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Love in Wine Country #1
A Kiss of Cabernet
Napa Valley vineyard manager Paige Reynoso is furious. After a six-year absence, her boss—big-city entrepreneur Jake Madison—has returned, only to announce he's selling the vineyard. Paige has always dreamed of buying Garnet Hill, which sits on land where her ancestors first settled, but without the cash, she's out of luck. And then there's an even bigger problem…she has a serious thing for the surprisingly tempting man who's just destroyed her dream.
Jake's in a tight spot. With his other business ventures struggling, he needs cash—fast. The last thing he needs is the too-lovely Paige convincing him the grapes are an effective long-term investment. Or needing Paige herself, whose spirit and heart bring his to life. But as their attraction grows, Jake knows he's not in a position to offer her anything beyond this moment. Because Jake has a big secret…and it has nothing to do with sour grapes.
Each book in the Love in Wine Country series is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order.
Series
Book #1 A Kiss of Cabernet
Book #2 A Touch of Chardonnay
Jake's in a tight spot. With his other business ventures struggling, he needs cash—fast. The last thing he needs is the too-lovely Paige convincing him the grapes are an effective long-term investment. Or needing Paige herself, whose spirit and heart bring his to life. But as their attraction grows, Jake knows he's not in a position to offer her anything beyond this moment. Because Jake has a big secret…and it has nothing to do with sour grapes.
Each book in the Love in Wine Country series is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order.
Series
Book #1 A Kiss of Cabernet
Book #2 A Touch of Chardonnay
235 pages, ebook
First published October 10, 2014
17 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Pamela Gibson
28 books469 followersAward-winning author of 21 novels and eight history books, Pamela Gibson is a former City Manager who lives in the Nevada desert. Having spent three years messing about in boats, a hobby that included a five-thousand-mile trip in a 32-foot Nordic Tug with her patient spouse, she now spends most of her time indoors happily reading, writing, cooking and keeping up with the antics of her gran-cats, and Ralph, her rescue cat. If you want to learn more about her activities go to https://www.pamelagibsonwrites.com and sign up for her newsletter or occasional blog..
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 11, 2017
What an enjoyable romance this proved to be, one where life definitely gets in the way and the best laid plans don’t always work out as you assume (though there is still the HEA you expect)!
Jake Madison is having problems with his business ventures and is also terrified of his own deteriorating health. He’s owned the vineyard for six years but this is the first time he’s come to visit. He’s visiting with a specific purpose - to value the property before selling it to generate finances to keep his business ventures running. His arch rival is out to ruin him and he has to fight back . . .
Paige Reynoso is the vineyard manager. She’s devastated to realise his only purpose in visiting is to value and sell the place she loves and has dreamed of owning. She’s determined to show him the vineyard is a brilliant long term investment . . .
The connection between the two is instant but both resist for very different reasons. Her past is stopping her and his fears for the future are preventing him from giving their attraction the chance to develop any further. With family secrets on both their parts as well as that dreaded rival, things aren’t going to go smoothly for these two and some things won’t work out at all. However, this is a well written romance with great characters and there’s no magic wand to overcome difficulties that life throws in their path, so it feels more realistic than many such stories. The characters are easy to empathise with and the story has plenty of angst and turmoil amongst the romance and wine tips to keep the reader engaged and turning pages. Definitely a great summer read . . . . now I need to try out some of the Napa Valley wines for myself!
I requested and was given a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion after choosing to read it.
Jake Madison is having problems with his business ventures and is also terrified of his own deteriorating health. He’s owned the vineyard for six years but this is the first time he’s come to visit. He’s visiting with a specific purpose - to value the property before selling it to generate finances to keep his business ventures running. His arch rival is out to ruin him and he has to fight back . . .
Paige Reynoso is the vineyard manager. She’s devastated to realise his only purpose in visiting is to value and sell the place she loves and has dreamed of owning. She’s determined to show him the vineyard is a brilliant long term investment . . .
The connection between the two is instant but both resist for very different reasons. Her past is stopping her and his fears for the future are preventing him from giving their attraction the chance to develop any further. With family secrets on both their parts as well as that dreaded rival, things aren’t going to go smoothly for these two and some things won’t work out at all. However, this is a well written romance with great characters and there’s no magic wand to overcome difficulties that life throws in their path, so it feels more realistic than many such stories. The characters are easy to empathise with and the story has plenty of angst and turmoil amongst the romance and wine tips to keep the reader engaged and turning pages. Definitely a great summer read . . . . now I need to try out some of the Napa Valley wines for myself!
I requested and was given a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion after choosing to read it.
October 7, 2014
I like when the author's don't take the easy way out of tough situations. There were two such situations in this book and I thought I knew exactly how they would play out. One regarding Jake's secret played out exactly as I thought it would. The other regarding his business ventures did not. I like it when my predictions are wrong and I'm still satisfied at the end of the story.
I'm not a fan of reading about no strings attached relationships and although this is what Paige and Jake were claiming they had it was obvious it was much more than just lust driving them together. As far as content this was not a clean read. There was a sex scene that faded to black once clothes had been removed. Also innuendo and mild language throughout.
I don't drink alcohol but actually I found the information in this book about how grapes are grown, tested and harvested to be interesting. This was a fun setting for a book.
Rating: 4 Stars - Great book
Content: fade to black sex scene, innuendo, mild language
Source: Netgalley
I'm not a fan of reading about no strings attached relationships and although this is what Paige and Jake were claiming they had it was obvious it was much more than just lust driving them together. As far as content this was not a clean read. There was a sex scene that faded to black once clothes had been removed. Also innuendo and mild language throughout.
I don't drink alcohol but actually I found the information in this book about how grapes are grown, tested and harvested to be interesting. This was a fun setting for a book.
Rating: 4 Stars - Great book
Content: fade to black sex scene, innuendo, mild language
Source: Netgalley
June 15, 2017
Okay. I admit that sometimes I just move blithely through my little world and don’t always pay attention to details. Why do I say this? Because I wanted to review this book thinking that it was a follow-up to the Sauvignon Blanc to Sigh For (Love in Wine Country, #4) that I reviewed back in February when, in actuality, it’s the novel that started the series.
read more: https://saschadarlington.me/2017/06/1...
read more: https://saschadarlington.me/2017/06/1...
October 17, 2014
An enjoyable romance novel. I loved watching the connection between Jake and Paige. I loved seeing how sweet they were to each other and I liked that what was happening between the two wasn't easy. I loved the passion that Paige had for her job and I loved how caring Jake was making hard decisions to not let any of his workers loose their jobs. I loved that there was enough drama and romance to keep the readers wanting more. Overall this was a great and sweet book and I recommend romance lovers to check it out.
October 19, 2014
This is a sweet romance with two very real characters dealing with some tough issues. The book is very well written but it was a little slowing moving in some places. The characters were great and I think I possibly like the female character a little more than the male (odd). This is one I think everyone would enjoy, I highly recommend it!
June 14, 2017
This is a sweet story that has very minimal swearing (no f-bombs) and no on-screen sex. If you like books with sexual tension but fade to black sex, this is a great example of that. Although this is part of a larger series, this story completely stands alone and there is absolutely no cliffhanger.
I really really appreciated that the author wrote this story the way that she did. She could very well have taken the easy way out when resolving the issues that drive this book, but she didn't and I thought that was surprising but also really perfect for this book. Don't misunderstand, this book comes to a beautiful and heartfelt happily ever after, but Ms. Gibson also deals with the serious issues in a really unique way. As a reader, I very much appreciated it, even if I didn't see it coming.
If you enjoy a story with two likable but imperfect characters who find their happiness together despite a host of issues happening in their lives (even if they deny their feelings repeatedly to each other and to themselves), you should give this book a read. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Gibson's work.
I requested and was very generously granted a copy of this story via NetGalley and the publisher. I was under no obligation to write this review.
I really really appreciated that the author wrote this story the way that she did. She could very well have taken the easy way out when resolving the issues that drive this book, but she didn't and I thought that was surprising but also really perfect for this book. Don't misunderstand, this book comes to a beautiful and heartfelt happily ever after, but Ms. Gibson also deals with the serious issues in a really unique way. As a reader, I very much appreciated it, even if I didn't see it coming.
If you enjoy a story with two likable but imperfect characters who find their happiness together despite a host of issues happening in their lives (even if they deny their feelings repeatedly to each other and to themselves), you should give this book a read. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Gibson's work.
I requested and was very generously granted a copy of this story via NetGalley and the publisher. I was under no obligation to write this review.
June 10, 2017
Such a sweet heartwarming story. I loved the interactions between Paige and Jake. I loved how fierce and independent Paige was and how she challenged Jake at every turn. She didn't just give in. And I loved how Jake became human, not so robotic, but mellowed throughout the story. Their late night dinners and talks were so sweet. But he did hurt her and mess up my sweet reading and emotions a couple of times. However, their ending was absolutely sweet and perfect.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher through Netgalley.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher through Netgalley.
October 20, 2014
Garnet Hill's Vineyard is up for grabs! Who will win the "wine flowing thru her veins" vineyard manager or delicious Mr. Boocoo Bucks vineyard owner? This war will get messy, muddy & soon passions go KABOOM!
Paige Reynoso's heritage runs deep in Napa Valley, her great-great granddad planted the oldest grapes on Garnet Hill's back when her family owner the land & was a Mexician territory, but they sold it in 1930. She comes from a very loud & loving family of all females, but she loves the vines & followed or sometimes carried atop his shoulders her around his vineyard job. Her dad wanted all his daughters to be gentle, but Paige was always all about the dirty. Everything changed after she became engaged to the Manuel, her dad successor, then he went to Afghanistan, came back an angry broken man, she broke off the engagement & he die in her arms after he drank, drove & went down a ravine of blood!
Jake Madison has built all he has from the ground up, made boocoo bucks in the biotech world because he wants to help sick folks, plus he has his own family illness to cure. His father had a devastating illness, died when Jake was 14 & that molded his son's future. Now his 2 main biotech forms are struggling, so he needs to go to Napa Valley to size up his vineyard, sell it for the needed money & hope to get help from his smart vineyard manager, who made it a profitable again.
They meet face to face after the handyman, Sam, introduces Jake to a broom handle against his head, so Paige comes to help & sees this gorgeous man, who has a smile could make a granny's undies burn, tries to control the urge to crawl on his lap, pitch a tent & live there! Jake is in sensual HADES because this really bossing goddess is his manager, but he doesn't need any more swelling problems besides his ankle & reminds himself that is ONLY BUSINESS! Males of our species should learn not to say, NEVER! They meet the next day & he drops a bomb with selling HER vineyard, but he will give her a chance to change his mind, if she helps him with Making Wine 101.
The following days she has this yummy dinners meeting from HADES, as she teaches him grapes, he smiles that undies scorching smile & she begins the scent of home to his senses. Soon things heat up in Napa with a kooky Nana Reynoso of noseiness, a wine tasty extravaganza, a meddling bored sister, he makes boring spreadsheets sexy, a evil nemesis stalking for revenge, decadent caresses, daring public kisses, a "come to Jesus talk" from her BFF, a fierce thunderstorm starring a tantalizing kiss, no condom for safe sex, an UNEXPECTED dad with vine workers, a bountiful harvest & night of PGness with condom usage, but with the suns comes up hostility, a flight out of Napa & they are both in their own HADES! Can Jake realized that Paige is worth the risk? Will Paige be able to save their vineyard? Or will she have to choose between it & Jake? Will Jake let Paige decide what path to walk? But most importantly, can I get kooky Nana in a room with the evil Sven? I know she could totally take him!
This is my first Ms. Gibson read & again Entangled Publishing has another WINNER with this talented author! She created a loud & proud Reynoso family with "Bad Boy magnet" Mariel, rambunctious nephew Nicky, wise mom Francesca, stubborn dad & the crazy Nana, with endless energy, yelling SPARKLY clothing, her spooky & slightly insane "feelings" & the absent archeological single mom & I hope Ms. Gibson writes each sister her own story, too! Now Paige is a down to earth hard working manager, who lives, breaths, sweats, bleeds & completely nourishes HER family's land, but she HIDES her pain & scarred heart! Now Jake was a tough hero to crack until I figured out he had this gooey heart & will always fighting for his workers, who are his chosen FAMILY, but he was also fighting for himself, too. I absolutely loved how Ms. Gibson has Jake's mom set him straight about her choices & he had no right to take Paige's choices away from her. Now I am a lover of romance & I need some sparks & yumminess. Ms. Gibson had sparks zips between her h/h, but she had a PG rated read & that was my only complaint about this read, more scorching scenes! This romance was a page turning that I could not put down as it showcased Ms. Gibson talents to spin a yarn with hilarious ROFL moments, create dazzling & UNEXPECTED characters that pulled me into their Napa Valley, CRAVE some Chablis or Cabernet, share the moonwalk with kooky Nana & threw in a meddlesome family into the mix! Here is just a little tidbit about the gorgeous cover, it totally happens in this tale! Ms. Gibson earns my score of 4 fingers up & 7 toes for this romance, even thou it was rated PG, because it has a true family feel!
NetGalley ARC given for my honest review.
Paige Reynoso's heritage runs deep in Napa Valley, her great-great granddad planted the oldest grapes on Garnet Hill's back when her family owner the land & was a Mexician territory, but they sold it in 1930. She comes from a very loud & loving family of all females, but she loves the vines & followed or sometimes carried atop his shoulders her around his vineyard job. Her dad wanted all his daughters to be gentle, but Paige was always all about the dirty. Everything changed after she became engaged to the Manuel, her dad successor, then he went to Afghanistan, came back an angry broken man, she broke off the engagement & he die in her arms after he drank, drove & went down a ravine of blood!
Jake Madison has built all he has from the ground up, made boocoo bucks in the biotech world because he wants to help sick folks, plus he has his own family illness to cure. His father had a devastating illness, died when Jake was 14 & that molded his son's future. Now his 2 main biotech forms are struggling, so he needs to go to Napa Valley to size up his vineyard, sell it for the needed money & hope to get help from his smart vineyard manager, who made it a profitable again.
They meet face to face after the handyman, Sam, introduces Jake to a broom handle against his head, so Paige comes to help & sees this gorgeous man, who has a smile could make a granny's undies burn, tries to control the urge to crawl on his lap, pitch a tent & live there! Jake is in sensual HADES because this really bossing goddess is his manager, but he doesn't need any more swelling problems besides his ankle & reminds himself that is ONLY BUSINESS! Males of our species should learn not to say, NEVER! They meet the next day & he drops a bomb with selling HER vineyard, but he will give her a chance to change his mind, if she helps him with Making Wine 101.
The following days she has this yummy dinners meeting from HADES, as she teaches him grapes, he smiles that undies scorching smile & she begins the scent of home to his senses. Soon things heat up in Napa with a kooky Nana Reynoso of noseiness, a wine tasty extravaganza, a meddling bored sister, he makes boring spreadsheets sexy, a evil nemesis stalking for revenge, decadent caresses, daring public kisses, a "come to Jesus talk" from her BFF, a fierce thunderstorm starring a tantalizing kiss, no condom for safe sex, an UNEXPECTED dad with vine workers, a bountiful harvest & night of PGness with condom usage, but with the suns comes up hostility, a flight out of Napa & they are both in their own HADES! Can Jake realized that Paige is worth the risk? Will Paige be able to save their vineyard? Or will she have to choose between it & Jake? Will Jake let Paige decide what path to walk? But most importantly, can I get kooky Nana in a room with the evil Sven? I know she could totally take him!
This is my first Ms. Gibson read & again Entangled Publishing has another WINNER with this talented author! She created a loud & proud Reynoso family with "Bad Boy magnet" Mariel, rambunctious nephew Nicky, wise mom Francesca, stubborn dad & the crazy Nana, with endless energy, yelling SPARKLY clothing, her spooky & slightly insane "feelings" & the absent archeological single mom & I hope Ms. Gibson writes each sister her own story, too! Now Paige is a down to earth hard working manager, who lives, breaths, sweats, bleeds & completely nourishes HER family's land, but she HIDES her pain & scarred heart! Now Jake was a tough hero to crack until I figured out he had this gooey heart & will always fighting for his workers, who are his chosen FAMILY, but he was also fighting for himself, too. I absolutely loved how Ms. Gibson has Jake's mom set him straight about her choices & he had no right to take Paige's choices away from her. Now I am a lover of romance & I need some sparks & yumminess. Ms. Gibson had sparks zips between her h/h, but she had a PG rated read & that was my only complaint about this read, more scorching scenes! This romance was a page turning that I could not put down as it showcased Ms. Gibson talents to spin a yarn with hilarious ROFL moments, create dazzling & UNEXPECTED characters that pulled me into their Napa Valley, CRAVE some Chablis or Cabernet, share the moonwalk with kooky Nana & threw in a meddlesome family into the mix! Here is just a little tidbit about the gorgeous cover, it totally happens in this tale! Ms. Gibson earns my score of 4 fingers up & 7 toes for this romance, even thou it was rated PG, because it has a true family feel!
NetGalley ARC given for my honest review.
June 26, 2017
All Paige wanted was her own grape vineyard. All jake wanted was to sell the one he had to help his other businesses. Can love still happen with all that in the way? What a great book. Loved it.
June 10, 2017
I usually only read clean romances. This is not one. Having said that, I thought the storyline was very original. It was a romantic, sensual story. I laughed a lot at the grandmother. She was a riot with all her suspicions. This read a lot like a Harlequin romance. It was well-written and a stand-alone. I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
October 19, 2014
What I liked most about this novel was the fact that it isn't a traditional romance novel and that was what I was expecting it to be. A Kiss of Cabernet is one of those novels that deal with real life situations. For me this is a good thing and probably the most interesting part of this book.
This novel is so different than other romance novels that is really hard not to appreciate the effort that Gibson put into penning this book. In fact I think this is one book that will surprise readers at just about every section of the book from beginning to middle and even the ending. So I admire Gibson for her useful writing flow and creative thinking.
However one of my biggest turnoffs with this book is Jake, the hero. I didn't care too much for how he treated Paige even if he does have secretive reasons for doing so and being the person that he is. I didn't expect him to be the superhero type or even a man that is more of a tailgater and follows the heroine around constantly but I would liked to have seen him be a little more human throughout the novel and not just in selective parts.
The setting itself was perfect. I love how more and more novels are beginning to be centered around wine country! I think this just adds such a unique vibe to novels including this one that hasn't been done before and if there is one thing Gibson did well it was the fact that she was willing to go the distance to separate her novel from other releases.
My final thoughts about this novel is the fact that I did enjoy this book. Yes, it did have a few flaws and yes it may not appeal to all readers of romance but it is still a great read and I think that everyone should give it a shot and discover the surprises along the way!
(This review was submitted to the publisher PRIOR to posting it on GoodReads.)
This novel is so different than other romance novels that is really hard not to appreciate the effort that Gibson put into penning this book. In fact I think this is one book that will surprise readers at just about every section of the book from beginning to middle and even the ending. So I admire Gibson for her useful writing flow and creative thinking.
However one of my biggest turnoffs with this book is Jake, the hero. I didn't care too much for how he treated Paige even if he does have secretive reasons for doing so and being the person that he is. I didn't expect him to be the superhero type or even a man that is more of a tailgater and follows the heroine around constantly but I would liked to have seen him be a little more human throughout the novel and not just in selective parts.
The setting itself was perfect. I love how more and more novels are beginning to be centered around wine country! I think this just adds such a unique vibe to novels including this one that hasn't been done before and if there is one thing Gibson did well it was the fact that she was willing to go the distance to separate her novel from other releases.
My final thoughts about this novel is the fact that I did enjoy this book. Yes, it did have a few flaws and yes it may not appeal to all readers of romance but it is still a great read and I think that everyone should give it a shot and discover the surprises along the way!
(This review was submitted to the publisher PRIOR to posting it on GoodReads.)
December 16, 2014
If there was one place I could loose myself forever, it would be Napa Valley. The beauty of this area alone is enough to make you want to stay. Then you try the wines, and everything settles into place. I never pass up an opportunity to devour a book set in this seductive background. Especially when it's a romance. What better place for love? What I was most excited about, in this instance, was that Paige didn't just live in Napa Valley. Oh, no. She worked the land. I couldn't wait to be there, right beside her, and she worked the land and her way into Jake's heart.
Now it's no secret that I love a strong female character, and Paige Reynoso fits that perfectly. Warm and intelligent, Paige has a passion for her job that is contagious. It's easy to get caught up in her excitement. I had no idea that I'd not only be treated to a love story, but also learn a thing or two about wine! It's evident that Pamela Gibson knows her vineyards. Each time Paige talked about the process behind growing excellent grapes, I was rapt. It added another level to this story, and I ate it up.
Let's not forget about Jake though. It was hard for me not to fall for his knowing smirk, and his deep loyalties to his employees. I adored the fact that Jake wasn't just another gruff businessman. He was so much more than that. Every thought he had, he was considering others. Even when I didn't quite agree with his decisions, I couldn't help but sigh in defeat. He's just too sweet, and it came as no surprise to me that he and Paige had sparks between them. These two were just perfection.
If you're looking for a book to curl up with, and devour in one afternoon, you've found it. A Kiss of Cabernet is the type of story that is impossible to put down until it's done. I know that I fell in love with the characters, and with the stunning setting. It's my hope that you will too.
Now it's no secret that I love a strong female character, and Paige Reynoso fits that perfectly. Warm and intelligent, Paige has a passion for her job that is contagious. It's easy to get caught up in her excitement. I had no idea that I'd not only be treated to a love story, but also learn a thing or two about wine! It's evident that Pamela Gibson knows her vineyards. Each time Paige talked about the process behind growing excellent grapes, I was rapt. It added another level to this story, and I ate it up.
Let's not forget about Jake though. It was hard for me not to fall for his knowing smirk, and his deep loyalties to his employees. I adored the fact that Jake wasn't just another gruff businessman. He was so much more than that. Every thought he had, he was considering others. Even when I didn't quite agree with his decisions, I couldn't help but sigh in defeat. He's just too sweet, and it came as no surprise to me that he and Paige had sparks between them. These two were just perfection.
If you're looking for a book to curl up with, and devour in one afternoon, you've found it. A Kiss of Cabernet is the type of story that is impossible to put down until it's done. I know that I fell in love with the characters, and with the stunning setting. It's my hope that you will too.
October 14, 2014
A Kiss of Cabernet is a sweet, enjoyable romance set in California's Napa Valley - I've never visited but Pamela Gibson brought the scenery alive with her descriptions.
To say Paige Reynoso is less that happy upon discovering that her illusive boss, Jake Madison plans to sell the vineyard she manages, would be an understatement. She's worked hard, she's made it a success and she's determined to make our city boy see what a treasure it is. And it's not long before he discovers it's not just the vineyard that is a treasure...
With a natural chemistry creating fun, touching and frustrating moments, Paige and Jake were both endearing and were great together. He may be the wealthy businessman, but he's unaffected and has a good heart and Paige is perfect for him with her feisty, determined and thoughtful nature. Their journey may not have held any huge surprises, but it was lovely and with Jake keeping a potentially heartbreaking secret, it holds some emotion.
I read this in one sitting, it was such a pleasure to read. And aside of the sweet romance, I loved Paige's little wine tips at the start of each chapter. A promising start to the Love in Wine Country series and I look forward to seeing who'll find love next.
Reviewed for Read Your Writes Book Reviews.
Copy received courtesy of Entangled Publishing for an honest and unbiased opinion.
To say Paige Reynoso is less that happy upon discovering that her illusive boss, Jake Madison plans to sell the vineyard she manages, would be an understatement. She's worked hard, she's made it a success and she's determined to make our city boy see what a treasure it is. And it's not long before he discovers it's not just the vineyard that is a treasure...
With a natural chemistry creating fun, touching and frustrating moments, Paige and Jake were both endearing and were great together. He may be the wealthy businessman, but he's unaffected and has a good heart and Paige is perfect for him with her feisty, determined and thoughtful nature. Their journey may not have held any huge surprises, but it was lovely and with Jake keeping a potentially heartbreaking secret, it holds some emotion.
I read this in one sitting, it was such a pleasure to read. And aside of the sweet romance, I loved Paige's little wine tips at the start of each chapter. A promising start to the Love in Wine Country series and I look forward to seeing who'll find love next.
Reviewed for Read Your Writes Book Reviews.
Copy received courtesy of Entangled Publishing for an honest and unbiased opinion.
October 23, 2014
Jake who has never visited his vineyard and property, is back at Garnet Hill with an agenda. He's also carrying a secret which is the reason that he will stop at nothing to proceed on.
Paige has been managing his vineyard and has been doing very well. Besides her passion for those grapes, she has been wanting to buy the land over since it has her ancestor's touch in them. Paige was horrified when she learnt of Jake's intent and as she works to dissuade Jake on the sale, they began a 'no-strings' relationship where actual feelings developed.
I like the beautiful setting of Napa Valley in this book and I enjoyed the tidbits about wines and grapes. I'm not a wine connoisseur and I typically prefer white wines or moscatos but I found those tidbits really interesting and informative. The plot which included details on the grapes harvesting processes completed the story in my opinion. I understood Jake's thoughts and feelings as Jake turned coward when Paige and Jake got deeper into their relationship. It was a little disappointing but I thought that it was a very genuine response and felt that the author captured well. Their journey might not have been smooth and all romance but it did end well and sweet.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
Many thanks to Entangled Publishing and Netgalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Paige has been managing his vineyard and has been doing very well. Besides her passion for those grapes, she has been wanting to buy the land over since it has her ancestor's touch in them. Paige was horrified when she learnt of Jake's intent and as she works to dissuade Jake on the sale, they began a 'no-strings' relationship where actual feelings developed.
I like the beautiful setting of Napa Valley in this book and I enjoyed the tidbits about wines and grapes. I'm not a wine connoisseur and I typically prefer white wines or moscatos but I found those tidbits really interesting and informative. The plot which included details on the grapes harvesting processes completed the story in my opinion. I understood Jake's thoughts and feelings as Jake turned coward when Paige and Jake got deeper into their relationship. It was a little disappointing but I thought that it was a very genuine response and felt that the author captured well. Their journey might not have been smooth and all romance but it did end well and sweet.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
Many thanks to Entangled Publishing and Netgalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 24, 2014
Napa Valley and her vineyards make the perfect setting for this entertaining novel. Paige Reynoso is the manager for Garnet Hill. Her boss, Jake Madison, is here to determine the value of the property. He needs cash in order to save his company. Paige is passionate about this land that once belonged to her ancestors. She's determined to convince him To keep the vineyard. Jake wants to learn from Paige. The more time they spend together, the more their attraction grows. Does love stand a chance? The main characters are charming and passionate while the secondary ones add drama and humor to the mix. Pamela Gibson is an excellent author. She has written a well crafted story that has an interesting plot. I was impressed with the considerable research she did on grape growing and the wine making process. Also I enjoyed Paige's Tasting Notes. I'm looking forward to the next Love In Wine Country novel.
October 20, 2014
A sweet romance between Paige,manager of the vineyard that Jake owns. Jake now wants to sell and Paige can not afford to buy. An attraction develops between the two, but can their differences part them or will their hearts win.
A fast sweet romance, I really enjoyed these characters. I have always wanted to visit the Napa Valley area, now this book makes me want to go even more.
I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
A fast sweet romance, I really enjoyed these characters. I have always wanted to visit the Napa Valley area, now this book makes me want to go even more.
I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
May 4, 2016
I was familiar with Pam Gibson as a historian, so when I saw that she had written a romance, I had to try it. Her familiarity with the wine country of California and the wine-making business shows clearly in the writing. She has also created characters the reader can identify with and a family of interesting characters. This is a fun read. (And I don't even drink wine!)
December 29, 2016
A good book for what it is. Cute chic lit to waste a lazy afternoon. It's short and sweet with likeable characters and I don't regret the couple hrs spent reading it.
August 4, 2019
I believe I picked up Pamela Gibson’s A Kiss of Cabernet(2014) a few years ago at the Romantic Times Convention. It’s the first in a four book series set in Napa Valley’s wine country.
The story focuses on Paige Reynoso whose family has a long history in the Napa Valley and have worked growing grapes for generations. They don’t own their own vineyard. Paige is the manager of an up and coming property that she christened Garnet Hill. The land was once owned by her ancestors, but it’s now in the hands of an absentee businessman, who owns a biotech company based in Philadelphia and New York.
Unexpectedly, Jake Madison shows up in Napa seeking to learn more about his property, Garnet Hill. Although Jake seems pleasant and is definitely good looking, Paige is suspicious. She has roots here and wants to buy the property even though she doesn’t have enough money to afford it. She’s right, however, to be trepidatious. Jake is interested in selling the vineyard because he needs the money. One of his businesses on the east coast is in danger of being bought out from under him by a rival, putting at risk his employees and his dreams. He also has a second reason to want to keep his biotech company together. Jake’s father died of Huntington’s Disease and, it’s possible, Jake has it as well. In fact, he’s been suffering some symptoms that might be early signs of the disease, although the gene had not been detected as a baby. What makes things worst is that he finds Paige both compelling and beautiful. He’s torn over hurting her or hurting his employees at his biotech firm. But, he also knows he has no future with her if he has Huntington’s. He won’t burden any woman with taking care of a invalid nor can he risk passing along the gene to any children.
At 224 pages, Kiss of Cabernet is not a long story. I think it suffers a bit from not including more details and background on some of the other interesting characters, like Paige’s father and grandmother or Jake’s business rival. However, it’s clear that some of the story is being saved for later books in the series, the second of which focuses on Paige’s sister — at least I think that’s the case. So, as a result, I wasn’t as engaged in the story as I thought I’d be. There were sections that dragged and then, at the end, things sped up and got interesting. It’s too bad some of that compelling plot couldn’t have been brought in sooner. Furthermore, some of the details, at the end, didn’t make sense — and this is a spoiler, so don’t read further if you don’t want to know— how in hell did Paige’s neighbor not know how fruitless it would be to try and develop his property and Garnet Hill when there is such local government and community rules against it? Jake’s rival and Paige’s neighbor are supposed to be smart business people, and yet there seemed to be no plan beyond just acquiring the property.
The last thing that kind of bothered me was a writing tic of the author. I didn’t understand why she would periodically include italicized sentences signaling the thoughts of either Paige or Jake, when their other thoughts were not italicized like that. Was there something extra special about *those* thoughts? It didn’t make sense.
Anyway, I liked the setting of the story. I liked Paige’s competency and no nonsense attitude, and I felt sorry for Jake and his problems, as well as the fact that the author didn’t make every one of their issues disappear at the end. I’d give this book a B-/C.
The story focuses on Paige Reynoso whose family has a long history in the Napa Valley and have worked growing grapes for generations. They don’t own their own vineyard. Paige is the manager of an up and coming property that she christened Garnet Hill. The land was once owned by her ancestors, but it’s now in the hands of an absentee businessman, who owns a biotech company based in Philadelphia and New York.
Unexpectedly, Jake Madison shows up in Napa seeking to learn more about his property, Garnet Hill. Although Jake seems pleasant and is definitely good looking, Paige is suspicious. She has roots here and wants to buy the property even though she doesn’t have enough money to afford it. She’s right, however, to be trepidatious. Jake is interested in selling the vineyard because he needs the money. One of his businesses on the east coast is in danger of being bought out from under him by a rival, putting at risk his employees and his dreams. He also has a second reason to want to keep his biotech company together. Jake’s father died of Huntington’s Disease and, it’s possible, Jake has it as well. In fact, he’s been suffering some symptoms that might be early signs of the disease, although the gene had not been detected as a baby. What makes things worst is that he finds Paige both compelling and beautiful. He’s torn over hurting her or hurting his employees at his biotech firm. But, he also knows he has no future with her if he has Huntington’s. He won’t burden any woman with taking care of a invalid nor can he risk passing along the gene to any children.
At 224 pages, Kiss of Cabernet is not a long story. I think it suffers a bit from not including more details and background on some of the other interesting characters, like Paige’s father and grandmother or Jake’s business rival. However, it’s clear that some of the story is being saved for later books in the series, the second of which focuses on Paige’s sister — at least I think that’s the case. So, as a result, I wasn’t as engaged in the story as I thought I’d be. There were sections that dragged and then, at the end, things sped up and got interesting. It’s too bad some of that compelling plot couldn’t have been brought in sooner. Furthermore, some of the details, at the end, didn’t make sense — and this is a spoiler, so don’t read further if you don’t want to know— how in hell did Paige’s neighbor not know how fruitless it would be to try and develop his property and Garnet Hill when there is such local government and community rules against it? Jake’s rival and Paige’s neighbor are supposed to be smart business people, and yet there seemed to be no plan beyond just acquiring the property.
The last thing that kind of bothered me was a writing tic of the author. I didn’t understand why she would periodically include italicized sentences signaling the thoughts of either Paige or Jake, when their other thoughts were not italicized like that. Was there something extra special about *those* thoughts? It didn’t make sense.
Anyway, I liked the setting of the story. I liked Paige’s competency and no nonsense attitude, and I felt sorry for Jake and his problems, as well as the fact that the author didn’t make every one of their issues disappear at the end. I’d give this book a B-/C.
June 15, 2018
I was familiar with Pam Gibson as a historian, so when I saw that she had written a romance, I had to try it. Her familiarity with the wine country of California and the wine-making business shows clearly in the writing. She has also created characters the reader can identify with and a family of interesting characters. This is a fun read. (And I don't even drink wine!)
July 29, 2015
Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.
A Kiss of Cabernet is the first story in the Love in Wine Country series from author Pamela Gibson and takes place in Napa Valley, California, where a vineyard manager and her employer fall in love while having very different plans for the vineyard they have their eye on. Paige Reynoso has been planning to buy Garnet Hill once she has the funds to do so but learning that the vineyard's owner has his own plans that involve selling it as soon as possible has her trying to convince Jake Madison that keeping Garnet Hill will be more profitable than getting rid of it. Of course, the two end up spending a great deal of time together and there's an attraction between them, one that they can't keep pretending doesn't exist. The fact remains, however, that Jake needs to sell Garnet Hill and Paige doesn't want him to until she can afford to buy it herself. There's also the matter of Jake's health condition and how it affects the decisions that he has to make with regard to his professional and personal life, which soon includes Paige herself.
It took me a while to get into the story and have any sort of affection for Paige, though I did like Jake straightaway and couldn't help but feel for the guy, what with his problems regarding his business holdings and his health. Paige was obsessed with owning Garnet Hill one day and making Jake Madison keep the property instead of selling was something she did for her own personal benefit, which certainly had me deducting points from her on the likability scale. I also felt she was more in love with Jake than he was with her, and it isn't simply because the one and only time the three words you always expect to find in a romance novel were uttered by her. Her relationship with her father was also strange because I couldn't understand how a parent could blame his own daughter for the death of her then-fiancé and hold it against her simply because of his sexist views. I mean, seriously?! It just made no sense and while he book did have some good moments, I found myself drifting from time to time. A Kiss of Cabernet gets three stars. ♥
A Kiss of Cabernet is the first story in the Love in Wine Country series from author Pamela Gibson and takes place in Napa Valley, California, where a vineyard manager and her employer fall in love while having very different plans for the vineyard they have their eye on. Paige Reynoso has been planning to buy Garnet Hill once she has the funds to do so but learning that the vineyard's owner has his own plans that involve selling it as soon as possible has her trying to convince Jake Madison that keeping Garnet Hill will be more profitable than getting rid of it. Of course, the two end up spending a great deal of time together and there's an attraction between them, one that they can't keep pretending doesn't exist. The fact remains, however, that Jake needs to sell Garnet Hill and Paige doesn't want him to until she can afford to buy it herself. There's also the matter of Jake's health condition and how it affects the decisions that he has to make with regard to his professional and personal life, which soon includes Paige herself.
It took me a while to get into the story and have any sort of affection for Paige, though I did like Jake straightaway and couldn't help but feel for the guy, what with his problems regarding his business holdings and his health. Paige was obsessed with owning Garnet Hill one day and making Jake Madison keep the property instead of selling was something she did for her own personal benefit, which certainly had me deducting points from her on the likability scale. I also felt she was more in love with Jake than he was with her, and it isn't simply because the one and only time the three words you always expect to find in a romance novel were uttered by her. Her relationship with her father was also strange because I couldn't understand how a parent could blame his own daughter for the death of her then-fiancé and hold it against her simply because of his sexist views. I mean, seriously?! It just made no sense and while he book did have some good moments, I found myself drifting from time to time. A Kiss of Cabernet gets three stars. ♥
October 21, 2014
****A gifted copy was provided by the publisher for an honest review****
For me this was a somewhat boring book. The story is about Napa Valley vineyard manager Paige Reynoso who is mad that her boss Jake Madison has come back to Napa Valley. She is mad for two reasons-1) because he is selling the vineyard and 2) she Is secretly in love with this man.
This sounds like a good plot, right? Underling in love with boss? I thought so too but it was too wishy washy and some of the interactions were too harsh. And then by the end of the book- literally last 10 pages did everything get wrapped up with a semi nice bow.
I would like/love this story better if the hero Jake treated the heroine better. Just how things were written , it wasn’t until the last 10-15 pages did Jake redeem himself. There is a health issue with Jake BUT that doest EXCUSE how he treated Paige. That I didn’t like, This made reading the book hard to read. Paige is a good heroine, who fights hard for what she wants which is the vineyard and her man but when she looses both, it was heartbreaking. Paige is a fighter til she cant fight any more. Then she decides to retreat to lick her wounds and regroup. Who could blame her?
The author does have a great way painting the settings with words and giving such vivid pictures with her words so I give her kudos for this. Otherwise, this was an ok book in my opinion.
My rating: 3 stars ***
For me this was a somewhat boring book. The story is about Napa Valley vineyard manager Paige Reynoso who is mad that her boss Jake Madison has come back to Napa Valley. She is mad for two reasons-1) because he is selling the vineyard and 2) she Is secretly in love with this man.
This sounds like a good plot, right? Underling in love with boss? I thought so too but it was too wishy washy and some of the interactions were too harsh. And then by the end of the book- literally last 10 pages did everything get wrapped up with a semi nice bow.
I would like/love this story better if the hero Jake treated the heroine better. Just how things were written , it wasn’t until the last 10-15 pages did Jake redeem himself. There is a health issue with Jake BUT that doest EXCUSE how he treated Paige. That I didn’t like, This made reading the book hard to read. Paige is a good heroine, who fights hard for what she wants which is the vineyard and her man but when she looses both, it was heartbreaking. Paige is a fighter til she cant fight any more. Then she decides to retreat to lick her wounds and regroup. Who could blame her?
The author does have a great way painting the settings with words and giving such vivid pictures with her words so I give her kudos for this. Otherwise, this was an ok book in my opinion.
My rating: 3 stars ***
October 7, 2014
What is really weird to happen to me. I actually liked the chick more than the male character and seriously think i could have done without Jake.
Paige has brought Garnet Hills from decomposing to successful in her time being the manager. Now the owner is in town and wants to sell her dream away from her. With things the way they are she can't get a loan, and her options to owning the vineyard are fading away.
Jake wants to keep his companies going, keep his employees working, and be successful all while battling these new medical issues. He goes to Napa Valley to see the vineyard he's had as a tax write off until it started making money.
The story was okay but I did not like Jake's character for anything. I loved Paige and her family especially Grandma.
Paige has brought Garnet Hills from decomposing to successful in her time being the manager. Now the owner is in town and wants to sell her dream away from her. With things the way they are she can't get a loan, and her options to owning the vineyard are fading away.
Jake wants to keep his companies going, keep his employees working, and be successful all while battling these new medical issues. He goes to Napa Valley to see the vineyard he's had as a tax write off until it started making money.
The story was okay but I did not like Jake's character for anything. I loved Paige and her family especially Grandma.
October 24, 2014
What i liked about this book:
Romance story that dealt with real life issues.
The author does have a great way painting the settings with words and giving such vivid pictures with her words. set in California's Napa Valley - I've never visited but Pamela Gibson brought the scenery alive with her descriptions.
What I didn't like about the book:
Jake was an ass for almost the entire book. His character/personality turned me off big time.
We're in wine country here and I didn't 'feel' the romance between Jake and Paige. There was too much 'fade to black' scenes which made it hard to buy into their romance, for me.
Overall, an ok read, but not fantastic.
ARC provided by Entangled Publishing, LLC via NetGalley for an honest review.
Romance story that dealt with real life issues.
The author does have a great way painting the settings with words and giving such vivid pictures with her words. set in California's Napa Valley - I've never visited but Pamela Gibson brought the scenery alive with her descriptions.
What I didn't like about the book:
Jake was an ass for almost the entire book. His character/personality turned me off big time.
We're in wine country here and I didn't 'feel' the romance between Jake and Paige. There was too much 'fade to black' scenes which made it hard to buy into their romance, for me.
Overall, an ok read, but not fantastic.
ARC provided by Entangled Publishing, LLC via NetGalley for an honest review.
October 11, 2014
Received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
2.5*
This book started out with a lot of promise but unfortunately the chemistry between the two main characters just wasn't there for me.
However, I do have to commend the book for dealing with two very serious issues: giving up your dream and dealing with a possible sword of Damocles hanging over your head health-wise.
2.5*
This book started out with a lot of promise but unfortunately the chemistry between the two main characters just wasn't there for me.
However, I do have to commend the book for dealing with two very serious issues: giving up your dream and dealing with a possible sword of Damocles hanging over your head health-wise.
October 29, 2014
Story was good ... just a little slow at times.
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