Drunk on love.Like a well-aged whiskey, master distiller and old-money entrepreneur Malone Kensington is elegant and refined. Unfortunately he’s also a perfectionist who is more dedicated to the success of his generations-old company than his own love life.That company needs a public spokesman.What Colton Hale lacks in sophistication, he more than makes up for with the charisma that’s allowed him … charisma that’s allowed him to survive on the street from a young age and charm his way into the lucrative—if overwhelming—public position at the Kensington Distillery. When Mal takes Colt under his wing, hoping to polish off his rough edges, opposites attract and a passionate romance blossoms despite the differences in age and background. But can it survive a Kensington Board of Directors who believe Colt is nothing but a gold digger and a kidnapper determined to profit from the love of Mal’s life—dead or alive?
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A thought that crossed my mind more than once while reading was that I could very well see this book turned into a Disney movie. Everything is described in such a vivid, colorful manner that it was easy to envision the Kensington Distillery with the breathtaking Rockies as a backdrop (I almost envied Colt and Mal for having that view in front of their eyes every day). Mainly, though, because the book has this fairytale vibe. Poor guy meets rich guy, they fall in love, to then walk hand in hand towards the magic like illuminated mountains. Swooning worthy scenario, if you ask me.
Colt and Mal couldn’t be more different, the first having lived on the streets for nine years and the latter growing up wealthy. Also, Colt is easygoing, thriving around people, whereas Mal is shy and socially awkward. When Mal hired Colt as his distillery’s public face, none of them expected to slowly develop feelings for one another. And they’re so cute, adorably stammering and not knowing how to make a move…caught more than once just staring goofily at each other(now, you see, if it were a cartoon, there would be hearts popping up around their heads, lol).
So, eventually things between them heat up, they’re blessedly surrounded by kind, generous, caring people, until… Like any respectable fairytale, there has to be a dragon to slay. Or, in this case, bad people from Colt’s past. They added some edge to the story, enough to balance the sweetness.
The way I see it, should be used as a medicine, when one feels down and needs a mood lifter. The story is charming, touching and entertaining…with the added heat from a good Tennessee moonshine.
I love the fact that Colt has been able to have a new chance. Malone is a strong man but he is not judgemental. I also appreciate the strength of their relationship.
This story is so sweet and fun. It has all the elements of a great romance, two interesting characters plus several others. Everyone in this book is interesting. I loved Audrey, Gwen, Phillippe, and Frank as much as I did Mal and Colt. Jeffrey even grew on me. I would read all of their stories. Back to this one. I loved Colt for his charm yet he was never dishonest. I loved Mal because not being a millionaire fan he never came across as one. He was a good man. I loved that though there was instant attraction, the actual romance was slow-burn and when the sex came it was sweet and just enough to make the story heat up but not overdone. There is a touch of action and drama tossed in to stir up the story making it the perfect book for a nice romantic escape.
If you like billionaires, age-gap,boss-employee, suspense, slow burn, mild sex, and a very romantic story this is for you.
** 4.25 stars **
I liked this story. It has a feel good vibe, many positive characters and situations that make you believe in people’s decency. This is a slow burn romance with slight age difference between MCs. I loved reading about the distillery and how alcoholic drinks are made – it was fascinating. The author, it felt, researched this subject well.
The MCs, Mal and Colt, come from different backgrounds and have different experiences and views on life. I think that is what made them so in tune with each other. In this case the opposites attracted. I liked many things about Colt – his appetite for life, his eagerness to learn new things and air of confidence that he projected. Mal, on the other hand, while coming from riches and all possible advantages is shy and a bit reclusive. He is passionate about what he does but finds it hard to be social. These two men start as friends first and slowly they become close and start falling for each other.
The past that Colt ran from catches up to him and rears its ugly head, and it’s up to Mal to figure out how to get to Colt in time. This situation gave a book a little suspense feel and I liked that. One thing I wished for was a little more chemistry between MCs. It just felt a little sedate between them. I loved the warmth, the romantic side of them – it was beautifully written but a little bit more passion between them would have made this book great for me. Overall, I enjoyed reading Mal and Colt’s story and I recommend it.
Whiskey and Moonshine by Elizabeth Noble,
ARC through StoryOrigin.
Mal and Colton
Mal and Colton are complete opposites, but it is said that opposites attract. Colt is from the streets, and Mal owns Kensington Brewery, and is a rich man. Colt finds work there, and works hard. Mal works closely with Colt, and the attraction develops. It is a lovely book, one which I enjoyed.
Whiskey and Moonshine is a feel good “Pretty Woman” story about Malone “Mal” Kensington and Colton “Colt” Hale. A story about two men from completely different backgrounds who find a way to each other.
Colt, a streetwise 24 y.o. who had to survive after being kicked out of his hone at 15. In an attempt to escape the bad element of Toledo, he buys a one way ticket to NC. On the way to Charlotte, the bus makes a stop in Smokey Mountains. While there the ambitious Colt seeks out a job (through non-conventional methods) which sets him in the path to meet Mal. While using more non-conventional methods to become the “face” of Kensington Distillery and Stills, he meets man himself.
Of course close proximity and working together creates sparks. But as with most things, the faster you run from your past, the sooner it catches up to you. And this is the case with young Colt. Miscommunication hurt feelings provide you be perfect storm for Colt and his pst to have a moment of reckoning.
I fell for Mal and Colt!from the very start and enjoyed every minute of their love story.
Not all of Ms. Noble’s books intrigue me based on their blurbs, but this one pulled me from the moment I read it, and it could not have exceeded my expectations based on my experience of her writing style. The opening scene of Colt’s life before hopping a bus to Tennessee pulled at heartstrings, and I really enjoyed seeing the distillery and the scenery from his viewpoint. Having been blessed to visit that beautiful state, it brought back wonderful memories. As an older reader, I also quite liked Mal’s no nonsense approach to his life and business, knowing when it’s time to work, but also taking the time to enjoy the finer points in life and to appreciate beauty in all its forms.
I can’t say I wasn’t surprised by the turn of events and the climax of the story, but the transitions were wonderfully smooth and the story flowed with such elegance that I was hard pressed to lay my ebook aside for bedtime. I look forward to the next book of Ms. Noble’s that grabs my interest, knowing I’ll have another favorite to add to my list.
I would rate this 3.75 stars.
The book starts by establishing what Colt’s life has been like for the past ten years after he was kicked out of the house for being gay at age 15. He needs out of Toledo quick and buys a bus ticket to Charlotte, but a stop in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee changes his life forever. Enamored with the area, he quickly tries to get a job at a distillery owned by Malone Kensington. Colt gets hired as a janitor, but soon sees his chance to really change his life and reach for something more. When he meets Mal, his Cinderella dreams come true wrapped in a My Fair Lady bow.
Except for the beginning and the end, the book doesn’t focus on anything angsty. Cole is likable because he is a hard worker and is grateful for the opportunities he is given. He appreciates his change in circumstances. He respects the people he works with and doesn’t begrudge them their success. He hasn’t let his misfortune turn into bitterness or resentment against people who haven’t struggled in the same way he has. Yet, his parents taught him to be sort of a con man, so he is a bit too good to be true. On the other hand, Mal has had all of the opportunities life could give him. He knows he was lucky, but he has also worked very hard to get where he is, to be able to do what he was raised to do and loves, yet he is not always his own boss as he answers to the Board of his company. When he takes Colt into his life, into not just his business but his home, he shows an unlikely amount of trust to a perfect stranger–especially with corporate espionage an issue. He’s a little too sweet to be true also.
This had some interesting parts about the distillery: the process of distilling, the product design and marketing, and the tasting room and restaurant. It was enough to root the reader in that backdrop if you have experienced any agritourism. Colt and Mal never lie about who they are, where they have been, or what they’ve done. They share what’s important to them. When Colt’s past comes back to haunt him, it wasn’t in the way I expected. One the one hand, I love a surprise. On the other hand, I was disappointed by the cartoon villians. Even though this all seems farfetched, it is charming. The references to the TV show Firefly made me smile. The romance is a sweet slow burn as they date while they work and live together. Mal really wars with Colt’s being an employee and the age difference between them as he is a nice guy and doesn’t want to take advantage. The secondary characters Audrey, Philippe and Gwendolyn all help play matchmaker in different ways. The epilogue is divided into sections and wraps up any loose ends. I connected with them and wanted them to have their happily ever after.
A sweet and sexy romance, with an exciting mystery at the end, Elizabeth Noble’s Whiskey and Moonshine is a very enjoyable story. I also need to give props to narrator John Solo for his magnificent performance. He’s perfected his Tennessee twang for this one and, once you start it, you won’t want to stop listening.
I love a May/December romance, and the billionaire/street-kid theme is a bonus. The chemistry between Colt and Mal sparks right away, but Ms. Noble draws it out till the two form a true connection. The anticipation is delicious, and we’re treated to some light-hearted moments as the men forge a friendship.
While they’re complete opposites in every way, Colt and Mal come together to make a strong couple. It’s wonderful to see these two unfulfilled and lonely men find love and acceptance, and work to create a full and satisfying life together.
In WHISKEY AND MOONSHINE, we meet Colt and Mal in a serious case of opposites attract. Colt has been living on the streets since he was fifteen, after coming out to his parents. After leaving Toledo in a hurry, he ends up in the Smoky Mountains, where he visits the Kensington Distillery and falls in love…with the building and the process. Mal is the owner of the distillery, a billionaire, and not at all interested in the public side of work. He wants to make his whiskey and moonshine only. Circumstances throw these two together, friendship and love keep them there.
This is a low-angst, slow burn romance, with plenty of story to get your teeth into. I love how Colt worked his way up from sweeping the floors, to taking a chance and making it work. The characters in here are all well-written, both the main characters and the supporting cast.
Either the author was brought up in a distillery, she had insider knowledge, or the subject matter was extremely well researched! Either way, I loved how in depth she went, without giving away any secrets.
With no editing or grammatical errors, this was an easy read that I thoroughly enjoyed, and have no hesitation in recommending.
Whiskey and Moonshine is a feel good “Pretty Woman” story about Malone “Mal” Kensington and Colton “Colt” Hale. A story about two men from completely different backgrounds who find a way to each other. Colt, a streetwise 24 y.o. who had to survive after being kicked out of his hone at 15. In an attempt to escape the bad element of Toledo, he buys a one way ticket to NC. On the way to Charlotte, the bus makes a stop in Smokey Mountains. While there the ambitious Colt seeks out a job (through non-conventional methods) which sets him in the path to meet Mal. While using more non-conventional methods to become the “face” of Kensington Distillery and Stills, he meets man himself. Of course close proximity and working together creates sparks. But as with most things, the faster you run from your past, the sooner it catches up to you. And this is the case with young Colt. Miscommunication hurt feelings provide you be perfect storm for Colt and his pst to have a moment of reckoning. I fell for Mal and Colt!from the very start and enjoyed every minute of their love story.
Whiskey and Moonshine by Elizabeth Noble is an intriguing read of opposites attract. Mal and Colton are from different paths in life, one refined, older and rich… the other nearly homeless, young and outspoken. But together they create sparks with chemistry that is off the charts. Unfortunately there are forces trying to tear them apart and destroy what Mal gas created.
I love these men together. The book is fun, entertaining, sweet and sexy. The story kept my attention and interest. Well written story with likeable characters equals an amazing and recommended book.
I received an advanced reader’s copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.