A review by porcinitortellini
The Vine Witch by Luanne G. Smith
3.0
3.5 ⭐️
Does this read like a Hallmark movie? Yes
Did I predict the ~*TWIST*~ pretty quickly? Yes
Is this book cheesy as hell? Yes
Luckily cheese and wine do go together*, so while the writing was long-winded at times and the climax was a SLOGGGG to get through, the premise was really fun and I really enjoyed the wine/vine aspect of the book. BUT! Do take that with a grain of salt because I am a GIANT wine nerd (read as: somm and viticulture/enology major) and will be able to find anything to like about anything dealing with wine. The characterization was alright if not a little shaky at times. The last maybe quarter of the book, I did find myself putting it down quite often just because it did seem to drag for just an okay ending (that was also predictable). Also there's like no spice...like maybe cayenne pepper levels, which is fine for me (not a spicy reader), but I know romantasy is becoming a huuuge thing.
* = there ARE "proper" wine and cheese pairings, but as with all things concerning taste, they are mostly subjective!...just don't tell a Master Somm that.
The book wasn't the best pairing I've had, but it got the job done, especially after a really disappointing read that threw me into a slump. I don't think I'll be picking up the next books, but this was a fun read!
Does this read like a Hallmark movie? Yes
Did I predict the ~*TWIST*~ pretty quickly? Yes
Is this book cheesy as hell? Yes
Luckily cheese and wine do go together*, so while the writing was long-winded at times and the climax was a SLOGGGG to get through, the premise was really fun and I really enjoyed the wine/vine aspect of the book. BUT! Do take that with a grain of salt because I am a GIANT wine nerd (read as: somm and viticulture/enology major) and will be able to find anything to like about anything dealing with wine. The characterization was alright if not a little shaky at times. The last maybe quarter of the book, I did find myself putting it down quite often just because it did seem to drag for just an okay ending (that was also predictable). Also there's like no spice...like maybe cayenne pepper levels, which is fine for me (not a spicy reader), but I know romantasy is becoming a huuuge thing.
* = there ARE "proper" wine and cheese pairings, but as with all things concerning taste, they are mostly subjective!...just don't tell a Master Somm that.
The book wasn't the best pairing I've had, but it got the job done, especially after a really disappointing read that threw me into a slump. I don't think I'll be picking up the next books, but this was a fun read!