Ruby Spencer’s Whisky Year is a fun contemporary romance about a woman who does what I imagine many of us dream of doing–dropping everything and moving to Scotland for a year. She’s trying to write a cookbook and start a new career, but she ends up finding love instead.

Contemporary romance isn’t my favorite romance sub-genre, but I found this novel to be charming. I loved the setting of Thistlecross, and I enjoyed Ruby’s sarcasm and positivity, though I can see how other readers might find it grating. I thought it was fun. However, I did not enjoy the novel’s “self-aware” moments as much. There are a few passages throughout the book where Ruby and Brochan joke,“Well if this were a romance novel…” I thought these scenes were overly cheesy to the point of being annoying, rather than being clever.

These moments were few and far between, though, and I don’t think they get in the way of enjoying Ruby and Brochan’s romance. Brochan is an excellent romance hero. He’s rugged and masculine without being pushy or domineering. Instead, he has an artistic side, and he isn’t afraid to share that with Ruby. I loved the slow build of their relationship; the pacing felt realistic. The two also have great chemistry, though this doesn’t always translate into well-written sex scenes. In fact, I thought the book felt weirdly…prudish? It’s an open door romance, meaning it describes the characters having sex, but Billow shies away from using explicit language. Not every romance needs to be explicit or open-door, but the reliance on metaphors felt like an odd choice considering Ruby’s declarations about refusing to feel ashamed for her sexual history at the book’s beginning.

Overall, I’m glad I read Ruby Spencer’s Whisky Year. It was a fun read, especially for February and Valentine’s Day. I recommend it for contemporary romance fans, or readers who wish they could also drop everything and run away to the Highlands. Fans of super spicy books, though, might be disappointed.

P.S. Readers who love well-written food scenes might also enjoy this book. Ruby loves to cook, and she’s always cooking and experimenting with recipes.

3.5 stars

If you’re looking for a cozy and romantic getaway this Valentine’s Day, you’ll definitely want to pick up Ruby Spencer’s Whiskey Year! It releases on Valentine’s Day itself, so it’s absolutely perfect.

Escape into an absolutely charming setting and get ready to swoon over this beautiful slow-burn romance. Sparks may fly instantly, but things progress naturally and in a wonderful way.

My fellow romance readers need to add this to their TBRs.

Ruby Spencer’s Whisky Year is a charming book that highlights one woman’s journey to discover what she needs to be happy. It’s Rochelle Bilow’s descriptions of Scotland, characters, whisky and amazing food that set this story apart.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ruby moves to Scotland for a year to write a cookbook; she thinks it’s the perfect way to escape New York and her old life with poor romantic choices. She settles in Thistlecross and stays at a quaint cottage while helping Grace with the cooking at the failing Cosy Hearth pub. She meets Brochan, a hot, grumbling handyman and they begin to open up to each other. But what happens when she submits her cookbook proposal? What about that insistent attraction to Brochan? And how will she ever leave this charming village she already thinks of as home?

This story is sweet and very charming. It gives the reader a real sense of place, which is difficult to do well, especially about a place as romanticized as Scotland. The book is as much about Ruby’s personal journey as it is about her romance with Brochan. While this book is Ruby’s POV throughout, the author does a good job of letting Brochan be a fully developed character, not just a device for Ruby’s personal growth.

Ruby Spencer’s Whisky Year isn’t full of surprises but that’s part of its charm. I loved spending time with Ruby, Brochan and all the residents of Thistlecross. Now I just need to do something about my constant cravings for whisky and scones…

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really wanted to love this book because A: any book based in scotland has my immediate interest, and B: i love to cook and love a heroine that does too! but the slow burn was so slow and not a whole lot of burning. One minute they are hardly talking and the next the are confessing their love for each other? and the MMC wasnt my favorite either. he had a few instances of extreme a-hole behavior. it got a little better 170 pages in but nothing that truly redeem itself. overall, 3/5 for story and 1/5 for spice.

What’s your preferred cocktail, or favorite beverage?

Did you know that there is a difference between Whisky and Whiskey? I’m sure my husband would roll his eyes and tell me yes, but I just thought it was two different ways to spell the word. Whoops. Nope, the spelling has to do with where the Whisk(e)y is made. In this case, Scotland, so it is Whisky.

Ruby has decided to uproot her life in New Yoke and move to a tiny Scottish town to work on a cookbook. As soon as she sets foot in Thistlecross, she can’t get over how quaint it is and she’s excited for her adventure. Then she meets Brochan, and she can’t get over how ruggedly handsome and helpful he is. Even though she’s sworn off me, she sees a future with him. As they grow closer, Ruby uncovers secrets and encounters an impossible choice. Now Ruby must decide between love, loyalty, and the Highlands way of life.

Ah, what a cute and cozy read this was! I can see why it was one of Buzzfeed’s Romance books to look out for this year! I loved the writing – I felt like I was in Thistlecross with Ruby, right next to her the whole time. The setting is simply gorgeous and concreted my belief that I need to visit Scotland sometime in my life. The chemistry between Ruby and Brochan was sizzling hot! It was just fantastic. I recommend this for romance readers, especially those who enjoy the grumpy / sunshine trope.

This marvelous book is out Valentine’s Day, Feb 14th. Which is honestly, perfect.

Thank you to the publisher Berkley Publishing, @berkleypub, Berkley Romance, @berkleyromance, and Netgalley @netgalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wouldn't it be lovely to move to Scotland to write a cookbook and fall in love.....why yes it would. Since that seems unlikely, I enjoyed this vicarious visit.

This was a cute, cozy read! A lot of details definitely hit close to home as a journalist. This is a great winter read, and perfect for lovers of Outlander, just in time for Valentine's Day.

This book has wonderful characters that just make you smile. Unique and delightful people make you want to be there and involved in this small town too!

The author dives deep into the descriptive scenery so you are able to see it just like a photograph. Smell the grass, rain, flowers, gardens, and pub. You can almost taste the whisky and all of the food cooking. The sights, sounds, and smells are upfront and personal in your own imagination due to Bilow's intricate development of the scenes.

Following the main characters is like a warm hug. Friendly and delightful for the most part, especially when we meet Brochan and the sparks start to fly. Their budding love is comfortable and sweet.

Ruby Spencer’s Whisky Year offers so much to love about this story. While it is not overly spicy, the romance is perfectly perfect for these two! Plus, the happily ever after is a delight!

I received a gifted galley of RUBY SPENCER’S WHISKEY YEAR by Rochelle Bilow. Thank you to PRH Audio, Berkley Publishing Group, and Netgalley!

RUBY SPENCER’S WHISKEY YEAR follows the titular character as she moves from America to a small Scottish village for a year. She is determined to fulfill her dream of writing a cookbook while she is there. The backdrop is full of comfort and cozy vibes for all the inspiration. She is soon caught up in the locals’ lives. When she meets Brochan, the local handyman responsible for fixing things up around her cottage, she is immediately smitten. When she is drawn into helping to revitalize the waning business of the local pub, she begins to feel right at home.

I thought that the setting and the local characters were the strength of the story in this book. There is a lot of charm in the village as the author describes it. The relationship between Brochan and Ruby is a bit of a mix. There is definitely a slow burn element, but also a bit of instant chemistry at least on Ruby’s part (as we are following along in her POV with her inner commentary).

I was expecting a bit more of the cookbook storyline from the synopsis, but that takes some fairly quick turns in the story. Still, I enjoyed the pub and hearing about the food being prepared.

Four and a Half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒
Ruby Spencer's Whisky Year by Rochelle Bilow is a romantic comedy about a woman who leaves New York City and travels to a small Scottish village to write a cookbook.

Story Recap:
Ruby Spencer left her job in New York City to move to Scotland for a year and write a cookbook. She randomly decides to move to the small village of Thistlecross to spend her year writing a cookbook, drinking a barrel of whiskey, and figuring out what she wants to do with her life.

She meets, Brochan, the village handyman and they are attracted to each other right away. And when Ruby discovers that the charming village pub going to be sold to a developer with the intent of turning the pub into a Scottish-themed American-style chain restaurant.

My Thoughts:
First of all, the setting is gorgeous, and the author's descriptions of Thistlecross and the surrounding area are spectacular. If you never wanted to visit Scotland before, you will after reading Ruby Spencer’s Whiskey Year. I also enjoyed all the whiskey references and although I am not an expert on Scotch Whiskey, I know enough about it to know the author had done her research.

Ruby and Brochan are such a cute couple. They had a slow-burn friends-to-lovers romance that allowed them to get to know each other before things got romantic. Brochan was grumpy, but with a big heart. Ruby was optimistic and mostly happy to be in Scotland once they got together, they had good chemistry that was built upon their friendship.

I can’t end this review without talking about the side characters. Thistlecross is a sweet village filled with interesting and quirky characters that add a lot of charm to the story.

Recommendation:
I highly recommend Ruby Spencer’s Whiskey Year to anyone who enjoys romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

3.5 STARS

Ruby Spencer decides to quit her life as a successful food writer in New Work by moving to a small Scottish town in the Highlands for one year. Ruby’s stated goal is to write a cookbook. More importantly for Ruby is to figure out what to do with her life after being burned out and feeling nothing but negativity for the Big Apple. When living in Scotland, whisky certainly abounds as well as the charming and quirky townsfolk in the quaint village of Thistlecross. Ruby rents a very small cottage near an old pub that has seen better days. The pub landlady becomes a surrogate mom for Ruby as they cook together trying to win back some of the old customers who have decamped to the newly built, more modern, hotel bar. Ruby meets handsome handyman Brochan who spends more of his work days around her abode doing repairs and getting to know Ruby.

As Ruby invests more time in the community while being less than successful with her writing project, she becomes involved with issues that are divisive among the village folk of Thistlecross. Ruby befriends those on both sides of an important matter coming across some knowledge that will turn out to be explosive. In the romance department, after a bad breakup, Ruby wasted time on meaningless encounters back in New York that were…well…meaningless so she had decided to forgo any kind of involvement in the future; however, meeting Brochan changes things despite her wariness.

Thisltlecross is in dire need of tourist dollars to keep afloat, but plans for such with an American “Scottish” themed restaurant may do some major harm. Ruby makes some questionable decisions that seem obvious in that they will damage her relationship with Brochan, so it is not a surprise when things go awry. As a character in her thirties, I would have expected more maturity on her part making such choices. Not only a romance, this story has a lot of foodie type content as well as a wee commentary on how the popularity of OUTLANDER has changed Scotland’s tourism which has been a boom for some areas and a bust for others in this story.

Ruby Spencer's Whisky Year was an excellent read during a cold wintery day this past week! I read and listened to it in a day. This was a heartwarming story about branching out, growing as people, and the possibilities that emerge when we allow our walls to break down. Home is where the heart is right?

I want to go spend some time in Thistlecross and eat at the pub, stay with Grace, and flirt with Brochan. My one complaint is that at times the way "Ruby" described Brochan, it made him less attractive than I think he had the potential to be. Her descriptions just felt a bit childish and teenage girl with a crush!

I have to plug that the audiobook was fantastic! I loved the accents, I felt like it brought the characters to life for me, and it made Thistlecross feel even more idyllic than my imagination initially conjured.

A huge thank you to Penguin Random House Audio and to Berkley Romance for providing me access to this title!!

Could you find home far away from your loved ones?

I adored this book! Perfect book for a Valentine's release and for spring reading! I am a sucker for books that take place in Scotland! I think readers will love following along on Ruby's journey. Lovely scenery, a fun cast of characters and swoon worthy romance make this a super fun romance read!

Ruby moved to Thistlecross for a fresh start and to focus on writing her cookbook but she finds so much more. Starting with Brochan, the handyman of her dreams. He's handsome, he's nice, he's just so....Scottish. This becomes not only a romance but also a tale of found family and place as Ruby settles into the village. And then an American chain wants to buy the pub and fans of this genre know what happens. Or do you? I liked this, despite the tropes, for the great setting and the sly sense of humor. The characters and the storytelling are both good and there's a positive feeling to all of it. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

This was cute but I didn't connect with it. I loved the setting of Scotland and the romance was slow burn and sweet but I just couldn't get into this read nor the characters. I felt like it drug on alot as well.

Well, Ruby Spencer’s Whisky Year has solidified its place in my heart and on my favorites list. It is delightfully cozy, like a warm hug. The cooking aspects made my foodie heart sing. The slow burn, moderately open door romance was extremely satisfying for me and a nice chance of pace from all the enemies to lovers I’ve been reading.

I fell in love with these characters instantly - every single one (except the “disney villain,” of course). The narrative voice swept me in and the small Scottish town setting is perfection. I want to live in Thistlecross, and settle in for a meal at the Cozy Hearth.

In short: I was transported. I already want to read this again and buy a finished copy (or two). Absolutely recommend.

CW: As the name implies, many drinking references throughout. And complicated parental relationship

3.5 stars

I wanted to love this book, after spending three weeks in Scotland last year I felt this book was made for me, and while I did enjoy some aspects of it, there were others that just didn’t work which was disappointing.

The main characters Ruby (Roo) and Brochnan (Broo) were interesting. Ruby quits her job as a culinary writer and sells all her belongings to move to a small town in the Scottish Highlands for a year to write a cookbook of which she hasn’t even planned or really thought about. Despite being mid 30’s, Ruby read like a woman a decade younger. A tad immature, unfocused, and searching for something and coming up empty after a relationship gone bad and a string of uncommitted relationships; Ruby seemed flighty most of the time except when she cooked then she settled and it was easy to see her love of food. Brochnan was a bit of a mystery for quite a while in this book and honestly that wasn’t a great thing for me. I get he was supposed to be this big, brooding, hot Scot but I grew tired of waiting for his story, what made him into the man he is today, and honestly once it all came out it was a bit underwhelming. The secondary characters were an interesting bunch and often stole the scenes there were in especially Grace, the older woman who rented Ruby the little cottage and gave her a “job” helping with the cooking at the pub that is failing. I found myself drawn to the times Grace and Ruby shared the kitchen mingling Grace’s traditional Scottish fare with Ruby adding ingredients or tweaking them for a more modern slant.

What I didn’t care for is that both Ruby and Brochan kept some big secrets from one another and in Ruby’s case she knew that in doing so it would hurt Brochnan but she did it anyway even knowing his trust issues. As far as Brochnan, I honestly couldn’t understand why he didn’t share what he kept secret; it was kind of ridiculous that he didn’t except for the fact it added some manufactured angst towards the end of the story which wasn’t needed.

At times the story seemed disjointed and instead of us seeing Ruby and Brochnan’s relationship progressing and growing we were simply told that it happened.

I loved the depictions of the landscape and the small village, and I enjoyed the characters in Ruby Spencer’s Whisky Year, but the romance aspect was a bit lacking.

RUBY SPENCER'S WHISKEY YEAR is a dishy, delicious tale filled with a handsome Scot, a pretty food writer, and a charming Scottish village. Ruby Spencer moves across country to a secluded town, Thistlecross, in the Scottish highlands to figure out her life after a messy breakup with her ex. Ruby swears off men. She lives in a small, derelict but charming cottage. While in Thistlecross, she tries to write a cookbook but fails miserably. Ruby works at the local village pub near her cottage, designing pop-up suppers, drinking homemade whiskey, and falling for the owner, the village locals and a certain handsome, grouchy hunk, Brochan. Does Ruby let Brochan into her heart?

Brochan helps repair Ruby's rundown cottage. Brochan is attracted to the lively, lovely lady. Only Ruby keeps her distance, after being burned once before by her ex. Slowly they forge a friends-to-lovers bond. Ruby opens herself up to new experiences and change. Plus, she can't help fantasize fooling around with the bearded, burly hunk. Will Ruby realize she is in love? Does she make the highlands her home?

Ms. Bilow's debut romance sweeps you off your feet in a country filled with charming characters, budding friendships, deep emotions, and so much more. I loved how Ruby and Brochan slowly build up a friendship. Brochan has a lot of emotional scars and Ruby does too. It was interesting to see the ebb and flow of their relationship. At times it seems that Ruby and Brochan won't climb that hill to romance. There's a deeper message the author hides in the story about ex-lovers, family and friends. There are many delicious dishes prepared in the pub that made my mouth water! Have a snack nearby while reading this delightful book. RUBY SPENCER'S WHISKEY YEAR is just like an old fashioned. Smooth and sweetly delicious!

✨I just want to get stroked like a cat by a sexy Scotsman 😤✨

What’s the book about? It’s like if Leap Year wasn’t a road trip romance and all Amy Adams wanted to do was cook as well as if Matthew Goode was big and burly and Scottish and also if there was no Adam Scott or engagement tradition but there was spanking so it’s really not Leap Year at all but they’re the same.

I was really here for the entire atmosphere Bilow created. It was cozy, homey, and felt like a dream I never wanted to wake up from. Someone needs to physically restrain me or I’m going to make dramatic life decisions and move to Scotland. I mean my resolve has been pretty weak since 2010 but this was my breaking point.

The third act lost a bit of the plot and was a little chaotic, but I liked how everything was resolved. Overall, the writing was delicious, the scenery was lush, and plot was easy to get lost in. I’ll checkout more from Bilow in the future!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️*/5

*We got a few open door scenes that were pretty quick but you knew what was happening. Spanking was teased and delivered very mildly.

Thank you so much for an advanced copy of Ruby Spencer's Whisky Year. This was such a cute book!

Star Rating: 4⭐️
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pub Date: February 14, 2023

First and foremost, THANK YOU to Rochelle Bilow for writing a romance book about an adult woman in her thirties. I felt all of Ruby's indecisiveness, her confusions, her "am I doing life the right way" conundrums to my core. I have so many of the same misgivings that Ruby had in the story, and if nothing else, I know I'm alone in these misgivings now. I am 35, at least for a few more days (my bday is soon), and Ruby's character just made me feel so seen.

Second, can we just give a round of applause for Brochan? Talk about a sexy man...Brochan has sex appeal in spades. Show me a woman who doesn't have a fantasy about moving to Scotland and finding a highland man, and I'll show you a liar. I found his dry sense of humor, steadiness, and just overall Scottish-ness so attractive. Two thumbs up for such a dreamy man!

Third, I LOVED the found family trope in this story. Grace is such a sweet character, and the found family really had all the elements, even a redemption arc for the town villain. Plus, I'm so glad that Rochelle didn't fall into the trap of a vindictive ex-girlfriend or town mean girl trope in this one. Everyone really is as nice they appear, and that was refreshing to read a book about an adult falling in love and everyone actually acting like adults in the end!

My only complaint is the third act break-up was built on huge miscommunication, and I got a little irritated with Ruby's handling of the situation. Eventually it is all resolved and makes sense, but it was frustrating at the time.

Overall, I really liked this book, and I am looking forward to reading more books written by Rochelle Bilow!