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Love and Libations #3
Bourbon and Burlesque
Is it a cliché to fall for the man who comes to your rescue? Or is it fated?
Kelley Michaelson
Love and affection had been missing from my life since I came out to my parents as a teen. Burlesque gave some of that back to me. When I take the stage, the audience admires me, the music loves me, but burlesque isn’t the passion of a lover, a soul-deep connection my heart yearns to share with another man.
When my boss’s father plays my hero from a stalker, I know my search is over. His vow to keep me safe feels like so much more than that. Smart, confident, loyal and generous, tough as nails…he can face anything, except when it comes to me. If he runs, I have a plan to catch him.
Graham Carrick
I never thought I’d give myself another chance to be a fool in love, but when Kelley strutted into my life on patent leather stilettos and turned it upside down, he didn’t really give me a choice.
Nothing has been the same since, including my heart. I don’t want life to go back to the way it was before, even if it could, but it doesn’t matter. The twenty-eight years that separate us are too many to bridge the gap, no matter how I think he makes me feel.
Bourbon And Burlesque is an age gap, grumpy sunshine, opposites attract gay romance with a femme-fatale burlesque dancer, a silver fox bar-owner, a dash of hurt comfort and forced proximity, and a diva kitten named Glitter. This is the third book in the Love And Libations series.
Kelley Michaelson
Love and affection had been missing from my life since I came out to my parents as a teen. Burlesque gave some of that back to me. When I take the stage, the audience admires me, the music loves me, but burlesque isn’t the passion of a lover, a soul-deep connection my heart yearns to share with another man.
When my boss’s father plays my hero from a stalker, I know my search is over. His vow to keep me safe feels like so much more than that. Smart, confident, loyal and generous, tough as nails…he can face anything, except when it comes to me. If he runs, I have a plan to catch him.
Graham Carrick
I never thought I’d give myself another chance to be a fool in love, but when Kelley strutted into my life on patent leather stilettos and turned it upside down, he didn’t really give me a choice.
Nothing has been the same since, including my heart. I don’t want life to go back to the way it was before, even if it could, but it doesn’t matter. The twenty-eight years that separate us are too many to bridge the gap, no matter how I think he makes me feel.
Bourbon And Burlesque is an age gap, grumpy sunshine, opposites attract gay romance with a femme-fatale burlesque dancer, a silver fox bar-owner, a dash of hurt comfort and forced proximity, and a diva kitten named Glitter. This is the third book in the Love And Libations series.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 29, 2023
32 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
June 28, 2023
4,5 stars. Everything about the blurb pulled me in, a huge age gap, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, opposite attracts, and more delicious content.
After being harassed by a stalker at work, Graham forbid Kelley to go back to his apartment. Graham will protect Kelley at all costs, and stay by his side all the time.
Graham knows Kelley is way too young for him, but looking doesn’t hurt tho.
Deep inside, Kelley is looking for ‘the one’, living with and being together with Graham all day long, he knows he found him.
Now he has to convince the man to be the one.
Kelley is a tease, delicious, naughty and Graham can only grumble.
Graham is close all the time, very close, protecting Kelley and taking care of him. Kelley is way too sensual and sexy, there are already ‘almost’ moments, and Graham has trouble holding back.
He has to protect him and not take advantage of him. Little does he know, Kelley yearns for it.
With the stalker still on the streets, there are some tensive moments, but the story was more about Graham and Kelley and their relationship.
Ahhh they both brought me to tears, they are just so sweet together!
A wonderfully written sexy story, full of sexual tension, teasing, pining, and at last surrendering.
It’s sweet and super hot at the same time. Two adorable main characters, you can only love.
After being harassed by a stalker at work, Graham forbid Kelley to go back to his apartment. Graham will protect Kelley at all costs, and stay by his side all the time.
Graham knows Kelley is way too young for him, but looking doesn’t hurt tho.
Deep inside, Kelley is looking for ‘the one’, living with and being together with Graham all day long, he knows he found him.
Now he has to convince the man to be the one.
Kelley is a tease, delicious, naughty and Graham can only grumble.
Graham is close all the time, very close, protecting Kelley and taking care of him. Kelley is way too sensual and sexy, there are already ‘almost’ moments, and Graham has trouble holding back.
He has to protect him and not take advantage of him. Little does he know, Kelley yearns for it.
With the stalker still on the streets, there are some tensive moments, but the story was more about Graham and Kelley and their relationship.
Ahhh they both brought me to tears, they are just so sweet together!
A wonderfully written sexy story, full of sexual tension, teasing, pining, and at last surrendering.
It’s sweet and super hot at the same time. Two adorable main characters, you can only love.
June 13, 2023
I’ve been looking forward to this book!! Damm I want a Graham and Rory sandwich!!! These men that Raquel created are amazing! (Rory is from book 2!)
Graham is a growly, possessive, caring, loving, teddy bear and I wants one!!! He’s perfect, he’s wise, he’s understanding but firm, but put him around Kelley and he’s a marshmallow!!
Kelley has not had the best ride in life, but now he’s doing what he loves, dancing. He’s become more confident in his body and the burley older man behind the bar has caught his eye, but he knows what he will say, “you’re too young”! Grr he wants his man and he’s going to stop at nothing to get him! And I loved that about him!!
Graham, although 28 years older than Kelley, was perfect for him, he took care of him in his time of need and in return Kelley cared for him too (even if he still refuses his green smoothies!)
Throw a cute kitty into the mix and you have yourself a family 🥰
Love this found family of men, I’m busting at the seems for book 4, the last one In the series 😭
It made me laugh, made me swoon, and the spice was spicy 🥵 I’m a sucker for a man in lace 🫠
Love Love Love💙
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Content warning read if you’re sensitive.
Book content-
🥃Big age gap (28years)
🥃Grumpy/Sunshine
🥃Femme burlesque dancer
🥃Biker bar owner
🥃Hurt/Comfort
🥃Forced proximity
Graham is a growly, possessive, caring, loving, teddy bear and I wants one!!! He’s perfect, he’s wise, he’s understanding but firm, but put him around Kelley and he’s a marshmallow!!
Kelley has not had the best ride in life, but now he’s doing what he loves, dancing. He’s become more confident in his body and the burley older man behind the bar has caught his eye, but he knows what he will say, “you’re too young”! Grr he wants his man and he’s going to stop at nothing to get him! And I loved that about him!!
Graham, although 28 years older than Kelley, was perfect for him, he took care of him in his time of need and in return Kelley cared for him too (even if he still refuses his green smoothies!)
Throw a cute kitty into the mix and you have yourself a family 🥰
Love this found family of men, I’m busting at the seems for book 4, the last one In the series 😭
It made me laugh, made me swoon, and the spice was spicy 🥵 I’m a sucker for a man in lace 🫠
Love Love Love💙
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Content warning read if you’re sensitive.
Book content-
🥃Big age gap (28years)
🥃Grumpy/Sunshine
🥃Femme burlesque dancer
🥃Biker bar owner
🥃Hurt/Comfort
🥃Forced proximity
June 11, 2023
Every book in this series just gets better and better! I'm so in love with Graham and Kelley! Graham is so protective and in awe of Kelley, it's so sweet! Kelley admires and respects Graham so much, and they both have this undeniable chemistry that's hot as F! Once Graham gives into his desires, things get hot and heavy. I enjoyed their story so much. Between the stalker issue and them falling in love, it gave me all the feels and really can't wait for the next installment of the series!
June 14, 2023
This series has gotten better with each new book and thats saying a lot since it started off great. I absolutely loved Kelley and Graham's story. They may have been total opposites but they are definitely perfect together.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
July 13, 2023
This was wonderful! Graham is another warrior who takes in Kelley after the stalker had tried to run them down outside the bar and then he stabbed Rory. Kelley is so beautiful and sweet and you want him to be safe and hope that Graham will fall for him. The relationship develops slowly but I really enjoyed the descriptions of Kelley doing yoga and his burlesque routines and his fabulous fashions and how Graham can't take his eyes off him. The time-off in the cabin was refreshing and being a cat person I loved that he was able to adopt Glitter and was amused at all of the paraphernalia that Kelley had to get for Glitter.
The stalker was very scary and when he attacked Kelley in the locker room I was holding my breath and then when he got angry and fought back because he was afraid that Graham would be hurt and he was so bad-ass and I loved it. The ending was wonderful and romantic and I felt so good after reading it. Really looking forward to Aries, Gordy, and Shannon's story.
The stalker was very scary and when he attacked Kelley in the locker room I was holding my breath and then when he got angry and fought back because he was afraid that Graham would be hurt and he was so bad-ass and I loved it. The ending was wonderful and romantic and I felt so good after reading it. Really looking forward to Aries, Gordy, and Shannon's story.
June 18, 2023
Sweet slow burn ❤️🔥🔥 Age gap and forced proximity 🔥 Love the writing and the characters❤️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
July 5, 2023
I really wanted to love this book. I love burlesque and thought it would be so cool. That part was. I really enjoyed the shows and loved that it was part of their story. However, the rest didn’t work for me. The beginning was very hard to get into and felt rushed or almost like we were missing part of the story. I definitely wouldn’t recommend reading as a standalone.
For me it was the portrayal of Kelley’s character that was off. It just felt like he was a 50s housewife and that’s all Graham wanted him for. There was one part where he did something that was super cool and I normally would have loved but it just seemed so far fetched for his character. It seemed like his outfits and cooking for Graham were the only things to his personality. I would have loved to see more depth to him.
Now that could absolutely just be me as I’ve read some of the reviews and people seem to really be liking this book. I absolutely still say give it a try if you love this author and enjoy an age gap romance with a femme MC. I hope you enjoy it more than I did!!
For me it was the portrayal of Kelley’s character that was off. It just felt like he was a 50s housewife and that’s all Graham wanted him for. There was one part where he did something that was super cool and I normally would have loved but it just seemed so far fetched for his character. It seemed like his outfits and cooking for Graham were the only things to his personality. I would have loved to see more depth to him.
Now that could absolutely just be me as I’ve read some of the reviews and people seem to really be liking this book. I absolutely still say give it a try if you love this author and enjoy an age gap romance with a femme MC. I hope you enjoy it more than I did!!
June 22, 2023
Full review to follow
July 20, 2023
In true Raquel fashion, she outperforms her last release by a thousand! Everyone has been impatiently awaiting Graham to receive his HEA, which was more than deserved, and Kelly exceeded his (and my) expectations. Along with the expected romance, though, there was also a tad bit of mystery.
As a burlesque dancer in what appears to be a popular lounge, fans are expected, but stalkers are a little different. I appreciated Raquel giving small pieces at a time, showing that most stalkers are unpredictable and sporadic. But Kelly was a fighter and wouldn't allow him to deter too much of his routine.
Like Rory, Graham can get it, can, get it, any time, any place, any position, or even watching him and Rory together. His protective intuition for Kelly was so sweet and never too much. And that mouth!!??!! 😩 I can't deal with these nasty men and their dirty innuendos; I want to lock them in the closet away from the world, saving their mouths for me 😁
I did love Graham and Kelly’s dynamic and undeniable chemistry. I did not forget their connection, powerful and explosive, just like the fourth of July. Even Glitter found a small corner in my heart ❤️
So excited for Shannon, Gordo, and Aries next!! Even though I admit, I'm a little more interested in Shannon and Gordo’s previous relationship, especially since they are technically related. I'm here for it all, especially the forbidden!!
As a burlesque dancer in what appears to be a popular lounge, fans are expected, but stalkers are a little different. I appreciated Raquel giving small pieces at a time, showing that most stalkers are unpredictable and sporadic. But Kelly was a fighter and wouldn't allow him to deter too much of his routine.
Like Rory, Graham can get it, can, get it, any time, any place, any position, or even watching him and Rory together. His protective intuition for Kelly was so sweet and never too much. And that mouth!!??!! 😩 I can't deal with these nasty men and their dirty innuendos; I want to lock them in the closet away from the world, saving their mouths for me 😁
I did love Graham and Kelly’s dynamic and undeniable chemistry. I did not forget their connection, powerful and explosive, just like the fourth of July. Even Glitter found a small corner in my heart ❤️
So excited for Shannon, Gordo, and Aries next!! Even though I admit, I'm a little more interested in Shannon and Gordo’s previous relationship, especially since they are technically related. I'm here for it all, especially the forbidden!!
August 20, 2023
Uncle G for the win
I think this was my favorite in the series. Graham is just perfect. I can't wait to read the next book and see how the Carrick family grows with each story.
I think this was my favorite in the series. Graham is just perfect. I can't wait to read the next book and see how the Carrick family grows with each story.
June 25, 2023
“Your routine is second to none. I’m sure you work very hard to be that good. But you as a man are incomparable... You, Kelley Michaelson, are in a class of your own.”
I have just finished Graham and Kelley’s story in Bourbon And Burlesque, and I'm so in love with this book!
It's perfect!!
These two together are so sweet, amusing, swoonworthy, and they are so sexy. Graham and Fancy are absolute fire together 🔥🔥🔥
When a stalker poses a danger to burlesque dancer Kelley Michaelson's life, bar owner, and Carrick family patriarch, Graham Carrick quickly becomes his protector.
Graham moves Kelley into his home and into his heart. But with an age gap between them and a past heartbreak holding Graham back, can these two ever become more?
I just loved their journey. The relationship development was well paced by Raquel Riley. They were flirtatious friends with undercurrents of how good they could be together.
From Graham thinking he was surreptitiously watching Kelley’s sensuous yoga workouts whilst reading his newspaper, to Kelley deciding to make Graham his. Once he set his mind on seducing Zaddy Graham, the man had no chance 🤣
It isn't long until Graham can no longer resist the temptress that is Kelley, aka Fancy.
I love Kelley’s individuality. His style is perfection; sultry and sassy, cute and girlish, sexy and strong, he's a style icon regardless of whether he's masc or femme presenting.
I loved the sweet moment when he was going on Graham's motorcycle and was concerned about how he looked.
"Is it too much?” His voice was a soft whisper.
He was really asking if he was too much.
I stared right back, my words ghosting over his glossy lips like a caress. “You could never be too much, Fancy. You’re nothing but perfect.”
Kelley has faced rejection for who he is in the past, and it hurt my heart to see his insecurity at that moment, but Graham was so confident and supportive. His response gave me butterflies 😍🥰✨️
I loved seeing the other characters from the previous books make an appearance, and then we have the hints for the next book, Tequila And Tattoos. I'm Team Gordy all the way 🥰🤣
Graham, Kelley, and Glitter are perfect for each other. Their story left me feeling so happy. I just wish I could watch one of Kelley’s sexy performances with a cocktail at Limericks! 🥃🔥♥️
If you want a sexy and sweet, low-angst light read, then Bourbon And Burlesque is the book for you!
Don't miss it when it releases on June 29th.
✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️
I have just finished Graham and Kelley’s story in Bourbon And Burlesque, and I'm so in love with this book!
It's perfect!!
These two together are so sweet, amusing, swoonworthy, and they are so sexy. Graham and Fancy are absolute fire together 🔥🔥🔥
When a stalker poses a danger to burlesque dancer Kelley Michaelson's life, bar owner, and Carrick family patriarch, Graham Carrick quickly becomes his protector.
Graham moves Kelley into his home and into his heart. But with an age gap between them and a past heartbreak holding Graham back, can these two ever become more?
I just loved their journey. The relationship development was well paced by Raquel Riley. They were flirtatious friends with undercurrents of how good they could be together.
From Graham thinking he was surreptitiously watching Kelley’s sensuous yoga workouts whilst reading his newspaper, to Kelley deciding to make Graham his. Once he set his mind on seducing Zaddy Graham, the man had no chance 🤣
It isn't long until Graham can no longer resist the temptress that is Kelley, aka Fancy.
I love Kelley’s individuality. His style is perfection; sultry and sassy, cute and girlish, sexy and strong, he's a style icon regardless of whether he's masc or femme presenting.
I loved the sweet moment when he was going on Graham's motorcycle and was concerned about how he looked.
"Is it too much?” His voice was a soft whisper.
He was really asking if he was too much.
I stared right back, my words ghosting over his glossy lips like a caress. “You could never be too much, Fancy. You’re nothing but perfect.”
Kelley has faced rejection for who he is in the past, and it hurt my heart to see his insecurity at that moment, but Graham was so confident and supportive. His response gave me butterflies 😍🥰✨️
I loved seeing the other characters from the previous books make an appearance, and then we have the hints for the next book, Tequila And Tattoos. I'm Team Gordy all the way 🥰🤣
Graham, Kelley, and Glitter are perfect for each other. Their story left me feeling so happy. I just wish I could watch one of Kelley’s sexy performances with a cocktail at Limericks! 🥃🔥♥️
If you want a sexy and sweet, low-angst light read, then Bourbon And Burlesque is the book for you!
Don't miss it when it releases on June 29th.
✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️
June 21, 2023
Bourbon and Burlesque is the third book in the Love and Libations series. It follows Kelley and Graham as they wind their way down love’s tricky path, deal with a stalker, and adopt the cutest kitten ever.
What do you do when you suddenly find yourself in the crosshairs of a stalker? One that has hurt a friend? Kelley, the super talented burlesque dancer at Limerick’s, finds himself at a loss. Well at least until Graham steps in to rescue him! Graham just calmly swoops in, collects him and his stuff, and moves him into his home. He is going to keep Kelley safe, for him, Kelley is a shining light that he can’t bear to see dimmed. The longer they are together, the more the sparks fly between them. This isn’t just lust, it is a love that will last, IF Graham can lower his walls and let Kelley into his heart.
Every time I think I have a favorite couple the next book comes out and Raquel Riley blows me away! I really thought Rory and Carlisle were it and then Kelley danced through the doors and into my heart. His determination to be himself, authentically, to do what he loved, struck a chord inside me. Graham, on the other hand, struck me as someone who’d been hurt and while he wanted love he wasn’t sure he was willing to reach out for it. Yet he loved every side of Kelley. He wanted him to shine and that kind of love is amazing. Each character that Raquel Riley gives us steals a piece of my heart and I willing give them over as I sink into her stories. I’m so ready for more and the final book Tequila and Tattoos! I’m going to miss these Carrick boys when the series is over.
What do you do when you suddenly find yourself in the crosshairs of a stalker? One that has hurt a friend? Kelley, the super talented burlesque dancer at Limerick’s, finds himself at a loss. Well at least until Graham steps in to rescue him! Graham just calmly swoops in, collects him and his stuff, and moves him into his home. He is going to keep Kelley safe, for him, Kelley is a shining light that he can’t bear to see dimmed. The longer they are together, the more the sparks fly between them. This isn’t just lust, it is a love that will last, IF Graham can lower his walls and let Kelley into his heart.
Every time I think I have a favorite couple the next book comes out and Raquel Riley blows me away! I really thought Rory and Carlisle were it and then Kelley danced through the doors and into my heart. His determination to be himself, authentically, to do what he loved, struck a chord inside me. Graham, on the other hand, struck me as someone who’d been hurt and while he wanted love he wasn’t sure he was willing to reach out for it. Yet he loved every side of Kelley. He wanted him to shine and that kind of love is amazing. Each character that Raquel Riley gives us steals a piece of my heart and I willing give them over as I sink into her stories. I’m so ready for more and the final book Tequila and Tattoos! I’m going to miss these Carrick boys when the series is over.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2023
“𝙄’𝙢 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙤 𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙁𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙮. 𝙃𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙖𝙨𝙩. 𝘿𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙.”
“𝙃𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙮, 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙤𝙥 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙚, 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜.”
This was too cute! A protective, older bar owner and a sweet, lovable burlesque dancer, a fluffy kitten and loads of swoonworthy moments. Wonderful!
When a stalker attempts to attack Kelley outside the bar at which he dances, and it seems like no family come forward to support him, Graham welcomes Kelley into his home. Graham feels this pull towards the younger man, a desire to protect him and comfort him.
Slowly, Kelley becomes so much more to Graham then a houseguest and friend. They have a biggish age gap (28years) but that doesn't matter one bit. Their love for and devotion to each other is so strong.
Throw in a fun, supportive family, a visit to a kitten rescue and this story is one beautiful, feel good romance.
“𝙃𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙮, 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙤𝙥 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙚, 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜.”
This was too cute! A protective, older bar owner and a sweet, lovable burlesque dancer, a fluffy kitten and loads of swoonworthy moments. Wonderful!
When a stalker attempts to attack Kelley outside the bar at which he dances, and it seems like no family come forward to support him, Graham welcomes Kelley into his home. Graham feels this pull towards the younger man, a desire to protect him and comfort him.
Slowly, Kelley becomes so much more to Graham then a houseguest and friend. They have a biggish age gap (28years) but that doesn't matter one bit. Their love for and devotion to each other is so strong.
Throw in a fun, supportive family, a visit to a kitten rescue and this story is one beautiful, feel good romance.
June 15, 2023
Raquel has created a really wonderful world in Coopers Cove.
This is the story of Graham (bar owner) , caretaker, and patriarch of the Carrick family and Kelley the burlesque dancer. Graham is 27 years older than Kelley.
We pick up with them after the second book where Kelley has a stalker and Graham vows to protect him until this guy is caught.
This book, to me, is a no angst story, age gap, found family love, and lots of sexy times.
Stay tuned because the fourth and final book is coming. I wonder if it will be as explosive as it seems to be leading up to it.
June 28, 2023
ARC COPY Review!!!
I have been waiting for Daddy Graham's story since reading Curious Relations...he may have came off gruff in it..but in his and Kelley's book...OMG...he is just like a fumbling teenage boy with Kelley...his words come out differently than he is really trying to say..he thinks he is covertly looking at Kelley throughout the first of the book...but he sees it all...he can feel the want coming from Graham..from the start of the book he is seeing the age difference and it throwing him off...and he tries to be the protector and not fall for Kelley..but Kelley has other plans and is determined to make Graham his...
I loved Kelley's character...I loved how he was this buff guy who had the heart and soul of basically June Cleaver..despite how he was raised with not a lot of love and kindness...that was two attributes that Kelley excelled at..he was such a loving and beautiful character...I agreed with Graham a lot of the times when he would be describing Kelley's wardrobe..like where does he shop...he brought the warmth and love that Graham needed and deserved...throughout the Love and Libations series he has been the rock of the Carrick clan..always there..and Kelley sees that..even though he is there protected by Graham...he is stepping in and taking care of Graham in return...
This is an age gap (my favorite trope), opposites attract, forced proximity, and found family story that brings together these two men that were meant for each other...they both compliment each other so well even though they are both on each end of the spectrum...Gah, Raquel..I don't know how she comes up with these characters that bury their way into my heart...
I have been waiting for Daddy Graham's story since reading Curious Relations...he may have came off gruff in it..but in his and Kelley's book...OMG...he is just like a fumbling teenage boy with Kelley...his words come out differently than he is really trying to say..he thinks he is covertly looking at Kelley throughout the first of the book...but he sees it all...he can feel the want coming from Graham..from the start of the book he is seeing the age difference and it throwing him off...and he tries to be the protector and not fall for Kelley..but Kelley has other plans and is determined to make Graham his...
I loved Kelley's character...I loved how he was this buff guy who had the heart and soul of basically June Cleaver..despite how he was raised with not a lot of love and kindness...that was two attributes that Kelley excelled at..he was such a loving and beautiful character...I agreed with Graham a lot of the times when he would be describing Kelley's wardrobe..like where does he shop...he brought the warmth and love that Graham needed and deserved...throughout the Love and Libations series he has been the rock of the Carrick clan..always there..and Kelley sees that..even though he is there protected by Graham...he is stepping in and taking care of Graham in return...
This is an age gap (my favorite trope), opposites attract, forced proximity, and found family story that brings together these two men that were meant for each other...they both compliment each other so well even though they are both on each end of the spectrum...Gah, Raquel..I don't know how she comes up with these characters that bury their way into my heart...
June 24, 2023
I don't think there are enough words to express how much I loved this book. This was my first book by this author and I am pretty new to the mm romance scene. This author made me fall in love with the two characters. Graham is the older man who is supposed to protect Kelley from a stalker. He never thought he would fall for the guy he was protecting. But he did. Kelley just needed to love and be loved. He had such a sensitive soul that he needed someone like graham to protect his heart. To protect him. And graham did. Graham fought his internal medicine thoughts telling him he was not cut out for a relationship and one with such a younger man. But Kelley just makes you fall for him. His heart is pure and that's just what graham needed. Graham needed to take care of someone and Kelley needed to be cared for. And once Kelley is in his element he blossoms to be the guy everyone loves. Sweet and sensitive. I can't speak highly enough about this story and the chemistry between the two. This author wrote a fabulous tale of an age gap romance without making it seem creepy. She made you feel the emotions of both characters and most of all as a mom I just felt the sense of peace knowing Kelley had someone who would take care of him and treat him as the amazing person he is.
January 1, 2024
Age gap or Sage wrap, what counts is in the heart.
Graham is a loner that has never really experienced the joys of love. When new challenges arise with Kelley, an entertaining dancer and beautiful boy that knows how to work a crowd who has a stalker that is pursuing him even into his apartment and his workplace. The more the stalker harasses Kelley, the more concerned and protective his boss Graham gets about the safety of Kelley, his cat Glitter, families, friends, and customers. The stress of constant implied threats make getting away critical until the stalker is caught.
Graham is a loner that has never really experienced the joys of love. When new challenges arise with Kelley, an entertaining dancer and beautiful boy that knows how to work a crowd who has a stalker that is pursuing him even into his apartment and his workplace. The more the stalker harasses Kelley, the more concerned and protective his boss Graham gets about the safety of Kelley, his cat Glitter, families, friends, and customers. The stress of constant implied threats make getting away critical until the stalker is caught.
October 8, 2023
Personally bourbon and burlesque wasn’t the book for me I felt it very much dragged at times as well as being boring which I was surprised about, seeing as a big part of the book is about Kelley having a stalker I felt that more could of been done with that plot. I got more than half way through the book before deciding to read halfheartedly.
The relationship between Graham and Kelley was sweet but again it was quite lacklustre.
Personally I wouldn’t Recommend this book but everyone has different tastes so give it a try if you’d like.
The relationship between Graham and Kelley was sweet but again it was quite lacklustre.
Personally I wouldn’t Recommend this book but everyone has different tastes so give it a try if you’d like.
June 24, 2023
Bourbon and Burlesque // Love and Libations // Raquel Riley
Release Date: 6/29/23
Y’all, I just loved everything about this book. Gimme all the silver fox, sassy pretty boy, opposites attract goodness, I am here for it. Throw in the sexy burlesque and a million costume changes, and it’s clearly made for me. Graham and Kelley are all kinds of sweet and spicy. These two have major chemistry. When it burns, it burns and I mean these scenes are SCORCHING. But don’t worry, there’s enough sweetness and a cast of characters to round this book out. Enjoy, 💋!
⏰Large Age Gap
✨Opposites Attract
☀️Grumpy / Sunshine
💄Femme-fatale Burlesque Dancer
🥃 Silver Fox Bar Owner
💕Hurt / Comfort
🏡Forced Proximity
🛌 Only One Bed
🔪Protector / In Danger
🔥K!nky tags:
Lingerie, Pretty Things, etc.
Sexy Dancing
Rough 6
Dominant Primal Top
Seductive Needy Bottom
Light Bondage
Edging
✅ Yes, book has listed trigger warning: This book contains stalking with escalated violence. Also mention of alcohol consumption.
Release Date: 6/29/23
Y’all, I just loved everything about this book. Gimme all the silver fox, sassy pretty boy, opposites attract goodness, I am here for it. Throw in the sexy burlesque and a million costume changes, and it’s clearly made for me. Graham and Kelley are all kinds of sweet and spicy. These two have major chemistry. When it burns, it burns and I mean these scenes are SCORCHING. But don’t worry, there’s enough sweetness and a cast of characters to round this book out. Enjoy, 💋!
⏰Large Age Gap
✨Opposites Attract
☀️Grumpy / Sunshine
💄Femme-fatale Burlesque Dancer
🥃 Silver Fox Bar Owner
💕Hurt / Comfort
🏡Forced Proximity
🛌 Only One Bed
🔪Protector / In Danger
🔥K!nky tags:
Lingerie, Pretty Things, etc.
Sexy Dancing
Rough 6
Dominant Primal Top
Seductive Needy Bottom
Light Bondage
Edging
✅ Yes, book has listed trigger warning: This book contains stalking with escalated violence. Also mention of alcohol consumption.
Read
June 14, 2023This book was so fun! Graham & Kelley were adorable together, and it was easy to speed through this to see what happened next. Graham calling Kelley “Fancy” is my favorite thing. And Glitter has the best pair of cat dads in the world. So cute!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2023
Couldn't put it down!
Once again Raquel dazzles us with love! Kelley and Graham are the cutest couple. One grumpy bar owner and one very sexy dancer. Through in a cute kitten and the love never ends!
Once again Raquel dazzles us with love! Kelley and Graham are the cutest couple. One grumpy bar owner and one very sexy dancer. Through in a cute kitten and the love never ends!
June 21, 2023
Graham and Kelley were fire and better then I even anticipated!!!! I was a little worried about such a large age gap (even bigger then Rory and Carly), but Raquel handled it perfectly. Of course we have found family with this group of men, and a lot of sweet moments with the MCs from the previous books. I also really like how the timeline in this book spanned part of the same timeline as the previous without rehashing every scene in the exact same way. OMG I need to know if there was videos used as inspiration for Kelley's burlesque scenes, because they were so hot! Even though this was a slow burn, it allowed us to follow Grahams inner turmoil and doubts about his own worth, and just how much Kelley needed and wanted him. I absolutely adored these two, and am soooooo excited for Shannon and Gordy next!
August 27, 2023
Worth The Read
This is my first time reading this authors books and it was worth the read. I started with book three because it has my favorite trope which is hurt/comfort. I stumbled across the author in a Facebook group I belong to. Kelley is a burlesque dancer and meets his bosses father Graham at the club he performs at and when a stalker sets his sights on Kelley, Graham steps up and offers his protection. Little did they know that Kelley would find the family and acceptance he was missing and that Graham would find his second chance at love. The characters from the previous books crossover but you don't have to read the others first to enjoy this book. I highly recommend this book and now I'm intrigued to go back and start at the beginning of the series.
This is my first time reading this authors books and it was worth the read. I started with book three because it has my favorite trope which is hurt/comfort. I stumbled across the author in a Facebook group I belong to. Kelley is a burlesque dancer and meets his bosses father Graham at the club he performs at and when a stalker sets his sights on Kelley, Graham steps up and offers his protection. Little did they know that Kelley would find the family and acceptance he was missing and that Graham would find his second chance at love. The characters from the previous books crossover but you don't have to read the others first to enjoy this book. I highly recommend this book and now I'm intrigued to go back and start at the beginning of the series.
June 24, 2023
Arc Review
Was very blessed to receive an arc copy.
To start off we are presented with Graham and Kelley’s story and how due to a stalker situation they came to live together😏. I read this book in just a few hours because it captivated me from beginning to end. I have laughed and cried a bit with their love story. 🥰 In the end who stole the show was Glitter ✨ (such a cutie🥰🥰😍). Was definitely worth the read and truly an amazing book. Can’t wait for the last installment of the series!
Ratings: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (The scene where Kelley wears red😏❤️)
Romance: 💘💘💘💘
DILF material: 😏😏😏😏😏
Glitter: 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻 (babygirl just stole the show)
Was very blessed to receive an arc copy.
To start off we are presented with Graham and Kelley’s story and how due to a stalker situation they came to live together😏. I read this book in just a few hours because it captivated me from beginning to end. I have laughed and cried a bit with their love story. 🥰 In the end who stole the show was Glitter ✨ (such a cutie🥰🥰😍). Was definitely worth the read and truly an amazing book. Can’t wait for the last installment of the series!
Ratings: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (The scene where Kelley wears red😏❤️)
Romance: 💘💘💘💘
DILF material: 😏😏😏😏😏
Glitter: 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻 (babygirl just stole the show)
June 21, 2023
Oh my goodness! I love these books so much. It’s such a pleasure to get to know everyone over the course of the series. A femme guy who dresses fabulously is one of my favorite types of characters, so of course I adore Kelley. His and Graham’s relationship is so dang sweet. We spend most of the book just getting to know the two as they spend time together. The stalker storyline is peppered in, but not overwhelming. Very low angst, with a very swoony HEA. I’m very much looking forward to the next one.
June 17, 2023
I'm loving this series so much and this was a great addition. In this age gap story we meet the beautiful dancer Kelley and older bar owner Graham. When Kelley is being stalked, Graham offers to look after him. They get on well and there is a chemistry and attraction between them but Graham is reluctant to act on it due to the age gap and having been hurt in the past but as they get to know each other better, it becomes harder to remember what's holding him back and at the same time Kelley is determined to win him over. This was a really lovely story that I enjoyed reading 💜
July 30, 2023
AWESOME SERIES❤️🔥❤️
Graham and Kelly’s story is wonderful just like the two of them! They both have the biggest hearts! I can’t wait for the next one!
Graham and Kelly’s story is wonderful just like the two of them! They both have the biggest hearts! I can’t wait for the next one!
June 24, 2023
Raquel has created a really wonderful world and family in Coopers Cove.
This is the story of Graham (bar owner) , caretaker, and patriarch of the Carrick family and Kelley the burlesque dancer. Graham is 27 years older than Kelley.
We pick up with them after the second book where Kelley has a stalker and Graham vows to protect him until this guy is caught.
This book, to me, is a no angst story, age gap, found family love, and lots of sexy times.
Stay tuned because the fourth and final book is coming. I wonder if it will be as explosive as it seems to be leading up to it.
This is the story of Graham (bar owner) , caretaker, and patriarch of the Carrick family and Kelley the burlesque dancer. Graham is 27 years older than Kelley.
We pick up with them after the second book where Kelley has a stalker and Graham vows to protect him until this guy is caught.
This book, to me, is a no angst story, age gap, found family love, and lots of sexy times.
Stay tuned because the fourth and final book is coming. I wonder if it will be as explosive as it seems to be leading up to it.
July 21, 2023
This was so delightful. Seriously. Graham is such a sweetheart. I've been looking forward to this book and it did not disappoint. Definitely my favorite of the series.
October 30, 2024
Love and affection had been missing from Kelley Michaelson's life since he came out to his parents as a teen. Burlesque gave some of that back to him. When he takes the stage, the audience admires him, the music loves him, but burlesque isn’t the passion of a lover, a soul-deep connection his heart yearns to share with another man. When his boss’s father plays his hero from a stalker, he knows his search is over. His vow to keep him safe feels like so much more than that. Smart, confident, loyal and generous, tough as nails - he can face anything, except when it comes to Kelley. If he runs, he has a plan to catch him. Graham Carrick never thought he'd give himself another chance to be a fool in love, but when Kelley strutted into his life on patent leather stilettos and turned it upside down, he didn’t really give him a choice. Nothing has been the same since, including his heart. I don’t want life to go back to the way it was before, even if it could, but it doesn’t matter. The twenty-eight years that separate us are too many to bridge the gap, no matter how Graham thinks he makes him feel.
I loved this story with the two men who were living in the same house as Graham went into protective mode for Kelley until his stalker was captured. Kelley had a beautiful soul and I was amazed that Graham resisted the pull towards him as long as he did. Be aware that Kelley has more changes of clothes than anyone else you know. Lots of emotions and feelings in this story. This was an MM story with mature content.
I loved this story with the two men who were living in the same house as Graham went into protective mode for Kelley until his stalker was captured. Kelley had a beautiful soul and I was amazed that Graham resisted the pull towards him as long as he did. Be aware that Kelley has more changes of clothes than anyone else you know. Lots of emotions and feelings in this story. This was an MM story with mature content.
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