PLEASE NOTE: This novella is NOT a standalone. If you have not read Trouble with a Twist, A Voice Without Reason, and/or Not Her Villain, do NOT read Harriet and Robbie's story.
Harriet
It was a mistake.
When my boyfriend proposed to me, I should have said yes. Granted, I was eighteen... it was at my aunt’s wedding... in front of all of our friends and family... after dating for a month. I wasn’t ready, even if he was the love of my life.
Years of regret later, I’m ready to pick up where we left off. But with both of our careers in the balance, is he ready to give me a second chance?
Robbie
The moment I saw Harriet, it was love at first sight.
After years of pining for her, I should’ve moved on. But I never could let her go.
If I learned anything from books and movies, when the love of your life wants a second chance, you always say yes.
Wine About It is a deliciously spicy romantic comedy novella, intended for mature audiences. Just because it's a romcom, doesn't mean you should forget to check your content warnings...
Irene Bahrd is a feisty Capricorn and one of the most avid readers you will ever meet. Her favorite genres to read or write include romantic comedies, political romance, romantasy, and the occasional contemporary dark romance.
She started her writing journey as a dare from a friend, after recounting dating stories from her early twenties. They inspired her to write spicy romantic comedies and parodies that feature a variety of book boyfriends—though most are cinnamon roll golden retrievers. Many of her stories contain LGBTQIA+, disabled, and neurodivergent characters.
Irene can be found on Instagram and TikTok under @irenebahrdauthor
Wine About It is a romance novella featuring Harriet and Robbie, characters from Bahrd's Trouble with a Twist, A Voice Without Reason, and/or Not Her Villain books. It is worthwhile to have read at least one of those books to increase your appreciation for this story.
Harriet and Robbie met years ago. He is slightly older and ensured he never crossed a line while she was underage. Once they started dating, he knew she was it for him and took the opportunity to propose at Harriet's aunt's wedding. The answer Robbie received was not what he was expecting. She said no, and broke his heart. While Harriet loved him, she felt it was too soon and she was too young.
Harriet went overseas to school and while they both nursed broken hearts, neither could move on. When she returns, can they find their way back to each other? They definitely have some hurdles ahead of them, including their mutual beliefs that they're not good enough for the other, but there are external challenges as well.
This was a really sweet friend to lovers, second chance romance love story with a splash of the fake engagement trope. I enjoyed their chemistry. I find Bahrd's side stories really fun as they always give us a little taste of characters which we've come to love from her books. It is like meeting up with old friends.
Robbie is a player on the team Jason (from Trouble with a Twist) 3rd base coaches for Harriet is Dylan (from Mine With Extra Lime) daughter from his first marriage Now Dylan is married to his first & one true love Emma….Emma just happens to be Jason’s ex wife….so what does that mean for Harriet & Robbie??? She has two men in her life that are super protective over her…poor Robbie
Ok I’m just going to say it….these two together are trouble but the best kind
5 years ago he made a grand gesture that flopped…..5 years later she made the grand gesture not once but twice…..you have to love a strong FMC that knows what she wants and how to get it….besides the fact a female grand gesture thats executed perfectly warms the heart
Some secrets are revealed….not bad ones….they will put a smile on your face
if you read A Voice Without Reason & Not Her Villain some of the events from those two books spill over into this novella….you just get another view of what happens
The Queen of Rom Coms strikes again. GAHHHHH I forking loved Harriet and Robbie’s story with my whole heart. I loved the little homage to Emma and Dylan’s story because Mine with Extra Lime is an absolute fave for me. I loved seeing Harriet and Robbie find each other again after 5 years apart. When Harriet made the comment about her dad pretty much being an idiot over Emma my heart grew 3 sizes. I loved that she recognized the situation and chose to go for it wholeheartedly.
Irene always has an incredible knack for getting me cackling and this story was no exception. I laughed. I grinned ear to ear. I clapped my hands like crazy when they forked for the first time in ages. Yes lord. Perfect novella for a perfect series! 🫶🏻 20/10 as always!
“‘I’ve been in love with you from the moment I laid eyes on you. It’s never just been sex for me... I want you here. I need you here, but I don’t want to risk moving too fast and losing you. I made that mistake once, I won’t make it again.’” 🍷 This story is probably one of the cutest novellas you will read and it’s mostly because of Robbie’s love for Harriet and I just love them! Pining after her since they were young, spending five years apart, and finally coming back together, it’s young love at its best. They may have had a slightly taboo beginning (thank you Miss Charlotte for keeping Robbie in line), but their young love felt inevitable. Plus, you get a bit of a sports romance, too!
Robbie’s devotion to Harriet, making him get heart eyes any time he sees her, is definitely something to swoon at. While this one wasn’t as spicy as you can come to expect from Irene (she warns you ahead of time), it’s full of love, adoration, sweet scenes, and playful adventures. Without spoiling the story, the secret they carry as a couple is very cute and feels like something out of a Taylor Swift song or cute romance movie. And this story is complete with an adorable, multi-lingual term of endearment that will leave you swooning. This was, by far, the most fun I’ve had reading something from Irene and I will always love Harriet and Robbie. 🍷 “It’s only ever been you... You’re the love of my life, Harriet. I’m not stuck with you; I have the honor of being your husband.”
This little novella finally gives us Harriet and Robbie's story. A much-anticipated and needed story in the author's world. I absolutely loved this listen as it was such a sweet second-chance romance. The tension was there after she declined his proposal the first time around. Brokenhearted and finding their way back to each other was such a bittersweet moment. I loved how Robbie waited for Harriet. He knew what/ who he wanted and never gave up. Narrators Victor Quixabas and Macie Miller did a fantastic job narrating this audio and it was such a pleasure to get to listen to them again.
Blurb: Harriet
It was a mistake.
When my boyfriend proposed to me, I should have said yes. Granted, I was eighteen... it was at my aunt’s wedding... in front of all of our friends and family... after dating for a month. I wasn’t ready, even if he was the love of my life.
Years of regret later, I’m ready to pick up where we left off. But with both of our careers in the balance, is he ready to give me a second chance?
Robbie
The moment I saw Harriet, it was love at first sight.
After years of pining for her, I should’ve moved on. But I never could let her go.
If I learned anything from books and movies, when the love of your life wants a second chance, you always say yes.
Wine About It is a deliciously spicy romantic comedy novella, intended for mature audiences. Just because it's a romcom, doesn't mean you should forget to check your content warnings...
“If I promise not to propose tomorrow, will you... Will you give me a second chance?”
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
This has got to be one of the sweetest books I've read by Irene Bahrd. This story is not just about second chance, it's about the fact that sometimes it's just not the right time or place.
Harriet and Robbie have been crushing on each other since they first met, but Harriet was just about to turn 17, and Robbie was a couple of years older. As soon as Harriet turned 18, though, she asked Robbie out, and their relationship started. Five months later, Robbie asks Harriet to marry him, and she says no.
Harriet and Robbie never stopped loving each other. Like I said before, it just wasn't the right time for them to take that step. So years later, when they reunite, they waste no time and get married. During the whole story, Robbie and Harriet spend the whole time building each other up and showing the other how much they mean to them.
Honestly, this is a cavity inducing sweet read, and I enjoyed every second of it. The narrators were fantastic and did a great job with all the characters. You don't get to hear a lot of Hispanic accents in audiobooks, and as a Hispanic person, I enjoyed that part very much.
Quote: “When the one who got away professes his love for me on national television, I’d be a fucking idiot to let him get away a second time.”
Wine About It By Irene Bahrd Narrated by Macie Miller, Victor Quixabas
Quick, sweet and just the right amount of spice for this couple, Irene Bahrd pens a funny and humorous story. Robbie and Harriet were in love, but after a beautiful, unexpected proposal, the two split. Age being the factor, and they find their paths crossing again. But will they still have that spark? And will Robbie let her get away again? Bahrd spins a romantic story around second chances that I loved! It was a wonderful listen!
Macie Miller and Victor Quixabas are the perfect picks to narrate this one. Miller pulls out all the emotional turmoil that Harriet goes through, each one felt through the nuances she puts into her voice. Quixabas adds that hispanic flare to his, a bit of language that just brings the romance to the forefront. A fabulous listen for a weekend walk.
Wine About It is a charming novella set in the Top Shelf world. Harriett and Robbie fell in love early but were apart for five years. Present day, they are seeing each other again at a baseball game. I love how even though they were apart, they never stopped loving each other. It was wonderful when Robbie called her “mi cielo”. Macie Miller and Victor Quixabas were both phenomenal in their narration of this story. Macie Miller was perfect in her portrayal of Harriett. You could feel Harriett’s doubt, desires, wants and needs through her voice. Victor Quixabas was superb as Robbie. His narration was poignantly beautiful. These two extremely talented voice actors brought this wonderful novella to life. I highly recommend listening.
I read this after Not My Villain, which I highly recommend because this author has a wicked sense of humor and she tells a great story but whine about it was kind of an add-on of another couple Harriet and Robbie. They knew each other when they were much younger I think she was 17 and he proposed at a wedding it did not go well she wanted to go to college and she just wasn't ready. Now she's writing a book (a romance book )and she's back in town and do they still have the same feelings? I can't wait to read more of this series.
This was a really sweet novella! Harriet and Robbie dated 5 years ago but it didn’t work out (spoilers…), now they are reconnecting but are they?? Do they still feel the same? How will it work now they’re older and with their careers??
Robbie is now a famous baseball player and Harriet is an aspiring author. This is the cutest story ever! If you want a fluffy little interlude then this is for you!
Note: this is not a standalone and needs to be read in conjunction with Irene’s other books, such as Not Her Villain.
In this cute Novella, we finally see how Harriet and Robbie got together. This is not a stand-alone, you will want to have read at least Mine with Extra Lime and Trouble with a twist before reading this one. I highly recommend reading all her books, because there is an interwoven world, where all her books have guest appearances from fan favorites of previous books. As far as a spice is concerned, this one is tame but still amazing. I have yet to find a book of Irene’s I didn’t love, and this one is no exception!
***ARC REVIEW*** Name: Wine about It Author: Irene Bahrd Rate: 4.25/5🌟 Spice: 3/5🌶️
~Quick novella! Harriet FMC and Robbie MMC their love never faded no matter the distance. From friends to lovers, after being separated for years for a better future, to coming back and starting a fake engagement due to being harassed by paparazzi to finally give in to their love that never went away!!! Beautiful second chance!!! Oh and don’t forget the spice!!!
I loved reading Harriet and Robbie’s story. It’s a second chance friends to lovers romance. Robbie never wavered in his feelings for Harriet, and was determined to get her back and make her see she was always the one for him. Loved his nickname for her 🥰. These two were meant to be. It was a quick and sweet book!
I did receive an ARC for my honest review.
Ratings: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️
Tropes: Friends to Lovers Fake Engagement Second Chance MLB MMC YA author FMC Novella
This was such a sweet story. I read this after reading Not Her Villain and determining Irene is one of my new favorite authors!
Loved the second chance aspect, after being away for 5 years and having another opportunity at love, especially when its cleat Harriet and Robbie are made for each other.
A hotshot baseball player and an up and coming author fall in love, then add all the spice, what's not to love?
I received an ARC of this book, and my review is entirely my own.
*I received an arc for my honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own. *
A short and sweet second chance love story. Harriet and Robbie's story is such a sweet one. I adored them both and their journey. I love that all these books and characters are connected, and we get to see the events from different POVs.
I absolutely loved this book. It was a novella and a bit unusual for Irene, but the way she developed these characters was so special and sweet. The love story of Robbie and Harriet was written so good that I found myself hoping that everyone could get a happy ending like them. Definitely a 5 star read for me.
PLEASE NOTE: This novella is NOT a standalone. If you have not read Trouble with a Twist, A Voice Without Reason, and/or Not Her Villain, do NOT read Harriet and Robbie's story.
Omgoodness, this was an amazing Novella super cute. 2nd chance romance. Robbie is amazing. I absolutely loved this whole series. So far, i can't wait for the next book in this collection.
Young love gets a second chance! Robbie knew he wanted to marry Harriet the moment he started dating her. He even proposed...in front of everyone at her Aunt's wedding. With obviously disastrous results. Years later, Harriet is back in town and Robbie cannot get her off his mind. This was sweet and hot and hit all the right spots!
Friends to lovers Second chance Romance Dual Narration- Victor Quixabas & Macie Miller
I loved them so much I wanted more! So cute! Love a man obsessed and Robbie has been in love with Harriet since they met. Harriet wants a second chance at a relationship with Robbie and he is down for it but doesn’t want to rush anything. This was so cute I loved it.
Robbie has swoon worthy comments and pining. Excellent version of "he falls first". A whole gigantic dose of "instalove" in my opinion. Grab this one for a quick happy flight read or lobby waiting room. It very fast and easy and heartwarming.
This is a dual narration performance by Macie Miller and Victor Quixabas. The ALC was provided by High Gravity Productions. I borrowed the ebook via Kindle Unlimited.
Awww such the sweetest/cutest Novella! Loved Harriet and Robbie’s story! Also loved getting to see the other character’s from her previous books! Especially Tommy and Eden, just thinking of them two I can’t help but giggle! Irene thank you for another amazing read! Can’t wait for the next one!
This was such a cute rom com novella. Everyone deserves a chance at love and this book did not disappoint! My heart loves a book within a book and so I am drawn to Harriet and her story! Another great book!
This is such a cute love story. Harriet and Robbie hold a special place in my heart!! If you want a quick, fluffy and breath taking read I would recommend reading Wine about it!! It's a 5 star read because it was very well executed.
A cute 2nd chance romance with some of our favorite characters from other books. Wine About It was not the normal super spicy books we are used to from Irene, but it didn't disappoint.
4 star rating, thanks to Irene Bahrd for an advanced copy for my honest review.
Robbie and Harriet’s story has been developing over several books in the series but I feel it could have been a full novel instead of a novella but I’m glad they found their HEA.