A Reunion of Rivals

Love gets a second chance in Ryan’s formulaic but dramatic fourth Bourbon Brothers romance (after Engaging the Enemy). Max Abbott has been pushing his family’s Tennessee distillery to add a line of fruit brandy to their portfolio for years, but when they finally agree he’s forced to work with Quinn Bazemore, the woman he broke up with 13 years ago and has regretted losing ever since. Quinn represents her grandfather’s farm, the distillery’s fruit supplier, and also signs on to manage the PR for the new beverage line, meaning she and Max, the distillery’s v-p of marketing, will have to work together closely. Their ugly teenage breakup haunts them both, but as they reunite, sparks fly, and they discover mature mutual feelings that are even stronger than the puppy love they once shared. Familial obligations and years of emotional baggage provide realistic obstacles to their romance that are swiftly overcome in an emotional finale. Though it offers no surprises, this well-executed romance is sure to please. Agent: Pamela Harty, the Knight Agency. (July)