Books & Bottles Series (#13)

Okay, unlike a lot of other months for this Books & Bottles Series (#13), I actually planned this one out. February has a lot of holidays packed into it!

Black History Month
Galentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day
National Drink Wine Day
National Tater Tot Day
Ice Cream for Breakfast Day

I meannnnn… come on! So many good things! Haha!

As you guys know, I’ve been trying to read books and audiobooks with POC as the main character. It’s opened my eyes to the fact that previously I only read books with main characters that looked like me. I have had so much fun with this goal. It has been the reason I’ve been averaging 1.5 audiobooks a week!

Table of Contents

Books & Bottles Series (#13)

As previously mentioned: it’s Black History Month and a month all about love! So, naturally, I chose a Black Romance Novel and a charming candy-like wine!

Here’s Books & Bottles Series (#13)!

The Book: And They Lived Happily Ever After by Theres Beharrie

Gaia, a shy and quiet romance author, has grown up in the foster care system and made it big all on her own. Feeling successful in having her own apartment, living an easy-going life, and having little friendships, she also harbors a great secret. All of her writing magically plays out in her dreams and she can control them.

When Jacob, Gaia’s best friend’s little brother, starts appearing in her dreams as the main character’s interest she first thought she was going crazy. Then Jacob confronted her. Could it be the kiss they shared at her best friend’s party or are there higher forces pushing these two together?

As time goes on, attraction grows stronger, feelings develop and friendships come to the surface.

Honest review: 3 Stars

I adored Gaia and Seth. Without giving too much away, I also utterly adored Gaia’s relationship with her new friend/number one fan/stalker 😆. Now you’re curious, aren’t you?

You think Seth & Gaia’s relationship is going to grow quickly but they really take their time, develop trust, get to know each other, and then fall for each other. I genuinely appreciate that in a book. I also loved how guarded Gaia was and seeing her open up. As someone who struggles with building trust and allowing romantic interests to grow, it was really refreshing to see her come out of her shell and be hopeful. Allowing herself to be vulnerable and not fully in charge all the time.

I honestly didn’t love the magical dream thing. I get the premise and why it was important and even though it brought some hilarious moments to the book, it was unrealistic to me. Which, I mean … it’s fiction! So, I can’t complain. 😊

_{Note: if you’re thinking of buying this book, check out bookshop.org. You can pick it up at your local bookstore or support a small shop near you and have it delivered!}

Books and Bottles: Airfield 2020 Moscato

The Bottle: Airfield Moscato 2020

Ohhh this one is for all the sweet wine lovers out there! Have you ever tasted wine and thought “…this isn’t wine. This is juice!” Well, you’ll need to include this bottle in that category. Cause … this was juice. Haha!

What I’m tasting:

A lot of tropical fruits but more like tropical fruit juice. The winery tasting notes mentioned hints of lime juice. I didn’t get at but to each their own.

What I’m smelling:

Sweet candied wine. 😅

Overall wine grade: B

To me, this is a dessert wine. This is a bottle you want to split with a girlfriend on valentine’s day while eating pizza and dark chocolate and watching Crazy Rich Asians.

As I don’t love super sweet wines, I gave this a lower grade than I think other people might with a sweeter palate. I like my wines to be earthy, spicy, and savory. This was a great ying to that yang, and went really well while reading this book.

What’s on your bookshelf, guys? Where are you going on your next book adventure?

Til next time, Happy Reading!