Uncorked

by Saylor Storm

World-renowned fashion designer, Simone Le Bayon, leaves her playful life in Paris to start over in Malibu. She quickly falls in love, marries and has a baby. Her life is perfect until the people closest to her vanish . Deceived and devastated, she perseveres until she meets entrepreneur, Steve Zasa, on a buying trip in China. Their lives mesh, making a family and beginning a new wine career together in Napa. She think’s she found a man to trust, but can she?

176 pages, Paperback

First published May 20, 2013

About the author

Saylor Storm takes something from real life and turns it into something fun, and perhaps a bit twisted. Reality becomes fantasy, or is that imagination turns into real life experience? Her stories include places where she has lived or visited from the beaches of Malibu to Islands of Fiji and destinations in between. Love and passion are at the root of her novels; after all isn’t that what life is all about? Storm is a long-time resident of beautiful Lake Tahoe. Saylor is currently working on several new books and loves to hear from her readers! Visit her at www.SaylorStorm.com

Reviews

[Jennifer Paul · Rating 1 out of 5]

* I received this book as part of a GoodReads Giveaway. *

Had I not felt obligated to read and review the entire book, I would have put it down after the first 7 pages. There's only 175 pages.. split into 48 chapters. Yes, forty-eight.

I'll start with the positive:

↑↑ At the beginning of each chapter there is a piece of (mostly interesting) wine trivia, from origins to legends, etiquette to myths. Thomas Jefferson spent more money on wine than he did on his servants' salaries! I suppose this was the one benefit to a short book with so many chapters.

And now onto the negative:

↓↓ The incredulous amount of grammatical errors is simply astounding. I'm led to believe that there was no editor for this published book and that nobody proofread it, not even the author. There are so many missing quotation marks that I lost count. And then there's a sentence with a full set of quotation marks.. when it isn't even dialogue! A few examples include:

"May I help you? asked the petite blonde behind the desk.

"You'll have to excuse the place," she said, I just moved in and haven't had much time to do anything. Would you like a glass of wine? We can sit out on the deck."

"Seven o'clock? Where shall I pick you up?"
"She wrote down her address on the back of a business card."
"Do you like sushi?" he asked.

↓↓ This one gets a category for itself: its'. I get irked at the wrong uses of its and it's... But this one tops the cake.

20 minutes later, they were pulling the 24 foot sailboat out of its' slip.

*cringe*

↓↓ I know this is more of a preference, but I would rather certain numbers be written out than be in numeral form. This is especially so at the beginning of a sentence. The above quote is a perfect example. It moreso bugs me in this novel because many numbers were written out, but then you'd see some numerals later.

Arnie asked questions for the next twenty minutes.

She was in labor for fourteen hours...

They hailed a cab, and 10 minutes later were seated in Yunnan.

She had 20 minutes left before...

↓↓ On page 171/175, the author refers to a character as Ken.. when his name was Ted/Walter (double identity). A simple "Find.." search would've fixed that one if the name had originally been Ken.

↓↓ Multiple times, the protagonist is referred to as the "bride" after the wedding. The first time, one chapter and two weeks after the wedding, didn't bother me. But when it was also used two chapters later (5.5 months after the wedding), it was just redundant and made me think the author was having trouble coming up with an original thought.

Steve braced his body weight with his arms. He slid on top of his wife and looked directly into her eyes as he entered her. It took all of Simone's concentration not to close her eyes as she felt his penetration.
He slowly and methodically thrust forcefully inside of his bride. Simone wanted to throw her head back, close her eyes and moan. She resisted the temptation and continued the intense visual engagement with her husband.
Steve continued with the same intensity and pace until he was dripping with sweat. The two stayed locked in gaze, both breathing increasingly heavily as the excitement level escalated.
Simone let out numerous, "Prends, moi! Prends, moi!"
Steve finally erupted with violent contractions.
He held his bride quietly as he gently stroked her hair.

↓↓ And of course there's another reason for the long previous quote. The sex scenes do not feel natural at all. They make me feel as if the author felt obligated to include them, even though the book would have been much better without. Perhaps it's just me, but I find nothing romantic, sexy or desirable about these scenes.

Ted slid on top of her as his erect penis swiftly found it's way inside of her. He pumped rhythmically on top of her for several moments before climaxing.

*cringe* That one includes one of my aforementioned peeves, too! The technical aspects of how they have sex just don't add anything to the book. The same thing could have been said in a more natural way, especially since it's such a small (one paragraph!) part of the book.

↓↓ The second chapter of the book gives a little background into Simone's childhood and family life. It seemed to have a profound effect on her future. She distanced herself from her mother and father for many years. She reunites with them in Chapter 17, only for the heart-wrenching reconciliation to take up a whole 1.5 pages. I was actually interested during this part, only to turn the page and find it abruptly ending.

↓↓ Sam Gentry. I am not sure what the point of this character was. He was introduced in the first chapter as Simone's college-love. We read redundant information about their relationship that doesn't even fit into the storyline of the book.

Her mind wandered back to the time when Sam was head of the football team at SMU, and Simone was the head cheerleader. They were the "it" couple in those days." (p.2)

Sam Gentry has fit perfectly into her life. Together they portrayed the image of the perfect couple." (p.10)

You know.. just in case you forgot in 6 pages or were unsure of what the "'it' couple" meant.

↓↓ Sam Gentry, Part Deux. The end of Chapter One includes two paragraphs referring to Sam's obsession with cross-dressing. It makes you wonder how this will fit into the rest of the novel. Have no worries.. it's tied to the last paragraph of the book! That's right.. it in no way is relevant to the plot. While weaving little things together like that can put a smile on my face, in this case it was just ludicrous. We are informed of an obsession (a taboo one at that!) by a character who ends up playing one of the smallest roles in the storyline. And this obsession isn't mentioned again until the last sentence of the novel. Completely irrelevant and an utter disappointment.

↓↓ Sam Gentry, Part Trois. Chapters 1 and 46 are basically the same. Chapter 1 also includes descriptive information about Simone and Sam. While they cover the same time period in the plot and half of the chapters are the same, the other half are different. How, exactly, could the same conversation be different.. other than it being written 167 pages later? While Chapter 46 fits correctly into the timeline, it still feels out of place there. Why would Simone be wondering if she'd still have feelings for Sam when she just got married to the perfect man? Why would she unbutton her shirt to show him a bit of cleavage? While they aren't out of the ordinary things to wonder/do when meeting with an ex, the way they are written make you think that Simone doesn't have Mr. Perfect already. As for Chapter 1.. it just doesn't make sense at all. It feels like the book was written starting with Chapter 2. Then the author realized she needed to describe the protagonist (and hey! we could tie the first chapter and last paragraph together too!), so she copied Chapter 46 and added some stuff. And then left Chapter 46 there, too.

This is part of Chapter 1:

Simone was nervous as she entered the heavy double glass doors that lead to the law offices of Gentry & Gant, the most prestigious attorneys in San Francisco.
"May I help you?" asked the petite blond behind the reception desk.
"Yes, I have an appointment with Sam Gentry. My name is Simone Le Bayon."
"Oh, yes, Miss Le Bayon. He is expecting you. Please follow me to the conference room."
Simone did as she was instructed.
"May I get you anything while you are waiting?"
"No, thank you."
"Mr. Gentry will be right with you."
[...]
When was the last time that she saw Sam Gentry? It was college graduation, 11 years earlier.
Sam had once been the love of her life. Would she still feel that excitement for him? Would he still feel an attraction to her after all of these years?
[...]
"How wonderful to see you, Simone!" You have blossomed into such a sophisticated woman. Your time in Paris has served you well!" He leaned in to give her a warm hug and a kiss on the cheek.
"Time has been kind to you as well, Sam. You look wonderful."
Sam was attentive and professional as he explained the details of solving Simone's numerous predicaments. She felt safe in Sam's capable hands. Simone's mind wandered as Sam politely explained what lay ahead. She thought how odd it was to be in Sam's office after all of these years later, under these circumstances.
He explained the contents of the massive piles of papers in front of them. "Honestly, Simone, I've never had a client with so many different legal proceedings going on at the same time. We have the relinqishment of paternity, the adoption, the sale of your business, the purchase of the winery, the sale of the Malibu house. Did you want to file a civil suit against your ex's partner, Smith?"
Simone sighed heavily, "I really don't want to, Sam, but I probably should. Let me think about it overnight?"
"Whatever you want, Simone."
She answered the rest of Sam's questions. She was in his office for the better part of the afternoon.
He finally wrapped up the conversation. "Do you have any questions?"
"Dozens, but they can wait." She was feeling exhausted. "Is this your family?" she asked as she picked up a framed photo of a short, dark woman and two children from his desk.
"Yes, that's my wife, Cindy, and my two kids are in boarding school. I would love for you to meet them sometime."
"I would love that, Sam. Thank you, again, for everything. I know that this has all been quite an undertaking for you." She took his hand in hers and leaned in to place a soft kiss on his cheek.

And this is Chapter 46:

It was time to pay a visit to Sam Gentry. Simone made an appointment to see him in his San Francisco office.
She entered the double glass doors that led to the law offices of Gentry & Gant.
"May I help you? asked the petite blond behind the desk.
"Yes. I have an appointment with Mr. Gentry. My name is Simone Le Bayon."
"Oh, yes, Miss Le Bayon, he is expecting you. Please follow me to the conference room."
Simone did as she was told.
"May I get you anything while you are waiting?"
"No, thank you.
Simone was nervous. It had been so many years since she had seen Sam Gentry. She wondered if there would still be a mutual attraction.
The question was answered the moment he walked in the door and her heart skipped a beat.
"How wonderful to see you, Simone! You look beautiful" he exclaimed.
She embraced Sam, "Time has been kind to you as well. You look wonderful."
"Well, we have much to discuss! You have given me quite a bit of work here," he said sarcastically.
"Sorry about that," she responded, embarrassed.
"It's quite all right. You are keeping me on my toes."
"First, we have the civil suit against Walter Simms. Did you want to file a suit against Darren Smith as well?
"No, thank you. I think that we have enough to deal with here." She sighed heavily.
"We received the voluntary relinquishment of paternal rights signed by Simms."
"Thank God for that, at least," she said.
"Next we have adoption papers for Soize. Steve will need to come in and sign those in front of our notary."
"Of course," she agreed.
"It looks like all of the adoption papers are in order for Monet."
"Thank you, for looking those over, Sam."
"No problem."
"Also, thank you for handling the paper work for the boutique and the winery."
"My pleasure. Like I said, you're keeping me on my toes."
"Did I need annulment papers from Simms? She asked.
"No, not necessary. As far as the law is concerned, that marriage never happened."
"I wish I could say that," she mumbled under her breath.
"What was that?" he asked, looking up from the mass of papers.
"Oh, nothing."
"Sam, can we make up a will while we're at it? We may as well get everything out of the way at the same time."
"Sure, no problem. I'll just add it to the list."
"I'll check with Steve. He will probably need a new will as well."
"Is there anything else that you can think of?"
"I still have lots of questions, Sam, but they can wait. I think that we've covered enough for today."

Aside from the similarities/differences between the two chapters, there are many things I could pick at in just Chapter 46. But I'm sure you noticed them or could find them if you proofread it, too.

Conclusion

Would not recommend. This is a rare book that does not fit into the cultural phrase "_______: Still a better love story than Twilight." The characters are not well developed. The plot is choppy and not well-written. And the grammar--oh, the grammar! (Mine isn't perfect either, but I'm not an author selling and promoting my writing.)

[Kate Hearn · Rating 3 out of 5]

***I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway****

Uncorked is the story of Simone Le Bayon, a well known fashion designer from small town roots. She moves to Paris after school, and ultimately ends up opening her own store. In Paris she meets Francois, and they become best friends (he also works for her taking care of all the paper work aspects of the business).
An attempted rape leaves Simone shot in the left shoulder, and in need of therapy to regain use of her arm and hand. She returns to the US for therapy (John Hopkins). There she meets an fbi agent (Arnie) who is as hardcore about recovering as she is.

Simone doesn't return to Paris. She moves to California and starts a second store. Francois soon follows, just in time to meet Simone's new husband, Ted. Simone soon discovers she is pregnant, but before she has the baby she finds out that Francois is dying (AIDS), and Ted has run out on her. Simone has a daughter, Soize (named after Francois) and finds out her husband wasn't who he seemed to be.
Fast forward and Simone has met Steve...and he seems perfect, though she is hesitant after the whole Ted situation. Arnie (who has since become a good friend) has been able to track Ted down, He is in Greece with his boyfriend, and Ted isn't his name. In the end everything works out for Simone. She marries Steve, and they start a winery.

Wine is a huge theme through out the book...so much so I had to have a glass while reading. I have never read such a short book before, but it did tie up most of the loose ends. I did find quite a few spelling errors and name errors in the book (ie. Ted being called Ken near the end), which made some parts confusing, but over all it was a decent short read.

[Brooke · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

I'm not quite sure how to go about this. "Uncorked" was extremely underwhelming. There was hardly a story here, sadly. Perhaps I would have liked the book if I had cared about the main character, but she was not well-written and was hard to relate to. It was very fast-paced, the grammar/editing errors were horrendous, and the bedroom scenes were totally uncomfortable and unnecessary.

I'm really not trying to be rude, but this does not deserve the rating it currently has. Thanks to the author for signing it, but it was just a bore.

[Unknown Unknown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued by the authors name, or pseudonym, so i entered a goodreads givaway for this book. I'm glad I did, It was a very fun read. Clever, good plot and a bit informative.

I read this mostly after work. My wife is reading it now, I might edit this review when she's finished.

I recommend this to anyone who like books and wine.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway. It was a very short novel about a young woman's life as she finds her way into a professional field and her trials with her love life. I read it quickly and wished it would have had more detail to make the story more gripping.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway. It was a short, fun read that I finished in just a few days.