Branded Betrayal (Whiskey Creek Sinners 1) by Kristen Luciani-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 29, 2026

When her favorite aunt dies, Savannah Carlson inherits the family’s struggling ranch. But after leaving her corporate life in Denver, she arrives in Wyoming to find things worse than she thought. Turns out, she’s been saddled with an impossible task: Make Red Rock Ranch profitable in six months’ time—or lose it forever.

Overwhelmed yet resolute, she digs right in, ready for anything. Then Blaze Hartman, her brother’s ex–best friend and the slick cowboy who once shattered her heart, returns to town too. When Savannah meets his whiskey eyes, she can’t deny their familiar spark. But those eyes still hide a world of dark secrets.

Running the ranch is anything but simple. Dangerous local crime lords and shocking new details about her parents’ tragic deaths only add to the chaos. As much as it hurts, Savannah longs for the burn of an old flame to help her through. But can she and Blaze rekindle love from the ashes of betrayal?

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REVIEW:BRANDED BETRAYAL is the first instalment in Kristen Luciani’s contemporary, adult WHISKEY CREEK SINNERS dark, erotic, cowboy romance series. This is former US soldier Blaze Hartman, and Savannah Carlson’s story line.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Savannah and Blaze) BRANDED BETRAYAL follows in the wake of the return of Savannah Carlson to Whiskey Creek, Wyoming. Six years earlier, following the death of her parents, Savannah struggled with the loss but when her high school sweetheart Blaze Hartman walked out of her life, Savannah ran without looking back, leaving her brother to struggle on his own. Fast forward to present day, with the death of her beloved Aunt Marg, Savannah discovers she has inherited Red Rock Ranch, a failing cattle ranch on the brink of implosion but Savannah never expected to come face to face with the man who broke her heart, a man whose secrets are dark. Unable to trust Blaze Hartman, Savannah struggles with Blaze’s hot and cold demeanor, a demeanor that is hiding a dangerous past, a past that is taking aim at our story line heroine.

The world building follows several intersecting pathways and conflicts including Savannah’s struggle to save Red Rock Ranch, and her brother’s heart break upon her return. From intimidation to greed, organized crime to threats of death, the requisite evil takes aim at the most vulnerable, pressuring people when their guards are down. Betrayal is revealed on many levels, betrayal by the people trusted the most.

The relationship between Savannah and Blaze is one of second chances but acrimonious in the face of broken hearts, secrets and lies. Savannah is unaware of the truth-why Blaze left without looking back. Blaze is hoping for a second chance but the ghosts from the past refuse to let go, threatening any chance of a happily ever after. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and often questionable secondary and supporting characters many of whom battle between head and heart at the perceived betrayals and family mistrust. We are introduced to Savannah’s brother Nash, as well as Blaze’s brothers Colt, and Wyatt, and their father Harlon Hartman.

BRANDED BETRAYAL is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, organized crime and manipulation, family and friendships, forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is dramatic, detailed and edgy; the romance is seductive and raw; the characters are animated, tragic and flawed.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Kristen Luciani is a USA Today bestselling author of steamy and suspense-filled romance. She’s addicted to kickboxing, Starburst jelly beans, and swooning over dark, broken anti-heroes. Kristen is happily married to her own real-life hero of over 20 years. In addition to penning spicy stories, she also has a part-time job as her three kids’ personal Uber driver, which she manages to successfully juggle along with her other tasks: laundry, cleaning, laundry, cooking, laundry, and caring for her adorable Boston Terrier puppy.

Mafia romance is her passion…and her poison.