“Do you have empty places inside you?”
“I used to have more.” She stared unblinkingly for several heartbeats. “Being with you has filled most of them.”

I’m so in love with this book. With everything about it—the characters, the story, the writing, the set-up for coming books in the series. It was a wonderful, well-rounded read, and I’m going to need all of you to read it, too.

I feel like my patience in waiting for a book about Ava Grace was richly rewarded—the country music superstar having first appeared in Jenna Sutton’s fabulous Riley O’Brien & Co. series—but even if you haven’t been waiting on this one like I have, there is plenty to get excited about. Like the sharp banter, the moments both touching and funny, the bite of tension, and the endearing friendships.

Barreled Over was, simply, the right read for me at the right time. It was incredibly easy to just enjoysweet-but-tart Ava Grace and gruff-but-true Beck. Not to mention seeing Amelia and Quinn again, and getting to know Kyle, Ren, and Gabe, who, I’m pleased to note, will all be getting their own stories.

And that epilogue. It’s divine—the highest of high notes to end on, even though this book is just the beginning of the Trinity Distillery series. Which is a series I’m already in love with, thanks to Barreled Over, and one I’m going to need you to read, too.

“Her love—being loved by her—outweighs everything else. You’re an idiot if you give that up.”

~ FIVE Trueheart STARS ~

This new series ( and standalone book) is a spin off on the previous series about Riley O’Brien Jeans company. Ava Grace is best friends with Amelia who was featured in the previous series, so if you have read those books, you will still see some familiar faces. Ava Grace is a country singer super star who helps to promote Trinity Bourbon, a small craft distillery for bourbon when she meets Beck, the CEO and one of the owners. The book had a great feel to me, and I read it almost in one sitting. Jenna Sutton has a way of writing what seems like a “cutsie”story but really has a lot of depth to it. I love a book that makes me feel the emotions of the characters in the story, and this book does it for me!

Ava Grace Landry was raised by her grandmother after her mother passed and her father abandoned her. She won a national singing contest and is now a country music star. She is very conscious of her image and wants to keep it clean and be a role model for young fans. When she discovered her dad had Alzheimer’s, she immediately brought him to live with her, despite their history. She’s only 25 but seems to know herself pretty well.

When her manager decides he wants her to get a larger male following, she decides to work with Trinity bourbon, partially owned by Quinn, her best friend Amelia’s husband.

Jonah Beck is another partner in Trinity and Ava Grace’s secret crush. He has been badly burned in a past relationship, and doesn’t want to repeat his father’s relationship mistake. Therefore, he’s not looking for anything long term. He prefers privacy to public attention. I really struggled to like Jonah. I wanted to yell at him to grow a pair and let it go. I rolled my eyes and shook my head at him so many times I lost count.

Because of her music career, Ava Grace lives her life mostly in the public eye but still maintains some personal privacy. She has grown accustomed to the attention and handles it well. Her house is her refuge. She is hesitant to start anything with Beck, but is irresistibly drawn to him. They have a push pull relationship, mostly from Beck.

I loved Kyle! He was awesome with Ava Grace’s dad. He and Ava Grace had a sibling, close friend relationship.

Ellis, the master distiller at Trinity, was a hoot! He is a speak his mind, lay it all out, been there done/seen that old codger.

While not my favorite book from this author, I did like the supporting characters and am interested in where the series goes from here. I liked the cover too!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.

Ava Grace is the kind of character you love right away. She's always upbeat and positive, hardworking, intelligent, and goes for what she wants. After winning a major TV singing competition she may have rocketed to stardom but she hasn't forgotten the people who helped her or let the fame go to her head. When her new boss wants her to appeal to a larger male audience Ava Grace turns down his demeaning ideas (provocative magazine covers) in favor of some creative ideas of her own. Mutual friends suggest she become the spokesperson for Trinity Distillery and Ava Grace takes the idea, adds bourbon themed cookbooks and is off and running. She isn't one to back down from a challenge and doesn't expect anyone to do anything for her. While she's never applied this approach to life with men, when Ava Grace meets Jonah Beck and the chemistry between them is instant, she decides to go for it. Beck is a solid guy and she thinks he could be the one for her.

Beck had enough bad experiences with fame as a kid when his father was accused of embezzling from his own company to know he doesn't want to live in the spotlight. As attracted to Ava Grace as he is, he doesn't want to be attracted to her. He's convinced their lives can't mix and Trinity should be the only thing they have in common. I have to admit, Ava Grace saw his potential way before I did. Beck has plenty of moments where he's a jerk, tries to push Ava Grace away, but gets upset if there's any distance between them. For a good part of the book he seems to be more than happy to have her be the one doing all the compromising in the relationship. While that may be because of his previous experiences, it was still more work for Ava Grace than I'd have put into the frustrating relationship. Each is afraid to be the one to say "I love you" first and they have plenty of communication issues that need to get worked through (though personally I blame Beck for most of them. I'm not as nice as Ava Grace). But Ava Grace's fame is the big hurdle. It's exactly what Beck needs for Trinity bourbon, and exactly what he doesn't want in his daily life. When Ava Grace winds up in the hospital after an accident and her medical records get leaked to the media, they put the worst possible spin on the situation. Beck can't handle the negative press and in a move that may be understandable from the selfishly personal point of view but is a cowardly jerk move from the relationship point of view he leaves Ava Grace to deal with everything by herself. It's only after friends point out that he isn't good enough for her that Beck realizes that he is so miserable without her that he's willing to work hard to become good enough for her.

Ava Grace was the shining star of Barreled Over as far as I was concerned. She handles everything life throws at her- from fans to her father's Alzheimer's- with a grace and strength that is inspirational. You're cheering for her to get her happy ending from page one. Beck is a lot harder- I liked him, but he took a lot of work to like. Sutton does a great job with these two, giving them an instant chemistry that makes the relationship worth the work. Barreled Over is a fast-paced, fun start to a promising new series and I can't wait to read more!

Barrelled Over is not only the first book in a brand new series by Jenna Sutton; it’s also a learning experience on the nuances of bourbon distillery, has a touch of celebrity and a hard working business man who’s sexy to boot!

There were moments when both the lead characters made my skin crawl, but once the story got into a flow; their irritation fact seemed to subside. I liked the storyline as a whole and was well educated and eager to try my first bourbon too! I’m looking forward to reading book two.

Barreled Over by Jenna Sutton
Trinity Distillery #1

I have been lucky enough to read a few novellas by Jenna Sutton and remember them vividly so when the opportunity to read the first book in her new Trinity Distillery series was provided I was eager to snap it up.

There are three partners in the San Francisco bourbon business known as Trinity Distillery. In this book we meet all three men and hear the story of Jonah Beck and Ava Grace Landry. We are also tantalized with the possibility of not only the future stories of the other two owners but of two friends of Ava Grace that are bff’s in her life before Jonah enters it.

Jonah grew up in a bourbon making dynasty. His family lost the business but his love for the art never died so with a plan in place, financial backing and his friends Ren and Gabe beside him he took a gamble that paid off. Wanting to increase the number of female customers the three men were more than interested in linking their bourbon with Country Singing Star Ava Grace Landry when she came to visit with the idea and hope of increasing her male fan base.

This was a wonderful story. The backstories of both main characters impacted their lives but in ways that strengthened them. Jonah was less willing to trust, hated the limelight and yet was a man that steamed up the pages, was genuine, true and a great person. Ava Grace knew what she wanted and was not shy but she was also not overly pushy. Ava Grace was a big name but had heart, dedication, a work ethic and was constant in her affections and friendships. As the story progressed I could definitely see the two of them together and was happy they found one another. Sure, there were ups and downs and issues to deal with but all in all the story flowed, made sense, and seemed believable. I felt with the characters – main and supporting – and would gladly have them as friends. The HEA ending was perfect and now I want to read the stories of Ren and Gabe and also the novella I found out has been written for Ava Grace’s friend Mercy and her bodyguard/driver Kyle.

Thank you to the author who bequeathed me this marvelous ARC through NetGalley – This is my honest review.
Quotes that resonated and lingered:

~ Women are like bourbon. A good one is warm and smooth and just a little sweet. But she's got some kick to her...a bite that makes you flinch. She makes your throat burn and your chest tight, and then she settles in your belly and glows like an ember. ~ Ellis

~ Head, Heart and Tail ~
“Did he tell you about the head, heart, and tail?” Ellis asked.
She shook her head. “No.”
“We put the heart of the spirit into these here barrels.”
“What’s the heart of the spirit?” she asked, looking back and forth between Beck and Ellis.
“The liquid that comes off the stills first is called the head, and it’s too strong,” Ellis explained. “The liquid that comes off last is called the tail, and it’s too weak. It’s the liquid that comes off in between – the heart of the spirit-that’s the right potency.”


4.5 Stars

I was hoping that there would be a book about Ava Grace! She is, after all, Amelia O'Brien's best friend.
Ava Grace is a country music star living in Nashville, Beck is a bourbon distiller on the opposite coast. She needs to expand her music follower's base, Trinity Distillery needs to get the word out. They originally come together in a business deal -- she writes a song that they can use -- but the sparks that have been smoldering since Quinn and Amelia's wedding begin to really catch fire [sorry, i know that's trite!] and they overcome Beck's distaste of being in the spotlight and decide that being together is worth every bit of hassle. Can't wait to read about the rest of the partners!

I absolutely loved this book. This is the first book I've read by Jenna Sutton and I have ordered her previous books after reading this. It's the story of Ava Grace, a country music star and Beck, a bourbon distiller. They meet when she partners with the distillery and sparks fly. Can he overcome his fear of the public spotlight that follows Ava Grace? Is being together worth the sacrifice of privacy?

I do sincerely appreciate the opportunity to read and review. Unfortunately, I was unable to connect with this story. I'm thinking the timing may be all wrong - and I may circle back later to give it another try. I struggle sometimes with storylines where the female is the pursuer - so in the end, this may just not be my kind of story.

3.5 Bourbon Sauce & Bread Pudding Stars.

As a new to me author I hadn’t read anything by Ms. Sutton and believe me I did some snooping after I received the ARC and was somewhat disappointed but just because there were some unfavourable reviews based on her other series I decided to bite the bullet. What is the worst that could have happened? I wouldn’t have liked it at worst I would have DNF it.

Or in this case….

It is a winner I really enjoyed Beck & Ava Grace’s story. I am pleasantly surprised. It is sweet, refreshing with a touch of angst there are some things though that I wasn’t entirely thrilled about. But I’ll get to that later.

Ava Grace has music in her blood but a management change is putting her in a position where she needs to garner more male fans. Her bestie’s husband has an idea be the spokesperson for Trinity.
Jonah Beck like his father and grandfather has bourbon in his blood. But a painful past moved him from Kentucky to San Francisco to open his distillery but he doesn’t want to be in the limelight so he manages to bag Ava Grace as his spokesperson and so an undeniable attraction develops.

The book started off really strong and it continued all the way throughout. The MC chemistry is off the charts and the author does a really good job but sometimes I felt that there is a lack of depth that the characters could have and should have when they have the connection that these two have. There is easy banter and a relationship that they truly have to work at.

The one thing that really stuck out and Ms. Sutton I am extremely happy about this. The HERO is NOT a MANHO. I repeat he is NOT a MANHO. So refreshing. Our heroine does a lot of the chasing at the beginning also very refreshing yet she doesn’t come on to strong. The balance is just right.

Now although the Hero isn’t a manho. He behaves like an arse on numerous times throughout the book, the heroine actually takes a stand and he has to work for it although she gave in to quickly at the end IMO but then again I can also hold a mean grudge. Beck’s insecurities get in the way. Yes the bloke is the one with the insecurities and not the heroine. Once again different. He finally gives in to his feelings and it seems such a hardship. So there is a push/pull.

Now this really did my nut in constantly Ava Grace this and Ava Grace I’m begging you Ms. Sutton just get her friends to call her Ava, I shortened it to Ava cause otherwise I would have thrown my kindle against the wall. What you do to save your kindle, lol.

Overall a solid book with a great characters and an adorable story that could have had a bit more depth and not so rushed at the end. It has everything I want in a romance. There is also no o/w-o/m drama.

Once again I’ve written too much and I really recommend this book.

More to come in the series and I can’t wait

Tipsy-Turvy (Trinity Distillery #1.5) Kyle & Mercy – Spring 2018
Bottled Up (Trinity Distillery #2) Ren’s Story (hopefully with Sasha) – Summer 2018
Chased Down (Trinity Distillery #3) Gabe’s Story – Fall 2018

Beck and Ava were extremely attracted to each other, but Beck wanted to fight it pretty much all the way. Beck has some baggage that he carries and when you read about them you can see why he is the way he is, he has nothing but bad experiences with relationships, however sometimes you just wanted to smack him. Ava was this sweet singer and she is also going thru a hard time with her father who had pretty much abandoned her while growing up. While they are working together, of course they give into attraction but each other were not completely honest with each other, or shall I say holding a part of themselves back trying not to get hurt. Do they eventually? Do they end up giving their all? Well my friends you need to read. Will admit a little slow at times.

Ava Grace Landry is a super star! Jonah Beck is proving bourbon runs in his veins! Teaming up together will make their careers even better. Yet Beck wants more from Ava Grace, he wants her. As their relationship heats up so does the paparazzi. Untrue stories appear and Beck’s private family history is exposed. Walking away from Ava Grace is the hardest thing Beck has ever done yet it is for the best. I loved this story! It was awesome from the beginning and I was hooked. Very interesting to learn about bourbon and how to truly drink it. The characters were intriguing and very real. This was my first book by Ms. Sutton looking forward to reading more.

Beck trying to keep his relationship with Grace a secret. Grace just trying to help him.

*I was provided an ARC by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

I was a huge fan of Jenna Sutton's O'Brien series, so I was super excited to be approved for an ARC of her new Trinity Distillery series. It did not disappoint! It's always great to see character crossover in an author's work, so it was wonderful not only to see Ava grace get her own story, but to reconnect with the main characters from the O'Brien series.

Ava Grace and Jonah had great chemistry and banter throughout the novel, even though they get off to a rough start. I also appreciated that there was a storyline dealing with Alzheimer's, which is a very real and serious issue in everyday life. I also greatly enjoy when I can learn something new when reading, and was pleased to acquire some general knowledge about distilling AND the country music industry with this book.

I thought this was so well written. The descriptions were detailed just enough so you could picture it all quite easily.
I loved both Ava Grace and Beck. She had the biggest heart and presence. Beck was an honorable man, but a bit closed off. Their chemistry was undeniable and flowing like the bourbon he made. There's def some heat in here.
This read will have you laughing, tearing up and just get stomping mad sometimes, but that's the best signs of a great book.
There are some secondary characters and situations I would def love to read more of.
This is the 1st book I've read from Jenna Sutton, but certainly not the last.
I received an ARC from Net Galley and am happily leaving my honest review

This is a sweet read about Beck and Ava. I enjoyed reading about this interesting couple the famous country star and successful Distillery businessman. Both Beck and Ava are great characters and easy to love. I also get the reason why was Beck reserved about Ava at first his past experience made it so. But he is down to earth guy and when he sees that he made mistake he leaves the fear behind and go fighthing for happines. Ava is also such lovely personality funny and caring. With Back, they make a great powerful couple and story worth the time to read it. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly

While generally I liked this book and the characters, I thought some of the treatment of women was a bit strange (one character is described as 'neither pretty nor ugly'). While I understand this genre is built on how people look, there were a few instances that rubbed the wrong way. Also, while I generally love a sex scene, the ones in this book seemed weirdly clinical (but props to all the safe sex!).

I was happy to read about Ava Grace's story. I enjoyed meeting her in "All the Right Places" and follow up with Amelia and Quinn as well. Ava Grace and Buck are a great couple and the chemistry between the two characters was enjoyable. I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Jenna Sutton has written the story of country singer Ava Grace Landy and Jonah Beck, part owner of Trinity Distillery. Jenna has included a little of everything, humor, romance, and a hint of drama. Ava Grace is your typical strong southern girl and poor Beck; he just didn’t know what hit him. I liked this book – the first I have read of Jenna’s – and it won’t be the last. I can’t wait for the next book in the series is released! In the meantime, I will be reading her other books.

This is a bit of a twist on a celebrity romance. In this case, the celebrity is the heroine, Ava Grace, a country music star. She is working for Beck’s bourbon distillery as their celebrity spokeswoman in order to increase her appeal to men.

I learned a lot about distilling bourbon while reading the book. I always enjoy when I can learn while reading a romance. Who knew that there are small craft bourbon distilleries in California?

Beck is trying to resist his attraction to Ava Grace, but she goes after him and eventually he succumbs and they become a couple. Once we read about Beck’s difficult personal history and desire to escape anyone’s interest in that history, it seemed pretty obvious what was going to happen in the story. But I still enjoyed reading along as they get work through their problems to find their HEA.

I was given a free ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.