Sweet, Sweet Wine

by Jaime Clevenger, Abby Craden (Narrator)

Flood waters aren’t the only dangerous current in the Rockies—Riley Robinson’s attraction to the just-passing-through Ana Potrero is immediate and mutual. Some wine, some laughs, some passion—and no strings. Perfect, right?

When Ana proves to be far more complicated, amusing and appealing than one night could ever fully explore, Riley can’t believe she let Ana slip through her fingers. A second chance brings all the intense pleasures of their first encounter, but the realities of dating, distance, ex-lovers and family could turn sweet, sweet wine into bitter dregs.

Can love ripen in a world so sour on love? Find out in this sexy, modern romance from Jaime Clevenger (The Unknown Mile, Whiskey and Oak Leaves).

Genres: Audiobook, Romance, LGBT, Lesbian

Audiobook

First published September 16, 2014

About the author

Jaime Clevenger lives with family in Colorado. Most days are spent working as a veterinarian. Writing is a side gig but also a true love. Hobbies include swimming, karate, dreaming about beach vacations, and convincing random strangers to share their life story. Bonus points are given if they include a good romance—whether or not there’s a happy ending.

Reviews

[Kindle Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riley had a recent break up with her cheating ex girlfriend, Lisa, and went for a short trip in the mountains where she meets the beautiful and straight/bi/confused, Ana. What they believed was only an one night stand, transformed in something bigger. But their past may or may not muddle them.
The story is told by Riley´s point of view and bring us back and forth while the Author shows us how she (and her baggage) ended up there.

I still can't believe that Jaime Clevenger is one of the most underrated writers in the f/f genre.
This book (and a lot anothers) has just a few reviews and ratings, but her books is well written, has excelent and different plots (not just that common story that we can see in everywhere), and lovable main and second characters.

This book for an exemple: it had a LOT of plot twist. Something unusual in this genre. It shows us a lot about emotionally and abusive relationship, some strong and tense scenes (especially with Lisa) and hot sex scenes, when it was the case. I couldn´t let go and had to finish in two nights.

My only criticism is about the confusing time line and non crhonologic between the parts. But while you read you can understand "where you are" and continue this great story, with a lot of love, angst and jealousy.

If you´re in doubt, go for it. This is a sweet, loving and delicate book. You´re not gonna regret it.

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riley (recently single from an on/off relationship with the narcissistic Lisa) and Ana (bi/confused not out yet and in a not very happy relationship with Tom, her boss) are two women who meet in a cabin in the mountains and enjoy what was meant to be a one night stand but develops into something much more. Neither women are without baggage and hang-ups and it’s not a smooth journey by any means.
The story is told from Riley’s POV and the timeline is not linear which meant that as I listened to this on audible I was a little confused for a while when the story went back in time before I realised what had happened.

Anyway, another great tale by Jaime Clevenger and I am glad I have discovered her.

[~lil maso~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riley and Ana meet while sharing a cabin in the mountains. Riley is visiting with a friend after her most recent (and permanent) break from her on and off again girlfriend, Lisa, the cheating, manipulative, narcissist that has left her with insecurities and trust issues. Ana is on a business trip and keeps a lot about herself quiet.

Despite all the reasons they know they shouldn't, the attraction and flirtatious banter win out and what is meant to be just a one-night stand suddenly feels like something much deeper, until real life catches up to them.

The reality of trying to maintain a healthy long-distance relationship while harboring so many doubts and fears is challenging, especially when both exes are far too prominent in each other's lives. I mean it's a recipe for nothing but heartbreak, right?
But they are just so good for each other, and who said love was meant to be easy?

This story has a lot of past/present jumping from Riley's POV, which I usually am not a huge fan of since it disconnects you from the main characters, but this actually worked pretty well. It shows a lot of insight into Riley and everything she went through leading up to Ana.

*Sigh* I freakin' adore Jaime's worlds, absolutely adore!
I couldn't put this one down and had to finish it in one sitting.
Just take a chance, it will be completely worth it.

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[Tayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5. I usually love Jaime Clevenger but this one didn’t really do it for me. I think we spent a bit too much time with the ex, Riley just didn’t seem all that into it to me, and overall I found it a bit boring. I did find their conflicts realistic, and I like Ana as a character quite a bit. I listened to the audiobook and Abby Craden did a lovely job as usual. All in all worth a read, just not one of my favorites.

[Jenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one just didn't work for me. I didn't feel the connection between the main characters; it felt contrived. I finished it hoping it would improve but didn't - at least not for me.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok read. Honestly not my fave from this amazing author. Abby Craden did a fab job but I kept moving up the listening speed to get thru the story. I really liked the scenery and Riley. I wasn’t as big of a fan of the part separations and time jumps. I assume it was to give more depth and perspective to Riley but to me it wasn’t needed and almost made me stop reading because I really didn’t care about Lisa. I thought Riley, even with her insecurities and trust issues was portrayed beautifully without needing such in depth backstory involving an ex and a lying and cheating one at that. There was enough story between Riley and Ana that could have been further explored such as Ana’s coming out with her family. I feel like it was more skimmed over along with some other things. I think shorter flashbacks would have been more beneficial for me to read. I love this author and will continue to read many more of their stories!

3⭐️ story
5⭐️ performance
4⭐️ overall

[Xiaoqing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I love love love this book! This is an unique romance with complicated past and current relationships, with the different time lines and absolutely beautiful writing. It started with a vacation encounter and weekend fling but the attraction between two strong and beautiful woman is so strong that it involved into a real loving relationship. I love both MCs and I feel like I know them so well like my real time friends. Love is never easy, but this book shows us with deep introspection and positive attitude and honest self evaluation, love can survive all the doubts and heal the heartaches. You can be good friends with your ex and still stay in a loving, perfect sweet relationship.

[Amy Kyson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed as I've loved all other books I've read by this author, but this one just wasn't for me. I liked the idea of it, but it just didn't work for me this time. It goes back and forth in time and different relationships which I usually enjoy, but I didn't feel this was always clear or timed right. Still an okay story, going through how different relationships affect you down the line etc

[Jave Laine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know why this book doesn't get more attention and better reviews- it's cute. It has an interesting plot that isn't cliche, and bonus, it's well written. Unlike most of Jamie Clevenger's books that I've read, it's not spicy, but I think that's part of it's charm. Thoroughly enjoyed this story.

[The Red Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is not a bad book, but I don't really like how the author built it. Going on and back in time with the plot...
The main characters, though, are great! Strong women that move forward and try to accomplish their goals in life which are not only being happy with the loved other.

[Chelles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was different. Single POV, but with a back and forth timeline. It kept the story interesting and was great for story development. The MCs go through some obstacles, so it helps explain how Riley is and why she has her reservations. Well written and worth a read.

[Donna Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Relationships! Jaime Clevenger has such writing skills to keep the plot full of tension and intrigue. Exs keep popping up and theres still families to explore. Narrator Abby Crayden masters the voices of all the characters so well

[Chase · Rating 3 out of 5]

Goodness, these characters are complicated! But weirdly enough, I really like that. It makes them, and what they are going through, more realistic. I like how this is different from the usual ‘fall in love, happily ever after’ books in this category.

[Jacob · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story had potential, but it suffers from sudden long flashbacks & incredibly dry writing.

I don't regret reading it, but I couldn't honestly recommend it to others either.

[Reads & Roots · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not a big fan of the back and forth timelines.

[Rey Hawke · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Kellie K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute

[Lizz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not her best work but it was fine

[Me · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a surprise disappointment. There was barely a storyline. Main characters had zero connection or spark.

[Andietrue · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute Sunday afternoon read. Low angst low spice. The MCs were ok but didn’t blow me away.

[Jonna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a messy tale of two people finding each other while dealing with complicated lives. It was really honest in that both MCs had been dealing with relationships that they were settling for and were hard to move on from, both for themselves and for their ex’s. There was an interesting theme of ex’s not moving on - both MCs had rooms full of their ex’s stuff (for a year?!) and somehow didn’t take back their house keys once they broke up. More than most sapphic romance, this book showcased a more realistic view of how hard and messy adult life is, as you make choices about significant others, what you are willing to put up with, and how you move on.

[Coldwonderland · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are different time narratives in this story, the first time I read it I skipped the recollection part. The second time I read the whole thing, I know this story will seem a little strange to you at first, but I can assure you, read on and you'll realize it's a sweet story.
I loved it!

[Mirtha Siblesz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I really liked this story! The author really developed the characters in such a thoughtful manner. I was really cheering for Reilly and Ana! Well done!