Bourbon Summer by Walker Rose

POV: Dual 1st Person
3rd ACT BREAK-UP: Yes
TROPES: Fake Relationship; Age Gap; Boss/Employee; Small Town; Slow Burn 
SERIES: Bourbon Canyon Series (book 5)
TYPE OF SERIES: Series of standalones
RELEASE DATE: January 30, 2025

Walker Rose brings all the feels in Bourbon Summer, a small-town romance overflowing with charm and tropes we can’t help but adore. Featuring a fake relationship, a boss/employee dynamic, an age gap, and a pair of delightfully nerdy protagonists, this story is as smooth as a good bourbon.

Ruby Casteel is your quintessential small-town girl—proudly nerdy, unapologetically introverted, and quietly nursing a bruised heart.

After her ex-boyfriend announces he’s marrying her former childhood best friend, Ruby finds herself in need of a buffer after they invite her to their wedding. Enter Tenor Bailey, the buttoned-up, somewhat secretly nerdy numbers guy at his family’s distillery. With his love of spreadsheets and an awkward charm, Tenor agrees to play the part of Ruby’s boyfriend. What could possibly go wrong?

Ruby is a heroine you’ll want to befriend. She’s confident in her quirks, fiercely independent, and refreshingly honest about who she is. Her hobbies—losing herself in books and quietly observing life from the sidelines—make her relatable to all introverts. Tenor is the kind of hero who sneaks up on you. Here is a man with a love for Warhammer, a streak of vulnerability from past wounds, and a heart he’s hesitant to give away because he has fiercely guarded it. Watching him gradually share and embrace his nerdy side—thanks to Ruby’s influence—is a joy.

The chemistry between Ruby and Tenor is understated yet undeniable.

Their banter is witty, their fake relationship has just the right amount of awkward sweetness, and their mutual respect for each other’s quirks makes the romance feel organic. As they navigate family expectations, small-town gossip, and their own insecurities, the slow burn of their connection turns into a full-blown blaze. The scene where Ruby asks Tenor about his Warhammer minis? Perfection.  Because it shows that she is not afraid of that side of him.

Walker Rose knows how to work a trope, and Bourbon Summer is a masterclass. The fake relationship trope is perfectly executed, with plenty of tender moments mixed in with some heartache. The boss/employee dynamic is handled with care, emphasizing mutual respect and consent. The age gap adds an extra layer of tension and depth, making their journey to love all the more satisfying. The Bailey family distillery feels like a character in its own right. The vivid descriptions of bourbon-making and the close-knit community create a backdrop that feels as warm and inviting as a summer night.

Bourbon Summer is the literary equivalent of curling up with your favorite drink and losing yourself in a story that feels like home. It’s romantic, funny, and brimming with heart. Ruby and Tenor’s journey is a celebration of embracing your quirks, finding your person, and taking a chance on love—even when it scares you. As well as seeing that sometimespeople do change as they get older. Fans of small-town romance, nerdy protagonists, and tropes galore, this one’s for you. Cheers to Walker Rose for crafting a story that lingers like the perfect bourbon—sweet, bold, and unforgettable.

Listen to this Author Spotlight with Walker Rose and we chat about Bourbon Summer