Reading Between The Wines … September 24, 2018

 

The idea was just too novel to pass up. I enjoy drinking wine, and I enjoy reading, so combining these two loves of mine was a no-brainer. This week, I have a couple of new authors to introduce you to. Hope you’ll enjoy reading their words between sipping your favorite vino. I certainly will!

The acclaimed, award-winning novel is now a major motion picture starring Amandla Stenberg, Russell Hornsby, Regina Hall, Anthony Mackie, Issa Rae, and Common.  

8 starred reviews ∙ William C. Morris Award Winner ∙ National Book Award Longlist ∙ Printz Honor Book ∙ Coretta Scott King Honor Book ∙ #1 New York Times Bestseller!

“Absolutely riveting!” —Jason Reynolds

“Stunning.” —John Green

“This story is necessary. This story is important.” —Kirkus (starred review)

“Heartbreakingly topical.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“A marvel of verisimilitude.” —Booklist (starred review)

“A powerful, in-your-face novel.” —Horn Book (starred review)

Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.

Soon afterward, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil’s name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.

But what Starr does—or does not—say could upend her community. It could also endanger her life.

And don’t miss On the Come Up, Angie Thomas’s powerful follow-up to The Hate U Give.

 

My Review

I read this book when it debuted primarily because author Angie Thomas is from Mississippi, my home state, and because I’d heard about this book about a story that was practically ripped from today’s headlines. A young African American male is shot and killed by a police officer, and the female protagonist witnesses it. There is so much that could have gone wrong in writing such a story, but Thomas handles such sensitive and explosive subject matter it in just the right way. The book opened my eyes to some things which I as a minority wasn’t privy to, so I’m sure it is quite the educational story for readers in the majority. I was excited when I first heard it would be made into a movie, and now that time has come. The Hate U Give  movie releases nationwide on October 19th (but will air in limited venues on October 6th). I think this book and movie will be well worth the $12 bucks for either, or both.

 

Whiskey Heart by Caroline Tate

Description

They’ve shared a past and a lifetime’s worth of playful innuendos. But when a casual fling turns serious, will they both be down for the ride?

Riley Pratt is content living her quiet, less-than-thrilling life in the city minding her own business. Due to her hectic work schedule and self-made career as one of Savannah’s up-and-coming interior designers, she’s learned to keep her thoughts to herself and her eyes on the prize– a fruitful, shining career in design. Until Cameron Alden waltzes into town.

Always thinking up his next cocky comeback, Cameron is arrogant and annoyingly charming in all the wrong ways. Heir to the largest whiskey distillery in the South, he prides himself on being well-endowed but also claims he’s prudish as hell. Official word around town? He’s Savannah’s hottest bachelor. And he takes complete advantage of it.

Which… isn’t Riley’s glass of rosé. Though she can feel sparks flying rampant when they’re together, will Riley give him a chance? Or is she too sure that Cameron’s old habits will die hard, making her just another one-night stand?

 

Brighter Than The Boss by Marika Ray

Description

When a case of mistaken identity leads to a naked make-out session with my hot new employee, I decide to do the sensible thing and stay far, far away to save both our jobs. Trouble is, all the whiskey and women in the world can’t burn that memory out of my brain.

She’s everything I’m not: a happy, non-swearing, ray of sunshine. She’s positively annoying, but I can’t deny the burning attraction that sparks every time we’re near each other.

When a statewide tsunami warning puts my crew of lifeguards in a life or death emergency, Sunny and I have to set our feelings aside to work closely together. Crazy enough, the tsunami and tenuous job situation are the least of my worries when she starts digging around in my dark past.

 

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Reading Between The Wines: Bev Elle’s Book Recommendations

Blake by Victoria H. Smith

Description

Her trip across the country led her to me, my town–my booth on my lunch break and I never forgot her. I never forgot our conversation or her… taste when I’d been fortunate enough to have it.

She had me in a world where she was mine and, even though the experience of her had only been for a short while, I took that memory into the rest of my life, Anita… the girl who spoke of dreams.

She reminded me of my dreams and that it was okay to have them. I made those desires into reality years later, after a fallen marriage and a lifetime of hesitance, but never once did Ann leave me.

I never thought I needed anyone when the girl with talks of dreaming finally made it back into my life over three decades later, my family and the strong boys I raised into men all I needed. Anita sure proved me wrong, because not only did I need that woman, I lived for her once I had her back in my life.

My sudden heart attack may have brought us back to each other, but our history…

It gave us both a second chance.

 

Only Between Us by Mila Ferrera

Description

Last semester, Romy escaped from an abusive relationship with the guy she’d thought was the man of her dreams. This semester she’s putting herself back together, determined to reclaim her passion for art and for life. When she signs up for a painting class at the local art co-op, the possibility of passion becomes very real — in the form of her teacher, Caleb. Both mysterious and seriously hot, Caleb bares his soul on his canvases, and Romy’s fascinated by what she sees.

Caleb is just trying to keep his head above water. Caring for his traumatized, unstable sister is getting harder every day, and his paintings are so dark and bleak that no one is buying. Teaching classes at the co-op is no longer enough, and now he’s going to have to sell more than just his art to the wealthy, sex-starved women in his classes. But when Romy comes along, she makes everything more complicated. She sees the truth in his paintings — a truth no one else has realized, until now.

Romy and Caleb might have a real shot together — one that could heal them both. But when ghosts from their pasts re-emerge, determined to keep them apart, will they be strong enough to hold on to each other?

Dare You To Lie by Amber Lynn Natusch

Description

THE FIRST INSTALLMENT IN THE HOMETOWN ANTIHERO SERIES.

“A quick-witted heroine, a fast-paced plot, and a twisty whodunit mystery kept me on my toes. Fans of Riverdale will adore Kylene Danners and devour this suspenseful story.” —USA Today bestselling author, K.A. Tucker

When her FBI agent father is framed for murder, Kylene is forced to move in with her grandfather, back to the small town that turned its back on her, and the boy who betrayed her.

All Ky cares about is clearing her father’s name, but someone won’t let her forget the photo scandal that drove her away two years ago. As the threats gain momentum, Ky finds an unlikely ally in the annoyingly attractive rookie FBI agent sent to keep an eye on her.

Determined to expose the town’s hidden skeletons, Ky unwittingly thrusts herself into a much bigger plot. They thought she’d forgive and forget. They’re about to learn they messed with the wrong girl.

 

The Research Trip by Christina Rose Andrews

Description

Conventions in Hawaii were supposed to be business mixed with fun. It’s why commercial real estate broker, Serena Khan, and her romance novelist husband, Frank Elliott, decided to attend one at the Seaside Villa Resort. Unfortunately, Serena’s trip has been all work with no play. And worse, the Seaside Villa Resort is nothing of the kind. Luckily she’s got a husband who knows just what to do to make their Hawaiian vacation a whole lot more memorable. And a lot more fun!

This is a short story with an established couple featuring light bondage and food play with a happy ending.

Why I’ve Been MIA

So, I’ve been missing in action for quite some time. “Why?”  You ask. My answer is, “LIFE!” I’ve been trying to keep my family afloat. Hubby lost his job last year and this set us back quite a bit. Since then we’ve both hunkered down and tried to keep us with a roof over our heads, food to eat, and just the ability to survive… That said, I’m back!

 

And now that I am, “What can you expect from me?” Well, glad you asked. I’m going to hunker down and write a series that I can publish back-to-back, re-establish a presence on social media, and build my brand from the ground up. Again! This will not be easy, so I’m asking those of you who haven’t abandoned me to be patient as I get my mojo working again. In the meantime I’ll be posting newsletters regularly, at least a couple of times a month until I’m ready to publish. Looking forward to interacting with you again!

Love,

Bev Elle

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