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And Then There Was Her
For Madison Jones, there has always been her life in Denver. There has always been her girlfriend, Kacey. There has always been her best friend, her studio and her pottery. She has everything in her life exactly in place. But after the loss of her brother, Madison feels unsure about her own future. When Kacey is offered a new job in Oregon, Madison jumps at the opportunity to follow her.
While Kacey works to open a new restaurant at Minerva Hills Winery, Madison sets up her art studio on the property. But constantly in Madison’s path is the owner and winemaker, CS Freeburn. CS is as serious as they come and seems unlikely to warm to either Kacey or Madison.
Though their initial interactions are awkward—if not downright nerve-wracking—the more they cross paths and the more Madison gets to know CS, the more Madison craves those little moments with the standoffish winemaker.
How could she have known that those encounters would begin to threaten the carefully structured life that Madison has built?
Genre: Romance
Editor: Cath Walker
Cover Designer: Judith Fellows
While Kacey works to open a new restaurant at Minerva Hills Winery, Madison sets up her art studio on the property. But constantly in Madison’s path is the owner and winemaker, CS Freeburn. CS is as serious as they come and seems unlikely to warm to either Kacey or Madison.
Though their initial interactions are awkward—if not downright nerve-wracking—the more they cross paths and the more Madison gets to know CS, the more Madison craves those little moments with the standoffish winemaker.
How could she have known that those encounters would begin to threaten the carefully structured life that Madison has built?
Genre: Romance
Editor: Cath Walker
Cover Designer: Judith Fellows
310 pages, Paperback
Published March 15, 2020
2 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
Tagan Shepard
18 books82 followersTagan Shepard has always spent quiet moments weaving stories in her head. It didn't occur to her until recently to take the time to write them down. Now that she's started, she can't seem to stop. When not writing, she makes her living in a hospital laboratory.
She is a cardio junkie, history buff, and unrepentant nerd, happily wasting countless hours of her life on video games and science fiction/fantasy of every stripe. She lives in Richmond, Virginia with her very patient wife and two rather surly cats.
She is a cardio junkie, history buff, and unrepentant nerd, happily wasting countless hours of her life on video games and science fiction/fantasy of every stripe. She lives in Richmond, Virginia with her very patient wife and two rather surly cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 3, 2020
4.50 Stars. This was just the book I needed and wanted. I’m a fan of Shepard. I have enjoyed all of her books but this is my new favorite. I must admit I went into this book with lower expectations since some of the early reviews seem to be all over the place. However, I was pleasantly surprised to realize that I didn’t like this, I loved it. You know when a book just fits you so perfectly? When it fits your mood and your life and it just connects completely with you? That was this book for me. Had I read this book a couple months ago, I have no idea if it would have moved me the same amount. It was just the perfect match of a book at the exact right time.
As soon as I started reading this book I was hooked. I loved the premise. A Top Chef contestant/star is offered an executive chef position at a winery in Oregon. Her girlfriend, Madison, moves with her since they negotiated free lodging which includes space for Madison’s art so she can focus on it full time. I loved the setting of a winery. There is something so romantic about it, and Shepard writes beautifully so you feel like you can taste the grapes and even feel the soil.
This book is in third person, with only one POV of Madison, for about 98% of the book. It’s funny but third with one POV is my least favorite to read. If you are only going to have one POV, you might as well write in first so as readers we can really connect with the main character. But what happened here is that Shepard writes third so well that I felt completely connected to Madison. I felt like I was in her head and experiencing her feelings. I kept looking at the book and scratching my head asking “is this really third person?” I was very impressed by the writing.
I thought all the characters were well done. Madison, while she and I are almost nothing alike, I still found I completely understood her. She’s grieving and a bit depressed, which causes her to have trouble controlling her feelings like crying when she doesn’t want people to see it. I think most of us have been in a bad place before where we are trying to pretend to be strong, but something happens and that fake strength slips away and the tears want to come. Then you get mad at yourself for the slip and you desperately do not want anyone seeing the tears actually fall. Well, Shepard captured this type of moment and emotion perfectly. It was well written and really realistic for someone who is hurting.
Talk about hurting, this book had plenty of angst and drama which kept me very entertained. And because I was connected to the characters, I felt the drama all the more. There was one point that you can tell something bad is going to happen. My heart started pounding so hard causing my blood to rush that I felt physically uncomfortable. I know that doesn’t sound like fun, but I love when a good book can really make you feel. This book just had my feels all over the map and I loved every second of it.
I do have to mention that there are some slower parts to this book. There is quite a bit about wine and wine making. And there is a lot with Madison and her art. Madison is a pottery artist. I personally have a big appreciation for artists. They just really impress me and I wish I had that kind of talent. And of course can you really say that after watching the movie Ghost, that you haven’t wanted to take a turn on that wheel? I personally found all the art scenes to be very fascinating just like the wine scenes, but I can see them feeling a bit slow for some people who are not as interested.
This book really was a joy to read. I started this book after midnight, the day before, thinking I would read a chapter or two before I became sleepy. Soon it was almost 4am and I had to force myself to put this down and get some sleep. This book just completely hooked me in and it did not want to let go. I do understand some of the more moderate ratings. If you are not a fan of wine or art, this might not be as good of a match for you. But for me this was everything I was hoping for and so much more. This was the right book at the right time and it’s going on my 2020 favorite list.
A copy was given to me for a honest review.
As soon as I started reading this book I was hooked. I loved the premise. A Top Chef contestant/star is offered an executive chef position at a winery in Oregon. Her girlfriend, Madison, moves with her since they negotiated free lodging which includes space for Madison’s art so she can focus on it full time. I loved the setting of a winery. There is something so romantic about it, and Shepard writes beautifully so you feel like you can taste the grapes and even feel the soil.
This book is in third person, with only one POV of Madison, for about 98% of the book. It’s funny but third with one POV is my least favorite to read. If you are only going to have one POV, you might as well write in first so as readers we can really connect with the main character. But what happened here is that Shepard writes third so well that I felt completely connected to Madison. I felt like I was in her head and experiencing her feelings. I kept looking at the book and scratching my head asking “is this really third person?” I was very impressed by the writing.
I thought all the characters were well done. Madison, while she and I are almost nothing alike, I still found I completely understood her. She’s grieving and a bit depressed, which causes her to have trouble controlling her feelings like crying when she doesn’t want people to see it. I think most of us have been in a bad place before where we are trying to pretend to be strong, but something happens and that fake strength slips away and the tears want to come. Then you get mad at yourself for the slip and you desperately do not want anyone seeing the tears actually fall. Well, Shepard captured this type of moment and emotion perfectly. It was well written and really realistic for someone who is hurting.
Talk about hurting, this book had plenty of angst and drama which kept me very entertained. And because I was connected to the characters, I felt the drama all the more. There was one point that you can tell something bad is going to happen. My heart started pounding so hard causing my blood to rush that I felt physically uncomfortable. I know that doesn’t sound like fun, but I love when a good book can really make you feel. This book just had my feels all over the map and I loved every second of it.
I do have to mention that there are some slower parts to this book. There is quite a bit about wine and wine making. And there is a lot with Madison and her art. Madison is a pottery artist. I personally have a big appreciation for artists. They just really impress me and I wish I had that kind of talent. And of course can you really say that after watching the movie Ghost, that you haven’t wanted to take a turn on that wheel? I personally found all the art scenes to be very fascinating just like the wine scenes, but I can see them feeling a bit slow for some people who are not as interested.
This book really was a joy to read. I started this book after midnight, the day before, thinking I would read a chapter or two before I became sleepy. Soon it was almost 4am and I had to force myself to put this down and get some sleep. This book just completely hooked me in and it did not want to let go. I do understand some of the more moderate ratings. If you are not a fan of wine or art, this might not be as good of a match for you. But for me this was everything I was hoping for and so much more. This was the right book at the right time and it’s going on my 2020 favorite list.
A copy was given to me for a honest review.
March 18, 2020
Madison, a ceramic artist, would love to dedicate herself to her art full time instead of juggling jobs. So when her chef girlfriend Kacey lands a job at an exclusive winery in Oregon that includes the use of one of the cottages on the property, Madison can’t believe her luck. A former party girl, she finds herself loving the quiet and beauty of the Oregon mountains. Kacey, on the other hand, though delighted with the opportunity to create her own restaurant, from decor to dishes, misses the excitement of the city. The couple doesn’t seem to manage to get on the same wavelength and Madison feels more and more lonely and more and more intrigued by the winery’s mysterious and aloof owner, CS.
For the longest time, I didn’t know what to think of this story. If I look at my notes, they’re mainly about how unsettling it was. I had a really hard time getting into it, mostly because I couldn’t figure out the relationship between Madison and Kacey. They seemed to be going from absolute love and lust to utter annoyance in a flash. I couldn’t get a sense of who the characters were for the first 90 pages or so.
So at first, I thought I didn’t like it. There was something, however, that compelled me to keep reading.
I really enjoyed Shepard’s previous book, Across the Dark Horizon, and am hoping for time to read her older ones soon but And Then There Was Her didn’t work for me. It didn’t not work for me either, I never thought about not reading to the end but neither did it engage me, despite some really beautiful sentences and descriptions. I liked Madison well enough, disliked Kacey, learned to know CS but never managed to relate to any of them. I was never bored and never blown away.
I also have to consider that maybe the timing put this book at a disadvantage, since I have been much more focused on the news and the COVID-19 crisis than on my reading. We’re in lockdown right now and I’m lucky to not be in a small flat in a city but rather in a nice house by the sea, but even in the best conditions, these are worrisome times. As we wait for life to resume ASAP, I’m hoping I’ll manage to go back to losing myself in books and escaping as I usually do.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
For the longest time, I didn’t know what to think of this story. If I look at my notes, they’re mainly about how unsettling it was. I had a really hard time getting into it, mostly because I couldn’t figure out the relationship between Madison and Kacey. They seemed to be going from absolute love and lust to utter annoyance in a flash. I couldn’t get a sense of who the characters were for the first 90 pages or so.
So at first, I thought I didn’t like it. There was something, however, that compelled me to keep reading.
I really enjoyed Shepard’s previous book, Across the Dark Horizon, and am hoping for time to read her older ones soon but And Then There Was Her didn’t work for me. It didn’t not work for me either, I never thought about not reading to the end but neither did it engage me, despite some really beautiful sentences and descriptions. I liked Madison well enough, disliked Kacey, learned to know CS but never managed to relate to any of them. I was never bored and never blown away.
I also have to consider that maybe the timing put this book at a disadvantage, since I have been much more focused on the news and the COVID-19 crisis than on my reading. We’re in lockdown right now and I’m lucky to not be in a small flat in a city but rather in a nice house by the sea, but even in the best conditions, these are worrisome times. As we wait for life to resume ASAP, I’m hoping I’ll manage to go back to losing myself in books and escaping as I usually do.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 8, 2020
Just like Tagan Shepard's second novel Bird on a Wire, this one is also a romance and some sort of personal growth and development story. The only real main character is the ceramic artist Madison Jones. Her girlfriend Kacey and winemaker CS Freeburn are important characters but not her equals at all. The POV is exclusively Madison's, except the last chapter, which is CS' and only to create a more effective ending. The POV is suitable for plot development and reveals everything about Madison in her new setting at a nice comfortable pace. Regarding age gap romance between Madison (28) and CS (42), I prefer a slower pace in romantic relationship building, but this one was just a bit too slow and too hesitant for me. Although kind of slow-paced, this story is at the same time quite interesting and rounded, and I had no problem with believing in the romantic part of it, as well as learning something about pottery and wine making. The setting, a beautiful vineyard/winery in Oregon, is really well described.
Overall, this is a lovely book very well worth reading. Recommended.
3.75 stars
March 8, 2020
*A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.*
Overall, this is a lovely book very well worth reading. Recommended.
3.75 stars
March 8, 2020
*A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.*
March 26, 2020
A meandering stroll through the vineyard.
Madison's celebrity chef girlfriend, Kacey, gets a new job heading up a restaurant at a Washington state winery. A beautiful spacious cottage is a rent-free perk. Madison can work on her ceramic art full time. So they move from Denver to Washington. Kacey is stir crazy and Madison tries to convince herself that she is not crushing on the stoic butch Minerva Hills Winery owner.
I had a hard time finishing this book. The author writes really beautiful descriptions and sets the scenes well. I think it might be the fact that I'm not into wine and I'm not into art (sorry lesbians everywhere). I could never get into it because there was so much description about pottery and process and winery and process. and cooking and process, etc. It just ventured too deep into all of these things that I find uninteresting for the most part.
Add to that the fact that I found Madison to be extremely weak minded. Always sacrificing for someone else. Letting life bring her down and stay down. Blaming herself for other people's mistakes. Becoming influenced by opinions of others. I wanted to root for her but I could never get behind her.
I love angst, but I was mostly unaffected by the characters to the point that the drama felt contrived and not emotionally impacting.
My favorite character was Boots.
I am giving this three stars. Not because I like it but because it had good writing and I think if you are really into wineries, cooking, or art, this might be an awesome book for you.
It just wasn't for me.
I very much recommend reading the author's other book 'Across the Dark Horizon,' though. That book is a fast pace, sci-fi, thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat.
I received an ARC from Bella Books for an honest review.
Madison's celebrity chef girlfriend, Kacey, gets a new job heading up a restaurant at a Washington state winery. A beautiful spacious cottage is a rent-free perk. Madison can work on her ceramic art full time. So they move from Denver to Washington. Kacey is stir crazy and Madison tries to convince herself that she is not crushing on the stoic butch Minerva Hills Winery owner.
I had a hard time finishing this book. The author writes really beautiful descriptions and sets the scenes well. I think it might be the fact that I'm not into wine and I'm not into art (sorry lesbians everywhere). I could never get into it because there was so much description about pottery and process and winery and process. and cooking and process, etc. It just ventured too deep into all of these things that I find uninteresting for the most part.
Add to that the fact that I found Madison to be extremely weak minded. Always sacrificing for someone else. Letting life bring her down and stay down. Blaming herself for other people's mistakes. Becoming influenced by opinions of others. I wanted to root for her but I could never get behind her.
I love angst, but I was mostly unaffected by the characters to the point that the drama felt contrived and not emotionally impacting.
My favorite character was Boots.
I am giving this three stars. Not because I like it but because it had good writing and I think if you are really into wineries, cooking, or art, this might be an awesome book for you.
It just wasn't for me.
I very much recommend reading the author's other book 'Across the Dark Horizon,' though. That book is a fast pace, sci-fi, thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat.
I received an ARC from Bella Books for an honest review.
March 23, 2020
And Then There Was Her by Tagan Shephard is a romance novel mostly set at a winery in the mountains of Oregon. We see the story through the eyes of Madison Jones, a young artist who has moved to the winery with her girlfriend Kacey. Kacey has been hired as the head chef for a new restaurant at the winery. There we also meet CS, the aloof but intriguing owner of Minerva Hills Winery. These three are the main characters of the story.
While the tale revolves around these three, Madison is the main focus of the story, and we see most of the tale though her eyes. Not only is this a romance, but it is obviously a look at how Madison grows and matures through the story. There is quite a bit of angst in this book along with betrayal and love.
I enjoyed the setting of the novel. The author made me want to move to Oregon and live where this story takes place. The characters are also well-described. I thought it was ingenious how the author gave physical descriptions that hinted at the character’s role in the story.
This is an extremely slow-burn romance, and I must admit that at times the story lagged for me. I also didn’t really like how the book ended. I wanted to see a bit more into the future for these characters. I’m giving this novel a 3.5 star rating, but I’m moving it to a 4 star rating for the overall story and descriptions.
If you like a good, slow-burn romance with a fair bit of angst, you might like this novel.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bella Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections: http://rainbowreflections.home.com/
While the tale revolves around these three, Madison is the main focus of the story, and we see most of the tale though her eyes. Not only is this a romance, but it is obviously a look at how Madison grows and matures through the story. There is quite a bit of angst in this book along with betrayal and love.
I enjoyed the setting of the novel. The author made me want to move to Oregon and live where this story takes place. The characters are also well-described. I thought it was ingenious how the author gave physical descriptions that hinted at the character’s role in the story.
This is an extremely slow-burn romance, and I must admit that at times the story lagged for me. I also didn’t really like how the book ended. I wanted to see a bit more into the future for these characters. I’m giving this novel a 3.5 star rating, but I’m moving it to a 4 star rating for the overall story and descriptions.
If you like a good, slow-burn romance with a fair bit of angst, you might like this novel.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bella Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections: http://rainbowreflections.home.com/
March 18, 2020
On a scale of 1 to 5....I give this a 6. This story really got to me. How does a young author like Ms Shepard know how to use her words so importantly that it makes you feel so much. I loved this story.
I felt like there was 2 parts to this story. Madison's life before and after the vineyard. The second half was sooooo moving.
The romance grew at a very natural pace. Very, very warm. The sex scenes were some of the hottest I have ever read and full of love....yet it was basically "fade to black". But you never felt you missed anything.
The characters are very interesting and the dialog was very natural and, did I mention warm. Lots of heat and longing looks.
I also found the information about the restaurant, vineyard, making wine and pottery very colorful and very interesting. Not too technical but emotional. It described how passionate the main characters were about their art.
The ending was quite thrilling. The author had my heart beating quite rapidly up to the very last sentence. It ends just right for all.
This is the first book I have read by this author and definitely not my last. I will be checking out her past novels.
I felt like there was 2 parts to this story. Madison's life before and after the vineyard. The second half was sooooo moving.
The romance grew at a very natural pace. Very, very warm. The sex scenes were some of the hottest I have ever read and full of love....yet it was basically "fade to black". But you never felt you missed anything.
The characters are very interesting and the dialog was very natural and, did I mention warm. Lots of heat and longing looks.
I also found the information about the restaurant, vineyard, making wine and pottery very colorful and very interesting. Not too technical but emotional. It described how passionate the main characters were about their art.
The ending was quite thrilling. The author had my heart beating quite rapidly up to the very last sentence. It ends just right for all.
This is the first book I have read by this author and definitely not my last. I will be checking out her past novels.
March 22, 2020
Usually, I am not one for books with a protagonist who is so unsure of herself in the way that Madison is at the beginning of the book, but Madison is very compelling. She seems so assured of her plans and her life, but we soon learn that she really lived at the whims of her celebrity chef, Kacey. Once she and Kacey move to the idyllic Oregon winery, things are set into motion that will change Madison's life.
I loved that the book is told almost entirely from Madison's 1st person perspective - it gives weight to her decisions and probably wouldn't work at all if it was told in 3rd person. Madison's inner dialog and growth are what drives the story, even with the prospect of having a romance with the seemingly standoffish owner and winemaker, CS. We see CS from Madison's point of view, a charismatic person that is focused on her trade as a winemaker. CS intimidates Madison, mostly because she is intense, seemingly self assured, and attractive. To Madison, she's the whole package, and its no wonder she's drawn to her. I also enjoyed that Madison's journey included CS, but not the focus of it. Madison is the important one here, and the others just fall into their places. I enjoyed that. It doesn't take away from any of the romantic elements, but helps give them more intensity.
This book may come off as a little melodramatic to some, and that's okay. Madison goes through some pretty seismic shifts during the course of the book, and not all of them include her romantic life. It feels almost like a coming of age type story, but with a 28 year old adult. I'd say its more of a coming into her own. It is worth the read, especially for those who can relate to a 28 year old who is just a little lost and needs a place to flourish. Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I loved that the book is told almost entirely from Madison's 1st person perspective - it gives weight to her decisions and probably wouldn't work at all if it was told in 3rd person. Madison's inner dialog and growth are what drives the story, even with the prospect of having a romance with the seemingly standoffish owner and winemaker, CS. We see CS from Madison's point of view, a charismatic person that is focused on her trade as a winemaker. CS intimidates Madison, mostly because she is intense, seemingly self assured, and attractive. To Madison, she's the whole package, and its no wonder she's drawn to her. I also enjoyed that Madison's journey included CS, but not the focus of it. Madison is the important one here, and the others just fall into their places. I enjoyed that. It doesn't take away from any of the romantic elements, but helps give them more intensity.
This book may come off as a little melodramatic to some, and that's okay. Madison goes through some pretty seismic shifts during the course of the book, and not all of them include her romantic life. It feels almost like a coming of age type story, but with a 28 year old adult. I'd say its more of a coming into her own. It is worth the read, especially for those who can relate to a 28 year old who is just a little lost and needs a place to flourish. Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 24, 2020
Nothing about this book was especially new or interesting, instead it was the typical formulaic lesfic romance. Nearly all of the book is told through the eyes of Madison, who is probably someone you would find tiresome if you met her in real life. She's in her mid/late twenties, yet speaks of "years of" experience at this or that, is prone to dramatic crying spells when she is unable to make decisions, and is fortunate to have wonderful professional and personal opportunities but doesn't seem to be particularly grateful for either. There's also the matter of living on a vineyard yet never even bothering to try the wine because.....? The other characters include Kacey, a walking caricature of the bad girlfriend (who goes from simply selfish to the 180 of emotionally and physically abusive in one very out of place scene), and CS, the taciturn butch who takes silence to the next level. The romance that develops between CS and Madison is poorly developed and both numbingly slow yet not slow enough. There are literally scenes where all CS does is silently glare at Madison, and these are her actual responses to questions and conversation directed her way--to just glare at the person and not bother responding. There's the "strong, silent" type and then there is CS--yet somehow everyone wants to jump her because she's hot? I guess? I wish she had more of a personality that was actually developed along the way in order to feel for her as a character. Aside from nice descriptions of the wine and a shout out to the best underwear company ever--Tomboy X (seriously, 5-stars all day for them!)--this was a disappointing book with dull characters and a rushed insta-romance.
ARC provided by NetGalley
ARC provided by NetGalley
April 6, 2020
Devoured this. Loved it.
March 8, 2020
This book is bursting with luscious writing I just want to revel in, luxuriate in even. From describing the rich crowd at the winery "the scent of Chanel and money so thick in the air she could barely breathe" and pouring scorn on a vapid and self-centred food critic with a rather pointed description: "The radioactive orange of his fake tan amplified the artificial white of his prominent teeth. He held his chin so high it was in danger of scraping against the ceiling and his suit fit so well it may have been painted on, which did him no favors as it highlighted the odd arrangement of his extra pounds", to the more gentle and elegant descriptions of the natural beauty of the place, "Mist hung heavily on the landscape, pooling in the valleys like bedsheets draped over a sleeping body." Another stunning paragraph sees Madison walking through the vines and imagining them winding around her and through her skin, to "make her a part of their growth." There's something of Robert Frost in these incredibly beautiful, yet very sad images and that is not a comparison I offer lightly.
I've been looking forward to Tagan Shepard's next book ever since I finished reading her previous one, Across the Dark Horizon (and then re-reading an earlier one Bird on a Wire, just so utterly, mind-blowingly good), and this new book more than lives up to its awesome predecessors. I do not give five stars lightly but "And The There Was Her" is a very worthy candidate. Even writing this review has me smiling away to myself just thinking about the text.
Madison is an up and coming but still kind of struggling artist, living in Denver with her girlfriend of three years, Kacey. When the novel opens Kacey is trying to leverage her celebrity from a short stint on TV's Top Chef into a job as executive chef somewhere new rather than return to her old job as a sous chef, even if this means leaving Denver and not earning for a while. In short, their relationship is all about what Kacey wants and I very quickly began to dislike her smug, controlling, asshole self. Kacey gets her dream job in a new and exclusive restaurant job in a top drawer vineyard in Oregon, owned by the quiet and enigmatic CS Freeburn. Despite the career success, Kacey soon begins to chafe at what she sees as the restrictions of rural life, while Madison's creativity flourishes amid the vines and rich soil of Minerva Hills Winery.
One other thing flourishing is Madison’s interest in the introverted CS. The romance is very delicately written, a well-balanced slow burn with some spectacularly hot moments too! I don’t want to write too much about this aspect of the story (even though it is a romance novel) because I’m afraid of spoiling things, so I’ll just say this: CS is awesome!
I could have written thousand of words on how much I love this book, the intricacy of the imagery, how much I want to punch Kacey and how I can relate to the pain and doubt etched in Madison’s soul. Anyone who has ever been made to feel “less than” will be touched by this narrative. Rather than ramble on I’m going to strongly suggest that you buy and read this book – it will make you happy, there is a happy ending there for us all.
I've been looking forward to Tagan Shepard's next book ever since I finished reading her previous one, Across the Dark Horizon (and then re-reading an earlier one Bird on a Wire, just so utterly, mind-blowingly good), and this new book more than lives up to its awesome predecessors. I do not give five stars lightly but "And The There Was Her" is a very worthy candidate. Even writing this review has me smiling away to myself just thinking about the text.
Madison is an up and coming but still kind of struggling artist, living in Denver with her girlfriend of three years, Kacey. When the novel opens Kacey is trying to leverage her celebrity from a short stint on TV's Top Chef into a job as executive chef somewhere new rather than return to her old job as a sous chef, even if this means leaving Denver and not earning for a while. In short, their relationship is all about what Kacey wants and I very quickly began to dislike her smug, controlling, asshole self. Kacey gets her dream job in a new and exclusive restaurant job in a top drawer vineyard in Oregon, owned by the quiet and enigmatic CS Freeburn. Despite the career success, Kacey soon begins to chafe at what she sees as the restrictions of rural life, while Madison's creativity flourishes amid the vines and rich soil of Minerva Hills Winery.
One other thing flourishing is Madison’s interest in the introverted CS. The romance is very delicately written, a well-balanced slow burn with some spectacularly hot moments too! I don’t want to write too much about this aspect of the story (even though it is a romance novel) because I’m afraid of spoiling things, so I’ll just say this: CS is awesome!
I could have written thousand of words on how much I love this book, the intricacy of the imagery, how much I want to punch Kacey and how I can relate to the pain and doubt etched in Madison’s soul. Anyone who has ever been made to feel “less than” will be touched by this narrative. Rather than ramble on I’m going to strongly suggest that you buy and read this book – it will make you happy, there is a happy ending there for us all.
July 16, 2020
This slow burn romance altogether gave me a warm feeling. It’s almost exclusively written from the POV of Madison who’s a potter and finding her way as an artist in Denver. When her girlfriend Kacey is offered a job as an executive chef in a restaurant on a vineyard in Oregon they both move to Oregon to live at the vineyard. Madison has had some recent upheaval in her life which changed her personality from a party girl to someone loving the peace and quiet at the vineyard. Kacey, on the other hand, seems unable to adapt to their new living situation very well, but she’s very busy with her new restaurant. As a result, they see less and less of each other and their communication dwindles and when time progresses, Madison finds herself getting interested in the stoic owner of the vineyard, CS.
The buildup of the story is beautifully done and kept me reading, but I did have some trouble pinpointing the personalities of the characters. Starting with Kacey, the relationship between Madison and Kacey starts so extremely happy, they are all over each other and even though the first hints of incompatibility are given, they seem to feel genuine affection towards each other. In time, the situation between them becomes strained and Kacey starts showing her egotistical nature more, but then she changes to the extreme where I did not recognize the person from the beginning of the book anymore. Also, Madison was sometimes difficult to figure out. She seemed quite insecure to me, but then at other moments she is very confident (for instance in her pursuit of CS she seems far more confident than CS, something I did not expect). I had trouble wrapping my mind around these changes in behavior at times, but it didn’t spoil the reading pleasure though.
The book is slow paced in places with a lot of explanations about Madison’s art and CS’s winemaking. This might be too much info for some people, especially if it doesn’t interest you, but I liked it. I thought it gave an extra dimension to the story and it nicely showed the importance of genuine interest in each other’s passions for a relationship to work. I also loved how CS’s personality remains a secret for a long time, since you only see things from Madison’s perspective. It kept me guessing as to what is going on in her mind and it was all the better when she finally seemed to open up and show this beautiful personality. So, all in all, I enjoyed reading this book, it’s a nice slow burn romance, with quite some drama and anxiety.
The buildup of the story is beautifully done and kept me reading, but I did have some trouble pinpointing the personalities of the characters. Starting with Kacey, the relationship between Madison and Kacey starts so extremely happy, they are all over each other and even though the first hints of incompatibility are given, they seem to feel genuine affection towards each other. In time, the situation between them becomes strained and Kacey starts showing her egotistical nature more, but then she changes to the extreme where I did not recognize the person from the beginning of the book anymore. Also, Madison was sometimes difficult to figure out. She seemed quite insecure to me, but then at other moments she is very confident (for instance in her pursuit of CS she seems far more confident than CS, something I did not expect). I had trouble wrapping my mind around these changes in behavior at times, but it didn’t spoil the reading pleasure though.
The book is slow paced in places with a lot of explanations about Madison’s art and CS’s winemaking. This might be too much info for some people, especially if it doesn’t interest you, but I liked it. I thought it gave an extra dimension to the story and it nicely showed the importance of genuine interest in each other’s passions for a relationship to work. I also loved how CS’s personality remains a secret for a long time, since you only see things from Madison’s perspective. It kept me guessing as to what is going on in her mind and it was all the better when she finally seemed to open up and show this beautiful personality. So, all in all, I enjoyed reading this book, it’s a nice slow burn romance, with quite some drama and anxiety.
November 10, 2020
3.75 stars — To preface this review...I was hesitant to read this because of my personal reticence to indulge in stories that allude to or overtly entertain with infidelity. And although there was definitely a little bit of discomfort as the events unfold, I wasn’t entirely put off. Kacey is a chef turned celebrity and evolves into an arrogant, shallow character that made it easy to root for CS and Madison.
Otherwise, this was a sweet romance between two artists; a ceramicist and a winemaker. A friends-to-lovers story. Their relationship is tentative throughout most of the book. Talk about a slow-burn right? The first half of the book was exclusively from Madison’s POV and I can’t say I was particularly fond of the pacing as the story kind of lulled having spent a lot of time in her thoughts. Towards the end we get more of CS’s POV and the story picks up :)
I especially enjoyed reading the process of winemaking and the care that goes into tending to a vineyard. Despite my personal issues with infidelity themes, I would still recommend this to someone who might enjoy a quiet romance.
Otherwise, this was a sweet romance between two artists; a ceramicist and a winemaker. A friends-to-lovers story. Their relationship is tentative throughout most of the book. Talk about a slow-burn right? The first half of the book was exclusively from Madison’s POV and I can’t say I was particularly fond of the pacing as the story kind of lulled having spent a lot of time in her thoughts. Towards the end we get more of CS’s POV and the story picks up :)
I especially enjoyed reading the process of winemaking and the care that goes into tending to a vineyard. Despite my personal issues with infidelity themes, I would still recommend this to someone who might enjoy a quiet romance.
December 27, 2020
I liked this story despite feeling the opposite midway.
On the plus side, characters are memorable, emotions and vulnerabilities are not one sided and i loved the education.
I think whatever negative opinion i had with the way the relationship transitioned, the author skillfully dissolved.
On the plus side, characters are memorable, emotions and vulnerabilities are not one sided and i loved the education.
I think whatever negative opinion i had with the way the relationship transitioned, the author skillfully dissolved.
March 22, 2020
How you start a relationship may impact how a relationship unfolds. There was some mystery surrounding how Kacey and Madison became a couple which had me focused on that through the first part of the read. Kacey is a chef with a self-serving personality. I thought it was insightful how Madison describes Kacey. Madison is a ceramic artist with a bruised sense of self.
From the outside looking in, they appear good as a couple but looks can be deceiving. CS is an important part of the story although standoffish, she provides a steady presence you can count on. I wish all three characters had more background information to help the reader understand why they are acting the way they are. It is important to note that the story is mainly told from Madison's point of view with a little bit of CS toward the end. Slow burn, slow paced romance with some self-reflection and personal growth.
ARC provided by Bella Books via NetGalley
From the outside looking in, they appear good as a couple but looks can be deceiving. CS is an important part of the story although standoffish, she provides a steady presence you can count on. I wish all three characters had more background information to help the reader understand why they are acting the way they are. It is important to note that the story is mainly told from Madison's point of view with a little bit of CS toward the end. Slow burn, slow paced romance with some self-reflection and personal growth.
ARC provided by Bella Books via NetGalley
May 2, 2024
Managed to read this romance in one day. It was an easy read and I liked the main characters. I didn’t really find the conflict at the end to be entirely believable and felt like it was forced in for conflict but otherwise enjoyed this one. 3.5 stars.
May 21, 2024
3.25 Stars
March 9, 2020
Madison is up coming artist who stills struggling. She a city girl have been living with her girlfriend of three years Kacey who is a chef. Kacey lands a job In Oregon at a vineyard, Minerva Hills Winery. Madison thinks it’s a great opportunity for Kacey and plus where there living is rent free and she find a perfect place for her studio a sunroom in the cottage.
Madison has guilt that she trying to overcome because she living her life and her brother isn’t when she meets the owner CS Freeburn she really is stand-offish but that doesn’t stop her for trying to get to know her. Their an attraction there but Madison is heads in love with Kacey who isn’t as enthusiast about rural life. I dislike Kacey because she was controlling then cheated on Madison and it was all about her dreams.
I like the character of CS because even though sometimes couldn’t read her emotions you know she had them and relationship between her Madison was great because it was slow burn and wasn’t rush.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Madison has guilt that she trying to overcome because she living her life and her brother isn’t when she meets the owner CS Freeburn she really is stand-offish but that doesn’t stop her for trying to get to know her. Their an attraction there but Madison is heads in love with Kacey who isn’t as enthusiast about rural life. I dislike Kacey because she was controlling then cheated on Madison and it was all about her dreams.
I like the character of CS because even though sometimes couldn’t read her emotions you know she had them and relationship between her Madison was great because it was slow burn and wasn’t rush.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
April 1, 2020
This is actually the first book I've read by Tagan Shepard, and I will definitely have to go back and read the other books. I really enjoyed the writing style and loved this book.
Madison follows her girlfriend Kacey to a vineyard in Oregon where Kacey has been hired as a chef. At first everything seems perfect, she has an incredible new studio with perfect light for her pottery work. But she rarely sees Kacey, with her working later and later, and partying even later after that. Madison's happy to enjoy the natural beauty of the scenery and leave their partying days behind. When her world falls apart, she finds some peace getting to know in the mysterious owner of the vineyard, CS. Attraction sizzles between them, but two artists at the top of their careers, will they have to make choices that prioritizes their careers over love?
I was afraid this would be some sort of cheating situation on Madison's part which isn't something i can get behind, but it wasn't the case and I adored this book and the romance. I loved the slow burn. The chemistry between Madison and CS was very very intense. I found it a little hard to connect to CS and get to really know or understand her character - I think that was part of her personality and her mystique but I was still missing this connection a little. I loved the setting in this book, it was descried so beautifully. As was Madison's art, the description was incredible. I'm not even an art person, but the author really made the pieces come alive as part of Madison's journey and the gorgeous and inspiring environment around her.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Madison follows her girlfriend Kacey to a vineyard in Oregon where Kacey has been hired as a chef. At first everything seems perfect, she has an incredible new studio with perfect light for her pottery work. But she rarely sees Kacey, with her working later and later, and partying even later after that. Madison's happy to enjoy the natural beauty of the scenery and leave their partying days behind. When her world falls apart, she finds some peace getting to know in the mysterious owner of the vineyard, CS. Attraction sizzles between them, but two artists at the top of their careers, will they have to make choices that prioritizes their careers over love?
I was afraid this would be some sort of cheating situation on Madison's part which isn't something i can get behind, but it wasn't the case and I adored this book and the romance. I loved the slow burn. The chemistry between Madison and CS was very very intense. I found it a little hard to connect to CS and get to really know or understand her character - I think that was part of her personality and her mystique but I was still missing this connection a little. I loved the setting in this book, it was descried so beautifully. As was Madison's art, the description was incredible. I'm not even an art person, but the author really made the pieces come alive as part of Madison's journey and the gorgeous and inspiring environment around her.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2020
POV from Madison, but I’m enthralled with CS. Just lovely...
March 15, 2020
At first glance I had some reservations about this book, but I really liked this book.
Madison is a potter, her girlfriend, Kacey, competed on Top Chef and now has several offers to become a head chef somewhere. Kacey picks the new venture of wine maker CS in Oregon. The couple leave Denver to try and find happiness in Oregon at the vineyard. Madison seems to find herself, but Kacey seems a real bitch and self absorbed. CS is a brooding mystery woman. Madison has some doubts about her, but she is more in awe of the woman than anything else. Madison and Kacey grow apart, Madison comes more of age and appreciates the quiet beauty of the vineyard. CS and Madison strike up a friendship and appreciation for each other’s art. Priorities sometimes get in the way of blossoming relationships, will this be the same for Madison and CS?
The main character is Madison, the story is told from her POV, both Kacey and CS are supporting. I’d like to have some part of the story from the POV of CS. I have no affinity for wine or pottery, so some of the very detailed explanations in the book weren’t really necessary for me, but strangely enough I didn’t mind them. I liked the writing style, it was easy and light to read. Even the more dramatic turns in the story are nice to read. I liked the ending, but maybe I would have liked to see something else. I don’t know, it felt a tiny bit strange, but the book was nice.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
Madison is a potter, her girlfriend, Kacey, competed on Top Chef and now has several offers to become a head chef somewhere. Kacey picks the new venture of wine maker CS in Oregon. The couple leave Denver to try and find happiness in Oregon at the vineyard. Madison seems to find herself, but Kacey seems a real bitch and self absorbed. CS is a brooding mystery woman. Madison has some doubts about her, but she is more in awe of the woman than anything else. Madison and Kacey grow apart, Madison comes more of age and appreciates the quiet beauty of the vineyard. CS and Madison strike up a friendship and appreciation for each other’s art. Priorities sometimes get in the way of blossoming relationships, will this be the same for Madison and CS?
The main character is Madison, the story is told from her POV, both Kacey and CS are supporting. I’d like to have some part of the story from the POV of CS. I have no affinity for wine or pottery, so some of the very detailed explanations in the book weren’t really necessary for me, but strangely enough I didn’t mind them. I liked the writing style, it was easy and light to read. Even the more dramatic turns in the story are nice to read. I liked the ending, but maybe I would have liked to see something else. I don’t know, it felt a tiny bit strange, but the book was nice.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
March 15, 2020
Thank you to Bella Books for the privilege of reading this book. There is nothing I like better than finding an author that just bowls me over out of nowhere. I read Tagan Shepard's debut novel and absolutely loved it, but somehow never got around to her second and third books. What have I been missing?
I adore an age gap romance, and this slow-burn story is incredibly romantic. There's something about the writing that is lush and elegant and beautiful, and it really suits the story that is set in a gorgeous vineyard. Several years ago I read and enjoyed Susan X Meagher's "The Crush" and found the whole process of winemaking fascinating. Then coupled with learning about the world of creating pottery, and I never wanted this book to end. Kacey played the role of villain perfectly, but CS is a romantic hero for the ages.
I highly recommend this gorgeous book for anyone looking for an escape.
I adore an age gap romance, and this slow-burn story is incredibly romantic. There's something about the writing that is lush and elegant and beautiful, and it really suits the story that is set in a gorgeous vineyard. Several years ago I read and enjoyed Susan X Meagher's "The Crush" and found the whole process of winemaking fascinating. Then coupled with learning about the world of creating pottery, and I never wanted this book to end. Kacey played the role of villain perfectly, but CS is a romantic hero for the ages.
I highly recommend this gorgeous book for anyone looking for an escape.
March 24, 2020
This is very emotional book. Loosing brother can be devastating, especially when you are so close to him. The relationship between Madison and Kacey is harmful, not on Madison’s side that is obvious. Kacey has issues and creates toxic environment. Of course, in the picture shows CS. I actually love this character. She is calm and stoic and only says what she thinks. So different from other people. I admire her strength to be so strong. Putting someone else happiness over her own? Yes, that is brave.
As to rest- you have to read it!
This story is wonderful and definitively one that is hard to put down.
As to rest- you have to read it!
This story is wonderful and definitively one that is hard to put down.
February 1, 2021
3.5 stars
This is a mellow, very appealing, age gap love story.
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
This is a mellow, very appealing, age gap love story.
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
December 19, 2022
This story has some uncomfortable issues that may not be to everyone's liking.but, in my opinion, they are so superficially treated that at the end I have not understood very well the purpose of the author when putting them into the story, really. In any case they do not ruin the final result, although I would have liked some of them to make more sense.
The two main characters are Madison and CS. Madison is a potter who has had a three-year relationship with Kacey, a chef who has become famous for having participated in a television program. Madison, always ready to follow her girlfriend and support her in her career, agrees to move to Oregon, to a resort among vineyards. The property belongs to CS, a woman somewhat older than Madison, age-gap fourteen, and with an ice-queeny personality, aloof and haughty at first impression.
And Madison is fascinated by the environment and its owner, although for her her relationship with Kacey works more or less well and she thinks of nothing more than admiring everything new around her and take advantage of the inspiration that provides her.
The story unfolds somewhat slowly, as Madison and Kacey react quite differently to the new setting. For Madison everything is a constant source of inspiration, for Kacey it seems like a necessary nuisance. And their vital moment is also far away, Kacey in the glare of fame that appearing on television has provided her and Madison recovering from the loss of her brother.
The slowness of events goes all the way, but the story has just come to an end, much to my chagrin. And CS has been an interesting character, for me the most, but the reason for many of her acts has remained unclear.
It was a nice read anyway.
An advanced reading copy has been sent to me by the publisher Bella Books through Netgalley for my honest review
The two main characters are Madison and CS. Madison is a potter who has had a three-year relationship with Kacey, a chef who has become famous for having participated in a television program. Madison, always ready to follow her girlfriend and support her in her career, agrees to move to Oregon, to a resort among vineyards. The property belongs to CS, a woman somewhat older than Madison, age-gap fourteen, and with an ice-queeny personality, aloof and haughty at first impression.
And Madison is fascinated by the environment and its owner, although for her her relationship with Kacey works more or less well and she thinks of nothing more than admiring everything new around her and take advantage of the inspiration that provides her.
The story unfolds somewhat slowly, as Madison and Kacey react quite differently to the new setting. For Madison everything is a constant source of inspiration, for Kacey it seems like a necessary nuisance. And their vital moment is also far away, Kacey in the glare of fame that appearing on television has provided her and Madison recovering from the loss of her brother.
The slowness of events goes all the way, but the story has just come to an end, much to my chagrin. And CS has been an interesting character, for me the most, but the reason for many of her acts has remained unclear.
It was a nice read anyway.
An advanced reading copy has been sent to me by the publisher Bella Books through Netgalley for my honest review
April 19, 2020
This story begins with the relationship between Madison Jones, a clay sculptor artist, and her girlfriend Kacey, an egotistical, self centered reality star chef. They have been together three years and are preparing to move to a restaurant which is set to open, where Kacey will serve as the famous chef on site at a winery in the mountains of Oregon. Once in Oregon Kacey's drinking and selfishness get the better of her and their relationship begins to disintegrate. Prior to their eventual parting, Madison meets the surly, brooding owner and wine maker of Minerva Wineries, CS Freeburn. The books details the slow evolution of the relationship between CS and Madison from friends to lovers. The story also touches into the background of both of their lives, especially Madison's, so the reader has an opportunity to learn about major events that shape their present personalities and life motivations. I enjoyed this slow moving story and the characters of Madison, CS, and Boots.
I received an ARC from Bella Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC from Bella Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2023
I started this book thinking it was going to be a 10/10 perfect book. Maybe thats why i was a bit dissapointed by it. I saw it on someone's celebrity tag as one of the only ones that had a five star rating, so i was immediately interested. I think i get why they gave it 5 stars, it's definitely a story many would love, but god i just didn't love it. I thought all the characters were lovely, but i didnt really feel chemistry between anyone untill the last couple of pages. Fuck i thought Boots and Denver had more chemistry together than anyone else for a while.
Idk, I think those who typically read more contemporary and "grown up" books will adore this, it truly shines in the artistry and finding yourself parts of the book. It's just not for me
Idk, I think those who typically read more contemporary and "grown up" books will adore this, it truly shines in the artistry and finding yourself parts of the book. It's just not for me
March 18, 2020
Thank you Bella books and NetGalley for this Arc
I really enjoyed this age gap romance and was a quick read for me.
This story is about Madison Jones who is an artist and has always stood beside her selfish famous reality star chef girlfriend Kacey. Even moving to a different state to support her while she’s working as head Chef at a winery.
That’s when she meets the owner and wine maker of the vineyard CS Freeburn. CS is as icy as can been and especially indifferent to Madison’s girlfriend. Overtime Madison sees another side of CS and once her girlfriends true colors start to show and leaves that’s when the sparks fly with the lovely winemaker.
I really enjoyed this age gap romance and was a quick read for me.
This story is about Madison Jones who is an artist and has always stood beside her selfish famous reality star chef girlfriend Kacey. Even moving to a different state to support her while she’s working as head Chef at a winery.
That’s when she meets the owner and wine maker of the vineyard CS Freeburn. CS is as icy as can been and especially indifferent to Madison’s girlfriend. Overtime Madison sees another side of CS and once her girlfriends true colors start to show and leaves that’s when the sparks fly with the lovely winemaker.
August 14, 2020
I struggled with this book. It started off well, but the writing was so mediocre that I lost interest. The characters had no depth, especially the wine maker. She was quite odd. Not a book I can recommend.
June 14, 2023
Extremely well written and edited. Three dementional characters and a multi layered story.
February 9, 2024
Well plotted with an interesting setting. I wasn't swept away by the romance as the writing style leaned more into telling than showing.
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