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*This romance novel contains explicit content and is not advised for readers under 18*

*** AUTHOR RECOMMENDS YOU READ BOOKS 1, 2 & 3 PRIOR TO STARTING THIS TITLE ***

Not everything goes as planned …

Vincent Reed always believed he’d play professional volleyball in the Olympics, but when he’s injured his sophomore year of college, his dreams are crushed and he loses his scholarship. Instead of dropping out of school, Vinny began working as a male escort to pay for his education and fulfill his new dream of teaching children. Enjoying the life of luxury and travel, Vinny continues moonlighting as a male escort after graduation. He has everything he could ever need.

Everything happens for a reason …

Teresa Stewart never planned to get pregnant before she was married. She also didn’t plan for the father of her baby to die in combat before she could even tell him the news. Struggling to feed herself and her son, Colton, Tessa moves to Las Vegas where she hopes the cost of living will be cheaper and she’ll find a job in a popular hotel. But finding a job isn’t easy for Tessa, and a neighbor soon convinces her that stripping is the best way to make the money she needs to provide for her small family. All of life’s puzzle pieces are starting to come together, but Tessa knows something is still missing.

They say best friends make the best lovers …

At a bachelor party for his co-worker, Vinny meets Tessa. The sexual attraction is undeniable, but they each have something holding them back from moving forward. They grow even closer when Vinny becomes Colton’s teacher, and it seems as though all the pieces are finally falling into place.

However, sometimes the best-laid plans turn to hell …

Because murder will change everything.

318 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 6, 2018

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About the author

Kimberly Knight

73 books2,904 followers
Kimberly Knight is a USA Today Bestselling author who lives in the Central Valley of California with her loving husband, who is a great research assistant, and young daughter, who keeps Kimberly on her toes. Kimberly writes in a variety of genres, including romantic suspense, contemporary romance, erotic romance, and paranormal romance. Her books will make you laugh, cry, swoon, and fall in love before she throws you curve balls you never see coming.

When Kimberly isn’t writing, you can find her watching her favorite reality TV shows, including cooking competitions, binge-watching true crime documentaries, and going to San Francisco Giants games. She’s also a two-time desmoid tumor/cancer fighter, which has made her stronger and an inspiration to her fans.

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5 stars
173 (65%)
4 stars
70 (26%)
3 stars
15 (5%)
2 stars
6 (2%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
December 4, 2018
Rum & Coke is my new favourite in the Saddles and Racks series. Kimberly Knight has once again given us another great story of finding the love of your life to get lost in.

Vincent Reed is a male escort for S&R by night and a special ed teacher by day. He's not looking to start any sort of romantic relationship but when he meets Tessa at his friends batchelor party she does something to him that may just cause him to change his mind.
Teresa Stewart is a single mum, working as a stripper to provide for her little boy. When she meets Vincent on a job, sparks fly and she finds herself falling for him but a proposition from her boss finds her witnessing a murder and her life about to spiral out of her control.

A definite 5 star read for me. This book could be read as a standalone but I would highly recommend the first 3 books in this series first.
Profile Image for Andrea.
Author 28 books651 followers
November 23, 2018
Vinny & Tessa quickly moved to the top as my favorite S&R couple! I love this sweet love story of two people who are absolutely NOT looking for love only to have love find them. Kimberly Knight sucked me into this romance with just enough suspense quickly and with ease. I enjoyed seeing friends (I call them friends) from other books pop in here and there.

Rum & Coke has the two big "S"s you expect from Kimberly Knight - Sexy and Suspenseful!

Profile Image for Tee loves Kyle Jacobson.
2,481 reviews174 followers
December 9, 2018
Kimberly Knight never ceases to amaze me and she blew me away with Rum & Coke. I loved every minute of it. I could not put it down once I started reading it. I mean I felt like I was right there with Vinny and Tessa.

Vinny plays volleyball until he is injured and loses his scholarship. Deciding not to dropout of school he turns to escorting to pay for school. Vinny knows he has to do something with his life so he chooses to be a teacher. Vinny is enjoying his life as an escort because he is able to pay for school and enjoy other finer things in life. Vinny is ready for the next chapter of his life but what he gets he never expected.

Tessa is living her life until she finds out she is pregnant. She knows her life is about to change but what she didn't expect was having to fight to feed herself and her son. Seeing no good in sight she decides to move to Las Vegas. There she faces the same problem she had back home and that is a job. So a friend suggests becoming a stripper. What she doesn't know is that stripping would change her and her sons life.

Vinny and Tessa meet each other at a party and sparks fly for them but they are cautious because they both have a lot to lose. But you know what they say when love hits it hits hard and fast and soon the two are fighting to be together.
1,620 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2018
A BUMPY RIDE!❤
One heck of a emotionally charged beautifully written read that will take everything from you but will be worth every grueling word! You will laugh and you will ugly cry but will be entertained throughout to pick up the ugly pieces as you taken on a suspense filled unique storyline that grabs hold of you from the start keeping you hostage to very end with an amazing HEA that makes all the raw ugly, fuming mad and wanting to throw your kindle but unwillingly to move or look away getting mad at your fingers for not turning the pages fast enough a memorable read that will continue to linger long after the last word has been read! An amazing must read that will break you, make you laugh, bring a bundle of smiles, tick you off and touch you deep with your soul as it slowly repairs the scraps and bruises it inflicts upon you along the way!
Profile Image for Cindy.
891 reviews23 followers
December 11, 2018
Rum & Coke is a riveting, suspenseful, unique, and unputdownable read from Kimberly Knight.

I've LOVED Saddles and Racks series. But I think Rum and Coke is my new favorite​!!! Ms. Knight has once again given us another FANTASTIC story of finding true love.

Vinnny is not only a special education teacher, but also
a male escort for S&R by night. He's not looking to start a relationship. But Tessa changes things for Vinny.

Tessa is a single mom who works as a stripper to provide for her and her son. Not looking for a relationship either. But after meeting Vinny sparks fly. Plus he's FABULOUS with her son Colton.

Rum and Coke is a fun, crazy rollercoaster ride. I devoured it in a short time, and couldn't get enough!!!

A definite 5 star read!!!

*I voluntarily read a copy. This is my honest review.*
Profile Image for Mickie.
109 reviews1 follower
December 11, 2018
That awkward moment when you’ve meet your sons teacher before, and not in the most professional way.

Tess is a female entertainer in Vegas. Sh has a young son that she needs to be there for during the day and is able to work at night when he goes to bed. During one of her gigs she meets Vinny and his coworkers/friends. The instantly have a connection and become friends. This quickly becomes more. Literally moments after the decode toe explore the feelings before them Tess walks into some bad things that have serious repercussions.

Can Vinny save her? Does she even want to be saved?

This book captured me from page one and had me on the edge of my seat until the end. We’ve met Vinny before, now it’s time for his story to be told and for him to find the other half of his heart.
Profile Image for A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog.
2,814 reviews165 followers
December 6, 2018
Rum & Coke is riveting and suspenseful! I had a hard time putting the book down and read it in one day! What a roller coaster ride!

The plot was unique and interesting; I was immediately drawn in by the first chapter. The suspense had me gripping my seat and frantically turning pages to find out what would happen with everyone involved.

Vinny is the kind of person I would choose for a friend: dependable, caring, and great with kids! Tessa is incredibly tough and strong. I liked that they started as friends and took Colton’s needs into account. The slow burn between them was a delicious torture.

I have read and enjoyed all of the books in the Saddles & Racks series thus far. I do highly recommend reading the books in order. I can’t wait for book five!
Profile Image for J. Ockenhouse.
1,743 reviews12 followers
December 5, 2018
Who would think a dancer and an escort who are fans of rival teams would be the perfect fit for each other. Tessa is a single mom who needing extra money agrees to a gig where she meets Vinny, who is an escort by night and a special education teacher by day. They are going to take you on a highly suspenseful ride with some wicked curves and twists that leave you holding your reader tight.

I loved every amazing word of this book. It's got all the right moves to captivate your attention and wanting to read it like crazy to see what happens.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kristine Glover.
26 reviews
December 7, 2018
This book has it all...twists, suspense, love, and amazing characters! Kimberly does an excellent job of twisting the story right from the beginning to keep you on your toes and wanting more. The characters are relatable to just about everyone. Vinny's an ex-volleyball player turned special education teacher who escorts at night. Tessa's a strong single mom trying to raise her special needs son the best she can...by stripping at a topless club. They came together by chance, bonded over their love for rival baseball teams, and fight hard for each other! The twists and turns are woven throughout the story...this is one you won't want to or be able to put down once you start!
1,657 reviews6 followers
November 17, 2018
I volunteered to read this story for an honest review and really enjoyed it. It was full of love, friendship, drama, suspense, and happiness.
Profile Image for Melissa Witt.
137 reviews12 followers
December 13, 2018
Amazing

Omg dang you vinny for taking a chunk of Brandon’s spot!!!
Tessa love her a mama who has a special needs child and advocates for him and is a fighter for not only herself but her child when she finds herself in a terrible situation
I love how Kimberly has little Colton as a special needs child with autism it speaks to me on a personal level with my own child having special needs
Now Vinny oh Vinny I didn’t think anyone could have replaced or took some of Brandon’s spot but you did
He not only works at S&R but he’s a special needs teacher ❤️❤️❤️ he meets Tessa instantly wants her but is willing to compromise with her love his rivalry over the teams his sweet compassion demeanor with Colton
His never giving up when he knows something is wrong and not going back to his old ways while waiting for her and Colton to come back to him
And when he finds out something that would most of the time rock someone’s world he stands by her side and tells her the most amazing perfect words
And of course they get the best news in the end
2,391 reviews52 followers
December 11, 2018
OH My Goodness!!! I didn't see this coming!!! Oh No!!! What in the world??? These are just a few of the clean expletives that I voiced while reading Rum and Coke, not once, but twice. The Saddles and Racks Series is not your everyday romance series. It revolves around the employees of an escort service in Sin City, Las Vegas. Rum and Coke is the fourth book, with hopefully, many more to come.

What blew me away throughout the story was the dedicated love that Vinny has for Tessa. I think we all strive (well I know I want it) for that kind of all encompassing, unconditional love. The strength of the other couples is just as wonderful.

Tessa is trying to survive, to care for her autistic little boy. The only thing she could find was stripping at the Red Diamond. Tessa goes to work, dances and goes right back home to her little boy. She takes extra jobs when she can and that is how she meets Vinny and finds love.

It is also how Tessa backs herself into a corner, loosing her and Colton's freedom. This character has an inner strength to survive that screams from the pages. She doesn't give up. I read page after page stunned by the author's ability to make me feel Tessa's pain and her strength all at the same time. Whenever she came up against a difficult challenge I wanted to scream out. Hasn't she been through enough? How much more can one woman take?

Vinny never gave up on love, on Tessa. He may have questioned his friends support, but never the thought that he would get Tessa back. He might have been a escort. He might have been a special ED teacher. What he was is a white knight, an super hero and a swoon worthy character.
Profile Image for Theresa.
873 reviews13 followers
December 11, 2018
Another one bites the dust...

It is amazing how much bad stuff can be linked to one group of friends... in this series bad things didn't happen in threes... but stick to the end and some good will come.  Note: this book does contain bad things - drug dealers, murder, rape -- so if you have a personal history with those topics, this may not be for you.  The author does not go into detail though, but just a note of caution, so you are aware.  Aside from the bad things that happen in this world, there is also humor, compassion, and lots of chemistry, oh and a little baseball - go Cubs!  Yeah, yeah, I know they aren't in the story, but I'm a Chicago fan thru and thru!  And now a bit about the story...

Tessa hasn't had an easy life.  After getting knocked up during fleet week, only to track the marine down to find he was killed in combat before should could find him, she finds herself with a special needs son and little means to stay afloat.  She ends up working at a topless strip club for a very bad man.  Let's just say she learns more about him that she should and it gets her into hot water.  But before she gets into trouble she meets Vinny, one of the Saddles & Racks escorts that hasn't retired.  Yet?  They hit it off, other than their opposing baseball views - he's a Dodger and she's a Giant.  But then the night he plans to sleep over, she goes missing.

Favorite passage: "Do you talk like this all the time?" Seth cut in. We all turned to look at him.  "What do you mean?" Gabe asked.  "Like chicks braiding each other's fucking hair."

Note: I was given a free copy and voluntarily chose to review this book.
Profile Image for Spellbound Stories.
686 reviews401 followers
December 12, 2018
Rum & Coke is my first book by Kimberly Knight and it was awesome! I’ve not had the opportunity to include Kimberly Knight in my blogs schedule in the past and I can’t tell you how glad I am that that changed. Rum & Coke kept me flipping the pages and anxious to get my hands on the other books in the Saddles and Racks series. I enjoyed the dual POV, the fast pace, and the suspense of the story. Vinny and Tessa had an insta-lust connection but remained friends for a time. A connection that quickly morphed from friends to a relationship to falling in-love with one another to nefarious forces keeping them apart. The pace of this book was fast and fun. While I thought Tessa and Vinny fell quickly into the love side of the equation, who’s to say what’s too fast in matters of the heart, right? Oh, and since this was my first book by Kimberly Knight, it’s definitely worth mentioning that she writes great sexxxy times! Also, this book had great secondary characters, and since many of them have their own books already, I am thoroughly looking forward to getting to read their stories! I one-clicked a box set of the first three books in the Saddles and Racks series while I was still reading Rum & Coke. I can’t wait to read more by Kimberly Knight. In the meantime, you definitely need to get your hands on this book and read it asap!

4.5 Stars!!

Read on behalf of:
description
December 12, 2018
Wonderful friends to lovers read

The fourth book in her Saddles and Racks series, Kimberly Knight has presented and intriguing story that will warm your heart.

Vincent Reed and Tessa Stewart are two people who have had their worlds turned upside down. Vinny, a volleyball player, loses his scholarship when he is injured. Instead of becoming another dropout, he turn to escorting to fund his life and his education. Tessa's life is dramatically altered when she discovers she is pregnant. Moving to Las Vegas, she becomes a stripper in order to provide for herself and her son. A chance encounter will once again change both of their lives.

Ms Knight ensures her readers satisfaction by providing a plot with twist and turns, a bit of suspense, characters you will really feel for and a love that was totally unexpected. No relationship is ever easy and Vinny and Tessa must fight hard for each other.

An enjoyable read and one that I recommend.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

FOUR STARS
Profile Image for Kerri’s Reading Corner.
471 reviews51 followers
December 11, 2018
If sexy and suspenseful is your thing, Rum and Coke is for you! Kimberly Knight hits it out of the park with this friends to lovers, romantic suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Rum and Coke is book 4 in the Saddles and Racks series and while it can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the other books as well. Characters from the first 3 books play roles in this book and its nice to see them after their own HEA anyway. ;)

Vinny and Tessa's story will consume you, keeping you guessing how it will all play out. Neither one was looking for love, and both of them have so much to lose, but you can't deny true love. There are some surprise twists and turns that you don't see coming. Rum and Coke is probably my favorite of all the Saddles and Racks books and I cant wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Stacy.
442 reviews9 followers
December 1, 2018
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

Every time Kimberly Knight writes a new book it seems to become my favorite. This is no exception. It is my new favorite of her books. The characters are real & likeable except for the bad guy. The story is very believable in the fact that there really are people that could be like this. It was sweet, fun, and filled with action. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how things would develop and surprised with a little twist tossed in there. It is worth reading and rereading many times. The whole series is great but I think Vinny is my favorite S&R guy now. Kimberly did a fantastic job with writing the story & developing the characters without being over the top. All the pieces feel into place for a really great story.
Profile Image for Jenny.
313 reviews
December 11, 2018
Whoa! This book took me through a rollercoaster of emotion. I loved every minute of it and I couldn't wait for the bad guy to get what was coming to him for doing what he did. Vinny is the kind of guy that most women would want, even if he is an escort. Tessa is just trying to do the best that she can with the circumstances she's in. Even though she was going through hell she held strong. Vinny never gave up even when it seemed like it was hopeless. I loved them both and couldn't wait for them to get their HEA.
This runs parallel to other books in the series, so make sure to read them in order to get the full effect. If you can read the Club 24 books you'll get a little more enjoyment as well.
1,445 reviews19 followers
October 16, 2019
4.5 stars

Rum & Coke is easily my favorite story in the Saddles & Racks series! Loved every minute of this sexy and suspenseful romance between Tessa and Vinny. Neither one of them was looking for love, but the connection they had to the other was instant that first night they met. Loved watching them take their time before jumping into anything and seeing the relationship Vinny had with Colton was really special. Their road to happily ever was filled with some crazy twists and turns; yet one thing I knew for sure was that Vinny & Tessa would find their way back to each other. They were truly meant to be.

Definitely recommend reading this one - but only after you read the first three books in the series.
Profile Image for Joy Wolfe.
52 reviews
January 5, 2019
Fabulous! Kimberly does it again! This book is a rollercoaster of emotions, and I couldn't put it down! This story is jam packed with love, suspense, friendship, thrill, and romance. The story is revolves around Tessa, a single mom, and Vinny. Both work in the adult entertainment industry and randomly meet. Sparks fly instantly. The two fall for one another, yet face unbelievable circumstances to drive them apart. Will true love win out in the end?!

I also love that Kimberly bring in characters from previous books. All of the Saddles & Racks stories are woven throughout and are key in this story. Definitely read the other Saddles & Racks books before starting this one.
Profile Image for Nora Flood-Houston.
473 reviews21 followers
December 11, 2018
What an amazing love story! Vinny meets Tessa when she’s hired to strip for his friend’s bachelor party. It’s almost love at first sight. But Vinny has never had a girlfriend. He’s a teacher by day a male escort by night. Tess is a stripper and most importantly a mother to her autistic son, Colton. They decide to be be friends. But then Tessa finds out who her boss really is. I loved this book. Kimberly has a way of writing that is like no other author. I’ve read her 24 series and loved them. This series is exceptional and look forward to reading more. This book is a must read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ewa.
2,278 reviews
December 13, 2018
it’s not your regular romance.
The story happened to people working as escorts in Saddles and Racks, but this is not regular jobs.
If you like sexy and suspenseful is Rum and Coke is for you!
Friends to lovers, romantic suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat,teacher and strip.
This is book 4 in the Saddles and Racks series and while it can be read as a standalone,is good to read books before as Characters from others are involved and play roles in this book ,too.
Good to find out HEA for all

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Blythe  Kyndahl.
33 reviews
Read
December 9, 2018
I was lucky enough to receive this book as an ARC. Right off the bat my heartstrings were pulled, Teresa has a son with autism… I work with children with autism. Who knew when Teresa met Vinny he would turn out to be somebody she could turn to, not only in friendship and love, but for her son as well. Every woman wants a man to see her for who she is on the inside and not only what they get on the outside. I think Vinny is my new book boyfriend. This book is a must read!!! When you start it plan on finishing it in the same sitting because you will not be able to put it down.
Profile Image for Lynn Stifle.
3,504 reviews66 followers
December 11, 2018
Fantastic! This book gives you all the feels, you will laugh, cry, and even get angry; it will grip your heart and play with your emotions. I fell in love with Tessa and Vinny, and from the moment they meet the sparks fly, they fall for one another, but incidents happen to keep them apart. I loved this story, and it does leave you with a HEA. I highly recommend you read it for yourself you won't be disappointed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kim.
455 reviews
December 11, 2018
Vinny is a special education teacher by day and an escort for Saddles & Racks by night. Bona fide bachelor for life and loving it.
Tessa is a single mom to an autistic son who was conceived during a one night stand. In order to have enough money to pay bills and her son’s therapy, she became a stripper.
Hired for Gabe’s bachelor party, Vinny meets Tessa and can’t get her off his mind. Has he finally met the one girl who could possibly make him give up not only his single status but his escort job? Vinny and Tessa have to endure a lot of twists and turns to see if the other is the one.
Profile Image for Ember Dante.
Author 10 books115 followers
December 11, 2018
I devoured this book! Kimberly hit all the right notes with this story, building a solid foundation between her two leads with witty banter and steamy chemistry. I think Vinny is my new favorite leading male in the S&R series. There were several times I was chomping at the bit, keeping my fingers crossed that things would work out the way I hoped. When I finally reached the last page, I was elated and exhausted because Kimberly had wrung the entire emotion spectrum out of me! I can't wait to see where she takes us next.
54 reviews
November 27, 2018
Vinny and Tessa's story is definitely different for the other couples. They meet at Gabe's bachelor party. They exchange numbers and claim they are not looking for a relationship. That all changes the more they spend time together. When they finally decide to start a relationship something happens to stop it from beginning. This story is full of emotions and takes you for ride that ends with a hea.
Profile Image for Mariana Lee.
645 reviews16 followers
December 12, 2018
I think this is my favourite book in this series. Vinni & Tessa’s story is simply amazing. This book has all the elements needed to make it incredible and a total page turner. This books has plenty of love, drama, sexiness, friendship, suspense and will keep you at the edge of your seat. Kimberly Knight is an incredibly talented author that always delivers brilliantly written books. Her stories are captivating, her characters are real and totally believable.
72 reviews3 followers
December 11, 2018
This series is amazing and this latest installment is intriguing, suspenseful and full of hope. I loved how the characters developed into someone you can relate to. Given the occupations of the characters you realize that love can be found everywhere and happens while you’re living your life not even looking for love. The thrill of the story and the intense love, makes for a very fun and exciting read.
Profile Image for Megan.
213 reviews
December 11, 2018
Brilliant! I enjoyed every single minute of Rum & Coke!! From the very first page I was hooked and didn’t want it to end. There was a little bit of everything you could want and then some in this story!! Ms. Knight always has a way of bringing her characters and stories to life and relatable in such a way that you can’t help but be completely immersed and invested them. It never fails, you pick up a book as strangers and you close it as friends.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews

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