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Fine Like Wine: A BBW And A New York OG
Life is full of ups and downs, and for Zacardi LePouche, the downs have hit harder than most.
Once the golden girl of Queens, everyone believed Zacardi was destined for greatness. Brilliant, ambitious, and focused until she fell for the wrong one. When she hooks up with Trap Star, the handsome new face with secrets of his own, her bright future begins to unravel right before her hazy eyes.
Jourdunn “23” Choteau has loved Zacardi for as long as he can remember.
But love only goes so far when trust is broken. After catching Zacardi in a compromising situation, his heart shatters, and so does everything he thought they were building. Leaving New York for a fresh start was supposed to be the end of their story. Until one unexpected trip home changes everything.
Now tangled in a life of prostitution, addiction, and bloodshed, Zacardi is barely holding on. But love? That might be the most dangerous drug of all.
They say love conquers all. But can it survive the wreckage of their past?
Once the golden girl of Queens, everyone believed Zacardi was destined for greatness. Brilliant, ambitious, and focused until she fell for the wrong one. When she hooks up with Trap Star, the handsome new face with secrets of his own, her bright future begins to unravel right before her hazy eyes.
Jourdunn “23” Choteau has loved Zacardi for as long as he can remember.
But love only goes so far when trust is broken. After catching Zacardi in a compromising situation, his heart shatters, and so does everything he thought they were building. Leaving New York for a fresh start was supposed to be the end of their story. Until one unexpected trip home changes everything.
Now tangled in a life of prostitution, addiction, and bloodshed, Zacardi is barely holding on. But love? That might be the most dangerous drug of all.
They say love conquers all. But can it survive the wreckage of their past?
227 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 21, 2025
125 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
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July 10, 2025Not gonna rate this because... whew. This was a train wreck, I’m sorry. I knew I should’ve stopped reading, but I just couldn’t look away. I’ve never in my life felt like I was being thrown headfirst into a volcano, but babythat’s exactly what this felt like.
The dialogue was choppy, the timeline was a mess, and the way trauma was handled? Rough. Poorly written, barely processed, and rushed. The love connection didn’t hit for me either. Like... I’m sorry, but a drug-addicted former sex worker is gonna need more than a new/old flame boo to bounce back. We’re talking multiple hospital stays, intensive therapy, a psych eval, medication, and maybe even divine intervention.
The way people talked to and about Zacardi was INSANE. Was she wrong? Absolutely. But addiction is a health condition, and the complete lack of empathy was wild.
Also I'm sorry the names were ugly. And the background on Trapstar? HORRID. A “Black” Romani guy who was raised Amish... and then became a pimp? Be serious. That’s not creative, it’s chaotic and dangerously close to stereotype territory. The G*psy word is a SLUR idk if the author knows this but yeahhhh. The slave owner plot line was TERRIBLE AND UNCALLED FOR like it went no where had no real purpose other than conversation. Like I’m sorry this wasn’t it then why was they talking about crimes so freely. Like WHAT IS THISSSS like ain’t no way yall was in the streets just giving detailed information
The dialogue was choppy, the timeline was a mess, and the way trauma was handled? Rough. Poorly written, barely processed, and rushed. The love connection didn’t hit for me either. Like... I’m sorry, but a drug-addicted former sex worker is gonna need more than a new/old flame boo to bounce back. We’re talking multiple hospital stays, intensive therapy, a psych eval, medication, and maybe even divine intervention.
The way people talked to and about Zacardi was INSANE. Was she wrong? Absolutely. But addiction is a health condition, and the complete lack of empathy was wild.
Also I'm sorry the names were ugly. And the background on Trapstar? HORRID. A “Black” Romani guy who was raised Amish... and then became a pimp? Be serious. That’s not creative, it’s chaotic and dangerously close to stereotype territory. The G*psy word is a SLUR idk if the author knows this but yeahhhh. The slave owner plot line was TERRIBLE AND UNCALLED FOR like it went no where had no real purpose other than conversation. Like I’m sorry this wasn’t it then why was they talking about crimes so freely. Like WHAT IS THISSSS like ain’t no way yall was in the streets just giving detailed information
July 22, 2025
an emotional story with a HEA
I didn’t go into the book completely blind but I did go in not knowing much (I didn’t read the synopsis).
This book starts fast and heavy.
We are immediately interjected into the drama and chaos of our FMC.
Those events lead the FMC to run back to her family and childhood friends for protection and healing.
______
Pacing was good
Chemistry was great
The author did a good job of capturing raw emotions with sensitive topics (not just addiction).
Writing the emotional drain addiction has to the individual and their family/friends🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽
That letter from Satoria Lyn Champagne was beautiful
Spice scenes had the spice on them🌶️🥵
The significance of the title, “Fine Like Wine” was a central theme throughout the story. The author even used various wines as her unique chapter names. We love that!
“pen game 🔏✅” moment:
The way the author writes and expresses the MMC’s love was beautiful. We were able to experience all of those moments of hurt, hope, vulnerability, and pain he had in loving this woman through her addiction.
——
With this book being so heavy, there were topics that were addressed but not fully explored.
Several “implied moments” within those topics that some readers may not prefer.
For me, it didn’t take away from the writing.
However, I think the lack of exploration hindered the author from showcasing her talent fully.
Her foundational writing was so amazing concerning them that I think she could have handled the challenge of further exploring those topics.
Topics:
-Addiction
-Emotional cheating
-How quickly the MMC forgives and falls into routine with our FMC
-Detoxing and the battle to remain in clean
-FMC meeting the ex (very pleasant and familiar for the first meeting)
Again, it didn’t take away from the story for me. The author does do a really good job of addressing all of those topics/moments subtly in dialogues throughout the story.
_____
*My only critique is Julia’s character*
Her character at the beginning had me very intrigued and wanting to see more of her.
Granted, she is not a good woman in this book but the way the author wrote her was perfection… Julia’s ability to manipulate and dictate to the men around her- it really reminded me of Common’s “Testify” video.
However, we get a drastic change.
By the end, there was a sense of pleasantry about her but I don’t know how we got there.
I understood her “change in focus” but not her being so polite and civil about it (last interaction with 23).
I can guess various reasons why but this was one topic that I wish it was more explicitly stated “why” the attitude change.
______
Although I had that critique, I still thoroughly enjoyed it.
It was a beautiful love story that showed the power and perseverance of true love when both parties are willing to fight for each other.
A couple of grammatical errors but again, nothing that took away from the story.
I would definitely recommend this book but keep in mind it is heavy at times but does have a HEA.
I didn’t go into the book completely blind but I did go in not knowing much (I didn’t read the synopsis).
This book starts fast and heavy.
We are immediately interjected into the drama and chaos of our FMC.
Those events lead the FMC to run back to her family and childhood friends for protection and healing.
______
Pacing was good
Chemistry was great
The author did a good job of capturing raw emotions with sensitive topics (not just addiction).
Writing the emotional drain addiction has to the individual and their family/friends🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽
That letter from Satoria Lyn Champagne was beautiful
Spice scenes had the spice on them🌶️🥵
The significance of the title, “Fine Like Wine” was a central theme throughout the story. The author even used various wines as her unique chapter names. We love that!
“pen game 🔏✅” moment:
The way the author writes and expresses the MMC’s love was beautiful. We were able to experience all of those moments of hurt, hope, vulnerability, and pain he had in loving this woman through her addiction.
——
With this book being so heavy, there were topics that were addressed but not fully explored.
Several “implied moments” within those topics that some readers may not prefer.
For me, it didn’t take away from the writing.
However, I think the lack of exploration hindered the author from showcasing her talent fully.
Her foundational writing was so amazing concerning them that I think she could have handled the challenge of further exploring those topics.
Topics:
-Addiction
-Emotional cheating
-How quickly the MMC forgives and falls into routine with our FMC
-Detoxing and the battle to remain in clean
-FMC meeting the ex (very pleasant and familiar for the first meeting)
Again, it didn’t take away from the story for me. The author does do a really good job of addressing all of those topics/moments subtly in dialogues throughout the story.
_____
*My only critique is Julia’s character*
Her character at the beginning had me very intrigued and wanting to see more of her.
Granted, she is not a good woman in this book but the way the author wrote her was perfection… Julia’s ability to manipulate and dictate to the men around her- it really reminded me of Common’s “Testify” video.
However, we get a drastic change.
By the end, there was a sense of pleasantry about her but I don’t know how we got there.
I understood her “change in focus” but not her being so polite and civil about it (last interaction with 23).
I can guess various reasons why but this was one topic that I wish it was more explicitly stated “why” the attitude change.
______
Although I had that critique, I still thoroughly enjoyed it.
It was a beautiful love story that showed the power and perseverance of true love when both parties are willing to fight for each other.
A couple of grammatical errors but again, nothing that took away from the story.
I would definitely recommend this book but keep in mind it is heavy at times but does have a HEA.
July 1, 2025
This book??? Baby, STRESSFUL in the best way.
Cardi girl… how you let a bootleg pimp with dreams of being Future ruin your life?? You had a man who loved you, and you chose Dusty Depot Trap Star?! Be serious.
Trap Star? More like Trash Bag. He had you on drugs and the blade, and for WHAT? Had you thinking you were his main……. Girl.
Now Big E? 10/10. Loved him for Valley, no complaints. Big 23?? Chef’s kiss. That man was down BAD for Cardi in the most beautiful way. Ten toes, ten fingers, whole spinal cord he did NOT play about his baby!
And Tori… Tori’s letter had me crying like I knew her in real life. Sis said, “If I don’t make it, YOU better.” Girl, I am WEEPING. 💔 She was Cardi’s real guardian angel in this mess.
Then here comes Cabernet, talking about her family owning slaves like that was a LinkedIn skill. Excuse me?! Cardi should’ve kicked her square in the esophagus. I said what I said.
And Cardi’s parents? They can stay gone. If they can’t see her trying, they don’t deserve front-row seats to her healing. Period.
I was scared for a minute thinking Cardi was back on that shit but nah—she pregnant?! YES. Let Cardi have her peace, her man, and her prenatal vitamins!
Anyway, this review long as hell because I got feelings. We need part 2 ASAP or I’m writing fanfic out of spite. 🙄
Cardi girl… how you let a bootleg pimp with dreams of being Future ruin your life?? You had a man who loved you, and you chose Dusty Depot Trap Star?! Be serious.
Trap Star? More like Trash Bag. He had you on drugs and the blade, and for WHAT? Had you thinking you were his main……. Girl.
Now Big E? 10/10. Loved him for Valley, no complaints. Big 23?? Chef’s kiss. That man was down BAD for Cardi in the most beautiful way. Ten toes, ten fingers, whole spinal cord he did NOT play about his baby!
And Tori… Tori’s letter had me crying like I knew her in real life. Sis said, “If I don’t make it, YOU better.” Girl, I am WEEPING. 💔 She was Cardi’s real guardian angel in this mess.
Then here comes Cabernet, talking about her family owning slaves like that was a LinkedIn skill. Excuse me?! Cardi should’ve kicked her square in the esophagus. I said what I said.
And Cardi’s parents? They can stay gone. If they can’t see her trying, they don’t deserve front-row seats to her healing. Period.
I was scared for a minute thinking Cardi was back on that shit but nah—she pregnant?! YES. Let Cardi have her peace, her man, and her prenatal vitamins!
Anyway, this review long as hell because I got feelings. We need part 2 ASAP or I’m writing fanfic out of spite. 🙄
July 26, 2025
A true tale of redemption
I really enjoyed the book and felt like I got to know Zacardi (the FMC) personally. I cheered her on the whole book. I thought the beginning was very thrilling and sort of wished some of the middle had the same quality. I loved how 23 loved on Zacardi and made her feel valued and like she mattered. I appreciated the ending as I had read other books from this author that took more of a tragic turn.
I really enjoyed the book and felt like I got to know Zacardi (the FMC) personally. I cheered her on the whole book. I thought the beginning was very thrilling and sort of wished some of the middle had the same quality. I loved how 23 loved on Zacardi and made her feel valued and like she mattered. I appreciated the ending as I had read other books from this author that took more of a tragic turn.
June 24, 2025
Good Read
The plot was good. I do wish it would’ve talked a little more about her family life and why she felt the need to be with the “gypsy” for money. The ending could’ve better explored the relationship with family. This is a story about love and forgiveness.
The plot was good. I do wish it would’ve talked a little more about her family life and why she felt the need to be with the “gypsy” for money. The ending could’ve better explored the relationship with family. This is a story about love and forgiveness.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews