pretty well the whole thing in one sitting. It was such a page turner, and I was definitely on the edge of my seat wondering when the shoe was about to drop on Paige and Hayes. And damn when it did, she ends us on a CLIFFY! The fact I have to wait until February is torturous, but don't let that deter you from reading this now because *chefs kiss.*

I know a lot of people might be over the whole virgin aspect of characters, but it's so realistic to see people at this age who just haven't experienced anything yet. I also feel like the growth for Paige was so necessary already in book 1, because not only did she seem to start of naïve, but she barely gets to have a say in her own life. So when Hayes comes into view, she knows what she wants and it's him. 

One particular quote (among many, lets be honest there were tons) really struck me not only personally in a way, but just to show Paige she's worth it all. The way he thinks about her all the time, the "Just because" flowers, all of it. The little things were big things and I loved it.

"Stop trying to make yourself small to fit into my life when you're the biggest part of it."

Let me take a second to talk about their families. Paige's mom I swear I'd love to reach in and give her a good slap across the face for how she treats her. Between her room, clothes, food she eats, her own deb ball and the man she's forced to marry... UGH she needs to go. But Haye's brothers? I love the interaction between the three of them. Like yes they pick on one another, but the minute something serious goes on, they're there at the drop of a hat. No questions asked and I loved it! And Hayes' dog? Give me children and pets in any book and I'm a goner. But the fact that this dog is a protector through and through, and the minute he meets Paige, he's right there with her always. LOVE!!

Throughout the whole book you see Paige begin to have her own voice, find out what she truly likes and wants and take control (in every aspect) of her life. It was amazing to read this shy girl become a strong woman, while yes... crumbling at the hands of Hayes Olsen. I mean how could you not when he literally says "who hurt you?" and is willing to take things slow until she's ready. Talk about SWOON!

And boy when Paige took charge and told him what she wanted, DAYUMM get yourself a fan because these two get heated!

I swear I could go on about this book, but just know I am dying for the continuation of these two. They already had some major growth, ripped my heart out and put it back together, just to do it again. Hayes not only is hot, but he's caring, possessive and gets what he wants. But does it come at a price when he's fallen for the girl that could hold it all?

Overall, I just loved this book. I DEVOURED the pages, leaving me wanting to know what will happen to the heiress and billionaire after things finally came to light. It was emotional, hot, heavy, and oh so swoon worthy. I highly recommend checking this out!

That's all for my review, I hope you enjoyed it!

So until the next time, keep reading! :)