A Winter Wedding (Whiskey Creek)

Escape to love. Easy to follow. Plenty of twists for the reader to enjoy. Believable characters with all to realistic bad relationships. Dialogue that is thought-provoking, informative and includes great ideas.

Kyle Houseman is being hounded and stalked by psychotic his ex-wife Noelle. Singer Lourdes Bennett is discovering that her boyfriend and manager is having an affair with his newest protégée.
They soon realize that they have more positive things in common than disastrous relationships.

The Whiskey Creek series are stand-alone's.

I will re-read this story and always look forward to, pre-order when possible, works by this author.

This had two stories about Kyle. One was sociopath Noelle obsessed with Kyle. He couldn’t get away from her. She lied to everyone and they believed her lies. I did not enjoy that story. I’m not sure why. Maybe because his reactions were not special or interesting to watch. The sociopath things were kind of generic - been done before.

The second story was good contemporary romance. Famous country singer Lourdes comes to town to be alone and do some writing. Kyle is good for her. I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. That story is a 4.

DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 373 pages. Swearing language: strong, but rarely used. Sexual language: mild plus the f-word. Number of sex scenes: about 6 but most with very little detail. Setting: current day mostly small town Whiskey Creek, California. Copyright: 2015. Genre: contemporary romance.

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THE SERIES:
This is book #9 in the Whiskey Creek series. Each book can be read as a stand alone, but there is a flow of characters through the books which makes it nice if read in order. Here are my ratings for them.

My Favorites (4 ½ or more stars):
#0.5 When We Touch - 102 page novella
#1 When Lightning Strikes
#5 Take Me Home For Christmas
#8 This Heart of Mine

2nd choice (3 ½ stars):
#9 A Winter Wedding
#2 When Snow Falls - It was hard to feel hope or anticipation. Chey would not allow herself to act on her feelings. She kept her feelings “secret” for most of the book.

3rd choice:
The main plot was one character keeping a “secret” for most of the book. I did not enjoy the lies. In some stories I did not like the reasons for keeping the secret.
2 ½ stars. #3 When Summer Comes
2 stars. #4 Home to Whiskey Creek
2 ½ stars. #6 Come Home to Me - secret baby
3 stars. #7 The Heart of Christmas - Hero is on the run from bad guys. When heroine asked questions he could have answered in generic terms but he was silent. That didn’t feel right to me.

Wasn't my favorite whiskey creek book by brenda novak. I did not like the negative personality she portrayed for kyle. It was completely out of character for him having read all of her other whiskey creek books.

A Winter Wedding by Brenda Novak takes us back to Whiskey Creek into the lives of a closely knit, unique group of friends. This is Kyle's story.

I have always liked Kyle, from the pieces I've seen of him in other Whiskey Creek novels, and felt that he had a lot of depth to him. This shines through in A Winter Wedding! Kyle has definitely had his ups and downs...the love of his life is now married to his step brother, and Kyle himself was briefly married to her sister, Noelle. Now he's dealing with an ex who doesn't want to let him go. Staying in Whiskey Creek is what Kyle wants though, even if it means his chances of finding another woman to love are slim to none.

Lourdes is a country music star seeking her muse, finding herself, and looking forward to anonymity while she stays in Whiskey Creek. Through a twist of fate, Lourdes ends up staying in Kyle's house with him instead of the farmhouse she's supposed to be in. Slowly Kyle and Lourdes become closer, even if a future together is impossible. Because Lourdes is not staying in Whiskey Creek and Kyle is not leaving...but does it have to be that black and white? I enjoyed getting to know Kyle and Lourdes, especially Kyle separately from the group of friends that this series revolves around. They are all so unique. I felt like Lourdes and Kyle were good for each other and that Whiskey Creek was good for Lourdes because it shows her a whole different side of life. One that she likes. I really hoped she could find a way to stay part of this place and with Kyle.

As we take the journey of Kyle and Lourdes becoming closer than either of them expected, Kyle's ex wife Noelle is a significant secondary character through out A Winter Wedding. She is an interesting character and I wonder if she has some underlying psychological issues. Brenda writes this character very well, and through this Noelle even had me believing her at times. It was sad to see her unravel through the book, and I hope to find out more about her in future Whiskey Creek books. As easy as she was to dislike, I found myself really hoping she would get some help.

We see and hear about characters from other Whiskey Creek books in A Winter Wedding, and I liked this carry forward, even if it is on the periphery. I would recommend reading the other Whiskey Creek novels if you want to get a good grasp of all the characters and their backgrounds. There is a lot going on in A Winter Wedding, but Brenda works it all together very well, and it plays like real life.

A Winter Wedding makes you believe in love, despite all the bumps in the road, and I'd recommend it to any romance reader.

I received a free copy of A Winter Wedding for an honest review.

Wasn't my favorite whiskey creek book by brenda novak. I did not like the negative personality she portrayed for kyle. It was completely out of character for him having read all of her other whiskey creek books.

A Winter Wedding by Brenda Novak takes us back to Whiskey Creek into the lives of a closely knit, unique group of friends. This is Kyle's story.

I have always liked Kyle, from the pieces I've seen of him in other Whiskey Creek novels, and felt that he had a lot of depth to him. This shines through in A Winter Wedding! Kyle has definitely had his ups and downs...the love of his life is now married to his step brother, and Kyle himself was briefly married to her sister, Noelle. Now he's dealing with an ex who doesn't want to let him go. Staying in Whiskey Creek is what Kyle wants though, even if it means his chances of finding another woman to love are slim to none.

Lourdes is a country music star seeking her muse, finding herself, and looking forward to anonymity while she stays in Whiskey Creek. Through a twist of fate, Lourdes ends up staying in Kyle's house with him instead of the farmhouse she's supposed to be in. Slowly Kyle and Lourdes become closer, even if a future together is impossible. Because Lourdes is not staying in Whiskey Creek and Kyle is not leaving...but does it have to be that black and white? I enjoyed getting to know Kyle and Lourdes, especially Kyle separately from the group of friends that this series revolves around. They are all so unique. I felt like Lourdes and Kyle were good for each other and that Whiskey Creek was good for Lourdes because it shows her a whole different side of life. One that she likes. I really hoped she could find a way to stay part of this place and with Kyle.

As we take the journey of Kyle and Lourdes becoming closer than either of them expected, Kyle's ex wife Noelle is a significant secondary character through out A Winter Wedding. She is an interesting character and I wonder if she has some underlying psychological issues. Brenda writes this character very well, and through this Noelle even had me believing her at times. It was sad to see her unravel through the book, and I hope to find out more about her in future Whiskey Creek books. As easy as she was to dislike, I found myself really hoping she would get some help.

We see and hear about characters from other Whiskey Creek books in A Winter Wedding, and I liked this carry forward, even if it is on the periphery. I would recommend reading the other Whiskey Creek novels if you want to get a good grasp of all the characters and their backgrounds. There is a lot going on in A Winter Wedding, but Brenda works it all together very well, and it plays like real life.

A Winter Wedding makes you believe in love, despite all the bumps in the road, and I'd recommend it to any romance reader.

I received a free copy of A Winter Wedding for an honest review.

And so its come full circle. Brenda Novak's Whiskey Creek series started out with Kyle's wedding and his losing the love of his life to his brother ( When We Touch Book 0.5) and he now gets his own happy ending in A Winter Wedding (Book 9). Kyle Houseman is surrounded by his good friends, great business and a small town he loves. But all these weddings and babies made him more lonely than ever before. With all his friends pairing up and raising a family and there having to be no prospect for him in his hometown (there is no way he is ever going back to his crazy ex despite what she wants) he starts thinking if he really has no way of getting over his first love who happens to be his sister in law. Until his new tenant comes along and she isn't what he expected. Lourdes Bennet is having doubts and a career crisis. When she rented a house in Whiskey Creek to try writing songs for her next album she was also hoping her longterm lover/manager would come along and try to patch up their relationship. Instead it seems that like her career, her relationship is going by the way of newer and younger talent. Now all she wants to do is huddle alone in her misery and maybe she can put out one more album that could resurrect her career. She never counted on Kyle though. A Winter Wedding was a heartfelt, sweet and wonderful friends to lovers story and for fans of the series one that has been anticipated for awhile. Kyle and Lourdes were two pretty amazing characters. They aren't angsty or broken or flawed. They had to deal with a lot emotional and relationship stuff in their recent past but they seem to survive it and they are both accomplished in their fields. So their conflicts are mostly minor and dealt with really well. What stands out in this book (aside from the fantastic cover) is how easy these two characters are with each other, no conflict, no angst just easy going friendship that eventually turned into something more. Now there is some external obstacles barring the road to true love (crazy exes!) but overall it was great. A totally engaging couple Lourdes and Kyle turned out to be.

Winter Wedding is the 9th book in the Whiskey Creek series by Brenda Novak. I was so glad that Kyle’s story was a holiday romance! Kyle has gotten a bit of a raw deal in this series because of his love for Olivia (who reunited with his step-brother…ouch) and his marriage to Olivia’s no good sister, Noelle, and I was so ready to finally read about his happily ever after.

Lourdes is in Whisky Creek to work on her new album and get back on top of the country music scene. She rents a house from Kyle and immediately realizes there is something special about him. They quickly become friends and then it begins to turn into something more. I had already really enjoyed Kyle as a character but we really got to know him on a deeper level as the hero of his own story. And while I always knew Noelle was not my favorite character, she really took crazy to a new level when she pops back into Kyle’s life. Lourdes also has some baggage, as she has just broken up with her manager/boyfriend.

But the relationship between Kyle and Lourdes was special and something completely different for both of them. They became friends first and really bonded before they fell in love. The pacing was perfect and believable considering the other things they were dealing with.

Ms. Novak does a great job writing the friendships between this group in Whiskey Creek. They play realistic and important roles in each other’s lives while also giving the reader little glimpses into what they are up to since we read their love stories.

This was a really nice holiday read (in the middle of summer!) and it was nice to finally see Kyle get his happily ever after. Plus, we got to meet Baxter and since he is now home in Whiskey Creek I am pretty sure he will be the hero of the next book.

Received in exchange for a honest review.

I didn’t expect some of what happened. It was crazy how it came about and it was a good crazy.

Throughout the story I felt for Kyle. He always tried to do the right thing. Try to be kind to his ex, kind to everyone. Even when his ex was possessive and would not leave him alone or try to get together with him again he was kind. He helped her when she needed it. Paid him extra when it wasn’t necessary but he did it out of a sense of guilt and obligation. Even though his ex was a manipulative unkind person he treated her with kindness until she went to far. Until he got to a breaking point and she did some things that hurt him and others.

Kyle was a good guy. He had made a mistake when he was younger and was still suffering from it. He felt guilt and sad. He felt he deserved being alone. He was happy for his brother but also was a little jealous. Poor guy was always trying to make everything right. Even if it meant distancing himself from everyone. One thing Kyle did was decide to rent out his converted barn to someone. Little did he know this renter would turn his world upside down.

Lourdes was lost. She was trying to get her music career from flailing and she was trying to figure out her personal life as well. She was feeling confused and lost. when she ends up in whiskey creek she didn’t know that she would end up conflicted and in love as well. In love with someone that wasn’t her boyfriend. The boyfriend she felt was distancing himself. The boyfriend who in the end dangled a carrot and took it away when she didn’t do as he wanted.

Kyle and Lourdes are put together by accident. the barn had some issues that weren’t expected and Kyle doing what was right had Lourdes come stay with him. This brought them closer. They began to get to know one another. Comfort each other and become friends. they began to feel something for each other. They didn’t want to act on the attraction. Lourdes because she was conflicted due to her relationship she was in and Kyle because Lourdes wasn’t staying around. Unfortunately this doesn’t always work out and fortunately for us they ended up coming together. they were a sweet, tender and passionate couple. What each other needed.

this though didn’t sit right with some and danger came to their lives. More danger than expected. To me this helped us see the character of Kyle and Lourdes. No matter what came their way, they were there for each other. As the danger increased Kyle and Lourdes never wavered on each other. Nothing wavered until Lourdes had to make a decision. A decision that could hurt them both.

This was a sweet, loving story of Kyle and Lourdes and the obstacles they went through to find each other. A book on second chances. On love and friendship and being there for each other no matter what. The relationship was great because it wasn’t instant. We got to know the characters for who they were. Got to become familiar with them and how they were together. the relationship grew over time before our eyes and we got the wonderful look at it unfolding. Each was sweet and kind. Always wanting to do what was right and were loyal to family and friends. We got to see the gang and see Kyle go from wanting someone he couldn’t have and cutting himself off from others to acceptance of this and getting over it and finding love and opening up again to others. The writing was entrancing and the story keeps you engaged in this sweet passionate love story.

*E-ARC provided by Publisher

Fast-paced, mesmerizing, and addicting, A Winter Wedding by Brenda Novak, the ninth book in the author’s Whiskey Creek series, proved to be an excellent heartfelt, gutwrenching read that I couldn’t put down.

In the story, a lonely Kyle Houseman has a lot to contend with. An unrequited love for a woman now married to his stepbrother, a money-hungry ex-wife he can’t manage to say no to or get rid of, and now a growing attraction to a country music singer who couldn’t be more wrong for him. Except, much to his surprise, Lourdes Bennett feels way too right for him, and that’s a problem because she’s only in town temporarily to write her next album.

A Winter Wedding is one of those rare books with deeply characterized story people who sweep you up into their world and carry you away with them on their journey. I really felt for Kyle in this, both for his problems with his ex-wife and his unrequited love for his stepbrother’s wife, while at the same time, I rooted for him to move on from the guilt of his past mistakes and give his growing relationship with his new tenant, Lourdes, a chance to flourish.

I also felt for Lourdes and everything she’s going through with her career and her disintegrating relationship with her manager. It’s hard to have confidence in yourself when it feels like you’re losing everything you wanted and worked so hard to build.

This book is a deeply-rooted, heartwarming read with enough in-depth point of view, plenty of internal and external conflicts, and on-point character and setting descriptions to fully immerse readers into Kyle and Lourdes’ thoughts and lives. I absolutely loved getting to know the two characters, as well as getting back to the town and citizens of Whiskey Creek. And since I was lucky enough to read an E-ARC of this book, I can definitely say, this will be a print and e-book buy for me, because it’s a must have for my keeper shelf and my Brenda Novak e-book collection.

Final Thoughts: A beautiful and somewhat suspenseful love story taking place in the small town of Whiskey Creek. A Winter Wedding is a must-read for devoted Brenda Novak fans, but more importantly, for any and all fans of small-town contemporary romance.

A Winter Wedding is quite honestly a sensual masterpiece with lots of emotional turmoil, fun characters, with one crazed ex running around town. It was a romance that I just could not put down.

Finally we get Kyle’s story. I have had such a love/hate love affair with this hero from previous books in the Whiskey Creek series, that I was totally blown away by Brenda Novak’s ability to do Kyle’s character justice, Thank you Ms. Novak for showing Kyle in a new light.

Kyle is a true friend without question. After everything that has happened, Kyle still feels like an outsider. He just wants what his friends have, Marriage, Kids, but is he ready to let go of the past? First Kyle needs to rid himself from his very own stalker, his ex-Noelle. Kyle realize maybe his sexy little renter could help him out in that area. The question is will he be able to pull back when she leaves town?

When it came to Lourdes, it was hard thinking of her as a country music star. This heroine came with her own baggage, but it did not steel her heart. Lourdes is a very open character. Lourdes and Kyle formed a bond quite fast, is what they’re feel a lasting feeling or a quick flash of passion.

I enjoyed the banter between Lourdes and Kyle. It was like watching their attraction and love bloom from standing in the same room. You feel so much. There is one moment which I can’t mention except that it was the moment that I could love Kyle without any hesitation.

Supporting characters are the usual gang, which it was great to see how they have all grown. I loved seeing Bax again. Ms. Novak you know I have to ask, are you going to try to give Bax his own HEA? Maybe heel what has transpired between him and his father? Kyle and Lourdes received support when needed, I did enjoy seeing Lourdes fit in so naturally.

Brenda Novak does it again with A Winter Wedding book #9 in the Whiskey Creek Series. Heartfelt, Sexy, Suspenseful and Funny… A truly marvelous story. I highly recommend anyone who has not tried Brenda Novak’s Whiskey Creek series, do so. You will not be able to stop at just one book.

Picking up the latest installment of Whiskey Creek is always like sitting down to coffee with old friends. A Winter Wedding was no exception. And despite the tension and angst, it left me feeling warm, cozy, and comfortable...and all caught up with my gang.

Kyle is such an upstanding, good guy. He's always there for his friends and he even continues being there for his ex-wife, Noelle, despite all her manipulations and machinations. So I was thrilled at the prospect of him finally finding that special someone.

Lourdes finds herself in Whiskey Creek under different circumstances than she had planned. After things going south in her professional and personal lives, she's in town to lie low, regroup, and work on a new album. She also find herself on the receiving end of Kyle's hospitality and generosity.

Novak did a fine job of creating the scenario whereby Kyle and Lourdes met. I thoroughly enjoyed watching as they got to know one another. They had an instant chemistry but became friends first before realizing what they were both feeling might be a little more than friendly. Even though they knew each other for a short amount of time and were both essentially hung up on others, their attraction was strong. Maybe things happened at a rapid speed but I felt like it was organic between them.

I appreciated how Kyle and Lourdes dealt with the trouble they were each experiencing in their private lives. They were both mature and gracious, for the most part, in the face of the turmoil it was causing. Those making the waves, Noelle and Derrick, needed to take serious stock of their lives and do some growing up. They both behaved immaturely, although Noelle's behavior was extreme.

I always adore getting to spend time with my friends in Whiskey Creek and being there as Riley and Phoenix planned their wedding was a delight. I love the special bond between this group and that I get to be a part of it. I'm already looking forward to my next visit.

**I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review**

Once again I traveled to Whiskey Creek and reviewed the characters in this sunny city. This time Kyle, who appeared earlier in the series, returns to finally have life on tracks. Once he have made a mistake - to have slept with his girlfriend's sister (well, they were taking a break, but still was a big mistake), he paid for his sin. Noelle got pregnant and Kyle married her. But fate decreed that the baby wouldn't born, and Kyle, knowing he didn't love her, got divorce. But he continued to pay for his sin because Noelle didn't leave him in peace.

Five years passed and Kyle has not yet love in his life.

Olivia, the ex he loved for years, was happily married with his stepbrother. Imagine the whole scene!!
But Kyle doesn't give up and get to know Lourdes Bennett, a country singer.

Lourdes also hadn't luck in love. After three years of relationship, she thought her fiancé cheated on her. She goes to Whiskey Creek to write songs for a new album. Lourdes ends her days living in Kyle's house (long short story) and it makes Noelle furious. Lourdes and Kyle begin a new friendship and only time makes them realize that something else was going on.

Would they have a chance to be happy? Lourdes was famous and wouldn't want to live in a small town.

I never read the first books in the series. In fact, I began to read from #5. But I wasn't lost about the characters. So maybe I hadn't had so much animosity toward Kyle. His mistake appeared in earlier book. What I liked about this story - I love Brenda's narrative, of course! - is the possibility of the second chance for love in life. Not always a second chance comes with the same person. In Kyle's case he screw up and lost Olivia to his stepbrother. But someone else came and gave him the chance to show how he had learned from his mistakes.
The ending, always perfect. Other characters - and couples - appear, and we already is wanting to know who will be next.

5 stars

If someone has read my previous reviews for the books in the series, they should know that I started the series with book #5 aka Take Me Home For Christmas and it never was in my plan to read the previous books in the series ASAP (I am still wondering if I should have read the books that came after them and yes Cheyenne I am looking at you). So I didn't know Kyle's history by having read it, I knew what the characters were mentioned in the last 4 books and what the blurb was revealing. The magic of a stand alone book is that I got the background story without the added drama that I would have to go through if I had to live throughout the events of Olivia';s book. So points to the book for not making me frustrated.

The worst part of this story was Noelle. She and her psychotic behavior ruined the book for me. She was too much into the spotlight and she didn't have to be. Kyle should have gotten the balls to stop letting her push him around way too long ago. Around the half mark in this book I thought that she needed to have some physic evaluation.

The romance between Kyle and Lourdes left me uninterested since for some reason I could see the spark between them. Maybe if Lourdes had broken up with her fiance before she came to Whiskey Creek things would have been different.I thought that after This Heart of Mine things would have gotten better for me and the series, but that wasn't the case. It's not like the book was bad. When I finished the book, about 4 days before this review was written I had a very good impression on this book, but now that I am writing the review I remember mostly the bad parts. The one thing that came to my mind and I liked it was the way Kyle and Lourdes got back together. I liked that she made the move and didn't sit and wait for Kyle. Despite what I might have said above this book is my second favorite and I am giving it 3.5 stars.

Novak achieved what I felt was the impossible...made me like and root for Kyle Houseman. This is the man that slept with his girlfriend Olivia's sister, got her pregnant and then married the sister. To ice this awful cake, Olivia's family made her do the wedding planning. Yes, it's what she does but really???

<I>I've disliked this man from the first book and even though Noelle turned out to be the wife from hell and they soon divorced, I still held a grudge. </I>

My thaw started with the last book after Kyle stepped up and was a friend to Phoenix Fuller when no one else would give her the time of day. In this story, renowned country music singer Lourdes Bennett rents one of his units so she can find some solitary time to write new songs, trying to revive her career and lick her wounds from a failing relationship. Circumstances put them together in more close quarters and they develop a friendship.

It was enlightening to learn just how much Kyle endured from ex-wife Noelle over the years since that fateful night six years ago. We knew she was shallow but even I never imagined the depths of her self absorption. Kyle truly paid for that lapse in judgment.

I enjoyed the slow development of Kyle and Lourdes relationship. She's a wonderful character, an older soul than her chronological years. Having both her and Kyle's points of view just made for a richer story.

I loved the story and the narrator did a great job with the main character's voices. They were distinctive and she nailed their personalities. While there were pacing issues at times, I liked my first-time listening experience of this series. I can't believe I'm actually saying this but I'm happy for Kyle and his just might be my favorite story in the series.

(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)

Fan favorite and perennial nice guy, Kyle finally gets his story and happy ending. After many books of him continuing to pine for his ex, and now sister-in-law, Olivia, Kyle meets an unexpected visitor to the town who makes him realize there’s more out there. Unfortunately for him, another of his ex’s Noelle isn’t about to make life easy for him. While continuing to use and abuse his amiability, she can’t let go of him and even takes her brand of crazy to a new level.

With a case of writer’s block, country music mega-star Lourdes seeks refuge in in Whiskey Creek. She wants anonymity and time to regroup and write new music all while trying to maintain her shining career. Lourdes also comes with a bunch of baggage; a questionable coupling with her manager, a mother and sister who more than appreciate her celebrity, other music stars trying to take her thunder. Lourdes must find a way to be her own person and secure in her decisions.

I love Kyle and Lourdes as a couple. They have an instant kinship and friendship but with a building mutual romantic attraction. Though they have powerful emotions towards one another, the development of their relationship feels natural. Although the series seems to be winding down, this book doesn’t disappoint. It is sweetness and passion wrapped up in one fabulous book.

Rating: 4 Stars

To see more reviews like this, go to <a href="http://www.smutandbonbons.com">Smut and Bonbons.</a>

~Complimentary copy received in exchange for honest review.~

I think this is the most...gradual...romance I've ever read. I mean that as a compliment! The story moves very smoothly, and the build up is both believable and realistic. Really, though, my word choices are doing nothing to help me praise the flow of A Winter Wedding. In a way, I think it's because commenting on Kyle and Lourdes' thoughts and emotions would be like commenting on those of friends; not just because I've read all the Whiskey Creek books and know the main residents of the town quite well, but because Kyle and Lourdes are both well-drawn. Their backgrounds, their motivations, their reactions to each other, all make their love-at-first-sight not just possible but inevitable.

Of course, there's the unavoidable tension and obstacles. The inner tensions are described really well, with a great balance of show and tell. As for the obstacles, in the form of a vengeful ex on one side and a conniving ex on the other...I don't want to reveal too much. But the resolution is very satisfying.

Oddly enough, if I had to recommend a Whiskey Creek book for those who don't want to read them in order, I think I'd recommend this one. Though Ted and Sophia's story and Phoenix and Riley's... Who am I kidding, the latest one is always the one that gets recommended. Start in order and read them all! Or read the holiday ones over the winter, maybe...

A WINTER WEDDING was wonderful! Brenda Novak's entire Whiskey Creek series is a must-read for me. Love this group of friends in the small community Novak has created. Kyle is one of the last to remain single. He gave his heart a long time ago to Olivia, but she loves and is married to his step-brother Brandon all because of a mistake he made with her sister Noelle. But now Kyle finally gets his story, finds love in the most unexpected person and can be free of Noelle. In the previous books he is such a great guy, always there for his friends, successful in his business, but heartbroken.

Lourdes, a successful and well-known country music star needs a quiet out of the way place to regroup and write her next album. She rents Kyle's cottage, but when the heat doesn't work, she moves in with him temporarily. She's had some heartbreak of her own and finds peace with the handsome, kind and giving man. These two find their selves attracted to one another, despite their belief their hearts belong to someone else.

Novak writes a beautiful story of unexpected love and healing hearts. If you are a Whiskey Creek fan you'll enjoy the usual humorous yet supportive interaction among the tight group of friends. I've been waiting for Kyle's story and this one did not disappoint! 4.5 stars.

~Complimentary copy received in exchange for a honest review.

Another Whiskey Creek winner where Kyle Houseman is still having to deal with his ex-, Noelle, and the fact that he still harbors feelings for her sister, now married to Kyle's step-brother. When Kyle rents the house he's just finished renovating to a country music singer, he never dreams that a non-functioning furnace will force her into his house and that mutual attraction will push her into his arms, but that's exactly what happens.

What occurs thereafter is even more interesting. Lourdes Bennett isn't looking for love. She's practically engaged already, but then she discovers that her manager and lover is cheating. Did he also cheat in his role as manager when he took on Crystal, and if so, why? Doesn't he think she can resurrect her sagging career? Isn't that why they both agreed to get away from Nashville so she could concentrate on writing songs for her upcoming album?

Then there's Noelle. When is she going to learn that Kyle doesn't love her, doesn't want her? When his factory is nearly destroyed in a fire, did she start it? Kyle thinks so, but how can he prove it when she denies she had anything to do with it? And that other fire--the one in his heart? What's he going to do when Lourdes goes back to Nashville and her career? Is this yet another instance of Kyle loving and then losing? Read and find out.

Finally finally FINALLY Kyle gets his HEA!

A Winter Wedding brings us the story of Kyel and Lourdes. Kyle has been divorced for a few years now, but is still dealing with his craaaazy Ex. He feels like he is the last single person in his group of friends, and even his family, but does not want to settle or just anyone. When he rents out his guest house, little does he know who will show up for a few months. Lourdes is in Whiskey Creek from Nashville, trying to take a break from the public eye, and write a new album to hopefully save her career.

The two of them end up spending a lot of time together one on one, and aren't really ever sure if they should act on the feelings that they have for one another.

The one thing that I LOVE about Brenda's books, is that the story lines deal with heart wrenching problems, and issues that anyone could be dealing with in their life. The characters don't just jump into bed together, and she stays true to each person and the people that they are from the beginning. This book had me hooked, and I am REALLY struggling to put coherent thoughts and sentences togehter that even make sense.

You will not regret reading this book. Whiskey Creek is a place that I always love going back to, and cannot wait for the next installment.

Brenda has done it again...In my top favorites ever...
Were back in Whiskey Creek for a wedding..
Kyle Houseman is having issues with his ex-wife Noelle..She is hounding him night and day..
He's trying to be civil towards her, but it's getting really hard to do. Lourdes Bennett rents his farm house he doesn't know too much about her. The heat goes out in the farm house, and things change between her and Kyle.

Lourdes Bennett comes to Whiskey Creek to change things around. She has a big career in Nashville, but after some bad feedback from what she thought was a good idea she was sadly disappointed.
Having issues with her manager things become clear, and she needs to just take things into her own hands.
When Kyle explains about his ex she offers help, and he takes it. She wanted some peace and quiet, but things don't go as planned. Lourdes starts loving the little town of Whiskey Creek, but the only thing she can't give up her career..

So will the attraction between Lourdes and Kyle go further then friends? How will Noelle take the news of Lourdes?
Will Lourdes go back to Nashville or stay in Whiskey Creek? Order the book...You'll love it.

Highly recommend all the books in Whiskey Creek...

Throughout this series, my feelings about Kyle have been all over the place. I know at his core he's a great guy, but there are some things from the earlier books that made me question him. Finally, Kyle gets his story told and I feel much better for liking him. He's the real deal.

I really adored the heroine Lourdes and how she dealt with not only Noelle, but also Olivia. She had Kyle's back even when some doubts could have (and even did) come crept into her heart. She knew Kyle was a good guy and held onto that belief. After her past relationship, that was noble.

I've mentioned in my reviews of some of the other books that focused on the main hero/heroine to the exclusion of the rest of the gang that I'm not a fan of the author doing that. In this case, it worked. Don't worry, we still get to see the others. Due to the nature of Lourdes' reason for being in town and the state of her emotions at the time, it makes sense that Kyle and Lourdes stay more secluded from the rest. Of course, we see Olivia and Noelle much more than the others. Frankly, after all that Noelle has done in the past I was a bit pissed at the way Olivia handled some of the situations. At the same time, this book was used to bring Brandon and Kyle closer and let Kyle know that Brandon always has his back no matter what.

I continue to love this series and see that it will continue even though all of the main part of the gang is living their HEA. Or are they?

Ms. Novak held my interest giving me a highly entertaining read with wonderful characters you really can relate to as she brings to life a drama filled read that will blow your mind. Kyle is still struggling with his feelings for an ex-girlfriend, who is married to his half-brother along with and guilt feelings for his ex-wife that happens to be his ex’s sister. Are you confused yet? Lol There is no doubt if you have read any of the Whiskey Creek series you will fall in love with this story. However if you haven’t read any you will not feel lot as the author goes back into the past books to bring you up to date never leaving you feeling lost. This is a standalone and can be read without reading any of the past books. It is always nice to catch up with past characters it is like coming home to old friends.

I was rooting for Kyle and Lourde and wanted to slap Noelle upside the head. This is good it mean the author has done their job by keeping the reader invested in the read. Kyle’s assistant had me cracked me up throughout the book. I do have to say Kyle was not one of my favorite characters in the past books. I did come to love him and was very happy Kyle finally gets his HEA. I highly recommend this or any of the Whiskey Creek series. Once you read one you will want to read them all. Ms. Novak shows again why she is a bestselling author as she gives you a compelling read you cannot put down.

I received a complimentary book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

I have read all of Brenda Novak’s Whiskey Creek books, and I think they are all fantastic. This is the ninth book in the series, although they all work well as stand-alone books. However, they are definitely more enjoyable when you have read the whole series in order..

Kyle Houseman, the hero, has been in past Whiskey Creek books. We have already learned that he was originally in love with Olivia Arnold who later married Kyle’s stepbrother in their own book. His ex-wife, Noelle, is Olivia’s sister. She seduced him and tricked him into marriage when he and Olivia had a disagreement. Kyle and Noelle have been divorced for years but she still constantly calls him to help her with something. Noelle is an important character in this book. Meanwhile, even after all of this time, Kyle is still in love with Olivia. Noelle is an important character in this book.

The heroine is Lourdes Bennett is a country singer who has her own problems. Her last album flopped, so she has come to Whiskey Creek where she hopes to write some new songs that can help restart her career. Unfortunately, she is very unsure about her ability to bounce back after her last album flopped.

Lourdes is a strong, independent woman who was able to leave her small-town home and move all alone to Nashville to become a country singer. Now, she has taken the brave move to move to an unknown town, Whiskey Creek, so she can restart her floundering career. Meanwhile, Lourdes is a very friendly and giving person who gets along with Kyle’s friends and is willing to give a hand to anyone who needs help.

Kyle is, also, a very giving person who cannot say no to his ex-wife even though he knows she is taking advantage of him. He pays her a nice size alimony check because of his guilt for not loving her when he married her. , Also, even though he loves his stepbrother’s wife, he refuses to do anything that will affect his brother’s marriage to Oliva. This includes his willingness to hangs out with them so as not to disrupt his family and his friends.

However, I especially like that, at the heart of all of the Whiskey Creek books, is the friendship that includes Kyle and his friends who have known each other for years. These friends meet once a week for a breakfast that includes them and all of their spouses. Even the ones who have left town are never left out of anything and they always come back to visit with their friends. They are extremely loyal to each other and they help each other through major and minor problems. These friends know that they can always count on each other.

I highly recommend that you read the entire Whiskey Creek series. However, if you have never read any of these books before, A Winter Wedding is certainly a wonderful place to start.

I give it 4½ stars!
I discovered Brenda Novak and the Whiskey Creek Series about a year ago, and I have been systematically accumulating her entire collection ever since. Her characters are real people, not jet setting billionaires, or models, but real people with real life problems. Each time I read one of her stories, I feel as though she had to have experienced this particular circumstance to be able write it so convincingly. A Winter Wedding is one of them.
I enjoyed this book because it isn’t a saccharine sweet love story serving up only dessert. It’s the full meal. Yes, it has the formula of the standard romance novel, but it also adds the meaty details usually found in women’s literature, or general fiction. It doesn’t solely focus on romance. It allows love to develop and grow within a story. If it weren’t for the fact that I knew that they had to get together because it was a romance, I could see how it could end differently, albeit a sad ending. But, this is a romance, so it had the required happily ever after ending, all neatly wrapped up, with a very pleasing finish.
The characters are imperfect, and they have problems They deal with the aggravating things that we readers face every day. They are crafted so well, I can actually picture them, hear their voices, and yes, even care for them. The story flows really well, it has a nice pace without any lulls. It doesn’t rush to a quick solution of the troubles the characters’ face. They are resolved gradually, in a plausible way. The dialog is well written without unnecessary talking or annoying slang to make it seem current or hip. The setting gives a sense of place without too many imageries. The language is very minimal. However, in order to make a point, the author uses a certain word, that may make you blush. While there are Sexual scenes in the book, they are not explicit. More of a suggestion than actual details.
Things to note:
A Winter Wedding is Book #9 of the WHISKEY CREEK Series. The hero, Kyle Houseman, has been in all of the previous books. It’s not necessary to have read them, but I think you’ll get a tad bit more of an understanding of him and his circumstances if you do.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for honest feedback. After I post my review on Net Galley, I always go on to my other book sites and post there too.

In her Whiskey Creek novels, Brenda Novak has created a town and characters that invite you to come visit and spend time with them. In A Winter's Wedding, book #9, the focus is on Kyle Houseman. Kyle has always loved Olivia, but one mistake and he ended up married to her sister, Noelle. The marriage was brief, but Kyle has literally been paying for it since. He has spent the past 6 years watching his friends find their HEA, including Olivia...with his step-brother. With no desire to leave Whiskey Creek, Kyle has resigned himself to loving her from afar and enduring the awkward get togethers.
Lourdes Bennett needs to concentrate on writing the album that will put her career back on track, and a rental in Whiskey Creek should provide the peace to do it. Unfortunately, soon after she arrives, she is dealing with a broken heart along with her broken career. When the furnace at her rental dies, to avoid town and people, she ends up staying at her landlord's home.
As these two people with broken hearts get to know each other, they find the friend that they didn't know they needed. Lourdes is determined to help Kyle move on from Olivia, and Kyle is determined that Lourdes have the time and place to work on her career.
I love that these two got to be friends who knew each other's feelings and problems before they got involved. I laughed at some of their antics together, and felt frustration with incidents related to his ex, Noelle.
The sign of a good book is that you are drawn in, and have strong feelings about the characters and the story. I always feel like I am visiting Whiskey Creek, and this time was no exception. This is a great story, whether you are a repeat visitor to Whiskey Creek, or someone visiting for the first time. I hope we get another visit in the near future.
*I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Ahh, I really enjoyed Kyle and Lourdes story, how sweet.

Kyle deserved to find happiness after a failed marriage and a hankering for another ex.

I love the friendships between this group of people, one of the things that make yu want to live in Whiskey Creek with them all.

I really liked Lourdes, its nice meeting outsiders and having it feel like they ave been a part of the group al along.

Kyle has always had such a good heart, he is always their for his friends so its been really lovely watching him experience the all consuming love his friends are all experiencing.

Thank goodness Olivia's hold over him finally went away, although not his ex-wife she got what was coming to her, but she certainly wasn't going without a fight, dreadfully, spiteful person.

Albeit brief it was nice to catch up with the others.

Kyle did a grand job, as minister for Rylie and Phoenix, the feel of the ceremony came over as a real celebration of love and friendship and then the surprise by Lourdes,

The suspense of who done it with the fire kept the pages turning, and added to that 'what could Noelle' do next?

The will they wont they with Kyle and Lourdes made this a great 'vacation' read with love being at the forefront, but we also got to witness mistrust, deceit and anguish.

This was a story about Love finding a way to overcome everything, of learning to accept what's gne on in the past and moving on.

I honestly love the characters from Whiskey Creek, but the story has been put together in such a way it has you always wanting more, the pages effortlessly turn you get totally immersed into the story.

An honest review given in response to receiving an ARC version of this bool.

I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed the way this relationship started as strictly friends, even if it didn't stay that way long.

Lourdes was holding on a little too tight to a man she wasn't even sure she loved anymore, Kyle was still bent up about Olivia, and Kyle's ex-wife was...well, I'd have had a restraining order out on her by now. Kyle's continued attachment to Olivia was becoming a little too much. It seemed like enough time had passed that he should have made himself move on by the time of this book.

Though this installment was ostensibly Lourdes and Kyle's story, a great deal of book real estate was given over to other members of the Whiskey Creek gang. I enjoyed seeing them again, especially the bits and pieces of wedding planning, but I also felt the L/K story was a little shortchanged - not enough focus on the development of their relationship.

Lourdes' interactions with people other than Kyle were entertaining, especially as she was so adamant about wanting to keep to herself while she was in town. She ended up being pretty much outed, and she took it all with grace and poise.

Bottom line, I enjoyed another visit to Whiskey Creek, and the romance was satisfying, making this one a thumbs up.