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Country Road #2

Tequila & Tailgates

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There is an alternate cover edition for this ASIN here.

Four years ago, I took the biggest risk of my life and it blew up in my face. I learned my lesson – love sucks.

Now self-preservation and protecting my heart have become second nature. But Jameson Strauss... he's my weakness.

Give me the occasional shot of tequila, a game of Truth or Dare, and I’ll do almost anything for that man.

Four years ago, I didn’t follow my heart. I let the one girl that consumed my soul walk away without a fight.

Now I go through the motions never truly living. But, the day Ashton Sullivan needed me was the day my world changed for the better.

Tequila, truths, and the occasional dare are all I need to show her how good we can be.

Sometimes the truth is in the dare.

309 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 27, 2017

204 people are currently reading
379 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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Displaying 1 - 29 of 96 reviews
Profile Image for Courtney.
1,979 reviews208 followers
February 6, 2017
Tequila and Tailgates is the second book in Andrea's Country Road series and it can be read as a standalone. However, we do have updates on the couple from the first book so if you want to know about their story, go back and read Whiskey and Honey first, then come read this one.

"Truth or Dare"

I enjoyed this sweet and sassy story. Jameson and Ashton have grown up beside one another; he's her brother's best friend. Yes, I know this cliché is starting to run its course, but I liked Andrea's take on it. Neither have really pined after the other one throughout the years. It's just that one night that changed everything between them.

They've kept their distance as much as possible and have learned to deal with one another when they're together since they do have the same circle of friends. But now due to a freak accident, Ashton finds herself having to live with Jameson until her house is repaired. And then they add something in their new roommate status.....

"'One Rule.'
'Fine, what?'
'Monogamy. No sleeping with others. If you meet someone and want to hook up, you tell me first and this ends.'
'Deal. But, I have one too.'
'Oookkkaayyy,' I reply.
'Don't fall in love with me, Sunshine.'
Planting a quick kiss on my lips, he laughs and turns toward the stove.
Jameson may be joking, but it is also likely a little too late."


Jameson and Ashton are quite a pair together. They both are fighting the same battle towards each other but never realizing the other is having the same issues. They have some work to do in the communications department and they both know it. They just refuse to truly accept what they are feeling, not only to themselves but to one another.

Andrea writes quite the funny and sassy story between these two. There are no short of jabs and witty come backs in this book. It's funny how two people who are so compatible are completely blind to it themselves. Andrea brings everything full circle in the end and I feel she pulled it all together in a nice pace. Nothing was rushed and everything fell into place.

Great follow up to the first book. I am looking forward to Owen and Landon's books!!!
Profile Image for Hanne.
661 reviews72 followers
July 31, 2017
The second book in the Country Road series brings us Jameson and Ashton’s story. Jameson is Ben’s (Whiskey & Honey) best friend. Ashton is Ben’s little sister and Piper’s best friend. I liked this book a lot. I’m happy that the series isn’t over after meeting some secondary characters.

Jameson and Ashton grew up together and became great friends, until one hot and one passionate night a few years ago changed everything between them. They didn’t have one civil conversation since, but there is still some attraction between them. Ashton needs a place to stay after a tree fell in her home. Jameson offers her a room to stay. Jameson and Ashton try to be more civil and make their new living situation work.

I liked Ashton and I loved Jameson. Jameson has his own company and it’s a successful one. He works hard and a lot, but he loves his job. He still finds the time to go out with his friends and for his niece. He’s so adorable and sweet with his little niece. Jameson has always had a crush on Ashton. He wants to be close to her again and he’s determined to convince her that he isn’t who she thinks he is.

Ashton is sassy, independent, sweet, caring and insecure. She loves to sing and she has a beautiful voice, but she hates to sing in front of people. Everybody supports her and loves to hear her sing, but they never push her. Ashton has her reasons to push Jameson away every single time, but I didn’t always understand how you could push him away. She could be a little stubborn sometimes.
Profile Image for Brianna at Renee Entress's Blog.
3,918 reviews118 followers
February 5, 2017
4.5 Stars!

Andrea Johnston when new to me when I stumbled across book one in the Country Road series... and since I loved it so much, grabbing up this sweet little book was a no brainer. And once again, Andrea wowed me with her storyline and wooed me with her words.

Tequila & Tailgates is a standalone novel that is going to steal your heart and have you begging for more. This book was sexy, sweet, fun, enticing, intense at times, and passionate. Full of heart and heat, Andrea gives her readers a book that will keep them glued to the pages, cover to cover.

Ashton and Jameson are on the scene and ready to finally give us their story and boy, was it a good one and so worth the wait since book one. Their chemistry was undeniable... even through all the past hurt. I went on a roller coaster of emotions with these two... from swooning to laughing to smiling to wanting to smack both of them to falling head over heels in love... but they made me feel and by the end, each bump and hurdle was so worth it.

If you like sweet, easy, fun, and dashes of angst thrown in to your romance, then Tequila & Tailgates is for you.

I highly recommend this book.

Review Post >> http://reneeentress.blogspot.com/2017...
Profile Image for Bff Book Blog.
396 reviews35 followers
February 6, 2017
Tequila & Tailgates killed me with the sweetness and the steam! Both of the BFF’s loved Whiskey & Honey, the first book in the Country Road series. And as much as I adored Bentley (the hero of W&H) I’m pretty sure Jameson ranks just above him on the book boyfriend scale!

Jameson and Ashton have history. And there are reasons why they’ve shared little more than insults in the past few years. Their pasts are revealed and you get an understanding of why there is so much choppy water under the bridge. But, when Jameson and Ashton find themselves in close proximity for a prolonged period….something’s got to give. Ashton is a little prickly. There are parts of her personality that are abrasive. Her pokey-edges have been sharpened by personal experiences and a few inner demons. While I adore Jameson, he’s not always been the most mature and level-headed guy. But, both of these characters are so real and relatable. You’ll identify pieces and characteristics that you can understand and sympathize with.

I adore Andrea Johnston’s cast of fantastic characters. They’re charming, clever, sassy and snarky. The story is character driven and full of sweet emotions and super steamy scenes. Tequila & Tailgates can be read as a stand-alone, but it’s a great next step for the Country Road Series. I can’t wait to see which of the gang falls in love next! And I can’t wait for you to fall in love with these stories too!

PS – I’m pretty sure T&T will go down as the first official use of “Champagning” as a word! But, I’m totally using from now on!

An advance copy of this book was received from the author. Receipt of this copy did not impact the content or independence of this review. BFF Book Blog also uses a set of icon ratings. This book received additional icons for: romance, hero, steamy, sweet, supporting chracters and butterflies.
Profile Image for Mandy.
583 reviews2 followers
February 2, 2017
Jameson had my heart in Whiskey & Honey (which I LOVED) But he really got me in this book. I absolutely love him. And I adore Ashton also, I was looking forward to her story so I could see what the reason behind her keeping her guard up was. I highly recommend this book. It's SO good!
Profile Image for Marieke ~ Marieke's Books.
454 reviews25 followers
May 12, 2017
Tequila & Tailgates is actually my first book by Andrea Johnston. It’s the second book in ‘the Country Road Series’ and tells the story of Ashton and Jameson. In the previous book – Whiskey & Honey (I read it shortly after this book) – you feel something between the two of them, and Tequila & Tailgates gives us their story. I love it.
“Somewhere along the way, I fell in love with you. No, that’s not true. I fell a long time ago but I ignored it.”

Ashton and Jameson have known each other all their lives. As the best friend of Ashton’s brother Ben, Jameson is always around, and Ashton is secretly crushing on him. But since Jameson is a bit older and sees her practically as family, nothing ever happens between him and Ashton. One night however, everything changes. It feels oh so right, but afterwards their friendship is gone. Everybody wonders what happened, but neither of them gives an explanation.
“One syllable. One word. That’s all it takes before our lips collide. They don’t meet. They don’t connect. They collide.”

Ashton and Jameson don’t like each other. Well, that’s wrong. Ashton doesn’t like Jameson and he has no clue why. But nature hops in and gives the couple a second chance at reconnecting with each other. Both have lived lives of course, but there are still feeling between them. Feelings both don’t want to admit, so friendly banter and snarky comments it is. Of course, it can’t stay this way, with all the feelings and building tension. Ashton and Jameson try to keep it casual for a while, but their hearts want what their hearts wants; each other.

Since this is my first book by the author, I was pleasantly surprised with her writing and her characters. Jameson and Ashton frustrated me a couple of times (sweeties, please talk to each other… Do not assume…), but despite that I really like them and I get their feelings. Throughout the story some hints are given about the next book in the series – Martini’s & Moonlight – I’m curious and can’t wait to start it.
“Kissing a tear off her cheek, I lay a gentle kiss to her lips. Not pressing for more, I pull back and return my gaze to hers. “Tell me you don’t love me and I’ll walk away. You have all the power.” “I love you.”

I love Ashton, Jameson and their story. I give Tequila & Tailgates 4 stars.


www.booksandtequila.com
Profile Image for Kate Farlow.
114 reviews10 followers
February 7, 2017
Y'all. This book.
5 Stars!

I am flippin' over the moon about this book y'all! Now, I was a bad girl & read Tequila & Tailgates before book 1 (Whiskey & Honey) BUT I never felt like I was missing anything. If anything, it MADE me want to W&H ASAP!

Y'all. What can I say about Ashton & Jameson other than {insert HEART-EYE emoji}? Yeah, that pretty much covers it. They are just that good. I love that Ashton is so prickly- I can really relate to that!

"Insufferable a**hole. Of course, he brings home my favorite pizza and beer. Of course, he must be thoughtful and kind. Bastard."

Seriously, I get that girl. Ashton is legit. Jameson is her bother's best friend (ruh-roh), add in that they have a history together & are now temporary roomies... What could possibly happen?!

Serisouly though, you WILL fall for these 2. There is so much more to this book y'all. Things I can't tell you because no one likes a spoiler. Just know, this book is it y'all. This book is a lot like their kiss...

"This kiss is everything we are: passionate, fierce, aggressive, sweet, and frustrating."

Yeah, that sums it up real nice.
Profile Image for ToniAnn.
653 reviews12 followers
February 5, 2017
Such a good book! The characters are amazing. The characters are well developed. Ashton and Jameson have the perfect back story. They have their differences but from the beginning you knew it was love. They both have a complicated past that makes you wonder. Jameson and Ashton suffer from broken hearts that only they know how to fix. Andrea did it again!
Profile Image for D.B..
Author 15 books191 followers
January 10, 2017

Full of so much sexiness.
Jameston is perfect. I love them!
Andrea has done it again. Well done, my friend. Kudos.
Profile Image for Debbie.
2,300 reviews70 followers
October 23, 2017
Ahhhhhhhhh with each book I read in this series, I think *THIS* is my favorite couple. And then I read another one.

Ashton & Jameson. They've know each other since they were kids. Ashton is a bartender at Country Roads and, much to her dismay, is back living with her parents. Jameson is a few years older, owns his own business, and well, let's just say, he's popular with the ladies!

They seem to have a love/hate thing going on and you know there's more to the story!

A tree falls into Ashton's family's house. Her parents use the opportunity to travel and she needs a place to stay. Jameson offers up a spare room in his house.

We get some backstory on the love/hate. And watch them fall in love.

I loved Ashton's spunk and sass, and that she is still vulnerable. And I really loved Jameson. Despite her nickname for him (HA!) I think he really is a good guy and I loved this story!
Profile Image for Erin Hurst.
210 reviews
February 7, 2017
Great book! I enjoyed the book from the start. I love a story with a strong minded funny woman. Ashton needs a place to stay and her longtime friend Jameson has a spare room. Years ago they hooked up and each believes the other regretted the night. Ashton has built a wall around her heart to protect herself from that kind of hurt again. We follow the story of the 2 trying to fight their feelings for each other. Will love prevail or will it end their friendship?
Profile Image for Jeanene.
1,577 reviews3 followers
April 24, 2019
Such a cute, quick read that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for Jill.
29 reviews15 followers
April 26, 2017
Love

A best friends brother and second chance romance. I really enjoyed Ashton and Jameson's story. Hoping to read more about the country road gang soon.
Profile Image for Christina Mitchell.
190 reviews5 followers
February 4, 2017
Andrea once again sucked me into her story. Love how sassy and quick witted Ashton is, but she has her sensitive side that no one sees. Jameson is not only cocky and devilishly handsome, but has a huge heart when it comes to his family and friends. Seeing these two push and pull at each other, because they are so stubborn they don't see whats right in front of their face was like pulling hair. You wanted them to finally see to that they loved each other. Awesome story!
66 reviews4 followers
January 28, 2017
Jameson had my heart from the beginning. I think he stole it a little in Whiskey & Honey (READ THAT BOOK TOO!!) Ashton is strong and stubborn. The two of them together is OFF THE CHARTS! It's always amazing when the second book in a series is just as good as the first. This is a must read. #TeamJameson #Benisstillswoonthough
Profile Image for Heather.
316 reviews9 followers
April 30, 2017
The slow burn between Ashton & Jameson was perfect. You don't know why they are always bickering but soon find out. Their friends all know something is or was up between them and are ready for the tension to stop.
After reading the book the cover is pure perfection as is the title. I can't wait for Owen's book.
Profile Image for Dawn.
70 reviews1 follower
June 6, 2018
I love a good game of truth or dare. I absolutely loved this faux hate to love slow burn. Andrea knocks it out of the park once again. Her characters and stories are engaging and I honestly am having a hard time putting this series down. I took me 24 hours to devour this book. A MUST read.
392 reviews
November 30, 2018
Steamy!

I loved these characters more than Ben and Piper. Ashton and Jameson are so freaking hot together but they get each other. They can only be their complete selves when they are together. Love reading their journey!
Profile Image for Reads & Reviews.
687 reviews15 followers
May 4, 2017
Tequila and Tailgates is a second-chance, friends to lovers, slow burn that I almost gave up on. Thank goodness I didn’t! Ashton and Jameson are such likable characters. Ashton has been angry at Jameson for 4 years, ever since he left her alone the morning after her 21st birthday and a night neither of them has forgotten. Even when she’s being bitchy to Jameson, it was easy to love Ashton. She’s funny, sarcastic, loving, loyal, and she fell in love with Jameson a long time ago, way before they fell into bed together. Jameson took a little longer to grow on me. Called a “manwhore” by Ashton for a reason, Jameson clearly had some growing up to do despite being 29 and running his own business. But, it was fun watching him chase his tail as his feelings for Ashton surfaced from under the rock he’d been hiding them under.

The book starts with Ashton moving into Jameson’s house after her parents’ house is damaged by a tree. Here starts the slow burn that was a bit too slow. The first 40% or so of the book is a lot of low level angst that felt like it was going nowhere. The chemistry between Ashton and Jameson was off the charts, but when I started having visions of knocking their heads together, I knew I might be in trouble. Then, Tequila and Tailgates left the slow burn in the dust and I was reading at warp speed.

Once these two ease up the sexual tension, they start to connect with each other on other levels and with themselves. As their friends point out to them at various times, they truly make each other the best version of themselves. Suddenly, I cared what was happening to them as a couple and as individuals. I liked them before, but now I was engaged in their HEA.

Tequila and Tailgates is a fun book with great chemistry between all of its characters. Book 2 of the Country Road series, the series is centered on a group of friends and their favorite bar. I find in series like this it can be hit or miss with the group dynamics. There’s definitely no issue with Andrea Johnston’s crew as I found myself already invested in the next story before this one ended. And, despite it being book 2, Tequila and Tailgates can be read as a standalone.

I received this book from the author in exchange for honest feedback.
4 stars. Heat level: 3
Profile Image for Lora.
43 reviews2 followers
April 8, 2017
Cant wait for book 3

I love this author and this series it is so much fun this book squeezed my heart and made me laugh
Profile Image for Crystal Andrews.
349 reviews2 followers
March 31, 2019
Jameson sounds so amazing

It can be so hard to give someone a second chance with your heart. It can also be so hard to finally give in and listen to your own feelings. Denial is such a strong emotion! So are fears, insecurities, and deflection... I love the way Andrea tells a story. She can really make her characters come to life and stick with you. This girl has an AWESOME way with words & I NEED all of them!
Profile Image for Rach.
171 reviews5 followers
April 1, 2017
Tequila might make some women's clothes fall off, but not Ashton's. At least, not anymore. Ashton and Jameson are a pair with heavily-guarded hearts, so being able to read about their journey to find love was a pleasure. I understood where both were coming from. They're extremely similar, yet built their walls in different ways. I loved that they were always there for one another, always drawn together, even when they tried to convince themselves it was wrong. If your heart speaks it, it can only be right. Jameson and Ashton's relationship is one most people have experienced, and it's always good to read about an experience like that receiving a HEA.
Profile Image for Nightbird Novels.
1,138 reviews25 followers
May 11, 2017
When a tree damages the house Ashton Sullivan has been living in (with her parents) she has to find temporary housing. Unfortunately the only place that makes sense is her brothers BFF Jameson's place.

Jameson Strauss has been on Ashton's bad side since a little misunderstanding they had four years ago. If the want to live together in harmony, their pet names for each other may need to be retired and they will have to call a truce.

But the close quarters, the tentative truce and tequila may bring them back to where they started...

I loved this book! You seriously can't go wrong with a good love/hate plot, and this book did it so well! Ashton is snarky and closed off to hide her pain and inner doubts. She is an interesting character who is starting to realize her inner struggles and is working hard on getting over them. Jameson is hot, and sweet, and so into Ashton it's crazy how she can't see it for herself.

With a great plot, humorous banter and an amazing cast of friends and family... this book has it all and is one fantastic read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.

Check out the Blog!

https://nightbirdnovels.wordpress.com...
Profile Image for Shannon.
759 reviews7 followers
November 15, 2018
These stories and characters...

These stories and characters are being more and more endearing. I'm loving them so hard right now!

I could totally relate to Ashton and her fears, no matter how unfounded. Jameson is such great guy and his fun nature is refreshing.

Nothing good ever comes from doing tequila shots and playing truth or dare, except when it does.

Okay! Grab this book and fall in love. I'm off to read Martinis & Moonlight!! See you in the next review!!
Profile Image for Aubrey .
222 reviews8 followers
February 7, 2017
First off, the anticipation for the release of Tequila & Tailgates was intense. I read Whiskey & Honey and fell in love with Ashton's sassiness and sarcasm. She's a woman after my own heart. When I found out that she and Jameson would get their own story, I may or may not have begged Andrea to publish it sooner than she wanted. Okay, I did. I totally did.

In Whiskey & Honey, we met Ben and Piper. Ashton's big brother, and her best friend. We also met Jameson. There were hints to something having happened between Ashton and Jameson, but we never really knew. Until now.

Ashton is 25 and she lives with her parents. Nothing to be ashamed of; we've all probably had to head back home at one point in our adult lives. She works as a bartender, or "mixologist" as she likes to call herself, at Country Road. It's basically the local watering hole for the whole town, including Jameson and his many conquests.

Oh Jameson. He's a tatted up manwhore. And he is nicknamed Manwhore by Ashton herself. He hates it, but he knows it's true. That is until Ashton and Jameson are forced into a situation where he is both uncomfortable continuing his manwhore ways, and he doesn't want to because he may or may not secretly have feelings for her. But he's also a good guy with his own business and a home he built himself. Makes it hard not to love him, even if he is a manwhore.

They're both stubborn. They're both "mean" to each other with their teasing and nicknames for each other. And they love to play games, especially when tequila in involved. But they both truly care for one another. It's hard not to when you've known each other for most of your lives and you share a sexy secret from the past. And the sexual tension between the two? It's freaking palpable.

Tequila & Tailgates was exactly what I was hoping for, and so much more. With dual POV, you get to know the whole truth from both characters. You can feel what they feel, and see how they grow as individuals. And you get to experience the moment when each of them realizes what they want. That's always my favorite part of a book.

While I'll always be Team Biper, I'm leaning hard toward Team Jameston. I cannot wait to read the next in the Country Road series. I absolutely love these characters and the connections between them all. Andrea Johnston is an amazing storyteller, and she's a definite one-click author for me.
Profile Image for Cassidy.
751 reviews58 followers
April 1, 2017
If you are looking for a fun friends to enemies to lovers romance, look no more. This book has a country feel to it. The heroine is fun and sassy. The hero is very swoon worthy. I enjoyed reading it.
Profile Image for Marika.
4,852 reviews100 followers
May 10, 2017
Ohhhh...I love me some Jameson lol
This is the story of Jameson and Ashton..and it was certainly fun to read, full of chemistry and great banter.
Jameson is Ashton's brother best friend..and small town and same friends means they are around each other a lot. Except for one night, they both keep going as they were doing..minding their business and all..until Ashton goes to live with Jameson.
Those two are mad lol..it's funny and kinda crazy, cause the chemistry is there and so is the want..but they keep each other at bay and have problems sharing their desires with each other.
It made for an interesting and passionate story!
2,472 reviews10 followers
June 30, 2019
Couldn’t put it down

A great story. Loved the chemistry between the two. They were perfect for each other. I was a little bit disappointed about how long the lack of communication last. But it has a great ending.
Profile Image for Jen.
528 reviews18 followers
July 25, 2017
Yay! Another brother’s best friend book! These are seriously some of my favorite books to read. I don’t think I’ll ever tire of this trope. It just always gives me the warm fuzzies. Even though I didn’t find my happily ever after with one of my brother’s best friends (and trust me I tried!), I love the idea. Tequila and Tailgates is the second in Andrea Johnston’s Country Road series. I didn’t read the first book, Whiskey and Honey, but I didn’t get lost at all. This can definitely be read as a standalone.

Ashton is a feisty firecracker. She’s sarcastic, independent and full of snark—especially around her brother’s best friend. Jameson is cocky, sexy and down to earth—except when Ashton is throwing her attitude at him. It wasn’t always this way though. The chemistry between these two is explosive, the tension level is astronomical. Watching them stumble around each other like newborn colts was entertaining as hell. They were both well-developed characters with their own issues. I felt Ashton was probably more developed but that doesn’t mean that Jameson was one dimensional at all. The secondary characters were just as great, adding in depth and humor to the story.

This was a sweet and easy read. The drama was pretty low-key and believable. There was plenty of witty banter in this book that kept me entertained and lots of heat to keep me fanning myself. The only thing I didn’t like was his excuse for sleeping around between their first encounter and when they got together the next time. Just own up to your manwhoreness dude and take responsibility for your actions. Still, I enjoyed it and I plan on picking up book one so that I can check out the story of Ben and Piper.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
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