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Bourbon Falls #1
Once Upon a Beast
It’s a fairy tale as old as time�
Everyone in Bourbon Falls knows Delaney Brooks doesn’t need a man—including Delaney. So when a storm sends her niece’s car hydroplaning into the town hermit’s bushes, it’s nothing Del can’t handle herself. But the winds also cause costly damage to the roof of her family’s beloved bookstore, and Del accepts it’s time to seek help.
Isaac Manning never intended to be the bad guy. But a slanderous post went viral, and he’s forced to take cover in Bourbon Falls, Indiana, hiding to protect his tech company until the online storm blows over. The strategy goes smoothly until a teenage girl destroys his lawn. Now two locals have seen his face, and one is tugging at his heartstrings.
Del’s fundraiser can save her family’s bookstore but she’ll need an amazing website built to draw the crowds in. Isaac, wanting a break from his loneliness, is happy to trade his skills for Del’s landscape panache. But can the two truly work together to support the town’s biggest event of the year without jeopardizing their hearts and reputations too?
Everyone in Bourbon Falls knows Delaney Brooks doesn’t need a man—including Delaney. So when a storm sends her niece’s car hydroplaning into the town hermit’s bushes, it’s nothing Del can’t handle herself. But the winds also cause costly damage to the roof of her family’s beloved bookstore, and Del accepts it’s time to seek help.
Isaac Manning never intended to be the bad guy. But a slanderous post went viral, and he’s forced to take cover in Bourbon Falls, Indiana, hiding to protect his tech company until the online storm blows over. The strategy goes smoothly until a teenage girl destroys his lawn. Now two locals have seen his face, and one is tugging at his heartstrings.
Del’s fundraiser can save her family’s bookstore but she’ll need an amazing website built to draw the crowds in. Isaac, wanting a break from his loneliness, is happy to trade his skills for Del’s landscape panache. But can the two truly work together to support the town’s biggest event of the year without jeopardizing their hearts and reputations too?
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 10, 2023
153 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
About the author
Kyra Jacobs
23books354followersKyra Jacobs is an extroverted introvert who writes of love, humor and mystery in the Midwest and beyond. When this Hoosier native isn’t pounding out scenes for her next book, she's likely outside, elbow-deep in snapdragons or spending quality time with her sports-loving family. Kyra also loves to read, tries to golf, and is an avid college football fan.
Be sure to stop by her website to learn more about her novels and ways to connect with her on social media.
Be sure to stop by her website to learn more about her novels and ways to connect with her on social media.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 18, 2023
What’s not to love about a small town romance featuring a hermit who loves his dog, an easy-going but wilful heroine and plenty of chemistry? In this case nothing, I was hooked from the opening chapter and devoured every page.
Kyra Jacobs has a knack of making you fall completely in love with her characters and the places they call home. 2023 has been my least productive reading year in over 10 years, but books like Once Upon a Beast remind me just why I love to lose myself in a romance. I can’t wait to return to Bourbon Falls for the next in the series.
Copy generously provided for an honest and unbiased opinion.
Kyra Jacobs has a knack of making you fall completely in love with her characters and the places they call home. 2023 has been my least productive reading year in over 10 years, but books like Once Upon a Beast remind me just why I love to lose myself in a romance. I can’t wait to return to Bourbon Falls for the next in the series.
Copy generously provided for an honest and unbiased opinion.
August 7, 2023
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A great small-town romance, “Once Upon a Beast�, by Kyra Jacobs (Tule Publishing), features a hero in hiding who finds himself unexpectedly working for the common good and a confident, sassy heroine with endless energy.
Isaac and Del are wonderful characters: the handsome, gruff recluse, who has an incredibly soft and sweet side; and the awesome female lead, who defies traditional stereotypes with her job, confidence, pragmatism and take charge personality.
I liked watching the attraction develop between this two. The story is about pain, fear, loneliness, but has a superb, positive quality and is sweet, funny and enjoyable.
There’s really nothing beastly about Isaac. I liked how the author portrayed his forced isolation and relocation and the devastating and unpredictable effects of social media misuse.
Perhaps those effects could have been dealt with earlier and more effectively.
The secondary characters are great, too, all complex and realistic. Brooklyn is such a lovely teen.
Louie, Isaac’s deaf dog, is an awesome pet. His actions, the loving relationship with his human and humans in general, speak louder than any adjectives the author could list, making him an absolutely wonderful creature.
I liked the small-town atmosphere of Bourbon Falls, Indiana, and how its residents rally around to support the bookstore intervention. The meddling in the romantic’s couple situation was irritating, though.
A great small-town romance, “Once Upon a Beast�, by Kyra Jacobs (Tule Publishing), features a hero in hiding who finds himself unexpectedly working for the common good and a confident, sassy heroine with endless energy.
Isaac and Del are wonderful characters: the handsome, gruff recluse, who has an incredibly soft and sweet side; and the awesome female lead, who defies traditional stereotypes with her job, confidence, pragmatism and take charge personality.
I liked watching the attraction develop between this two. The story is about pain, fear, loneliness, but has a superb, positive quality and is sweet, funny and enjoyable.
There’s really nothing beastly about Isaac. I liked how the author portrayed his forced isolation and relocation and the devastating and unpredictable effects of social media misuse.
Perhaps those effects could have been dealt with earlier and more effectively.
The secondary characters are great, too, all complex and realistic. Brooklyn is such a lovely teen.
Louie, Isaac’s deaf dog, is an awesome pet. His actions, the loving relationship with his human and humans in general, speak louder than any adjectives the author could list, making him an absolutely wonderful creature.
I liked the small-town atmosphere of Bourbon Falls, Indiana, and how its residents rally around to support the bookstore intervention. The meddling in the romantic’s couple situation was irritating, though.
August 14, 2023
I received this arc of Once Upon a Beast from Tule Publishing in exchange for my honest review. This is the first book in Kyra Jacobs� new series, Bourbon Falls. The story is set in Bourbon Falls, Indiana. We meet Delaney Brooks who has lived there all her life. She and her friend own a landscaping company and she helps her aunt in the family bookstore. As the book opens, a bad rain storm hits the town and her niece ends up veering off the road into the bushes at a house being rented by a stranger in town. The stranger, Isaac Manning has been hiding out at the house he rented and has had a couple of unpleasant interactions which have given him a bad reputation and the nickname of hermit. Del is driving and sees the result of the accident. She stops to help and realizes it’s her niece and she caused damage at the hermit’s house. Isaac came out to see what happened and meets Del and Brooklyn. Del is on her way to help at the bookstore so she promises to return and work on the damages.
When Del arrives at the bookstore, she sees the roof is leaking and she helps move the books and set up containers to catch the water. Her family learns the cost to get this fixed is $25,000 and they don’t know where they will get the money. Her friends and family start trying to come up with ideas of how to raise that much money. Someone suggest they put on a talent show to raise the money and after some debate, they agree to do it. When Del goes to repair the damages at Isaac’s house she talks to him about the roof and the ideas that they they are thinking about. They come up with a plan for Del to do his landscaping and repairs from the accident and he will design a website for the talent show. She is very involved in the plans for the talent show too.
Isaac is hiding out In Bourbon Falls because of some posts that that he made that were turned around and used against him and his tech company. He and his partner decided it would be best if he goes into hiding and they would try to get the business back that they had been losing. Isaac continues to do his work remotely with numerous conference calls. Del is the first contact in person that he has had since he moved there. Isaac is aware he can’t get involved with anyone and needs to keep his identity a secret from the rest of the town. He is very attracted to Del and regrets having to keep his story a secret. She jokes about his always staying in his house. The two spend a lot of time together working on his landscaping and then him explaining the website to Del. She is also afraid to get involved with someone since she had been badly hurt in the past. After she learns more about his past, she wonders what will happen to them when his company situation gets straightened out. There’s a lot of angst and romance between the two.
This is a wonderful book. Kyra has created a heartwarming storyline with very genuine and down to earth characters. The chemistry between Delany and Isaac is very sweet and enjoyable to read about. I found the other characters in the story to be entertaining. I look forward to the next book in the series.
When Del arrives at the bookstore, she sees the roof is leaking and she helps move the books and set up containers to catch the water. Her family learns the cost to get this fixed is $25,000 and they don’t know where they will get the money. Her friends and family start trying to come up with ideas of how to raise that much money. Someone suggest they put on a talent show to raise the money and after some debate, they agree to do it. When Del goes to repair the damages at Isaac’s house she talks to him about the roof and the ideas that they they are thinking about. They come up with a plan for Del to do his landscaping and repairs from the accident and he will design a website for the talent show. She is very involved in the plans for the talent show too.
Isaac is hiding out In Bourbon Falls because of some posts that that he made that were turned around and used against him and his tech company. He and his partner decided it would be best if he goes into hiding and they would try to get the business back that they had been losing. Isaac continues to do his work remotely with numerous conference calls. Del is the first contact in person that he has had since he moved there. Isaac is aware he can’t get involved with anyone and needs to keep his identity a secret from the rest of the town. He is very attracted to Del and regrets having to keep his story a secret. She jokes about his always staying in his house. The two spend a lot of time together working on his landscaping and then him explaining the website to Del. She is also afraid to get involved with someone since she had been badly hurt in the past. After she learns more about his past, she wonders what will happen to them when his company situation gets straightened out. There’s a lot of angst and romance between the two.
This is a wonderful book. Kyra has created a heartwarming storyline with very genuine and down to earth characters. The chemistry between Delany and Isaac is very sweet and enjoyable to read about. I found the other characters in the story to be entertaining. I look forward to the next book in the series.
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August 6, 2023DNF at 23% (Chapter 5)
Don't let my DNF stop you. I had to make a judgment call for myself and there were elements of this story that weren't working for me. I'll get into that in a minute. But I want to say that the chemistry between the main characters is fantastic and the story sucked me in right away.
As for why I'm not going to finish this book...Isaac is hiding out in a small town because of something he is being accused of doing. I don't yet know the extent of what that was, and I very much know that there are people out there that make false accusations. But in today's social climate, I don't feel comfortable reading a story about "the terrible woman who makes false accusations against the innocent (rich and somewhat famous) guy." It just seems irresponsible right now. Women have a hard enough time being believed and/or not blamed for things that happen to them, my means of escape (reading) is not something I want to have perpetuating the idea that women lie about these things.
Although I had an uneasy feeling, I still read on. Then I got to a transphobic "joke" that put the nail in the coffin on this one. I haven't read this author before so I cannot judge if the remark was truly from a place of ignorance or if she was trying for a subtle jab at the trans community. Either way, I realized this is not the author for book for me and put it down.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
Don't let my DNF stop you. I had to make a judgment call for myself and there were elements of this story that weren't working for me. I'll get into that in a minute. But I want to say that the chemistry between the main characters is fantastic and the story sucked me in right away.
As for why I'm not going to finish this book...Isaac is hiding out in a small town because of something he is being accused of doing. I don't yet know the extent of what that was, and I very much know that there are people out there that make false accusations. But in today's social climate, I don't feel comfortable reading a story about "the terrible woman who makes false accusations against the innocent (rich and somewhat famous) guy." It just seems irresponsible right now. Women have a hard enough time being believed and/or not blamed for things that happen to them, my means of escape (reading) is not something I want to have perpetuating the idea that women lie about these things.
Although I had an uneasy feeling, I still read on. Then I got to a transphobic "joke" that put the nail in the coffin on this one. I haven't read this author before so I cannot judge if the remark was truly from a place of ignorance or if she was trying for a subtle jab at the trans community. Either way, I realized this is not the author for book for me and put it down.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
August 9, 2023
An absolutely adorable, small town romance
Where Isaac Manning is hiding there by chance.
He's reticent of being recognised
So is hiding or trying to be disguised.
He's been maligned on social media for something untrue
But fighting back caused furore so hiding here is what he'll do.
A storm of the weather kind brings him out
As a teen accidentally skids knocking his garden about.
Now two locals have seen him, what should he do?
Run away again or see this storm through?
Especially as Delaney Brooks is independent but - wow!
He wants to see her again somehow!
A storm damaged roof on the family bookstore
Means the shop could close, being no more.
Del can't let that happen, the roof needs a fix.
Fundraising somehow has to be added to the mix!
As these two work together to save the store
Attractions develop, dare they explore?
She loves her town and family, too,
He'll be going home soon so what should they do?
With fundraising antics, surprises and friends,
Mischievous matchmakers on whom they can depend.
Together can they save the store-
Whilst their romance grows even more?
A heartwarming read, delightful and so
I highly recommend you also give it a go!
With a fantastic community, working together you'll see
So now I need to read books two and three!
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
I throughly enjoyed reading it and this is my honest review.
Where Isaac Manning is hiding there by chance.
He's reticent of being recognised
So is hiding or trying to be disguised.
He's been maligned on social media for something untrue
But fighting back caused furore so hiding here is what he'll do.
A storm of the weather kind brings him out
As a teen accidentally skids knocking his garden about.
Now two locals have seen him, what should he do?
Run away again or see this storm through?
Especially as Delaney Brooks is independent but - wow!
He wants to see her again somehow!
A storm damaged roof on the family bookstore
Means the shop could close, being no more.
Del can't let that happen, the roof needs a fix.
Fundraising somehow has to be added to the mix!
As these two work together to save the store
Attractions develop, dare they explore?
She loves her town and family, too,
He'll be going home soon so what should they do?
With fundraising antics, surprises and friends,
Mischievous matchmakers on whom they can depend.
Together can they save the store-
Whilst their romance grows even more?
A heartwarming read, delightful and so
I highly recommend you also give it a go!
With a fantastic community, working together you'll see
So now I need to read books two and three!
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
I throughly enjoyed reading it and this is my honest review.
August 5, 2023
Once Upon a Beast sounds as if it could be a paranormal story or historical fiction when I first heard the name. However, it is a marvelous contemporary romance by Kyra Jacobs. It is one that I devoured in one night staying up way to late to finish. Not because there was a mystery to be solved or a villain to be stopped, though there was a villain from afar. No, the reason is that I easily fell in love with these heart-touching characters, wanting to see what happened to them. I must say that the conclusion was all that I wanted for Delancy and Isaac. Loved these characters, the dog, Delancy’s family, especially her niece, that is one smart young woman, the community, and the bookstore too.
It has characters that I wish were actually real people, lived in my town and that we could be true friends and not just book friends. Can’t wait for the next in the series.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
It has characters that I wish were actually real people, lived in my town and that we could be true friends and not just book friends. Can’t wait for the next in the series.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 13, 2023
Delaney was a take charge independent person and very much a tomboy. She has her own landscape company and she helps her family with their bookstore.
Isaac has moved to Bourbon Falls and rents a house. He is known as the Hermit. Everyone stays away from him especially since the Welcome Wagon showed up at his house to welcome him to the neighborhood and he came running out with a broom shooing them away.
This book made me laugh and was a fun read. It had great characters and I loved the storyline. If you want a really good read than you should check this one out.
Kyra Jacobs is a new to me author and I will be reading more of her stories in the future. Can't wait for the next Bourbob Falls book.
Isaac has moved to Bourbon Falls and rents a house. He is known as the Hermit. Everyone stays away from him especially since the Welcome Wagon showed up at his house to welcome him to the neighborhood and he came running out with a broom shooing them away.
This book made me laugh and was a fun read. It had great characters and I loved the storyline. If you want a really good read than you should check this one out.
Kyra Jacobs is a new to me author and I will be reading more of her stories in the future. Can't wait for the next Bourbob Falls book.
August 11, 2023
In the town of Bourbon Falls, Indiana friends and family band together to help one another. For Isaac, it is a place to hermit himself away from a company in trouble due to a viral video of him. For Delaney, it is home. When they collide, the hearts begin to float up in the air. Bur, he is to return to New York when the furor dies down. Daring fate, Delaney jumps into his arms knowing it might end in heartache. Delightful story, full of love.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 12, 2023
What an amazing start to this new series. I have to say the cover and the title are what drew me to this book. From the moment I began reading the story hooked me. I fell in love with the small town of Bourbon Falls and all the people that lived there. Delaney and Isaac's story is sweet, funny and so much more. I am really looking forward to the next book in this series. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 15, 2023
I enjoyed this book SO MUCH! Delaney is smart, funny, and sassy. And Isaac is smart, sweet, and adorable. Since the story's a romance, there are obstacles. But it was so much fun the way their relationship developed. And the minor characters were unique and wonderful. When the next book in the series comes out, it will be on my Kindle.
August 10, 2023
I enjoyed this story by Kyra, a strong female character in Del and a reclusive male character mixed in with current issues with misusing social media and two opposites working together on a project and trying to resist their growing feelings.
August 10, 2023
A charming take on an age old classic. Once Upon a Beast tip toes through a fairytale to deliver a modern day love story. With a hint of sass and an abundance of emotion, Del and Isaac bring a freshness to my favorite romance. Jacobs finds the humor, but never loses sight of the heart.
August 10, 2023
Love this town of Bourbon Falls,love the people especially Del ,she doesn't need anyone helping her especially Isaac, until a storm comes through and the bookstore needs repairs. Download this book and find out for yourself what happens between a recluse and an outgoing personality.
October 17, 2023
There is nothing better than a feel good love story! I loved being whisked away from reality and dropped off in Bourbon Falls! The characters were charming and witty and I could picture the town in my soul. I can’t wait to return when the next book comes out ❤️
January 27, 2025
Likeable characters and an interesting story.
January 28, 2025
Accidentally I APPEARED
February 3, 2025
Cute story. Easy read. Entertaining afternoon read.
August 23, 2023
I love Bourbon Falls! It was so much fun reading Book 1 of Kyra Jacobs' series. I could almost have titled it "The Helper and the Hermit," but its actual title works fine. I have to admit here that one of my favorite characters in the book was Louie, the bulldog. Delaney and Isaac, not to mention Del's niece, Brooklyn, are charming, too, and wonderfully flawed.
I'm looking forward to reading Book 2.
I'm looking forward to reading Book 2.
August 10, 2023
I would like to thank Tule Publishing and Kyra Jacobs for the E ARC of this first in a series book.
We meet Delaney who runs a landscaping firm with her business partner. She also helps out at the family bookstore that was started by her mother. She loves her small town and being so close to her family. Everyone in Bourbon Falls knows that Delaney can look after herself and doesn’t need a man but it doesn’t stop them trying to find one for her.
During a storm her Neice’s car hydroplanes into the new to towns hermits garden. Delaney promises to fix the garden and so begins her friendship with Isaac. Isaac has come to town to hide away from people and help rebuild his life and to protect those he cares about.
Isaac’s garden was not the only thing damaged in the storm. The bookshops roof needs repairing and the town council can’t help, so it is up to Delaney, her family and friends to get fundraising. When they come up with a good idea, they need a website to aid them and Isaac agrees to help. Maybe he is not the hermit they all think he is. Can Delaney and her friends convince him that he doesn’t need to hide away any more? Will Isaac be the man for Delaney?
A great start to a series. Loved the setting and the characters and I look forward to the next book.
We meet Delaney who runs a landscaping firm with her business partner. She also helps out at the family bookstore that was started by her mother. She loves her small town and being so close to her family. Everyone in Bourbon Falls knows that Delaney can look after herself and doesn’t need a man but it doesn’t stop them trying to find one for her.
During a storm her Neice’s car hydroplanes into the new to towns hermits garden. Delaney promises to fix the garden and so begins her friendship with Isaac. Isaac has come to town to hide away from people and help rebuild his life and to protect those he cares about.
Isaac’s garden was not the only thing damaged in the storm. The bookshops roof needs repairing and the town council can’t help, so it is up to Delaney, her family and friends to get fundraising. When they come up with a good idea, they need a website to aid them and Isaac agrees to help. Maybe he is not the hermit they all think he is. Can Delaney and her friends convince him that he doesn’t need to hide away any more? Will Isaac be the man for Delaney?
A great start to a series. Loved the setting and the characters and I look forward to the next book.
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