What do you think?
Rate this book
Taking Risks #1
Whiskey Prince
Take a risk.
Do something drastic.
Fall in love.
When Amberlyn Reilly loses her mother, her whole world comes crashing down. Having been caretaker to her for most of her teenage years, Amberlyn is inexperienced in many aspects of life. She hasn’t had time to live, have fun, or enjoy even the little things. It’s only when a letter from her mother, asking her to fulfill three things, sends her off to Ireland to live a life she never thought possible that she begins to heal.
Declan O’Callaghan was born and raised in Ireland and has his family’s legendary whiskey in his veins. He’s shy and not a fan of the pressure and spotlight that comes with his family name, or the title he was given at birth—the Whiskey Prince. Declan knows just what he wants and that is to take over the family dynasty, but when his father gives him an ultimatum, everything he’s worked for could come undone in the blink of an eye.
With six months to get married, the reclusive Declan spots Amberlyn across a lake and instantly feels the need to know her. Soon, the two find themselves traveling down a path neither expected. However, like any road, there are bumps and side streets to derail them. Can Declan help find the pieces that will make Amberlyn whole again? And will Amberlyn stay or run when she learns of Declan’s deadline of marriage?
Do something drastic.
Fall in love.
When Amberlyn Reilly loses her mother, her whole world comes crashing down. Having been caretaker to her for most of her teenage years, Amberlyn is inexperienced in many aspects of life. She hasn’t had time to live, have fun, or enjoy even the little things. It’s only when a letter from her mother, asking her to fulfill three things, sends her off to Ireland to live a life she never thought possible that she begins to heal.
Declan O’Callaghan was born and raised in Ireland and has his family’s legendary whiskey in his veins. He’s shy and not a fan of the pressure and spotlight that comes with his family name, or the title he was given at birth—the Whiskey Prince. Declan knows just what he wants and that is to take over the family dynasty, but when his father gives him an ultimatum, everything he’s worked for could come undone in the blink of an eye.
With six months to get married, the reclusive Declan spots Amberlyn across a lake and instantly feels the need to know her. Soon, the two find themselves traveling down a path neither expected. However, like any road, there are bumps and side streets to derail them. Can Declan help find the pieces that will make Amberlyn whole again? And will Amberlyn stay or run when she learns of Declan’s deadline of marriage?
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2014
857 people are currently reading
4375 people want to read
About the author
Toni Aleo
101 books6,717 followersWALL STREET JOURNAL, NEW YORK TIMES AND USA TODAY BEST SELLING AUTHOR TONI ALEO IS AN AUTHOR YOU CAN'T MISS!
make sure to Join my Mailing List: https://www.subscribepage.com/toniale...
My name is Toni aleo and I'm a #PredHead, #sherrio, #potterhead, and part of the #familybusiness!
I am also a wife to my amazing husband, mother of a wrestler and a gymnast, and also a fur momma to Phoebe, Gaston el Papillon & Winston.
You can usually find me hollering for the whole Nashville Predators since I'll never give my heart to one player again. When I'm not in the gym getting swole, I'm usually writing, trying to make my dreams a reality or being a taxi for my kids. I'm obsessed with Harry Potter, Supernatural, Disney and anything that sparkles! I'm pretty sure I was Belle in a past life and if I could be on any show it would be supernatural so I can hunt with Sam and Dean.
Also, could I LOVE hockey anymore?
make sure to Join my Mailing List: https://www.subscribepage.com/toniale...
My name is Toni aleo and I'm a #PredHead, #sherrio, #potterhead, and part of the #familybusiness!
I am also a wife to my amazing husband, mother of a wrestler and a gymnast, and also a fur momma to Phoebe, Gaston el Papillon & Winston.
You can usually find me hollering for the whole Nashville Predators since I'll never give my heart to one player again. When I'm not in the gym getting swole, I'm usually writing, trying to make my dreams a reality or being a taxi for my kids. I'm obsessed with Harry Potter, Supernatural, Disney and anything that sparkles! I'm pretty sure I was Belle in a past life and if I could be on any show it would be supernatural so I can hunt with Sam and Dean.
Also, could I LOVE hockey anymore?
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 349 reviews
January 11, 2018
4.5 Sun Shine Stars!!!
A sweet, sexy and fresh romance about two people from different worlds who’s paths just happen to cross. Written by Toni Aleo, I had a feeling this would be good. I’ve loved all her other books. Although Whiskey Prince is a different type of book than the Assassin’s series, it is equally as good. A story I devoured in one sitting and throughly enjoyed.
Amberly Reilly is a twenty year old American girl in Ireland. After losing the only parent she had left to cancer, Amberlyn is going on the adventure of a lifetime, spending time with her family in the town her parents grew up in. The last thing her mother wanted for her was to sit and mope, so Amberlyn followed her words of wisdom.
Declan O’Callaghan is the Whiskey Prince of Ireland. His family is extremely wealthy. They own and operate one of the biggest whiskey distilleries in the world and Declan is the heir. Or he should be… Even though Declan isn’t that old, he’s too old to not be married.
The more Declan see’s of Amberlyn, the more he likes. She is unlike any other girl he’s ever met. It’s refreshing. They have this spark, a connection thats undeniable. Declan loves how fun and lovely Amberlyn is, but he see’s the broken side of her too. He wants to be there for her, to help her. Amberlyn is falling hard for Declan. She doesn’t know what to do or how to act. I loved her innocence and how she treated Declan like a normal person. This is one couple that was completely adorable together.
Amberlyn’s heart is starting to mend, and Declan is starting to fall hard for this beautiful woman. With the ultimatum in the back of his mind, what will happen with this couple?
Declan. I adored this boy. He’s kind, patient, sexy and determined all rolled up in one. Then there’s Amberlyn. This poor girl has been through so much. She is a survivor. Strong, brave, she has character and just brightens the story with her loving nature and good attitude. It’s a refreshing change to have two characters you love equally. I wouldn’t change a thing about these two!
Whiskey Prince was a beautiful story about self discovery, finding love and moving forward with your life. I loved that it took place in Ireland. The dialogue seemed very authentic, and I could hear the accents in my head. Although this isn’t a stand alone, it ends at a good place. I am desperate for the next book, but only because I want to read more about Declan and Amberlyn! Not because it has a terrible cliffhanger. A heartwarming tale of first loves you won’t want to miss out on!
A sweet, sexy and fresh romance about two people from different worlds who’s paths just happen to cross. Written by Toni Aleo, I had a feeling this would be good. I’ve loved all her other books. Although Whiskey Prince is a different type of book than the Assassin’s series, it is equally as good. A story I devoured in one sitting and throughly enjoyed.
Amberly Reilly is a twenty year old American girl in Ireland. After losing the only parent she had left to cancer, Amberlyn is going on the adventure of a lifetime, spending time with her family in the town her parents grew up in. The last thing her mother wanted for her was to sit and mope, so Amberlyn followed her words of wisdom.
Declan O’Callaghan is the Whiskey Prince of Ireland. His family is extremely wealthy. They own and operate one of the biggest whiskey distilleries in the world and Declan is the heir. Or he should be… Even though Declan isn’t that old, he’s too old to not be married.
“A man in love has the compassion to run a great company and because of that, only a married man can own the family company.”So his father gives him six months to marry or he loses what he’s always wanted most. To run the family business. Declan could have his pick of women, but there is one problem. He doesn’t want just any one. He wants THE ONE. Not someone who wants the Whiskey Prince, someone who wants Declan.
“I want a girl that loves me for me, not because I am the Whiskey Prince of Ireland.”Amberlyn has been in Ireland about a month, working at her family’s pub and hanging out with her cousin. It’s hard, being without her parents. She’s trying to heal and move on with her life. Then she meets him. Declan. She has no idea what the big deal of the Whiskey Prince is. To her, he’s just a guy. A guy she really likes. Amberlyn has next to no experience with guys. She was always too busy taking care of her sick mother. Now, she thinks it may be time to follow her mom’s advice.
The more Declan see’s of Amberlyn, the more he likes. She is unlike any other girl he’s ever met. It’s refreshing. They have this spark, a connection thats undeniable. Declan loves how fun and lovely Amberlyn is, but he see’s the broken side of her too. He wants to be there for her, to help her. Amberlyn is falling hard for Declan. She doesn’t know what to do or how to act. I loved her innocence and how she treated Declan like a normal person. This is one couple that was completely adorable together.
Amberlyn’s heart is starting to mend, and Declan is starting to fall hard for this beautiful woman. With the ultimatum in the back of his mind, what will happen with this couple?
I know this girl is special and at this moment, I feel more like a king than a prince. And she is my queen.
Declan. I adored this boy. He’s kind, patient, sexy and determined all rolled up in one. Then there’s Amberlyn. This poor girl has been through so much. She is a survivor. Strong, brave, she has character and just brightens the story with her loving nature and good attitude. It’s a refreshing change to have two characters you love equally. I wouldn’t change a thing about these two!
Whiskey Prince was a beautiful story about self discovery, finding love and moving forward with your life. I loved that it took place in Ireland. The dialogue seemed very authentic, and I could hear the accents in my head. Although this isn’t a stand alone, it ends at a good place. I am desperate for the next book, but only because I want to read more about Declan and Amberlyn! Not because it has a terrible cliffhanger. A heartwarming tale of first loves you won’t want to miss out on!
‘She drives me wild and makes me feel so free.’
May 31, 2014
FOUR WHISKEY STARS.
"I know this girl is special and at this moment, I feel more like a king than a prince. And she is my queen."
What a sweet, adventurous tale, as usual the gorgeous Toni Aleo has delivered once again. Toni is an author that can always grab my attention and sweep me away into her stories. Whether it be a heartbreaking tale, or a sports related romance, or a new adult first time love story I can always guarantee that I'll be jumping into a novel that suits my tastes to perfection. 'The whiskey prince' has been lovingly written and created by this author in a way that it's plainly obvious that she writes from her heart. Every single page of this story is filled with gorgeous story telling, refreshingly lovely characters and a romance that is worthy of an Irish whiskey or two. Toni Aleo is an author that I will always gravitate towards and as always it was time well spent reading this scrumptious novel.
What's it all about?
After leaving tragedy behind her to travel to Ireland inexperienced and heartbroken american, Amberlyn Reilly has made it her purpose to experience life and all it's adventures. Working with her family in an Irish pub, Amberlyn starts to piece together her healing and future and with new friendships and a fresh start she is hoping nothing will hold her back. Declan O'Callaghan has the pressure of his whole town resting on his shoulders as heir to his family distillery business, he feels like his life is not his own but he is desperate to prove that he is worthy of his title as the 'Whiskey prince'. Traditional and focused Declan's father soon demands that he starts to look for a suitable wife to settle down with or loose his inheritance. Declan soon realises that must take the step to start looking and fast or loose what he loves the most. When Amberlyn and Declan's lives collide they both feel a connection that is hard to ignore and so begins a journey that neither of then could have ever predicted, but with secrets from both sides can a heartbroken girl really fall in love with a whiskey prince? and can Declan O'Callaghan find that girl that is something special?
What did I love the most?
Toni started this novel off with a bang, straight away my heart was invested and instantly I knew that the author was ready to tell a story with not only romance but with depth and emotion too. I loved the setting of the story, an Irish romance tale that had an imaginative and original storyline that was easy to escape into. As a hopeless romantic I'm always on the look out for that story that will make me fall in love with a romance and it's characters and for the most part I was sold on the story about Declan and Amberlyn and their star crossed connection. Toni Aleo has a way of unexpectedly spinning a storyline that as I reader I can't help but fall in love with and this story in particular gives the reader that fictional hope of love finding it's way through any circumstance. You won't be finding any erotic filled pages in this novel but as a replacement of that you'll be convinced by sweet first kisses, moments filled with flirtatious banter, heart pounding lust and a heartwarming story of two characters that are meant to be. I'll never stop wanting to jump straight in a Toni Aleo novel this author has a talent for making me fall hopelessly in love and as for 'The whiskey prince' it seems that this authors talents stretch beyond the ice rink. Overall I'd stamp this lovely book with a not to be missed recommendation and I'm convinced that Toni has much more to add to the lives of Declan and Ambelyn, until then I'm sure a re read will be in the future.
Why not five?
As much as I adore this author and her writing style and previous work, this book had a little something missing for me to give a full five star rating. I liked this novel, after all a four star book is most certainly worth a recommendation but I didn't feel that desperation to get lost in the storyline and although I admired the authors change in direction for this book I missed her normal delivery of a strong hero and erotic story telling. I also hoped that this book would be a standalone and towards the end of the novel I had that feeling that there was not enough pages left for me to get the ending that I craved and more from the characters as the story concluded. However with that being said any story that leaves me with a need for more and a desperation for a conclusion is worthy of time spent reading.
Final thoughts ...
'The whiskey prince' is a delightful book to read, it had all of the dreamy ingredients to make it a sweet new adult book. Those who are looking for a book with plenty of descriptive plot and great character development will love the flirtatious nature and slow build up of this novel. Toni Aleo has created a storyline that is differing from her other work produced, so those expecting a repeat performance of her other novels will be finding another side to this authors talent in the form of a loving new/young adult novel. Overall it is evident that the author has added a personal touch to the pages of this story and I can confirm that the inside of this novel is just as breathtaking as it's cover. Toni Aleo continues to be one of my favourite authors, that I can't deny. Release day is just around the corner and until then I'll be looking forward to other readers discovering this Irish tale and falling in love. Go grab it on release day, enjoy ... Kisses.
*ARC generously provided by the lovely, Toni Aleo in exchange for copious emails, a million texts and an honest review.*
"I know this girl is special and at this moment, I feel more like a king than a prince. And she is my queen."
What a sweet, adventurous tale, as usual the gorgeous Toni Aleo has delivered once again. Toni is an author that can always grab my attention and sweep me away into her stories. Whether it be a heartbreaking tale, or a sports related romance, or a new adult first time love story I can always guarantee that I'll be jumping into a novel that suits my tastes to perfection. 'The whiskey prince' has been lovingly written and created by this author in a way that it's plainly obvious that she writes from her heart. Every single page of this story is filled with gorgeous story telling, refreshingly lovely characters and a romance that is worthy of an Irish whiskey or two. Toni Aleo is an author that I will always gravitate towards and as always it was time well spent reading this scrumptious novel.
What's it all about?
After leaving tragedy behind her to travel to Ireland inexperienced and heartbroken american, Amberlyn Reilly has made it her purpose to experience life and all it's adventures. Working with her family in an Irish pub, Amberlyn starts to piece together her healing and future and with new friendships and a fresh start she is hoping nothing will hold her back. Declan O'Callaghan has the pressure of his whole town resting on his shoulders as heir to his family distillery business, he feels like his life is not his own but he is desperate to prove that he is worthy of his title as the 'Whiskey prince'. Traditional and focused Declan's father soon demands that he starts to look for a suitable wife to settle down with or loose his inheritance. Declan soon realises that must take the step to start looking and fast or loose what he loves the most. When Amberlyn and Declan's lives collide they both feel a connection that is hard to ignore and so begins a journey that neither of then could have ever predicted, but with secrets from both sides can a heartbroken girl really fall in love with a whiskey prince? and can Declan O'Callaghan find that girl that is something special?
What did I love the most?
Toni started this novel off with a bang, straight away my heart was invested and instantly I knew that the author was ready to tell a story with not only romance but with depth and emotion too. I loved the setting of the story, an Irish romance tale that had an imaginative and original storyline that was easy to escape into. As a hopeless romantic I'm always on the look out for that story that will make me fall in love with a romance and it's characters and for the most part I was sold on the story about Declan and Amberlyn and their star crossed connection. Toni Aleo has a way of unexpectedly spinning a storyline that as I reader I can't help but fall in love with and this story in particular gives the reader that fictional hope of love finding it's way through any circumstance. You won't be finding any erotic filled pages in this novel but as a replacement of that you'll be convinced by sweet first kisses, moments filled with flirtatious banter, heart pounding lust and a heartwarming story of two characters that are meant to be. I'll never stop wanting to jump straight in a Toni Aleo novel this author has a talent for making me fall hopelessly in love and as for 'The whiskey prince' it seems that this authors talents stretch beyond the ice rink. Overall I'd stamp this lovely book with a not to be missed recommendation and I'm convinced that Toni has much more to add to the lives of Declan and Ambelyn, until then I'm sure a re read will be in the future.
Why not five?
As much as I adore this author and her writing style and previous work, this book had a little something missing for me to give a full five star rating. I liked this novel, after all a four star book is most certainly worth a recommendation but I didn't feel that desperation to get lost in the storyline and although I admired the authors change in direction for this book I missed her normal delivery of a strong hero and erotic story telling. I also hoped that this book would be a standalone and towards the end of the novel I had that feeling that there was not enough pages left for me to get the ending that I craved and more from the characters as the story concluded. However with that being said any story that leaves me with a need for more and a desperation for a conclusion is worthy of time spent reading.
Final thoughts ...
'The whiskey prince' is a delightful book to read, it had all of the dreamy ingredients to make it a sweet new adult book. Those who are looking for a book with plenty of descriptive plot and great character development will love the flirtatious nature and slow build up of this novel. Toni Aleo has created a storyline that is differing from her other work produced, so those expecting a repeat performance of her other novels will be finding another side to this authors talent in the form of a loving new/young adult novel. Overall it is evident that the author has added a personal touch to the pages of this story and I can confirm that the inside of this novel is just as breathtaking as it's cover. Toni Aleo continues to be one of my favourite authors, that I can't deny. Release day is just around the corner and until then I'll be looking forward to other readers discovering this Irish tale and falling in love. Go grab it on release day, enjoy ... Kisses.
*ARC generously provided by the lovely, Toni Aleo in exchange for copious emails, a million texts and an honest review.*
April 26, 2022
This was originally a DNF but ended up skimming to the end to see if it improved! OMG, the drama, could it get worse. Yes, it seems. At the end all I could picture was Michael Flately - LORD OF THE DANCE fame (himself an Irish-American blow-in), standing at his manor house in Cork:
Life's too short to keep reading a book that just is not doing it for you. I had high hopes for this one as I have read Toni's Hockey books, at least some of them and I am sure they were three and four stars for me. Of course with the Irish interest here there was going to be some grinding of teeth from me. Being Irish, it has to be just right for me.
I am actually in Ireland at the moment on holidays -left the country 25 years ago but still return regularly and keep in touch with all Irish news and politics.
In the first chapter of the book there is a reference to Liam Clancy and his song THE PARTING GLASS. Liam is a firm favourite of mine, God rest his soul. Saw him in concert many times and that particular song is one of my favorites..... BUT Liam and his brothers - The Clancy Brothers - not very original, I know, did like to ham it up for the YANKS. They appeared on the Ed Sullivan show years ago with Aran sweaters, promoting Ireland and their songs.
The plot of this story read like it was being "hammed" up for the Yanks also. The name of the pub is called "Céad Míle Fáilte". If I saw a pub with that name on it I would run a mile. To me it says, "FOREIGNERS OUT THERE, LOOKING FOR YOUR ROOTS, COME ON IN!"
Maybe it is a good thing for Ms Aleo that I am not back in Belgium doing a review as I would probably post a long one. As it is, it is after midnight here, I am just in from a concert and want to read another book.
Some little niggles that I had.
We in Ireland don't call our parents MA and DA, at least the majority of us don't.
Declan is supposedly part of Irish royalty owing a distillery... nope, not many of them around.
You go into a pub and order a pint of beer.... look, if you did that about 60 years ago, yes, you would get a Guinness but we have moved on here. WE have lots of Beer - you have to be specific. We even have foreign beers!
"Rumor is he has locked himself away for his bride how is doing in another couple of years..." Gimme a fucking break here.
Also over use of the word "fuckin'" or a derivative thereof. Yes, we use the "F" word a lot but throwing it out there too often is trying too hard.
I mean she did use Irish expressions but I felt she was trying too hard.
"Had to deal with this arse of a gobshite"
".. you fuckin' wanker'"
"Howya" - no, we don't really say that!!
They are young but as somebody mentioned I do read NA and YA and have liked some of them.
Something was just not right with this one.
Alleskelle posted a very good review. She mirrored my thoughts exactly and she is bloody French, not Irish, so if it annoyed the shite out of her, can you imagine how I felt.
I know I commented on some of your wonderful reviews and you all were interested in my take on it. Well, as you can see, it did not do it for me. I wish her well in her endeavors with YA/NA and "Irish" writing but doubt I will be reading any more in this series.
As I said, I think this is aimed for the American market or the non-Irish market. Yes, some folks think we do actually eat corned beef and cabbage, have leprechauns at the bottom of the garden and drink Green Beer on St Patrick's Day....
I did PM Ms Aleo to find out where she got here Irish sources from but did not hear back from her.
Well if anything comes out of this, go and listen to Liam Clancy sing THE PARTING GLASS.
Some of you who have read and loved this one will probably think "oh, there goes Maura again, ranting about the Irish". But if I buy a book and want some authenticity I think I deserve it. Good for her if the non-Irish think this is a little bit of heaven in the West coast of Mayo (my mother is from Mayo actually and was there last week) but WE are NOT The Quiet Man and we are definitely NOT Far and Away....
I actually love the Quiet Man BUT WE ARE DEFINITELY NOT TOM FUCKING CRUISE AND HIS IRISH ACCENT in FAR AND AWAY!!
Rant over now!!!
May the blessings of God be upon ya!
One more thing and then I will shut me gob!!
Casey
Life's too short to keep reading a book that just is not doing it for you. I had high hopes for this one as I have read Toni's Hockey books, at least some of them and I am sure they were three and four stars for me. Of course with the Irish interest here there was going to be some grinding of teeth from me. Being Irish, it has to be just right for me.
I am actually in Ireland at the moment on holidays -left the country 25 years ago but still return regularly and keep in touch with all Irish news and politics.
In the first chapter of the book there is a reference to Liam Clancy and his song THE PARTING GLASS. Liam is a firm favourite of mine, God rest his soul. Saw him in concert many times and that particular song is one of my favorites..... BUT Liam and his brothers - The Clancy Brothers - not very original, I know, did like to ham it up for the YANKS. They appeared on the Ed Sullivan show years ago with Aran sweaters, promoting Ireland and their songs.
The plot of this story read like it was being "hammed" up for the Yanks also. The name of the pub is called "Céad Míle Fáilte". If I saw a pub with that name on it I would run a mile. To me it says, "FOREIGNERS OUT THERE, LOOKING FOR YOUR ROOTS, COME ON IN!"
Maybe it is a good thing for Ms Aleo that I am not back in Belgium doing a review as I would probably post a long one. As it is, it is after midnight here, I am just in from a concert and want to read another book.
Some little niggles that I had.
We in Ireland don't call our parents MA and DA, at least the majority of us don't.
Declan is supposedly part of Irish royalty owing a distillery... nope, not many of them around.
You go into a pub and order a pint of beer.... look, if you did that about 60 years ago, yes, you would get a Guinness but we have moved on here. WE have lots of Beer - you have to be specific. We even have foreign beers!
"Rumor is he has locked himself away for his bride how is doing in another couple of years..." Gimme a fucking break here.
Also over use of the word "fuckin'" or a derivative thereof. Yes, we use the "F" word a lot but throwing it out there too often is trying too hard.
I mean she did use Irish expressions but I felt she was trying too hard.
"Had to deal with this arse of a gobshite"
".. you fuckin' wanker'"
"Howya" - no, we don't really say that!!
They are young but as somebody mentioned I do read NA and YA and have liked some of them.
Something was just not right with this one.
Alleskelle posted a very good review. She mirrored my thoughts exactly and she is bloody French, not Irish, so if it annoyed the shite out of her, can you imagine how I felt.
I know I commented on some of your wonderful reviews and you all were interested in my take on it. Well, as you can see, it did not do it for me. I wish her well in her endeavors with YA/NA and "Irish" writing but doubt I will be reading any more in this series.
As I said, I think this is aimed for the American market or the non-Irish market. Yes, some folks think we do actually eat corned beef and cabbage, have leprechauns at the bottom of the garden and drink Green Beer on St Patrick's Day....
I did PM Ms Aleo to find out where she got here Irish sources from but did not hear back from her.
Well if anything comes out of this, go and listen to Liam Clancy sing THE PARTING GLASS.
Of all the money that e'er I had
I've spent it in good company
And all the harm that e'er I've done
Alas it was to none but me
And all I've done for want of wit
To memory now I can't recall
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be with you all
Of all the comrades that e'er I had
They are sorry for my going away
And all the sweethearts that e'er I had
They would wish me one more day to stay
But since it falls unto my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I'll gently rise and I'll softly call
Good night and joy be with you all
A man may drink and not be drunk
A man may fight and not be slain
A man may court a pretty girl
And perhaps be welcomed back again
But since it has so ought to be
By a time to rise and a time to fall
Come fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be with you all
Good night and joy be with you all
Some of you who have read and loved this one will probably think "oh, there goes Maura again, ranting about the Irish". But if I buy a book and want some authenticity I think I deserve it. Good for her if the non-Irish think this is a little bit of heaven in the West coast of Mayo (my mother is from Mayo actually and was there last week) but WE are NOT The Quiet Man and we are definitely NOT Far and Away....
I actually love the Quiet Man BUT WE ARE DEFINITELY NOT TOM FUCKING CRUISE AND HIS IRISH ACCENT in FAR AND AWAY!!
Rant over now!!!
May the blessings of God be upon ya!
One more thing and then I will shut me gob!!
Casey
July 24, 2014
⭐️⭐️ 1.5 stars ⭐️⭐️
This review contains spoilers and RANT
I would like to start by saying I really enjoyed some of Toni Aleo's previous books, that's why I didn't think much before jumping on that one.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Unfortunately, although the blurb sounded interesting and appealing, it fell short pretty quickly. This novel is listed as NA, and truth to be told, both MCs are 22 years old, BUT were acting so much like high-schoolers I wonder why it wasn't listed as YA.
I enjoyed the beginning, and I let myself think for a little while I could connect with the Amberlyn, who lost her mom to cancer after years of taking care of her.
Through an ante-mortem letter, her mom wishes for her to finally experience life, asking her to live all her dreams in the best place in the world, Ireland.
Declan O'Callaghan is our Whiskey Prince. Son of a famous distiller, whiskey runs in his veins and he is the next O'Callaghan in line to run the centuries old family business.
That is, unless he marries a woman quickly, his Da give him an ultimatum, to get married in 6 months or the business goes to his soon to be brother in law.
At this point, I still had hopes for this charming adventure, Amberlyn enjoying herself, working and meeting new people at the Céad Míle Fáilte, her Uncle and Aunt's pub. Declan following his quest to find the perfect woman... Both our heroes colliding... Epic and cute love story, immersion in Ireland, land of Saints and Scholars...
Well, I had to set my expectations down around 8 %.
When Declan's POV started, I was quickly ticked off by his americanisms. With only a few Irish brogue oddly placed here and there to remind us he is an Irishman.
His friend, Kane, sometimes after talking a perfectly american english, would throw out full on sentences :
So every now and then there was an Irish-ism stuck here for good measure.
It was hard for me to believe that Amberlyn had difficulties understanding simple Irish-isms or Irish brogue, both her deceased parents being from Ireland themselves.
Amberlyn and Declan as individuals were not doing it for me, but two eejits together was even harder for me to accept.
Brillants minds, they were not. There was this scene that made me woke up the whole house, I swear, I'm not trying to be mean but it was too funny not to share.
*They are at the pub with Declan and she tells him about her plan to have a tattoo. Of course, he has one too, and offers to show it to her, he strips off of his shirt, of course, she is amazed to see how perfect his upper body is... So the shoulder tattoo scene :
Off course she is! Touches of Pride and Prejudice are present in the book anyway, with the bad boy, Casey, accused of raping Declan's little sister, Lena. Rings any bells?
Amberlyn turned quickly from devastated by her mom's death to a 22 years old virgin and horny girl.
Firstly with Declan, who became quite a regular at the family pub, coming every afternoon for lunch and to have a pint, of course.
Then with Casey, the bad boy/possible rapist. Misguided by her cousin's comment that Declan is somehow already engaged, Amberlyn decides to go all fan-girling over Casey, in 30 secondes.
(Let's mention that everyone in Amberlyn's entourage- including Declan- was very well aware that Casey was a rapist, but nobody thought of warning the poor yank. And so she goes on planning a cosy date with him.) =S
Then with Declan again, and she literally told him the following.
But see, Declan is a real gentleman, all he dreams about is pure and... right. He wants to bang her alright.
The rest of the story didn't save it for me, the twist at the end finally reveals Casey as the big bad scum that he is. What a surprise...not.
So all in all, I can't say that I liked this story, I tried to like it, I wanted something light to read at night, and the promise of a love story between "a Prince and a poor girl" in a country full of possibilities and beauty had potential, but all I was left with was dull and tasteless.
I hope I didn't offend any Irish fellas, I just wanted to point out the many stereotypes this book is full with.
This review contains spoilers and RANT
I would like to start by saying I really enjoyed some of Toni Aleo's previous books, that's why I didn't think much before jumping on that one.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Unfortunately, although the blurb sounded interesting and appealing, it fell short pretty quickly. This novel is listed as NA, and truth to be told, both MCs are 22 years old, BUT were acting so much like high-schoolers I wonder why it wasn't listed as YA.
I enjoyed the beginning, and I let myself think for a little while I could connect with the Amberlyn, who lost her mom to cancer after years of taking care of her.
Through an ante-mortem letter, her mom wishes for her to finally experience life, asking her to live all her dreams in the best place in the world, Ireland.
I want you to live all your dreams, and I think Ireland is the best place to do that.
...I want you to try for me, but I also want you to stay there for you. I miss you. I love you. Please don’t let us hold you back from living the most amazing life possible.
Declan O'Callaghan is our Whiskey Prince. Son of a famous distiller, whiskey runs in his veins and he is the next O'Callaghan in line to run the centuries old family business.
That is, unless he marries a woman quickly, his Da give him an ultimatum, to get married in 6 months or the business goes to his soon to be brother in law.
At this point, I still had hopes for this charming adventure, Amberlyn enjoying herself, working and meeting new people at the Céad Míle Fáilte, her Uncle and Aunt's pub. Declan following his quest to find the perfect woman... Both our heroes colliding... Epic and cute love story, immersion in Ireland, land of Saints and Scholars...
Well, I had to set my expectations down around 8 %.
When Declan's POV started, I was quickly ticked off by his americanisms. With only a few Irish brogue oddly placed here and there to remind us he is an Irishman.
His friend, Kane, sometimes after talking a perfectly american english, would throw out full on sentences :
So every now and then there was an Irish-ism stuck here for good measure.
It was hard for me to believe that Amberlyn had difficulties understanding simple Irish-isms or Irish brogue, both her deceased parents being from Ireland themselves.
I look back at my cousin, Fiona, confused, and she shakes her head, a smile playing on her pouty lips.
“He plans on getting really drunk tonight,” she says in her just-as-thick Irish accent.
Amberlyn and Declan as individuals were not doing it for me, but two eejits together was even harder for me to accept.
Brillants minds, they were not. There was this scene that made me woke up the whole house, I swear, I'm not trying to be mean but it was too funny not to share.
*They are at the pub with Declan and she tells him about her plan to have a tattoo. Of course, he has one too, and offers to show it to her, he strips off of his shirt, of course, she is amazed to see how perfect his upper body is... So the shoulder tattoo scene :
First, I am so turned on that he loves history, that’s hot, and second, I love the way he says prince.
“Heck yeah! I love that kind of stuff. I’m reading Pride and Prejudice right now.”
Off course she is! Touches of Pride and Prejudice are present in the book anyway, with the bad boy, Casey, accused of raping Declan's little sister, Lena. Rings any bells?
Amberlyn turned quickly from devastated by her mom's death to a 22 years old virgin and horny girl.
Firstly with Declan, who became quite a regular at the family pub, coming every afternoon for lunch and to have a pint, of course.
Then with Casey, the bad boy/possible rapist. Misguided by her cousin's comment that Declan is somehow already engaged, Amberlyn decides to go all fan-girling over Casey, in 30 secondes.
...I can’t help but feel drawn to him, and I know he is bound to be a fun time.
...Because Casey Burke is a walking risk.
One I want to take
(Let's mention that everyone in Amberlyn's entourage- including Declan- was very well aware that Casey was a rapist, but nobody thought of warning the poor yank. And so she goes on planning a cosy date with him.) =S
Then with Declan again, and she literally told him the following.
But see, Declan is a real gentleman, all he dreams about is pure and... right. He wants to bang her alright.
...Amberlyn is special. She owns my heart and because I love her, you should do the same. If you can’t, then you don’t love me.
The rest of the story didn't save it for me, the twist at the end finally reveals Casey as the big bad scum that he is. What a surprise...not.
So all in all, I can't say that I liked this story, I tried to like it, I wanted something light to read at night, and the promise of a love story between "a Prince and a poor girl" in a country full of possibilities and beauty had potential, but all I was left with was dull and tasteless.
I hope I didn't offend any Irish fellas, I just wanted to point out the many stereotypes this book is full with.
July 30, 2014
4 Whiskey Colored Stars.
Take a risk.
Do something drastic.
Fall in love.
These were the advices Amber’s mother gave her when she died. Now, alone after taking care of her until her death she is fulfilling her mother’s wish and going back to Ireland for a year, to live with her aunt and only relative and find out more about her origins.
When she gets there she meets a prince. Well, not a real one but the heir to one of Ireland’s most famous whiskeys companies and when they meet their worlds collide.
But their story is far from being a fairytale.
Having received an ultimatum by his father, Declan aka “The Whiskey Prince” has a six months to get married to inherit the legacy of his family. The problem? He never fell in love before and he refuses to get married to someone he don’t love.
That all changes until he meets Amber. But how he will prove that he really wants her and she is not a mean to an end?
Rating: 4 Stars.
Storyline: I confess I was expecting something more “adult” so I was surprised to see that although the MC’s are in their early 20’s this is mainly YA. Sometimes I find myself thinking “I’m really too old for this!”. And the plot was a bit unrealistic, I mean, who does wedding ultimatums these days? But anyway, this was a sweet and endearing story that I loved to read.
Writing Style: First person. Dual POV. I always love the easy flow and the sweetness of Toni Aleo books. They’re low on angst, romantic, sweet and basically impossible to not love.
Character Development: Both Declan and Amber were sweet and easy to like, although slightly immature and with too much misunderstands between them. But I really liked them as a couple and it had good and strong supportive characters.
Steam: Meh.
HEA:
Take a risk.
Do something drastic.
Fall in love.
These were the advices Amber’s mother gave her when she died. Now, alone after taking care of her until her death she is fulfilling her mother’s wish and going back to Ireland for a year, to live with her aunt and only relative and find out more about her origins.
When she gets there she meets a prince. Well, not a real one but the heir to one of Ireland’s most famous whiskeys companies and when they meet their worlds collide.
But their story is far from being a fairytale.
Having received an ultimatum by his father, Declan aka “The Whiskey Prince” has a six months to get married to inherit the legacy of his family. The problem? He never fell in love before and he refuses to get married to someone he don’t love.
That all changes until he meets Amber. But how he will prove that he really wants her and she is not a mean to an end?
Rating: 4 Stars.
Storyline: I confess I was expecting something more “adult” so I was surprised to see that although the MC’s are in their early 20’s this is mainly YA. Sometimes I find myself thinking “I’m really too old for this!”. And the plot was a bit unrealistic, I mean, who does wedding ultimatums these days? But anyway, this was a sweet and endearing story that I loved to read.
Writing Style: First person. Dual POV. I always love the easy flow and the sweetness of Toni Aleo books. They’re low on angst, romantic, sweet and basically impossible to not love.
Character Development: Both Declan and Amber were sweet and easy to like, although slightly immature and with too much misunderstands between them. But I really liked them as a couple and it had good and strong supportive characters.
Steam: Meh.
HEA:
February 17, 2015
♧.Love.Passion.Life.Drastic.Risks.Ireland.Whiskey.♧
Ooh! I loved this!!
#Declan I ♥♧ you!
The Whiskey Prince was a fresh overture away from Toni Aleo's patented hockey themed series, the Assassins.
In this, we follow a girl with the weight of the world on her shoulders and battling the loss of both parents.
Now, at a crossroads, Amberlyn Reilly later receives a letter from her mother (before she passed) challenging her to take a risk and start over in her father’s homeland, Ireland.
Amberlynn reluctantly agrees and journeys to The Emerald Isle to stay with her aunt and uncle while working at their pub, Céad Míle Fáilte, alongside her exuberant and opinionated cousin Fiona.
All is good and then she meets him♥♧: Declan O’Callaghan, a.k.a "The Whiskey Prince", the infamous and reclusive heir to the O’Callaghan whiskey distillery.
“Focus! Imagine that Declan is Justin Timberlake. That is how big he is here. Maybe even bigger.” ~Fiona
“Cause you’re the 'Whiskey Prince.' I mean, I don’t get it, you’re just a regular guy to me, but apparently, to my family. You are the Michael Jackson of Ireland.” ~ Amberlynn to Declan
So Declan.♧ Born with a silver spoon in his mouth, Declan has everything a young lad could want: looks, wealth, charm, and women. However, what he does not have is trust and after an act of betrayal cripples it, he becomes a hermit who keeps to himself and out of the public eye.
But, in order for him to inherit his family’s business and to become king of his castle, he needs a queen and is given only six months to find one. After all:
Sounds logical, right?
But not to worry! In comes Amberlynn (to the rescue) after Declan spots her across the lake and he becomes instantly smitten with her.
“I watch her for another minute as Kane chuckles beside me. I have the urge to know her…I want to know why she is here and not back in America. I want to know everything but most of all, I want to find out what color her eyes are and get lost in them. I want to learn her name and then whisper before dropping my lips to hers. I want, no, I need, to know her.”
Soon, the two find themselves growing closer and down a path that neither had expected. With a connection so strong and a chemistry so sizzling, with Amberlynn’s broken heart on the mend and his parents’ objections towards her, can he make the love of his life feel whole again AND gain ownership over the family business? Not to mention, when Amberlynn finds out about Declan’s pending marriage betrothal, how will she take it? Will she stay with Declan in Ireland? Or will she run all the way back to America? Read and you will find out!
“And I’ll be here to help you find the pieces to put you back together.”
--Aww!
↑ ↑ ↑ SO, WITH ALL THAT SAID... ↑ ↑ ↑
I will end my review with a traditional Irish (and Scottish) song often sung at the end of gathering of friends. I had originally heard this song when it was sung by Celtic Woman and then another version (which is my favorite) by Ed Sheeran. In The Whiskey Prince, this song is a nostalgic memoir for Amberlyn and her deceased parents as it is their 'special song' to each other and in a sense, links her back to her Irish roots.♧♧
♫♫
♫♫##A lovely, Lovely read!
April 29, 2014
All done! LOVE IT SO MUCH! Cover reveal is May 30th!!
August 7, 2017
Whiskey Prince is my first read by Toni Aleo. I’ve read some amazing things about her books, so I was excited to read a book by her. This book won’t be my last. It was sweet, emotional and beautiful.
Amberlyn just lost her mother after losing her father a few years ago. She moves to Ireland and she hopes for a new beginning. She will live with her aunt and she’ll work in her aunt’s pub with her niece. One day, Amberlyn meets Declan. Declan’s family is famous at the town. Declan has been hiding at his home, because he hates the stares and gossip. He immediately likes Amberlyn and she is worth it leaving his home. He goes to the pub every day, just to be with her.
Declan is very passionate about whiskey. He dreams about owning the family company and finally produce the whiskeys he has invented. There is only one thing he needs to do to make that happen and Amberlyn can help him with that. He loves the way Amberlyn is with him. She’s different.
Amberlyn gave up a lot to take care of her mother, but she didn’t mind it because she loved her very much. She was her everything and she’s devastated that she has no one anymore. Amberlyn never had a relationship and she didn’t have any friends. I’m so happy that she has friends now and that she found Declan. Amberlyn is sweet, nice, insecure and caring.
I adored Amberlyn and Declan, and I adored them together. Amberlyn and Declan fall hard and fast for each other, but they don’t get together immediately. They always have a great time together. They are perfect for each other. They share some hot kisses, but they didn’t do anything more in this book.
Whiskey Prince is the first part of Amberlyn and Declan’s love story, but it does end with a HFN. It ends beautifully, but not everything is completely solved. I think I’ll read Becoming the Whiskey Princess one day, but probably not soon.
Amberlyn just lost her mother after losing her father a few years ago. She moves to Ireland and she hopes for a new beginning. She will live with her aunt and she’ll work in her aunt’s pub with her niece. One day, Amberlyn meets Declan. Declan’s family is famous at the town. Declan has been hiding at his home, because he hates the stares and gossip. He immediately likes Amberlyn and she is worth it leaving his home. He goes to the pub every day, just to be with her.
Declan is very passionate about whiskey. He dreams about owning the family company and finally produce the whiskeys he has invented. There is only one thing he needs to do to make that happen and Amberlyn can help him with that. He loves the way Amberlyn is with him. She’s different.
Amberlyn gave up a lot to take care of her mother, but she didn’t mind it because she loved her very much. She was her everything and she’s devastated that she has no one anymore. Amberlyn never had a relationship and she didn’t have any friends. I’m so happy that she has friends now and that she found Declan. Amberlyn is sweet, nice, insecure and caring.
I adored Amberlyn and Declan, and I adored them together. Amberlyn and Declan fall hard and fast for each other, but they don’t get together immediately. They always have a great time together. They are perfect for each other. They share some hot kisses, but they didn’t do anything more in this book.
Whiskey Prince is the first part of Amberlyn and Declan’s love story, but it does end with a HFN. It ends beautifully, but not everything is completely solved. I think I’ll read Becoming the Whiskey Princess one day, but probably not soon.
July 15, 2014
I can’t say I’m disappointed entirely with this one, because it was a good read, but reading the blurb I was just expecting something else, a more mature story maybe. I don’t want to give anything away about the plot, so this will be short.
This was not my first time reading something from this author, so I knew the writing will be a good, and it was.
First, I like the setting of this story - Ireland. It was my first book with this setting and it was something else, something new, something refreshing.
I like the beginning and it looked promising, but after a few chapters, it started to drag a little and the story became a little too slow for my taste...this for a while. The main characters are decent developed but I didn’t connect with them at all.
I enjoyed the banter between MC, their sweet moments together, but I felt it wasn't enough, something was missing. The MC’s relationship progressed too slow and everything was repetitive somehow. I like them both, but I can’t say I loved them. For me were forgettable! The twist in the end was nothing new and I found the end of the story very predictable.
Overall I liked it, but I don’t know if I will read more about Amberlyn and Declan..
Want to read
January 11, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (1/11/2018)! 💝
Blurb:
Take a risk.
Do something drastic.
Fall in love.
When Amberlyn Reilly loses her mother, her whole world comes crashing down. Having been caretaker to her for most of her teenage years, Amberlyn is inexperienced in many aspects of life. She hasn’t had time to live, have fun, or enjoy even the little things. It’s only when a letter from her mother, asking her to fulfill three things, sends her off to Ireland to live a life she never thought possible that she begins to heal.
Declan O’Callaghan was born and raised in Ireland and has his family’s legendary whiskey in his veins. He’s shy and not a fan of the pressure and spotlight that comes with his family name, or the title he was given at birth—the Whiskey Prince. Declan knows just what he wants and that is to take over the family dynasty, but when his father gives him an ultimatum, everything he’s worked for could come undone in the blink of an eye.
With six months to get married, the reclusive Declan spots Amberlyn across a lake and instantly feels the need to know her. Soon, the two find themselves traveling down a path neither expected. However, like any road, there are bumps and side streets to derail them. Can Declan help find the pieces that will make Amberlyn whole again? And will Amberlyn stay or run when she learns of Declan’s deadline of marriage?
Blurb:
Take a risk.
Do something drastic.
Fall in love.
When Amberlyn Reilly loses her mother, her whole world comes crashing down. Having been caretaker to her for most of her teenage years, Amberlyn is inexperienced in many aspects of life. She hasn’t had time to live, have fun, or enjoy even the little things. It’s only when a letter from her mother, asking her to fulfill three things, sends her off to Ireland to live a life she never thought possible that she begins to heal.
Declan O’Callaghan was born and raised in Ireland and has his family’s legendary whiskey in his veins. He’s shy and not a fan of the pressure and spotlight that comes with his family name, or the title he was given at birth—the Whiskey Prince. Declan knows just what he wants and that is to take over the family dynasty, but when his father gives him an ultimatum, everything he’s worked for could come undone in the blink of an eye.
With six months to get married, the reclusive Declan spots Amberlyn across a lake and instantly feels the need to know her. Soon, the two find themselves traveling down a path neither expected. However, like any road, there are bumps and side streets to derail them. Can Declan help find the pieces that will make Amberlyn whole again? And will Amberlyn stay or run when she learns of Declan’s deadline of marriage?
do-not-finished
December 27, 2018DNF @21%.
I don’t really think Toni Aleo wrote this book. I liked plenty of her books before. This one seems like a teenager wrote about her fantasies. MCs in their 20’s but they sound very 13 -ish years old. I was going to read a couple of more chapters to see if it could improve. But I am already too annoyed with heroine. Immature, childish, 21 years old going 13, not a single sign of growth after 2 traumatic experiences. She was always taking about how she gave up “fun” for taking care of her mother fighting cancer. She wasn’t selfless at all. It feels like she wanted a Nobel Prize for being so “good”. It was more about what she missed than about her being a good caring person. Besides, miscommunication: heroine could have asked if he had a promised bride (lmao) if he was engaged, but you know in this books.. so she was already attracted to him but in a blink of an eye another guy showed up and she was already in lust with this other guy. Flimsy, dumb and unreliable.
A bad heroine destroys the whole book for me.
All these reviews say it all.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I don’t really think Toni Aleo wrote this book. I liked plenty of her books before. This one seems like a teenager wrote about her fantasies. MCs in their 20’s but they sound very 13 -ish years old. I was going to read a couple of more chapters to see if it could improve. But I am already too annoyed with heroine. Immature, childish, 21 years old going 13, not a single sign of growth after 2 traumatic experiences. She was always taking about how she gave up “fun” for taking care of her mother fighting cancer. She wasn’t selfless at all. It feels like she wanted a Nobel Prize for being so “good”. It was more about what she missed than about her being a good caring person. Besides, miscommunication: heroine could have asked if he had a promised bride (lmao) if he was engaged, but you know in this books.. so she was already attracted to him but in a blink of an eye another guy showed up and she was already in lust with this other guy. Flimsy, dumb and unreliable.
A bad heroine destroys the whole book for me.
All these reviews say it all.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
July 19, 2014
with all the hype surrounding this book, i really was expecting something way more amazing. this was just okay. as is the trend for me nowadays, i found the first chapter to mindblowing, earth-shattering, and then it just went downhill from there. the first few words have the power to either make or break a book; this was the make-it kind, but then mehh. the characters were good enough, but they had the potential to be so much more. very low angst - there might have been, but i didn't feel it. just because you write about characters in their 20s, the book doesn't instantly become NA. this was pure and simple YA through and through. the most action you see in this book is a handjob, i think. (it's now been two days since i read it, and i can't even remember it) and that thing that happened at the end? that was the easy - and perhaps cowardly - way out. that shit does not fly well with me. just waaaaay too simplistic. oh well, i'm intrigued enough to read the next book even though i already can guess pretty much everything that will happen there.
June 3, 2014
[image error]
I loved this book! It was such a fun read!
I loved the setting - Ireland. The characters - Declan & Amberlyn - gave a great story. I enjoyed the sub characters just as much. You can feel the feelings in this book... and I wanted every moment to last longer.
Ms. Aleo did it again... as always!
I loved this book! It was such a fun read!
I loved the setting - Ireland. The characters - Declan & Amberlyn - gave a great story. I enjoyed the sub characters just as much. You can feel the feelings in this book... and I wanted every moment to last longer.
Ms. Aleo did it again... as always!
January 30, 2018
I loved the premise of this story and grabbed it right away. I finally had an opportunity to read it. I loved when Amberlyn and Declan were in the same scene. Even though he's the Whisky Prince of Ireland, she treats him like a regular guy. While it's a touching sweet romance, the drama is WAY over the top. Too much drama for me and that's the honest truth. Disappointing because I loved the whole whisky sub-plot.
My Rating: 3 stars
My Rating: 3 stars
July 24, 2014
*ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
Title:Whiskey Prince
Series:Taking Risks #1
Author:Toni Aleo
Release Date: July 12, 2014
Rating:3.5 stars
Cliffhanger:No
HEA:
3.5 stars
When I think about how to describe this book one word keeps coming to mind every time:
Fairytale.
This word, above all others is the overall feel of the book. As well as, sweet, clean, and romantic. This is my first Toni Aleo book and while it was a little different than what I was expecting it to be, I thought it was written well and it was a fun read with a small bit of angst and some deep reflections thrown in. I found that the author found a way to balance the sadness and introspection with Amberlyn's positive and free spirited outlook on life. She's feeling lost, lonely, and without purpose, but she doesn't wallow in it. She picks herself up and chooses to move forward.
I have never just lived, and this is my chance. My chance to be me-Amberlyn Reilly. Not sure who that is, but I am excited to get to know her.
She focuses on honoring her mother's last wishes and finding happiness and turning a new page in her life. This is why she decides to move to Ireland for a year and seek adventure, hope, and new life experiences.
Declan is the town's "Whiskey Prince". He's a mini celebrity because his family has been in the Whiskey business for generations and produces one of the highest quality brands in the country. His family is scrutinized by the media and his family places a high importance on marriage. In fact, being married and running the business go hand in hand and at 21, Declan is behind everyone else as he's not even close to getting engaged. With his parents pressuring him to find someone immediately, or else he will lose his place with a future in the company, he decides then and there that he will do anything to keep from losing his dream. Even though the last thing he wants is a life connected to someone he has no true feelings or passion for.
It isn't easy being the Whiskey Prince. Not only does it draw attention to me, but it seems like everyone wants something from me.
I'm actually surprised how much I liked Declan. He's a lot different than the heroes I've been reading lately. He's a shy guy and pretty unsure of himself in the beginning. He's been sheltered and hasn't interacted much with people because of the intense scrutiny of the public that makes him uncomfortable. But after he pushes himself to face his fears, he was super sweet and quite the romantic guy. It's really nice for a change to read a hero that's not dominant, alpha, or controlling. He was just a regular guy trying to break out of the mold everyone's put him in and he was completely loving, adorable, and charming. He was also supportive in every way and very protective of her.
"This happens sometimes. I just lose it."
"And I'll be here to help you find the pieces and put you back together," I promise.
While I didn't love this book, I did like it. It's freshness and uplifting story grabbed my attention. It's lack of steam left a little something missing for me, but I'm a true romantic at heart and endearing characters and the lush setting were able to redeem the story for the most part. It was a true coming of age story about self discovery and a romantic love with two people who truly seem to be meant for each other. I will happily pick up the next book. While this doesn't end in a cliffhanger, there is more to the story to be told and I won't mind spending a little more time with this couple in the future.
FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON:
Title:Whiskey Prince
Series:Taking Risks #1
Author:Toni Aleo
Release Date: July 12, 2014
Rating:3.5 stars
Cliffhanger:No
HEA:
3.5 stars
When I think about how to describe this book one word keeps coming to mind every time:
Fairytale.
This word, above all others is the overall feel of the book. As well as, sweet, clean, and romantic. This is my first Toni Aleo book and while it was a little different than what I was expecting it to be, I thought it was written well and it was a fun read with a small bit of angst and some deep reflections thrown in. I found that the author found a way to balance the sadness and introspection with Amberlyn's positive and free spirited outlook on life. She's feeling lost, lonely, and without purpose, but she doesn't wallow in it. She picks herself up and chooses to move forward.
I have never just lived, and this is my chance. My chance to be me-Amberlyn Reilly. Not sure who that is, but I am excited to get to know her.
She focuses on honoring her mother's last wishes and finding happiness and turning a new page in her life. This is why she decides to move to Ireland for a year and seek adventure, hope, and new life experiences.
Declan is the town's "Whiskey Prince". He's a mini celebrity because his family has been in the Whiskey business for generations and produces one of the highest quality brands in the country. His family is scrutinized by the media and his family places a high importance on marriage. In fact, being married and running the business go hand in hand and at 21, Declan is behind everyone else as he's not even close to getting engaged. With his parents pressuring him to find someone immediately, or else he will lose his place with a future in the company, he decides then and there that he will do anything to keep from losing his dream. Even though the last thing he wants is a life connected to someone he has no true feelings or passion for.
It isn't easy being the Whiskey Prince. Not only does it draw attention to me, but it seems like everyone wants something from me.
I'm actually surprised how much I liked Declan. He's a lot different than the heroes I've been reading lately. He's a shy guy and pretty unsure of himself in the beginning. He's been sheltered and hasn't interacted much with people because of the intense scrutiny of the public that makes him uncomfortable. But after he pushes himself to face his fears, he was super sweet and quite the romantic guy. It's really nice for a change to read a hero that's not dominant, alpha, or controlling. He was just a regular guy trying to break out of the mold everyone's put him in and he was completely loving, adorable, and charming. He was also supportive in every way and very protective of her.
"This happens sometimes. I just lose it."
"And I'll be here to help you find the pieces and put you back together," I promise.
While I didn't love this book, I did like it. It's freshness and uplifting story grabbed my attention. It's lack of steam left a little something missing for me, but I'm a true romantic at heart and endearing characters and the lush setting were able to redeem the story for the most part. It was a true coming of age story about self discovery and a romantic love with two people who truly seem to be meant for each other. I will happily pick up the next book. While this doesn't end in a cliffhanger, there is more to the story to be told and I won't mind spending a little more time with this couple in the future.
FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON:
Want to read
May 30, 2014 I love the sound of this standalone!!
Take a risk.
Do something drastic.
Fall in love.
When Amberlyn Reilly loses her mother, her whole world comes crashing down. Having been caretaker to her for most of her teenage years, Amberlyn is inexperienced in many aspects of life. She hasn’t had time to live, have fun, or enjoy even the little things. It’s only when a letter from her mother, asking her to fulfill three things, sends her off to Ireland to live a life she never thought possible that she begins to heal.
Declan O’Callaghan was born and raised in Ireland and has his family’s legendary whiskey in his veins. He’s shy and not a fan of the pressure and spotlight that comes with his family name, or the title he was given at birth—the Whiskey Prince. Declan knows just what he wants and that is to take over the family dynasty, but when his father gives him an ultimatum, everything he’s worked for could come undone in the blink of an eye.
With six months to get married, the reclusive Declan spots Amberlyn across a lake and instantly feels the need to know her. Soon, the two find themselves traveling down a path neither expected. However, like any road, there are bumps and side streets to derail them. Can Declan help find the pieces that will make Amberlyn whole again? And will Amberlyn stay or run when she learns of Declan’s deadline of marriage?
RELEASE DATE: JULY 10, 2014
Take a risk.
Do something drastic.
Fall in love.
When Amberlyn Reilly loses her mother, her whole world comes crashing down. Having been caretaker to her for most of her teenage years, Amberlyn is inexperienced in many aspects of life. She hasn’t had time to live, have fun, or enjoy even the little things. It’s only when a letter from her mother, asking her to fulfill three things, sends her off to Ireland to live a life she never thought possible that she begins to heal.
Declan O’Callaghan was born and raised in Ireland and has his family’s legendary whiskey in his veins. He’s shy and not a fan of the pressure and spotlight that comes with his family name, or the title he was given at birth—the Whiskey Prince. Declan knows just what he wants and that is to take over the family dynasty, but when his father gives him an ultimatum, everything he’s worked for could come undone in the blink of an eye.
With six months to get married, the reclusive Declan spots Amberlyn across a lake and instantly feels the need to know her. Soon, the two find themselves traveling down a path neither expected. However, like any road, there are bumps and side streets to derail them. Can Declan help find the pieces that will make Amberlyn whole again? And will Amberlyn stay or run when she learns of Declan’s deadline of marriage?
RELEASE DATE: JULY 10, 2014
June 20, 2018
Of course I couldn't resist rereading Declan's and Amberlyn's story after reading Whiskey Rebellion.
I had forgotten what a great guy Declan is, how he knew from the start that Amberlyn is his forever and pursued her relentlesly.
I loved their story equally this second time...
I had forgotten what a great guy Declan is, how he knew from the start that Amberlyn is his forever and pursued her relentlesly.
I loved their story equally this second time...
May 13, 2015
DNF 37%
I fecken hated this book and thats saying a lot A. I don't normally hate any book and B. I love Toni Aleo! I have read all her books and love them. But this book was awful. I'm Irish and live in Dublin and I know of NO-ONE who speaks like Declan it was just so unrealistic and maybe that's the way she was going with this but it didn't work for me!
I wont be reading anymore from this series.
Oh and another thing, no one in Ireland is stupid enough to drink and drive not even one whiskey as it will have you over the limit to drive. This WRECKED my head.
I fecken hated this book and thats saying a lot A. I don't normally hate any book and B. I love Toni Aleo! I have read all her books and love them. But this book was awful. I'm Irish and live in Dublin and I know of NO-ONE who speaks like Declan it was just so unrealistic and maybe that's the way she was going with this but it didn't work for me!
I wont be reading anymore from this series.
Oh and another thing, no one in Ireland is stupid enough to drink and drive not even one whiskey as it will have you over the limit to drive. This WRECKED my head.
March 1, 2015
I was really enjoying it but then I thought the ending took a rather over dramatic turn.
July 15, 2014
A decent read, but ultimately not for me as too many things bugged me:
The bad guy never feels really bad...like I kept thinking the mc's were going to find out they were wrong about him and the bad guy was someone else, someone truly evil...this bad guy sorta feels half assed.
Also the heroine gets chummy with the bad guy ( she doesn't know he's bad) , and everyone else takes way too long to tell her why he's bad. And these people are supposed to care about her! Seriously? He's suspected of rape, and you don't think that's come thing you want to mention ASAP?!
Also there were a couple continuity issues, and bits where we're told not shown something...like the hero says he comes from a lovng family which was hard to believe because they never seem all that close. The hero gets annoyed when he talks with his sis and his ma, and pissed off when he talks to his da. there's no camaraderie filled moments so it's hard to buy that they even like each other all that much (well until the end where there's a few sentences showing how much they care...for me though, it was too late and felt tacked on)
Oh and the hero's a total beta...there's a couple moments when it seems like the author tried to make him an alpha but they just didn't work. I'm not opposed to well written beta heroes, but I have to be honest, this guy bored me a bit. He was sweet yes, which I liked, but then he wouldn't take action when I wanted him to, so he was irritating as well.
Also they're technically new adults ( the H is 22) but they mostly come off as much older but get treated as mush younger by all parents/older adults.
There's references to as well as shades of pride and prejudice in this, like the bad guy going after the H's little sis ( can you say Wickham wannabe?) this didn't bother me so much, as I like p&p I but maybe its because, like I said before, the bad guy wasn't drawn as bad as he should've been, so while Wickham was very definitely a douche this guys bad guy vibes weren't clear until the final pages of the story.
Also the heroine mentions quite a few times how she gladly gave up all semblance of having a life ( while she was in high school) to take care of her sick mother...so often that it started to feel like she was bragging about what a kind, loving dutiful daughter she was. If someone else has mentioned it I may have not been as annoyed, but because she kept saying it about herself it comes off as self-aggrandizing.
Also the climax of the story sorta came outta nowhere... Like Ms Aleo thought she needed to end her story with a bang and threw it in... But Honestly it left me more bewildered than shocked.
So yeah, there were a few too many things that bugged me, so I can't say I really liked this, but I didn't hate it and I did finish it ( and keep in kind just because it bothered me doesn't mean the same stuff will bother you). And I think Toni Aleo has potential, but needs some polishing. So 2.5 stars ( 2 for the story and .5 for all the irish-isms :D
March 20, 2014
LOVED IT! This is one of my faves from Toni! Loved these characters and wow! Declan, the sweet and shy Irishmen, hot! Amberlyn is just... such a great female character. Both will leave a mark. Full review to follow closer to the release date.
June 8, 2018
The plot sounded interesting and the first chapters were. I was especially intrigued by the idea that everybody of the O'Callaghan family married so young and I expected parents in their forties, but I was was wrong.
My pet peeve are inconsistent timelines and there were a couple:
Declan is 22, his father married aged 19, his grandda aged 18, so I would expect the father to be in his early forties, the grandfather in his sixties. But apparently siring the heir to the whiskey dynasty was difficult and took about 15 years as the father is already in his late fifties. Do the maths: he was aroung 35 when Declan was born. So is that why he insists on his son marrying young, to be virile to beget an heir?
I suppose the White ball took place in the evening
Dear author, when you set a novel in a foreign country you should either know that country well or have a very good editor to help and correct with language, habits, customs, terms.
A public school in the US is a grammar school or secondary school in Ireland and GB, whereas a public school in those countries is a very exclusive boarding school. So his friend Kane would not have been with him.
The language seemed off as well, although I am German and am not experienced with Irish-English.
A good editor could have helped with grammatical, orthographic and stylistic errors. As it is this book has immature writing and does not tempt me to read the sequel.
My pet peeve are inconsistent timelines and there were a couple:
Declan is 22, his father married aged 19, his grandda aged 18, so I would expect the father to be in his early forties, the grandfather in his sixties. But apparently siring the heir to the whiskey dynasty was difficult and took about 15 years as the father is already in his late fifties. Do the maths: he was aroung 35 when Declan was born. So is that why he insists on his son marrying young, to be virile to beget an heir?
I suppose the White ball took place in the evening
Dear author, when you set a novel in a foreign country you should either know that country well or have a very good editor to help and correct with language, habits, customs, terms.
A public school in the US is a grammar school or secondary school in Ireland and GB, whereas a public school in those countries is a very exclusive boarding school. So his friend Kane would not have been with him.
The language seemed off as well, although I am German and am not experienced with Irish-English.
A good editor could have helped with grammatical, orthographic and stylistic errors. As it is this book has immature writing and does not tempt me to read the sequel.
September 7, 2014
I love Toni Aleo!! However...I am Irish and I live in Ireland (sunny south east, 40 minutes from Dublin) so I feel quite right in saying that this book is a little heavy on stereotypes and IMO unfavourable ones that just aren't true!! This book is not very representative of Ireland and its culture in 2014.
Most readers wont care at all since this is fiction from a great author but for me its a 1.5...sorry.
Most readers wont care at all since this is fiction from a great author but for me its a 1.5...sorry.
August 25, 2018
Easy and fast reading
July 21, 2014
Review to come...
June 16, 2014
I received an ARC copy and was able to publish a review.
Toni Aleo draws readers in from the very first sentence. It's simple and yet conveys so much. Then Amberlyn continues on telling her story and you can't help but feel an immediate connection with her and find yourself sympathizing for her. Everyone can sympathize with Amberlyn even if they haven't experienced loss of such magnitude as Amberlyn. People still understand the feeling and can connect with the pain that Amberlyn is feeling as she struggles to find a way to move on. But it's also remarkable that Amberlyn has sacrificed so much and yet feels no bitterness. Feel a pride in her for being able to do that at such a young age.
Throughout The Whiskey Prince we are shown several emotional scenes and it's hard for the reader not to feel the emotions of the characters. I found myself reading this book with an almost permanent happy grin on my face. But there were a few times where I just had to let myself cry even as I continued reading.
If you enjoyed the movie P.S. I Love You, than I think you'll feel somewhat of a connection here. There seemed to be a similar situation to the plot of that movie but it also didn't follow the same path as P.S. I Love You. The two were similar in the way that her mother leaves two letters for her but that seems to be where the similarities end besides the grief that both characters feel and work through.
Then there's Declan. Throughout the entire book I can almost hear his Irish Brogue and I found myself cursing Toni. Mostly because she keeps creating these characters that I can't help but take as Book boyfriends and no real guy could ever compare to the sweet, touching characters that Toni has created(at least I haven't met one yet.) But he's also different from many of Toni's characters. For example, he's not as confident or outgoing as many of the Assassin's series characters seem to be. It was a refreshing change and I'm really glad that I was able to get an ARC copy of The Whiskey Prince.
Throughout The Whiskey Prince, the characters almost seem to be interacting with the readers at certain times. It was great! And it made the reader feel even more into this book.
I loved the interaction between characters as well. It could be frustrated, or funny, but it always felt real. I especially looked forward to the interaction of the two families with each other. The family dynamics were fun to read and get involved in.
There was also an unexpected twist that I certainly didn't seem coming. I found myself begging for the book not to end so that I would be able to find out if everyone was okay and that everything was going to work out. Although there was still enough of a cliffhanger left to lead into the next book in the series.
Okay, guys I seriously need to stop reading books that are in series' that are still being released. It's just painful to have to wait! But then I probably wouldn't find all these amazing books and authors so on the other hand, never mind. Ignore that first sentence.
Toni Aleo has created another masterpiece and I look forward to future books! Oh, and The Whiskey Prince is being released on July 14th, 2014.
Find this review and many more on Reading Shy With Aly
Toni Aleo draws readers in from the very first sentence. It's simple and yet conveys so much. Then Amberlyn continues on telling her story and you can't help but feel an immediate connection with her and find yourself sympathizing for her. Everyone can sympathize with Amberlyn even if they haven't experienced loss of such magnitude as Amberlyn. People still understand the feeling and can connect with the pain that Amberlyn is feeling as she struggles to find a way to move on. But it's also remarkable that Amberlyn has sacrificed so much and yet feels no bitterness. Feel a pride in her for being able to do that at such a young age.
Throughout The Whiskey Prince we are shown several emotional scenes and it's hard for the reader not to feel the emotions of the characters. I found myself reading this book with an almost permanent happy grin on my face. But there were a few times where I just had to let myself cry even as I continued reading.
If you enjoyed the movie P.S. I Love You, than I think you'll feel somewhat of a connection here. There seemed to be a similar situation to the plot of that movie but it also didn't follow the same path as P.S. I Love You. The two were similar in the way that her mother leaves two letters for her but that seems to be where the similarities end besides the grief that both characters feel and work through.
Then there's Declan. Throughout the entire book I can almost hear his Irish Brogue and I found myself cursing Toni. Mostly because she keeps creating these characters that I can't help but take as Book boyfriends and no real guy could ever compare to the sweet, touching characters that Toni has created(at least I haven't met one yet.) But he's also different from many of Toni's characters. For example, he's not as confident or outgoing as many of the Assassin's series characters seem to be. It was a refreshing change and I'm really glad that I was able to get an ARC copy of The Whiskey Prince.
Throughout The Whiskey Prince, the characters almost seem to be interacting with the readers at certain times. It was great! And it made the reader feel even more into this book.
I loved the interaction between characters as well. It could be frustrated, or funny, but it always felt real. I especially looked forward to the interaction of the two families with each other. The family dynamics were fun to read and get involved in.
There was also an unexpected twist that I certainly didn't seem coming. I found myself begging for the book not to end so that I would be able to find out if everyone was okay and that everything was going to work out. Although there was still enough of a cliffhanger left to lead into the next book in the series.
Okay, guys I seriously need to stop reading books that are in series' that are still being released. It's just painful to have to wait! But then I probably wouldn't find all these amazing books and authors so on the other hand, never mind. Ignore that first sentence.
Toni Aleo has created another masterpiece and I look forward to future books! Oh, and The Whiskey Prince is being released on July 14th, 2014.
Find this review and many more on Reading Shy With Aly
August 15, 2014
I think Whiskey Prince is a nice book when I feel like I want to go somewhere else in between my works. It's an easy-light reading and is quite a page-turner book.
I liked that Amberlyn is willing to take a chance of what her mom wanted her to do. Despite she lives in a new place with people she barely knows, she seems enjoying her new life. Declan, as a hero is so sweet, gentle, understanding and all, the kind that make me swoon. Both of them are avid readers. I always love characters who love reading. They treasure books. They even love books I love.
In theory, I must fall in love with them, instantly. In reality, it was quite hard for me to connect with them. Both of them claim that they are shy, I for one didn't feel they shyness. Declan has problem meeting new people, he prefers to spend his time in his work at his soon-to-be land. Kane, Declan's bestfriend says that he's a hermit since he rarely mingles with people. He blames it to his shyness while I think he's nervous and is uncomfortable with people whom he doesn't know. I also couldn't grasp the idea that he's so famous, though he and other characters keep talking that people get silent and stare at him when he's around, journalists are watching him and taking his pictures and all that stuff that usually come to famous people. Amberlyn also says she's a shy girl while to me she seems confident enough to flirt with all of B&B customers. She also doesn't need time to befriend with anybody. If she thinks she's shy, then she hides it well.
Although the story is so predictable, the (sort of) Pride and Prejudice plot made me keep reading it. And Amberlyn and Declan relationship is so sweet. I think it supposed to make me have aww moments and swoon over they sweet talk about each other. At first, I liked it. They are indeed a cute couple but then it felt too much. Too much flowery words, too much compliments, too much cheesiness.
And the result is cringing, rolling my eyes and feeling like I want to gag. There is one particular word that they use so many times I thought I won't believe they are sincere when they say it. Beautiful.
Basically most of things are beautiful in this book. Declan and Amberlyn’s body; hair; eyes; lips; legs; each of their body part are beautiful. Their town is beautiful, her aunt house is beautiful, his horse is beautiful. Everything is beautiful. To sum it up they mentioned 102 beautiful things along the story.
In the end, I didn't quite like it as much as I thought I will when I picked it up. But I won't say that it wasn't an enjoyable book. It has enjoyable moments and was quite engaging in first part of the book. I guess it was an okay book, then.
I liked that Amberlyn is willing to take a chance of what her mom wanted her to do. Despite she lives in a new place with people she barely knows, she seems enjoying her new life. Declan, as a hero is so sweet, gentle, understanding and all, the kind that make me swoon. Both of them are avid readers. I always love characters who love reading. They treasure books. They even love books I love.
In theory, I must fall in love with them, instantly. In reality, it was quite hard for me to connect with them. Both of them claim that they are shy, I for one didn't feel they shyness. Declan has problem meeting new people, he prefers to spend his time in his work at his soon-to-be land. Kane, Declan's bestfriend says that he's a hermit since he rarely mingles with people. He blames it to his shyness while I think he's nervous and is uncomfortable with people whom he doesn't know. I also couldn't grasp the idea that he's so famous, though he and other characters keep talking that people get silent and stare at him when he's around, journalists are watching him and taking his pictures and all that stuff that usually come to famous people. Amberlyn also says she's a shy girl while to me she seems confident enough to flirt with all of B&B customers. She also doesn't need time to befriend with anybody. If she thinks she's shy, then she hides it well.
Although the story is so predictable, the (sort of) Pride and Prejudice plot made me keep reading it. And Amberlyn and Declan relationship is so sweet. I think it supposed to make me have aww moments and swoon over they sweet talk about each other. At first, I liked it. They are indeed a cute couple but then it felt too much. Too much flowery words, too much compliments, too much cheesiness.
And the result is cringing, rolling my eyes and feeling like I want to gag. There is one particular word that they use so many times I thought I won't believe they are sincere when they say it. Beautiful.
A beautiful, ranch-style home is one of six that surround a large lake.
She is magnificent,beautiful, and I wish like hell I knew what color her eyes are.
“Yeah, you know, a lot of our beautiful town is full of women like that.”
[…]to get lost in a good book on a beautiful summer day.
God, he has beautiful lips, and I swear his eyes are darker than normal again.
Dropping my hand from the beautiful horse, I turn and make my way to the field.
Basically most of things are beautiful in this book. Declan and Amberlyn’s body; hair; eyes; lips; legs; each of their body part are beautiful. Their town is beautiful, her aunt house is beautiful, his horse is beautiful. Everything is beautiful. To sum it up they mentioned 102 beautiful things along the story.
In the end, I didn't quite like it as much as I thought I will when I picked it up. But I won't say that it wasn't an enjoyable book. It has enjoyable moments and was quite engaging in first part of the book. I guess it was an okay book, then.
July 6, 2014
OMG, I loved this book!! I started it this morning and I could NOT put it down till I was done!!
My heart broke for Amberlyn from the start. Losing her father when she was younger, her mother is all she has left, till cancer takes her away also leaving her all alone. Her mother knows that Amberlyn will struggle after she is gone so she leaves her a note asking her to move to Ireland with her aunt and uncle for at least a year and to do 3 things for her....
Take a risk, Do something drastic and Fall in love
Not really wanting to but remembering her mother's favorite quote...
"The Sun will shine tomorrow and so should you."
Amberlyn finally agrees. Once in Ireland she stays with her aunt and uncle and begins to work at their family pub, Cead Mile Failte with her amazing and awesome cousin Fiona who I absolutely loved!! All is going well for her until one day in walks the most handsome man she has ever seen and the entire pub goes completely quiet. She doesn't understand it, he is just a normal guy to her but Fiona tries to explain that Declan O'Callaghan is the "Whiskey Prince" and he is anything but normal...
"Focus! Imagine that Declan is Justin Timberlake. That is how big he is here. Maybe even bigger.”
Declan O'Callaghan and his family are extremely wealthy and they own and operate one of the biggest whiskey distilleries in the world. Declan is to soon take over from his da, that is if he gets married within the 6 months time limit his dad gives him but finding "The One" is harder than it looks because Declan wants someone that loves him for "him" not for "The Whiskey Prince" and all that comes with it.
"A man in love has the passion to run a great company and because of that, only a married man can own the family company." ~Da
Declan's luck will begin to change once he lays eyes on the beautiful girl across the lake....
“I watch her for another minute as Kane chuckles beside me. I have the urge to know her…I want to know why she is here and not back in America. I want to know everything but most of all, I want to find out what color her eyes are and get lost in them. I want to learn her name and then whisper before dropping my lips to hers. I want, no, I need, to know her.”
The more time Amberlyn and Declan spend together the closer the two become, the connection between the two is off the charts. Will Declan be able to heal Amberlyn's broken heart? Will Declan's parents accept Amberlyn for who she is? When Amberlyn finds out the terms of the family business how will she handle it? Will it scare her off and cause her to run? OMG, all I can say is you must GO ONE CLICK THIS AWESOME READ NOW!!!!! You def will not be disappointed!! I cannot wait till the next book "Becoming the Whiskey Princess" to see how things are going with Declan, Amberlyn and the whole gang!!
My heart broke for Amberlyn from the start. Losing her father when she was younger, her mother is all she has left, till cancer takes her away also leaving her all alone. Her mother knows that Amberlyn will struggle after she is gone so she leaves her a note asking her to move to Ireland with her aunt and uncle for at least a year and to do 3 things for her....
Take a risk, Do something drastic and Fall in love
Not really wanting to but remembering her mother's favorite quote...
"The Sun will shine tomorrow and so should you."
Amberlyn finally agrees. Once in Ireland she stays with her aunt and uncle and begins to work at their family pub, Cead Mile Failte with her amazing and awesome cousin Fiona who I absolutely loved!! All is going well for her until one day in walks the most handsome man she has ever seen and the entire pub goes completely quiet. She doesn't understand it, he is just a normal guy to her but Fiona tries to explain that Declan O'Callaghan is the "Whiskey Prince" and he is anything but normal...
"Focus! Imagine that Declan is Justin Timberlake. That is how big he is here. Maybe even bigger.”
Declan O'Callaghan and his family are extremely wealthy and they own and operate one of the biggest whiskey distilleries in the world. Declan is to soon take over from his da, that is if he gets married within the 6 months time limit his dad gives him but finding "The One" is harder than it looks because Declan wants someone that loves him for "him" not for "The Whiskey Prince" and all that comes with it.
"A man in love has the passion to run a great company and because of that, only a married man can own the family company." ~Da
Declan's luck will begin to change once he lays eyes on the beautiful girl across the lake....
“I watch her for another minute as Kane chuckles beside me. I have the urge to know her…I want to know why she is here and not back in America. I want to know everything but most of all, I want to find out what color her eyes are and get lost in them. I want to learn her name and then whisper before dropping my lips to hers. I want, no, I need, to know her.”
The more time Amberlyn and Declan spend together the closer the two become, the connection between the two is off the charts. Will Declan be able to heal Amberlyn's broken heart? Will Declan's parents accept Amberlyn for who she is? When Amberlyn finds out the terms of the family business how will she handle it? Will it scare her off and cause her to run? OMG, all I can say is you must GO ONE CLICK THIS AWESOME READ NOW!!!!! You def will not be disappointed!! I cannot wait till the next book "Becoming the Whiskey Princess" to see how things are going with Declan, Amberlyn and the whole gang!!
July 13, 2014
See more reviews on my blog! https://www.sparetimebookblog.blogspo...
Amberlyn has had a rough few years. After losing her Mom she is broken. When at her Mom’s funeral her uncle gives her a letter…a letter from her Mom. This letter encourages her to take a risk, to do something drastic and fall in love. So she goes to Ireland, where her parents are from. She works at her aunt and uncles pub with her cousin. She is enjoying her time in Ireland and putting her life back together. Everything changes when Declan O’Callaghan walks into her life. Do these two have a chance together?
Declan is known as “The Whiskey Prince” of Ireland. He has a lot of pressure on him. His Dad is pressuring him to get married in the next six months or he will not inherit the business. This is crushing to Declan but, he doesn’t want to just marry someone. He wants to fall in love and marry someone he wants to spend his life with. Seems logical to me but, his Dad is traditional and very specific about this. He doesn’t go out looking for a girl either. In fact he doesn’t leave his property very often because people treat him as royalty. Can he find the love of his life?
Amberlyn knows nothing of the Whiskey Prince. She treats him like a normal guy and he loves that. She is fun and normal and everything Declan wants. There are obstacles in the way, one by the name of Casey (a guy). He causes some trouble for these two. The road to their relationship isn’t easy it’s not just love at first site and BAM they are together. I felt like these two could be my friends, like I could hang out with them. To read about their relationship bloom was beautiful. They both need to get over their insecurities to figure out what they want. Can they do that? Can Amberlyn date the Prince?
The ending was a complete surprise. There was a twist that I was completely blinded sided by. This book was amazingly well written. I couldn’t put it down. I was sucked into Ireland. I loved the dialect, the characters, and the story. Toni Aleo can add this one to her list of hits! I loved it!
Amberlyn has had a rough few years. After losing her Mom she is broken. When at her Mom’s funeral her uncle gives her a letter…a letter from her Mom. This letter encourages her to take a risk, to do something drastic and fall in love. So she goes to Ireland, where her parents are from. She works at her aunt and uncles pub with her cousin. She is enjoying her time in Ireland and putting her life back together. Everything changes when Declan O’Callaghan walks into her life. Do these two have a chance together?
Declan is known as “The Whiskey Prince” of Ireland. He has a lot of pressure on him. His Dad is pressuring him to get married in the next six months or he will not inherit the business. This is crushing to Declan but, he doesn’t want to just marry someone. He wants to fall in love and marry someone he wants to spend his life with. Seems logical to me but, his Dad is traditional and very specific about this. He doesn’t go out looking for a girl either. In fact he doesn’t leave his property very often because people treat him as royalty. Can he find the love of his life?
Amberlyn knows nothing of the Whiskey Prince. She treats him like a normal guy and he loves that. She is fun and normal and everything Declan wants. There are obstacles in the way, one by the name of Casey (a guy). He causes some trouble for these two. The road to their relationship isn’t easy it’s not just love at first site and BAM they are together. I felt like these two could be my friends, like I could hang out with them. To read about their relationship bloom was beautiful. They both need to get over their insecurities to figure out what they want. Can they do that? Can Amberlyn date the Prince?
The ending was a complete surprise. There was a twist that I was completely blinded sided by. This book was amazingly well written. I couldn’t put it down. I was sucked into Ireland. I loved the dialect, the characters, and the story. Toni Aleo can add this one to her list of hits! I loved it!
September 2, 2016
The Whiskey Prince
3.5 stars
I love Toni Aleo’s work and was excited to read this book. I adore everything Assassins and they have started my new love of hockey romance. To get an advance copy of any of her books is a thrill for me.
For me this was a decent book but I had a really hard time connecting to the characters. I am not sure if it was the age difference (between myself and the characters), or if they felt stiff to me. Its possible that perhaps in places it was slow but I am just not sure what I was missing. And no it wasn't sex.
I can say that there were some things I really liked: I liked that both characters were on the shyer side and they both had a love for reading. Amberlynn’s cousin was funny and a great addition to the story. I also love that her mom even after her death challenged Amberlynn to live. Really live.
This was an easy read but I feel like the best part of the whole book was what happened in the end. In fact it is what will push me to read the Whiskey Princess.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 349 reviews