Last Barrel by Stacy Lynn Miller

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The details…

  • Title: Last Barrel
  • Author: Stacy Lynn Miller
  • Publisher: Bella Books
  • Editor: Medora MacDougall
  • Publication date: March 29, 2024
  • ISBN: 9781642475203e
  • Available formats: ebook, paperback, audiobook (available soon)
  • Print Length: 292 pages
  • Genre: historical romantic thriller
  • Themes: speakeasy clubs, Prohibition, the Great Depression, bootlegging, women loving women, lgbtq communities, small towns, celebrities, dirty cops, corrupt politicians, gangsters, sapphic romance

The blurb from the publisher…

Dax and Rose live the high life at the Foster House, running the poshest speakeasy on the West Coast. Half Moon Bay is about to claim its place as the top tourist destination in Northern California, and Dax and Rose see all their hopes and dreams ahead of them.

But when their nemesis Roy Wilkes becomes the new county sheriff, it’s clear that he’s hellbent on revenge and both Dax and Rose are dead center in his crosshairs. With no one close to them safe, the women must leverage every resource to protect the people they love.

How high is the price for beating Wilkes at his own game? Who will survive to open the last barrel?

Last Barrel is the third book in the Speakeasy Series.

From the author…

“Last Barrel picks up Dax and Rose’s journey navigating the illegal speakeasy business and the fractured relationship between Dax and her best friend, Charlie, three years after Whiskey War. This bittersweet book dives deeper into the supporting cast, testing each one’s quiet inner strength. 

Grace Parsons fans will love this story. I remember falling madly in love with Grace while writing the first book in the series, Devil’s Slide, and I knew then that she deserved a deeper storyline. In this book, Grace faces her greatest challenge and comes out the other side stronger. Others around her will learn what they’re made of by the time they crack open the last barrel of illegal whiskey.

It’s been a pleasure bringing the Speakeasy world to you. On behalf of Dax, Rose, May, Hank, Grace, Clive, Charlie, Jules, and Brutus, I thank you for reading and witnessing their journey. This book…this series…is a testament to an undeniable set of facts: women are resilient and can accomplish anything when they band together.”

—Stacy Lynn Miller

My thoughts…

This is a fantastic conclusion to what I would consider a wonderful historical romance series. Miller wraps it up right, providing readers with a satisfying conclusion to the overarching narrative. She does this by insuring four things are executed exceptionally well in the final installment. She: 1) gives resolution to the central conflicts in the series arc, 2) brings the main characters’ journeys full circle, 3) addresses any remaining questions or loose ends from the previous books, and 4) scripts a memorable conclusion that resonates with readers. She definitely makes the journey with the Speakeasy characters feel worthwhile.

Miller’s success with the series is almost guaranteed from the start. She had the foresight to build a firm foundation on its main couple, Dax and Rose. These dynamic women make the series special. Individually they possess endearing, relatable qualities, but it’s their journey together that really powers the storytelling. They overcome societal pressures, personal misunderstandings, and external conflicts with brains and brawn. Moreover, they do it with a love for one another that is both compelling and heartwarming. This love evolves and matures over the course of the series, making them, as well as the narrative, more memorable.

Miller hits a home run for keeping an eye on the history of the era. She puts energy into it, making sure the story world feels authentic and true. The Speakeasy Series is deeply influenced by several historical events; they help shape the narrative and the lives of the characters. The Prohibition Era, The Great Depression, the 19th Amendment, and the widespread adoption of automobiles, telephones, and electricity—all of these are nicely incorporated into the story, providing a rich, believable setting for the story to breathe. Furthermore, this all blends seamlessly with the plot, making Dax and Rose’s fight for justice and love all the more exciting.

The Prohibition Era was not just about the banning of alcohol and the speakeasy business though. Music, particularly jazz, played a pivotal role during this time, too. It was a part of the culture and thrived in underground nightclubs during Prohibition; Miller taps into this beautifully. Her script reflects the societal changes and cultural revolution that took place, making it an integral part of Rose and Dax’s journey. Readers, especially history geeks, will appreciate her portrayal. Rose and Dax challenge traditional roles and exert their female independence in ways that simply make the storytelling shine. It’s awesome when writers combine history and strong female characters like this.

Final remarks…

If you are looking for a captivating historical romance, then the Speakeasy Series by Stacy Lynn Miller will not disappoint. Last Barrel, the latest addition, is full of engaging, page turning intrigue. Its vivid portrayal of love during the Prohibition’s speakeasy culture is a delight. It captures the period perfectly. This tale of women righting wrongs and selling whiskey should not be missed.

Strengths…

  • Well-written storyline
  • Engaging plot
  • Fast action and high drama
  • Well-developed characters 
  • Captivating portrayal of love

This book is available from…

A bit about the author…

A late bloomer, Stacy took up writing after retiring from the Air Force. Her twenty years of toting a gun and police badge, tinkering with computers, and sleuthing for clues as an investigator form the foundation of her Manhattan Sloane and Lexi Mills thriller series. Visually impaired, she is a proud stroke survivor, mother of two, tech nerd, chocolate lover, and terrible golfer with a hole-in-one. When you can’t find her writing, she’ll be golfing or drinking wine (sometimes both) with friends and family in Northern California. To learn more about her, click on the links below.

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