Lunar Love was a fun read for me. I picked it as my Book of the Month choice because it sounded interesting and I enjoy reading about other cultures. I'm happy I took a chance on this book.

The story centers around our two main characters, Olivia and Bennett, who are both in the business of matchmaking although there are differences in how they work. Olivia is a woman of tradition, with a strong emphasis on partner compatibility, while Bennett is a man of modern ideas and technology who feels that matchmaking is beyond the limits of compatibility. Both are hardworking and want their businesses to thrive, and it seems that they might have a thing for each other too. Can they overcome their differences, maintain their businesses, and maybe fall in love? 

This is a romance story with layers. While I was rooting for our character to have a happily ever after, I was just as interested in the points that both were making. This never-ending battle between the traditionalist and the modern/tech enthusiast was such a good element in the story and made me sit down and think about how people view these points today. The love story between Bennett and Oliva was cute and they balanced each other well. 

I give this a 4.25🍷 out of 5. The story was a bit of a slow burn, but still very enjoyable.

Wine Pairing: Pinot Noir (pairs well with mooncakes)

Ahhhh, young love! Awkward, Honest, and Overdramatic. If you are looking for a book that will make you laugh (and slightly cringe) about your high school years look no further, because Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute is an adorable read.

The book centers around two high schoolers, Celine and Bradley, who have a history of a strong friendship that fizzled during a traumatic period. Now, only colorful banter and irritation remain between the once dearest friends, but with scholarship programs, university applications, and self-discoveries all gearing up, they are put into close proximity again. Can they go back to what they were or something more?

While I usually shy away from YA books (nothing personal, I just need some spice). I was drawn to the book by the cover and the author, Talia Hibbert, and the book was actually a cute little read. It had some dry parts, but if I was in high school I would devour this book. I loved both Celine and Brad and found their little love story to be super cute and a great lesson for young people to try not to run from their feelings. Even the bad ones.  I love how supportive their families were to them even during changes. Ms. Hibbet captured their family dynamics very well.  

Overall, I give this a 4.25🍷 out of 5. I don't do well with slow burns, but this is for the youngins.

Wine Pairing: Cava for the adults and Sparkling Wine for the youngins!

This is an adorable love story centered around Sadie, an artist trying to stand on her own, and Oliver, a veterinarian who is just an all-around nice guy. Poor Sadie just wants to prove that she is an amazing artist just like her mother who sadly passed away leaving a broken family and memories of a happier time. Now Sadie has a new opportunity to showcase her work at a National Portrait Competition, the same one her late mother was working towards before her passing; however, an unforeseen illness causes some issues with our dear artist and her artistic abilities. Add in a sick dog and a wicked step-sister, and a charming guy, and Sadie is in for one wild and sweet adventure before the competition.  Even in hard times, romance always seems to bloom from unexpected places.

If anyone needs a modern-day Cinderella story, this book is for you. I have yet to read a Katherine Center book I did not like and I am happy about it. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were unique and their development seem authentic. The story is an emotional ride that was at some points frustrating but enjoyable. I highly recommended this book. I will be reading it again.

Overall, I give this a 5🍷 out of 5. This is a great book!

Wine Pairing: Rosso Dolce'

My sincere thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy. This book is scheduled to release on 7/11/2023.

Who doesn't love a dark paranormal romance?  The Wolf's Witch is a fun and fast-paced read that is filled with emotions, sex, and adventure. 

The book sees two enemies, Phenoix, a fire witch, and Cutter, a shifter, who are forced together by Pheniox's evil half-brother on a quest to regain Pheniox's magical powers so that he can unleash hell on Earth. Will they aid him or will they stop him? Will they remain enemies or become something more? This was a fun book to read and the characters had a lot of layers to them. I enjoyed the family dynamics between Pheniox and her half-brothers and the emotional journey that both she and Cam embark on. The supporting characters are all very interesting and give the author more material that I hope she continues to write about. 

Overall, the book is a fun read and I can definitely see myself reading it on a nice vacation or road trip.

Thank you BookSirens for providing an ARC of this book. This book contains a warning as it contains sense mentioning miscarriage and scenes depicting dubious consent in sexual situations.

I give this a 3.50🍷 out of 5.

Wine Pairing: Chardonnay

The book centers around Isolde, Princess of Lara, as she has her life uprooted after a fateful encounter with Adrian, the Blood King, whom she is forced to marry for the sake of her kingdom. A spark of attraction is there, but not enough for Isolde to even entertain the idea of marriage to a monster. Now married, she must journey to her new home in his Kingdom and prepare to face the royal court of vampires; however, along the way they are plagued with devastation as villages whole are being attacked, the culprit is nowhere to be found. Can Adrian and Isolde work together to stop this new evil? Will Isolde survive the Vampire Court? Will Adrian and Isolde's relationship grow to something more? You will have to read to find out. 

I really enjoyed reading this book I felt for Isolde as she really must have felt like she could not trust anyone in the story. She was uprooted from her home, married, and now Queen of a group of people she never met, but she was a badass character who was clever and adaptable to her situation. The chemistry between her and Adrian was quite electric and after reading so many slow burns this was a nice change of pace. The plot was moving and interesting with the addition of minor and major villains in the story, but sometimes feels secondary to the story. The ending had plenty of secrete reveals and cliffhangers to make me add book two to my cart. Overall, it is a fun fast-paced book with plenty of plot, fantasy, and sex that you could probably finish in a day or two depending on your schedule. 

I give this a 4.00🍷 out of 5.

Wine Pairing: Cabernet Sauvignon

These were the first books I read by Eliza Raine, and I thoroughly enjoyed them. The story is a fun "hunger games" style adventure story where the main character fights for her freedom and love. The study centers around Persephone, who lives in New York, and is one day kidnapped by Zeus and forced to compete in "The Hades Trials" to win the opportunity to marry Zeus' brother, Hades. However, all is not as it appears, as there is a history between Persephone and the Gods, and she must figure that out all while trying to survive the games. 

The book was an enjoyable read and very descriptive. The author did a fantastic job building the world of Olympus and each of God's realms. The trials and challenges were my favorite part. I felt like I was right there watching it with the other spectators. With that said, the book is a SLOW BURN, so be warned and the conversations between characters can be a little lacking, but not bad enough the write off the book or take away from the story. I highly recommend the books and plan to read more from the author.

I give this a 4.00🍷 out of 5.

Wine Pairing: Patrizi Gavi Di Gavi

Sigh...I wanted to like this book, but it was not giving what the first book gave. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book and how the author balanced the plot & spice. The book picks up right where the first book ended, with Adrian and Isolde dealing with the aftermath of the witch Ravena's attack, and what follows is a very slow and jarring tale full of too many characters' backstories, subplots, and rushed endings. The transitions between plots and spicy scenes were so abrupt that I would have to re-read sections to make sure I wasn't missing something.

And speaking of spice, I never thought I would say this, but it was so much spice that it almost didn't make sense. They argue...spice...they mourn...spice...somebody dies...spice....weird flashback...spice. It was so much spice I had to keep reminding myself of the plot to get through the book, and the plot is VERY GOOD! 

Overall, I wasn't a fan of this one as the book was not balanced enough for me. I may try to read the next one but don't hold me to it.

I give this a 2.00🍷 out of 5.

Wine Pairing: Merlot

Sigh...I wanted to like this book, but it was not giving what the first book gave. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book and how the author balanced the plot & spice. The book picks up right where the first book ended, with Adrian and Isolde dealing with the aftermath of the witch Ravena's attack, and what follows is a very slow and jarring tale full of too many characters' backstories, subplots, and rushed endings. The transitions between plots and spicy scenes were so abrupt that I would have to re-read sections to make sure I wasn't missing something.

And speaking of spice, I never thought I would say this, but it was so much spice that it almost didn't make sense. They argue...spice...they mourn...spice...somebody dies...spice....weird flashback...spice. It was so much spice I had to keep reminding myself of the plot to get through the book, and the plot is VERY GOOD! 

Overall, I wasn't a fan of this one as the book was not balanced enough for me. I may try to read the next one but don't hold me to it.

I give this a 2.00🍷 out of 5.

Wine Pairing: Merlot