Sunshine and Whiskey by Allie Kay

Beauty and the … Bartender?

Life in a small town isn’t always the idyllic fairy tale it’s rumored to be, particularly for Sean Turner who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. Bartenders with a past like his just didn’t date the daughter of one of Garden Falls’ most influential families. Talia Richmond is forbidden fruit, even if the shadows in her eyes make him want to go to battle just to protect her.
No one thinks Sean is good enough for her, but Talia sees through the tragic history Sean uses to keep people at a distance. The older man’s heart is as guarded as his liquor storage, but she finally finds a chink in his armor and what begins as a friendship grows to be something so much more. Beneath the tattoos and scars, she finds a man truly worthy of a woman’s love.
When a monster threatens Talia and their happily ever after, Sean has to reach into his past in order to protect his future. Love heals all, but some things may be impossible to forgive.

A shorter version of this story was previously published. It has been revised and expanded.