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Country Road #1

Whiskey & Honey

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See alternate cover edition here.

Guys have rules. Rule #1: You don't date your sister’s best friend.

Bentley Sullivan hasn't found the one. He's always been the good guy - the gentleman. With one quick, and possibly irrational, decision everything changes. After a case of mistaken identity and a drunken kiss, Ben is convinced that the one is finally right in front of him. Only, she's untouchable.

Girls have rules. Rule #1: You don't date your best friend’s brother.

Piper Lawrence has not been successful in love. Almost as quickly as she swears off men, he comes into her life. Her childhood crush and the man who has set the standards for every man she’s ever dated, he is also the one man she can’t have.

A single kiss changes it all.

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 12, 2016

607 people are currently reading
1833 people want to read

About the author

Andrea Johnston

29 books659 followers
A romantic at heart, Andrea has always been a storyteller. An avid reader since a young age, she never planned to pen her own romance novel but, on a whim, and with no plan, she discovered her passion. Known for her slow burn small town romances, Andrea prides herself on writing relatable characters that the reader cheers for and secondary characters who bring the sass and laughs to each story.

Settled in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and dog, she counts down the days when her adult children come home for a visit. Even if it means more laundry!

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5 stars
421 (33%)
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476 (38%)
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270 (21%)
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22 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews
Profile Image for Polly.
686 reviews244 followers
July 22, 2016
It's not often (never) I go into a book without reading a blurb and I also never go into a book written by a author that I have never read before without getting tons of info first. Something about this title and cover just really pulled at me and I signed up without knowing anything and I'm so glad that it was a winner!

Whiskey and Honey is a "falling in love with best friend's brother" romance. These type of books can be rather hit or miss for me but I fell in love with this one. The town had a small town homey feel to it and it pulled me right in. I loved not only the main couple but all the side characters as well. Everyone knew everyone else and you could not keep a secret. It kid of reminded me of my own hometown.

Piper has the worst luck with guys. She's a serial loser dater. No one has ever measured up in her head to what her dream man is, her best friend's brother Ben.

Ben just came home after working out of state and literally the first day notices that Piper has grown up. A chance kiss puts her on his radar and he refuses to give up.

This couple was so cute! They gave me all the gushy feels. Of course they had to hide their relationship but watching them fall in love was everything!

I highly recommend this one to people who like low angst and high sweetness.

*arc provided for honest review*
**The Review Loft**
Profile Image for Taylor.
1,564 reviews56 followers
July 22, 2016
Piper got on my nerves with her insecurities and her "I need space/I'm avoiding you" routine.

Ben was total insta-love while piper took too long to come around.

Pipers mother is a bitch and should be ashamed of herself for the shit she instilled in pipers head.

Ashton and Jameson were so obviously crushing on each other, well her more than him really, that it got tiring and I just wanted to smack them both.

I love a BFB or BBF book but I don't like the whole martyr thing a lot of these characters do.
Profile Image for Brina.
408 reviews87 followers
April 25, 2019
4 Stars

Read full review here: Brina and the Books

This book is your typical girl-falls-in-love-with-her-best-friend's-older-brother-kinda-story. Even though Johnston's idea for this story is simple, Whiskey & Honey is a heart-warming, sweet, and romantic read without any serious drama or traumatic pasts. In other words, it is a completely feel-good read.

Piper and Bentley aka Ben were great characters. It was exciting to get to know them and see where the journey would take them. What I probably liked most about them and the secondary characters was the fact that they were already in their mid- to late-twenties. As I'm heading closer to the big 3 0, older characters have been of more interest for me lately (which doesn't mean I will stop reading YA or NA books).
The chemistry of the main characters was off the charts. Some of their interactions and meetings were so swoon-worthy, I felt it tingling in my tummy. They were just right for each other; they made sense.

"I don't want us to miss out on something that is so perfect because we are worried about what may happen or of hurting someone's feelings. At some point we have to put ourselves first."

Even though Bentley was the perfect boyfriend (and book-boyfriend obviously), he was sometimes too alpha-male for my taste. I just don't find it very appealing when guys get too caveman on their soon-to-be-girlfriends/girlfriends.

With Whiskey & Honey, Andrea Johnston introduced me to a great group of friends and a new world enirely. I hope I find some time to read the rest of the series soon because I can't wait to read about the other characters and their adventures.

**********

Cuuuuute!!
RTC!!
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
April 19, 2019
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/19/2019)! 🎁
Profile Image for Beth.
184 reviews6 followers
July 21, 2016
Team Biper Forever!

Andrea Johnston writes in a very easy style which makes me, the reader, feel very present in the moment with her characters. I feel like I'm watching her characters acting through a TV screen. She has a very descriptive style of writing and knows how to establish a scene in a book. She does this in Whiskey and Honey which is a fun and lighthearted read. I wanted to grab my kindle and give it a good hug after reading it because this type of book is why I read romance. The hero is a good man who cares for his family and friends, the story is full of a group of friends who make up a family unit who support each other and there is just enough conflict which makes me bite my nails hoping for the resolution that I crave.

This book is about Ben and Piper who are friends who have grown up with each other in a small town. Ben has been away for several years and has come back to his hometown and is immediately smitten with Piper, his little sister's best friend. One kiss changes everything for them. Even though the book focuses on Piper and Ben, they are a part of a group of friends who are like family. It was nice to read about them, and I hope Ms. Johnston continues this series with each character's story in this close-knit group.

Some other things I enjoyed were reading about a character's healthy relationship with an ex. It was refreshing to see that in a romance because it's pretty rare. Additionally, the small town setting was comfortable and made me feel right at home.

I recommend reading Whiskey and Honey on a rainy, Saturday afternoon while you are warm and cozy on your couch with a cup of tea in your hand. It's like wrapping yourself in a warm cocoon! It's such a sweet book with just the right amount of angst.

*An ARC was given to me in exchange for an honest review.*
Profile Image for Ally.Always.Reads.
761 reviews136 followers
June 3, 2018
3.5 Stars
I'll start off by saying that this is my first Andrea Johnston book and I can't wait to dive into more! I'm in the Country Road crew now so I'm definitely going to have to find out what happens with the rest. And for obvious reasons, I'm DEFINITELY reading the novella!! Woo! We all need a little more Bentley James!

I really enjoyed this book. I am absolutely in love with Bentley James Sullivan... I don't care who's claimed him. He's mine now, ladies!

So this book has been out for a couple years, has been through at least one cover change, perhaps other things happening with it... I don't know. I just found quite a few editing issues, and if y'all know me, you know it's one of my pet peeves. I'm not perfect. They're not perfect. But there's been a lot of readers since it's release and a few prior to it, I just think there should've been a smaller number of errors. It's just me. We all have pet peeves. This is mine, sorry.

Also, I literally just finished another best friend's sister/brother trope.... just like that one, this one was too much repetitiveness. (Is that a word? I just complained about editing and here I am, making up words...) There was just so much "we can't do it because of {name}," "it wouldn't be right." YADA YADA YADA....
Like we get it. You don't think it's right. Move on.
I just felt that I was reading the same conversation over, and over, and over.
Maybe that's the norm for this trope? I know I've read them before but I feel like they weren't as repetitive. Maybe it's just been a while...?
Profile Image for Courtney.
1,985 reviews210 followers
July 27, 2016
Whiskey & Honey is the first book I've read by Andrew Johnston. It's a very sweet and easy read.

I enjoyed everything about this book. The family, friends and camaraderie between everyone makes you smile big time. It's heart-warming story.

Ben moved away after high school when he started college and never came back except to visit here and there. Ashton, Ben's sister is best friends with Piper. They're like sisters. So they all grew up together along with a few other close friends of Ben's.

Whiskey & Honey is Ben and Piper's story. I won't go into details about how everything comes together and works out. Piper isn't a very confident woman and Ben has always been her childhood crush. Andrea stays true to the characters and their reactions to things. And that's what makes these characters very relatable and likeable.

Andrea definitely ties everything together with the other characters who will find yourself wondering about. I am hoping we get to read about more of these characters in future books down the road.

Overall, a beautiful and heartwarming read that is perfect to soothe your soul and make you grin like a love-sick puppy.
Profile Image for Amy .
3,129 reviews
July 21, 2016
~~~Beta Read~~~

"This must be what heaven is because I can't get enough."

"When it comes to love, isn't the risk worth the reward?"

Whiskey & Honey is the second book by author Andrea Johnston. It is well written and an overall beautiful story. I am a sucker for friends to lovers romances, so this book was right up my alley. I fell in love with the characters right away and had to know more about them. And let me tell you, their story does not disappoint.

Whiskey & Honey is the perfect summer read. It's filled with love and laughter. It will make you swoon, fall in love, give you all the feels and leave you with a smile on your face.
Profile Image for Rochelle.
1,642 reviews
September 20, 2020
My first Andrea Johnston book and it won’t be my last. Good best friend’s brother romance between Ben and Piper. Loved the chemistry between the characters. If you are looking for a fun read to help pass the time and give you the feels, then this is the book for you.
Profile Image for ravishing_reads_ Rachel.
303 reviews12 followers
July 16, 2019
Great read

Loved this book. So many characters that I can not wait to read about. Ben though was totally swoon worthy. Watching him and Piper grow together in a relationship was so good. Definitely will be continuing the series.
98 reviews
July 23, 2016
Adorable & sexy! A modern day fairy tale.

Piper and Bentley have known each other their entire lives. he's her best friend's older brother and in spite of her crush on him growing up, he's always been off limits. This was never an issue before since he didn't seem to know she existed. But now, since he's moved back home, Piper is suddenly everywhere on his radar and that proves to be a bit of a problem.

Andrea Johnston explores a topic I think most people can relate to: "When it comes to love, isn't the risk worth the reward?" and I think she hit the nail right on the head with this one. Beautiful, sexy, and sweet-- Whiskey & Honey is an adorable tale about real love and what it takes in yourself to hold onto it.

I couldn't get enough of this light and happy tale. As someone who normally engulfs herself in angst-filled drama, this book was a refreshing step away from that. With that being said, don't think it lacked drama or substance, it certainly did not! Johnston knows how to write well-rounded characters filled with emotion and heart. Even her villains have a background story that begs to heard. I adore her writing and the world she's created in this book! I can't wait to read more.

8 reviews
July 11, 2016
I got the honor of receiving an ARC for Whiskey and Honey, and I don't know if I will have the words to do it justice.

I read Life Rewritten, Johnston's first release, at the recommendation of a friend. Loved it. I was patiently awaiting the release of Anna's story, and all of the sudden there is Bentley and Piper. I figured, what the heck. Life Rewritten was good. What will happen with new characters?

Holy. Moley. Within pages, I was engrossed. I found myself in Piper, sharing some of the same flaws. I found myself falling in love with Bentley, knowing he was the perfect match for Piper, but needing to overcome his own demons.

I will read this book again and again. I will also wait (im)patiently for the next books in this series.

I am the type of reader who finds an author and sticks with them. One book could have been a fluke. Two books may still be a fluke. My money is on Andrea Johnston being the real deal. Now she just needs to write faster!!
Profile Image for Sara.
1,404 reviews166 followers
July 13, 2016
I can't even tell you how much I loved this book.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Bentley Sullivan is the man of Piper's dreams. She has had a thing for him since she was a teenager, but he never noticed her and he's her best friend's brother. Piper was different back then, unsure of herself, awkward, but over the years, she has become a self-confident, beautiful woman. On Bentley's first night back in town, he sees a woman at the bar and kisses her. He doesn't know it's Piper, who was in the bar after dumping her cheating boyfriend. Once they figure out who the other is, the undeniable attraction is hard to fight. Piper fears being hurt. Bentley wants her and will do whatever it takes to get her and keep her.

Oh, Ben (Bentley) is just so yummy. Piper is broken, but strong and likable, not sappy and whiny. Their story is sweet and the ending...oh I loved their HEA!
135 reviews
October 17, 2018
Do not believe the reviews

Irritating & over the top best friend? Check
Bad book bonus - she gets to set the whole tone for the book.
h with zero backbone? Check
Bad book bonus - she has been around the H all his life because he's her over the top bff's big brother but can't break the bros before hos with her bff. If the h was just starting college... Maybe. But she's a 25 yr old kindergarten teacher and he's a 29 yr old 4th grade teacher. Impossible to make this a taboo relationship. This whole premise was ridiculous.
I can't believe there are nothing but 3-5 stars.
Profile Image for Bff Book Blog.
396 reviews35 followers
July 21, 2016
Whiskey & Honey. I love the way the words of this title play together and roll off the tongue. Even the words sound smooth and sweet; and that is exactly how I would describe this book! Whiskey & Honey is sweet, sassy and a little steamy. It is everything I look for in a Romance Novel!

When Bentley walks into the bar behind a smoking hot woman, he's immediately attracted and distracted. When he finds her sitting at the bar angry texting an Ex, he sees his opening. They snap a payback picture of the hottest kiss Ben has ever shared with a woman. But, the magic is shattered way too soon when he realizes that his stunning mystery woman is Piper.

Piper can't believe that she is kissing Ben. On the plus side, he's the boy of all of her childhood dreams (and a few adult fantasies.) On the negative side, he's her Best Friends big brother. That's gotta break some kind of code some where. Ben and Piper quickly discover the connection, but it is already too late! The sparks are flying and while they might think it's best to tamp them down, the pull to one another is just too strong.

What ensues is a journey about accepting happiness where your heart finds its home. Ben and Piper both face their insecurities and struggle to come to terms with the possible impact of this relationship for their family and friends. They must decide if being together is worth all the risks for what could be the ultimate reward. And this journey is delicious.

The book leaves you with all the feels. Whiskey & Honey and these characters made me laugh, smile, sigh and swoon. Most of all, it just made me happy. I know it will make you happy too, one-click this one today and join #TeamBiper!

BFF Book Blog also uses a set of icon ratings. This book received additional ratings for: butterflies, character development, happily ever after, hero, steamy, sweet and tension. An advance copy was received in exchange for an honest review and I was a beta reader for this project.
Profile Image for Brandi .
1,682 reviews4 followers
January 19, 2018
I really liked the small town setting & many of the characters but... I just didn't fall in love with this book.

There were three big things I just couldn't get behind in this story: The constant pushing away by the heroine, the hiding of the relationship by both the Hero & the heroine & the involvement of the Hero's ex-girlfriend. No, no & a big, fat HELL NO! I couldn't stop shaking my head, rolling my eyes & saying "WTFrak-ever!" when these things happened. *sigh*

I'm interested in seeing how things unfold for Jameson & Ashton but haven't quite decided to one-click their book yet. (Gotta charge up my b*tch-slapper hand first because I know I'll need it for those two.)

Side Note: Would've LOVED more descriptive sex & well... more sex scenes in general in this book! :)
Profile Image for Renee Entress.
5,593 reviews78 followers
July 22, 2016
4.5 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, and heartbreak.

This is Piper and Bentley’s story. Piper and Bentley had a moment. But what they feeling are against the rules. But you can’t choose how you feel. Can these two overcome the rules they thought they needed to follow? Or will they have to stay away from each other? Can to people who are meant to be together really survive without each other? But will one kiss change everything?

I loved these characters and also the side characters. I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Brenna.
253 reviews8 followers
July 21, 2016
Whiskey and Honey was a read that certainly matched its title; it was sweet, but packed a little punch. As a reader, I love a book with a "happily ever after," with a smattering of angst mixed in...this book delivered! The dynamic and relationship between Piper and Ben was engaging, entertaining, and the reader couldn't help but root for them. It was easy to see their hesitation, but really, who doesn't want love to win out in the end?! Whiskey and Honey kept me flipping pages, smiling, and shaking my head in frustration. The perfect blend for a good summer read!
Profile Image for Rachel Hager.
1,031 reviews15 followers
May 24, 2020
“That’s not even a month! How do you fall in love in less than a month?” Ashton huffs. “you don’t,” Ben answers, squeezing my hand and looking at me. “You do it in an instant.”

This was my first experience of Andrea Johnston’s work and I was beyond impressed. This book was absolutely addicting from the first page through the last. I couldn’t put it down! I’m really hoping there’s a second book so that I can spend some more quality time in this world.

Our story begins with a kiss. A earth-shattering, show-stopping kiss between Piper and Ben. Ben is spending some time with his guy friends at a bar and sees a fiery red-head ordering a drink. He can’t stop staring at her, he’s enamored. He approaches her, flirts a little, and then notices that she’s texting some guy…it’s obvious she doesn’t want to be texting this guy. So Ben grabs her and kisses her, taking a photo so that she can send it to this other guy. It’s only after his sister, Ashton, the bartender, smacks him in the face with a wet rag, does he realize that the woman he’s so taken with and is kissing is, in fact, his sister’s best friend, Piper. The girl he grew up with. She’s changed…she got hot. Ben can’t get her out of his head as time moves forward. He can’t un-see her as this precious jewel. He’s completely overcome with emotions. So…he decides to pursue her.

This is NOT going to work for Piper. She is cannot fall for her best friend’s brother! Especially when she realizes that her best friend will most likely never forgive her if the relationship goes south. But she can’t deny her attraction to Ben. She’s been in love with him since she was eight years old when she dressed up as a princess for Halloween and he dressed up as a cowboy. At risk of Ashton’s wrath, our two lovers begin a secret relationship. Now you know that can’t be good. As the reader, you’re just waiting for the other shoe to drop at this point. It’s the worst feeling ever. But also…you can’t help but fall in love with Piper and Ben. Their relationship is so easy, they get along and challenge each other. They make each other better people. Anyway, so Piper suffers from some serious insecurities. A lot of it stems from her mother who was always telling her that she wasn’t good enough and it was okay to settle. Because of that, Piper has had a series of really terrible relationships. She always settles for men who aren’t good enough for her and who treat her like crap. She doesn’t think she’s good enough for Ben, she fears that she will get attached and then he will leave her. This is the root of all of the issues in this book. It’s gets pretty frustrating at certain points because you just want Piper to allow herself to be happy! Like COME ON GIRL. But if you sit with it for a while, and really contemplate her past and what she’s been through, it makes sense. She’s just trying to protect her heart.

These characters are so complex and beautiful. I loved every second of this book. I won a paperback copy in a giveaway which is how I discovered this author. I will 100% be reading more of her work. I would highly recommend this book to any and all romance readers. 5 stars!

“Something about that girl made of a little whiskey and honey had me seeing things clearly.”
Profile Image for Heather.
316 reviews9 followers
April 28, 2017
Country Road is the local watering hole in Lexington. Ben (Bentley) has his eye set on the girl at the bar, there's just something about her calling to him. Piper has just broken up with Tony, Ben's rival from school. What happens when the boy of your dreams is the one you want, but he's also your best friend's brother? Follow Ben and Piper's story to find out how things play out.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,115 reviews81 followers
July 21, 2016
This was a cute fun fast read for me. I got sucked in right from the beginning. It had a nice wholesome feel to it. Not a lot of drama...Lots of back and forth.
And... I would say this book is YA.

Ben moved back home needing a change in his life. He was in a long term relationship that just didn't feel right to him. He wasn't feeling his job anymore. He knew he needed to go back home and start over again.
Immediately after returning home.... Things started to click back for him. He felt like he lost a piece of himself living in the city and working a job he really didn't care for. And now he's started to feel like himself again since moving back home.

Piper is Ben's younger sister best friend. I felt kind of bad reading her parts in this book. She seemed to have a lot of self esteem issues. She never thought she was worthy of Ben. And she had a hard time taking complements.
In a way it was kind of frustrating. It always seemed like she was looking for a way out. She was constantly shutting out Ben. He really had to work hard at breaking down her walls. Her mother didn't make things any better. But I felt Ben was very patient and understanding. And was willing and determined to show Piper she was very much worth it.

I honestly felt that whole just letting go and just being with Ben took too long. Way to long.
I felt the the attraction and chemistry between Piper and Ben. There was a lot of mixed feeling on Piper's part. As I kept reading I wished that she would just get past them all. The whole hurting Ashton's feelings was just not enough for me. I started to feel bad for Ben a little bit.
When Piper would let her guard down. I loved it. Because I could see how good they were together.

There's was lots of foreplay going on with them. (Which I loved!) but....I just wish we had a sexy passionate sex scene to go with all that foreplay. I felt I was build up and slowly let down a bit.
Yes... We have a sex scene... But it really felt rushed. And sort of glossed over.

If I had to say something bad thing about this book it would have to be Ashton. I really was not feeling her character at all. I thought she was over the top, childish and mean to Ben and Piper. Always putting her two cents in about being with other people. I kept waiting for it to turn with her. To drop her selfishness. She did in a way.... After her little temper tantrum.
And I HATED the way she treated Jameson! Hated it! She was just so over the top with him. The name calling was just too much.

Overall... This was a good book. It flowed nicely. I thought the ending was cute!

I would read more books by this authors.

*ARC provided for an honest review*

(This same review is on my blog goodreads account.)
Profile Image for We like it big book blog.
969 reviews44 followers
July 21, 2016
This was a cute fun fast read for me. I got sucked in right from the beginning. It had a nice wholesome feel to it. Not a lot of drama...Lots of back and forth.
And... I would say this book is YA.

Ben moved back home needing a change in his life. He was in a long term relationship that just didn't feel right to him. He wasn't feeling his job anymore. He knew he needed to go back home and start over again.
Immediately after returning home.... Things started to click back for him. He felt like he lost a piece of himself living in the city and working a job he really didn't care for. And now he's started to feel like himself again since moving back home.

Piper is Ben's younger sister best friend. I felt kind of bad reading her parts in this book. She seemed to have a lot of self esteem issues. She never thought she was worthy of Ben. And she had a hard time taking complements.
In a way it was kind of frustrating. It always seemed like she was looking for a way out. She was constantly shutting out Ben. He really had to work hard at breaking down her walls. Her mother didn't make things any better. But I felt Ben was very patient and understanding. And was willing and determined to show Piper she was very much worth it.

I honestly felt that whole just letting go and just being with Ben took too long. Way to long.
I felt the the attraction and chemistry between Piper and Ben. There was a lot of mixed feeling on Piper's part. As I kept reading I wished that she would just get past them all. The whole hurting Ashton's feelings was just not enough for me. I started to feel bad for Ben a little bit.
When Piper would let her guard down. I loved it. Because I could see how good they were together.

There's was lots of foreplay going on with them. (Which I loved!) but....I just wish we had a sexy passionate sex scene to go with all that foreplay. I felt I was build up and slowly let down a bit.
Yes... We have a sex scene... But it really felt rushed. And sort of glossed over.

If I had to say something bad thing about this book it would have to be Ashton. I really was not feeling her character at all. I thought she was over the top, childish and mean to Ben and Piper. Always putting her two cents in about being with other people. I kept waiting for it to turn with her. To drop her selfishness. She did in a way.... After her little temper tantrum.
And I HATED the way she treated Jameson! Hated it! She was just so over the top with him. The name calling was just too much.

Overall... This was a good book. It flowed nicely. I thought the ending was cute!

I would read more books by this authors.

*ARC provided for an honest review*

-Michelle
Profile Image for Misty (Reds Romance Reviews).
3,408 reviews6 followers
July 18, 2016
Piper Lawrence has loved her best friend's brother for as long as she can remember, but to him, she was just another little sister to look after. Piper has never acted on her attraction though, knowing for one that he was totally off limits, and two, because good men like him don't date women like her...and if by chance they do they always leave for something better. With him being away for so many years it has been fairly easy to avoid addressing her feelings for him, but now that he is home it's a whole different story...

Bentley Sullivan is ready to start a new chapter in his life, he's returning to home to teach at a local school, and hopefully create a new life for himself, and rebuild his relationship with his family. His plan is to step away from dating for a while, and let himself heal from his latest relationship, and then in time look for the right woman to add to his new life. But after reuniting with his buddies for drinks his plan quickly goes out the window when he witnesses a gorgeous damsel in distress, and decides to step in save the day, and stake his claim... only to find out he his just locked lips with his sister's best friend!

Ben and Piper's story captured my attention right from the start, and had me flying right through the pages in search of what I hoped to be a well deserved happily ever after, and I say I was DEFINITELY not disappointed with that I found. While their relationship may have started off a little unconventional, it turned out to be something very beautiful, and oh so heartwarming to watch unfold. This was my first encounter with Ms. Johnston's work, and I have to say I loved what I discovered, and wholeheartedly look forward to reading more from her in the very near future. Her wonderfully crafted story and endearing characters won me over from the very first page, and left an indelible mark on my heart!! Highly recommend this one, it's sure to give you the feels!!

ARC given by Southern Belle Promotions in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.
Profile Image for Monique Tinline.
399 reviews
July 19, 2016
 photo 12516825_10208063953377144_1111376284_o.jpg

They say you can't fall for your best friend's brother. That its wrong, it will change everything.

Your not supposed to fall in love with your younger sisters best friend. She was the annoying kid, remember her.

But what if as time goes on that all changes, I mean Piper has been in love with Bentley Sullivan since she was little, since she was his sisters annoying best friend. The last time she saw him she was over weight, nothing to look at and still just as annoying.

But when Bentley finally returns home years after being away and notices a stunning chic at the bar, hell his gonna make a move. She's not familiar, she's sitting there lonely, she's hot as hell, she looks lonely, made as hell about something, his going in for the kill. Or one hell of a kiss...

Instant love.. does it exist? The chic at the bar, that kiss, yep it was Piper and he wants her. She's off limits, but you cant compete with what the heart wants.

Piper and Bentley were so cute together, there instant love, or long time obsession with her best friends brother in Pipers case is not as easy as it seems. How can they hurt the one person they love.

An enjoyable read, abit frustrating as it was all made up over how Ashton (the sister) would react when she found out. It was made into a big deal and the hype behind it let it down. Would have love to have seen more drama behind it after the whole build up, but overall an enjoyable book





Profile Image for A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog.
2,816 reviews171 followers
July 8, 2016
As I write this I have happy tears on my cheeks. This is a great book. I love the whole clan of people and their family and friends. I can see how being in love with your best friends brother could be a risk to your relationship, but I would hope that, if I were in this position, that my bestie would be supportive. This is a very heart-warming story, which is very well written and quite addictive.
Ben had moved away from his family 10 years ago, only visiting a few times over the years with his girlfriends. Piper and Ash have been best friends/sisters, all their lives. Piper has had a crush on Ben ever since she knew what the feeling was and now Ben is back in town for good. His first night back with his childhood friends he spots a gorgeous red head talking animatedly with his sister; he is instantly attracted to her. His friends neglect to tell him who it is and he goes over to her and ends up kissing her. That is the beginning of their complicated relationship. Both of them are scared to tell Ash of their feelings as she has always had the motto 'ho's before bro's'. There are lots of mixed feelings flying around and reluctance to trust that this will work.
Who would get hurt? What would happen if they split up and Ash is put in a position where she has to choose between bff or brother? (Ash has a tendency to be very dramatic!)
This is definitely a great book and I would love to find out how the other characters find love; especially Ash and Jameson, I have a feeling they do NOT hate each other really. Fantastic book.
Profile Image for Megan | A Page to Turn.
662 reviews22 followers
June 8, 2017
My rating: 4.5

While I went into this book expecting one thing (a super cheesy romance), I came out of it with much more! The insta-attraction didn't bother me in this story, mostly because it's explained right away! Piper is Ashton's best friend since childhood and Ben is Ashton's big brother... no one expected them to fall in love...

Piper is a straight-laced kindergarten teacher. She's very put together in all areas of her life except her relationships.. her man picker is broken. She is known for picking some bad apples and no one is worse than Tony...

Ben moved away ten years ago... now he's back and better than ever. He's looking to settle down since what he found away from small town North Carolina just didn't cut it for him. On his first night home, he ends up sticking his foot in his mouth and things get really interesting from there!

I wish there wasn't so much back and forth in this book between Ben and Piper - I wish things would have settled down just a little sooner and we could of had more of the sweet stuff at the end... but I still loved their story and I connected with them! My husband and I are together now after a similar situation of knowing each other years but not getting together until after his divorce and after I ended a 5 year long engagement to someone else. This was a sweet romance, and it fills every area of my heart! It makes me want to create my own game of charades! (:

An inciting, entertaining read... perfect for those who love love!
Profile Image for Melanie Moreland.
Author 77 books5,481 followers
July 24, 2016
Whiskey and Honey is a sweet, tender love story that wraps around you like a warm hug—a perfect read for the summer.
Bentley Sullivan returns home, looking for a fresh start in a place he feels at home. Surrounded by familiar faces and old friends, he is hoping to find himself again.
But one attractive face, no longer familiar, yet instinctively but strangely right, catches his eye, and turns his world upside down. Falling hard and fast for his hyper, easily excited sister’s best friend was not in the plan. And for Piper, she knows making a move on her best friend’s big brother is a strict no-no—even if she has been crushing on him since she was a teenager.
But Ben is determined to make Piper see things his way, and he uses his county gentleman ways to wear her down, throwing in some of his dirty boy moves just to make sure she falls as hard for him as he has for her. He wants to prove to her that what they feel is stronger than his sister’s wrath, or any other obstacle in their path. He believes Ashton will get over her attitude, but he has no plans on getting over Piper—or letting her go.
A light, fun read with some great secondary characters I hope Andrea revisits one day (ahem – Jameson and the hyper sister Ashton, hint hint)

Profile Image for Le Ann Foster.
739 reviews5 followers
July 22, 2016
☆☆Reviewed for Hooked On Books ☆ ☆

I gave this book 4.5 stars!

One of the best books I've read with going after your brother/sister best friend. This book will have you captured from the first to the last word. It takes friends with benefits to a whole new level. You get it all in this book, from lol moments to OMG I can't believe that just happen.I absolutely love Ben and Piper. From the start you can see their chemistry is off the charts and the true feelings they have.

Ben is a good guy, a teacher and just moved back home. He goes out with his friends on the night returns to town and sees a woman that he want to make as his. When he finally goes to the bar, he reacts by kissing this woman. When his sister/bartender Ashton for him to get his tongue out of Piper her best friend, does he relize he couldn't never be with her. As time moves on Piper and Ben decided to be friends, but when their true feelings come out, and they decided to become more with one exception that they have to keep it on the down low because Piper doesn't want Ashton to feel like she has to choose if they break up. Can they make it and tell Ashton or will the past come back and hurt them all?

This was first book from this author but will not be the last.
Author 11 books77 followers
July 21, 2016
This is the first book I've read by Andrea Johnston, but it won't be the last. Whiskey & Honey had all of the elements of a great read that I look for: page turning words, fun characters across the board and a unique story.

Whiskey & Honey follows Ben and Piper. Ben, moving home and coming out of a long term, amicably separated relationship; and Piper, struggling to find validation and purpose with the man she's currently kind-of-sort-of seeing.

When Piper finds out Ben, her childhood crush, has moved back to town, her world tilts. She wants a second chance with him, but her self image, due to horrible past relationships, convinces her she's not worthy. Additionally, two other things stand in the way: Ben is Piper's best friend's brother and Ben and Piper will soon be coworkers.

Ben, however, thinks just the opposite. Piper is his one and only. The problem is convincing her of that and assuring her his feelings are real and worth the risk.

This story will pull you in various directions. A few twists keep you guessing as to how everything will unfold and end. The book also provides all the feels and will undoubtedly capture your heart and hold on for a while.

I highly recommend. You don't want to miss out!
Profile Image for Hooked On Books.
1,887 reviews65 followers
July 28, 2016
I gave this book 4.5 stars!

One of the best books I've read with going after your brother/sister best friend. This book will have you captured from the first to the last word. It takes friends with benefits to a whole new level. You get it all in this book, from lol moments to OMG I can't believe that just happen.I absolutely love Ben and Piper. From the start you can see their chemistry is off the charts and the true feelings they have.

Ben is a good guy, a teacher and just moved back home. He goes out with his friends on the night returns to town and sees a woman that he want to make as his. When he finally goes to the bar, he reacts by kissing this woman. When his sister/bartender Ashton for him to get his tongue out of Piper her best friend, does he relize he couldn't never be with her. As time moves on Piper and Ben decided to be friends, but when their true feelings come out, and they decided to become more with one exception that they have to keep it on the down low because Piper doesn't want Ashton to feel like she has to choose if they break up. Can they make it and tell Ashton or will the past come back and hurt them all?

This was first book from this author but will not be the last.
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