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SWAT Generation 2.0 #5
May Contain Wine
This is for charity. This is for fun. You are a professional. You can do it.
Those are the words that Calloway Alvarez chants to herself as she watches all the large men gather into the small room where she’ll be doing the interviews for her employer—Hero Magazine.
Honestly, she’s convinced herself that she can’t accomplish the task at hand.
That is until she hears his voice, and her head turns to see him standing there.
Louis Spurlock. Greek god. SWAT officer. Keeper of her secrets. Ultimate fantasy. Man who will break her heart.
***
Louis Spurlock has been playing nice.
He’s been biding his time, giving Calloway the space she thinks she needs.
But then he sees her taking photos of his friends in all states of undress, talking to them all as if they’re best friends, and that little thread of control he’d been managing to hold onto unravels.
Let’s change it up, she says. And the moment the words are out of her mouth, he’s stripping to his skivvies, and throwing out a challenge while he’s at it.
Calloway won’t know what hit her when he’s through playing.
But he does know one thing for sure. When it ends, she’ll be his.
Those are the words that Calloway Alvarez chants to herself as she watches all the large men gather into the small room where she’ll be doing the interviews for her employer—Hero Magazine.
Honestly, she’s convinced herself that she can’t accomplish the task at hand.
That is until she hears his voice, and her head turns to see him standing there.
Louis Spurlock. Greek god. SWAT officer. Keeper of her secrets. Ultimate fantasy. Man who will break her heart.
***
Louis Spurlock has been playing nice.
He’s been biding his time, giving Calloway the space she thinks she needs.
But then he sees her taking photos of his friends in all states of undress, talking to them all as if they’re best friends, and that little thread of control he’d been managing to hold onto unravels.
Let’s change it up, she says. And the moment the words are out of her mouth, he’s stripping to his skivvies, and throwing out a challenge while he’s at it.
Calloway won’t know what hit her when he’s through playing.
But he does know one thing for sure. When it ends, she’ll be his.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2020
350 people are currently reading
1087 people want to read
About the author
Lani Lynn Vale
163 books7,274 followersLani Lynn Vale is married to the love of her life that she met in high school. She fell in love with him because he was wearing baseball pants. Ten years later they have three perfectly crazy children and a cat named Demon who likes to wake her up at ungodly times in the night. They live in the greatest state in the world, Texas. She writes contemporary and romantic suspense, and has a love for all things romance. You can find Lani in front of her computer writing away in her fictional characters world...that is until her husband and kids demand sustenance in the form of food and drink.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 274 reviews
May 14, 2020
Oh cute.. so so cute..
Hero makes the mistake of breaking things with the heroine. After he did it he knew he made a huge mistake. Things weren’t greener on the other side. (His words, not mine)
She stayed a virgin while he didn’t. 😂😂 let’s give a prize to the asshole who broke her heart because he wanted to see what was on the other side and he knew she wasn’t going to leave the town so he left her.
And I’m not saying he shouldn’t have followed his dreams but I don’t think the heroine would have told him to stay for her. She was in love with him and I’m pretty sure she would have left with him if he had asked her but he didn’t. He chose for her and didn’t want any entanglements left behind. He wanted to be free to do anything his little heart desired.
Did he feel remorse for dumping her? Sure he did. She doesn’t forgive him right away but she still does. She dated but she saved herself for him and I think she went only on one date. Who knows how many women his dick fell into because he certainly was not a virgin he knew what he was doing behind closed doors. I think he was a year older than her so he either wasn’t a virgin when he was her boyfriend at the age of 17 or he must have given it to OGs during the separation. Don’t ask me how many years they were separated because I couldn’t care less even if I tried. They didn’t even used protection either. She doesn’t even bother asking him if he was safe. I guess his groveling was his blood donation every month for her. Nothing says I love you and I want a second chance like “here take my blood”
**Book NOT provided by anyone but myself and my moolah.**
Hero makes the mistake of breaking things with the heroine. After he did it he knew he made a huge mistake. Things weren’t greener on the other side. (His words, not mine)
She stayed a virgin while he didn’t. 😂😂 let’s give a prize to the asshole who broke her heart because he wanted to see what was on the other side and he knew she wasn’t going to leave the town so he left her.
“Shamefully, I hadn’t had a good reason when I broke up with her.
I’d been selfish, thinking of myself, and not wanting to have a reason at home to stop me from fulfilling my own dreams—i.e., travel the world and do the things that I knew without a shadow of a doubt Calloway would never want to do”
“I wanted the freedom to be adventurous and do the things that I wanted without the repercussions of what Calloway would think about them.”
“It was shortly after I’d broken things off that I first realized that things weren’t greener on the other side of the fence”
And I’m not saying he shouldn’t have followed his dreams but I don’t think the heroine would have told him to stay for her. She was in love with him and I’m pretty sure she would have left with him if he had asked her but he didn’t. He chose for her and didn’t want any entanglements left behind. He wanted to be free to do anything his little heart desired.
Did he feel remorse for dumping her? Sure he did. She doesn’t forgive him right away but she still does. She dated but she saved herself for him and I think she went only on one date. Who knows how many women his dick fell into because he certainly was not a virgin he knew what he was doing behind closed doors. I think he was a year older than her so he either wasn’t a virgin when he was her boyfriend at the age of 17 or he must have given it to OGs during the separation. Don’t ask me how many years they were separated because I couldn’t care less even if I tried. They didn’t even used protection either. She doesn’t even bother asking him if he was safe. I guess his groveling was his blood donation every month for her. Nothing says I love you and I want a second chance like “here take my blood”
**Book NOT provided by anyone but myself and my moolah.**
May 3, 2020
I fell so easily in love with this second chance romance! Calloway and Louis had been friends forever. Their parents were really close and so they basically grew up together. As their crush game grew stronger, they became a couple, but when Louis was about to graduate from high school (Cal still had a year left), he broke up with her as he had enlisted. He didn't want her waiting for him and wanted her to explore without worry. I think his intentions were good, but it ended up real bad. So bad in fact that he immediately regretted it. Unfortunately for him, Cal knew how to hold a grudge and from the night he broke her heart, she tried everything she could to pretend he didn't exist. Which was hard to do when his friends were her friends. Even harder because his blood was necessary for her monthly blood transfusions. And even harder than that because her heart still belonged to him.
This story was all about how she finally opened her eyes and was able to see everything Louis had to offer.
He wasn't the same kid who broke her heart. He was the man who never stopped loving her. The man who wanted forever with her. The man who wouldn't stop until she wanted him just as much as he needed her. Their story was so cute and if it weren't for some creepy shenanigans along the way, I'd say their story was super sweet. Who doesn't want forever with their best friend?
This story was all about how she finally opened her eyes and was able to see everything Louis had to offer.
He wasn't the same kid who broke her heart. He was the man who never stopped loving her. The man who wanted forever with her. The man who wouldn't stop until she wanted him just as much as he needed her. Their story was so cute and if it weren't for some creepy shenanigans along the way, I'd say their story was super sweet. Who doesn't want forever with their best friend?
May 18, 2020
REVIEW: 3.5 POSITIVE STARS
"He sure knew how to say things to make me feel things that I shouldn't be feeling."
Ooooh, Calloway is feisty!!! That was my first thought upon starting this book, and what an introduction to my first LLV book this was. I have been recommended this author many times over the years, but I was always too scared to jump in because it seemed as if every series was a spinoff of another, and each series had copious amounts of books. This was clearly a daunting pool to jump into!! But, I was assured that I can read any of her books and they do stand alone but have an underlying theme with them in the series.
While this was claimed as a standalone, she discussed a lot of other characters and their issues and subplots and I think that messed with my connection in the very beginning. I didn't want to ruin any of the other stories, so I originally thought I needed to walk away. Was I a little aggressive jumping into the 2.0 family version, 5th book of a run on series? Most would say probably, I would say definitely . However, the writing was really good. The storyline intrigued me, so I knew I was going to be able to settle into it. Aside from giving me more info on past characters - in turn potentially spoiling something for me from previous books, I really did enjoy the "family style" story she was giving me. Again, good flow to her writing, but I felt like she was telling me too much side story so it worried me just a bit.
With the story carrying a romantic suspense element to it, many of the actions were glossed over within that aspect - which was totally fine by me since I don't really enjoy a lot of drama in my books, but it also carried over in to some of the storyline (particularly with the progression of their love) being glossed over as well However, she kept the SWAT action and busy side of the characters true to the long hours, and the grueling schedule they have to keep. It gave me a real sense of the adrenaline rush from their job and I liked reading that side of it. This did read as a series book for sure, so I had to keep that in mind while reading it because of the insinuated familiarity with the characters and their backgrounds. It didn't take away too much from the enjoyment, but it did give me pause and caused me to slow down a few times.
I liked these characters and found them easy to connect with. I was able to feel the many emotions that Calloway was mentally arguing with herself over in terms of Louis and letting him back in, and that's what made her story work for me - it made her very likable and relatable. The alpha in Louis was particularly wonderfully written. His cool calm demeanor made him that much more sexy, combined with that sexy smirk, of course. His level headed side mixed with his ability to not give an eff for the PC side of life sure made this one all the more interesting. There was an edge to this SWAT team and all the characters - I loved their mentality. LLV's alpha was written with an intensity, but genuinely flawed. There was an obvious protective side, but an understated vulnerable side as well. That is what made me fall for him. I really like the dynamic Vale gave these characters.
The truth of their love story was the ability to fall back into a normalcy they’ve always known - and it was really fun to see that happen. I smiled when they got caught in a predicament that they had to make the best of - and that jumpstarted their eventual fall back into each other's arms. I like how hard Calloway fought it. I won't lie. She seems like a fine, stubborn young lady. HAHA!!
Overall, great book. Here's where I sit with this one. It was very easy to read. I feel like I settled into this book magnificently well, without many hiccups, once I got to about 20% in. I was able to really follow the characters and their story. I struggled with the constant mention of the other characters that were clearly pertinent to the overall storyline or were integral to the buildup to this one, but jumping into book 5 made me feel like I missed something. That is MY fault and doesn't reflect on her writing, but I needed to break into the LLV cycle of books somewhere!! I will definitely be following her but I need to catch up on the previous ones as well. I feel like if I were to start with the 2.0 book 1 in this series, I would be ok to understand these kids' grown up stories since I know they are kids of the first generation swat team.
This was a pretty short book, so I know not a lot will be squeezed in, but I would have liked some more depth and storyline with it. More focus on them, and their buildup and how it all came to pass. It did feel a little glossed over, again, but this was a 5th book in a 2.0 series - my fault. I will admit, originally I was lost with names thrown at me left and right. It also started to make my head spin when she tried to explain the other characters’ roles in the group of friends. Sometimes I felt she leaned a little too much into the extra side stories instead of focusing on Louis and Calloway, but I will definitely read her again.
I am baffled by one aspect: I have absolutely NO IDEA what the meaning of the title is - like, not one idea. Wine was never mentioned anywhere in the book.....so I am seriously confused. But I also think that has something to do with the author and her personality and one that I am missing out by not "knowing" her or her books previously. I will need to fix that, most definitely. I didn't really follow the author closely before this, so I'm glad I saw this book in a newsletter. I will also be changing that. I am very interested in checking out more of her books, but I do feel like I need to read the rest of these in order because I do feel like I missed out on a sort of "inside joke" with the buildup of these characters.
TAKEAWAY: I really need to read more by her...
~BEE
PURCHASE: https://amzn.to/2ZncVlM
Affiliate Link
ENTER HERE TO WIN AN ECOPY: https://bit.ly/2TgNwqn
"He sure knew how to say things to make me feel things that I shouldn't be feeling."
Ooooh, Calloway is feisty!!! That was my first thought upon starting this book, and what an introduction to my first LLV book this was. I have been recommended this author many times over the years, but I was always too scared to jump in because it seemed as if every series was a spinoff of another, and each series had copious amounts of books. This was clearly a daunting pool to jump into!! But, I was assured that I can read any of her books and they do stand alone but have an underlying theme with them in the series.
While this was claimed as a standalone, she discussed a lot of other characters and their issues and subplots and I think that messed with my connection in the very beginning. I didn't want to ruin any of the other stories, so I originally thought I needed to walk away. Was I a little aggressive jumping into the 2.0 family version, 5th book of a run on series? Most would say probably, I would say definitely . However, the writing was really good. The storyline intrigued me, so I knew I was going to be able to settle into it. Aside from giving me more info on past characters - in turn potentially spoiling something for me from previous books, I really did enjoy the "family style" story she was giving me. Again, good flow to her writing, but I felt like she was telling me too much side story so it worried me just a bit.
With the story carrying a romantic suspense element to it, many of the actions were glossed over within that aspect - which was totally fine by me since I don't really enjoy a lot of drama in my books, but it also carried over in to some of the storyline (particularly with the progression of their love) being glossed over as well However, she kept the SWAT action and busy side of the characters true to the long hours, and the grueling schedule they have to keep. It gave me a real sense of the adrenaline rush from their job and I liked reading that side of it. This did read as a series book for sure, so I had to keep that in mind while reading it because of the insinuated familiarity with the characters and their backgrounds. It didn't take away too much from the enjoyment, but it did give me pause and caused me to slow down a few times.
I liked these characters and found them easy to connect with. I was able to feel the many emotions that Calloway was mentally arguing with herself over in terms of Louis and letting him back in, and that's what made her story work for me - it made her very likable and relatable. The alpha in Louis was particularly wonderfully written. His cool calm demeanor made him that much more sexy, combined with that sexy smirk, of course. His level headed side mixed with his ability to not give an eff for the PC side of life sure made this one all the more interesting. There was an edge to this SWAT team and all the characters - I loved their mentality. LLV's alpha was written with an intensity, but genuinely flawed. There was an obvious protective side, but an understated vulnerable side as well. That is what made me fall for him. I really like the dynamic Vale gave these characters.
The truth of their love story was the ability to fall back into a normalcy they’ve always known - and it was really fun to see that happen. I smiled when they got caught in a predicament that they had to make the best of - and that jumpstarted their eventual fall back into each other's arms. I like how hard Calloway fought it. I won't lie. She seems like a fine, stubborn young lady. HAHA!!
Overall, great book. Here's where I sit with this one. It was very easy to read. I feel like I settled into this book magnificently well, without many hiccups, once I got to about 20% in. I was able to really follow the characters and their story. I struggled with the constant mention of the other characters that were clearly pertinent to the overall storyline or were integral to the buildup to this one, but jumping into book 5 made me feel like I missed something. That is MY fault and doesn't reflect on her writing, but I needed to break into the LLV cycle of books somewhere!! I will definitely be following her but I need to catch up on the previous ones as well. I feel like if I were to start with the 2.0 book 1 in this series, I would be ok to understand these kids' grown up stories since I know they are kids of the first generation swat team.
This was a pretty short book, so I know not a lot will be squeezed in, but I would have liked some more depth and storyline with it. More focus on them, and their buildup and how it all came to pass. It did feel a little glossed over, again, but this was a 5th book in a 2.0 series - my fault. I will admit, originally I was lost with names thrown at me left and right. It also started to make my head spin when she tried to explain the other characters’ roles in the group of friends. Sometimes I felt she leaned a little too much into the extra side stories instead of focusing on Louis and Calloway, but I will definitely read her again.
I am baffled by one aspect: I have absolutely NO IDEA what the meaning of the title is - like, not one idea. Wine was never mentioned anywhere in the book.....so I am seriously confused. But I also think that has something to do with the author and her personality and one that I am missing out by not "knowing" her or her books previously. I will need to fix that, most definitely. I didn't really follow the author closely before this, so I'm glad I saw this book in a newsletter. I will also be changing that. I am very interested in checking out more of her books, but I do feel like I need to read the rest of these in order because I do feel like I missed out on a sort of "inside joke" with the buildup of these characters.
TAKEAWAY: I really need to read more by her...
~BEE
PURCHASE: https://amzn.to/2ZncVlM
Affiliate Link
ENTER HERE TO WIN AN ECOPY: https://bit.ly/2TgNwqn
May 14, 2020
So far,this is one of my fav books in this series of the original "SWAT"kids.
I do know for a fact that I will not be reading the next 2 books in this series as it has the tropes I do not like ...the keeping it in the family trope.Those would be Booth and Bourne's book with the twin sisters.
I do know for a fact that I will not be reading the next 2 books in this series as it has the tropes I do not like ...the keeping it in the family trope.Those would be Booth and Bourne's book with the twin sisters.
May 14, 2020
As soon as I get a LLV book, I devour it instantly. She has a way of making her characters unique and very likable. I was intrigued by the dynamics between Louis and Calloway. There was definite animosity from Cal’s perspective, and not without reason, but there was love too. Louis was a kid the first time they started a relationship and, thinking he knew what was best, made decisions for the both of them.
The plot added some OTT elements that were entertaining. I had a few LOL moments. Cal is my kind of girl. The relationship development worked for me. The writing was solid. All in all another great addition to the KPD swat family.
Complementary copy received and voluntarily reviewed.
The plot added some OTT elements that were entertaining. I had a few LOL moments. Cal is my kind of girl. The relationship development worked for me. The writing was solid. All in all another great addition to the KPD swat family.
Complementary copy received and voluntarily reviewed.
May 12, 2020
May Contain Wine by Lani Lynn Vale was another in a long line of books I adored! Louis and Calloway have a great second chance romance story that gave me all the feels.
Louis grovels good! He knew he made a mistake breaking up with Calloway, but they were young. However, she is NOT quick to forgive. He broke her teenage heart and she simply can't trust him. While she might not trust him, she never stopped loving him. That's the problem for Calloway-if she gives in and he walks away again? That would crush her.
Calloway has severe anemia and Louis donates blood to her every other month or so. This is an interesting dynamic between the two because even while they are broken up, he continues to show up and give blood. That's pretty amazing.
The action in this book is bananas. I was like "WTF" at least 4 or 5 times. Seriously, there are some messed up people in Kilgore, TX and Calloway is stuck in the path of one of them. This also gives Louis a chance to shine as a hero because once he gets Calloway to give him a second chance, he isn't going to let some nut job take her away!
May Contain Wine brightened my quarantine and got me back into my reading groove. Vale writes the most wonderful characters and they always have a happy ending. If you need a quarantine escape, May Contain Wine should be on the top of your TBR!
POV: dual 1st
Tears: a few
Trope: second chance, police/SWAT
Triggers:
Series/Standalone: stand alone within an interconnected series
Cliffhanger:
HEA:
Tumble by Adriana Locke, Baiting Him by Aurora Rose Reynolds, Justice for Milena by Susan Stoker...then you will probably like May Contain Wine!
May Contain Wine
See full review on The Book Disciple
June 29, 2021
This series and author is getting too predictable.
Every part is hardly a 200 pages book, where each story has it's own share of extensive drama. I mean how come in a small town there's a serial killer, a psychotic, and all other kind of criminals!
The plotting is over the top, very very unrealistic.
Character : Ummm....hero didn't know what's good for him and heroine is some girl who's a serious case of Anemia AND a broken heart🙄.
So original
Every part is hardly a 200 pages book, where each story has it's own share of extensive drama. I mean how come in a small town there's a serial killer, a psychotic, and all other kind of criminals!
The plotting is over the top, very very unrealistic.
Character : Ummm....hero didn't know what's good for him and heroine is some girl who's a serious case of Anemia AND a broken heart🙄.
So original
May 13, 2020
Louis and Calloway were perfect together. I really wasn't sure what to expect from their story as we had gotten a few bits and pieces of them previously. So I knew that they had history but I wasn't sure what had happened to break them up.
And I really loved that it was pretty much just life and Louis trying to do the right thing. And even though it was misguided and he was an idiot he realised it immediately and there didn't seem to be any drama while they were separated.
Calloway was a great heroine. She had an illness but it didn't make her a victim or useless it was just something she had to deal with. I also was so happy that despite the fact she was hurt by Louis breaking up with her she didn't hold a grudge or hold back from starting a relationship.
They were a great match and I really enjoyed watching them come back together. I can't wait to read Booth's book next. Although I have a feeling that ones going to hurt a little.
And I really loved that it was pretty much just life and Louis trying to do the right thing. And even though it was misguided and he was an idiot he realised it immediately and there didn't seem to be any drama while they were separated.
Calloway was a great heroine. She had an illness but it didn't make her a victim or useless it was just something she had to deal with. I also was so happy that despite the fact she was hurt by Louis breaking up with her she didn't hold a grudge or hold back from starting a relationship.
They were a great match and I really enjoyed watching them come back together. I can't wait to read Booth's book next. Although I have a feeling that ones going to hurt a little.
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May 13, 2020
This was... just okay.
I've heard Lani Lynn Vale's name being thrown around a lot lately, so I decided to finally take the plunge with what sounded like a sweet second-chance romance. It was definitely that - but it was pretty bland, and the 'thriller' part of the plot was skip-worthy.
Louis Spurlock broke up with Calloway Alvarez right before enlisting. He quickly realised what a big mistake he'd made, and tried to win her back a few (unspecified) years later - once he returned. She meanwhile doesn't give him the time of day.
Until she suddenly does, in a cliched 'we're-in-a-motel-and-they-only-have-one-room-with-a-double-bed' scene. We learn she's still a virgin; the hero's virginity is gracefully left a total mystery, but I'm inclined to suspicion, because I don't like ambiguities as to the characters' sexual pasts. It would be out of character for him to have slept with OW - but I'd have appreciated clarification on the issue.
The thriller element is rail-thin and so boring I skipped totally past it. It's honestly the most contrived plot ever.
The writing itself wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great either. It felt a bit like a watered-down Kristen Ashley, if that makes sense. Not sure I'll pick up any more books by Vale.
I definitely won't pick up the next book in the series, which features a twin hero falling in love with the twin sister of his baby's mother, while the mother falls in love with his twin brother... even just writing that was painful.
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
I've heard Lani Lynn Vale's name being thrown around a lot lately, so I decided to finally take the plunge with what sounded like a sweet second-chance romance. It was definitely that - but it was pretty bland, and the 'thriller' part of the plot was skip-worthy.
Louis Spurlock broke up with Calloway Alvarez right before enlisting. He quickly realised what a big mistake he'd made, and tried to win her back a few (unspecified) years later - once he returned. She meanwhile doesn't give him the time of day.
Until she suddenly does, in a cliched 'we're-in-a-motel-and-they-only-have-one-room-with-a-double-bed' scene. We learn she's still a virgin; the hero's virginity is gracefully left a total mystery, but I'm inclined to suspicion, because I don't like ambiguities as to the characters' sexual pasts. It would be out of character for him to have slept with OW - but I'd have appreciated clarification on the issue.
The thriller element is rail-thin and so boring I skipped totally past it. It's honestly the most contrived plot ever.
The writing itself wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great either. It felt a bit like a watered-down Kristen Ashley, if that makes sense. Not sure I'll pick up any more books by Vale.
I definitely won't pick up the next book in the series, which features a twin hero falling in love with the twin sister of his baby's mother, while the mother falls in love with his twin brother... even just writing that was painful.
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
May 13, 2020
4.5 ' You're His One and He's Yours' Stars
Awww... There just something so incredibly satisfying about Lani Lynn Vale's second chance romance! Funny, emotional, sexy and just the right amount of suspense, May Contain Wine checked all my romance loving heart's boxes!
Yep, that's right, Ms. Vale did it yet again, making me fall in love with characters that I could see myself holding a grudge against, after the previous books. Calloway I knew from the get go I'd love, because as Ares - from Ask Me If I Care - best friend we got to know her quite a bit, but Louis was the one surprising me...
There was something about the men of SWAT—their overprotective instincts, their extreme hotness, paired with their overall sense of danger—that just made them so appealing to everyone.
I'll not reveal too much, but just Louis immediate acknowledgment he screwed up as young man, and his straight forwardness in what he wanted, and who he wanted for years after, his devotion and love that everyone could see, just made me melt on the spot, specially how he was willing to do EVERYTHING to prove to Callie she was his one, and that he was never letting her go. Him insisting to be her monthly blood donor was a dead giveaway, but when he decided she had time enough, and that he could not wait any longer for her anger to subside, oh my, he was indeed as swoon worthy as possible, a best book boyfriend for sure!
“I didn’t hide my attraction to you, nor my feelings when you would ignore me. I wore my heart on my sleeve, and the only one that didn’t notice was you because you were too busy ignoring me.”
Callie was both mature and resilient, even with her health issues and having her heart broken at seventeen, she still made a life for herself, and was able to 'resist noticing' Louis for many years, so she stood by her guns much longer than I expected. I think the timing for their reunion was perfect, both of them having grown up, but still keeping their unwavering love for all these years, the setting and all the elements that led them back together, specially with Louis taking back what he always wanted, sigh... It was insanely romantic, uber sexy, and beyond ALPHA!
I so loved and appreciated not only the second chance romance aspect, and Louis spot on groveling, but the fact that the present angst and drama was regarding outside the relationship elements, leaving them time to reconnect and for us to believe in their love and connection, while keeping us beyond entertained with all the happenings. It really was a beautifully executed and believable second chance, that I so adored.
May Contain Wine really was the perfect feel good read to brighten up my week, once again LLV's winning formula hit a jackpot for me with Louis and Callie! A delicious read full packed with a array of emotions and enough suspense to suck us right in and leave us wanting even more, yep, I'm ready for more SWAT generation 2.0, and to see what Ms. Vale will give us on the clusterf@ck that is the Booth/Bourne/Dillan/Delani...
“I love you, too.”
“I’m… what?”
“You keep saying it, then running away like a little girl,” she said. “And I just wanted you to know that I love you, too. I’ve never stopped.”
ARC kindly provided by the author via Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an honest review
Awww... There just something so incredibly satisfying about Lani Lynn Vale's second chance romance! Funny, emotional, sexy and just the right amount of suspense, May Contain Wine checked all my romance loving heart's boxes!
Yep, that's right, Ms. Vale did it yet again, making me fall in love with characters that I could see myself holding a grudge against, after the previous books. Calloway I knew from the get go I'd love, because as Ares - from Ask Me If I Care - best friend we got to know her quite a bit, but Louis was the one surprising me...
There was something about the men of SWAT—their overprotective instincts, their extreme hotness, paired with their overall sense of danger—that just made them so appealing to everyone.
I'll not reveal too much, but just Louis immediate acknowledgment he screwed up as young man, and his straight forwardness in what he wanted, and who he wanted for years after, his devotion and love that everyone could see, just made me melt on the spot, specially how he was willing to do EVERYTHING to prove to Callie she was his one, and that he was never letting her go. Him insisting to be her monthly blood donor was a dead giveaway, but when he decided she had time enough, and that he could not wait any longer for her anger to subside, oh my, he was indeed as swoon worthy as possible, a best book boyfriend for sure!
“I didn’t hide my attraction to you, nor my feelings when you would ignore me. I wore my heart on my sleeve, and the only one that didn’t notice was you because you were too busy ignoring me.”
Callie was both mature and resilient, even with her health issues and having her heart broken at seventeen, she still made a life for herself, and was able to 'resist noticing' Louis for many years, so she stood by her guns much longer than I expected. I think the timing for their reunion was perfect, both of them having grown up, but still keeping their unwavering love for all these years, the setting and all the elements that led them back together, specially with Louis taking back what he always wanted, sigh... It was insanely romantic, uber sexy, and beyond ALPHA!
I so loved and appreciated not only the second chance romance aspect, and Louis spot on groveling, but the fact that the present angst and drama was regarding outside the relationship elements, leaving them time to reconnect and for us to believe in their love and connection, while keeping us beyond entertained with all the happenings. It really was a beautifully executed and believable second chance, that I so adored.
May Contain Wine really was the perfect feel good read to brighten up my week, once again LLV's winning formula hit a jackpot for me with Louis and Callie! A delicious read full packed with a array of emotions and enough suspense to suck us right in and leave us wanting even more, yep, I'm ready for more SWAT generation 2.0, and to see what Ms. Vale will give us on the clusterf@ck that is the Booth/Bourne/Dillan/Delani...
“I love you, too.”
“I’m… what?”
“You keep saying it, then running away like a little girl,” she said. “And I just wanted you to know that I love you, too. I’ve never stopped.”
ARC kindly provided by the author via Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an honest review
May 11, 2020
May Contain Wine is a second chance romance that hits all the right spots. Louis and Calloway have been connected since they were children, everyone knows one day they will be married. Then Louis shatters Calloway’s heart when he leaves her her senior year of high school. As a result, Calloway decides to keep him out of her life even when he returns home. Louis realizes he made the biggest mistake of his life but cannot seem to get through to Calloway. He is determined to win Calloway back and won’t stop until he melts the ice around her heart and makes her his.
I loved Louis’ determination to win back Calloway, I even understood his bonehead decision to break up with her in the first place. Calloway is a strong, gutsy, feisty young woman and gives a good fight to ignore Louis’ attempts to win her back. I love the banter between the two, Louis is an alpha male but is ok with Calloway taking her shots at him, he patiently and lovingly continues to press on until she just can’t resist anymore. As always I loved seeing the original SWAT team and their loved ones.
I absolutely love when I get a new Lani Lynn Vale book because I know that for a few hours I will be able to tune out everything that is going on in the world today and live in the funny,quirky and amazing worlds she builds.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
I loved Louis’ determination to win back Calloway, I even understood his bonehead decision to break up with her in the first place. Calloway is a strong, gutsy, feisty young woman and gives a good fight to ignore Louis’ attempts to win her back. I love the banter between the two, Louis is an alpha male but is ok with Calloway taking her shots at him, he patiently and lovingly continues to press on until she just can’t resist anymore. As always I loved seeing the original SWAT team and their loved ones.
I absolutely love when I get a new Lani Lynn Vale book because I know that for a few hours I will be able to tune out everything that is going on in the world today and live in the funny,quirky and amazing worlds she builds.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
April 28, 2020
Louis Spurlock has loved Calloway Alvarez his entire life. But breaking up with her was one of the stupidest things his ever done.
Calloway has never forgiven Louis for leaving her. But both being kids from the original SWAT team and his blood donations for her anaemia means being around him isn't her choice. But that doesn't mean she's not gonna ignore the man.
Aside from this Louis and Calloway were a fun to read couple when they finally came together.
Lani touched on some of the more harder to read aspects when it comes to sever anaemia, while it was sugar coated to some degree I was grateful that she didn't completely gloss over why Calloway needed transfusions. I feel personally Anaemia and it's symptoms aren't talked about much and can sometimes be confused for something it isn't.
Another thing I've come to notice is Lani does second chances really freaking well. Whether it be in the romance department or in general life, her characters get another chance to experience the best of the best.
In Louis' case it's romance, but for Calloway it's about living her life despite her limitations while brining other hero's to the forefront for a chance to tell their story and maybe get their own second chance.
This book also hints at the drama that is to come with a certian group of twins. I'm looking forward to seeing how that gets unraveled.
“I don’t like that you somehow hid this from me,” I muttered, my eyes on hers. Why was this kept a secret? She shrugged. “I didn’t really like that you had to donate your blood so I wouldn’t die, but that’s the way the cookie crumbles.”
Calloway has never forgiven Louis for leaving her. But both being kids from the original SWAT team and his blood donations for her anaemia means being around him isn't her choice. But that doesn't mean she's not gonna ignore the man.
Aside from this Louis and Calloway were a fun to read couple when they finally came together.
Lani touched on some of the more harder to read aspects when it comes to sever anaemia, while it was sugar coated to some degree I was grateful that she didn't completely gloss over why Calloway needed transfusions. I feel personally Anaemia and it's symptoms aren't talked about much and can sometimes be confused for something it isn't.
Another thing I've come to notice is Lani does second chances really freaking well. Whether it be in the romance department or in general life, her characters get another chance to experience the best of the best.
In Louis' case it's romance, but for Calloway it's about living her life despite her limitations while brining other hero's to the forefront for a chance to tell their story and maybe get their own second chance.
This book also hints at the drama that is to come with a certian group of twins. I'm looking forward to seeing how that gets unraveled.
May 28, 2020
Great read. Although H broke up with h several years ago, he did try hard to get her forgive him. I liked their chemistry, and how H tried to get h's attention. Fortunately, we didn't wait long for they to get together in this book.
The only thing I didn't like was the villian's motive and identity. Made no sense. Not sure if I'll read the next book or not, seemed to be an "unsafe" book.
The only thing I didn't like was the villian's motive and identity. Made no sense. Not sure if I'll read the next book or not, seemed to be an "unsafe" book.
May 24, 2020
So Louis breaks up with Calloway. Of course she stays a virgin. She mentions nobody else was Louis. Well of course Louis doesn't say otherwise so I guess if he had fooled around they were like Calloway. I hate when the h saves herself for someone that screws around. Women are the stronger sex. Women at least in books seem to be able to withhold from temptation and the urges to sexually satisfy themselves with others that aren't the love of their lives. I say this all the time but it's so true- nothing says I love you more then screwing others in between. If you love someone you would wait. That is no different then if your partner gets sick. I think being celibate during a separation shows more strength than anything. If I were Calloway I probably would have brought that up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2022
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- Excellent - Highly Recommended
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A good, solid read
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - An okay read
2 ⭐️⭐️ - Meh
1 ⭐️ - Not my cup of tea
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A good, solid read
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - An okay read
2 ⭐️⭐️ - Meh
1 ⭐️ - Not my cup of tea
May 13, 2020
Louis and Calloway were high school sweethearts until he made the dumb decision to break up with her which he knew was a major mistake the moment it happened but in the time since he is constantly trying to win her back with no such luck. I loved how Calloway didn’t let him get off easy and I loved how devoted he was to prove her wrong
May 12, 2020
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Apple | Nook | Kobo
Since the moment Louis made the most idiotic move of his life and broke up with his love, Calloway, he's regretted it. And though he's tried like hell to at first explain and get her back, then later to give her space, now he's done with space, he's gonna get that second chance if it's the last thing he does. If only he could get Miss Stubborn to give him the time of day...
Calloway has never gotten over Louis. Which is why she continually ignores him. Too bad he doesn't ignore her, because her willpower is starting to wear thin and it's only a matter of time before she gives into him and that's the last thing she wants, because she knows her heart cannot take another beating. But if she could just give Louis a second chance, he'd show her that he'll never make the mistake of leaving her again, ever.
I love this sexy second chance story. I like how patiently Louis wooed Calloway and how sassy she was back at him, but secretly (not so secretly) still loved him. Calloway was stubborn to be sure, but I didn't blame her one bit considering how badly Louis broke her heart. But Louis at least knew how badly he had screwed up and once he got her back, he never gave her doubt that she was his. I have been loving this series and now am dying with anticipation to know how Booth and Bourne are going deal with the twins they're crazy about.
ARC via Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an honest review.
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May 12, 2020
I'm a sucker for a second chance romance. Add in that they're childhood friends that grew up with eachother. Then add in that it's Lani writting it and I'm all for it. This author just gets it right every damn time. Second chance romance eat your heart out.
Calloway is known for being a little homebody. But life had very different ideas for her and she out grew the girl that didn't want to travel. In fact she build herself a pretty lucrative business on her blog and even better gave herself a voice and a voice to many others. Another thing Calloway excels in.. holding a grudge. Boy did she not let him forget her was the one to break her heart and she never let herself forget it either.
Louis made a terrible mistake in a time where selfish thoughts are the majority of your thoughts. He was young dumb and wanted fun but used her as the scapegoat. He was aware of his mistake real quick but by then it was to late. Despite his foolishness he was a stand up guy who worked impressively hard and had a sweet side you couldn't not love. Ohhh and the dominance seeping from him? HAWWT. That is all.
These two together are hilarious. They had a whole lot of emotions to work through but despite everything it was clear to see they are ment to be. They knew how to push eachothers buttons. They knew how to hit where it hurt and they knew how to love eachother in a way that no one else could possibly compare. It wasn't all smooth sailing. There were times I rooted for Calloway because damnit she was a strong women who hurt. But there was also times I rooted for Louis in his never ending quest for forgiveness. It was this emotional battle of right/wrong. Forgiveness and moving forward and of course healing. Both of them grew and evolved as characters which was needed. But in the end love conquers all right?.
I loved their story. The characters are multidimensional with so much to give and the story has so many layers to it there was just never a dull moment. I laughed, swooned, shouted in frustration and cried like the emotional wreck I am. It's funny, sweet and all kinds of feel good with of course a few surprises just to keep you on your toes. This is their evolution from puppy love to absolute love and it's a beautiful thang to read. Of course we have to mention All the wonderful side characters who have so much to give and keep us endlessly entertained with their crazy shenanigans. I of course love them all.
In all it's just a great book. Lani always touches on topics that are unique, rarely mentioned in books and for the most part brushed under the carpet. As it turns out this one is close to home for me because my little boy has anaemia and it's not always a simple fix. It made connecting to this book and relating especially to Calloways struggles easy because it's my reality.
I loved the characters. I loved their story and of course I want more. GIVE ME MORE!!!. Also... this lady keeps teasing me with Lynn and I.CANNOT.COPE. I need him now. Like yesterday now.
Oh and did I mention this book is HAWT?a like scorch your panties ..nlightening strikes kinda hawt?. It is.. just in case you were wondering.
Calloway is known for being a little homebody. But life had very different ideas for her and she out grew the girl that didn't want to travel. In fact she build herself a pretty lucrative business on her blog and even better gave herself a voice and a voice to many others. Another thing Calloway excels in.. holding a grudge. Boy did she not let him forget her was the one to break her heart and she never let herself forget it either.
Louis made a terrible mistake in a time where selfish thoughts are the majority of your thoughts. He was young dumb and wanted fun but used her as the scapegoat. He was aware of his mistake real quick but by then it was to late. Despite his foolishness he was a stand up guy who worked impressively hard and had a sweet side you couldn't not love. Ohhh and the dominance seeping from him? HAWWT. That is all.
These two together are hilarious. They had a whole lot of emotions to work through but despite everything it was clear to see they are ment to be. They knew how to push eachothers buttons. They knew how to hit where it hurt and they knew how to love eachother in a way that no one else could possibly compare. It wasn't all smooth sailing. There were times I rooted for Calloway because damnit she was a strong women who hurt. But there was also times I rooted for Louis in his never ending quest for forgiveness. It was this emotional battle of right/wrong. Forgiveness and moving forward and of course healing. Both of them grew and evolved as characters which was needed. But in the end love conquers all right?.
I loved their story. The characters are multidimensional with so much to give and the story has so many layers to it there was just never a dull moment. I laughed, swooned, shouted in frustration and cried like the emotional wreck I am. It's funny, sweet and all kinds of feel good with of course a few surprises just to keep you on your toes. This is their evolution from puppy love to absolute love and it's a beautiful thang to read. Of course we have to mention All the wonderful side characters who have so much to give and keep us endlessly entertained with their crazy shenanigans. I of course love them all.
In all it's just a great book. Lani always touches on topics that are unique, rarely mentioned in books and for the most part brushed under the carpet. As it turns out this one is close to home for me because my little boy has anaemia and it's not always a simple fix. It made connecting to this book and relating especially to Calloways struggles easy because it's my reality.
I loved the characters. I loved their story and of course I want more. GIVE ME MORE!!!. Also... this lady keeps teasing me with Lynn and I.CANNOT.COPE. I need him now. Like yesterday now.
Oh and did I mention this book is HAWT?a like scorch your panties ..nlightening strikes kinda hawt?. It is.. just in case you were wondering.
April 29, 2020
Review by: Jennifer
(5 stars)
These second gen books are amazing; each one pulls us in at the start just for the simple fact that we had the privilege of watching their parents get their HEA and how the kids came to be, and now we get to watch the kids do it... to me this is absolute perfection! Louis (named after his grandfather, god what a story that was) and Calloway (Bennett and Lennox's daughter) were a hot item in high school. Their parents worked together, they were together all the time so it was sort of inevitable that they paired up; that is until Louis let Calloway go. Knowing that she still had high school time, and he was leaving for the military, he did one of the hardest things and that was making sure they went their seperate ways. Now, years later Louis has been back home and had hoped that he could get Calloway to take him back... but that is not what has happened. In fact the complete opposite has, the more he tries to get Calloway's attention, the more she ignores him. But Louis will not give up, it's just a matter of time and that time comes when Calloway calls him in need of a favor; now Louis has found an in back into her life. What happens when that in that Louis found turns out to be a dangerous game that Calloway has unknowingly found herself in? Can Louis keep Calloway safe?
Holy Heck!!! This story was on freaking fire!!! Callaway and Louis' had such a good story, there was never a dull moment, we always get some kind of new thing in LLV's stories, and boy did this have some situations that had me laughing, gasping, feeling angry, and for one moment totally destroyed. I loved getting to see some of our past characters, the characters that feel real and can make someone smile by thinking of their past antics. Um.... there is a bit of a new player added to the board, and I am a bit stoked as that means just another story from this amazing author that has created a world that I would love to be a part of! I give this 5 stars.
***************************
Review by: Melanie
(5 stars)
After being together through their childhood Louis broke Calloway's heart when he dumped her as he went off to war. Now he's back and wanting to make up for what he knew was a mistake as soon as he did it but Calloway won't give him the time of day. That is until she needs his help with something and he realises there's more to the issue she brings to him. There are some sick people out there, and one of them seems to have Calloway in his line of sight. Will Louis get the girl and will he be able to keep her safe if he does?
I love these next gen books (Louis belongs to Foster and Blake from Charlie Foxtrot and Calloway comes from Bennett and Lennox in Kill Shot) and how we get to see the original characters still as we see their kids get their HEA. I can't wait for the next one and give May Contain Wine 5 stars.
(5 stars)
These second gen books are amazing; each one pulls us in at the start just for the simple fact that we had the privilege of watching their parents get their HEA and how the kids came to be, and now we get to watch the kids do it... to me this is absolute perfection! Louis (named after his grandfather, god what a story that was) and Calloway (Bennett and Lennox's daughter) were a hot item in high school. Their parents worked together, they were together all the time so it was sort of inevitable that they paired up; that is until Louis let Calloway go. Knowing that she still had high school time, and he was leaving for the military, he did one of the hardest things and that was making sure they went their seperate ways. Now, years later Louis has been back home and had hoped that he could get Calloway to take him back... but that is not what has happened. In fact the complete opposite has, the more he tries to get Calloway's attention, the more she ignores him. But Louis will not give up, it's just a matter of time and that time comes when Calloway calls him in need of a favor; now Louis has found an in back into her life. What happens when that in that Louis found turns out to be a dangerous game that Calloway has unknowingly found herself in? Can Louis keep Calloway safe?
Holy Heck!!! This story was on freaking fire!!! Callaway and Louis' had such a good story, there was never a dull moment, we always get some kind of new thing in LLV's stories, and boy did this have some situations that had me laughing, gasping, feeling angry, and for one moment totally destroyed. I loved getting to see some of our past characters, the characters that feel real and can make someone smile by thinking of their past antics. Um.... there is a bit of a new player added to the board, and I am a bit stoked as that means just another story from this amazing author that has created a world that I would love to be a part of! I give this 5 stars.
***************************
Review by: Melanie
(5 stars)
After being together through their childhood Louis broke Calloway's heart when he dumped her as he went off to war. Now he's back and wanting to make up for what he knew was a mistake as soon as he did it but Calloway won't give him the time of day. That is until she needs his help with something and he realises there's more to the issue she brings to him. There are some sick people out there, and one of them seems to have Calloway in his line of sight. Will Louis get the girl and will he be able to keep her safe if he does?
I love these next gen books (Louis belongs to Foster and Blake from Charlie Foxtrot and Calloway comes from Bennett and Lennox in Kill Shot) and how we get to see the original characters still as we see their kids get their HEA. I can't wait for the next one and give May Contain Wine 5 stars.
May 13, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
May Contain Wine is the second novel in the KPD Swat Generation 2.0 series and Louis and Calloway may be my favourite couple yet. A second chance, enemies to lovers, friends to lover’s romance all wrapped together in a big and beautiful bow.
Louis has loved Calloway since a child, even after he makes the worst mistake of breaking up with her. I seriously want a Louis! Sorry husband. But ahh I loved him! He was sweet, caring and protective, possessive and growly. Yum! He has literally been pining after Calloway for years, watching out for her, being there for her and loving her from a distance.
Calloway is stubborn! So stubborn that she ignores Louis for years, afraid to open up her heart again. She successful, passionate and hilarious!
I loved this book soooo much! It was funny, it was sweet and it had just enough drama to give the book an extra dimension. Just a little side note, my heart broke for Romeo. I really really wish his story and life turned out differently.
Very excited to read the next addition to the KPD Swat family!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
May Contain Wine is the second novel in the KPD Swat Generation 2.0 series and Louis and Calloway may be my favourite couple yet. A second chance, enemies to lovers, friends to lover’s romance all wrapped together in a big and beautiful bow.
Louis has loved Calloway since a child, even after he makes the worst mistake of breaking up with her. I seriously want a Louis! Sorry husband. But ahh I loved him! He was sweet, caring and protective, possessive and growly. Yum! He has literally been pining after Calloway for years, watching out for her, being there for her and loving her from a distance.
Calloway is stubborn! So stubborn that she ignores Louis for years, afraid to open up her heart again. She successful, passionate and hilarious!
I loved this book soooo much! It was funny, it was sweet and it had just enough drama to give the book an extra dimension. Just a little side note, my heart broke for Romeo. I really really wish his story and life turned out differently.
Very excited to read the next addition to the KPD Swat family!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
May 12, 2020
Sadly this one is just a three star for me. LLV spins some weirdly fun tales and the drama plot to this one was a confusing dogs breakfast with a very sad end. It seemed so abrupt and out of sync with what was depicted as that characters qualities. Here he was trying to help his brother by reaching out to a strange and unsettling mother who didn’t seem to care about either one of her kids. It was just an odd plot with some of those threads LLV starts wi5out giving the reader the whys and wherefores to the storyline.
The romance? Well it’s a little odd too. I’ve seen heroines hold less of a grudge on the hero in a second chance romance when he has cheated but Louis had done nothing but break up with her when they were seventeen. Maybe it’s different because of 5heir friendship (I hate how the apple update changes my letters to numbers!). It was just excessive that she has loved him the whole time even staying a virgin and not really seeing other people. For a teenager to not have had any other relationships even if it didn’t result in sex was strange. I’m certain Louis didn’t hold back from other women. In fact, going by how experienced he was he seemed well practiced. Again, for a man to say he immediately knew he made a mistake breaking up with her we don’t know exactly why he came to this conclusion or why she and he were never able to make up when he donates his blood to her all the time. But, that’s LLV making the stories individual and quirky just sometimes they hit and sometimes they miss.🙃
The romance? Well it’s a little odd too. I’ve seen heroines hold less of a grudge on the hero in a second chance romance when he has cheated but Louis had done nothing but break up with her when they were seventeen. Maybe it’s different because of 5heir friendship (I hate how the apple update changes my letters to numbers!). It was just excessive that she has loved him the whole time even staying a virgin and not really seeing other people. For a teenager to not have had any other relationships even if it didn’t result in sex was strange. I’m certain Louis didn’t hold back from other women. In fact, going by how experienced he was he seemed well practiced. Again, for a man to say he immediately knew he made a mistake breaking up with her we don’t know exactly why he came to this conclusion or why she and he were never able to make up when he donates his blood to her all the time. But, that’s LLV making the stories individual and quirky just sometimes they hit and sometimes they miss.🙃
May 8, 2020
4 Star Review May Contain Wine (Swat Next Generation 2.0 #5) by Lani Lynn Vale
I fell hard and fast for Calloway Alvarez and Louis Spurlock’s second chance at love story. From the first to the last chapter I was riveted to the story that Lani Lynn Vale wove and had a hard time putting it down.
This was a roller coaster of a read as yo could feel the pain that Calloway still carries from Louis’s breaking up with her when they were younger. I understood his reasoning and my heart went out to him when he finally returned home from active duty. All he wants is to get Calloway back, it’s a shame she wants nothing to do with him.
Louis is certainly an alpha male who was fiercely protective of Calloway and I loved how all in he was with his feelings for her. As danger rears it’s ugly head, will Louis be able to keep her safe?
There were times that I laughed, I cried, I wanted to scream but through it all I was invested in Calloway and Louis’s story. The chemistry between them sizzled and I was cheering them on to get their happily ever after.
I fell hard and fast for Calloway Alvarez and Louis Spurlock’s second chance at love story. From the first to the last chapter I was riveted to the story that Lani Lynn Vale wove and had a hard time putting it down.
This was a roller coaster of a read as yo could feel the pain that Calloway still carries from Louis’s breaking up with her when they were younger. I understood his reasoning and my heart went out to him when he finally returned home from active duty. All he wants is to get Calloway back, it’s a shame she wants nothing to do with him.
Louis is certainly an alpha male who was fiercely protective of Calloway and I loved how all in he was with his feelings for her. As danger rears it’s ugly head, will Louis be able to keep her safe?
There were times that I laughed, I cried, I wanted to scream but through it all I was invested in Calloway and Louis’s story. The chemistry between them sizzled and I was cheering them on to get their happily ever after.
April 23, 2020
May Contain Wine by Lani Lynn Vale
“Second chances, 5 stars”
Every time a Vale book drops on my kindle, I drop whatever I’m doing and jump in. May Contain Wine being no exception. Louis and Calloway used to be a thing when they were younger. But like most young romances, they didn’t last. Louis has been biding his time, letting Calloway’s anger fade before making his move. He wants Calloway, she’s it for him and he will do whatever necessary to get her back.
Calloway is mad about why Louis broke up with her when they were kids, but at the same time she understands. Will this second chance end with a happily ever after or a broken heart? Only one way to find out. One thing is for sure, you won’t regret reading May Contain Wine.
Plot-5/5
Characters-5/5
Heat-5/5
Writing style-5/5
Overall-5/5
“Second chances, 5 stars”
Every time a Vale book drops on my kindle, I drop whatever I’m doing and jump in. May Contain Wine being no exception. Louis and Calloway used to be a thing when they were younger. But like most young romances, they didn’t last. Louis has been biding his time, letting Calloway’s anger fade before making his move. He wants Calloway, she’s it for him and he will do whatever necessary to get her back.
Calloway is mad about why Louis broke up with her when they were kids, but at the same time she understands. Will this second chance end with a happily ever after or a broken heart? Only one way to find out. One thing is for sure, you won’t regret reading May Contain Wine.
Plot-5/5
Characters-5/5
Heat-5/5
Writing style-5/5
Overall-5/5
May 12, 2020
It was good but the H and h getting back together felt quick. I think it’s bc you only get an overview of the years between. Normally, I like the h being a virgin. But here Cal is not having sex Bc it wasn’t Lou and I bet he was getting laid while serving. That I don’t like. Either he loved her all those years and kept it in his pants or he was once again being selfish.
April 22, 2020
Well at least Louis won't be thrown off track, "his erection, I noted, was still there. Apparently almost being killed by lightning wasn’t something that turned him off." Calloway is very serious when it comes to her bacon, "I kissed him hard, then let go of him so I could turn back to my bacon. “I’m in the either burn it or crisp it stage,” I explained as he chuckled at my abruptness. “I don’t want to burn it.” I liked this book, I loved Louis.
November 27, 2020
I really enjoyed May Contain Wine. Calloway and Louis had an amazing chemistry and I loved them together.
Only downside for me was the stalker part of the story. I did not enjoy it at all.
Only downside for me was the stalker part of the story. I did not enjoy it at all.
April 23, 2020
Wonderful! Full of laughs, hot sexy times, and a bit of weird mystery! And those chapter headings, OMG! I love all of LLV's books, they are fun cannot put down books that make you happy. Love this next generation of the SWAT guys! Every one of them just brings all the feels!!
May 13, 2020
I’ve come to be a big fan of Lani Lynn Vale. I haven’t read all of her books, haven’t even read any of the original SWAT series I don’t think. But at some point, if I ever have any extra time, I’ll want to go back and try them. For now I’m going to continue enjoying this second generation of the characters that are the kids of that original series.
Something I’ve noticed is a bit of a formula for these stories, and I like that I have a pretty good idea. Basically about the first half is spent with the two falling in love and finding their happiness together. There are little hints placed in the story, as well as small events that lead up to the big happenings in the second half of the story. There’s always one more smaller scare in the relationship towards the end, but I like how, at least in the ones I’ve read, we’re spending the last half seeing how they will make it together when the big bad things come around. In a way it’s like getting the “after” the HEA that I’ve often wondered about with other favorite stories.
The heroine, Calloway, was one that I definitely felt many similarities with. Especially the way she felt about herself. It was also fun to read about the school day to day for the school nurse job she had. However, as someone who has been a teacher and now a librarian for the past 24 years, I had to stop and point out on my Goodreads status update about a comment the characters made about how having visitors wear a name badge seemed a waste of time. Yeah, but it also is part of the security itself. It may not seem that helpful, but to get one, they’ve already gone through the office, and this way staff in the school know when they see someone wandering the building that isn’t supposed to be there if they should escort them to the office, or if they’ve already been checked in. So that is the reasoning. Okay, off my soap box about that.
Another great story from this author, and I will have to make sure I get signed up on as many of her books as I can in the future.
Review first appeared on Lisa Loves Literature.
Something I’ve noticed is a bit of a formula for these stories, and I like that I have a pretty good idea. Basically about the first half is spent with the two falling in love and finding their happiness together. There are little hints placed in the story, as well as small events that lead up to the big happenings in the second half of the story. There’s always one more smaller scare in the relationship towards the end, but I like how, at least in the ones I’ve read, we’re spending the last half seeing how they will make it together when the big bad things come around. In a way it’s like getting the “after” the HEA that I’ve often wondered about with other favorite stories.
The heroine, Calloway, was one that I definitely felt many similarities with. Especially the way she felt about herself. It was also fun to read about the school day to day for the school nurse job she had. However, as someone who has been a teacher and now a librarian for the past 24 years, I had to stop and point out on my Goodreads status update about a comment the characters made about how having visitors wear a name badge seemed a waste of time. Yeah, but it also is part of the security itself. It may not seem that helpful, but to get one, they’ve already gone through the office, and this way staff in the school know when they see someone wandering the building that isn’t supposed to be there if they should escort them to the office, or if they’ve already been checked in. So that is the reasoning. Okay, off my soap box about that.
Another great story from this author, and I will have to make sure I get signed up on as many of her books as I can in the future.
Review first appeared on Lisa Loves Literature.
January 9, 2023
3.5 Stars.
May 12, 2020
The second generation of SWAT is shaping up to be just as crazy and as wonderful as the original series, and it’s because of the intriguing characters Lani Lynn Vale crafts, the crazy antics that abound in the story lines, and the family feel of these essential workers.
Louis is an interesting hero; he knows he messed up all those years ago when he broke up with Calloway, but he did what he had to do for himself and for her. And, even though he regrets it, he gives her the space she thinks she needs in order for them to move forward together. And while Calloway tries her best to stay mad and keep her distance from Louis, he’s done allowing her to shut him out, and ultimately, he finds his in and doesn’t let go of her, especially when things get dicey when she finally does reunite with him.
Calloway is an easy heroine to love because, despite some setbacks and a few obstacles, she keeps moving forward, focusing on what she wants to achieve and doing her best to live life fully. The fact that she has a blog and its focus is on the men and women who serve says a lot about the type of person she is. She’s a relatable main character who readers can see themselves in due to her insecurities, the fact that she second-guesses herself, and how she views her limitations given her anemia.
Second chance romances is a trope that I can’t get enough of and the way Vale writes these kind of stories provides the necessary background information about the hero and heroine’s past that proves why their future should only be way enjoyed together.
4 Poison Apples
Louis is an interesting hero; he knows he messed up all those years ago when he broke up with Calloway, but he did what he had to do for himself and for her. And, even though he regrets it, he gives her the space she thinks she needs in order for them to move forward together. And while Calloway tries her best to stay mad and keep her distance from Louis, he’s done allowing her to shut him out, and ultimately, he finds his in and doesn’t let go of her, especially when things get dicey when she finally does reunite with him.
Calloway is an easy heroine to love because, despite some setbacks and a few obstacles, she keeps moving forward, focusing on what she wants to achieve and doing her best to live life fully. The fact that she has a blog and its focus is on the men and women who serve says a lot about the type of person she is. She’s a relatable main character who readers can see themselves in due to her insecurities, the fact that she second-guesses herself, and how she views her limitations given her anemia.
Second chance romances is a trope that I can’t get enough of and the way Vale writes these kind of stories provides the necessary background information about the hero and heroine’s past that proves why their future should only be way enjoyed together.
4 Poison Apples
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