Captivated by Scotch on the Rocks: A Journey of Love and Conflict
When I first picked up Scotch on the Rocks (The Macabe Brothers, #2) by Jessica Peterson, I had high expectations. Following the delightful surprise of Whisky Business, I was eager to dive into this new chapter in the Macabe saga. Small-town romances always tug at my heartstrings, and the promise of complicated relationships mixed with humor and yearning intrigued me. This book had all the makings of a cozy escape—what could possibly go wrong?
From the outset, the story pulls you into the charming little town of Rockport, filled with lush landscapes and the relatable angst of love lost. Juniper Ross, a young woman with a painful past, has her life mapped out with three firm rules about the Macabe brothers: Don’t look, don’t talk, and definitely don’t think about them. Yet, the biggest surprise is that these rules are continually tested, especially when the irresistible Callum Macabe—her ex-lover’s brother—enters the frame.
Callum is painted as the quintessential “golden boy,” and I couldn’t help but feel drawn to his warmth and selflessness. The way he juggles being a local vet, a caregiver to his father with Alzheimer’s, and a community hero makes him utterly endearing. The moments where he shows up to help Juniper deal with her chaotic life at the inn had my heart fluttering—there’s something so magnetic about quiet heroism. Juniper, on the other hand, is an adopted daughter still grappling with her father’s loss, and watching her navigate her emotions against the backdrop of her growing feelings for Callum added depth to the narrative.
Their history is rich and layered. Starting from a chance encounter on a train, their connection stems from years of heartache and unresolved feelings. The slow-burn romance, filled with witty banter and undeniable chemistry, sets the stage beautifully. However, I found that around the 75% mark, the book took a sharp turn. Callum’s jealousy felt less romantic and more suffocating, shifting the dynamic in a way that left me questioning their relationship’s health. What once appeared as heartfelt yearning began to feel obsessive, which was a turn-off for me.
Additionally, Juniper’s emotional evolution felt rushed. One moment she maintains a guarded distance, and the next, she suddenly calls her mentor “Mom” after a pivotal revelation. This shift could have been a beautiful moment but instead felt jarring, as if the narrative had missed key emotional beats that could have enriched the story.
Yet, I can’t dismiss how invested I was in the first three-quarters of the book. With charming dialogue and captivating moments, it almost felt like a five-star read. However, the ending left me wanting more resolution and reflection. This has prompted me to wonder what’s next for Alistair Macabe, and perhaps, will the series hold a space for his sister Heather? She deserves her love story too.
For those who enjoy small-town romances filled with complexity, Scotch on the Rocks might resonate deeply, even with its flaws. Readers who appreciate a good age-gap story, the conflict of brotherly loyalty, and the tension of unspoken love will find moments to treasure. Overall, while not the perfect read, it was still an engaging experience, and I’m curious to see where the Macabe journey leads next.
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