Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Whiskey Creek #9

A Winter Wedding

Rate this book
One Christmas can change your life...

Kyle Houseman believes he'll never find anyone he could love as much as Olivia Arnold, who's now married to his stepbrother. Not only did he lose her, he's been through one divorce and has no desire to go through another. He's determined to be extra careful about the next woman he gets involved with—which is why he fights his attraction to the beautiful stranger who rents his farmhouse for the Christmas holiday.

Lourdes Bennett is a country music artist. She's only planning to stay in Whiskey Creek long enough to write the songs for her next album—the album that's going to put her back on top. Her dreams don't include settling in a town even smaller than the one she escaped. But as she comes to know Kyle, she begins to wonder if she'd be making a terrible mistake to leave him behind.

379 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 27, 2015

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

Brenda Novak

227 books6,594 followers
It was a shocking experience that jump-started Brenda Novak’s bestselling author career.

“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”

However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.

Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.

“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”

Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she continues to publish two or three novels a year, in a variety of genres.

Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. Now that they are empty-nesters, she spends her free time babysitting her two grandchildren.

When she’s not with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. To date, she's raised almost $2.6 million. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-...

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,180 (44%)
4 stars
947 (35%)
3 stars
456 (17%)
2 stars
63 (2%)
1 star
26 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 348 reviews
Profile Image for Jonetta.
2,366 reviews1,193 followers
October 28, 2015
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'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.

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)
Profile Image for Danielle.
1,339 reviews49 followers
July 31, 2015
As soon as I started this series I knew right away I would fall in love with it. Novak has created some of the best characters that I fell in love with. I thought Riley was my favorite but Kyle is right beside him.

Lourdes is in whisky creek to work on her new album and get back on top of the country music scene. Her manager / fiancé Derrick was supposed to go with her but it's a good thing plans changed since their is something special about Kyle.

Kyle has been in love with Olivia his step brothers wife and his ex for a long time. He has also divorced Olivia's sister but when he meets Lourdes he is automatically attracted to her and not for her fame. They quickly become friends while she stays with him then friends turns into something neither expect.

When I first saw the cover I thought it was beautiful and Kyle was finally getting married. Well that's what it looked like from the cover.

I loved reading about Kyle and Lourdes. I felt in this book I got to know Kyle on a deeper level and to figure out his ex wife was really coo coo for cocoa puffs. And wow does she take Kyle on a unexpected ride into crazyville.

One thing I enjoy while reading is Novaks voice. She has a special talent in describing details so perfectly that I can picture them as if I was there. Her characters are so close and wonderfully interesting. They are all so different and have different stories yet friendships are so important to them. It was so great catching up with the characters from previous books!

The relationship between Kyle and Lourdes was special. With her just breaking up with her ex and Kyle's ex popping up I enjoyed how they became friends. They really bonded and started to get close. So when they fell in love it wasn't rushed and it was at the perfect pace for these two.

I enjoyed the ending and was so glad how it turned out for both of them. After everything Kyle has been through I was sooo glad he got his happily ever after. He so deserved it!

I can't wait to see what will happen with Baxter since he is back in whisky creek. Hopefully he will get bit by the love bug soon!
Profile Image for Christa.
2,217 reviews589 followers
August 16, 2015
A Winter Wedding was such a good book! It left me with a great feeling when I finished. Kyle Houseman has not been one of my favorite characters of the series, so I didn't expect to enjoy this book so much. The author really turned my feelings for him around in this one, and I have to say that it is one of my favorite Whiskey Creek books, possibly even my top one of the series.

Kyle Houseman has suffered for years due to an indiscretion which ended up in his losing his love, Olivia, forever, and his stepping up and marrying her sister, Noelle. Now, over five years after their divorce, Noelle still bothers him constantly, and he still pines for Olivia. As he is feeling constrained by Noelle's unwanted attention and saddened by his feelings for Olivia, country star Lourdes Bennett suddenly comes into his life. Lourdes' career has been on a downward spiral, her love story is in tatters, and she needs a quiet haven where she can write songs for a new album. She rents a farmhouse from Kyle, but when the heating malfunctions, she ends up at his home instead. Quickly becoming friends with Kyle, Lourdes decides she would rather stay with him than alone in the rental property. Knowing that they want very different kinds of lives, the two try to deny the strong attraction between them, but soon find that impossible. As they grow closer, they have to make some tough decisions about the future.

When Kyle spent a night with Noelle that resulted in a very hurt Olivia, I never completely forgave him. Until this book. I ended up liking him so much more than I anticipated. He was great in this story, and I loved the wonderful man he has become. He has grown so much and learned from his past mistakes, and I respected and was touched by how caring he has become. Lourdes was also a wonderful character, and was such a great match for Kyle! Their interaction and the development of the friendship and then stronger feelings between them was sweet and tender. There was plenty of chemistry between them, and I liked the suspense element that was included. Reading this book was pure pleasure! Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Gail.
1,495 reviews
September 15, 2015
I just love the Whiskey Creek Series. I really enjoyed Kyle's story and glad his is getting over with Olivia and on with his life. Also enjoyed him finally standing up to his ex-wife Noelle who I do not care for much. She really needs some professional help. This story had some very unexpected twists and turns that kept you guessing. A very well written book. I really liked the description of the characters at the beginning of the book to help me remember who everyone is. I loved every minute of this book! Brenda Novak has another hit! Hoping for a story about Baxter.
Profile Image for Gale.
1,846 reviews21 followers
September 7, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Along with many readers, I’ve been waiting to read Kyle’s story. The wait was worth it! Ms. Novak gave the characters so much life, for lack of a better word, that I was rooting for Kyle and Lourdes…and wanted to slap Noelle upside the head! Repeatedly. For hours. That tells me an author has done an amazing job of bringing her characters to life. And Morgan Thorpe, Kyle’s assistant, cracked me up every time she was in a scene.

I won’t detail the entire story but know that Kyle is still struggling with his feelings for an ex-girlfriend, who is married to his half-brother (I know, right?) and guilty feelings and exasperation for his ex-wife… who happens to be his ex’s sister. It sounds a bit complicated however if you have read the Whiskey Creek series, you will fall right in. If you have not, no worries! Ms. Novak gives a recap of all the characters right at the very start of the book. It stands alone so go forth and read. I personally enjoyed catching up with “old friends” and highly recommend the rest of the series as well.

Lourdes Bennett arrives in town to hide out from fans and herself, truth be told, so she can write songs for a new album. Reading about how they think of themselves, and each other, really make Kyle’s and Lourde’s story enjoyable. It’s a great book and I am SO happy Kyle finally gets his HEA.
Profile Image for Jan Coad.
57 reviews8 followers
September 5, 2015
Great Story, Had Me On The Edge of My Seat! I started the book on Friday evening and stayed up late to read, but had to finish the book in the morning.

All the Whiskey Creek favorites are included as well as Kyles annoying ex-wife. She tries to get her claws back into Kyle as often as possible using her lies and deceit, but her anger continues to get the best of her. No hints from me, suffice to say she has a perfect ending.

Novak has done such a great job creating a group of friends in Whiskey Creek who support each other through thick and thin; it's always a pleasure to read more about their lives after their own stories.

Nashville Country Singer Lourdes Bennett comes to Whiskey Creek for a much needed rest and to work on a new album. She makes arrangements to stay in one of Kyles rentals.

There is Holiday fun, including the annual Victorian Christmas celebration in Whiskey Creek, Riley & Phoenix ' s wedding and so much more.

This is the 9th book in the series and each can be stand alone stories. I won't spoil your read. but I highly recommend A WINTER WEDDING! It was fabulous getting to know Kyle on a deeper level on his journey.

I appreciate the publisher for allowing me to read for an honest review. I can't wait for Baxter ' s story.
Profile Image for Linda (un)Conventional Bookworms.
2,761 reviews343 followers
September 12, 2015
*I received a free ARC of A Winter Wedding from Harlequin MIRA via Netgalley in exchange of an honest and unbiased review*

A Winter Wedding is a sweet and intense romance, where the whole gang from Whiskey Creek is present to see Kyle's new lease on life and love unfold.

This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
Profile Image for Kimberly.
240 reviews5 followers
September 8, 2015
Wow, it was wonderful returning to Whiskey Creek and Brenda Novak keeps the thread going, yet makes each story fresh and entertaining. I loved Kyle and Lourdes story. And to say I loved to hate Noelle is and understatement. The story has some unexpected twists and turns that will keep you on your toes. Excellent story!
Profile Image for Louisa.
7,989 reviews85 followers
August 2, 2015
Yeah, he finally got a happy ending! Really enjoyed his and her story, really great to read!
Profile Image for Sue .
732 reviews36 followers
October 25, 2015
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.
Profile Image for Amy.
43 reviews
February 7, 2017
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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.

Profile Image for Bette Hansen.
5,069 reviews40 followers
October 21, 2015
Amazing!! So glad Kyle finally found a little peace and happiness. I'm of huge fan of Ms. Novak's and the Whiskey Creek series, so I've been patiently waiting for Kyle's story. As others in their group have found love and happiness, Kyle has silently lamented his past mistakes and dealt with life one day at a time. Love and happiness just don't seem to be in the cards for him. That is until Lourdes Bennett blows into his life. She's only planning to be in Whiskey Creek for a short time while she writes some new songs that will get her career back on track. Whiskey Creek and Kyle seem to have a way of getting under your skin though and before she knows it Lourdes is questioning her decision to leave.

As usual, this is a wonderfully written story full of twists and turns. These characters get in your heart so when they finally find happiness you can feel the joy! I definitely recommend this one.
Profile Image for Dobby.
524 reviews25 followers
August 22, 2019
Psychotic behavior at Christmas: my favorite.

Not my favorite Whiskey Creek novel. I don't particularly like Kyle, which makes it tough to even pretend to care about him. The 3-way obsession wore out a long time ago: Kyle obsessed with Olivia, who is obsessed with blindly supporting her psychotic sister Noelle, who is obsessed with Kyle... Is there a team of psychiatric professionals in the house? We need an emergency intervention here, stat.

To have an entire book devoted to this 3-way train wreck was painful. Lourdes felt like collateral damage, and the ending was so rushed as to be dizzying. I regret buying this one.
Profile Image for Brandee (un)Conventional Bookworms.
1,417 reviews152 followers
October 27, 2015
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.
Profile Image for Gloria.
965 reviews136 followers
June 24, 2017

I received an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.

We are back in Whiskey Creek for Kyle's story. Kyle is one of the last of the group of friends to marry. He is successful in his career; he owns his own solar panel manufacturing company. However, he is not successful in the area of finding a partner with whom he can share his life. He is still paying for a mistake made six years ago with his girlfriend Olivia's sister Noelle. On top of that Olivia is married to his step brother Brandon and Kyle is still pining for Olivia. This makes for uncomfortable family events.

Lourdes Bennett is a country music star who made a bad decision when she decided to make a pop album that flopped. She is renting a house from Kyle to recover from the album mistake as well as a relationship with her agent that has gone bad. Whiskey Creek is a place that she can disappear but when the furnace breaks in the rental and she refuses to go to a B & B in town she wounds up staying at Kyle's house.

Noelle is a narcissistic pain in Kyle's life. She blames him for all of her problems and is constantly asking him to bail her out. Kyle can not seem to get her to leave him alone and she makes life hard for him and everyone else in her life, including herself.

Kyle and Lourdes become good friends and actually are able to help the other in dealing with their problems.

A WINTER WEDDING is one of my favorite books in the series. I didn't want to put it down. I wanted to read to see how things would end. Noelle was such a pain that I wanted to yell at her but I feel that her character was a very important part of making the book so good. As always, the characters in Whiskey Creek seem so real to me and I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Kyle and Lourdes through all of the twists and turns going on. I feel that Ms Novak always has a life lesson in her books and this one is no different but you will have to read the book to find out the one or two in this one. I highly recommend reading A WINTER WEDDING.
Profile Image for Kathryn.
Author 30 books124 followers
September 7, 2015
I'm giving this 3.5 stars, as it falls in between the better installments of the Whiskey Creek series I have enjoyed and the ones I didn't like.

We got Kyle's backstory in When We Touch, and throughout the series we've been reminded of the indiscretion that largely labeled him the most lovelorn man in town. It's taken nine books, but we're finally back with him. We learn all this time he's played reluctant hero (read: checkbook) to his ex-wife Noelle, who clearly hasn't matured since the first story. Something's always broken, rent is always due, she is always short on cash and convinced Kyle will realize he made a big mistake in leaving her. This cycle of whining and appeasement has worn on Kyle, and he's ready to sever it.

Since Whiskey Creek is short on single, eligible women (save for Noelle), country singer Lourdes Bennett moves in temporarily to regroup after a few career setbacks. Landlord Kyle comes through when the home she rents loses heat, and gradually they come to generate their own at his place. Their romance, of course, doesn't sit well with this ex, but I'll leave that drama for you to discover.

A few spoilerish side notes: the situation from the earlier books I didn't enjoy isn't mentioned in this book. I expect it will be addressed eventually - it's not something you can just drop. Also, much is made of Baxter's return to Whiskey Creek, something I hope parlays into a future book with him as the focus. Even if Novak self-publishes it.

Overall, though, I've enjoyed the holiday WC books and I'd rate A Winter Wedding among the WC stories I liked.

ARC from NetGalley

Profile Image for MsChris1161.
478 reviews50 followers
May 15, 2024
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.
Profile Image for Vicky.
85 reviews3 followers
October 6, 2015
Coming back to Whiskey Creek is always a pleasure, but especially during the holidays. This story features Kyle Houseman, who we met in WHEN WE TOUCH, the novella that started the Whiskey Creek series.

I had a bit of a struggle preparing to write my review, because this book has a character that really made me uncomfortable. After some thought, I realized that it was because of a strong author, that I felt that way. Brenda Novak writes characters that evoke strong feelings from her readers, which is a true gift.

I loved getting to catch up with the other residents of Whiskey Creek, and learning about what has been going on in their lives since we had seen them. I'm already looking forward to my next visit.
Profile Image for Laura (Kyahgirl).
2,240 reviews151 followers
December 24, 2015
3/5; 3 stars; B

This is only my second book set in Whiskey Creek but I feel like I know the town already. I liked Kyle from the last book because he was so kind towards Phoenix when everyone else was against her. It was nice to see him find his HEA. However, I found the whole attitude of the town and Noelle's character really unbelievable. It took away from my enjoyment of the story a bit.
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
7,909 reviews154 followers
October 25, 2015
Brenda Novak has a way of telling a story. Small town life, emotional reads and exceptional characters. It's no surprise that A Winter Wedding is a well written read.
Profile Image for Anya.
539 reviews23 followers
January 10, 2020
3.5 stars.
I have read and loved most of Brenda Novak's books in the Whiskey Creek serie, but this was one of my least favourites. There is no big drama, and when something happens, it didn't make me feel very interested. The story is linear and very predictable, which is usually okay with this kind of story (feel good romance) but I love when there is a bit more suspense.. and also, the main character Kyle wasn't really special in any way, so while Lourdes was better characterized in my opinion, I still remained quite unmoved by the love between the two, and I couldn't feel part of the story like I did with some other books in the serie. Still good for a seasonal feel good romance!
Profile Image for JG.
1,494 reviews60 followers
October 2, 2015
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.

*ARC provided *
Profile Image for Sue Galuska.
974 reviews20 followers
October 6, 2015
We are finally getting Kyle Houseman's story. He has been in love with Olivia, his stepbrother, Brandon's wife for a long time, back when she used to be his but he screwed it up by sleeping with her sister while they were on a break. That indiscretion turned into a pregnancy and Kyle ended up marrying Noelle. After Noelle "lost" the baby, Kyle wanted nothing to do with her but she still remains a thorn in his side. All Kyle would love is to find another woman who makes him feel like Olivia does and get Noelle out of his life for good.

Enter Lourdes Bennett...country music superstar who has come to Whiskey Creek to unwind and write music for her new album and just happens to rent a place form Kyle. Lourdes' fiance, Derrick, set everything up but at the last minute decides not to go with Lourdes. Lourdes has been feeling distant from Derrick over the last few months and is convinced he is cheating on her. When the heat in the guesthouse is not working, Kyle invites Lourdes to stay in the main house until he get can someone out to fix it. Of course Kyle's new guest does not sit well with his ex, Noelle. She wants Kyle back and trying anything and everything to make that happen.

I loved the slow development of Kyle and Lourdes relationship. First they were friends who needed a shoulder to lean on, but then it changed into something more. I loved how they had an instant attraction to each other but it took a little for them to act on it. I really enjoyed how they helped each other with the issues they each had in their own lives. A good relationship starts with a great friendship first.

I loved the story that played out with Olivia and Brandon and how everything came full circle. I can't even begin to imagine having an ex as crazy as Noelle, but it was an entertaining part to the story.

I wish there was a little more of Riley and Phoenix's wedding. Those two went through so much to finally get together, it would have been nice to read.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was sweet, sexy and a little suspenseful at the same time. I can't wait to read more about Kyle and Lourdes's future!
Profile Image for Sofia Lazaridou.
2,803 reviews138 followers
October 26, 2015
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.
Profile Image for Eva Millien.
3,115 reviews48 followers
October 25, 2015
Determined to be extra careful about any romantic entanglement, Kyle Houseman fights his attraction to the beautiful stranger who rents his farmhouse for the holiday in this terrific contemporary romance.

The more Lourdes Bennett gets to know Kyle, the more she begins to wonder if getting her career back on top is the right thing to do and the reader can’t help but become enthralled in the story as these two unsuspecting people find a love they weren’t looking for. The chemistry and romance is sweet with a touch of fun as this couple gets to know each other while each deal with life’s trials, heartaches and emotional angst that the reader can certainly relate to. Strong, captivating characters grab your attention from the very beginning with their strong personalities while the steady to fast paced plot flows smoothly throughout the story with suspense, turmoil and romance.

While Lourdes and Kyle’s romance has lots of anticipation building due to their situations, Kyle’s past is determined to keep him in her grasp which causes quite a bit of excitement, mayhem and turmoil between Kyle's family and friends as well. The intriguing relationship draws readers in with a fascinating romance that catches the couple by surprise but is no less passionate which keeps the reader glued to their seat as they wait to find out just how things will work out for them and since the scenes and details are well written, it is very easy to become completely caught up in the story as the readers picture each and every scene.

I was very excited that Kyle’s story had finally arrived and have to say that Brenda Novak didn’t disappoint as once again I was completely delighted by the Whiskey Creek characters and their happily ever afters.
Profile Image for Mary Mooney.
2,495 reviews58 followers
October 24, 2015
Kyle Houseman is about to give up on love and stay single forever. He lost the love of his life while she was away and the really bad thing is that his drunken mistake was with her sister. When Olivia came back to Whiskey Creek, her sister Noelle had her claws in Kyle. After Olivia got over her hurt, she found Brandon and knew it was true love. Not to mention that Brandon was Kyle's stepbrother. So after Kyle finally decided he had had enough of Noelle, he divorced her. Now after five years, she still calls him to solve her problems. Kyle is tired of it and can't figure out how to make her move on without him without getting the brunt of her revenge. When he decided to rent one of his houses, he didn't expect it to be to a famous country singer. Lourdes Bennett has come to Whiskey Creek to get her creative juices flowing and try to get her career back on track. What Kyle and Lourdes' didn't realize is that they are perfect for each other. Can Kyle get her to stay with him? Will Lourdes go back to Nashville and her cheating ex-boyfriend/manager? If you are looking for a series that will leave you wanting more, then you should be reading this one. Although I haven't read all of the series, I am loving it and need to make time to catch up on the rest. Brenda Novak knows how to write a love story with a twist that will keep you glued to each page until the very end and leave you wanting more.
**Copy provided by the author in exchange for my honest review**
Profile Image for Julie.
1,717 reviews
October 6, 2015
This is more a 3.5 book. I did love that Kyle finally got over Olivia , and had to deal with crazy Noelle. Seriously he should have cut the cord earlier with her. Lourdes comes into town to try and write her next album. She rents a farm house but ends up staying with him due to having heater issues. I loved that they started out as friends before falling in love. It was great to see Riley and Brandon a bit more . There friends do show up but I felt mixed on their interaction with Kyle and Lourdes. I do hope that Baxter gets a story but I thought I remember hearing that one of Dylan brother's was going to get a book ?? So that other issue isn't resolved, and others are having kids. We did end up seeing the initial couple , and what about Joe ( Gail's brother hasn't had a romance yet ). But I think that this series is winding down because there is no one left for except those mentioned to find love . It's a small town, so they would have to come in ...or crazy girl finally gets her HEA . I did enjoy seeing Eve & Lincoln.
Profile Image for Nelle Nazario.
848 reviews59 followers
June 1, 2016
Kyle pulled a jerk move by sleeping with his girlfriends sister. Yes they had broken up but it shouldn't matter. And the sister was as much to blame I'd not more so. Years later he's paid for that tenfold.

Lourdes is a country music star. She's dealing with a bad brake up. She comes to Whiskevy Creek to write her new album.

I've always felt sympathetic towards Kyle, he deserved to find his own love, and with Lourdes he does. They start out in friendship and it leads to more. I felt this finally put the past in the past and that bitch Noelle, well... you'll find out what happens to her.

* this can be read alone, but I'd recommend reading the prequel, Olivia and Brandon's story. When We Touch

** I still get a crummy feeling when
Profile Image for Amanda.
222 reviews10 followers
September 23, 2015
How do these books continue to get better and better? I don't know how Brenda Novak does it but once again this is an AMAZING story!!!

Kyle has had a tough time with Love. He was so in love with Olivia but now that his step brother is married to her, well his shots are kind of gone. Not to mention his ex wife that makes life miserable and wont go away! Oh my gosh what a pain in the A$$ this ex is! I can't blame him for not wanting to get married again.

Lourdes is a famous country music star and needs to get away. She ends up renting Kyle's farmhouse for the Christmas holiday but one thing leads to another and she and Kyle end up involved. With both of them thinking they want different things, they really don't see a future working out together.

This story will keep you on the edge of your seat wanting to find out what happens next. There is a fire that destroys everything, ex's, friends and drama. The makings for a perfect story. You don't want to miss this wonderful story.
Profile Image for Karen Debolt.
45 reviews
September 25, 2015
A Winter Wedding is the newest installment in the Whiskey Creek series. This is Kyle Housemann's story. Kyle has been in love with Olivia for years, but she is now married to his step-brother. He was married to her sister, Noelle for a very short time and divorced for over 5 years. Noelle is very vindictive and this makes Kyle leery of a new relationship. He rents a farmhouse to Lourdes Bennett, a country singer who is in need of solitude to try to rebuild her career. Due to the furnace not working she ends up staying at Kyle's house, to avoid being seen in town. Slowly,they come to respect and like each other and share each others heartaches.

It was very heart warming to witness their love for each other blossom, through all the troubles they both have happening in their lives. This book is a very good, tender and emotional read that I have ranked in the top 3 of the series.

I appreciate the chance to red and review this book thanks to Brenda Novak and her publisher.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 348 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.