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Gatlin Bourbon Brides #1
His Borrowed Bride
Evie
When I left home seven years ago, I never dreamed I would come back, but here I was. I had sold my dream home to pay bills medical that weren’t mine and also take on the responsibility of running my family's business.
What shocked me was realizing that everything I thought my father had, was currently all indebted to Deacon Gatlin. Heir of the Gatlin Bourbon fortune, hard-nosed business man and more handsome than anyone had a right to be.
One moment I was a single hardworking woman and the next I was the only ace up my father had left up his sleeve.
Deacon
The moment I saw Evie Williams at her fathers wake, I knew life would never be the same. I had heard she had come home to take over her family’s bourbon distillery. Her father had borrowed a lot of money over the years and I knew she couldn’t pay and I was ready to collect.
Getting into an argument in the church parking lot wasn't something I had thought would happen. She was feisty, brilliant and stunningly gorgeous.
Her offer of payment was tempting but I needed something more to further my business holdings.
I needed a wife.
A strong independent woman and a man who is used to getting his way. What could possibly go wrong?
When I left home seven years ago, I never dreamed I would come back, but here I was. I had sold my dream home to pay bills medical that weren’t mine and also take on the responsibility of running my family's business.
What shocked me was realizing that everything I thought my father had, was currently all indebted to Deacon Gatlin. Heir of the Gatlin Bourbon fortune, hard-nosed business man and more handsome than anyone had a right to be.
One moment I was a single hardworking woman and the next I was the only ace up my father had left up his sleeve.
Deacon
The moment I saw Evie Williams at her fathers wake, I knew life would never be the same. I had heard she had come home to take over her family’s bourbon distillery. Her father had borrowed a lot of money over the years and I knew she couldn’t pay and I was ready to collect.
Getting into an argument in the church parking lot wasn't something I had thought would happen. She was feisty, brilliant and stunningly gorgeous.
Her offer of payment was tempting but I needed something more to further my business holdings.
I needed a wife.
A strong independent woman and a man who is used to getting his way. What could possibly go wrong?
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2023
89 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 28, 2023
2 🤔🤔⭐️s
Deacon and Evie’s journey didn’t excite me.
It was well written, smutty, had many tropes and the emotional connection was adequate.
I got tired of too many “sir” and “darlin’” exchanges between the mcs.
The third act was resolved ridiculously easy, my eyes couldn’t stop rolling. Grovel was out of the question. 😤
Deacon and Evie’s journey didn’t excite me.
It was well written, smutty, had many tropes and the emotional connection was adequate.
I got tired of too many “sir” and “darlin’” exchanges between the mcs.
The third act was resolved ridiculously easy, my eyes couldn’t stop rolling. Grovel was out of the question. 😤
July 19, 2023
The start of the Gatlin Bourbon Brides series if the others that follow are anything like this, I will be waiting for the ones that follow my first by this author and I wasn’t disappointed. Talk about enemies to lovers these two really prove that Evie is such a sweetheart works hard, left home to live her life the way she wanted forced to sell her home to cover medical bills that didn’t belong to her, head home to help run a family business but what no one told her that the family business has so much debt that trying to recover was nearly impossible or that the debt owed was to none other than a Gatlin, and of course her father left her to deal with the mess he created without warning her just how big of a mess or what she would have to give up to clean up his mess. Deacon sexy as all get out grumpy billionaire who knows what or should we say who he wants doesn’t back down doesn’t what needs to be done including paying dirty to get who he wants and that yes ladies is Ms. Evie’s the one woman who can’t really stand to be around him. The attraction is instant, it is intense, and the magnetic pull between them can’t be ignored but that darn debt between, throw in emotional roller coaster ride that will take them on so many twist and turns forcing them to work with each other but where are they headed and will it lead them to something more than debt maybe happiness?
August 7, 2023
Didn’t do it for me. Too cliched. The only thing between the H and h was lust and sex. Didn’t feel they connected on any other level.
July 9, 2023
I could not put this book down for anything!! Evie comes home thinking she’s going to have to start running a failing company and ends up falling into the lap of father’s debt collector turned Prince Charming! Steamy love turned into happy ending. I love it!! I want the rest of the series already.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 1, 2025
“I knew what rule one was, but I just wanted to hear you say it. I love you too, Ev. To be honest, I’ve loved you since I made rule one up.”
✔️marriage of convenience
✔️enemies to lovers
✔️billionaire MMC
✔️age gap (he is 36, she is 24)
✔️just a little bit of suspense
2.75⭐️ rounded up
I usually love marriage of convenience books, but this one sort of missed the mark for me. That said it wasn’t the worst I’ve read, I just wouldn’t rate it higher. There are a couple of plot points that are still bugging me now that I have finished the book — what really happened with their ancestors to cause the animosity within Evie’s family, she makes a big deal about it at multiple points in the story but then the mom’s “explanation” didn’t explain anything? Why didn’t Evie fight back about the divorce (he was trying to protect her)/fight for their marriage when she fought him on everything else and they were in a good place, it felt out of character? Why did Evie’s personality keep changing back and forth?
All of that said, I liked the MMC Deacon. He is a ruthless businessman but so caring when it comes to Evie. He doesn’t like the situation any more than she does (especially at the beginning), but he always shows that he cares about her and will protect her, even if she doesn’t realize that is what he is doing. While I don’t love a third act breakup in a marriage of convenience book (conflict of course, but breakup is usually a little much and feels like drama for drama’s sake when they could have gone about the situation differently) I was actually more frustrated with the FMC than the MMC in this situation. She knew she was in love with him (and had a strong inkling that he loved her too), knew she could be honest and they could fight together, knew he wasn’t a bad guy or husband, and yet she is the one who gave up and she blames him. If anyone should have groveled it should have been her, IMO.
Anyway, aside from those issues, it was a fun read. It was definitely predictable in a lot of ways but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. There are some grammatical/typo errors, but it wasn’t enough to bother me. Overall I don’t think I would recommend but it didn’t feel like a waste of time either, if that makes sense.
✔️marriage of convenience
✔️enemies to lovers
✔️billionaire MMC
✔️age gap (he is 36, she is 24)
✔️just a little bit of suspense
2.75⭐️ rounded up
I usually love marriage of convenience books, but this one sort of missed the mark for me. That said it wasn’t the worst I’ve read, I just wouldn’t rate it higher. There are a couple of plot points that are still bugging me now that I have finished the book — what really happened with their ancestors to cause the animosity within Evie’s family, she makes a big deal about it at multiple points in the story but then the mom’s “explanation” didn’t explain anything? Why didn’t Evie fight back about the divorce (he was trying to protect her)/fight for their marriage when she fought him on everything else and they were in a good place, it felt out of character? Why did Evie’s personality keep changing back and forth?
All of that said, I liked the MMC Deacon. He is a ruthless businessman but so caring when it comes to Evie. He doesn’t like the situation any more than she does (especially at the beginning), but he always shows that he cares about her and will protect her, even if she doesn’t realize that is what he is doing. While I don’t love a third act breakup in a marriage of convenience book (conflict of course, but breakup is usually a little much and feels like drama for drama’s sake when they could have gone about the situation differently) I was actually more frustrated with the FMC than the MMC in this situation. She knew she was in love with him (and had a strong inkling that he loved her too), knew she could be honest and they could fight together, knew he wasn’t a bad guy or husband, and yet she is the one who gave up and she blames him. If anyone should have groveled it should have been her, IMO.
Anyway, aside from those issues, it was a fun read. It was definitely predictable in a lot of ways but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. There are some grammatical/typo errors, but it wasn’t enough to bother me. Overall I don’t think I would recommend but it didn’t feel like a waste of time either, if that makes sense.
July 20, 2023
Evie and Deacon’s story is not to be missed! Hot, steamy, with both tender and very raw moments, this book is mesmerizing. Unable to pay the debt her father owed to Deacon, Evie has no choice but to marry him as he demands. Their marriage is to last a year and all debts will be paid. Being married will give Deacon the edge he needs to seal a business deal with a man who values family. They make a set of rules and almost instantly break all of them, including no falling in love. Deacon is demanding, possessive and protective. He vows to pamper and take off her during the time they are together, something he believes few have done for her in the past.
Evie doesn’t know what to make of Deacon. One minute he is charming, almost kind and the next demanding and terse. She never thought she would be back in her home town again after her successful escape years ago. Her father’s medical bills and debt to Deacon make saving the family business nearly impossible. A marriage is the last thing she thought Deacon would want, but she finds herself both dreading it and strangely excited. No one can deny the super hot chemistry between them or their surprisingly strong connection. The rule of not falling in love is one she knows she has broken, but she has no idea what her complex and rather enigmatic husband is feeling. Their relationship seems to be a battle between advance and retreat, with the advance side winning until the day he says they are done. Is a happily ever after impossible for these two?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Evie doesn’t know what to make of Deacon. One minute he is charming, almost kind and the next demanding and terse. She never thought she would be back in her home town again after her successful escape years ago. Her father’s medical bills and debt to Deacon make saving the family business nearly impossible. A marriage is the last thing she thought Deacon would want, but she finds herself both dreading it and strangely excited. No one can deny the super hot chemistry between them or their surprisingly strong connection. The rule of not falling in love is one she knows she has broken, but she has no idea what her complex and rather enigmatic husband is feeling. Their relationship seems to be a battle between advance and retreat, with the advance side winning until the day he says they are done. Is a happily ever after impossible for these two?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 11, 2023
A very solid, enjoyable 3.5 stars
I really, REALLY wanted to give this story 5 stars, just on the premise of the trope alone.
But while reading it; there was just too much that didn’t make sense. I’ll list them in the order I can remember.
- the grammar and typos lead me to believe if there was an editor, they should consider another career
- the story takes these random, massive jumps and you’re left a little stumped
- the timing of events didn’t always make sense (for example, we see Evie having moved out, her boxes everywhere; her living at the office and then in the next chapter; she gets kicked out of home…again? Like huh?)
- there’s random bits of information thrown at us that are neither here nor there (Evie’s moms random boyfriend being mentioned)
- being introduced to Evie’s friend for a total of 5 seconds before realising they had no part in the story…
As you can see, there was a lot I didn’t like.
HOWEVER, I will tell you what worked.
- the pace of the story is great
-the story itself is nice
- the characters are likeable if a little unbelievable
- the Gatlin family comes with a lot of potential
- Bonnie’s writing is actually really nice minus the few typos etc ( we’re human, it happens, the editors should have picked this up)
Overall, I liked the story. Not enough to have my thirsting for another story by this author, but enough that I wouldn’t tell someone to stay away from it
I really, REALLY wanted to give this story 5 stars, just on the premise of the trope alone.
But while reading it; there was just too much that didn’t make sense. I’ll list them in the order I can remember.
- the grammar and typos lead me to believe if there was an editor, they should consider another career
- the story takes these random, massive jumps and you’re left a little stumped
- the timing of events didn’t always make sense (for example, we see Evie having moved out, her boxes everywhere; her living at the office and then in the next chapter; she gets kicked out of home…again? Like huh?)
- there’s random bits of information thrown at us that are neither here nor there (Evie’s moms random boyfriend being mentioned)
- being introduced to Evie’s friend for a total of 5 seconds before realising they had no part in the story…
As you can see, there was a lot I didn’t like.
HOWEVER, I will tell you what worked.
- the pace of the story is great
-the story itself is nice
- the characters are likeable if a little unbelievable
- the Gatlin family comes with a lot of potential
- Bonnie’s writing is actually really nice minus the few typos etc ( we’re human, it happens, the editors should have picked this up)
Overall, I liked the story. Not enough to have my thirsting for another story by this author, but enough that I wouldn’t tell someone to stay away from it
May 19, 2025
Little girl, LITTLE GIRL!? That's a fucked up thing to say to the woman you are marrying. I already didn't like this book so far, but that one sentence was the cherry on top. Eve has no backbone for a CEO of a freaking bourbon company. Or, let me correct she has no backbone with the man that is blackmailing her. She is already selling herself short, not capitalizing on the fact that Deacon also needs her and just accepts to marrying him even hatying him. Even so she just includes the family's bourbon recipe on the deal, handling everything to Deacon on a silver plate even when it was already mentioned it was worth a lot. And she didn't even try to negotiate? To add fire to the pire, she acts like an unconfident bitch to other women that flirt with the man she 'hates'. Pick me, much? If he needs help not to stray, that is a red flag as big as they come. Don't let me even start with Deacon. He is a controlling bastard and not in the "butterflys, toe curling" kind of way. You mean to tell me a man so 'busy' running an empire makes time to reprimand a, let's not forget, grown ass woman, after she is late 5 minutes, to a freaking shopping appointment? Also, the way it's described he thinks of her? Grotesque. Would not have been able to finish this book even if you paid me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2024
I’ve considered my rating over and over but it’s a solid 3.5 for me.
As predictable as the story line might be, I really enjoyed the smut and the dynamic between them.
It was a little confusing how she absolutely did not want to marry him, but when she agreed to it, she was basically fell in love immediately. Her character changed very quickly…not sure if I just ignored that because I was enjoying it; a sucker for a romance.
I just overall enjoyed it, quick and easy read to break up a streak of thrillers I’ve been reading. There are a few typos and it wasn’t the most well written thing I’ve read but it was a million miles away from being the worst.
I’m strongly considering finishing the series.
As predictable as the story line might be, I really enjoyed the smut and the dynamic between them.
It was a little confusing how she absolutely did not want to marry him, but when she agreed to it, she was basically fell in love immediately. Her character changed very quickly…not sure if I just ignored that because I was enjoying it; a sucker for a romance.
I just overall enjoyed it, quick and easy read to break up a streak of thrillers I’ve been reading. There are a few typos and it wasn’t the most well written thing I’ve read but it was a million miles away from being the worst.
I’m strongly considering finishing the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2023
***** 4.5 Borrowed Stars*****
This is my first by this author and it was good and it won’t be the last. Deacon and Evie’s story is a classic tale of enemies to lover story. Deacon knows what he wants when he first see’s Evie and Evie newly acquired debts from the distillery were to him he was about to use them for his own gains. Evie returns home after her father passing and is left with nothing but debt riddle distillery to her name. This is book flows so well the page’s fly by. I can’t to read more.
*****ARC from Book Sprout for review*****
This is my first by this author and it was good and it won’t be the last. Deacon and Evie’s story is a classic tale of enemies to lover story. Deacon knows what he wants when he first see’s Evie and Evie newly acquired debts from the distillery were to him he was about to use them for his own gains. Evie returns home after her father passing and is left with nothing but debt riddle distillery to her name. This is book flows so well the page’s fly by. I can’t to read more.
*****ARC from Book Sprout for review*****
July 18, 2023
Having sold everything to pay off her father's medical bills, Evie was shocked to learn that the business she came home to run was debited to Deacon one of the Gatlin brothers and an enemy to the family. After reading a letter left by her father, she had no choice but to enter into an agreement that would solve both of their problems. This story is filled with emotional twists and turns that had my feelings all over the place and cheering for Deacon and Evie's relationship to get on the right track.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 5, 2023
Evie and Deacon are worlds apart in this enemies to lovers, fast paced story. Coming home and finding her father in debt up to his eyeballs with none other than the Gatlins takes Evie by surprise. Deacon Gatlin is taken by surprise with all that he feels when he comes face to face with Evie. Their story is intense, amusing at times and HOT. There's no denying the chemistry between them and the animosity seems to just build up the game in a big way. These characters take us on fun, emotional, wild ride in book 1 of the Gatlin Bourbon Bride series.
November 1, 2023
Fast paced, enemies to lover, marriage of convenience on both sides. What more could you ask for? Evie and Deacon know of each other, how could they not with their family history? Evie comes home after her dad passing to find out he is horribly in debt to Deacon, with some requests with the debt, can it be fixed? Why not get married, debt gone and rules in place!
This story is great, there was some aspects I didn't like but overall it was a great read by Bonnie Poirer.
This story is great, there was some aspects I didn't like but overall it was a great read by Bonnie Poirer.
July 17, 2024
It is only one year
A great read. Can two enemies find common ground and get through their arranged married for a year. This is the last thing that Evie wants but she has no choice. If she wants to save the family business she will need to stay married to Deacon for a year. Deacon knows that it isn't going to be s walk in the park as he is trying to keep Evie off his mind. Will they be able to make it through the year or are they lost already? Great characters good storyline.
A great read. Can two enemies find common ground and get through their arranged married for a year. This is the last thing that Evie wants but she has no choice. If she wants to save the family business she will need to stay married to Deacon for a year. Deacon knows that it isn't going to be s walk in the park as he is trying to keep Evie off his mind. Will they be able to make it through the year or are they lost already? Great characters good storyline.
September 4, 2024
2.5 stars
The editor on this book needs a new career sheesh!!!!
This book should have been a 4 to 5 star read but the lack of editing or a least proper editing made this book so confusing. The grammar edits weren't terrible but the major plot holes added sections and missing information made me feel like I was reading one of those memes that doesn't make sense on purpose.
Only way you read this is if it's purely for the smut unless you like headaches.
The editor on this book needs a new career sheesh!!!!
This book should have been a 4 to 5 star read but the lack of editing or a least proper editing made this book so confusing. The grammar edits weren't terrible but the major plot holes added sections and missing information made me feel like I was reading one of those memes that doesn't make sense on purpose.
Only way you read this is if it's purely for the smut unless you like headaches.
July 10, 2023
Evie returns home after her father leaves her with a debt riddle distillery to her name. Deacon knew what he wanted when he first saw Evie and as her newly acquired debts were to him he was about to use them for his own gains. Well written steamy, desires angst and more!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 15, 2023
There is steam.
It is not a bad story but I am not sure if I really liked the characters. I did feel for the heroine of tale so much had been dumped on her but then to have the hero dump even more it just adds to the insult. The book is well written and worth reading. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
It is not a bad story but I am not sure if I really liked the characters. I did feel for the heroine of tale so much had been dumped on her but then to have the hero dump even more it just adds to the insult. The book is well written and worth reading. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
July 16, 2023
Fantastic grumpy hero
Deacon and Evie's story has become one of my favorites enemies-to- lovers story. Enjoyed how unintentionally their feelings for each other started to change and they break every rule they had stipulated. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Deacon and Evie's story has become one of my favorites enemies-to- lovers story. Enjoyed how unintentionally their feelings for each other started to change and they break every rule they had stipulated. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 18, 2023
Well worth it
Loved this book one of my favourite tropes, Deacon and Evie got on so well lots of Romance and happy times with a bit of suspense thrown in 😀 😊
Definitely recommend reading this book 📖 👌 👍
Loved this book one of my favourite tropes, Deacon and Evie got on so well lots of Romance and happy times with a bit of suspense thrown in 😀 😊
Definitely recommend reading this book 📖 👌 👍
September 8, 2023
I really enjoyed this story, it had a little of everything. Between the love-hate relationship, the betrayal, and blackmail from an ex, family that doesn't always seem to know when to back away and a relationship of convenience this is one story that is well worth reading.
July 10, 2024
The trope was great but the execution was shoddy. Th female lead is fiesty about things that don’t need it and gives in when she shouldn’t. The male lead barely grovels for something he does at the end, and she just accepts it two sentences later. Yuck.
April 5, 2024
This was soooo bad. And so cringe
Badly written, needs a basic spell check amongst other things. And the characters were caricatures.
I liked the basic concept tho.
Badly written, needs a basic spell check amongst other things. And the characters were caricatures.
I liked the basic concept tho.
September 17, 2024
The ex-boyfriend blackmailing her was too much of cheap conflict & compleltey unnecessary.
December 1, 2024
His borrowed bride
I liked the story, and it moved at a reasonable pace. There are several typos. The story is stand-alone and has a happy ending.
I liked the story, and it moved at a reasonable pace. There are several typos. The story is stand-alone and has a happy ending.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews