During the pandemic, many people picked up a new hobby or skill while hunkering down at home.
Me? Well, with the guidance of the Vivino app and thanks to my local grocery store’s BOGO wine deals, I became quite skilled at sampling wine. Mostly Cabernet Sauvignons, Red Blends, and Pinot Noirs, though I did try a couple of white wines and a Rosé or two, along with a few bottles of bubbly. One BOGO bubbly was so delish, I’m saving the second bottle for when West Side Love Story releases in June.
My wine sampling is usually at the end of the day when I curl up with a good book. So, I thought it’d be fun to create some tasty wine and great book pairings for those who might enjoy sipping a glass while they read, too.
All these books are available now, with one bonus novel you can pre-order! Go ahead, treat yourself!
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The Wedding Setup by Sonali Dev
Once again, Sonali Dev delivers an emotional read. Dev’s second-chance romance short story shares the moving tale of one woman’s journey of self-discovery and her emotional reunion with the man she walked away from but never forgot. Set during a lavish Indian wedding, this short romance is the perfect appetizer for our feast of pairings!
One reader praised Dev’s romance as a “fast-paced, sweet, humorous light romance” so I’m choosing an Australian Reisling, a sweeter wine that goes well with appetizers.
Wine Recommendation: Reisling 2020
Winery: Best
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The Holiday Switch by Tif Marcelo
Tif Marcelo’s adversaries-to-lovers romance has everything you want in a YA holiday romance. When our Type A heroine who moonlights as a book blogger (love it!!) is forced to work with her boss’s cute, but annoying nephew unwanted sparks fly! It’s a feel-good novel that wonderfully weaves in the angst of making big life decisions, family drama, and a cast of loveable characters.
School Library Journal lauded The Holiday Switch as “a charming, easy read that will broaden most reader’s experiences,” so I’m choosing a Grenache Rosé that one Vivino reviewer described as “just lovely.” (Read the review here.)
Wine Recommendation: Grenache Rosé
Winery: Notorious Pink
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Bookshop
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The Kindred Spirits Supper Club by Amy E. Reichert
Amy E. Reichert’s rom-com comes with a supernatural twist when our jobless heroine returns home to deal with old frenemies, kisses from past boyfriends, and – gasp! — ghosts! It’s a heartwarming romance about the importance of connection and the power of love.
Booklist awarded this novel a Starred Review from Booklist, noting it’s “filled with a strong sense of place, mouthwatering descriptions of food, and a sweet love story (or two), Reichert’s latest will surely delight readers.” So, I’m pairing it with a tempranillo that a Vivino reviewer cries, “… is a stunner!” (Read the review here.)
Wine Suggestion: Viña Ardanza Reserva
Winery: La Rioja Alta
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Bookshop
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The Next Ship Home by Heather Webb
Heather Webb’s latest novel has us traveling back to Ellis Island in 1902 where we meet two unbelievably brave women in a tale about dark secrets, the strength of immigrants and the bonds of female friendship.
In fact, New York Times bestselling author Pam Jenoff praised Webb’s novel as “an unflinching look at the immigrant experience, an unlikely and unique friendship, and a resonant story of female empowerment.” In a nod to Webb’s heroines, I selected a Red Blend by two sisters who lead the largest African American winery in the US. (Read the review here.)
Wine Suggestion: California Red Blend 2018
Winery: McBride Sisters
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Bookshop
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A Song of Secrets by Jayci Lee
Jayci Lee brings another second chance romance to our list, this one set in the world of classical music. Of her latest Harlequin Desire, one reader raves that it’s “an emotional, steamy romance, with all the right notes … a tale rich with emotions, sizzling chemistry, clever banter, and authentic characters.”
In honor of the “sizzling chemistry,” I selected a wine by Alchemist, a Pinot Noir one Vivino reviewer describes as “beautiful, elegant,” much like Lee’s classical music setting.
Wine Suggestion: Pinot Noir 2018
Winery: Alchemist
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Bookshop
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Her Perfect Life by Hank Phillippi Ryan
Hank Phillippi Ryan definitely knows how to deliver a spine-tingling thriller, and with Her Perfect Life, she does it again. In its Starred Review of the novel, Publishers Weekly raved, “Superlative … this is a fast-paced, surprise-packed treat.” The novel also earned a Kirkus Starred Review that cheered, “a well-crafted plot and strong female characters drive a satisfying psychological thriller.”
For Hank’s novel, I chose a Malbec that’s been described as “a dense and bold wine” that “definitely doesn’t disappoint and is a crowd pleaser.” (Read the review here.)
Wine Suggestion: Malbec 2017
Winery: El Enemigo (translation: The Enemy)
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Bookshop
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The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Cordova
This latest by Zoraida Córdova is magical realism and mystery genius! A family saga full of mysticism and emotion, it’s been hailed as an “expertly woven tale of family power” by #1 New York Times bestselling author V.E. Schwab. And Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times bestselling author, said it best when she called The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina, “Intoxicating and unforgettable.”
To match the richness of the book’s gorgeous covers, I selected a Malbec that one Vivino user assures us has a “bedazzling aromas of dark fruits … velvety feel to the palate.” Velvety and lush … that’s exactly how this book will make you feel.
Wine Suggestion: Bramare Malbec Uco Valley 2018
Winery: Viña Cobos
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Bookshop
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The Dating Playbook by Farrah Rochon
This is book two is Farrah Rochon’s latest series, and much like the first, it delivers a sigh-worthy HEA! Take a butt-kicking personal trainer with a cash flow concern, a former professional football player who is oh-so-fine, and a fake dating ruse that puts them up close and personal, and you’ve got rom-com gold! The Dating Playbook earned a Starred Review from Kirkus, which called it, “A total knockout: Funny, sexy and full of heart.”
Since this series is set in Austin, I selected a Cabernet Sauvignon from Austin Hope winery. Much like the novel, which has a good balance of all things rom-com, this wine was touted as, “flavorful, good balance of thickness, flavor, bite, fruit.”
Wine Suggestion: Austin Cabernet Sauvignon N.V.
Winery: Austin Hope
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Bookshop
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How to Marry Keanu Reeves in 90 Days by K.M. Jackson
Talk about a fun ride that ends with an HEA, Jackson’s romance takes us on a road trip from New York to LA as superfan Lu sets out to meet and win Keanu’s heart, with her best friend Truman in tow. Only, between the banter and shenanigans these besties get embroiled in, Lu realizes that her true love is already by her side.
Publishers Weekly gave the novel a Starred Review, going on to say it’s “… a moving, heartfelt story … lighthearted and welcoming even as Jackson probes heavy emotions. Readers will be wowed.” Since this road trip winds up in LA, I figured a Walt (as in Disneyland) Pinot Noir that one reviewer says has a “nice finish, complex and warm” seemed perfect.
Wine Suggestion: La Brisa Pinot Noir 2018
Winery: Walt
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Bookshop
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And for our encore pairing…
A Caribbean Heiress in Paris by Adriana Herrera
I received an early copy of Adriana Herrera’s historical romance, and it is divine! Rich with Caribbean and Latinx historical facts and representation, ripe with sensuality and chemistry, and loaded with savvy, smart, strong-willed heroines, this romance was unputdownable.
To celebrate the novel’s triumphant heroine, a Santo Domingo rum empire heiress intent on building her own business and future, I paired it with a bubbly by a female winemaker, a Rosé Brut one Vivino review lauds as “a great celebration beverage.”
Wine Suggestion: Baublebar Rosé Brut Limited Edition
Winery: Chandon California
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Bookshop
The Wedding Setup by Sonali Dev
Once again, Sonali Dev delivers an emotional read. Dev’s second-chance romance short story shares the moving tale of one woman’s journey of self-discovery and her emotional reunion with the man she walked away from but never forgot. Set during a lavish Indian wedding, this short romance is the perfect appetizer for our feast of pairings!
One reader praised Dev’s romance as a “fast-paced, sweet, humorous light romance” so I’m choosing an Australian Reisling, a sweeter wine that goes well with appetizers.
Wine Recommendation: Reisling 2020
Winery: Best
The Holiday Switch by Tif Marcelo
Tif Marcelo’s adversaries-to-lovers romance has everything you want in a YA holiday romance. When our Type A heroine who moonlights as a book blogger (love it!!) is forced to work with her boss’s cute, but annoying nephew unwanted sparks fly! It’s a feel-good novel that wonderfully weaves in the angst of making big life decisions, family drama, and a cast of loveable characters.
School Library Journal lauded The Holiday Switch as “a charming, easy read that will broaden most reader’s experiences,” so I’m choosing a Grenache Rosé that one Vivino reviewer described as “just lovely.” (Read the review here.)
Wine Recommendation: Grenache Rosé
Winery: Notorious Pink
The Kindred Spirits Supper Club by Amy E. Reichert
Amy E. Reichert’s rom-com comes with a supernatural twist when our jobless heroine returns home to deal with old frenemies, kisses from past boyfriends, and – gasp! — ghosts! It’s a heartwarming romance about the importance of connection and the power of love.
Booklist awarded this novel a Starred Review from Booklist, noting it’s “filled with a strong sense of place, mouthwatering descriptions of food, and a sweet love story (or two), Reichert’s latest will surely delight readers.” So, I’m pairing it with a tempranillo that a Vivino reviewer cries, “… is a stunner!” (Read the review here.)
Wine Suggestion: Viña Ardanza Reserva
Winery: La Rioja Alta
The Next Ship Home by Heather Webb
Heather Webb’s latest novel has us traveling back to Ellis Island in 1902 where we meet two unbelievably brave women in a tale about dark secrets, the strength of immigrants and the bonds of female friendship.
In fact, New York Times bestselling author Pam Jenoff praised Webb’s novel as “an unflinching look at the immigrant experience, an unlikely and unique friendship, and a resonant story of female empowerment.” In a nod to Webb’s heroines, I selected a Red Blend by two sisters who lead the largest African American winery in the US. (Read the review here.)
Wine Suggestion: California Red Blend 2018
Winery: McBride Sisters
A Song of Secrets by Jayci Lee
Jayci Lee brings another second chance romance to our list, this one set in the world of classical music. Of her latest Harlequin Desire, one reader raves that it’s “an emotional, steamy romance, with all the right notes … a tale rich with emotions, sizzling chemistry, clever banter, and authentic characters.”
In honor of the “sizzling chemistry,” I selected a wine by Alchemist, a Pinot Noir one Vivino reviewer describes as “beautiful, elegant,” much like Lee’s classical music setting.
Wine Suggestion: Pinot Noir 2018
Winery: Alchemist
Her Perfect Life by Hank Phillippi Ryan
Hank Phillippi Ryan definitely knows how to deliver a spine-tingling thriller, and with Her Perfect Life, she does it again. In its Starred Review of the novel, Publishers Weekly raved, “Superlative … this is a fast-paced, surprise-packed treat.” The novel also earned a Kirkus Starred Review that cheered, “a well-crafted plot and strong female characters drive a satisfying psychological thriller.”
For Hank’s novel, I chose a Malbec that’s been described as “a dense and bold wine” that “definitely doesn’t disappoint and is a crowd pleaser.” (Read the review here.)
Wine Suggestion: Malbec 2017
Winery: El Enemigo (translation: The Enemy)
The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Cordova
This latest by Zoraida Córdova is magical realism and mystery genius! A family saga full of mysticism and emotion, it’s been hailed as an “expertly woven tale of family power” by #1 New York Times bestselling author V.E. Schwab. And Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times bestselling author, said it best when she called The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina, “Intoxicating and unforgettable.”
To match the richness of the book’s gorgeous covers, I selected a Malbec that one Vivino user assures us has a “bedazzling aromas of dark fruits … velvety feel to the palate.” Velvety and lush … that’s exactly how this book will make you feel.
Wine Suggestion: Bramare Malbec Uco Valley 2018
Winery: Viña Cobos
The Dating Playbook by Farrah Rochon
This is book two is Farrah Rochon’s latest series, and much like the first, it delivers a sigh-worthy HEA! Take a butt-kicking personal trainer with a cash flow concern, a former professional football player who is oh-so-fine, and a fake dating ruse that puts them up close and personal, and you’ve got rom-com gold! The Dating Playbook earned a Starred Review from Kirkus, which called it, “A total knockout: Funny, sexy and full of heart.”
Since this series is set in Austin, I selected a Cabernet Sauvignon from Austin Hope winery. Much like the novel, which has a good balance of all things rom-com, this wine was touted as, “flavorful, good balance of thickness, flavor, bite, fruit.”
Wine Suggestion: Austin Cabernet Sauvignon N.V.
Winery: Austin Hope
How to Marry Keanu Reeves in 90 Days by K.M. Jackson
Talk about a fun ride that ends with an HEA, Jackson’s romance takes us on a road trip from New York to LA as superfan Lu sets out to meet and win Keanu’s heart, with her best friend Truman in tow. Only, between the banter and shenanigans these besties get embroiled in, Lu realizes that her true love is already by her side.
Publishers Weekly gave the novel a Starred Review, going on to say it’s “… a moving, heartfelt story … lighthearted and welcoming even as Jackson probes heavy emotions. Readers will be wowed.” Since this road trip winds up in LA, I figured a Walt (as in Disneyland) Pinot Noir that one reviewer says has a “nice finish, complex and warm” seemed perfect.
Wine Suggestion: La Brisa Pinot Noir 2018
Winery: Walt
A Caribbean Heiress in Paris by Adriana Herrera
I received an early copy of Adriana Herrera’s historical romance, and it is divine! Rich with Caribbean and Latinx historical facts and representation, ripe with sensuality and chemistry, and loaded with savvy, smart, strong-willed heroines, this romance was unputdownable.
To celebrate the novel’s triumphant heroine, a Santo Domingo rum empire heiress intent on building her own business and future, I paired it with a bubbly by a female winemaker, a Rosé Brut one Vivino review lauds as “a great celebration beverage.”
Wine Suggestion: Baublebar Rosé Brut Limited Edition
Winery: Chandon California
