Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Shine

SERIES: Uncorked #4

AUTHOR: Shea Balik

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 193 pages

RELEASE DATE: December 8, 2017

BLURB:

Raise your wine glasses high to toast the men of Dahlonia while they discover the secret to happiness – LOVE.

Shine was over people thinking because he had a southern accent, and made moonshine, that he was a hillbilly redneck with no education. Sure, he occasionally liked to fuck with them and spout out his grandpappy’s sayings, like every dog should have a few fleas, but that didn’t make him dumber than a box of rocks. So, when he met a man who made his heart race and his mouth go dry with the thought of licking every inch of his body, then instantly put him down because he was making moonshine instead of wine, Shine dared him to try and drink with the big boys.
Montague knew better than to take the challenge to drink the moonshine Shine was offering, but he refused to be insulted by some hick from this small, backwater town. The fire that ignited in his stomach and burned a path up his throat, making him want to cry for his mommy, told him just how stupid he could be. Fucking pride. If Shine didn’t get that smirk off his face at Montague’s reaction to the battery acid he called alcohol, Montague was going to punch him in the mouth. Or kiss him. It was a tough call to make.
There is a fine line between love and hate, especially when alcohol is involved. Then again, it might take a little liquid courage to drop their defenses enough to discover their passion for each other.

Warning: Lots of alcohol was involved in the creation of this story. Lots and lots of alcohol. Does anyone have any aspirin?

REVIEW:

I have just adored Shine since I met him from the beginning. Being from the south myself, it was so funny to see the colloquialisms and the smart ass comments. But Shine is just a sweetheart, too. He’s loyal as can, has a heart of gold, and compassionate to a fault. Montague was never someone I’d thought he get with, as they seemed to come from different circles, but is a reminder to never judge a book by it’s cover. Which both of them did. Badly.

Shine has been killing himself trying to get the moonshine business on the wine tour. He figures it will help business immensely. On the day of his tasting, not only is he running a bit behind, but he swaps words with someone over a parking space. And that someone is who everyone is waiting for. One of the wine tour guides, Montague. And he seems as snooty as Shine thought. Shine is determined to challenge him into dinking the harder moonshine, and Montague is determined to not give up or bow out. It’s a clash of wills. But Montague has had enough of this job, with his boss constantly sexually harassing him. So he quits. And is now without a job. Down to his last option, he tries to get a job with Shine, but their personalities seem to keep clashing. But one kiss seems to change everything. And both have to let go of prejudices and trust in each other before they fall apart.

I think we all have a bad habit sometimes of judging to quickly. Even if it’s just for a second, that thought crosses our minds. I know I do. Even when I don’t mean to. These two definitely did. One thinking the other is pretentious and snooty, the other as dumb as a box of rocks. After all, aren’t all hillbilly hicks? But sometimes it takes something drastic to change people’s thinking. In this case, a kiss mainly. The sad part was they were too quick to jump to conclusions. But once they got past it, it got better. But it’s never perfect. It takes time and a lot of work. Trust and communication. And seeing things from the other’s perspective. Both of these guys have had some rough times. Rough pasts. But they’re still good guys, just looking for someone to complete them.

I’m so happy for Shine. This books will give you a good laugh, too. Shine’s pappy and grandpappy are so full of it, it’s hilarious. But nothing comes between family. No matter how much they fight, they still love.

RATING: 

BUY LINK: 

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