“Single Malt” introduces us to Brody McCrae, a man fiercely protective of his heart, bound by the pain of past losses, and dedicated to his business, a whiskey distillery named after his late mother. His self-imposed isolation has served him well, keeping him safe from further heartache. However, his carefully constructed barriers begin to crumble when Freedom Mercier, a vibrant and ambitious student with dreams of changing the world, enters his life in an unforgettable way.
On New Year’s Eve, a seemingly innocuous kiss between Brody and Freedom ignites a connection that neither can deny nor forget. Despite their intentions to keep their relationship casual, both find themselves drawn to each other with an intensity that cannot be ignored. Freedom, focused on her studies and her mission to make a meaningful impact, finds herself distracted by thoughts of Brody, a man who challenges and intrigues her like no other.
M.S. Parker crafts a narrative that is as smooth and intoxicating as the whiskey Brody distills. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, their interactions filled with tension, passion, and a depth of emotion that surprises them both. As Brody and Freedom navigate their burgeoning relationship, they are forced to confront their fears and the walls they have built around their hearts.
Brody McCrae is a man who has everything under control: a thriving distillery business named after his late mother and a close-knit family that means the world to him. Work and family consume his life, leaving no room for close personal relationships—a rule he’s lived by ever since the loss of his mother. However, a New Year’s Eve party at Stanford University, intended as a business networking opportunity, throws his carefully maintained world off balance with a single, unforgettable kiss.
Freedom Mercier is a woman on a mission. With graduation from Stanford on the horizon, she’s focused on launching her career and making a difference in the world. For her, relationships are a distraction she can’t afford, especially with her younger sister and her own future relying on her success. Yet, when a strikingly handsome man proposes a midnight kiss to ring in the new year, Freedom finds herself drawn into a moment of carefree indulgence that shakes her resolve.
The attraction between Brody and Freedom is instantaneous and electric, challenging both their convictions about keeping their lives free of entanglements. For Brody, the connection he feels with Freedom is unlike anything he’s experienced, tempting him to reconsider the walls he’s built around his heart. Meanwhile, Freedom struggles to reconcile the intense pull she feels towards Brody with her ambition and the responsibilities that drive her.
As Brody’s business continues to flourish and Freedom’s final semester progresses, the two find themselves caught in a whirlwind of desire and uncertainty. Can a love that started as a fleeting New Year’s Eve encounter grow into something that neither of them planned but both desperately need? Or will their differences and personal goals force them to leave their passionate connection as nothing more than a beautiful memory?
“Single Malt” is more than just a love story; it is a journey of self-discovery, healing, and opening oneself up to the possibility of love despite the risks. Parker beautifully explores the themes of vulnerability, loss, and the courage it takes to love again after heartbreak. The backdrop of the whiskey distillery, with its rich history and the artistry involved in crafting the perfect single malt, adds a unique and captivating layer to the story.
The secondary characters, including members of the McCrae family and Freedom’s sister, Aline, enrich the narrative, providing a sense of family, support, and complexity to the world Parker has created. The Scottish Billionaires series continues to enchant and engage readers with its blend of romance, drama, and the enduring strength of family ties.
“Single Malt” weaves a captivating tale of unexpected love, personal growth, and the courage to embrace vulnerability. M.S. Parker delivers a heartwarming story set against the backdrop of family loyalty, personal ambition, and the rich heritage of Scottish whiskey-making, proving once again that love can find us when we least expect it, challenging us to reconsider everything we thought we knew about ourselves and our futures.
