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No longer controlled by her mother, manager, or former fiancé, pop star Shae Armstrong steps out on her own and into the path of Nick DeMarco, a wealthy investor with alleged ties to organized crime and real childhood scars to overcome. She wants to take it slow. He needs her now, in his life and in his bed.

Nick’s enemies threaten her career, her friendships, even her sanity, but not Shae’s heart - the one thing Nick holds precious. He proves his love is real, and she stops running. Until everything around them falls apart, including him. He swore he would never hurt her. Instead, he almost destroys them both. Shae makes a dangerous choice, sacrificing her happiness for his, just like he always does for her.

Now that she’s found her own voice, can Shae survive the challenges of living in Nick’s world?

330 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 7, 2015

319 people are currently reading
575 people want to read

About the author

Nikki Belaire

25 books413 followers
Nikki writes contemporary romantic thrillers and admits to a weakness for bad boys, especially ones who can’t live without the strong women they love.

She spends more time in her characters’ lives than her own. But, when she’s in the real world, her passions include reading, wine appreciating, running, and spending time with her daughter.

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5 stars
161 (47%)
4 stars
100 (29%)
3 stars
41 (11%)
2 stars
19 (5%)
1 star
21 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
Profile Image for Maria11.
2,001 reviews45 followers
October 12, 2019
Whine is more like it.....

Between Shae and Nick I can’t determine who is the biggest whiner! The title should be Whine and Whine.

Oh my, the back and forth of I love you I don’t believe it break up I love you back together I love you I endanger you break up I love you....wash rinse and repeat more then once. It got to be VERY annoying. The only action was at the end. No two characters whined more on the face of the earth.

Dumb me wants to see what is going to happen because the book got the third star because of the action at the end.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
2,097 reviews22 followers
June 2, 2015
I won this book in a giveaway it was one I wanted to read. It was an outstanding read there sure is a lot going on. The author gives you drama, killers, suspense, kidnapping, jealous, secrets, cover-ups along with lies and a few thrills along with tons of love. When I thought I knew the way the author was taking it she turned it on me. I have to say I stayed up late to finish it. Shae and Nick are about as opposite as you can get. When you have chemistry pull as these two did there is no way you can walk away. Shea is just too dang sweet afraid to hurt anyone’s feelings. Nick and his past are more or less bad to the point of hurting people. He really is a stand up guy just as afraid as Shae is but in a different way. He doesn’t want to be like his father he has never hit a woman in his life. Now you might ask is that about to chance I guess you will have to read to find out.

Nick has just been putting in time from work to women. He is the one nightstand your mother has warned you about easy to fall for but if you know what is good for you, you will run away as fast as you can. That is until Shae she is everything he has ever wanted, he must keep his business life and personal separated. That isn’t easy to do when the talk around town is all about your mob life. Nick really just wants to find someone he can love who will love him for his self. He has given up just putting in time. I really liked Nick he was so strong and protective. There was one time he almost lost me but pulled me back in. With the type of world he lives in NO he isn’t someone I would want for my boyfriend but he sure is a wonderful character that I loved.

Shae is just to sweet to the point that she will hurt herself before telling others of her pain or even say no. I was on the line with her character as the book went on I really came to like her. I understood her guilt and why she didn’t want people to think badly of her. She really grew as a character into a woman who stood up for what she believed and wanted.

The author gives you some great supporting characters that are full of surprises. You will need to keep your eyes open because this author is keeping her cards close to her chest she doesn’t give much away. I do have to say I did laugh out loud a few times. I loved the humor each character brings to the story. It is a book I would read again. The ending is great depending on how you look at it you might think it is a cliffhanger. I didn’t I look at it as a happy ending that I could live with but with more to come.


You have two people whose past have hurt them, a past that haunts them. They must overcome this before they can move on. There is a lot of pull and push, things said that might not should have been. Everyone wants to keep them apart. Add the ex’s doing their best to throw a tailspin. Throw in the mob who wants to take you out and will use everything or anything to do that. What you end up with is one outstanding read you won’t be able to put down.
Profile Image for Red Cheeks Reads.
2,281 reviews373 followers
June 12, 2015
Oh sweetness, a Pop star meets a mobster! Nick DeMarco is protective and takes care of those he loves. Shae Armstrong is a pop star that is very caring and has a sweet tooth for sure! Nick is mysterious, aggressive, and knows what he wants. He knew that Shae was someone very special that he needed in his life. But Shae was reluctant to begin anything with Nick. Always worrying what other people opinions were, Shae was able to step away and do what she felt was right for herself. She began to love again with Nick but would their past rear its ugly head?
Both characters have great chemistry toward one another and I grew to love them as the story went on. This storyline was different and I found it very refreshing. I love a good shower scene and this books has it! The romance and sexiness was just the right quantity. One thing that I disliked was the back and forth. They couldn't get it together for a bit and it bugged me. Other than that, the writing was well done. I would read books from this author again! 4 smooches for Wine and Whiskey.
~Sarah
108 reviews
May 8, 2016
I loved this book. It had me in knots. I cried and laughted throughout this book. He is a hot and sexy man who doesn't fear danger and is out to get what he wants.He is living the life his father and grandfather left him in the Mob and is filty rich. Shea is a beautiful pop star who isn't ready to love like he wants her too. She has been hurt in the past and is afraid it will happen again. Then she falls and falls hard and dangerous. This book keeps you in suspense up until the end. The life Nick lives puts Shea in danger and he will do everything in his power to keep her safe, but it turns out that the people who she doesn't fear is the ones's she should. He has a past that is very troubled and doesn't want to turn into his father. Shea is trying to get out from under her Mother's wishes for her and live the life she wants.
Lots of Hot sex, danger and suspense to make you want to keep reading.
Profile Image for Julie Ayling.
187 reviews16 followers
April 9, 2016
This book had me hooked from the beginning. What does a pop star and a mob guy have in common? Well to everyone the answer was trouble . The strong feeling and love that come from Nick and Shae are so much you can't help cheer them on. But along with that the fear and unworthy feeling that our from Nick is hard to bear.. And the uncertainty of making the wrong decisions from Shae are also strong.. These two must fight each other's fears and also the real danger that lurks around the corner waiting for revenge. This book had me guessing the whole way through and the omg moment that made me yell .. *sigh* yes yell at my kindle going NO WAY!! Kudos to Nikki for not only catching my attention and keeping it but also making me want to know more about their story !! This for me was I definitely five star read and I highly recommend it read
Profile Image for Page Turners.
722 reviews4 followers
September 2, 2015
Wow! I loved what I just read. Two people who could not be more opposite are drawn together and fight for their chance at love. Shae has two personalities. When she is onstage Shae is fierce and in control. Off stage she prefers a simpler life but once she meets Nick nothing is ever simple again. Nick is all tall, dark and dangerous and Shae is drawn into his web from first glance. Of course nothing is that simple and these two must fight for each other and sometimes against each other. This book had the perfect combination of love, romance, drama and suspense. This is book one in the series and I cannot wait to read more about this couple and where this story goes.
Profile Image for Kim  Brewing.
3,621 reviews37 followers
September 12, 2016
What a freaking ride!

Pop princess and mobster - think you know the story? Doubt it.
Shae is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside with and addiction to - sweets! Nick doesn't even realize what is missing from his life until he meets Shae. These two do not a easy time of it between friends, work and outside forces it really is one thing after another and I sucked it all up....and that twist near the end - wow, didn't see that coming at all.

I have to give kudos to the supporting cast too - Loved Max and Carrie!

Profile Image for Frances.
519 reviews13 followers
September 15, 2016
Wine & Whiskey

Wine and Whiskey is a book about a pop star princess and bad boy mobster. They meet each other at a gym. When Nick sees Shea, he can't get enough of her and have to have her in his life forever. Shea think his lifestyle is scary and dangerous but tries to have a relationship with him. As they progress forward they are hit with obstacles that they have to overcome. Will they survive or will they succumb to their lifestyles. Wine and Whiskey is a good romance book with a little bit of kick.
Profile Image for J. C.  Red.
109 reviews44 followers
Read
June 8, 2016
This isn't bad, but it kinda bored me, everyone is too polite. I guess I was expecting a story with a pop star and a mafia guy as MCs to be more entertaining, but this just couldn't hold my attention. Might get back to it later
Profile Image for Suszet Roberts.
379 reviews1 follower
January 10, 2016
Loved

Loved, the series, one word to sum it all up, phenomenal. Must read, will not disappoint, this is a new author for me and I will definitely 1 click
Profile Image for Angela James.
1,411 reviews14 followers
November 19, 2016
Opposites attract! Love at first sight! Will their love be enough to overcome the odds stacked against them?! Thoroughly enjoyed this one and will be looking for more from this author!
Profile Image for Joy Boutwell.
1,615 reviews16 followers
April 18, 2019
This is a well written book with a great storyline, that is full of twists and suspense that keep you reading.
Profile Image for Bela.
1,084 reviews86 followers
did-not-finish
February 7, 2023
from fb: The ex-fwb wants the H badly. The h is sheltered and innocent and struggles with the relationship already so the OW really takes a toll on her.



Super annoying heroine
Profile Image for Shani.
855 reviews34 followers
August 7, 2017
If there was ever a couple that I have ever cheered on, gotten mad at, felt emotionally attached to and drained from it was Nick and Shae! Oh the feels in this book!!!!

Nick fell into the family business against his own real wishes. After the loss of parents who should have done what they should have to protect him, he’s learned to rely on his senses and his best friend Max. He lives in a dark world that can suck the life out of you. He doesn’t believe in love, feelings or attachments. Until he sees her, Shae the epitome of sweetness and an angelic side. He feels the instant attraction to her, the insta love even.

Shae is America’s sweetheart, pop princess that has gone through the emotions of her life on everyone else's terms. She’s had to fake it to make it in a world of false pretenses and other people's dreams. She’s ready to change her life in a different direction. The problem is, she fears hurting others and ending up letting them down. She wants to find love on her terms. But it's hard when there are those who try to pull here down. She’s learned to also rely on her best friend Carrie, both in the business she lives in and life. She’s not quite as quick to fall in love with Nick, even if she sees he is so different than everyone around her. After all, she’s been hurt before.

Both of their worlds collide with numerous outside forces pushing, prodding and making calculated moves to tear them apart. So many times they’re tested and just when Shae feels like they’re finally on the right path, Nick faces a truth he’s not ready for. Even if it's only his version of the truth. Can they make it through it all? Can they make love connection that keeps them both strong and protected?

Let me tell you, I’ve loved this couple from the first few pages of their story! Nikki is amazing in her ability to spin their journey with some rather creative spins and turmoil. Holy granola grandma! There were many times that I had not expected to find out who betrayed them, or who had become a friendly character to help when they’re at the most dire of moments. Seriously, fantastic book! Their story doesn’t end here though! Book 2 continues their story. This book to me, is worth 44362364353453463662323 stars!!!
Profile Image for 2OCC Reviews.
3,487 reviews254 followers
February 28, 2017
I saw this book on Facebook and knew, from the teasers that I had to read it. This author is new to me, but I love meeting new authors so I took a leap and dove in.

Nick was sweet but hard. With his type of work he has to be hard, but with Shae he was so different. I loved his character.

Shae was amazing. I love how down to earth she was. She wasn't a complainer, she was just laid

I really loved the pace of this book! There were no parts that lagged. It went from one scene to the next neatly and I loved it!!!!

This book had some amazing secondary characters! They are funny and protective and some are even a little crazy!!!

The plot was fun. It was fast paced, totally instalove, but it worked so well for the characters. There are threats, humour, mystery, and sexy times that make this a well rounded books

Overall, this author kept me on the edge of my seat! At 92% I was so shocked I had to stop and proses what was happening but once I finished I couldn't wait for more! 5 stars #2OCCJD
Profile Image for April McCauley.
55 reviews1 follower
March 27, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars What a LOVE Story!! Read this book!, March 26, 2017
By April McCauley
This book was so amazing!! I was entranced with this love story of a Mobster and a Pop Star! Nick and Shae have everything and almost everyone against them but their love continues to strengthen them! They both have secrets that cause each of them to hurt the other..and there is also someone who wants to destroy him! Nick is such a romantic he will definitely be your next book boyfriend..and you will love how Shae grows and becomes so much stronger basking in Nick's love! This is the first book I have read of Nikki Belaire's and believe me I want to read everything she writes! I love how she brings her characters to life and you can feel every emotion. I laughed, cried and got extremely frustrated with both characters..but when an author can humanize their characters..readers can relate to the Heroine and her Hero!
Profile Image for Dee Winston.
551 reviews
January 26, 2017
Who would ever think wine and whiskey can explain people but it does explain Nick and Shae. She's sweet and innocent trying to find who she really is in spite of what has been ingrained in her.. He's the bad boy needing someone to love him in spite of what he does. Since first meeting Shae at a gym something about her called to him, and he didn't even know who she really was. He knew he shouldn't want and need her but he does. In spite of what other people and what her mother ingrained in her it's something about Nick that she can't stay away from, even though she runs away plenty of times. Watching these 2 fall in love makes me believe who can't help who you love and what is meant to be will be.
Profile Image for Kaylee.
90 reviews19 followers
October 7, 2017
Wine and Whiskey is full of action, suspense, vulnerability and an overwhelming love story.

I believe Nikki Belaire is an amazing author. I loved how she spun her characters from polar opposites. The sexy and beautiful Shea Armstrong seems like she’s vulnerable but amazingly strong in conviction and loyal. Where the virile and intimidating Nick DeMarco is a force to be reckoned with but has a vulnerability every woman wants to fall in love with.

Ms Belaire with her ability to keep me perched on the edge of my chair with the thrill and suspense to the steamy and highly erotic love scenes. Thru her writing ability I fell in love with both Shea and Nick. At times I laughed then cried, I was frustrated but by the end I was overcome with joy.
1,797 reviews38 followers
March 28, 2018
Where do I start?! This was my first read by this author and boy she didn’t disappoint! This story is about Nick, a somewhat shady businessman who meets a pop princess by the name of Shae at a gym. The minute he sees her, he is enamored and wants to know more about her. Needless to say Shae is reluctant to have a relationship and Nick will do anything to get the girl. Throughout the book they hit many obstacles to pull them apart. But do they survive? Can she be with someone who isn’t always forthcoming? You will need to read this book to find out. I truly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more by this author.
Profile Image for Danena Freeman.
1,239 reviews3 followers
May 3, 2018
It was a great read. I have to be honest there was a point I wanted to smack the h and tell her to get a back bone the H loves you. The story lines is interesting and has some surprises for you. I loved Max's character and I hope to see more of him in the next book. I'm not a fan of instant love as fast as this relationship happened to the degree it happened so fast it made it a little hard to believe given who these people were. That's just my personal taste in stories and doesn't take away from the book as a whole. It was well worth the read and I can't wait to read the next one. Rated very good
Profile Image for Jolene Huber.
878 reviews11 followers
November 15, 2017
A kept man and his keeper

This book. Let's see if i can do this book justice. This book is about Nick and Shae. Nick is a business man who inherited the business from his dad. Aftrer years of hard work he is the best in the business. He works the "import/export" business. He decides to go to a personal trainer where he meets Shae. Nick saves her from a over zealous fan. Without knowing who she is. He falls for her immediately. This book has a lot of highs and a lot of lows. A very good read.
Profile Image for Ida Jolley.
739 reviews17 followers
October 15, 2017
Wine & Whiskey

I loved this book. It was absolutely the most enjoyable read about love and a couple who fought to stay together. It was a lot of drama going on with the couple, but they always seemed to come back to each other. Nick tried to do everything he could to make Shae happy, but his line of work was constantly getting in the way. He has to learn to face his own feelings and guilt to fully understand Shane’s emotions also.
Profile Image for Lisa B. Lovely.
692 reviews1 follower
March 24, 2018
This book is freaking intense, gun fights, brawls, some smoking sexy times and an all encompassing love. Nick and Shae both want what's best for each other even if it isn't them. Shae's friends are struggling with the relationship, but they truly want what's best for her. I loved the story and the writing. I fell in love with all the main characters and can hardly wait to read the next book in the series. Great job Nikki Belaire!!
Profile Image for Sarah DeLong.
1,761 reviews1 follower
August 3, 2018
Shae and Nick were simply amazing. Shae being bold, strong and independent on stage and then quiet and shy off is something I can relate to. As far as Nick, omg I want a hot bad boy! The dynamics of this duo had me both laughing out loud and crying throughout the book. And you want a little steamy, melt your reading device scenes? Yep, Shae and Nick experience a few of those as well. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more by this author.
Profile Image for Bea Brugge.
Author 3 books13 followers
March 1, 2018
I read this book after meeting Nikki in a book group. This book sent me on a roller coaster of emotions. I cried while reading this book. Nick and Shae are so broken that they continuously torture themselves. Not only did I cry but I found myself becoming frustrated as I wanted to scream at several characters.

Definitely a good book that will tap your emotions.
Profile Image for Lori Amey.
425 reviews14 followers
June 2, 2018
Even a Mobster deserves love!!!

So this book is about a Mob boss who falls in love with a pop star. Nick and Shae are complete opposites, but they can't fight their feelings for each other. I was routing for them and I hope they get their happy ending. I highly recommend you read this book, get your copy today..
Profile Image for Neisha † The Poet †.
1,284 reviews35 followers
March 16, 2019
Shae+ Nick

First things first... I love Nikki Belaire. LOVE!

I liked Nick and Shae together, but they are definitely two couples I would have liked to see explored without the side characters. I loved how supportive her bestfriend was but Carrie's fiance got on my nerves. Between Nathan, Justin, Evan, and Shae's dead mother I was so tired of her being a pushover. The whole thing with her being between "all the men in her life" just got tiresome...either grow up or shut up at this point.

Contrary to that, I did love Shae. Her emotions were very real, and I understand where she was coming from.
Profile Image for Jennifer Scarn.
384 reviews13 followers
April 14, 2017
Sweet and exciting

At times this dragged a bit, but overall I loved the sweet love between the characters and the angst and turmoil they faced. Enjoyed it
37 reviews1 follower
November 10, 2019
WOW!

I just loved this... Can't wait to read book 2. And then on to Max. Thank you for this awesome read.
Profile Image for Jackie Deans Zielke .
144 reviews1 follower
February 18, 2017
Loved this book

If you live a angsty story about a alpha male that falls in love with a nice girl, you will love this book. This is my first book by this Author and I can't wait to read the next book in this series. Mild violence, steamy scenes and a HEA.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews

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