Customer Reviews

Sweeter than Wine

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Admittedly, I purchased SWEETER THAN WINE because I met the author(s) personally and chose to support their work, published by a small press. What a wonderful story I discovered when I finally cracked the spine!

The first thing that grabbed and held my attention was not only the unusual time period (1918), so seldom read in a romance, but the supreme quality of the writing. The period detail is historically accurate- from the table linens and china, cars and food, to the prejudices felt toward women, minorities, and especially Germans of the time.

But the romance itself... Yummy! Clearly, it is the best part of the book, as it should be. Aside from the usual secrets between Alice and Siegfried, and one or two basic plot standards, the love and lovemaking between the characters were as heady and full-bodied as the wine described. I couldn't put the book down, and I encourage everyone to give SWEETER THAN WINE a try. If you like strong characters, unique settings, and heartwarming romance, you'll love this one. A keeper in every sense of the word!

The characters are so well developed and the story so well told that this book is hard to put down. You feel as if you are walking with Alice and Siegfried as they tour their grape yards and you feel their anguish at how to stay afloat if the rumored "Prohibition" is passed. The romantic story is well presented, but not over done. I throughly enjoyed the book and was amazed and how quickly I read through it. I look forward to reading future books by Michaela August.

Forced into marriage by a scheming matriarch, widow Alice Roye weds a survivor of the Great War, Alsatian vintner Siegfried Roddernwiller, lookalike cousin of Alice's husband who died fighting for the Allies. Both have secrets that, if told, could destroy the uneasy alliance. Alice needs Siegfried's winemaking expertise to restore her Sonoma winery to its former greatness, and Siegfried desires Montclair almost as much as he desires his intriguing new wife. It is the early days of Prohibition, and together they struggle to save the winery by obtaining a coveted sacramental wine license as they struggle to come to terms with their personal desires.

Sweeter than Wine is fresh and innovative. A dramatically different setting in a time period considered "unimportant" by mainstream publishers. Kudos to Neighborhood Press for allowing readers to taste this premier vintage, and kudos to Michaela August for providing a superb novel for my keeper collection. Read Sweeter than Wine and it will find a place in your keeper collection, too. Brava Ms. August! More, please!

Sebastian is an old vampire who has friends across the paranormal world. He sees no difference in whether the person is another vampire, a were, a fey, human, or something different all together. Sebastian has wanted to find his One and has hopes now that several of his vampire friends have recently found their One. Amazingly, Sebastian is attracted to a woman he met at one of the weddings, but she was married, and to Sebastian, honor is more than just a word. Christina (Christy) Kinsey wakes up in the hospital unsure what exactly happened, but she is told that her husband killed her by abuse and she was saved by the man she met at her friend's wedding. Christy has a lot to learn, but she instinctively trusts Sebastian for some reason. It doesn't hurt that she is intensely attracted to him, too.

Sebastian takes on Christy's teaching about her new life and her new powers gratefully. He requests and gets the help of other paranormal friends to assist Christy in discovering all her new life has to offer. Christy and Sebastian are determined that Christy will never have to worry about being harmed by anyone ever again. While finding out about Christy's husband, it is discovered that another and worse threat is on the horizon. It will take Sebastian, Christy, and all of the goodwill and friendship he has gathered throughout the years to conquer the new threat.

I love books that combine my favorite subjects all together: paranormal, suspense, and hot erotic sex. Sweeter Than Wine does just that in such a way that you're desperate to know what is going to happen next. Christy has faced the worse by being beaten to death by the man to whom she was married. Sebastian knows Christy is special when he meets her, but does not realize her place in his life until he arrives at the hospital one night just in time to save her. I watched as Sebastian put his needs aside so Christy could find the strength she needed. I also saw the wonder Christy discovered in the love she found with Sebastian and the deep friendship with those around him. Besides the loving relationship between Christy and Sebastian, I was totally engaged in the danger that brought many, many different paranormals together to work towards defeating a common enemy. Sweeter Than Wine will take you on an erotic and loving journey, which has an element of danger that will make you fear a happy ending might not be coming. Never fear, though. The ending is totally worth finishing the book for, and if you are like me, it will leave you hoping and wishing for the next story. Yep, I want Matt's story now. When I read a book sometimes, I can just tell when it has the something extra that makes it a must read. Sweeter Than Wine is one of those books and for me, it's a Joyfully Recommended Read.

Jo
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed