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The Bourbon Brothers #6

The Bad Boy Experiment

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A steamy fling with an old crush who doesn’t do commitment? What was she thinking! Find out in the conclusion to Reese Ryan’s Bourbon Brothers series.

What happens when you say yes to a bad boy?

Even if divorcée Renee Lockwood were willing to give love a second chance, she wouldn’t choose Cole Abbott. The sexy, successful real estate developer doesn’t do commitment. But he’s perfect for a no-strings fling—exactly what Ren needs now that she’s moved back home to raise her son. Mind-blowing pleasure with the man she once crushed on is harder to quit than Ren expected. Impossible, in fact. Is time running out before the bad boy bolts…or will the results of her experiment surprise her?

From Harlequin A luxurious world of bold encounters and sizzling chemistry.

Love triumphs in these uplifting romances, part of The Bourbon Brothers

Book 1: Savannah's Secrets
Book 2: The Billionaire's Legacy
Book 3: Engaging the Enemy
Book 4: A Reunion of Rivals
Book 5: Waking Up Married
Book 6: The Bad Boy Experiment

215 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 1, 2021

65 people are currently reading
193 people want to read

About the author

Reese Ryan

178 books605 followers
Vivian Award-winning author Reese Ryan writes sexy, emotional, “grown folks” romantic fiction set in small Southern towns. Her characters find love while navigating career crises and family drama.

Reese's books have been featured on Entertainment Weekly, BuzzFeed, and BookRiot. She is the host of Story Behind the Story—her YouTube show where readers and authors connect.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
Profile Image for Jonetta.
2,640 reviews1,344 followers
January 31, 2022
Research scientist Renee Lockwood has returned home to Magnolia Lake after her failed marriage, hoping to restore her family’s farming enterprise and create a better life for her 4-year old son Mercer. She’d hope to have more time before seeing her high school crush, Cole Abbott but no such luck when they connect at the grocery store. He’s not much for commitments and her feelings have only intensified. But, their mutual attraction is hard to ignore, even by their families. But maybe a fling with a bad boy friend might be worth the risk to Renee’s heart.

It’s rare for me to read a series out of order so starting at the last book would normally make me itchy. However, I am such a fan of the author and this story appealed on several fronts. I really liked Renee’s goal of managing a career and parenting a child on the autism spectrum on her own. She has a beautiful spirt and is smart, talented and resourceful. Cole isn’t any slouch either. Yes, he’s been quite popular with the ladies but always honest and up front about there being no strings. He stood up to his family and went his own way, now a successful real estate developer with his own company. The friendship between them was genuine, a great foundation for something more despite them thinking it wouldn’t work.

I enjoyed this story and never felt like I was missing all those back stories about Cole’s other siblings as the focus was on him. With that said, I’m committed to starting from the beginning and reading what came earlier because I also fell for these families. Cole and Renee were great characters and things got pretty steamy along the way. It was lovely how he bonded with Mercer, having his own connection with the child. While this book concludes the series, the epilogue sets up the upcoming spinoff spectacularly! Glad I get to have more of the Abbott family.

Posted on Blue Mood Café

(Thanks to Harlequin for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Profile Image for Tina Loves To Read.
3,609 reviews1 follower
December 31, 2021
This is a Romance, and this is the 6st book in the Bourbon Brothers series. I loved the characters in this book. I really loved that this book shows how hard it is to have an Autistic kid. I think this book shows that part very well. I really enjoyed the romance in this book. This was a short and quick read that I really enjoyed. I have not read the other books in this series, but I do not think that hurt my enjoyment of this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Harlequin Desire) or author (Reese Ryan) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
Profile Image for Marisa Gettas.
916 reviews24 followers
January 2, 2022
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars

This is the 6th and final book of Reese Ryan's BOURBON BROTHERS series. We're back in Magnolia Lake, Tennessee and this book is about the youngest of the Abbott children, Cole, who instead of joining the family bourbon business struck out on his own and has a real estate developer/construction company. And we have Renee Lockwood, a pharmacological research scientist working in the area of Alzheimer's. Renee is also a single Mom to 4 year old Mercer.

Cole and Renee were each others crushes in high school, but nothing ever came of it, and they are still friends. For romance reasons, these two find themselves living on Renee's grandparents farm, (in separate farmhouses, of course) competing with each other to prove to Renee's grandfather which of their two business proposals is most profitable and helpful for the community—Renee with her ideas about organic farming, or Cole with his plans to develop the land into homes.

Mercer has been diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum. While I neither have autism nor care for a child with autism, I thought this representation was deftly handled and integrated very well into the story—with sensory toys, a dislike for all footwear, verbal challenges, and a boy who loves unconventional hiding spaces. Please seek out others' opinions if you are looking for an 'own voices' review of this story. I did reach out to the author, and while Ms. Ryan does not have autism herself she has a son and a grandchild who do.

Renee finds her grandmother Whilemina's diaries, in particular, one where she talks about her 'BAD BOY EXPERIMENT’. Which is the push Renee needs to start a BAD BOY EXPERIMENT of her own with Cole. They are good friends, so she knows Cole is a commitment-phobe, but he’s down for a a friends with benefits situation with her. Of course each of these two want more, but don’t admit it at first.

A few great/swoony moments:
*whenever Mercer sees or hears Coles truck, he says VROOM (big deal from a mostly non-verbal child)
*Cole has a funny tshirt collection, my favourite being a Cookie Monster one that said 'Bout The Street Life’
*the way Cole is so good with Mercer (one of the very few trusted to babysit him)
*Cole to Renee after a kiss: “You still think I'm not sure? Or is that the kiss of a man whose been dreaming about all the ways I can make you scream my name?”
*great modeling of ongoing, verbal consent, when Renee is nervous to say what she wants from Cole, but Cole counters that with saying 'I need to hear the words' and then waits patiently until he hears them

It was a thrill to see the whole Abbott family together again at different events, especially at Parker and Kayleigh's wedding. I love the banter between the Abbott siblings and that they all have nicknames for each other. Reese Ryan really saved the best for last with this book, as I think it’s the best of the series.

And just as I was sad about the end of the BOURBON BROTHERS we got a teaser for Reese Ryan's next series called VALENTINE VINEYARDS, in which I have a feeling, we'll be seeing some of the Abbott family again ;)

Notes: I received this ARC in return for a fair review. The author and I are friendly on various social-media platforms
Profile Image for Richelle Robinson.
1,295 reviews35 followers
January 10, 2022
So sad to see this series come to an end. 😭😩

Cole and Renee definitely have chemistry and I enjoyed their banter, but I felt like I was being told about their reconnection and I wanted see it unfold as I read. It was nice catching up with all the other couples and kids. The ending of the story had my jaw dropping and I can’t wait to read all about the Valentines next!!
Profile Image for Kim Reads (Read Your Writes Book Reviews).
1,486 reviews142 followers
February 28, 2022
I love Reese Ryan's Bourbon Brothers series. She has saved the best for last. I honestly can't believe I just said that. I mean I was so sure Waking up Married was my favorite book of the series. But each book gets better and better. I've been in love with Cole Abbott for a while now. I knew he was special. I just didn't know how special. I was afraid when I started reading The Bad Boy Experiment that the heroine wouldn't be right for him or worthy of his love. I am beyond happy to say that I was wrong. Renee Lockwood is perfect for Cole in every way. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

Cole is the youngest son of Duke and Iris Abbott. The family owns and operates King's Finest Distillery in Magnolia Lake, Tennessee. The company was founded by Duke’s father Joe. Cole is the only Abbott to not work for the company, much to his family's displeasure. Cole never felt like he fit in with his family and for him, some things were a struggle. This has led to some hard feelings and conflict between his brothers, father, and grandfather. It also earned Cole the label of family rebel and black sheep. School was never a place Cole truly liked, but Renee made it bearable and a little easier. Living with her grandparents, Milo and Janice, Renee became Cole's math tutor and the Lockwoods welcomed him into their home. Over time, the two developed secret feelings for each other but never felt comfortable confessing how they felt. After Renee left for college, her grandfather gave Cole the opportunity to work with him at his construction company. With Milo’s mentorship, Cole was able to strike out on his own and build his own successful construction and development company.

After going to college, working as a pharmaceutical scientist, getting married, having a son, and getting divorced, Renee finds herself needing a change. Returning to Magnolia Lake seems like the most logical thing to do. Plus, she has huge plans for her and her son’s future. Renee wants to buy the land from her grandparents that her deceased aunts lived and worked on. With the land, she wants to grow an organic farm and employ people with special needs. While this is an admirable project, one thing, or I should say one person stands in her way.

For years, Cole has been trying to get Milo to sell the farmland that has gone unused for years to him. Cole's desire is to build a luxury community and cement his legacy separate from that of his family. Milo is willing to hear both Renee and Cole make their sales pitch. But in the end, Mr. Sly as a Fox, makes a proposition of his own. Milo wants both of them to live on the land for six months, in each of his late sisters' homes. Renee is to live in her Aunt Willie’s old place, and Cole is to live in Bea’s old place. With the sisters both being so close, their houses are only yards away from each other. Both homes are in need of cleaning out and some repair. Cole offers to help Renee with her repairs in exchange for her agreeing to be his plus one/date for the upcoming weddings of his brothers. This is a romance after all, and as they say, the rest is history.

Oops... I forgot to mention, The Bad Boy Experiment contains an amazing first kiss, a 4-year-old little boy who will steal your heart, a scandalous diary, and surprising discoveries. Whatever part of your heart remains after Renee’s son Mercer gets ahold of it will belong to Cole and Renee.

The Bad Boy Experiment is the standalone sixth book in the Bourbon Brothers series. All the past characters return with their kids and pets in tow. I'm definitely sad that the series is ending. But I'm excited for what’s to come.

~ FAVORITE QUOTE ~

“Knowledge is power. But knowledge not acted upon amounts to a whole lot of nothin’.”

**Received a copy from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed it. Also purchased a paperback copy personally.**
Profile Image for Lynn Brooks.
3,563 reviews46 followers
December 20, 2021
4 1/2 STARS!

Witty banter, unbridled passion and so many feel-good moments! I'm sad to see the Bourbon Brothers series coming to an end with THE BAD BOY EXPERIMENT but I loved every single minute of it. Reese Ryan has this magical tone to her writing voice to make a character outgoing and sassy on the surface, yet you can simply feel the kind and gentle soul beneath. I have dearly loved getting to know this family and watching the happily ever afters pile on one after the other. I can't wait to see what happens with the shocking secret!

Cole is simply adorable. Even though he's a very successful man with a thriving business, there's something about him that just makes you visualize a dimpled grin of a naughty guy around every corner and I LOVED that about him.

Renee is honest and forthright and isn't afraid to say that she has the world setting on her shoulders as she tries to set up a new life for her young son and herself after a divorce. Seeing her reconnect with a former crush was really heartwarming.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a close knit successful family who isn't about to let their strife and squabbles derail the company they've all put their heart and soul into. Each sibling finds their forever love and family drama is always outweighed by the multitude of love and laughter surrounding them all.
Profile Image for Amanda.
2,482 reviews104 followers
December 28, 2021
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]

The Bad Boy Experiment
is the final book in the Bourbon Brothers series by Reese Ryan. While it is a standalone, I adore the entire series, so I highly recommend them all if you have it read them already.

"Their relationship was a complicated dance. Friends. Next-door neighbors. Competitors. Lovers."

This follows Cole, the remaining single Abbott brother. When his high school crush moves back to town, he might not be a playboy for much long. Ren is a divorcee and single parent to her adorable autistic 4-year-old son, Mercer. They're both vying for property on her family's land. Cole wanting to build housing and Ren wanting to build an organic farm. Her father proposes that they both live on the property and show what they plan to do with it. Being neighbors brings them close together and they quickly become friends once again and evolve into more when they decide to partake in a no strings attached physical arrangement. But will Cole's fears of not being good enough for Ren keep him from embracing their mutual feeling of love.

"I'm no fairy-tale prince, Ren. [...] I'm not the man you deserve."
"But you're the man I want."

I loved so much about this one! Cole was absolutely charming right from the start and a gentleman helping her out when she was technically his rival for her family's land. I loved how he accepted her son and was so good with him. Ren was simply a wonderful mother. Oh goodness as a mother to an autistic mostly non-verbal son myself, her struggles were very relatable and the tender moments with her son warmed my heart. The romance between Ren and Cole was sweet, slow and passionate. There is no big drama, but it was highly enjoyable nonetheless. I was rooting for him to man up and proclaim his feelings to her.

"Whatever you want, whatever you need... that's why I'm here , sweetheart. I want to give you everything you've ever desired. Everything you've been afraid to ask for."

The Bad Boy Experiment
by Reese Ryan has cheesy graphic t-shirts, mom life , meddling grandparents , family weddings, and passionate kisses .A great wrap up to the Bourbon Brother series, and I'm looking forward to the spin-off series, Valentine Vineyards.
Profile Image for Brenda  Larnell.
442 reviews26 followers
January 7, 2022
Accomplished writer, Reese Ryan has done it again! Not only has she given her readers an engaging story that features the last of the Abbott siblings, Cole, the “bad boy” of the family, but she has also given her loyal readers something to look forward to down the line. More about that later. Notorious bad boy Cole Abbott has a second chance with his high school crush and tutor, Renee Lockwood, brilliant scientist, mother of an autistic child, and divorcee’ when she returns to Magnolia Lake, Tennessee. It’s a bittersweet reunion for Cole and Ren as they start out as rivals over farm land that has been in Ren’s family for generations.
You will like how the rivalry over the Lockwood family farm is played out, and how Ren decides to engage in a little “experiment” with Cole. It’s the start of a romance that “snaps, crackles and pops”. Ms Ryan is a pro at writing love scenes, so get ready for the sizzle. I love this story and the smooth flow of the storyline.

The Epilogue not only houses a wonderful family event, but it also introduces the reader to what is to come. I love it! It’s a doozy! I can’t wait to read the new story that will pick up from this series. A new character appears, but that is as far as I’m going with that. You must read the story to discover who it is.

I enjoyed THE BAD BOY EXPERIMENT (The Bourbon Brothers Book 6).With this book we say goodbye to the Bourbon brothers, but I promise it’s not farewell. THE BAD BOY EXPERIMENT is an entertaining and flat out good read. I recommend it, and the entire Bourbon Brothers Series. You will not be disappointed.
3 reviews
January 6, 2022
The last person Cole Abbott expects to see in his hometown of Magnolia Lake is his ex-tutor from high school. Renee Lockwood has grown more beautiful, but he still plans to keep his distance. Things did not end well last time around. And that’s perfect for Renee because she has no patience for a bad boy like Cole no matter how successful and handsome he has become. When Cole and Renee find themselves competing to purchase the same property, the seller proposes an unorthodox plan that would inevitably bring Cole and Renee closer.

This is the last book in The Bourbon Brothers series, and by far my favorite. I laughed and smiled almost the entire time. I fell in love with Cole despite him being described as an eternal bachelor. No, it wasn’t the graphic T-shirts, the Timberland boots, or the truck. Cole is an incorrigible flirt, but he’s not all talk. He shows his romantic side in a very practical way.

In the spirit of not spoiling any of the plot, I’ll just say I loved the unexpected way Renee is introduced to the idea of a bad boy experiment.

I received an arc in exchange for this honest review.
Profile Image for Michelle Lindo-Rice.
Author 54 books340 followers
December 2, 2021
I haven't read all the books in the Bourbon Brothers series but this was such a great, quick read. Renee Lockwood returns home and ends up giving bad boy Cole Abbott a second chance. He is a real estate developer and she is back to restore her aunt's farm.
They are competitors for the same land but each are caught up with a passion bigger than them. I enjoyed this story and I think others will as well. I loved seeing Cole's interaction with Renee's son - that aspect of the storyline was heartwarming.
Thank you #Netgalley and #Harlequin
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
9,141 reviews176 followers
December 27, 2021
Fire finds a soulmate. The Bad Boy Experiment breaks every rule when it comes to romance. Renee and Cole push the buttons of the heart with a steamy dance of unpredictable and emotional that worms its way under your skin and into your soul.
Profile Image for Crystal.
Author 75 books426 followers
December 1, 2021
Ooh, Renee and Cole…is it getting hot in here? Because it’s beyond hot on the pages. We’ve got a teen crush, forced proximity, hot nights, and yep, this is a perfect conclusion to the series!
Profile Image for Shun Harper.
54 reviews2 followers
December 27, 2021
Cole & Ren came to us with a strong history that takes us back to unrequited interest from high school. There are so many things that stood out in this book. Areas that I would love to read more into. I loved this book for several reasons. First being the expectations that the parents had of Cole and him standing strong on what was in his best interest even though it caused conflict throughout the family. Secondly the depth in which the author went into incorporating Mercer and and his autism into the family dynamics. He was so lovable and laughable at the same time. Building that relationship between him and Cole was magical to watch. Watching Ren & Cole try to discover who and what they wanted from one another was frustrating and touching at the same time. I can’t wait to catch up with them in the next installation.

This is a must read if you are looking to laugh and shed a slight tear of frustration.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Shelley.
550 reviews127 followers
January 4, 2022
Instead of being a responsible adult and shovel snow, I hid in a closet and devoured this steamy treat. True to form I read yet another book in a series out of order and knew that it was the final book in the series. I loved everything about the book, the characters were great especially the darling 4 year old boy on the spectrum who was handled well and much better than a lot of other authors who take themselves more seriously than a Harlequin romance.
Profile Image for  EA(Excelling Authors).
3 reviews3 followers
January 4, 2022
This is my first book by Reese Ryan, and it won’t be the last! First, I must say I love, love, love how Cole and Renee came together, and with her son added, it touched me so. Seeing this couple go from crush to romance was so good. I also enjoyed both sides of the family. I have to go get the other parts to the series. This was a good story! I received an ARC via Booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving my review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
237 reviews2 followers
January 5, 2022
It never matters to me the titles of this author’s books because I download them without reading the synopsis. She’s amazing and it should be mandatory for every woman over the age of 30 to read at least one of her books, monthly.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews64 followers
January 5, 2022
That ending has stolen all my words, and I kind of no longer have any idea what I thought I wanted to say about this story. I know that Cole has kind of been an enigma in the background of the previous stories. So, I've really been looking forward to seeing what it would take for him to find his happily ever after. Renee was not the answer I was expecting to his relationship woes, but she’s absolutely perfect for him. She inspires him to be a better man, and he shows her how a real partner steps up and cares for the people important to him. I kind of hate saying “goodbye” to the Abbott siblings, but the twist in the end of this book suggests I may not have to completely let them go just yet.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
60 reviews2 followers
January 5, 2022
I have enjoyed each book in The Bourbon Brothers series and Reese Ryan did not disappoint with this final installment. This story has some funny and touching moments. The chemistry between Cole and Renee was undeniable. I loved Mercer and the way he warmed up to Cole. I also liked Grandpa Milo and Renee’s mom. I recommend this book and the rest of the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,772 reviews129 followers
December 31, 2021
Four and a half stars

The Bad Boy Experiment by Reese Ryan is the sixth in her fabulous Bourbon Brothers series.

Cole Abbott and Renee Lockwood are both happily single. So when Cole needs a date for a string of upcoming weddings, it only seemed to make good sense for him to invite Renee to accompany him. And if he happens to spend some time with her and her terrific son, Mercer, that’s what friends do. And for Renee, what harm could there be in indulging themselves a little in this sparking chemistry? After all, as a scientist, she knows a lot can be learned from testing one’s hypotheses…

Reese Ryan’s story is a lovely friends/rivals to lovers, with strong secondary characters and a wonderful community around them. While sixth in a series, this can be read as a stand alone, but you’ll likely want to catch up with the earlier titles in the series once you’re done!
Profile Image for Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read.
3,441 reviews113 followers
November 22, 2021
I love the setting of this series. I haven't had the pleasure of reading the whole series yet, but the books I have read have worked as standalones. At least I didn't have any problem following the storylines. This 6th and final book is kind of a second chance romance. Cole is a past crush for Renee, plus she's divorced, so it would be a second chance at love. I liked this couple and Reese Ryan certainly brings the chemistry. The story is an engaging, quick read, and I'm liking this author's brand of wit. As I mentioned, I haven't gotten the full story from all the couples in this series yet, but Cole and Ren seemed like a great way to complete the series in my opinion, and of the couples I have met, this is my favorite.
Profile Image for Lu.
756 reviews25 followers
December 13, 2021
The last man standing has finally fallen in love!

Cole was a favorite of mine from the previous books in the Bourbon Brothers series, and I always thought he was a sweet and caring man despite his bad-boy exterior.

He finds his match in his high-school nerdy friend Renee Lockwood, who now is a scientist and a recently divorced mom of a special-needs child.

The relationship between Cole and Renee's son Mercer is so sweet, and he adorably cares for both mother and son.

As with all the other books in the series, the pages were on fire! (lol). The chemistry between Cole and Renee and the angst of their repressed feelings were over the charts.

I loved everything about their romance, friendship, and the opportunity to revisit all the Bourbon siblings and their spouses.

A lovely ending for an incredible series!

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley for an honest review.

*This review will be posted on https://lureviewsbooks.com on 12/27/2021*
Profile Image for Coffee&Books.
1,182 reviews110 followers
December 28, 2021
I'm sad this is the final installment of the Bourbon Bros series, but happy to get this story because it was deliciously spicy. I love a hero that is not a prince charming, who is kind of 'bad' for you but not in a crime and punishment way... he's just not polite and dashing. A hero that is a sarcastic a hole going up against a headstrong heroine who refuses to give in in a situation where they're in close proximity and can't help but cross the line that should not be crossed but probably will....
Magic. love it, and Reese Ryan does it again and again. I'm already pining for this new series coming because that last scene has piqued my interest!
Profile Image for Cali Jewel.
5,250 reviews40 followers
February 4, 2022
Really enjoyed all the heart racing twists and emotionally memorable moments. Highly entertaining, sweetly sexy and action-packed journey filled with exciting and intriguing charters, witty banter, and thrilling passion. Awesome reading.
Profile Image for Susan.
4,830 reviews128 followers
January 7, 2022
Terrific conclusion to the Bourbon Brothers series. Cole is the youngest of the family and the last man standing as far as relationships go. He is as anti-commitment as they come, preferring no-strings hookups to anything that smacks of permanence. He is also the only siblings not involved in the family distillery. Years earlier, he made it known that he had no interest in being part of it by refusing to go to college and apprenticing with a local builder instead. While this created great tension among the family, Cole became very successful in real estate development and construction. I ached a bit for Cole as I learned more about his background. Learning difficulties left him with some insecurities that persisted into his adulthood.

After divorcing her husband, Renee returned home, bringing her four-year-old autistic son Mercer. After dealing with the entitled, rich-boy mentality, the last thing she is interested in is a relationship with anyone. She plans to purchase the family's farm property from her grandfather and create an organic vegetable and flower farm staffed by workers with challenges such as those her son faces.

I loved the first meeting between Renee and Cole. He didn't know she was back in town and the sight of her left him gobsmacked. They became friends (with mutual crushes) in high school when Renee tutored him in math and science, and to say the geeky girl had changed would be an understatement. But Cole still feels guilty because their friendship ended badly. If things were awkward between them now, they were about to get more so. When Renee approaches her grandfather about purchasing the property, she learns that Cole also wants the same land. He plans to build high-end homes there. Her clever, perhaps devious, grandfather tells both that he will give them six months to prove which one will make the best use of the property. Though not happy, neither backs down from the challenge.

I loved watching the relationship develop between Cole and Renee. Though both claim to be anti-relationship, there is no doubt about their attraction. Both are determined to resist it and instead rekindle their friendship. Though Cole has the whole bad-boy reputation, he has a surprisingly soft and honorable heart. I loved watching him find ways to help Renee, both with fixing up her house and setting up her farm. He also connects quickly with her son, Mercer, with whom he feels a slight kinship over similar challenges. There are sweet scenes with Cole and Mercer, who calls Cole "Vroom!" because of his truck.

I loved seeing Cole and Renee spend time together. Though she's a bit hesitant, Cole finds ways to involve her in his family's life. It was fun to see how they could all see what was happening between Cole and Renee. As the flames of attraction grew stronger, a chance discovery of her great-aunt's diary led Renee to propose a "bad-boy experiment." They give in to the attraction, indulging in a no-strings affair while maintaining their friendship, with no expectation of more. Of course, both go into it firmly convinced they can keep their feelings out of it. It was fun to see their families, who clearly see what is happening, try to point out the obvious while neither one is willing to listen. After panicking when they realize the truth, it takes a little time apart to realize the truth of what they want. I loved Cole's big moment at the end - trellis + balcony =

I loved the epilogue. It was great to see the whole family together at the grand opening of their mother's restaurant. I loved Iris's excitement at the new challenge and her homage to the importance of her family. The epilogue ended with an unexpected twist that left me anxiously awaiting the next book.

#netgalley
Profile Image for Allie.
167 reviews7 followers
December 16, 2021
Renee is back home as a single mother after getting divorced. The brilliant scientist and dedicated mother to a mostly nonverbal autistic preschooler has plans to revitalize her family’s old farm. While it hasn’t been a working farm in years she knows she can turn it into a sustainable organic farm. She just has to convince her grandfather to give her the property.

Trouble is Cole, an old high school friend who did not part on the best of terms, wants that same land for a new construction development. Renee’s grandfather is Cole’s mentor and friend and knows the project could bring some much needed money and life to the community. Pitting the two against each other, they’re challenged to breathe life back into neighboring abandoned properties that had once belonged to his late sisters.

One of the things I loved the most about this was the grandfather’s genuine desire to do what is best for his family and his town. He knew farming as a single mother would be a challenge for his granddaughter but he didn’t make the decision to stop her rather give her the opportunity to try on a smaller scale. And while it’s never directly stated, the meddling old man bringing his granddaughter and a man he likes and helped mold together definitely seemed to be a part of it.

As a single mother with neurodiverse children, it was really easy to relate to Renee and her struggles and decisions to do what’s best for her son who has unique challenges. She’s strong, determined, and fiercely protective but not stubborn or inflexible as such characters often end up being.

I enjoyed the friends-to-lovers, second chance at a romance that never was aspect to this. Two kids from different social groups each liking the other but never feeling like they were good enough. I especially liked that Cole, the popular, athletic kid, never felt good enough for nerdy Renee because she was brilliant and he needed her help just to pass his classes. It was a nice change from the normal “he’s so popular he couldn't really see her until she grew up and came back hot AF” trope.

Another great aspect was Cole and his relationship with his family as the odd man out. He was the last single child, the only person who didn’t work for the family business, the only one who wasn’t great in school and yet there was a lot of real love and affection between them. He has baggage but it isn’t heavy baggage that weighs down and drowns out the rest.

If you’re looking for a low-angst, sweet and sexy romance, this book is perfect. It’s not rom-com fluffy but it also doesn’t have a lot of heavy weight to it. All the gooey feels without a ton of drama.

I received an ARC of this book but this review and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Aisha.
484 reviews18 followers
January 19, 2022
Renee Lockwood, a brilliant scientist, has returned to Magnolia Lake, Tennessee, after many years away. And this time she comes determined to stay. Her goal is to make her grandfather Milo’s farm functional again. A goal that becomes a bit complicated when Cole Abbott, her former friend and her teen crush, makes an offer to Renee’s grandfather to buy the land to turn it into a luxury home development. Aware that both projects will bring benefits to the community, Milo gives them the option of competing for the farm: they will have to live on it, in neighboring houses, for six months.

As time passes, Renee and Cole revive their friendship, although there comes a time when being “just friends” is not enough. It is then that Renee puts “The Bad Boy Experiment” into action and proposes a no-strings relationship to Cole. Which he accepts, of course. But what will happen when those nights of unbridled passion give way to love?

This is the sixth and final book in The Bourbon Brothers series, and I think it’s a great ending. The way the details are very well cared for (the messages on Cole’s t-shirts are hilarious!) and the alluring and funny dialogues, although serious when they deserve it, make the reading very entertaining. Likewise, the supporting characters, especially the Abbotts, are refreshing. And Mercer is a sweet, charming boy. A story that deals with issues such as autism and learning disabilities in a sensitive and simple way without overshadowing the essence of Harlequin Desire books, the sexy romance. Although I thought there was a little loose end when it came to Cole, I think it was a very good ending to this series.

FULL REVIEW IN HARLEQUIN JUNKIE:
https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-th...
Profile Image for Courtney.
3,096 reviews7 followers
December 27, 2021
I received an ARC from the publisher and am voluntarily posting a review.

The Bad Boy Experiment is the final book in the Bourbon Brothers series. It can be read as a stand-alone, as I have missed all but one and didn’t feel too lost. There is a sense of it feeling a bit crowded with all the previous characters living their HEAs, but that’s par for the course for a series conclusion, and I’m excited to go back and read what I missed.

Reese Ryan always writes such engaging characters and such wonderful takes on familiar tropes. I really appreciated Renee’s character, especially in how it explored her role as a single mom to an autistic child. While I can’t speak specifically to the accuracy of the representation, the inclusion is great.

I also really liked Renee’s relationship with her grandfather, and how he really believed in her despite her challenges. And he’s implied to be a bit of a meddling matchmaker, as it’s his actions that bring her and Cole back together.

I really liked seeing these two people who’ve always liked each other, but things never happened due to them being on different paths, finally finding their way to each other. And it’s interesting how they complement each other, with Renee having a lot of drive, and Cole kind of being a bit of a black sheep of the family, at least in terms of not really excelling academically and not working in the same business with the rest of his family.

This is a great book, both in its own right and as a conclusion to the series overall. Whether you’ve read the series or not, it’s absolutely worth checking out, especially if you like category and/or contemporary romance.
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