Whisky Business Book Review - No Spoilers
Introduction
Yesterday morning, Marcus bounded into the kitchen wearing one red sock and one blue sock—again—asking if actors ever drink whisky while memorizing lines. I was sipping my coffee and trying to organize my client's latest manuscript when Rebecca chimed in from the living room that she'd seen a commercial for some Scottish whisky during her art YouTube videos. It got me thinking about how sometimes the most unexpected combinations work beautifully together. That's exactly what happened when I picked up Whisky Business by Elliot Fletcher—a romance that blends Hollywood glamour with Scottish distillery life in the most delightful way.
Plot Summary
Whisky Business by Elliot Fletcher is the first book in The Macabe Brothers series. When Hollywood actress April Sinclair's career hits rock bottom, she returns to her childhood home on the Scottish Isle of Skye to inherit her grandfather's property. What she doesn't expect is to find Malcolm Macabe, the shy teenager she once knew, now living there as a master distiller. Mal has transformed into a grumpy, attractive man who values three things above all: whisky, his dog, and silence. He's not thrilled about April's return, seeing her as a pampered princess who will inevitably abandon the distillery when things get tough. But April is determined to help save the family business, forcing these opposites to work together. Their shared goal of rescuing the distillery brings them closer than either anticipated, rekindling old feelings and creating new complications in this enemies-to-lovers, grumpy-sunshine romance set against the stunning Scottish landscape.
Why I Love This Book
I love how perfectly Fletcher balances the grumpy-sunshine dynamic between April and Mal. The mental health representation had me tearing up—seeing Mal's journey from anxiety and self-doubt to becoming more decisive feels authentic and hopeful. The Scottish setting is absolutely gorgeous, with lush imagery of the seaside cottage and distillery that transported me right to the Isle of Skye. I could practically smell the sea air and hear the whisky barrels aging. The dual POV lets me understand both characters' motivations, and I appreciate that there's no third-act breakup drama. April isn't just a pampered actress—she has depth and genuine care for her family's legacy. Mal's transformation from the shy teenager April remembers to a man who's learned to dirty talk like a pro is swoon-worthy. The "he falls first" element adds such sweet tension, and I love watching him realize what he's been missing. The found family aspect with the distillery workers creates warmth throughout the story. Fletcher doesn't shy away from addressing past trauma and mental health struggles, but handles them with care and hope.
Who Will Like This Book
If you enjoy grumpy-sunshine romances, fish-out-of-water stories, and Scottish settings, you'll love this book. It's perfect for readers who want a contemporary romance with mental health representation, dual POV, and a hero who falls first. Fans of workplace romance and enemies-to-lovers will find plenty to enjoy. The book works well for those who appreciate praise kink, possessive heroes, and steamy scenes that don't hold back. If you like your romance with beautiful scenery and a touch of family legacy drama, this hits all the right notes.
⚠️ Trigger warning: This book contains mental health struggles, past child neglect, and references to past abuse. The content is handled sensitively, but readers should be aware of these elements before diving in.
Tagged As
contemporary romance, grumpy sunshine, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, Scottish romance, dual pov, he falls first, mental health representation, fish out of water, celebrity heroine, master distiller hero, small town, workplace romance, possessive hero, praise kink, height difference, boss employee, slow burn, found family, no third act breakup, explicit content, steamy romance, series, HEA
Steam Level
This book brings the heat with explicit, open-door scenes that don't fade to black. The chemistry builds beautifully throughout, and when Mal discovers his dirty-talking skills, the steam level definitely rises. Perfect for readers who want their romance with plenty of spice.
