Scan barcode
hazelrayson's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
hyunjiram's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
freadomlibrary's review against another edition
3.0
Trigger warnings: post-traumatic stress disorder, blackmail, gun violence
Actual rating 3.5 stars
This one was really cute! I liked the New Adult aspect of this one, it gave the series a little change that I think was needed. I thought that the way the relationship developed was really genuine and sweet. I liked both Jamie and Briar, though I will say Jamie is a boy after my own heart haha. I liked how they bonded over romance novels and let each other open up when they were prepared to. However, I think the conflict was a little intense for my taste in comparison to the rest of the story. It was just a little over the top. I liked the side characters a lot and am looking forward to reading more about them in the other Vino Veritas series.
Actual rating 3.5 stars
This one was really cute! I liked the New Adult aspect of this one, it gave the series a little change that I think was needed. I thought that the way the relationship developed was really genuine and sweet. I liked both Jamie and Briar, though I will say Jamie is a boy after my own heart haha. I liked how they bonded over romance novels and let each other open up when they were prepared to. However, I think the conflict was a little intense for my taste in comparison to the rest of the story. It was just a little over the top. I liked the side characters a lot and am looking forward to reading more about them in the other Vino Veritas series.
becksgoesbookish's review against another edition
4.0
This was great! Cooper North and Tim Paige were the perfect narrators for these characters. We really get to see the relationship grow and develop between the two MCs on the page as they have a lot of conversations & spend time together, without any time jumps. And I’ll definitely be reading the “connected” book about Jamie’s brother & roommate.
kj468's review against another edition
emotional
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was enjoyable but not outstanding. I liked how much everyone in the book loves romance books. The main characters were good and both dealing with real problems. I didn’t expect quite the level of drama that the book ended up having. Probably a good one to check content warnings for (which I didn’t)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence and Abandonment
Moderate: Drug use, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
eliezrah's review against another edition
5.0
This Vino and Veritas book was incredible! It was by a new to me author, but I definitely want to see what else J.E. Birk has written after reading Booklover. This was a book I didn't want to put down and that had me emotionally invested in the characters the entire time.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
casadilla12's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
hellishlyawkward's review against another edition
2.0
Basic, just meh.
Thought Jamie’s parents were pretty rubbish, calling on him to work on the farm whenever they wanted. Parents raising their kids to believe they owe them totally rubs me wrong. The resolution to this issue wasn’t really satisfying either.
Briar’s character wasn’t well fleshed out and his motivations weren’t plausible - sure people make irrational decisions when they have mental issues/stress, etc, but his actions were just annoying and stupid. At any point he could have contacted his old counsellor and found out how much about his past his new employer knew, but he didn’t even do that.
This was whatever.
Thought Jamie’s parents were pretty rubbish, calling on him to work on the farm whenever they wanted. Parents raising their kids to believe they owe them totally rubs me wrong. The resolution to this issue wasn’t really satisfying either.
Briar’s character wasn’t well fleshed out and his motivations weren’t plausible - sure people make irrational decisions when they have mental issues/stress, etc, but his actions were just annoying and stupid. At any point he could have contacted his old counsellor and found out how much about his past his new employer knew, but he didn’t even do that.
This was whatever.