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Between the Vines
He absolutely hates newcomers...
Camilla Morales has always been known for her sunny demeanor and never letting anyone get to her. She works hard, smiles harder, and does what she can to succeed. Moving to a small town in Tennessee, Camilla is forced to learn the hard way that success only means so much if you have the roots to go with it.
Bennett Moore is fed up with the world and wants peace. Living in his remote farm, miles from the nearest neighbor, he'd rather round up cattle than hear about new tourist attractions that pop up in his hometown. Especially the vineyard that was bought down the road.
What happens when the least likely of two people meet and end up falling for another more than they intended to?
-
Between the Vines is intended for readers 18+. Please check the author's website (graceelenaauthor.com) for a complete list of content warnings.
Between the Vines is Book 1 in the Alpine Ridge series.
Alpine Ridge is a small town in the Tennessee Roots Universe by Grace Elena.
Camilla Morales has always been known for her sunny demeanor and never letting anyone get to her. She works hard, smiles harder, and does what she can to succeed. Moving to a small town in Tennessee, Camilla is forced to learn the hard way that success only means so much if you have the roots to go with it.
Bennett Moore is fed up with the world and wants peace. Living in his remote farm, miles from the nearest neighbor, he'd rather round up cattle than hear about new tourist attractions that pop up in his hometown. Especially the vineyard that was bought down the road.
What happens when the least likely of two people meet and end up falling for another more than they intended to?
-
Between the Vines is intended for readers 18+. Please check the author's website (graceelenaauthor.com) for a complete list of content warnings.
Between the Vines is Book 1 in the Alpine Ridge series.
Alpine Ridge is a small town in the Tennessee Roots Universe by Grace Elena.
410 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2023
249 people are currently reading
3106 people want to read
About the author
Grace Elena
5 books194 followersGrace Elena is a Mexican American author who loves to write slow burn romances with strong Latinx leads. She's been writing since she could remember and even dabbled in some songwriting during her college years. When Grace isn't writing, she's spending time with her cat in Nashville, Tennessee.
IG: graceelenaauthor
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IG: graceelenaauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews
September 28, 2023
1/5 ⭐️ Buckle up, cowboys, because this might be the worst book I’ve ever completed.
Disclosure: I love sappy, corny, predictable romances/smut books. So this is not at all me being pretentious.
Here are the main takeaways:
1. 🚩THE BIGGEST RED FLAG: That our 38-year-old male love interest was jealous of a FRESHLY 18-year-old boy being around his 27-year-old girlfriend who is also the CHILD’s boss.
2. You’re going to be given a false sense of security at the beginning of this book assuming there is a plot. Spoiler: there’s no plot. None at all. 0. The entire book reads like a teenage girl’s diary of a play-by-play of what she did each day. (Going shopping, going to the only restaurant in town, going to a bbq, going to a sporting event, etc). The only conflicts might last a single page, then it’s magically resolved.
3. Our “moody/grumpy” main male character is only grumpy for like two chapters at the beginning. He’s actually not very grumpy at all.
4. Our main female character is perfect. Women love her. Men love her. She’s beautiful. Nothing bad happens to her. Money isn’t an issue. She just pops to a small town for no reason at all. She makes life-long friends on her first day in town. Her vineyard she just bought needs a little sweeping and then it’s perfect to be opened. Even her (maybe) boyfriend’s ex wife loves her. She’s perfect. Everything’s perfect. Yay for her.
5. This was so poorly written. I cannot emphasize enough that there was about 95% of fluff in this book. And not even the fun kind of fluff. The kind that’s the monotonous every day bull. She got up. She brushed her hair. She got in the car. She drove somewhere. He took care of his animals. Then he took a shower. Then he went and saw his best friend. Okay. Thanks for the itinerary.
6. The only thing I will give this book is the spice. It had decent spice for how terrible the rest of the book was.
I know you’re asking: Sarah, if it was that bad why did you read it? Well, I was sick with a sinus infection and had already spent my well earned money and needed to zone out.
Overall- would not recommend.
Disclosure: I love sappy, corny, predictable romances/smut books. So this is not at all me being pretentious.
Here are the main takeaways:
1. 🚩THE BIGGEST RED FLAG: That our 38-year-old male love interest was jealous of a FRESHLY 18-year-old boy being around his 27-year-old girlfriend who is also the CHILD’s boss.
2. You’re going to be given a false sense of security at the beginning of this book assuming there is a plot. Spoiler: there’s no plot. None at all. 0. The entire book reads like a teenage girl’s diary of a play-by-play of what she did each day. (Going shopping, going to the only restaurant in town, going to a bbq, going to a sporting event, etc). The only conflicts might last a single page, then it’s magically resolved.
3. Our “moody/grumpy” main male character is only grumpy for like two chapters at the beginning. He’s actually not very grumpy at all.
4. Our main female character is perfect. Women love her. Men love her. She’s beautiful. Nothing bad happens to her. Money isn’t an issue. She just pops to a small town for no reason at all. She makes life-long friends on her first day in town. Her vineyard she just bought needs a little sweeping and then it’s perfect to be opened. Even her (maybe) boyfriend’s ex wife loves her. She’s perfect. Everything’s perfect. Yay for her.
5. This was so poorly written. I cannot emphasize enough that there was about 95% of fluff in this book. And not even the fun kind of fluff. The kind that’s the monotonous every day bull. She got up. She brushed her hair. She got in the car. She drove somewhere. He took care of his animals. Then he took a shower. Then he went and saw his best friend. Okay. Thanks for the itinerary.
6. The only thing I will give this book is the spice. It had decent spice for how terrible the rest of the book was.
I know you’re asking: Sarah, if it was that bad why did you read it? Well, I was sick with a sinus infection and had already spent my well earned money and needed to zone out.
Overall- would not recommend.
dnf
August 4, 2023DNFed at 52%
I was not aware that the dude was a retired marine when I picked this up, then he went "[...] It reminded me of my years out in Colombia. The thrill and excitement of that time in my life was something I’ve always tried to chase again" and I was like... 'with thrill you mean... war??' And he also said that when he's bored he paints his face and sits out of his house with his gun?? Like that's totally normal (well... he's American so I guess it is in a way).
I tried to skim from then on just out of curiosity but those two literally kiss on their second day of knowing each other and already say they're completely mad for one another and it's not even been a full 24 hours since they met yet.
Don't think it's worth it for me.
I was not aware that the dude was a retired marine when I picked this up, then he went "[...] It reminded me of my years out in Colombia. The thrill and excitement of that time in my life was something I’ve always tried to chase again" and I was like... 'with thrill you mean... war??' And he also said that when he's bored he paints his face and sits out of his house with his gun?? Like that's totally normal (well... he's American so I guess it is in a way).
I tried to skim from then on just out of curiosity but those two literally kiss on their second day of knowing each other and already say they're completely mad for one another and it's not even been a full 24 hours since they met yet.
Don't think it's worth it for me.
August 30, 2023
Got 2% in a DNF.
I don’t what it is.
This is the first book I’ve actively read where I began to notice the author is telling me everything instead of showing me through the characters.
I got bored very quickly. Maybe I’ll try this again later.
I don’t what it is.
This is the first book I’ve actively read where I began to notice the author is telling me everything instead of showing me through the characters.
I got bored very quickly. Maybe I’ll try this again later.
August 11, 2023
Between the Vines is a funny, emotional, and spicy read. It's set in a small town with the grumpy and sunshine trope. Camilla Morales moves to a small town to take over an abandoned vineyard and doesn't realize she's neighbors with the town's notorious grump, Bennett Moore. Read this novel to learn how the least likely of two people end up falling for each other in more ways than one!
This novel is intended for a mature audience of over 18. Please head to my website for all content warnings.
If you like these following tropes and themes you will like my debut:
grumpy sunshine
small town
age gap
mental health topics
open door
DUAL POV
slow burn until it isn't
This novel is intended for a mature audience of over 18. Please head to my website for all content warnings.
If you like these following tropes and themes you will like my debut:
grumpy sunshine
small town
age gap
mental health topics
open door
DUAL POV
slow burn until it isn't
November 21, 2023
★★★★★
3/5🌶️
Tropes:
Grumpy/Sunshine
Dual-POV
Small Town Romance
Latinx Representation (MFC)
Age-Gap (11 Years)
Slow-Burn
Mental Health Representation
No 3rd-Act Break-up
Warnings:
Anxiety
PTSD
Body Dysmorphia
Mentions of Divorce
Small Gun Violence
𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐧 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐞𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐭𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐫. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐬𝐡𝐞’𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐫. 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐈’𝐦 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐧’𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐬.
𝐈 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞.
I honestly cannot talk about how much I love this book. I love the topics it deals with, the characters, the side characters, and the animals. 😂 Let’s be real though, Goose the Cat stole the show. That furry little creature ☺️🫶.
Camila Morales is honestly an amazing character, and I related to her so much. I freaking love her, a lot. I honestly think that if I were to describe myself as five characters, Camilla would definitely be the first one I mention. First off, she’s a businesswoman with her whole vineyard and everything. She also is just adorable in everything she does. I love how she is an understanding person for everyone and doesn’t judge people. She really cares about herself and others. She’s just a ray of pure sunshine if you ask me 🥹💚😭 I love her way too much to put into words, honestly.
Bennett Moore. This man 🫠. I want a cowboy, like preferably now. No joke 🤭. Anyways, his character was amazing. I loved how Grace Elena had his character written. And I feel that when writing a character that has a lot of trauma, especially from the past, it can be very hard to find a way of portraying them as a helpless victim. And the way she wrote Bennett, has me to tears 😭. And as the story goes on, we dive into more of his mental health, and soon enough we see character development with him and his trauma. I love him and all I want to do is hug the ever-loving crap out of him. 💚
The relationship between Camilla and Bennett was just pure Grumpy/Sunshine, which you should know by now, it’s my favorite trope 🤭. Also you guys, there’s a slow burn, and once it’s gone… boy was it worth the wait 😏.
Grace Elena knew how to make these two characters so loveable and knew how to do her imagery with all the different locations. Like I really wish Alpine Ridge was real and go there. I’ll forever be grateful for this universe and these characters.
Also, did I mention that this book is Grace Elena’s Debut? No? Oh, how rude of me 🤭. And guess what, you can read it now on Kindle Unlimited or buy the Paperback. And please do yourself a favor and do so 🫶🫶
3/5🌶️
Tropes:
Grumpy/Sunshine
Dual-POV
Small Town Romance
Latinx Representation (MFC)
Age-Gap (11 Years)
Slow-Burn
Mental Health Representation
No 3rd-Act Break-up
Warnings:
Anxiety
PTSD
Body Dysmorphia
Mentions of Divorce
Small Gun Violence
𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐧 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐞𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐭𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐫. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐬𝐡𝐞’𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐫. 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐈’𝐦 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐧’𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐬.
𝐈 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞.
I honestly cannot talk about how much I love this book. I love the topics it deals with, the characters, the side characters, and the animals. 😂 Let’s be real though, Goose the Cat stole the show. That furry little creature ☺️🫶.
Camila Morales is honestly an amazing character, and I related to her so much. I freaking love her, a lot. I honestly think that if I were to describe myself as five characters, Camilla would definitely be the first one I mention. First off, she’s a businesswoman with her whole vineyard and everything. She also is just adorable in everything she does. I love how she is an understanding person for everyone and doesn’t judge people. She really cares about herself and others. She’s just a ray of pure sunshine if you ask me 🥹💚😭 I love her way too much to put into words, honestly.
Bennett Moore. This man 🫠. I want a cowboy, like preferably now. No joke 🤭. Anyways, his character was amazing. I loved how Grace Elena had his character written. And I feel that when writing a character that has a lot of trauma, especially from the past, it can be very hard to find a way of portraying them as a helpless victim. And the way she wrote Bennett, has me to tears 😭. And as the story goes on, we dive into more of his mental health, and soon enough we see character development with him and his trauma. I love him and all I want to do is hug the ever-loving crap out of him. 💚
The relationship between Camilla and Bennett was just pure Grumpy/Sunshine, which you should know by now, it’s my favorite trope 🤭. Also you guys, there’s a slow burn, and once it’s gone… boy was it worth the wait 😏.
Grace Elena knew how to make these two characters so loveable and knew how to do her imagery with all the different locations. Like I really wish Alpine Ridge was real and go there. I’ll forever be grateful for this universe and these characters.
Also, did I mention that this book is Grace Elena’s Debut? No? Oh, how rude of me 🤭. And guess what, you can read it now on Kindle Unlimited or buy the Paperback. And please do yourself a favor and do so 🫶🫶
October 20, 2023
this is truly the best example I have ever seen of show not tell. You got every single day of this girl's life, every single action, every single thought, every single breath. It was exhausting. I ranted to friends about this and the best comments were "my ex has more drama than this" and "it has to have conflict or it's just an AO3 fic." There was NO plot. I don't know why this book exists.
December 11, 2024
Latina lead, check! Cowboy, check! Grumpy x sunshine, check! Small town romance , check !
We need more books with Latinx leads!! 👏
We need more books with Latinx leads!! 👏
September 14, 2023
1.5 stars - said they were obsessed with each other like 24 hrs after meeting and he’s a weird ex - marine…no thanks!
October 18, 2023
DNF at 60% bc I’ve been reading this for a week and it’s the WORST. Definitely written by a child. Moral of the story don’t get your book recs from tiktok
April 29, 2023
this sucked i’m sorry they literally don’t learn a thing about each other until 80% of the way into the book and even after that they AND EVERY OTHER CHARACTER remain dull and boring
October 11, 2023
Unfortunately, I did not vibe with this book. When I saw snippets of the book, I was really excited to read a small-town romance book with a Mexican FMC and while the FMC was pretty great in this book there were other certain elements that were not and that majorly contributed to my distaste for this book. I feel the urge to talk about every little thing that went wrong with this book, but I would be here typing this review for a much longer time.
A major ick of mine in this book was the MMC Bennett. This man to me was a GIANT walking red flag. If I ever met a man like him, I would run FAR away from him as fast as humanly possible. As a Mexican myself who grew up in a small town, he reminds me of every white American guy that I ever met, in said small town. And my dear friends, that is NOT a good thing.
Exhibit 1 of Bennets terribleness begins just in the near intro. He's introduced as a retired marine who work in Colombia. When he goes and describes his time working in Colombia, this man literally says, "The thrill and excitement of that time in my life was something I've always tried to chase again." reading this in the first few pages of his introduction, I immediately knew that there was nothing that would make me like his character. And while this immediately put me off, and everything within me DEMANDED that I DNF this book. I still continued to read.
If you guys think I'm done with sharing more red flags from the MMC then I largely regret to inform you that I am, in fact, NOT DONE. This man goes to say that whenever he is bored, he rubs on camouflage paint to his face sits outside his farm with his rifle and hunts. And while I am well aware that this is a "very American" trait. I am as bold to say that it is NOT a good one.
I am actually quite surprised that I did not DNF this book, even though I largely do wish that I did. A part of me largely continued to read out of pure curiosity for our FMC Camilla. Who was great like I mentioned before, and honestly, I just feel bad for Camilla and if i were a character in this book I would warn her AWAY from Bennett.
In reading this entire book I can with certainty say, this book has no redeeming qualities even though I attempted to find them. Bennett and Camilla lack so much chemistry. It seems like the author was going for a "grumpy reserved MMC who only has a soft spot for the FMC" it didn't end up working out. In fact, I got major asshole vibes from him, this man in first meeting Camilla was trying to hate on the poor girl when she had been nothing but nice to him. And then goes on to kiss her on day 2 after meeting her.
And finally, for the plot. There was no plot. Slitch, nothing, NADA. And the writing... DO NOT GET ME STARTED.
Basically, throughout the entire book, I am being TOLD what the characters do rather than shown. "Camilla went shopping" or "Bennett put his shoes on." Which didn't make my experience any better.
Okay... *Takes a major deep breath.
I am done being a hater now. Normally I try to be very leant with my reviews, but I just couldn't with this book. Cute cover though!
A major ick of mine in this book was the MMC Bennett. This man to me was a GIANT walking red flag. If I ever met a man like him, I would run FAR away from him as fast as humanly possible. As a Mexican myself who grew up in a small town, he reminds me of every white American guy that I ever met, in said small town. And my dear friends, that is NOT a good thing.
Exhibit 1 of Bennets terribleness begins just in the near intro. He's introduced as a retired marine who work in Colombia. When he goes and describes his time working in Colombia, this man literally says, "The thrill and excitement of that time in my life was something I've always tried to chase again." reading this in the first few pages of his introduction, I immediately knew that there was nothing that would make me like his character. And while this immediately put me off, and everything within me DEMANDED that I DNF this book. I still continued to read.
If you guys think I'm done with sharing more red flags from the MMC then I largely regret to inform you that I am, in fact, NOT DONE. This man goes to say that whenever he is bored, he rubs on camouflage paint to his face sits outside his farm with his rifle and hunts. And while I am well aware that this is a "very American" trait. I am as bold to say that it is NOT a good one.
I am actually quite surprised that I did not DNF this book, even though I largely do wish that I did. A part of me largely continued to read out of pure curiosity for our FMC Camilla. Who was great like I mentioned before, and honestly, I just feel bad for Camilla and if i were a character in this book I would warn her AWAY from Bennett.
In reading this entire book I can with certainty say, this book has no redeeming qualities even though I attempted to find them. Bennett and Camilla lack so much chemistry. It seems like the author was going for a "grumpy reserved MMC who only has a soft spot for the FMC" it didn't end up working out. In fact, I got major asshole vibes from him, this man in first meeting Camilla was trying to hate on the poor girl when she had been nothing but nice to him. And then goes on to kiss her on day 2 after meeting her.
And finally, for the plot. There was no plot. Slitch, nothing, NADA. And the writing... DO NOT GET ME STARTED.
Basically, throughout the entire book, I am being TOLD what the characters do rather than shown. "Camilla went shopping" or "Bennett put his shoes on." Which didn't make my experience any better.
Okay... *Takes a major deep breath.
I am done being a hater now. Normally I try to be very leant with my reviews, but I just couldn't with this book. Cute cover though!
April 27, 2023
Unfortunately absolutely boring and no character depths
Read
April 22, 2023ARC RTC. 🌾
October 9, 2023
2 stars.
This was so incredibly verbose for ABSOLUTELY NO REASON.
I can't lie, the premise of this book had so much potential. I was really excited to read it, but it was just so incredibly boring. Like, I cannot believer Mr Bennett was 37 years old too because he was behaving like a boy? I was just so bored and there wasn't really anything happening in the 400 pages of this book. I probably ended up skimming chapters of this book, so don't hate on me but I still don't understand why this mans was so grumpy and mean and all of a sudden he can't get this girl out of his mind (apparently attraction cures trauma inflicted by a machete). Also, the consecutive spicy scenes at the 80% mark weren't even enjoyable because by the time I got to that stage of the book I was so ready for it to be over. I'm giving this 2 stars because of the potential and the fact that the spicy scenes were relatively well written (if it was any other couple I would've enjoyed them :) )
This was so incredibly verbose for ABSOLUTELY NO REASON.
I can't lie, the premise of this book had so much potential. I was really excited to read it, but it was just so incredibly boring. Like, I cannot believer Mr Bennett was 37 years old too because he was behaving like a boy? I was just so bored and there wasn't really anything happening in the 400 pages of this book. I probably ended up skimming chapters of this book, so don't hate on me but I still don't understand why this mans was so grumpy and mean and all of a sudden he can't get this girl out of his mind (apparently attraction cures trauma inflicted by a machete). Also, the consecutive spicy scenes at the 80% mark weren't even enjoyable because by the time I got to that stage of the book I was so ready for it to be over. I'm giving this 2 stars because of the potential and the fact that the spicy scenes were relatively well written (if it was any other couple I would've enjoyed them :) )
February 3, 2024
As much as I wanna be a sunshine girlfriend, I really just think I’m the grumpy boyfriend man
April 23, 2023
Congratulations to Gace for her Debut novel! I was lucky enough to be granted an Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) and so happy to share how much I enjoyed this book!
4.5 ⭐️ (Rounded up to 5 on GoodReads), 2.5🌶️
Tropes: Small Town Romance, Cowboy Romance, Grumpy Sunshine, Age Gap, No Third Act Breakup
A cowboy with hair long enough for a man bun - a girl that adopts a stray orange cat - the rules of a cowboy hat 😏 and the perfect grumpy x sunshine romance! I absolutely adored this book, loved that there was no third act breakup, and was delighted with the mild spicy scenes we got! Bennetts a man that’s been hurt in his past and his recovery throughout the book was done so well!
Also, I’m gonna start manifesting the character series of this book - I want Steve and Buddy’s book, but I NEED a book for Peyton & Morgan (that momma-daughter combo in their own book would be amazing!)
Fave Quote 💚 “She's my sun and my mornings really are better with just the thought of her. It’s like the sun has enveloped itself onto her and into her. And now she’s transferring that to me with just the thought of her.”
Brief Blurb: Book 1 of Alpine Ridge - Camilla has always been known for her sunny demeanor - Moving to a small town in Tennessee, she is forced to learn the hard way that success only means so much if you have the roots to go with it. Bennett is fed up with the world and wants peace. Living in his remote farm, he'd rather round up cattle than hear about new tourist attractions that pop up in his hometown. Especially the vineyard that was bought down the road. What happens when the least likely of two people meet and end up falling for another more than they intended to?
4.5 ⭐️ (Rounded up to 5 on GoodReads), 2.5🌶️
Tropes: Small Town Romance, Cowboy Romance, Grumpy Sunshine, Age Gap, No Third Act Breakup
A cowboy with hair long enough for a man bun - a girl that adopts a stray orange cat - the rules of a cowboy hat 😏 and the perfect grumpy x sunshine romance! I absolutely adored this book, loved that there was no third act breakup, and was delighted with the mild spicy scenes we got! Bennetts a man that’s been hurt in his past and his recovery throughout the book was done so well!
Also, I’m gonna start manifesting the character series of this book - I want Steve and Buddy’s book, but I NEED a book for Peyton & Morgan (that momma-daughter combo in their own book would be amazing!)
Fave Quote 💚 “She's my sun and my mornings really are better with just the thought of her. It’s like the sun has enveloped itself onto her and into her. And now she’s transferring that to me with just the thought of her.”
Brief Blurb: Book 1 of Alpine Ridge - Camilla has always been known for her sunny demeanor - Moving to a small town in Tennessee, she is forced to learn the hard way that success only means so much if you have the roots to go with it. Bennett is fed up with the world and wants peace. Living in his remote farm, he'd rather round up cattle than hear about new tourist attractions that pop up in his hometown. Especially the vineyard that was bought down the road. What happens when the least likely of two people meet and end up falling for another more than they intended to?
March 15, 2023
Between the Vines is a small town romance. With a grumpy country boy slowly opening up to the sunny city girl. The love story between the two mcs is addictive and heart warming but the relationship Bennett has with himself is amazing. The town of Alpine Ridge is a character itself and I can't wait to dive into more of its residences lives.
Grace Elena is about to take over the small town corner of the romance genre
Grace Elena is about to take over the small town corner of the romance genre
July 13, 2024
ehhhh i’ll say it’s good for ur average fast paced romance read. no me voló la cabeza. el plot como q got lost its inexistent after they couple up. birdy y steve tienen mas química q estos dos. habia un whole ass scandal del divorce de bennett q me tenia muy intrigada y termino siendo una boberia. el final y epilogue literally gave nothing. no te da nada sobre el progreso del vineyard, del land en comun, del relationship? se quedó corto.
October 12, 2023
Las acciones tanto de Camila como de Bennet eran muy dramáticas.
Pensé que la razón del divorcio sería algo escandaloso por como reaccionaban al tema.
Pensé que la razón del divorcio sería algo escandaloso por como reaccionaban al tema.
May 2, 2025
This was an example of an author telling instead of showing.
It was difficult to connect to any of the characters.
The MMC is immature and pushing 40.
The FMC is bland.
It was difficult to connect to any of the characters.
The MMC is immature and pushing 40.
The FMC is bland.
August 13, 2024
DNF al 77% osigui esque ja estava perdent el cap i vull aprofitar les vacances per gaudir d'un llibre, el podria haver escrit jo amb 14 anys, terrible
July 8, 2023
5/5 stars
I was lucky enough to get an arc copy of this book. I absolutely adored Camilla and Bennett. Seeing her go from the city life to the small town life was so much fun to read about. Watching Camilla grow with the town and all of the people made me so happy. Her and Bennetts' relationship was definitely one of my favorites to read. This was my first small town romance and I'm so happy it was. Watching her slowly break down Bennetts' hard shell and get through to him all whole loving him through the whole process was so much fun to read about. One of my new favorite reads by far<3
I was lucky enough to get an arc copy of this book. I absolutely adored Camilla and Bennett. Seeing her go from the city life to the small town life was so much fun to read about. Watching Camilla grow with the town and all of the people made me so happy. Her and Bennetts' relationship was definitely one of my favorites to read. This was my first small town romance and I'm so happy it was. Watching her slowly break down Bennetts' hard shell and get through to him all whole loving him through the whole process was so much fun to read about. One of my new favorite reads by far<3
May 1, 2023
Too sweet for me….**No spoilers**
2.5⭐️ 🌶️🌶️
Small town romance that was just too sweet/innocent for my taste. Male’s perspective seemed very feminine at times for the grump/alpha male marine he’s supposed to be. I would’ve liked more back story on the fml such as her success story of becoming a vineyard owner as well as her struggles of leaving her friends & family behind. Overall a cute read just wish it had some more depth & less fluff, a bit more angst.
2.5⭐️ 🌶️🌶️
Small town romance that was just too sweet/innocent for my taste. Male’s perspective seemed very feminine at times for the grump/alpha male marine he’s supposed to be. I would’ve liked more back story on the fml such as her success story of becoming a vineyard owner as well as her struggles of leaving her friends & family behind. Overall a cute read just wish it had some more depth & less fluff, a bit more angst.
October 21, 2023
I'm giving this book 2 stars because it really gave nothing. I'll applaud it for having no third act break up but it wasn't giving anything. The guy was a grump for like 50 pages and this girl somehow had the money to buy a Vineyard, fix it up and in all her perfect lifeness made friends quickly in a small town and even made the town grump notice her and stop being a grump.
It literally gave nothing and I can't even say smut cause to me was like okay.
It literally gave nothing and I can't even say smut cause to me was like okay.
January 26, 2024
I recommend this book to anyone who loves (spicy) romance, but is sick and tired of the characters always fighting around 75-85% into the story!
This book had characters that were adorable and loveable, it had the ex, but she wasn't completely villainised, it had the golden retriever friend, it had the grumpy turned sunshine cowboy, it was sooo good.
And I loved that the main characters didn't have the typical fight/misunderstanding/etc.
They actually worked together, communicated, supported each other and fell hard.
Definitely a surprisingly good book!
The only thing that annoyed me a little while reading was the author describing what each character was wearing almost every time they entered the scene aha, but that's just because it felt unrealistic that a guy notes what everyone is wearing when they enter a room (to the level of detail of how women are wearing their hair).
The small-town vibes felt a bit fake in the beginning, but the story really developed a couple chapters in.
This book had characters that were adorable and loveable, it had the ex, but she wasn't completely villainised, it had the golden retriever friend, it had the grumpy turned sunshine cowboy, it was sooo good.
And I loved that the main characters didn't have the typical fight/misunderstanding/etc.
They actually worked together, communicated, supported each other and fell hard.
Definitely a surprisingly good book!
The only thing that annoyed me a little while reading was the author describing what each character was wearing almost every time they entered the scene aha, but that's just because it felt unrealistic that a guy notes what everyone is wearing when they enter a room (to the level of detail of how women are wearing their hair).
The small-town vibes felt a bit fake in the beginning, but the story really developed a couple chapters in.
August 22, 2025
*2,5 stars*
I wanted to enjoy this so badly, because it’s a cowboy romance with a Latinx main character. Unfortunately, I ended up disappointed.
Not a lot happens in this book, there’s basically no plot. Normally, I can get past that if there’s a couple worth rooting for, but that didn’t happen here. Bennett was jealous (of an 18-year-old who works for the protagonist) and possessive, and the two main characters immediately liked each other for no clear reason. The romance just didn’t feel believable.
The writing also wasn’t great. It often read like someone recounting, play by play, every little thing the characters did each day, every action, no matter how small.
Finally, and this is more personal, but I’m Colombian, and Bennett kept reminiscing about his time as a Marine in Colombia. Knowing what foreign military presence has meant in my country, those passages made me really uncomfortable.
I wanted to enjoy this so badly, because it’s a cowboy romance with a Latinx main character. Unfortunately, I ended up disappointed.
Not a lot happens in this book, there’s basically no plot. Normally, I can get past that if there’s a couple worth rooting for, but that didn’t happen here. Bennett was jealous (of an 18-year-old who works for the protagonist) and possessive, and the two main characters immediately liked each other for no clear reason. The romance just didn’t feel believable.
The writing also wasn’t great. It often read like someone recounting, play by play, every little thing the characters did each day, every action, no matter how small.
Finally, and this is more personal, but I’m Colombian, and Bennett kept reminiscing about his time as a Marine in Colombia. Knowing what foreign military presence has meant in my country, those passages made me really uncomfortable.
November 10, 2023
A nice small town romance.
I think in the end I liked the idea of having a Latin FMC in a book and I know there are more out there with a Latin Leads, the cowboy and small town thing got me. Did it make me want more of that Hispanic background to come through? Absolutely.
I enjoyed the beginning of the book but as it kept going I wanted more, as if there was something missing (lovey dovey yes!) but something more to make them more real-ish. Camilla was insta-loved by everyone and that's ok.
Being the first book, it was good. There were also nods to the next book in the series and another series from the town over which were nice and makes you want to know more about those characters.
I think in the end I liked the idea of having a Latin FMC in a book and I know there are more out there with a Latin Leads, the cowboy and small town thing got me. Did it make me want more of that Hispanic background to come through? Absolutely.
I enjoyed the beginning of the book but as it kept going I wanted more, as if there was something missing (lovey dovey yes!) but something more to make them more real-ish. Camilla was insta-loved by everyone and that's ok.
Being the first book, it was good. There were also nods to the next book in the series and another series from the town over which were nice and makes you want to know more about those characters.
April 16, 2023
“ 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘯 𝘩𝘢���� 𝘦𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘵𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳…𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘐’𝘮 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘯’𝘴 𝘳𝘢𝘺𝘴. “
Camilla Morales moves from Chicago to a vineyard in Alpine Ridge, and her new, grumpy neighbor, doesn’t like it at all. Bennett Moore is a grumpy veteran and she’s full of sunshine, but something within him changes when they finally meet. You can read more about their story when this novel comes out April 25th!
Between the Vines is such a sweet small town romance with cowboys and farm vibes that I full on loved! The town itself and the details are so well written by Grace it felt like I was a part of it all while reading! This story is also written in dual POV which I always enjoy. To read the slow burn and cute moments from both sides, but also the mental struggles of Bennett’s past and growth throughout the story which Grace captured and delivered amazingly. Both Camilla and Bennett got a hold of my heart very quickly, along with the side characters. They’re so fun and have a story of their own. The friendship plays just as important as the love story for the characters to me in this book.
I’m beyond grateful for receiving a copy for this story🤍 You can pre order Between the Vines on Amazon and Barnes and Noble!
Camilla Morales moves from Chicago to a vineyard in Alpine Ridge, and her new, grumpy neighbor, doesn’t like it at all. Bennett Moore is a grumpy veteran and she’s full of sunshine, but something within him changes when they finally meet. You can read more about their story when this novel comes out April 25th!
Between the Vines is such a sweet small town romance with cowboys and farm vibes that I full on loved! The town itself and the details are so well written by Grace it felt like I was a part of it all while reading! This story is also written in dual POV which I always enjoy. To read the slow burn and cute moments from both sides, but also the mental struggles of Bennett’s past and growth throughout the story which Grace captured and delivered amazingly. Both Camilla and Bennett got a hold of my heart very quickly, along with the side characters. They’re so fun and have a story of their own. The friendship plays just as important as the love story for the characters to me in this book.
I’m beyond grateful for receiving a copy for this story🤍 You can pre order Between the Vines on Amazon and Barnes and Noble!
April 20, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
Such a cute and cozy small town romance!
This story had that lifetime movie feel—takes place in a quirky small town in Tennessee. The MC buys a vineyard next door to a grumpy cowboy and he immediately decides he doesn’t like her.
I grew up in a smaller city, so I loved the nostalgic Summer vibes of going to the lake, the rodeo, fair, etc.
There are some difficult topics and themes—including depression, PTSD, & divorce. Look up content warnings.
Such a fun Summer read and I recommend checking this book out if you enjoy grumpy x sunshine, enemies to lovers and small town romance.
* This is my honest review that I am leaving in exchange for an advance copy.
Such a cute and cozy small town romance!
This story had that lifetime movie feel—takes place in a quirky small town in Tennessee. The MC buys a vineyard next door to a grumpy cowboy and he immediately decides he doesn’t like her.
I grew up in a smaller city, so I loved the nostalgic Summer vibes of going to the lake, the rodeo, fair, etc.
There are some difficult topics and themes—including depression, PTSD, & divorce. Look up content warnings.
Such a fun Summer read and I recommend checking this book out if you enjoy grumpy x sunshine, enemies to lovers and small town romance.
* This is my honest review that I am leaving in exchange for an advance copy.
December 12, 2024
Honestly. Super disappointed.
I was so excited to read a cowboy romance starring a Mexican fmc but goodness gracious this was a giving a mmc who was a hardcore republican. The way he spoke about his time serving? The way he treated the fmc when they met and how he quite literally drove off the road strongly so the sand/dust from the road hit her face and then laughed at her reaction? His so-called friendships with his best friends? He's almost 40 years old and acting like a complete child, it was ridiculous.
And every few sentences we'd get the fmc giggling or laughing at something he did or excusing his behavior when he was rude to his "best friends." I could not enjoy this book at all and did not feel any romantic feelings from neither sides.
I was so excited to read a cowboy romance starring a Mexican fmc but goodness gracious this was a giving a mmc who was a hardcore republican. The way he spoke about his time serving? The way he treated the fmc when they met and how he quite literally drove off the road strongly so the sand/dust from the road hit her face and then laughed at her reaction? His so-called friendships with his best friends? He's almost 40 years old and acting like a complete child, it was ridiculous.
And every few sentences we'd get the fmc giggling or laughing at something he did or excusing his behavior when he was rude to his "best friends." I could not enjoy this book at all and did not feel any romantic feelings from neither sides.
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