2022 Reads and Pairings

Royal Holiday

By: Jasmine Guillory

I love a good holiday romance novel, and this one did not disappoint. A romantic story, beautifully set during a British holiday, about a spontaneous vacation that turns into a new romance, is one I can recommend to others.

The two main characters of this story, Vivian and Malcolm, both work in service, Vivian as a social worker and Malcolm as a royal secretary for the Queen (no pressure), but a chance encounter leads to sparks of romance. Because both characters are seasoned in age and have experienced life with others and independently, the book had a maturity to it that I enjoyed. Malcolm and Vivian were characters who knew what they wanted with clear boundaries, and it was interesting to see them blend and address their issues as the story progressed.

I give this a 4.75🍷 out of 5. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it as a gift to romance readers of any age.

Wine Pairing: Ruby Port

The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina

By: Zoraida Córdova

Are you looking for a book about a dysfunctional family with magical gifts? Something with celestial beings? If you answered yes to at least one, then The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina may be the book for you.

The story centers around the Montoya Family who after a horrific event decide to branch from their home in Four Rivers and the eyes of their matriarch, Orquídea Divina, to make their mark on the world. The family is called home as Orquídea is dying and wishes to give her family their inheritance. An inheritance that they must learn to control as dark forces are working to destroy them and all they hold dear. Will they survive?

This book was a fun read. With dual timelines focusing on Orquídea's past and the Montoya Family's present, I was hooked and could not put it down. The characters brought individuality to the story, which had me very invested. The story was not only about trying to stop the bad guy or understand Orquídea, it was about the Montoya's self-discovery in themselves and their powers.

I give this a 5🍷 out of 5. This is a fantastic read!

Wine Pairing: Rioja

The Bodyguard

By: Katherine Center

The Bodyguard is a light read with all the giving a sweet Hallmark-ish romance. The story follows our hero, Hannah, a pint-sized bodyguard who is going through a bit of a rough patch in life and needs a good distraction from her troubles. Megastar Jack Stapleton may be a good distraction and in need of her services when a stalker targets him. Hannah, ever the professional, will do anything to protect her clients...even pretend to be their girlfriend. Could this arrangement lead to something more?

Hey Netflix - I need this as a movie now! This book is a movie waiting to happen and it will be a good one. I like how both Hannah and Jack were written. Hannah is a powerhouse professional in need of some grounding, and Jack offers that balance. He gives a story a light-heartedness even with his baggage. It was great to see their friendship develop into something more. My only issue with the book is that some of the action at the end felt rushed. Jack's stalker situation could have been fleshed out more, but I enjoyed the ultimate showdown.

In all, I enjoyed the book and would recommend for a fun and light read. I give this a 4.5🍷 out of 5.

Wine Pairing: Tawny Port

Tanqueray

By: Stephanie Johnson & Brandon Stanton

Most of the best stories are true stories and the story in Tanqueray is a wild ride that I enjoyed. I have been following Humans of New York for a while so I was pretty familiar with the story of Tanqueray and grab the book when I saw it was available.

While most of the story was published on Facebook and other socials, I like reading the book and the little extra stories. Stephanie's stories are unique in her experience as a black woman trying to make it in New York, but the fight and determination to be yourself and chase your dreams are universal. Though not all dreams may come true, the stories and people you meet shape you and this book is a good reminder of that. If you take one thing from the book, it's Tanqueray's ability to remain resilient and pivot when need be. This woman was a hustler and that should be celebrated.

I give this a 3.5🍷 out of 5. Fun but Heavy Read!

Wine Pairing: Zinfandel

Stealing Home

By: Sherryl Woods

As a southern girl, a place in my heart is reserved for small-town romance novels and that is exactly what this is. I was introduced to the Sweet Magnolia series through the series on Netflix, and I felt it wouldn't be right to watch the show without looking at the source material.

I really liked the book. I would describe the book as a second-chance romance about a woman trying to gain her bearing after a whirlwind of a scandalous divorce and, with the help and encouragement of her children and best friends, maybe falling in love again with her son's baseball coach no less. I found that Maddie and Cal were really fun characters to read and I like how opposite they were in their outlook and handling of situations, but supportive of each other still. I felt for Maddie and her divorce, her children's adjustments, and her friend's support. My only issue with the book was the pacing. The story felt a little rushed, but I still enjoyed it.

I give this a 4.0🍷 out of 5.

Wine Pairing: Riesling

The Accidental Pinup

By: Danielle Jackson

On a whim, I picked up this book and just gave it a go. The story centers around Cassie Harris, photographer and owner of Buxom Boudoir, who promotes sexuality and body positivity. Cassie’s best friend, Dana, is about to launch her own dangerously dreamy lingerie line and wants Cassie to shoot and direct the career-changing national campaign. However, complications and shady business practices lead to Cassie starring in the shot and not shooting it. On top of that, the new lead photographer and Cassie's photography rival, Reid Montgomery, seem very interested in getting to know Cassie inside and outside the workplace.

The Accidental Pinup was a fun and steamy read that overall wasn't so bad. I had seen some of the reviews on other sites and I agree that some of the two main character's actions were questionable, but the overall story was okay. I feel that the book did a really good job of highlighting some of the issues that black women face in the workplace. I think Reid's backstory was really good and the supporting characters were great. Cassie and Reid's relationship was a little too fast-paced and messy, but cute all the same.

I give this a 3.50 🍷 out of 5. A fun and sexy read!

Wine Pairing: Rosso Dolce

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

By: Taylor Jenkins Reid

There are not enough words to describe this book. Evelyn Hugo is a character I do not think I will ever forget. Her story is so well-written, relatable, and over the top. This story is about a young Latin girl who dreams of becoming a star, and the lengths she goes to keep her fame, privilege, and identity are both compelling and conflicting.

This fantastic book raises many questions that most people can relate to regarding morals and identity. I found that I could not put down the book, and as soon as I had one plot figured out, another one was waiting in the wings. Evelyn Hugo, herself, was the star of the book. I wasn't sure if I regarded her as a hero or a villain by the end of the story, and, honestly, she would probably be okay with that. She was one of the most complex characters I have ever read, but it was amazing to get into the mind of a character like her.

Even when she tried to do good, she never could fully commit to it. The supporting characters helped to soften her character and give her a sense of family that she desperately sought.

At the core of this book is a romance story that leaves so much for the readers to examine and make me wonder: What would you sacrifice to get what you want, and how far will you go to get it back?

I give this a 5.0🍷 out of 5.

Wine Pairing: Shiraz

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