Sweet, Sweet Wine

By: Jaime Clevenger

Narrated by: Abby Craden

Flood waters aren't the only dangerous current in the Rockies—Riley Robinson's attraction to the just-passing-through Ana Potrero is immediate and mutual. Some wine, some laughs, some passion—and no strings. Perfect, right?

When Ana proves to be far more complicated, amusing, and appealing than one night could ever fully explore, Riley can't believe she let Ana slip through her fingers. A second chance brings all the intense pleasures of their first encounter, but the realities of dating, distance, ex-lovers, and family could turn sweet, sweet wine into bitter dregs.

Contains mature themes.

©2014 Jaime Clevenger (P)2022 Tantor

Complex Love Story 🥰

As usual, Ms. Clevenger tells a multi- layered tale with intelligent characters filled with diverse emotions.
Combine that with the reliably excellent narration of Abby Craden and you have a love story you can emerge yourself in for hours.
Well done😍

Good

I feel that this book was lacking in depth. It was an okay read but I struggled to really invest in the characters and story.

Life & Love can be messy! Finally- a REAL romance with lusty fear, fire and forever!

Good bless the crooked road that led us here- yes, that’s a country song sentiment for a twisty-turnie romance! I often wonder- how is it that characters in romance novels are either super villains or really honorable folks you can take home to Mama, because, for the record, I’ve run into a few who don’t fit either category! The “naughty in-between’s” they are- not quite right to be in an LTR with, not quite honest when it comes to an important lifestyle issue or outright scoundrels that have an occasional redemptive moment, so you can’t write the off completely, and YES- they mess with our mostly sane minds! And you know Jaime, our author, has been there, done this, or she couldn’t write these many shades of grey characters. Well, finally a romance novel that deals with the “naughty in-betweens” and you’re going think- I KNOW these people! Do you want some sapphic spice that’s a little less perfect and sweet?! Well then, use that credit!

Maybe a 2nd Listen

I usually love Jamie’s books but I couldn’t get into this one. I feel like there were so many holes and too much jumping around. Maybe listening to this a 2nd or even a 3rd time will help.

Story

Usually I love Jamie’s books. This one I did not find very engaging (the story, the characters…) so it took me an effort to finish…

Ending was rushed

I loved this story but it spent too much time with Riley’s backstory with her exes… So many key themes and issues come together in the last two chapters so it felt rushed and not fully developed. I wanted more at the end. Both Ana and Riley are wonderful characters

There is one thing I can say

Jaime Clevenger knows how to write books, and Abby Craden knows how to Narrate them beautifully.

Entertaining enough

Have enjoyed previous novels by this author (and Abby Craden is always on point), but this story was just eh… you can get into the story line but there is never a real climax or true conflict. If you’re looking for an easy listen, this will work… but my guess is you wouldn’t listen to this story twice by choice.

Confusing flashbacks

Although I appreciated the attempt at different voices, the chapters jumped back and forth from girlfriend to girlfriend that I had to restart it three times to understand that it’ll be jumping around so much. If I had read it, I’m sure it would’ve been easier to track, but as an audiobook, I was confused as hell.

First Meeting and Second Chance

Riley moved to Denver because of a woman now she has to move on. Ana is a wine business consultant and visiting the small town Riley is visiting. A deep dive into learning to communicate. Abby Craden is marvelous.