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The Moonstone Series #1
Something in the Wine
All her life, Annie suffered through her brother’s constant practical jokes. Now he sets her up on a blind date with Drew, a lesbian winemaker, even knowing his sister is straight. Annie and Drew decide to turn the tables on him by pretending to fall in love. But what starts as a revenge plan soon turns their lives upside down as the lines between pretending and reality begin to blur.
11 pages, Audiobook
First published October 27, 2012
22 people are currently reading
1664 people want to read
About the author
Jae
126 books3,803 followersJae is the author of twenty-six award-winning romances between women. She lives in the sunniest city of Germany, near the French and Swiss borders. The writing bug bit her at the age of eleven.
She used to work as a psychologist but gave up her day job in 2013 to become a full-time writer and a part-time editor. As far as she’s concerned, it’s the best job in the world.
When she’s not writing, she is an avid reader of sapphic books, indulges her ice cream and office supply addictions, and watches way too many crime shows.
She used to work as a psychologist but gave up her day job in 2013 to become a full-time writer and a part-time editor. As far as she’s concerned, it’s the best job in the world.
When she’s not writing, she is an avid reader of sapphic books, indulges her ice cream and office supply addictions, and watches way too many crime shows.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
January 24, 2018
Review of Something in the wine 2nd edition by Jae
Jae is one of those authors I don't hesitate to read as her books are well written and very enjoyable. Her book Under a falling star is one of my favourite books:
https://lezreviewbooks.wordpress.com/...
This is a revised second edition of this book. I read the original version a couple of years ago and gave it 4 stars. I really cannot detect the differences between the two versions - except for the bonus epilogue Seduction for beginners - as it's been a long time but I'm keeping the same 4 star rating.
This story has everything to engage the reader: wittiness, humour, sexual tension and romance. The main characters are multilayered, well rounded and very well described in their contradictions and struggles, especially Annie. The dialogues are realistic and the secondary characters enrich the plot and subplots. The book goes beyond the romance itself and it's an exploration of coming out and self discovery.
Overall, a very good read. I highly recommend this author if you haven't read anything else.
ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Jae is one of those authors I don't hesitate to read as her books are well written and very enjoyable. Her book Under a falling star is one of my favourite books:
https://lezreviewbooks.wordpress.com/...
This is a revised second edition of this book. I read the original version a couple of years ago and gave it 4 stars. I really cannot detect the differences between the two versions - except for the bonus epilogue Seduction for beginners - as it's been a long time but I'm keeping the same 4 star rating.
This story has everything to engage the reader: wittiness, humour, sexual tension and romance. The main characters are multilayered, well rounded and very well described in their contradictions and struggles, especially Annie. The dialogues are realistic and the secondary characters enrich the plot and subplots. The book goes beyond the romance itself and it's an exploration of coming out and self discovery.
Overall, a very good read. I highly recommend this author if you haven't read anything else.
ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 25, 2022
RE-READ: August 2022
I was having a bad day and was looking for a nice sweet book to lift my mood. This was a perfect choice, just as good the second time around.
4/5 stars
This was such a fun, sweet book. I've read a bunch of books by Jae recently, and I have enjoyed every single one. I feel like she has mastered so many different types of romance books, with this being a great example of a sweet, relatively fluffy romance. I'm not saying it didn't have any deeper moments, but it was definitely on the light-hearted side of the spectrum. This is honestly exactly what I wanted at the moment, so this definitely filled what I was looking for. I adored the characters together (of course) and their development from friends to something much more.
While I love reading books with strong, self-confident women, I also related much more with Annie in this book. She was a bit awkward, shy and definitely not good at dating/finding love. I really just wanted to hug her for the entire book. While her relationship with Drew didn't 'change' Annie per-say (which is good because there is nothing wrong with being a bit awkward and shy) but her growing in confidence and understanding about herself just made me so happy. Drew is like the opposite of Annie. She is much more free-spirited, confident in herself and very flirty. I think she was such a fun, dynamic character that brought most the humour and banter to the story.
If you are like me and perhaps are unsure about the 'straight girl falls for lesbian' plotline or deeply closeted stories (I wasn't sure which one this was when I started), let me tell you not to worry when it comes to this book. It is handled very well and the book is very self-aware about the situation and the difficulties of figuring out your sexuality later in life/ trusting yourself to begin a relationship with a straight person. At this point, I've just come to trust the way Jae deals with her romances and characters, and I think you definitely should to. If you are looking for a very sweet and mostly light-hearted romance, then this is definitely the book for you.
I was having a bad day and was looking for a nice sweet book to lift my mood. This was a perfect choice, just as good the second time around.
4/5 stars
This was such a fun, sweet book. I've read a bunch of books by Jae recently, and I have enjoyed every single one. I feel like she has mastered so many different types of romance books, with this being a great example of a sweet, relatively fluffy romance. I'm not saying it didn't have any deeper moments, but it was definitely on the light-hearted side of the spectrum. This is honestly exactly what I wanted at the moment, so this definitely filled what I was looking for. I adored the characters together (of course) and their development from friends to something much more.
While I love reading books with strong, self-confident women, I also related much more with Annie in this book. She was a bit awkward, shy and definitely not good at dating/finding love. I really just wanted to hug her for the entire book. While her relationship with Drew didn't 'change' Annie per-say (which is good because there is nothing wrong with being a bit awkward and shy) but her growing in confidence and understanding about herself just made me so happy. Drew is like the opposite of Annie. She is much more free-spirited, confident in herself and very flirty. I think she was such a fun, dynamic character that brought most the humour and banter to the story.
If you are like me and perhaps are unsure about the 'straight girl falls for lesbian' plotline or deeply closeted stories (I wasn't sure which one this was when I started), let me tell you not to worry when it comes to this book. It is handled very well and the book is very self-aware about the situation and the difficulties of figuring out your sexuality later in life/ trusting yourself to begin a relationship with a straight person. At this point, I've just come to trust the way Jae deals with her romances and characters, and I think you definitely should to. If you are looking for a very sweet and mostly light-hearted romance, then this is definitely the book for you.
May 8, 2014
I must admit that this book had everything I search for in a good F/F romance book. It could have been a 10 stars book, it was so romantic and everything felt so right, Jae has a way with words. Her book made me laugh, get little butterfly's from the romantic vibe she creates and sometimes takes my breath away with anticipation. But it had one little problem.
let me explain:
let me explain:
December 8, 2016
I was a little hesitant to read the older version of this book based on the reviews. I always pushed this at the end of my to read list because of all those complaints. But got curious with the revised edition. I'm really glad I didn't pass up.
This book will surely go to my favorites.
I really like the character growth on this book especially with Annie.
Unlike most of the push and pull stories that I've read, this one stands out.
Annie is afraid and confused but one thing I really like about her is that she's willing to try despite all her doubts. She's willing to risk though she's scared and the negativity on her head is eating her.
She's more of a doormat and I really feel bad for her.
Her parents are too self centered to care for her and at one point I'm thinkIng that maybe there's a twist that she's really not their daughter or something.
Her brother is annoying too. He always tricked Annie to the point that it's really insensitive and out of line.
Drew's another favorite of mine. She's really patient and understanding. She's the perfect girlfriend for me. :)
This 2016 version is a must read for me.
I don't mind the long read. It's really worth it. And I still want to read more of them. :p
Btw, what's the difference between the older version and this?
I really enjoyed the bonus short story. Seduction for beginners (Annie's POV)
Solid 5.
Favorites.
This book will surely go to my favorites.
I really like the character growth on this book especially with Annie.
Unlike most of the push and pull stories that I've read, this one stands out.
Annie is afraid and confused but one thing I really like about her is that she's willing to try despite all her doubts. She's willing to risk though she's scared and the negativity on her head is eating her.
She's more of a doormat and I really feel bad for her.
Her parents are too self centered to care for her and at one point I'm thinkIng that maybe there's a twist that she's really not their daughter or something.
Her brother is annoying too. He always tricked Annie to the point that it's really insensitive and out of line.
Drew's another favorite of mine. She's really patient and understanding. She's the perfect girlfriend for me. :)
This 2016 version is a must read for me.
I don't mind the long read. It's really worth it. And I still want to read more of them. :p
Btw, what's the difference between the older version and this?
I really enjoyed the bonus short story. Seduction for beginners (Annie's POV)
Solid 5.
Favorites.
April 15, 2018
So happy I’ve finally read this book. I’ve been wanting to read Something in the wine by Jae for ages and finally did. It was well worth the wait and build up. Drew and Annie are so lovable. Such a sweet and engaging read. I highly recommend it!
March 13, 2021
Thirty-year old Annie Prideaux is what some would call a wallflower–and that’s how she sees herself as well. Working as an accountant for a small firm, she prefers to share as little as possible with her colleagues about her private life and more times than not she spends her free-time with her cat Amadeus and a good book. Her experiences with men so far have been rather boring and when she is out on a date she tries to get it over with as fast and as painless as possible–a fact that gives her brother Jake ample opportunity to tease her. As long as Annie can think, Jake has been playing tricks on her so it comes as no surprise when he sets her up on a blind date with his lesbian college friend Drew without telling his sister that his friend is in fact a woman. But this time he has taken it a bit too far and Annie and Drew decide to get back at Jake and pretend they started dating. But their little revenge plan takes on a life of its own–while Drew struggles with her attraction to Annie, Annie is forced to face her demons for the first time in her life.
One of my main interests when I start reading a book is that I want to care about the characters and what happens to them. For me, there is nothing that kills the mood faster than shallow two-dimensional characters and a plot that doesn’t draw me in. “Something in the Wine” didn’t disappoint at all. Jae managed to draw me right in.
At first, when I started reading this book, I thought there wasn’t all that much to like about Annie, a rather self-doubting woman who doesn’t seem to have enough willpower to stand up to her dominant brother. But getting into the book I realised that there was a lot more to Annie and her thoughts and intentions. Then there is Drew. Jake’s college friend is introduced as a young woman who thought she knew where life was taking her when all of a sudden both her parents died and left her with the sole responsibility for the family’s vineyard. The author developed both women into three-dimensional characters by showing them in their daily lives and without giving away too much. As a reader I got to know them through their actions.
I thought it was very interesting how these quite different characters started as partners in crime, trying to get back at Jake and became friends by seeing life through the other’s perspective. In the end, I cared very much for both women as well as Jake and even though the book has nearly four hundred pages, I was sad when it was finished. I would have loved to read more about those characters. And this is my only complaint. Despite its length, I felt it ended too soon without giving the reader the opportunity to learn how Annie and Drew would deal with their developing relationship, now that all the outward conflicts had been addressed. I would have loved to share in their success after having been along on the way to get there.
I can really recommend this book. And if there’s a chance to visit Annie and Drew in another book from this author I’ll be sure to get that as well.
One of my main interests when I start reading a book is that I want to care about the characters and what happens to them. For me, there is nothing that kills the mood faster than shallow two-dimensional characters and a plot that doesn’t draw me in. “Something in the Wine” didn’t disappoint at all. Jae managed to draw me right in.
At first, when I started reading this book, I thought there wasn’t all that much to like about Annie, a rather self-doubting woman who doesn’t seem to have enough willpower to stand up to her dominant brother. But getting into the book I realised that there was a lot more to Annie and her thoughts and intentions. Then there is Drew. Jake’s college friend is introduced as a young woman who thought she knew where life was taking her when all of a sudden both her parents died and left her with the sole responsibility for the family’s vineyard. The author developed both women into three-dimensional characters by showing them in their daily lives and without giving away too much. As a reader I got to know them through their actions.
I thought it was very interesting how these quite different characters started as partners in crime, trying to get back at Jake and became friends by seeing life through the other’s perspective. In the end, I cared very much for both women as well as Jake and even though the book has nearly four hundred pages, I was sad when it was finished. I would have loved to read more about those characters. And this is my only complaint. Despite its length, I felt it ended too soon without giving the reader the opportunity to learn how Annie and Drew would deal with their developing relationship, now that all the outward conflicts had been addressed. I would have loved to share in their success after having been along on the way to get there.
I can really recommend this book. And if there’s a chance to visit Annie and Drew in another book from this author I’ll be sure to get that as well.
November 13, 2023
Initially, I was hesitant about picking up this book because of its lower ratings on goodreads. All apprehension cleared once I started reading. I ended up really enjoying the growing relationship between Annie Prideaux and Drew Corbin.
This is the 12th full-length Jae books I have read. All stories focused on the heartwarming details of falling in love. The characters never threw insults or had major fallouts, making Jae's works perfect escapes for the chaotic real world. In Something in the Wine, Annie and Drew's chemistry worked really well. With the emotional intensity of the book, I did not register upon finishing that there were no sex scenes. Though ridiculous to base their relationship on a prank, watching them grow to appreciate and trust each other was beautiful.
I really like Drew; she is always so considerate and in tune with Annie. And while Annie's sexuality panic overshadowed her character descriptions, I think she is a great person, too. I hope they make cameos in Jae's future works.
Something in the Wine is a great story of a previously straight-identified woman and a lesbian falling in love. Their attractions towards each other were undeniable. And for readers figuring out orientations later in life, you are seen.
This is the 12th full-length Jae books I have read. All stories focused on the heartwarming details of falling in love. The characters never threw insults or had major fallouts, making Jae's works perfect escapes for the chaotic real world. In Something in the Wine, Annie and Drew's chemistry worked really well. With the emotional intensity of the book, I did not register upon finishing that there were no sex scenes. Though ridiculous to base their relationship on a prank, watching them grow to appreciate and trust each other was beautiful.
"No negative assumptions about yourself." – Drew
I really like Drew; she is always so considerate and in tune with Annie. And while Annie's sexuality panic overshadowed her character descriptions, I think she is a great person, too. I hope they make cameos in Jae's future works.
Something in the Wine is a great story of a previously straight-identified woman and a lesbian falling in love. Their attractions towards each other were undeniable. And for readers figuring out orientations later in life, you are seen.
November 3, 2025
I loved this novel. I read it back in 2023 (one of my first sapphic novels) and loved it and nothing has changed now in 2025.
This novel is relatively simple, as most of Jae’s novels are, yet it does what it is trying to accomplish very well. Well written characters, strong emotions, some particularly memorable moments, and just enough plot to hold it all together without getting in the way of the romance. This is a sloooooow burn like all of Jae’s novels so make sure you know what you are walking into!
Rating: “A-“ / 5-Stars
Highlights:
-I like how well these characters fit together right from the start. Their chemistry is easy and simple but very effective. In some cases the author is fairly explicit about how they compliment each other, but for the most part it is a lot of subtle little things and I loved every minute.
-Drew is a sweetie pie. Likable protagonists certainly help things!
-I loved Annie. In many ways she is the more complicated protagonist yet she doesn’t entirely steal the whole spotlight. She was so caring and resilient, even when others didn’t deserve it from her.
-Love language: paying attention to little details in a way that no one else in your life ever has.
-It’s a toaster oven romance (no spoilers there I hope), and it does a great job of the slooooow realization of her sexual awakening. Its not too fast or easy, yet also not too dramatic or over the top. “Hesitant” is the word I would probably use and I think it fits well.
-Archery lessons….ugh so great.
-Gay Panic!
-THE PAINTING! When you read it you will know. This is a detail that stuck with me after finishing this novel the first time and I just loved it. It’s a little thing but sometimes things stick with you!
Nitpick:
-One thing about this novel that I didn’t love is that the entire thing is based around the “prank” of convincing Annie’s brother that she is gay. I know its fiction, but I simply don’t love the underlying point there that “being gay” is a prank, which implies it’s a bad thing? I realize there is more to it than that, but I feel how I feel. Readers don’t need to beware or anything, it isn’t horrible, I just needed to point it out.
This novel is relatively simple, as most of Jae’s novels are, yet it does what it is trying to accomplish very well. Well written characters, strong emotions, some particularly memorable moments, and just enough plot to hold it all together without getting in the way of the romance. This is a sloooooow burn like all of Jae’s novels so make sure you know what you are walking into!
Rating: “A-“ / 5-Stars
Highlights:
-I like how well these characters fit together right from the start. Their chemistry is easy and simple but very effective. In some cases the author is fairly explicit about how they compliment each other, but for the most part it is a lot of subtle little things and I loved every minute.
-Drew is a sweetie pie. Likable protagonists certainly help things!
-I loved Annie. In many ways she is the more complicated protagonist yet she doesn’t entirely steal the whole spotlight. She was so caring and resilient, even when others didn’t deserve it from her.
-Love language: paying attention to little details in a way that no one else in your life ever has.
-It’s a toaster oven romance (no spoilers there I hope), and it does a great job of the slooooow realization of her sexual awakening. Its not too fast or easy, yet also not too dramatic or over the top. “Hesitant” is the word I would probably use and I think it fits well.
-Archery lessons….ugh so great.
-Gay Panic!
-THE PAINTING! When you read it you will know. This is a detail that stuck with me after finishing this novel the first time and I just loved it. It’s a little thing but sometimes things stick with you!
Nitpick:
-One thing about this novel that I didn’t love is that the entire thing is based around the “prank” of convincing Annie’s brother that she is gay. I know its fiction, but I simply don’t love the underlying point there that “being gay” is a prank, which implies it’s a bad thing? I realize there is more to it than that, but I feel how I feel. Readers don’t need to beware or anything, it isn’t horrible, I just needed to point it out.
August 20, 2018
Hmm, the fake-relationship is not based on a popularity contest for once but on a prank.
I had a hard time swallowing two adults going that far, even to get back to Jake-the-prick.
The all set-up thingy made me cringe.
That said, while really classic in its form, the romance is good.
The growing affection between the two main is nicely done, respecting Annie introversion and so on.
Secondary characters were pretty uni-dimensional though and lacked some meat on their bones.
I had a hard time swallowing two adults going that far, even to get back to Jake-the-prick.
The all set-up thingy made me cringe.
That said, while really classic in its form, the romance is good.
The growing affection between the two main is nicely done, respecting Annie introversion and so on.
Secondary characters were pretty uni-dimensional though and lacked some meat on their bones.
December 13, 2016
I have only read one of Jae’s books prior to this one and Heart Trouble started the addiction. I hadn’t realized that this was a second edition until I had finished it but can’t imagine there being much wrong with the first edition because Jae writes so beautifully and has a lovely way with words.
Annie has grown up being the butt of her brother’s practical jokes and the most recent is when he sets her up on a date with his lesbian friend the only problem is that Annie is Straight and he knows it. When Drew see’s Annie for the first time she is instantly attracted to her and when her friend (Annie’s Brother) suggests a date she is over the moon… When they two women decide to trick him by pretending that they have fallen in love they never expect to develop deep feeling for each other. Is this Practical Joke worth a broken heart?
I felt immersed in the story from the beginning and finished the novel in one sitting. Just like in Heart Trouble I felt like I knew the characters, their emotions where realistic and well thought out. The romance between Drew and Annie is slow burning and then it just combusts near the end and I was totally taken aback by the honesty between these two woman. I fell head over heals for Drew. She strong, sexy, honest and she own a winery… Hot! All big ticks in my book…
I don’t want to spoil the story for anyone but the book has the sequel novelette attached called Seduction for Beginners. I would have been really upset if I had gotten to the end of the book and there was no sequel or epilogue. Seduction for Beginners rounded everything up nicely although I would love to know more about this couple… there is so much room for more. They are the epitome of a perfect couple and they complement each other beautifully and I am interested in their life ever after… Kids? House? Winery? Otherwise what about a sequel with a story about Lynn… What I’m saying is I’m not ready for this to be over!
Jae is slowly becoming one of my favourite authors and I am about literally about to start Under a Falling Star, which I am really excited about.
4.5 Stars for Something in the Wine.
Annie has grown up being the butt of her brother’s practical jokes and the most recent is when he sets her up on a date with his lesbian friend the only problem is that Annie is Straight and he knows it. When Drew see’s Annie for the first time she is instantly attracted to her and when her friend (Annie’s Brother) suggests a date she is over the moon… When they two women decide to trick him by pretending that they have fallen in love they never expect to develop deep feeling for each other. Is this Practical Joke worth a broken heart?
I felt immersed in the story from the beginning and finished the novel in one sitting. Just like in Heart Trouble I felt like I knew the characters, their emotions where realistic and well thought out. The romance between Drew and Annie is slow burning and then it just combusts near the end and I was totally taken aback by the honesty between these two woman. I fell head over heals for Drew. She strong, sexy, honest and she own a winery… Hot! All big ticks in my book…
I don’t want to spoil the story for anyone but the book has the sequel novelette attached called Seduction for Beginners. I would have been really upset if I had gotten to the end of the book and there was no sequel or epilogue. Seduction for Beginners rounded everything up nicely although I would love to know more about this couple… there is so much room for more. They are the epitome of a perfect couple and they complement each other beautifully and I am interested in their life ever after… Kids? House? Winery? Otherwise what about a sequel with a story about Lynn… What I’m saying is I’m not ready for this to be over!
Jae is slowly becoming one of my favourite authors and I am about literally about to start Under a Falling Star, which I am really excited about.
4.5 Stars for Something in the Wine.
September 19, 2016
This is a sweet story, with nice leads. I enjoyed the scenes between them and the deepening of their relationship as it moved from friends to something more. Jae's books can always be counted on to flesh out the details and this book was no exception. The secondary characters weren't as interesting in this one though, which let it down a bit.
On the flip side, I detested Annie's brother, and their 'let's pretend to be together to shock him' revenge twist thing was flimsy at best. All it did was provide the reason for them to continue to be in each other's space, but I honestly felt like there must have been another way to do this. I don't mind the fake relationship trope, but I do mind when it's in an f/f book and it's done as a joke.
Fair warning, if you're reading this for hot love scenes, you are destined for disappointment. I give it extra points for focusing on the relationship rather than the sex, and also because given that Annie is struggling with her realisations about her sexuality, I can see why a slow approach would be needed.
On the flip side, I detested Annie's brother, and their 'let's pretend to be together to shock him' revenge twist thing was flimsy at best. All it did was provide the reason for them to continue to be in each other's space, but I honestly felt like there must have been another way to do this. I don't mind the fake relationship trope, but I do mind when it's in an f/f book and it's done as a joke.
Fair warning, if you're reading this for hot love scenes, you are destined for disappointment. I give it extra points for focusing on the relationship rather than the sex, and also because given that Annie is struggling with her realisations about her sexuality, I can see why a slow approach would be needed.
October 29, 2017
SOMEBODY HELP!! I'm obsessed!!!!! Like legit obsessed. I've been on a roll. I've been reading for 5 hours in a row and I have 2 chapters to go and I FREAKING Love it. This book is so relatable for me. The gay falling for the straight girl is a common storyline but the way this author has handled it is so delightful. I love the struggles Annie goes through and I Love how drew is not an arsehole about her coming to terms with her sexuality. *if only I had a girl like Drew*. Jae is a new author for me. I've been shirking away from reading backwards to Oregon because it seems too intense.
But after reading this book, I realise that I love her writing and so I'm gonna put on a brave front and read her other works.
GUYS you have toread this book. it's so heartwarming and I frigging love it😍😍
So anywho thank you for listening to this mini rant. I'm off to finish teh book.😁😁
But after reading this book, I realise that I love her writing and so I'm gonna put on a brave front and read her other works.
GUYS you have toread this book. it's so heartwarming and I frigging love it😍😍
So anywho thank you for listening to this mini rant. I'm off to finish teh book.😁😁
October 3, 2020
This is my first Jae book and whilst I don't normally listen to an audiobook if I haven't read the actual text first, I took a chance with this one as I had the opportunity to listen to a book when I could concentrate on it and I'm glad I did.
I really enjoyed both the storyline and the narration and can see why people enjoy Jae's books so much. I loved the inclusion of a geek character in Annie and found the realisation of her feelings towards Drew to be written well. I liked Drew and enjoyed the way their friendship turned into a relationship. I also really appreciated that Jae didn't rush the couple into situations that would have been very uncharacteristic for them.
I've only read one or two fake relationship storylines before - I think I've subconsciously avoided them, but this was the one I enjoyed the most out of all of them I've read so far. Would definitely recommend.
I really enjoyed both the storyline and the narration and can see why people enjoy Jae's books so much. I loved the inclusion of a geek character in Annie and found the realisation of her feelings towards Drew to be written well. I liked Drew and enjoyed the way their friendship turned into a relationship. I also really appreciated that Jae didn't rush the couple into situations that would have been very uncharacteristic for them.
I've only read one or two fake relationship storylines before - I think I've subconsciously avoided them, but this was the one I enjoyed the most out of all of them I've read so far. Would definitely recommend.
January 29, 2015
I couldn't finish this book. The story is very long and predictable. And from the beginning, the writing bothered me. It didn't feel smooth enough, there were times dialogues didn't sound natural at all. Also, errors in the use of tenses irked me. I just couldn't get past them. Turns out, the author's native language is German... and even though her English is really far from terrible, it shows.
Moreover, I found the character of Annie to be extremely naive and it annoyed me. Overall the story lacks subtlety. I understand the doubts one can have when realizing they're attracted to a person of the same gender, even the denial that accompanies them, but to read typical overused characters' thoughts like "what the hell am I thinking, checking out a girl?", "is she flirting? nah, it must just be her sense of humor", "Are you crazy? Where is this need to touch her coming from?" just makes the writing feel really amateur. I don't need to know about the characters' every thought. I like a story in which the writer is able to translate the characters' emotions through subtle narration.
As a result of all that, I just couldn't get into the story.
Moreover, I found the character of Annie to be extremely naive and it annoyed me. Overall the story lacks subtlety. I understand the doubts one can have when realizing they're attracted to a person of the same gender, even the denial that accompanies them, but to read typical overused characters' thoughts like "what the hell am I thinking, checking out a girl?", "is she flirting? nah, it must just be her sense of humor", "Are you crazy? Where is this need to touch her coming from?" just makes the writing feel really amateur. I don't need to know about the characters' every thought. I like a story in which the writer is able to translate the characters' emotions through subtle narration.
As a result of all that, I just couldn't get into the story.
January 4, 2016
I wanted to like this book more than I did, because I've really enjoyed the other books I've read from this author. The premise is fun, but I suspect I would have enjoyed it more if the story were shorter or if Annie were able to accept her attraction a lot earlier in the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2019
Oh! Jae, how do you keep on producing these gems? So different in context, but right. Not above saying to myself "Just get on with it" but your afterword is so true. Thank you yet again.
November 8, 2012
I should go on record and say that Jae is one of my favourite author's and all of her books have been highly entertaining reads. With
being possibly my favourite lesbian romance.
I love the way that she allows the story and characters to develop over time, that her characters have flaws and that the person they are at the start of the story should always be contrasted with that at the end, so the journey that they have traveled has extra resonance and worth.
While I have been singing Jae's praises, I felt that this was a slightly weaker novel from her, with little of the drama that usually infuses her other works. What is does do is address the some of the issues of discovering yourself slightly later in life and the confusion that would surround such a change in the course of one's life.
This is still a really good read and I will await every new Jae book with just as much anticipation.
Mags
being possibly my favourite lesbian romance.I love the way that she allows the story and characters to develop over time, that her characters have flaws and that the person they are at the start of the story should always be contrasted with that at the end, so the journey that they have traveled has extra resonance and worth.
While I have been singing Jae's praises, I felt that this was a slightly weaker novel from her, with little of the drama that usually infuses her other works. What is does do is address the some of the issues of discovering yourself slightly later in life and the confusion that would surround such a change in the course of one's life.
This is still a really good read and I will await every new Jae book with just as much anticipation.
Mags
December 14, 2016
This is a great romance novel. It's been siting on my bookshelf for years and I don't know why I hadn't read it yet, but it found its way to me in the best moment. I love romance novels, it's actually my guilty pleasure nobody knows about and this story is exactly what I'm looking for in a book. The writing and the theme are light enough for me not to have to be too focused while reading, however the story is engaging and the characters are amazing, tho not stereotypes which I usually expect reading lesfic.
I have to say I hate toaster ovens since I am a very out and proud lesbian and I don't like "turning" people, however Annie, although not very lovable from the beginning and a little bit standoffish, found her way to my heart. She and her emotions felt so real I couldn't help but see myself in her. On the other hand Drew IS the out and proud lesbian and I love it. She is very confident, except with her feelings for Annie, and handles the issue of people being bigots very nicely.
As I said I enjoyed the book, I actually read it in less than a day.
I have to say I hate toaster ovens since I am a very out and proud lesbian and I don't like "turning" people, however Annie, although not very lovable from the beginning and a little bit standoffish, found her way to my heart. She and her emotions felt so real I couldn't help but see myself in her. On the other hand Drew IS the out and proud lesbian and I love it. She is very confident, except with her feelings for Annie, and handles the issue of people being bigots very nicely.
As I said I enjoyed the book, I actually read it in less than a day.
May 28, 2017
I don't know why I love the fake dating trope so much. But I do. This was a nice read.
November 30, 2015
Detailed score 3.25
Despite my adoration of other books by Jae, I have put off reading this one for some time as I knew a central theme was one that I usually avoid like the plague in my lesroms -- one of the main characters coming to terms with her sexuality.
But, ultimately, I knew I would always wonder so I gave it a crack.
Something I am starting to learn about Jae is that she notably goes into great detail about her characters thoughts - their psyche - (sometimes to the detriment of exploring their feelings IMHO). So, in closeted Annie, we get a really rich, accurate portrayal of a shy, reserved character discovering themselves through exploring their sexuality. As such, if you are considering reading this book as you're still in the closet or newly out of it then immediately add an extra star to my review. Jae does an admirable job of exploring the excited terror that is the whole 'coming to terms with your sexuality' process. Bar the lack of an instructive sex scene, an alternate title of this book could be 'Coming out 101 - the non-threatening fictional version complete with understanding love interest'.
But.
Over 10 years after first coming out proud, this book, for me, was one. long. drawn out angst session - and not the enjoyable kind. And Annie is consistently angsty right to the end of the bloody book. And we weren't given much to her character apart from these angsty inner thoughts so - given they gave me the irrits, so did the character. One the flip side, Drew, our other lead, is almost impossibly patient and understanding.
It is a Jae book, however, so our story is well paced, well researched, well edited - but I have definitely enjoyed her newer work more.
Overall, a great read if you're new to rainbow land - otherwise fine enough for a rainy day.
Despite my adoration of other books by Jae, I have put off reading this one for some time as I knew a central theme was one that I usually avoid like the plague in my lesroms -- one of the main characters coming to terms with her sexuality.
But, ultimately, I knew I would always wonder so I gave it a crack.
Something I am starting to learn about Jae is that she notably goes into great detail about her characters thoughts - their psyche - (sometimes to the detriment of exploring their feelings IMHO). So, in closeted Annie, we get a really rich, accurate portrayal of a shy, reserved character discovering themselves through exploring their sexuality. As such, if you are considering reading this book as you're still in the closet or newly out of it then immediately add an extra star to my review. Jae does an admirable job of exploring the excited terror that is the whole 'coming to terms with your sexuality' process. Bar the lack of an instructive sex scene, an alternate title of this book could be 'Coming out 101 - the non-threatening fictional version complete with understanding love interest'.
But.
Over 10 years after first coming out proud, this book, for me, was one. long. drawn out angst session - and not the enjoyable kind. And Annie is consistently angsty right to the end of the bloody book. And we weren't given much to her character apart from these angsty inner thoughts so - given they gave me the irrits, so did the character. One the flip side, Drew, our other lead, is almost impossibly patient and understanding.
It is a Jae book, however, so our story is well paced, well researched, well edited - but I have definitely enjoyed her newer work more.
Overall, a great read if you're new to rainbow land - otherwise fine enough for a rainy day.
November 5, 2012
I'm conflicted in my star rating for this one. I finished the book a minute or two ago so I'm caught up in the emotion of it but I'm still going between 3 and 4 stars.
I had a very hard time getting into the story, even though I liked the characters quite a bit. The writing, itself, was what made it difficult. I need to work through my impressions more but, I think, if it had been written by anyone other than Jae, I probably would have put it down after the first couple of chapters.
Am I glad I stuck with it? You bet. Around mid-way through, I cared about the characters and enjoyed the journey they were taking. I thought Annie's responses to her feelings and the way she processed her emotions felt honest and real. The same with Drew. There was humor and angst and I could feel the tension between the characters.
If you're a Jae fan, you'll want to read it. If you're not a Jae fan yet, start with Backwards to Oregon and work your way through her books.
I had a very hard time getting into the story, even though I liked the characters quite a bit. The writing, itself, was what made it difficult. I need to work through my impressions more but, I think, if it had been written by anyone other than Jae, I probably would have put it down after the first couple of chapters.
Am I glad I stuck with it? You bet. Around mid-way through, I cared about the characters and enjoyed the journey they were taking. I thought Annie's responses to her feelings and the way she processed her emotions felt honest and real. The same with Drew. There was humor and angst and I could feel the tension between the characters.
If you're a Jae fan, you'll want to read it. If you're not a Jae fan yet, start with Backwards to Oregon and work your way through her books.
February 6, 2017
I tried, I really tried to love, or at least like this. I didn't.
So many people told me this is a great F/F romance, but I just can't. I even finished the book.
I hate almost all the characters, even the one time appearing friends. The author wrote the characters like they were this unimportant, unrelated part of the main characters life. How unrealistic was that?
And the main characters ugh. I don't care for them, I don't care for their romance, I don't care for their thoughts.
And the gender roles. Please tell me I'm not the only one who hate the very apparent gender roles.
So many people told me this is a great F/F romance, but I just can't. I even finished the book.
I hate almost all the characters, even the one time appearing friends. The author wrote the characters like they were this unimportant, unrelated part of the main characters life. How unrealistic was that?
And the main characters ugh. I don't care for them, I don't care for their romance, I don't care for their thoughts.
And the gender roles. Please tell me I'm not the only one who hate the very apparent gender roles.
July 15, 2018
Another awesome novel by this author. The premise to me is really unrealistic but the weaving of the story, the germinating romance and acceptance was arresting and deliriously sweet.
April 20, 2018
4.5 stars. I didn't really like how the story started based on a prank so whenever they talked about how to get back at Jake, I just skipped pages. I wish they had met each other in better circumstances. I like how Jae could vividly describe Annie's introvert characteristic and how Annie fits well with extroverted Drew. I feel good whenever the introverted character found love so this book made me feel good!
November 8, 2022
This was a good book essentially apart from a major issue with one of the characters. I got really homophobic vibes from Jake and Annie as well at first, but hers was later resolved. Jake's anger with Drew dating Annie seemed so unreasonable and him lashing out at her so many times just ruined my mood tbh. On the other hand, I really liked how organically Annie and Drew's relationship progressed. It was beautiful to witness their growing connection and fondness for each other. There was not a single moment that felt forced and the romance made me feel all giddy inside.
August 16, 2020
Annie and Drew plot to take revenge at Annie's brother who set them up on a date as a prank. They are going to pretend Annie became a lesbian like Drew and that they are together and then they fall in love and Annie struggle to be honest with herself about her sexual, or better said romantic orientation because there was NO SEX in this book. like at all. in a lesbian roman😬.
cute in a stupid way or stupid in a cute way, the audio book was a nice read while riding my bike to work and back. you know, that kind of a book that won't distract you in traffic. Could have been much better if there was sex in this book though😊 but maybe that would have distracted me in traffic 😅
cute in a stupid way or stupid in a cute way, the audio book was a nice read while riding my bike to work and back. you know, that kind of a book that won't distract you in traffic. Could have been much better if there was sex in this book though😊 but maybe that would have distracted me in traffic 😅
April 12, 2021
6/10
I, honestly, thought I'd like this so much more than it turned out I did.
I mostly struggled with the whole idea for the story. A big red flag - yes - but I got over it. Or at least tried to, apparently. I just can't imagine anyone being okay with Annie's brother, Jake, a brat, acting the way he does.* AND then coming up with a terrible "prank" that's obviosly too flawed and lacks common sense. Why go through, and desperately stick to, even more struggle, more, obviously, bad experince just to "get back" to an immature spoiled imbecile who should've been way before out of your life for making you go through so much things. Maybe it's just me, the one who's always for taking the high road and getting toxic people** out of your life, that finds problem with all of this?
I got over it (more like pretended that part is non-existent) and then I enjoyed the story. I liked Drew and Annie, I liked Drew's best friends too. They were cute and I found I liked seeing their relationship develop. Still, sadly, everything felt very flat, they couldn't make me believe in their attraction to one another and the ending was one on the-most-anticlimactic-ends side. I'll be reading the second part of the series and I hope that one will make me like this story more, too!
Another one by Jae. How is it possible someone has so many books? Amazing. Even if it-is-okay-ish:love book rate so far is not that promising (4:2) I fully intend to read all her books. Even if it means I'll have to read two not-too-enjoyable books to find one I'll love. Because when you find a good Jae book you really like, it is truly amazing.
6/10 audio
Laura Bannister, overall, did a good job narrating this book. This is the first time I've listened to one of her audiobooks and her diction is very smooth and natural. What I did not like is that, even if she tried to kind of change the voices of characters, more than just a couple of times, I found myself confused as to who exactly was speaking at the moment. Every character had that similar mellow tone her narration held. This is, honestly, the biggest and only flaw I came across (thus the rating).
* I (nor anybody I know) wouldn't tolarate someone constantly doing anything remotely similar to me and then acting as if it's not a big deal if your feelings are hurt when you made it crystal clear. There are ways to solve such disrespectful behaviour and this "solution" the MCs thought is so good is just not it.
** Even if it's your so-called family.
I, honestly, thought I'd like this so much more than it turned out I did.
I mostly struggled with the whole idea for the story. A big red flag - yes - but I got over it. Or at least tried to, apparently. I just can't imagine anyone being okay with Annie's brother, Jake, a brat, acting the way he does.* AND then coming up with a terrible "prank" that's obviosly too flawed and lacks common sense. Why go through, and desperately stick to, even more struggle, more, obviously, bad experince just to "get back" to an immature spoiled imbecile who should've been way before out of your life for making you go through so much things. Maybe it's just me, the one who's always for taking the high road and getting toxic people** out of your life, that finds problem with all of this?
I got over it (more like pretended that part is non-existent) and then I enjoyed the story. I liked Drew and Annie, I liked Drew's best friends too. They were cute and I found I liked seeing their relationship develop. Still, sadly, everything felt very flat, they couldn't make me believe in their attraction to one another and the ending was one on the-most-anticlimactic-ends side. I'll be reading the second part of the series and I hope that one will make me like this story more, too!
Another one by Jae. How is it possible someone has so many books? Amazing. Even if it-is-okay-ish:love book rate so far is not that promising (4:2) I fully intend to read all her books. Even if it means I'll have to read two not-too-enjoyable books to find one I'll love. Because when you find a good Jae book you really like, it is truly amazing.
6/10 audio
Laura Bannister, overall, did a good job narrating this book. This is the first time I've listened to one of her audiobooks and her diction is very smooth and natural. What I did not like is that, even if she tried to kind of change the voices of characters, more than just a couple of times, I found myself confused as to who exactly was speaking at the moment. Every character had that similar mellow tone her narration held. This is, honestly, the biggest and only flaw I came across (thus the rating).
* I (nor anybody I know) wouldn't tolarate someone constantly doing anything remotely similar to me and then acting as if it's not a big deal if your feelings are hurt when you made it crystal clear. There are ways to solve such disrespectful behaviour and this "solution" the MCs thought is so good is just not it.
** Even if it's your so-called family.
March 7, 2018
I've always enjoyed Jae's writing, and this one is no exception. While it is a sweet "get to know you" type story, I feel that it stopped too soon, and somewhat suddenly.
January 5, 2020
Very enjoyable, I really liked how Annie developed and grew and was pleasantly surprised by how they realized their feelings and that it took a different take on the fake dating trope.
January 3, 2021
I began reading / listening to this book as the first one for 2021 as part of the author’s reading challenge of the year. And I am very glad that this is my first 2021 book, as I loved it. The book has been published since 2012, but I found the lesbian fiction genre only in 2019. Besides I keep finding Jae’s books, so my reading of her books comes in no particular order. Hence the review now 😊
Jae has been one of my top 3 authors of wlw books since 2019, but she is quickly climbing to the top with her books, which are so different ranging from historical romances to medical field romances and even a police series. Jae writes slow-burn romances, as she puts it herself and even though I never thought of myself as a fan of anything slow 😁 (I am a racer in my free time), I find myself every time completely engulfed in her books. A big part of the reason for that is the extraordinary research that she does for her books which really transpires in all of her books. So I always end one of her books smarter and knowing more things than before reading the said book. “Something in the wine” is no different. Research wise I have learned a lot about wine itself, the way a vineyard works both practically and as a business and not least what a heck a CPA is (Certified Public Accountant). I am not a wine drinker myself, but Jae sure made me want to try a private wine tasting with her description of the way one works and how one is supposed to taste the wine. I do think I will stick to spitting the wine afterwards though (slight spoiler here).
Besides the extensive research, another big plus of Jae’s books are the characters themselves. I always find myself thinking and caring about her characters like I would do for real people. There’s nothing unidimensional or unrealistic about them, Jae writes about real people. People with qualities and defects, with weaknesses and strengths, with masks on which the reader gets to see and understand the reason for when one keeps reading. “Something in the wine” is no different: I loved Drew. Asking way too many questions, some of them of a personal nature which I would also answer maybe monosyllabically only as a form of politeness as an introvert myself. But Drew’s questions come from a good place, a caring place. She wants to get to know Annie, to understand her, to be her friend and care for her when thinking Annie is straight and nothing more can happen between them. Drew has also her own background story, her own trauma, her own survival techniques. But she is an amazing character, open and honest and vulnerable. Annie requires work. She is closed off, shy and doesn’t like to let people close and to open up. Again, completely understandable. But once she lets Drew in, she opens up, she gets to know herself and she understands herself and therefore grows. I even understood Jake due to Jae’s writing. Even though I wanted to punch him in the mouth the first two chapters. But as one who’s friends also show they care by playing pranks on each other and also by getting to know Jake and Annie’s parents and how they grew up, I got Jake. I would even dare to say, I actually ended up liking him. He is a good person, a loyal and caring friend. The other secondary characters were also colorful and fun even if some were “cliche lesbians” and some were down right annoying, they completed the fabric of this book fabulously.
Only disadvantaged this book: aside a short sequel, I wish there were many more books in the “Moonstone series”.
I also have to say, I listened to this book as an audiobook. The narrator - Laura Bannister - is ok. She has a melodic voice which suits the narration and the rhythm of this book. She “doesn’t do voices” for the different characters, she just deepens slightly her tone, but I have definitely heard worse. Imo all audiobooks should be exclusively read by either Angela Dawe or Abby Craden, but like I said, Bannister did an ok job. I would definitely listen to the book narrated by her again 🙂
In conclusion, get this book if you want a feel good book with substance. I loved it 🥰
Jae has been one of my top 3 authors of wlw books since 2019, but she is quickly climbing to the top with her books, which are so different ranging from historical romances to medical field romances and even a police series. Jae writes slow-burn romances, as she puts it herself and even though I never thought of myself as a fan of anything slow 😁 (I am a racer in my free time), I find myself every time completely engulfed in her books. A big part of the reason for that is the extraordinary research that she does for her books which really transpires in all of her books. So I always end one of her books smarter and knowing more things than before reading the said book. “Something in the wine” is no different. Research wise I have learned a lot about wine itself, the way a vineyard works both practically and as a business and not least what a heck a CPA is (Certified Public Accountant). I am not a wine drinker myself, but Jae sure made me want to try a private wine tasting with her description of the way one works and how one is supposed to taste the wine. I do think I will stick to spitting the wine afterwards though (slight spoiler here).
Besides the extensive research, another big plus of Jae’s books are the characters themselves. I always find myself thinking and caring about her characters like I would do for real people. There’s nothing unidimensional or unrealistic about them, Jae writes about real people. People with qualities and defects, with weaknesses and strengths, with masks on which the reader gets to see and understand the reason for when one keeps reading. “Something in the wine” is no different: I loved Drew. Asking way too many questions, some of them of a personal nature which I would also answer maybe monosyllabically only as a form of politeness as an introvert myself. But Drew’s questions come from a good place, a caring place. She wants to get to know Annie, to understand her, to be her friend and care for her when thinking Annie is straight and nothing more can happen between them. Drew has also her own background story, her own trauma, her own survival techniques. But she is an amazing character, open and honest and vulnerable. Annie requires work. She is closed off, shy and doesn’t like to let people close and to open up. Again, completely understandable. But once she lets Drew in, she opens up, she gets to know herself and she understands herself and therefore grows. I even understood Jake due to Jae’s writing. Even though I wanted to punch him in the mouth the first two chapters. But as one who’s friends also show they care by playing pranks on each other and also by getting to know Jake and Annie’s parents and how they grew up, I got Jake. I would even dare to say, I actually ended up liking him. He is a good person, a loyal and caring friend. The other secondary characters were also colorful and fun even if some were “cliche lesbians” and some were down right annoying, they completed the fabric of this book fabulously.
Only disadvantaged this book: aside a short sequel, I wish there were many more books in the “Moonstone series”.
I also have to say, I listened to this book as an audiobook. The narrator - Laura Bannister - is ok. She has a melodic voice which suits the narration and the rhythm of this book. She “doesn’t do voices” for the different characters, she just deepens slightly her tone, but I have definitely heard worse. Imo all audiobooks should be exclusively read by either Angela Dawe or Abby Craden, but like I said, Bannister did an ok job. I would definitely listen to the book narrated by her again 🙂
In conclusion, get this book if you want a feel good book with substance. I loved it 🥰
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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