The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
littlemissmaudlin's review against another edition
4.0
For fans of spicy historical romance with a twist—set in Spain/Portugal—but with all the crucial elements that make me love this genre. It's got period details, romance tropes, and a plot that isn't only about a love story. The characters are well-developed, although sometimes the writing took me out of the story a little. I haven't read the other two books in this series but I'm sure I'll be picking up a book by this author again in no time.
nchrisman1's review against another edition
5.0
Princess Isabel loves her country above all else and is willing to do whatever it needs to protect it. Henrique, her bodyguard, is scientific and practical and flirty and our princess doesn’t know how to deal with the feels she gets from him. This book is full of imagery of both Portugal and Spain , amazing dialogue, and a great story line. It is book 3 in the series but the first two are not needed ahead of time. The book was a wonderful historical romance and worth the read!
mweatherholtz's review against another edition
5.0
One of the first lines in a whole paragraph of things said about this story is the one that stands out the most and applies to this Novel are captivating tale and opulent backdrop. I thought it had both. I think the author really did her research about the subject matter in this book and she sounded very knowledgeable. I really love a deep, humorous, steamy, heart squeezing romance full of banter between the main characters, and there was all of that. Plus we get to hear from both of the main characters which is my favorite way to read romances so we know what they are both thinking. I didn’t think I was going to enjoy the female main character because at first she seemed very prudish, and a little shallow. I was a bit confused who was actually speaking at first, but I’m glad that impression was not the overall feel throughout. I started with this, book three, but I think I’m going back to read the rest of the series.
tytanmom23's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The Truth About Myths (The Winemakers Book 3) by Giovanna Siniscalchi. This is such a good Historical romance, I really enjoyed it. Its the story of Princess Isabel who is very rigid almost to the point of being a prude but when she goes to Spain with Viscount Henrique she is very enthralled by him. He is so sexy and everything she has tried to stay away from. Henrique is tasked with taking Isabel who is his best friends sister and he is not looking forward to it. He is known for being a rake and not being faithful but when he gets to know Isabel he thinks she might be able to change his ways. Isabel is so rigid and wants to do what is right for her country and Henrique is all about living life to the fullest. He does admire Isabel and the chemistry between them is remarkable. The author's description of the beautiful scenery made me feel as if I was transported to Spain and Portugal. This can be read as a standalone as well.
bibliophilenerd's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
4.0
I have really enjoyed this series and visiting new places in my books. This is the third book in the series and follows some new characters. Isabel is the princess of Portugal and loves her country. Her brother, the king, sends her off to visit her cousin and find out what is happening in Spain. Henrique is selling his land and moving out of the country, but agrees to accompany the sister of his good friend (the king) to Spain. Henrique is witty and charming and knows how to woo the ladies. Isabel has been protected and doesn’t agree with his philandering, but she sees a different man underneath the façade. In Spain, they are busy with many events planned by her cousin, but also in a lot of political meetings. The true king of Spain is invited to the palace and tries to sweep Isabel off her feet in order to get back to his rightful throne. The story kept me guessing and I learned so much about life in the 1800s.
happily_after_heas's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Check out this lush, full-bodied, fine wine of a book!
This is the fourth book in The Winemaker Series. I wish I had read the first three because I think I would have enjoyed them. Giovanna has immense talent for crafting rich, descriptive prose that draws in the reader. Setting the tales in Portugal (and Spain in this book) gives historical romance readers a chance to leave the ballrooms and back alleys of London and experience a new, vibrant life across the Channel.
I absolutely adored the character of Henrique, Viscount Penefiel aka Henri. He is a scientist but he's also extremely lovable and charming. He is a true sunshine. However, Princess Isabel was much harder for me to love. She is very much the grump. She's full of pride and doesn't see the women of her court as independent people. She assumes everyone wants what she wants--order, tradition, loveless lives. She's very overbearing and hard to love. TG for Henri's levity.
Bc Isabel is so very rule driven and adheres to society's expectations of her, she accepts her brother's request to go to Spain to defuse a "political situation" on his behalf. Unbeknownst to Isabel, her brother sends Henri to act as guard and keep an eye on the situation. And at this point, she's already decided she cannot stand Henri despite the pants feelings he gives her. (She doesn't understand pants feelings and thinks they are bad.)
There is a lot of political intrigue in this book that lost my attention at times. I found myself confused by the various players and historical events that I had forgotten since high school (if I ever knew them). But even so, I, like Henri, persevered to get to an HEA. Bc once we got to it, it was so delicious. I enjoyed watching Isa fall for Henri. She comes across as hating men and Henri calls her out for it, making her face some uncomfortable truths about herself.
Lastly, I do hope that Isa's brother and his estranged wife get their HEA. Perhaps that will be next?
This is the fourth book in The Winemaker Series. I wish I had read the first three because I think I would have enjoyed them. Giovanna has immense talent for crafting rich, descriptive prose that draws in the reader. Setting the tales in Portugal (and Spain in this book) gives historical romance readers a chance to leave the ballrooms and back alleys of London and experience a new, vibrant life across the Channel.
I absolutely adored the character of Henrique, Viscount Penefiel aka Henri. He is a scientist but he's also extremely lovable and charming. He is a true sunshine. However, Princess Isabel was much harder for me to love. She is very much the grump. She's full of pride and doesn't see the women of her court as independent people. She assumes everyone wants what she wants--order, tradition, loveless lives. She's very overbearing and hard to love. TG for Henri's levity.
Bc Isabel is so very rule driven and adheres to society's expectations of her, she accepts her brother's request to go to Spain to defuse a "political situation" on his behalf. Unbeknownst to Isabel, her brother sends Henri to act as guard and keep an eye on the situation. And at this point, she's already decided she cannot stand Henri despite the pants feelings he gives her. (She doesn't understand pants feelings and thinks they are bad.)
There is a lot of political intrigue in this book that lost my attention at times. I found myself confused by the various players and historical events that I had forgotten since high school (if I ever knew them). But even so, I, like Henri, persevered to get to an HEA. Bc once we got to it, it was so delicious. I enjoyed watching Isa fall for Henri. She comes across as hating men and Henri calls her out for it, making her face some uncomfortable truths about herself.
Lastly, I do hope that Isa's brother and his estranged wife get their HEA. Perhaps that will be next?
jennadb's review against another edition
4.5
4.5 stars
The Truth About Myths is a historical enemy to lover’s romance tale and the third book in fabulous The Winemakers series.
The Truth About Myths is a historical enemy to lover’s romance tale and the third book in fabulous The Winemakers series.
It is easy to imagine the world and time period as Giovanna writes with rich historical detail, descriptions, and world building, with such passion and in a vibrant style.
This Regency romance is set in Portugal and Spain amongst the Monarchy and court politics, secrets and scheming. This beautiful love story shows the difficulties and struggles they face with their relationship.
There is heartbreak, compassion and passion, tenderness, danger and tension, angst and animosity, chemistry and romance.
I love that it was told in dual POV as we learned so much about these characters and especially Henrique’s rakish ways. Their journey is filled with sense of duty, patriotism, and unexpected twists and turns.
The swoon worthy playboy Viscount Henrique doesn’t believe in love, and he has big dreams, but he is about to be whacked over the head with it. He is witty, charming, sexy and an unapologetic rake. It’s hard not to like him.
Princess Isabel is the epitome of entitled princess. She is a determined, strong and intelligent woman who cares about doing the right thing for women and is about to find out there is much more to life.
I loved their wit, banter, chemistry, and the perfect amount of push pull denial and tension as they learn more about each other. I often found myself laughing at their antics or situations they found themselves in.
I recommend reading this book if you are a fan of historical romance, enemies to lovers, opposites attract forced proximity stories.
katie_83's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
Another fantastic read from this author – I absolutely adored this book. from start to finish I was completely captivated by the story and everything that was going on. The authors writing is mesmerising to read at times, full of detail and vivid descriptions of what is happening, I LOVE historical romance but they are usually set in London so I love that I’m reading about a different setting for these books and I love s good enemies to lovers romance so this book ticked everything for me!
The characters Isabel and Henrique were so wonderful to read about they had so much passion and chemistry between them. I loved reading their story. Another huge point for this book is the dual POV which meant we really got to see and understand both of the characters but for me in particular Henrique.
I am really looking forward to reading more from this author again in the future and 100% recommend this book and series!
jojos_library's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓣𝓻𝓾𝓽𝓱 𝓐𝓫𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓜𝔂𝓽𝓱𝓼 by Giovanna Siniscalchi is a 5-star read for me and one of the best historical romance books I've ever read!
I happened to stumble across this book while scrolling Instagram, read the synopsis, and fell in love. This book was so heartwarming. I'm a sucker for historical fiction/romance so this book hit the spot for me. I stayed up all night devouring it! It was so beautifully written.
Our FMC, Isabel is a prudish and patriotic princess, she holds her country and her duty above all else. Our MMC, Henrique is a rakish viscount scientist and is pragmatic in every sense. The love story in this book is swoon-worthy and the rich culture and history made me feel as if I had been transported back in time to 19th-century Portugal.
This book blew me away! I loved that every chapter started with a famous literary quote. From the forbidden romance to the brother's best friend vibe, this book was absolute perfection. And the spice!!! 🔥 The author did an amazing job weaving this story together. The pacing, the plot, and the slow burn were all perfectly written.
I highly recommend reading this if you enjoy historical fiction, historical romance, or just reading in general!
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓣𝓻𝓾𝓽𝓱 𝓐𝓫𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓜𝔂𝓽𝓱𝓼, which is available with Kindle Unlimited. This is book 3 in The Winemakers Series but can be read as a standalone.
Tropes:
✔️19th Century Portugal
✔️Historical Romance
✔️Brother’s Friend
✔️Forbidden Romance
✔️Forced Proximity
✔️Roadt Trip
✔️Slow Burn
✔️Princess FMC
✔️Scientist MMC
✔️Grumpy & Sunshine
✔️Duty VS Love
✔️Opposites Attract
✔️Witty Banter
✔️Lessons in Pleasure
✔️Enemies to Lovers
✔️Gaslamp Romance
✔️Spice
And More…
I happened to stumble across this book while scrolling Instagram, read the synopsis, and fell in love. This book was so heartwarming. I'm a sucker for historical fiction/romance so this book hit the spot for me. I stayed up all night devouring it! It was so beautifully written.
Our FMC, Isabel is a prudish and patriotic princess, she holds her country and her duty above all else. Our MMC, Henrique is a rakish viscount scientist and is pragmatic in every sense. The love story in this book is swoon-worthy and the rich culture and history made me feel as if I had been transported back in time to 19th-century Portugal.
This book blew me away! I loved that every chapter started with a famous literary quote. From the forbidden romance to the brother's best friend vibe, this book was absolute perfection. And the spice!!! 🔥 The author did an amazing job weaving this story together. The pacing, the plot, and the slow burn were all perfectly written.
I highly recommend reading this if you enjoy historical fiction, historical romance, or just reading in general!
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓣𝓻𝓾𝓽𝓱 𝓐𝓫𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓜𝔂𝓽𝓱𝓼, which is available with Kindle Unlimited. This is book 3 in The Winemakers Series but can be read as a standalone.
Tropes:
✔️19th Century Portugal
✔️Historical Romance
✔️Brother’s Friend
✔️Forbidden Romance
✔️Forced Proximity
✔️Roadt Trip
✔️Slow Burn
✔️Princess FMC
✔️Scientist MMC
✔️Grumpy & Sunshine
✔️Duty VS Love
✔️Opposites Attract
✔️Witty Banter
✔️Lessons in Pleasure
✔️Enemies to Lovers
✔️Gaslamp Romance
✔️Spice
And More…
what_karla_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
4.5/5 stars
2/5 spice
A riveting historical romance that was rich in culture and tension filled romance.
Tropes:
Grumpy/Sunshine
Princess FMC
Viscount/Scientist MMC
Friend's sister
Kidnapping/Captive
Virgin FMC
Political intrigue
He falls first
Dual POV
I loved the bantering between Isabel and Henrique. But I also really loved how Isabel grew out of her confining shell and learned to enjoy her life without compromising what was truly important to her. Her patriotism was commendable and was something that Henrique admired her for. So I'm glad she didn't sacrifice that part of herself simply because she fell in love.
Not a lot of time passes from the moment Isabel and Henrique meet, so the romance that blooms does feel a bit fast. But I am a sucker for the hero falling first, soooo I'm not mad about that, lol...
Even though this is part of an interconnected series, it reads as a standalone. I highly recommend this for anyone who loves historical romances with lots of tension. The build-up is worth it, and you'll get a few open door scenes that aren't explicitly detailed and on the shorter side.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.
Trigger/Content warnings:
Political manipulation, jealousy, sexual content, misogyny
2/5 spice
A riveting historical romance that was rich in culture and tension filled romance.
Tropes:
Grumpy/Sunshine
Princess FMC
Viscount/Scientist MMC
Friend's sister
Kidnapping/Captive
Virgin FMC
Political intrigue
He falls first
Dual POV
I loved the bantering between Isabel and Henrique. But I also really loved how Isabel grew out of her confining shell and learned to enjoy her life without compromising what was truly important to her. Her patriotism was commendable and was something that Henrique admired her for. So I'm glad she didn't sacrifice that part of herself simply because she fell in love.
Not a lot of time passes from the moment Isabel and Henrique meet, so the romance that blooms does feel a bit fast. But I am a sucker for the hero falling first, soooo I'm not mad about that, lol...
Even though this is part of an interconnected series, it reads as a standalone. I highly recommend this for anyone who loves historical romances with lots of tension. The build-up is worth it, and you'll get a few open door scenes that aren't explicitly detailed and on the shorter side.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.
Trigger/Content warnings:
Political manipulation, jealousy, sexual content, misogyny
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Infidelity and Misogyny