The Bourbon Bargain by: Adrian R. Hale

 The Bourbon Bargain (Southern Gods #2)
Author: Adrian R. Hale
Published: February 2024
Publisher: Adrian R. Hale
Format: ARC E-Book
Pages: 373
Rating: 5/5
Summary:

Paige Southern Belle, Heiress, Virgin No More…

I fell for the devil, but our happily ever after is a tarnished thing that’s difficult to come by when the fates are involved. I thought my worries were over when I married the ruthless king of the corporate underworld—until he stole my legacy and crushed my dreams of running the hotel empire that’s been in my family for generations. Heartbroken, I managed to get away. Just when I’ve given up hope of a happily ever after, he’s after me, demanding we give our shattered marriage a second chance. I don’t think my heart can take another catastrophe of the Hayes magnitude. He will always be business first, and I deserve so much more than that. I don’t know if he is capable of changing something so ingrained in his nature, not even for love.

Hayes Disgraced Businessman, Dream Killer, Utterly Obsessed With His Wife…

I finally found a woman worth fighting for, but my boundless greed ruined everything. As my world crumbles with the unwanted separation from my wife, a devastating industrial accident puts me and my brothers in the hot seat, and the return of a business rival threatens to destroy everything we’ve built. Paige and I have a shot at building something beautiful together—if I can just convince her I’m worth all the risk that comes with it. This will be my greatest challenge yet, and she’s worth every painful step to show her I can change.

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! Now if you haven't read the first book The Bourbon Bride yet, be sure to do that first before you get to this one as it needs to be read in order!

With that said, The Bourbon Bargain dives right where the last book stopped. Hayes with his tail between his legs after everything that went down, knowing full well he needs to come racing back to Paige and tell her that he still loves her and wants to be with her. But can it be enough after all that he's done to acquire the properties he's wanted for his business portfolio? That's what we get to read through in the continuation here!

I'll say that even though Hayes does have growth in the book, I personally felt like Paige had more of a development for her character. Not only with standing up to her mother and getting even more of a back bone from book 1, but even becoming more dominant between her and Hayes... if you know what I mean. I think it was really important on every aspect of her growth to show she can be dominant and call the shots she wants for not only her life, her relationships, but also for work.

I also really enjoyed reading more of the business side of things between both Paige and Hayes. I feel like with Paige taking on a different role this time around, you get to see her dive right into the sort of life she's been groomed to take over. Not only that, but of course the hilarious family dynamic that is the Olsen's. Like right off the bat, both his brothers are telling him what an ass he is for not running after Paige to begin with. Wondering why he's sulking in his office instead of doing all the grand gestures to win her back, when they realize his true feelings are more than a business transaction. So of course I ate up these brothers and cannot wait to read their own story!

Another aspect that I loved in both books was the gossip chapters. I can't say much without spoiling, but getting these aspects between both Paige and Hayes' POV was actually fun to read about!

And the SPICE? Holy Hannah, get yourself a sprinkler, a hose, a fan... you name it! Because when these two come together, it's hot and passionate and everything in between. Like I said, Paige becomes dominant more in this book and it sure as hell shows!

Overall, I loved reading the conclusion to Hayes and Paige's story, getting to read more business side of things, and Hayes realizing there's more to life than just working all the time and getting whatever he wants simply because he can. And Paige standing up to her awful mother and getting what she wanted was just the cherry on top! It was emotional, entertaining and a page turner, I couldn't put it down, I DEVOURED it!!

That's all for my review, if you haven't checked out this new series then do yourself a favour and get it on your TBR now!

So until the next time, keep reading!

Your Graduated Bookworm! :)