Barreled Over (Trinity Distillery #1)

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 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

'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.'

That's exactly what this novel was.

This was my first experience reading Jenna Sutton, and it won't be my last. Sutton's story telling ability came off effortlessly. Even when I wanted to be angry at Beck for his inability to think before speaking, Sutton was able to make me empathize with him, and Ava Grace was one of the most patient characters I've ever read. The cast of supporting characters were captivating and I can't not wait to read their stories over the next year.

Although I consumed Barreled Over hard and fast like a body shot instead of savoring it slow like a good bourbon should be, I still got that warm glow at the end.

An arc of this novel was graciously provided by the publisher and netgalley for my honest review.

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

“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 ~

I think that Jenna Sutton is one of the most overlooked authors in the Romance genre! I have absolutely LOVED every book of hers that I've read. Her characters are delightful and well developed. Her stories are well written and emotionally charged. I smile and swoon and even tear up a little every time I get lost in one of her books. Barreled Over is another great example of her terrific work!

Ava Grace is a country music star, but she's also a friend and a daughter and a really wonderful, down-to-earth woman. To appease the new leadership at her record label, she agrees to an endorsement deal with an up and coming bourbon company. Jonah Beck is one of the owners of Trinity Distillery and a good man with a fractured past. He is drawn to Ava Grace, but reluctant to pursue her until he just can't resist anymore. Both characters are struggling with their pasts and trying to build solid futures. It ends up that they're just about perfect for each other.

I enjoy a book where every character has likeable features. Since this is the start of a series, there are lots of new characters introduced and they're all interesting and enjoyable. I loved Ava Grace and Beck and I can't wait for the next book in the Trinity series! I recommend Barreled Over or any of the other great books by Jenna Sutton!

An advance copy of this book was received. 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 ratings for: butterflies, character development, hero, heroine, romance, steamy, supporting characters and happily ever after.