This was my first read by Sophie Lark, and I am not sure if this is how all of her books are written, but I just did not like the writing style at all. Usually, I try everything not to DNF a book because it makes me feel like I failed, but one of my resolutions this year was to not spend time struggling with a book that I am not enjoying, so very quickly I realized this was going to be one that I was not going to enjoy. It's interesting how you can read a blurb and get excited about a book, but then start reading it and very quickly realize how wrong you were about that. I stopped reading fairly quickly so I didn't even make it to any of the parts that numerous other readers detailed in their reviews, and I am glad I did not.

I think I'll look up Ms. Lark's other books and read some samples of them to see if this was just a one off or if the writing style is the same throughout. I don't want to just give up on a new author because I didn't like the very first story I tried.

the book was made unavailable by the publisher, hence i have decided not to provide a review on it. thank you for the consideration for an arc.

Overall a cute quick read. Great marriage of convenience trope with some spicy scenes sprinkled in that were milder than I was expecting. I enjoyed Monroe and Sadie’s relationship throughout the book. I don’t necessarily see myself continuing the series. Not my favorite Sophie Lark book as I definitely liked her dark romances better.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing this ARC.

Seeing as I have loved other books by Sophie Lark I was really exciting to read this one, however quickly after recieving my ARC copy I started hear all the rumblings on social media about some issues people had. Specifically the comments about immigrants and Elon Musk. Because of this I took a really long to to actually pick up this book because I was nervous to dislike it.

Now that I have read it I do agree that those lines and dialogue were not great and easily could have been swapped for something less problematic, I do feel as though the outrage was blown out of proportion and for the Author to be recieving this much hate and threats is kinda overkill. While this one isn't a dark romance as many of her others have been, I do believe many of us who picked up this book come from reading her other books. And if you are a fan of dark romance how many problematic comments have the "morally grey" mmcs made, or how many people have they killed?? Like in these books these men aren't pretending to be good people, and alot of times they meet the girl and start to change and soften, so why can we not allow the same faults here??

Overall I found this book entertaining and I did like it, but not more than I have enjoyed her other books.

It honestly pains me to part with this book. Unlike those people who read it, and found bias in it, I infinitely enjoyed Sophie's writing, as with all of her books.

I loved Sadie's tenacity to take care of her family's legacy, and although Monroe is a jerk in the beginning, he redeems himself in the end and I ended up loving him.

Many thanks to Net Galley and Sophie for the opportunity to read this book.

Sparrow and Vine is the first book in the Sparrow and Vine series. It is about Monroe and Sadie and is told from their points of view. I had a hard time with it. I don't rate books lower than 3 stars, so this gets my lowest rating.

Sadie and Monroe's families are enemies. There was a marriage contract between their grandfathers for their parents, but something happened, and now they are against each other. Sadie and Monroe decide to get married to keep Sadie's winery.

The families don't take this well. As Sadie and Monroe's relationship grows, they have quite a few things stacked against them.

In all honesty, I didn't care for either one of these characters. Which is hard for me because I love Sophie Lark's books. I thought Monroe was irritating. Also, the way some things were described gave me the ick. Like when they are sleeping and are bonded in each other's dreams. Or when they are intimate.

There is also the controversy around when Monroe asks if others should be working illegally on their winery, and the Elon reference.

I honestly want to continue on in this series, because I'm curious about the siblings' books, but if things are described the same way, I think I'll have to pass on the rest of the series as well.

I was not intending to read this book after finding out about recent comments and the book has been made unavailable.

I know there’s been controversy around this book, and the release was pulled, but I hope it can be resolved. I thought this was a fun start to a new series. I adore a good Romeo and Juliet type of love story with feuding families and forbidden romance. I couldn’t get enough of the crumbling vineyard, complex family secrets, and the special bond Monroe has with his brothers and Sadie has with her sisters. I’m really interested to see what happens next and who ends up together, and I hope this series does get published. It was fun, full of drama, had plenty of romance, and set things up nicely for more books in the series.
🍇
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
🍇
Read if you like:
▫️families are feuding neighbors
▫️enemies to lovers
▫️marriage of convenience
▫️he’s a former hockey player
▫️dual POV
🍇
Thank you to Bloom Books, Sophie Lark, and NetGalley for the ARC. I received an advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

just commenting here, couldn't read this book because it was taken down before I could send to my kindle. author used racist writing so maybe it was for the best.

Cute read!!

The Sparrow's and the Beaumont's families used to be very close. Their grandfather's were business partners and best friends owning a vineyard that created award winning wine, stores begged to carry their brand. When Caleb Sparrow and Sabine Beaumont fell in love, Lionel, her father catered to her every demand, built her a custom designed home for them to live in, threw a lavish wedding, and invited the town. He also wrote a trust to keep the business only in the family. But on the day of the wedding, Sabine ran off with Caleb's best friend, destroying the groom. Lionel ended his partnership and friendship with the Sparrows because of his daughter. But he the Sparrow family live on the property. Sabine went on and married 4 more times, having 3 boys with different men. Her father basically raised them when the real dads were too busy with their other kids. So her sons have the Beaumont last name.

Caleb married and had 3 girls with violet eyes just like his wife. But she got sick and died of cancer when Sadie was a little girl. Hazel raised everyone, including her father and grandfather when she was just 13 years old. Her father turned into a drunk and an addict. Leaving harvesting to his young kids.

Monroe Beaumont has always wanted to live and work with the grapes. His best memories are from when he did harvest with his grandfather when he was a kid. He's looked over the trust and found a way to get access to ownership to the estate. He just has to convince Sadie that it's the right thing to do for her family.

When everyone finds out that they got married and that they now own the vineyard, heads roll. But the biggest surprise comes from his mother. She'll use his brother to betray Monroe and lie.

But what surprises Sadie and Monroe the most is that they enjoy each others company. He encourages her to try to draw a new label. She is his constant champion. Slowly, they start to fall in love without even realizing it. What started off as a marriage of convenience ends up by finding your soul mate.

*I received a complimentary copy of this ARC via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I tried to give this an honest shot despite the fact that it was pulled from publication. But - irrespective of the problematic language, the writing just was not good. Everything was very tell-not-show and did not read like one of her usual stories. The writing itself felt kind of lazy and forced and I could not get invested. There's also a lot of characters to keep track of and I was getting lost.

I do not have any feedback for this book, due to the publisher taking it down before I could download it. Also, due to the allegations against the author, I will not be purchasing the book either.

Due to the book being pulled and archived, it did not feel right to review. Would like to give it a try when republished!

*** I feel disheartened that this book was removed due to sensitive content. I truly enjoyed it and was not offended by any aspect. It's a work of fiction, and if the content doesn't suit your taste, simply choose not to read it! We need to move away from being offended by everything.

First, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to NetGalley, SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books for providing me with the advanced reader copy of "Sparrow and Vine" by Sophie Lark @sophie_lark_author. This delightful romance is brimming with clever banter, found family and home.

Thoughts ~
This is my first encounter with Sophie Lark's work, and I am truly captivated by the depth of her writing. From the very beginning, I felt completely immersed in the story alongside the characters. The love and trust between Monroe and Sadie were profound, and thankfully, their relationship developed honestly, despite the surrounding drama. This was a refreshing tale of love, trust, and family dynamics, where they never allowed challenges to tear them down or separate them. It was an incredible read, and I am definitely adding Sophie Lark to my to-be-read list.

Happy Reading

I typically love Sophie Lark's romance books.
I was into the book - I mean, fake marriage, right? But, I was very disappointed by some rather insensitive comments that just seemed inconsiderate - it very much soured my take on the book.

It was cute, but flawed. I finished it, but it left a bad taste in my mouth.

✨ BOOK REVIEW: SPARROW AND WINE by Sophie Lark ✨
⭐️ 8/10
💍 arranged marriage
🍷 vineyard drama
❤️ slow-burn feels
📚 one hell of a grape story (sorry, had to)

What do you get when you mix enemies-to-lovers, wine-fueled family drama, and a fake marriage that feels a little too real? You get Sparrow and Wine — and trust me, this book is as juicy as the vineyard it’s set on. 🍇

Sadie Sparrow is a chaotic sunbeam with a heart way too big for her own good. Monroe Beaumont? Moody, broody, and somehow still a total sweetheart under all that… grumpy bark. They marry to save their families’ vineyard, but surprise surprise — fake vows don’t stay fake for long when sparks start flying and secrets start pouring. 👀💥

Let’s be real — arranged marriage tropes can sometimes feel forced, but Sophie Lark turns it into a slow, sweet burn that actually made my cold heart melt a little. Watching Sadie and Monroe stumble, fight, flirt, and fall? Chef’s kiss. There's a certain tenderness that blooms between them, wrapped in banter, wine, and late-night vineyard confessions.

Still, the charm of this story is the relationship at its core. Sadie and Monroe’s journey from reluctant partners to something real is emotional without being heavy, swoony without being saccharine, and just messy enough to feel real.

I will not be reading this book as it was pulled from the publisher and not releasing to the public. I do hope that Sophie could rewrite the book without the negative impact it had on readers.

Could not review properly due to early archive and lack of positive response due to content issues. Unfortunate outcome as the author is generally highly regarded in her genre.

Sophie Lark's "Sparrow and Vine" is a masterful start to a thrilling new series that has left me eagerly anticipating the next installment. The dual narrators bring a vibrant energy to the story, each providing a distinct perspective that enriches the familial themes and the intricate plot. From start to finish, the pace is rapid and engaging, keeping me on the edge of my seat.

What truly sets this book apart is its humor. Lark's witty dialogue and clever scenarios had me laughing out loud, perfectly balancing the tension with moments of levity. The family dynamics are portrayed with such warmth and authenticity, you can't help but feel a part of their world.

Overall, "Sparrow and Vine" is a captivating, witty, and heartwarming read that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone looking for a fresh and exciting series. Five stars without a doubt!

This one took me a while to get through. I have always enjoyed Sophie's writing but I don't know if this book just wasn't for me or wasn't well written but I did lose interest a lot. At times I felt it was rushed and other times I felt like it was overly detailed/discussed dragging out.