She thought she had the perfect love and the perfect life. With the loss of her husband – her Dom – Calliope lost a part of herself. When she’s asked to photograph the new B&B building for Silas, a friend from the past, the two seem to hit off. He had always felt something for the little sub, but she was married and completely off limits… until now. But just when things start to look up, a … just when things start to look up, a presence from three hundred years ago makes herself known in a dramatic way.
This is a greatly expanded and revised version of the author’s bestselling ‘Master of the Sun’.
Publisher’s Note: This emotionally powerful, steamy paranormal romance contains themes of mystery, suspense, and power exchange.
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This was so sweet- you know, with a side of violence lol Not what I’m use to from this author, but I still throughly enjoyed this romp into the 20’s, bootlegging and gangsters.
I think Charlie is one of my favorite heroines I’ve read this year and the whole Emerson family was just so amazing. Great book! I loved it!
I love loved loved this book. I found this to be such a unique book and I loved the setting. And in perfect Addison style it had me guessing and longing for more. truly a unique incredible read
This is not the type of read I’ve come to expect from this author, but it is still a very entertaining story. Well written with engaging characters and a compelling storyline, this is a slow burn novel with lots of action and a few surprises. I am looking forward to the next installment in Mathew and Charlie’s story.
4.5 stars
Let me preface this review with the fact that I went into this book skeptical because I couldn’t rationalize how The Queen of Sadists could possibly write something that wasn’t dark, twisty, or completely out of my comfort zone realm. I was wrong. While this book is not any of the aforementioned, it is still distinctly and completely this author’s work. When she writes there seems to be a certain cadence and word choice that is unlike other authors out there. Much like how fingerprints are unique so in this case is her stylistic choices.
That being said, this was a great book and reminiscent of something I would have read while I was pursuing my degree in literature. I say this because they would have taught this book (and they should have) because it showcased a time period (Prohibition Era) and had a fantastic setting, characters, the buildup of the story. There were so much imagery and symbolism in this story that I would have loved to pick my professor and classmates minds as we deconstructed it in a variety of literary lenses. I can hear any of my past professors now, spending hours discussing the plot and characters. I am thinking I should suggest this book to them for the next specialized class on this time period.
Do not let the fact that this book doesn’t offer any of the usual dark and titillating facets that this author is known for deter you from reading this. Sometimes, it is nice to just have a palette cleanser and this is exactly that.
A Taste of Shine is just that; its the light note in Addison Cain’s dark compendium of
Charlie is tough, a no non-sense bounty hunter without time to be distracted from the task at hand, be that transporting a prisoner or stitching a wound. But Charlotte, Charlotte is a bird of different color. She’s lithe, urban, and willowy. But much like Charlie, Charlotte is a straight shooter.
The brothers, Matthew and Nathaniel, and their cousin Eli make their lot in life pushing moonshine during this Prohibition aged tale. Each brother/cousin has a unique character that lends to his appeal. Eli is gentle and innocent, Nathaniel talks a good game, and Matthew is skeptical of just about everyone and everything.
This story is sweet in all the parts sweetness is needed, kindness is craved, and drama is evoked. I love this story and can’t wait for round 2!
I’m not sure I have all the words to convey how much I loved “A Taste of Shine” by Addison Cain. I’ll start by saying that I love period pieces. Having read Ms. Cain’s regency story, “Dark Side of the Sun”, I expected that I would enjoy “A Taste of Shine” but didn’t realize how much until I delved into it, and wow. The story flows seamlessly from the intro to Charlie, pushing her broken down car, all the way to her flight to Chicago, leaving Matthew furious. Taking place during prohibition, Ms. Cain flexes her writing chops and delivers an entertaining story filled with colloquial characters and dialogue that was a joy to read.
~ Still waters run deep ~
Matthew Emerson and his family controlled the happenings in Monroe, where they have lately been raking in money hand-over-fist with their moonshine stills. The roadhouse keeps him busy in the public’s eyes, but when a man named “Charlie” ends up in his town needing his help with his broken down car containing “questionable baggage,” that was the start of a puzzling association with this stranger whom the Emersons reluctantly (mostly Matthew) help. However, it is not until Matthew sets eyes on Charlie again later that he realizes there is much, much more than meets the eye with this character. And all Charlie wants is to stay in town to “sit and have a look at things.”
The prohibition era comes to life as we get to know the characters, both in and out of town, along with Matthew and Charlie’s innocent relationship which slowly and sweetly blossoms into more. I am looking forward to reading more of their story!
The book is written in the time of prohibition,gangsters and moonshine. A badass heroine and a hero alpha .Charlotte is a very strong woman and fierce when it comes to the protecting the people she loves.Matthew is rough around the edges, but he would do anything for Charlotte.When I started reading I couldn’t put it down. Addison Cain is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this book.Can’t wait for the next book.
A taste of shine sends the reader back into the days of gunslingers, Chicago mafia, bootleggers and prohibition. We meet our Main Character Charlie in the dead of night as she shoves her vehicle up a hill under the guise of bounty hunter. When a version of help arrives in the guise of Matthew and Eli. When she returns months later, she certainly catches Matthew eyes and so begins a story for the ages.
While this story is not the usual fare given by the author, it certainly catches the reader and keep them entertained. It makes it hard to put down this book, and as things heat up for Charlie and her old life tries to pull her back, this story is just beginning. I look forward to the conclusion of this tale in the next book.
This book is totally different than any other I’ve read from this author. It’s also my first historical story and makes me think I may like more of them. Set during prohibition, a moonshiner and a gang’s sharp shooter turned bounty hunter make an unlikely pair. The twist in the beginning caught me completely unaware though looking back, there were hints I definitely missed. Great story, well worth reading and definitely looking forward to the next one. Huge cliffhanger.
Stars: 4
Sexual Orientation: M/F
HEA or Chain: This is part 1 of 2 I believe
Dark / BDSM / Non-con / DD: Very Vanilla
Hero: Matthew is the strong silent type. Hes not chasing the girl or making her be with him, he just is silent.
Heroine: She is a former gangster / bounty hunter who doesn’t need help from anyone. But with the life shes raised and it being 1927 its out of character for a female and she doesn’t much act like one either. She is strong and only depends on herself.
Best part of the book: The book is different in the regards that you know its going to be a romance but it’s a slow moving romance that only picks up towards the end of book 1. This book would be a great read for a person who enjoys vanilla books.
Worst part of the book: When I think Addison Cain, I think of dark, hot sexy romances. I don’t think of Vanilla. For me vanilla is not something that I enjoy (I get that in real life), so if you aren’t into Vanilla books this book may not be right for you. However with the book being written by Addison it does hold a few things that even she does well in vanilla, story line, developing the characters and pulling you into the story.
After finishing the book, I went back to re-read the prologue to see how fine the ruse was set up from the beginning. It was intentionally written to lead the reader astray or lost in the reader’s own assumption until the end of the chapter. The protagonists have their fateful meet up within the first few pages and it all circles back with sweet serendipity and intrinsic grit. There’s a slow build up of emotions that’s par the course for the strong, silent type Matthew, but Charlie’s got spunk and that’s the real fun meat of all of the author’s books- the kickass, complex heroine. There’s a languid pace for the country setting of the story juxtaposed to the rusted star of Chicago and Prohibition. Action-packed with adrenaline and curveballs to the plot, it’s a sweet, charming read to soothe the soul. It’s the cozy sweater of the author’s thus far published books, perfect for this upcoming winter.
This prohibition-era story was a great read! Charlie is a complicated but confident woman who is tough and strong. I loved how capable she was, yet she still knew when she needed to ask for help. Matthew and Nathaniel were so different, yet they always took care of their own. I loved the contrasting personalities and the conflicts in this book. There is some steamy sexy times but it doesn’t overshadow the plot. It doesn’t end here though – there’s more to come, and I look forward to it!
Addison goes 180 on storytelling. A Taste of Shine follows Charlie and the Emerson brothers during the prohibition era in Monroe. Mobsters, gangsters, and some bounty hunting thrown into the story as well. It was fun read, nothing paranormal, no alphas, or sex. I loved this side of Mrs. Cain. Can’t wait for the Duet!
This was not what I expected,… but in a good way. I’ve only read Addison Cain when it involved knotting, alphas, or pure darkness. This one had none of those. I happily found out that Addison Cain does historical romance as good as she does dark romance. I’m ready for the second book!
Addison Cain Never ceases to amaze me. Her romances are my favourites and with this book it was no different. Charlie is the most badass female lead she has written. In a time where being a proper lady means everything to society, Charlie is not afraid to break that mould. She is courageous, fearless and full of spirit.
The entire story leaves you wanting more. And I can’t wait to read the next book
This book is so different from what I’ve read from this author and is a nice surprise considering the last book I’ve read from her. Usually they are dark romance/horror themes. This one, although there is violence, has a heroine who doesn’t need a man to fight for her. Charlotte, or Charlie for short, can do that herself. But like any other red-blooded woman, she needs someone to love and appreciate her and she hopes that someone can be Matthew. Matthew, on the other hand, is a strong and silent type of man. He isn’t necessary on the right side of the law nor is he really on the wrong side of the law. It’s a hard life and he does what he can to protect himself and his family. Charlotte is a nice surprise for Matthew. Definitely not one he was expecting but definitely something he is glad to have in his life. But nothing in his life has come easily. Same goes for Charlie and they both go through a lot of misunderstanding. Will they be able to have a happily ever after? Hopefully we’ll find out in the next book.
Charlotte Elliott has grown up in the middle of Chicago’s crime families. After finally settling one last score left over from childhood she decides to settle in quiet Monroe County, WV. Unfortunately for Charlotte, Monroe County is not that far removed from Chicago, particularly when it comes to the Emerson family. The Emerson clan is well known both locally and afar for their moonshine skills. At the head of the family is Matthew Emerson. Matthew is a man of many talents, but wooing a woman is definitely not on that list. He struggles with not only his own feelings for Charlotte, but also managing a woman as independent and head strong as Charlotte.
This is a very well written and wonderfully complex story. The author did a tremendous job of creating the small town community of Monroe County, WV as well as the much more complex Prohibition Era Chicago. The action was very fast paced, while the romance built nice and slow. I loved the depth of the characters, particularly Charlotte, as she struggles with her new life and with accepting Matthew’s love. This story is considerably different from the author’s previous books, but definitely worth reading. I can definitely see this one being a bestseller.
This was a great story from Addison. She really set the stage for a great story that will finish up in the second half of this story. Charlie is such a great woman, but nothing like the proper lady should be in the 1920s but it makes her such a great character. I cannot wait to see how the story plays out in the next book. Great job.
This story was different from Cain’s other books…a lot lighter. Set in the 1920s, Charlie is a strong female character displaced in a world that expects frail, fainting women… she reminds me of Claire from Cain’s of story Born to Be Bound b/c of her strong will. She’s had a horrible upbringing…criminals, mobsters, moonshiners are all in her world, but she’s independent enough to make it work… Then you’ve got Matthew, whose family is the moonshiners in control of Monroe…he’s completely Alpha & has a need to protect Charlie/Charlotte. You can imagine how well the ever-capable Charlie takes to Matt & his family’s desire to keep watch over her. I’m so looking forward to more…I enjoy a bit of light to balance the dark!