Welcome back to River Hill, where a one night stand just might lead to forever. River Hill is an unlikely place to launch a whiskey empire, but Iain Brennan’s just reckless enough to make it work. And finding out the woman he spent one glorious night with a couple of months before lives across town is an added bonus—especially since she’s even less interested in a relationship than he is. Naomi … interested in a relationship than he is.
Naomi Klein may have put down roots in River Hill, but she’s not looking for happily-ever-after. Just the idea of forever gives her hives. Which makes a rootless Irish wanderer in town for three months the perfect temporary fling. And shocking her mother? Just a bonus.
But as cozy autumn nights turn into lazy winter mornings, Iain and Naomi realize they’ve done the unthinkable and fallen in love. Neither are ready to settle down, but settling for a life apart is out of the question. Or is it?
more
Take a hot as sin Irishman…..land him in the USA…..through in a business he is trying to get started and then give him the complication of a woman…..
Iain is said Irishman…..Naomi is the complicated woman….putting these two together and you get a wild ride!!!!
The Distiller’s Darling was a good mix of two authors and storyline.
Reviewed by: Dana D.
Very entertaining! Iain and Naomi are the most commitment-phobic characters I’ve ever read about. They’ve made a career of evading marriage. Naomi gets her attitude from her parents who are constantly pushing her to find a nice Jewish guy, from their social circle, to get married and have babies. She sees her mother and her sister-in-law as Stepford wives who only live to assist their husbands in the development of their careers, with no personal motivations for their own growth. So, she has rebelled and she studied art and is now an up and coming sculptor. Her father and brother are doctors.
Iain comes from the famous Brennan Family Distillers, an Irish whiskey manufacturer. He came to California to market a second line of whiskey, manufactured by his sister and marketed by him. He wanted out of the family business, where he had to answer to his brother and father, who were running a business so mired in tradition that it was stagnating.
So here are two individuals, very ambitious and driven, who had no time and no wish for a relation and commitment. The problem was that their chemistry was off the charts and their sexy times were the best they’d ever had. They make an arrangement to be friends with benefits but as time goes on, it starts to get more than that.
I loved Iain, he was honorable, amiable, funny and tender while also hot and sexy. He was protective and generous with his time and attention. Naomi was a little selfish and a little paranoid. As soon as she felt she was feeling something she put up walls. In her desire to never resemble her mother and her ways, she was sometimes hurtful and off-putting.
It was fun to read this book because there are interactions with all their family who are loud and busybody, their circle of friends in River Hill, and their funny denials of what was happening between them. The story was entertaining, and it flowed great, easy to read and enjoy.
An extremely well-crafted story that’s a fast, fun and flirty read
Book 2 of the River Hill series, this is my first book by either of these authors. Though the couple from the first book appears quite a bit as secondary characters here, I never felt I was missing out on anything by reading this book first.
All the characters here are very well done, starting with Naomi and Iain. I enjoyed their funny (and sometimes dirty) banter and found their individual careers and backgrounds intriguing. Neither Naomi and Iain are looking for more than a night or two together; with a mother and sister-in-law who have both dedicated their lives to their husband’s careers, Naomi especially is gun shy about any kind of commitment. They also each have overbearing families who are trying to drive them down paths they have no desire for. I loved that these characters had so much in common; it provided a great basis for the relationship that develops in spite of their best intentions.
Omg, both families–talk about the characters you love to hate! I wanted to reach right into my kindle and bitch slap the lot of them. Or, you know, at least tell them to stfu (you could say I connected strongly with both Iain and Naomi, lol). Well, okay, not ALL of their family members needed bitch slapping; Maeve, though she only had a brief appearance, was clearly a sweetheart and I hope she’s one of the characters we’ll see more of in the future.
This was an extremely well-crafted story, with a plot that had a couple of lovely twists to it and an overall attention to the detail of the circle of friends, acquaintances and businesses in River Hill that brought the place to life. A fast, fun and flirty read that’s perfect for a summer afternoon, or, really, just anytime at all. While I wait for the next book to come over, I’ll be going back to pick up the first book in the series as well as looking for other books from these authors. 5+ stars
B2B Kelly
We have one person who is trying to be something he doesn’t want to be and a woman who is fighting tooth and nail to not be like someone. The next one in the River Hill series by Rebecca Norinne is filled with much comedy, confusion, friendship and a woman seeing that maybe committment is not so bad. Naomi and Iain are great for each other yet afraid to be impulsive and just be themselves. The attraction is there and the sex hot in a way that it seems almost normal for them. Cannot wait to see who is next in this little town where anything is possible.
“I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.”
Very Enjoyable
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I come from a loud Irish family and I could imagine this being my family. Iain and Naomi will capture your heart. I can’t wait to go back and read book #1 in this series. This writing duo gives you a book that will leave you unable to put it down.
This is Book 2 in the River Hill Series and another slam dunk for the author duet. The book can be read as a standalone but for the back story I highly suggest reading Vintner’s Vixen first for the backstory to all the characters involved. The authors have done an awesome job in gifting us a book/series that is full of fun, laughter, romance and everyday family situations.
Distiller’s Darling is Iain and Naomi’s story. These two are both strong willed, independent people that are trying to make their way in the world doing what they love instead of what their families deem they should do. When these two meet the attraction is mutual. Especially when they realize they are kindred spirits in only wanting a one night stand with no strings. But what happens when a few weeks down the road they not only bump into one another, but they find they are going to be in the same facility for the next 3 months! Can two extremely independent people who don’t do relationships of any kind co exist for 3 whole months?
The authors will take you on a funny and exciting journey as we follow Iain and Nai’s struggles with their family issues, all while trying to not label anything in their personal lives which have no room for relationships.
2 Thumbs Up for a great book that I highly recommend reading, you won’t regret it.
Norinne and Brinkley are a powerhouse duo. From wine country to whiskey royalty, The Distiller’s Darling packs an enduring blend of flavors. Wine and whiskey may not mix, but Iain and Naomi are the perfect combination of sultry and sweet. She brings out his naughty side and he awakens her emotional side. She’s always been passionate about her art, her hopes and her dreams, but she has never believe in love. Amidst the secrets and well meaning, yet overbearing parents, these two manage to find something special. Can they make it stick? The Distiller’s Darling keeps the subtlety to a minimum, while presenting a flavorful look at love.