A Love Letter to Whiskey: Fifth Anniversary Edition Paperback – October 19, 2021

This book is a solid 4.5-5 star read. At least the original version of the book which ends with an, “I’ll Be Waiting”. This is not a smutty book, and it is barely spicy, though the spice that is present is well done and satisfying.I don’t think the Epilogue nor Love, Whiskey (both in the 5th Anniversary Edition) are necessary, as we as the witnesses to this story KNOW that, even with the unanswered ending, Brecks (I love this name and hate that it was shortened, though I understand why) and Jamie cannot and will not settle for a life that doesn’t include the other. While it was interesting to read the same events from Jamie’s perspective, and did make him seem less of a prick in certain situations, it did get a bit redundant.These characters are so frustrating and there are instances when that frustration is overwhelming; why would he have waited for her more than once with her lack of communication? Why would she have waited for his after the Angel situation fell apart and he didn’t contact her? So many things. But, you know what? That’s real. People are horrible at communicating. Luckily, their souls recognized that, though their owners could be idiotic, they were each incomplete without the other.Why did this book hit so hard? Because it’s relatable and emotional, with some scenes so lifelike that my response is visceral. It’s like reliving parts of my life that, unfortunately, did not have the same happy ending but lets me remember these moments, regardless. It shines a spotlight on some regrets that I have. It’s emotional, it’s under my skin. It’s a book that I will re-read, though likely only through the original cliffhanger ending.The babies… unnecessary, and this seems to be a common theme with female authors; that no story, no happily-ever-after is complete without offspring. What saves this a little is that Jamie knew he wanted kids from an early age. What saves it even more is that he figures out what he really only wanted was Brecks. I wish it could have been left with these two soulmates being enough for each other while surfing the waves of both the east and west coasts, with a shot of whiskey to warm them after.

Overall, it was a good read, but just not quite 5 stars. It had parts of that fairy tale love story all of us ladies adore, but that was broken up by stupid decisions on both ends, and got to where it honestly just felt unrealistic. Not the way things would ever go in real life, and I like to read a love story feeling like it’s amazing that something like that may exist. Not thinking there’s no way it would go like that. Also B drives me absolutely nuts many times with her unreasonable reactions, feelings and choices. I want to shake her and tell her to let that man love her! It’s worth the read, but it’s just a fun read, not anything that blew my mind.

I have to give this 5 stars since I devoured it. As a 50 year old woman it left me thinking of all the past loves I had, what if we held on and pulled each other in when the other pushers away? Had I ever been so fiercely loved by another that you forgive all their BS, where the physical connection just pushes all the spiraling away for a bit?if that interests you dive in!

This book had me HOOKED. It was angsty, with so much longing, pain, love, hate, passion. EVERYTHING. It was well written and gave us a realistic passionate love. Truly made me a fan of this author, because i now want to go read all her books!Spoilers!! So stop reading now if you plan on reading this book!B lowkey pisses me off lol she was given so much validation by Jamie. That man wanted her, and showed her that he wanted her ALL ALONG. Minus the first scene where she thinks he saw Jenna first. But in reality, she just didn’t have the self esteem to see that he actually saw her. As I read the book, I felt all the emotions. I’m telling you this book was so well written… but most of all I began understanding that B had a lot of issues and trauma that was not dealt with. She couldn’t allow herself to fully love him until she healed herself. It was truly gut-wrenching.But my heart broke so much for Jamie. Sure he had his faults, but ultimately, once he knew he wanted B he made it known. Truly the definition of “if he wanted to, he would”. But I guess that’s the point of the story, when he was ready, she wasn’t. And then when she finally realized it was too late. This is what makes this book SOOOO GOOD. The timing. You want to cry, scream, and throw your book at the wall with the frustration. Seriously, if you want to read a book with emotion, angst, BURNNNNN, this is it.AMAZING BOOK! I will likely reread, bc I am OBSESSED.

This special edition includes "Love, Whiskey" (Jamie’s side, plus an extended epilogue)I read this as a challenge from a friend. It's one of her favorite books. It is way outside of my genre of interest. I just have to say this novel was not for me. Jamie and B have this whole toxic back and forth, on again off again romance that made me annoyed with both of them. If you like that kind of story, you will love this. Plus, with this edition, you can read it TWICE - from B's perspective and then from Jamie's.It was absolutely well written. The heartache, the banter, the uncertaining, the self-deprecation. B is so messed up in her own self esteem that she messes up every good relationship that comes her way. And Jamie isn't much better. You (the reader) feel every bit of that.Loved the extended metaphor of love as intoxication and addiction. It really conveyed the toxicity of this relationship. Sad thing is - It could have been a good relationship, just these two messed up people could not get it right.I wanted to shake them both, stick them in a room and tell them to figure it out. I was just frustrated through the whole story! I'm still frustrated writing this review!Sorry, K... - I can't love this one. I totally see why some people do, but it for sure was not me.some tropes: friends to lovers, slow burn (but some really hot scenes once they get there - fanning myself), second change romance