Bourbon & Secrets by Victoria Wilder: A Sassy, Seductive Sip of Romantic Suspense

Bourbon & Secrets had me from the first sip—I mean, page. From the tantalizing setting of Fiasco, Kentucky, to the fiery chemistry between Faye Calloway and Lincoln Foxx, this book served up drama, secrets, and spice in a tall glass with no chaser. Here’s what I loved (and what left me buzzing):

Plot

The backdrop of a small-town bourbon empire sets the stage for a suspenseful romance brimming with tension. Lincoln Foxx, our charming single dad and bourbon distiller, has one rule: protect his girls and his family at all costs. Enter Faye Calloway, a burlesque dancer-turned-PI, who strides back into town like a hurricane, shattering that rule and uncovering truths long buried. Their love story is hate-to-love with a side of unresolved pasts, and boy, does it pack a punch!

Faye "Peach" Calloway: The Burlesque Badass

Faye is everything I adore in a heroine. She’s fierce, bold, and unapologetically herself. Her burlesque routines might dazzle the crowd, but it’s her PI skills and fiery comebacks that steal the show. The girl takes no nonsense, and honestly? I wanted to be her by the end of the book. The way she balanced her agenda while slowly becoming part of the Foxx family's lives was both heartwarming and empowering.

Lincoln Foxx: The Hot Single Dad with Nerdy Glasses

Lincoln is a man of contradictions: the small-town favorite who’s always smiling but secretly carrying the weight of his wife’s mysterious death. His love for his daughters melted my heart (seriously, Lark and Lily are adorable scene-stealers), and his reluctant vulnerability around Faye had me swooning. Watching him go from guarded to utterly smitten was pure magic. Also, glasses on a bourbon master distiller? Yes, please.

The Chemistry: Off-the-Charts Spicy

The banter between Faye and Lincoln had me grinning like a fool. They hate each other, can’t stay away, and when they finally give in? Sparks. Fly. The bourbon "tasting" scene? Let’s just say it was a masterclass in slow-burn done right. These two challenged each other at every turn, and the payoff was worth every fiery argument.

Secrets, Suspense, and Small-Town Shenanigans

While the romantic suspense angle took a backseat to character development, the story didn’t lose its edge. I’ll admit, I wanted more intrigue earlier on, but when the action kicked in around 80%, it was a wild ride. Victoria Wilder weaves family drama, blackmail, and redemption seamlessly into the plot, creating a story that’s as heartfelt as it is thrilling.

What Hit and Missed for Me

• Hits:

  • Faye’s journey from outcast to family protector was so satisfying.

  • The Foxx family dynamic is gold. (Can we talk about the Easter eggs for Ace and Hadley?!)

  • The small-town setting felt like a character in itself—rich, immersive, and full of secrets.

• Misses:

  • The suspense didn’t hit as hard as it did in Bourbon & Lies.

  • A few subplots felt a little rushed toward the end.

Final Thoughts: Sip It or Skip It?

Sip it, savor it, and maybe pour another glass! Bourbon & Secrets is the perfect blend of steamy romance and small-town drama, with just enough suspense to keep you guessing. Whether you’re here for the Foxx brothers, the burlesque brilliance, or the bourbon-soaked love story, you’ll leave satisfied.

Rating: 4.5/5

Verdict: Faye and Lincoln have raised the bar for this series, and I’m already counting down to the next installment. If you haven’t started The Bourbon Boys, what are you even doing? Pick up Bourbon & Lies, then dive into this one.