Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Review: Whiskey and Wine by H. Dillon Smith



Ellie Ray Vaughn needs a fresh start. Daughter of a washed-up ex-musician and alcoholic mother, ex-girlfriend to an abusive psycho, and unwanted house guest to her aunt and uncle that have had to take her in. College is supposed to be that fresh start. She has her best friend Annie by her side and a determination to pursue anything but music in hopes of not ending up like her mother. But in Nashville it’s hard to run from the music that runs in her veins. She’s determined to leave her past behind her, but a certain blue eyed, tattooed guitar player refuses to let her stifle her talent...or her feelings. 

Dean Thomas is just like any other arrogant musician. Girls are plentiful and fleeting, music is all that matters, and feelings belong only in the lyrics that he writes. He’s not looking to fall in love, only to leave his painful childhood behind and focus on the future. A future that involves music, record deals, and no one to tie him down. But when Dean meets Ellie he doesn’t hesitate to throw away his one night stands and wild nights for the girl he never thought he would find. He just didn’t expect it to be so hard.

Review:  4.5 of 5 Stars

When you grow up in the south it is pretty much guaranteed that you are going grow up with pick-up trucks, country music and country boys.  It was pretty much what my life revolved around from the time I was 14 or 15 until I got married.  And he still rides me around in his truck while I am blaring country music.  So, when I got a copy of Whiskey and Wine and read the synopsis, it intrigued me.

Ellie Ray Vaughn is a strong lead character that is stubborn as can be.  She knows what she wants out of life, or at least she thinks that she does.  Music calls to her and is in her blood but her mothers obsession with it and the horrible childhood she experienced make her skittish to actually chase her dream.  Ellie also has issues with an abusive ex boyfriend that is adding to her stress,  But after an impromptu gig one night the addiction to music and writing is reignited.  

Now Dean Thomas is just downright swoon worthy.  Yeah, at first you want to smack him for being a manwhore but we all know he acts that way because he is scared and because the right girl hasn't knocked him on his butt yet.  I love Dean's backstory and all the things you find out about his past.  I especially love how much he loves his mama.  Plus, he play guitar, sings and ha blue eyes!  

I throughly enjoyed this book from page one.  The build between the characters and the emotional connection that I had with them was perfect.  Some of the plot was a little predictable, but I loved it nonetheless.  It felt like I was reading a great episode of Nashville.  I can't wait to read more from this debut author!

No comments:

Post a Comment