DNF will not read due to content that the author chose to include in the writing that does against my morals and beliefs

I don't like books that just start out of nowhere. At the beginning, readers are just thrust into a scene of FMC meeting MMC in front of her house, chasing her naked grandpa, and it was at that point that I had to make a search on Goodreads to realise FMC is talking to the MMC in our story.
The reason why I DNF-ed this book was because it was very bland, and I didn't like MMC because I felt like he was very shallow. At one point, he commented on not having more illegal immigrants picking grapes in the vineyard for meagre pay, and I felt like he was so entitled at that moment. He lost ALL his points with me. Why shame a person for making money and doing their job? Any job is needed in society, and I felt only anger towards him. I didn't want to see him as an MMC falling in love with FMC, I didn't want to read this weird story anymore, I just felt disinterested in this book.
So I DNF-ed.

Sparrow and Vine was unexpected in the best way. I picked it up thinking I’d get a quick, steamy romance with some good tension, and while it definitely delivered on that front, it also had way more depth than I was ready for.

Sophie Lark knows how to build chemistry that practically sparks off the page. The connection between the main characters feels raw and complicated in a way that makes you root for them even when they mess things up. It’s not all surface-level attraction either. There’s real emotional weight under the heat, and I found myself way more invested than I expected to be.

One of the things I really appreciated was how vivid and atmospheric the setting felt. The wine element wasn’t just a backdrop. It added a layer of texture to the story that made it feel grounded and unique. You can tell the author put care into the details without ever letting it slow the pace.

This isn’t just about romance. It’s about power, vulnerability, and learning how to let someone in when every instinct tells you not to. It’s sharp, sensual, and surprisingly moving. If you like your love stories with grit, steam, and soul, Sparrow and Vine is a solid pick.

It is my understanding the release for this was delayed. I do not feel comfortable reviewing this at this time. I am selecting a star rating because I am being forced too.

Thank you NetGalley, Bloom Books and Sophie Lark for an ARC copy of this book. I’ll keep this review short-ish since I know this is a highly controversial book and it was recently cancelled due to a single line; a single line in a 400 page book that was otherwise fantastic. I get it, while the line stopped me mid-read and I internally thought “Oh damn!” It didn’t stop me from having a great time and enjoying the story. It spoke VOLUMES about the character that voiced it, but didn’t come across as harshly to me as many people took it - then again, I read very much at the surface and don’t see the deeper meaning in a lot of things; it all goes over my head.

I hated some characters (all you Beaumonts can go to hell, except for Heath and Grandad Beaumont, but you can replace those two with Papa Sparrow - I really hate that guy) and I loved others (the Sparrow sisters were the best). The main couple (Sadie and Monroe) were super cute and I loved how they fell in love after a very clever marriage of convenience.

I was really looking forward to purchasing a copy of this book and continuing the series; fingers crossed some edits can be made and with enough time and political change/rest it can still come to fruition. All in all, the book was great and I wish the series can eventually be completed (I NEED the story/romance with the other two couples)!

This was so good. I loved the plot and characters. It was paced perfectly. I didn't wanna put it down and was on the edge of my seat

Das war mein erstes Buch der Autorin und ich wurde leider sehr negativ überrascht. Ich fand ebenfalls heraus, dass das Buch gar nicht wie vorgesehen vom Verlag publiziert wird. Diese Entscheidung kann ich nur befürworten, denn einige Zitate im Buch waren zutiefst diskriminierend/rassistisch. Abgesehen von diesem Punkt konnte ich leider überhaupt nicht mit dem Schreibstil klarkommen. Alles in allem war dieses Buch leider ein Reinfall für mich.

Ich bedanke mich trotzdem vielmals beim Verlag für das kostenlose Leseexemplar!

Sadie has a lot of problems. Her family winery is a mess and she has no way to save it. Her family is a mess with her father’s drinking and her grandfather’s memory issues. Monroe has been gone for years but he knows he wants part of the vineyard. His family is a mess with his mother being as cuddly as a porcupine and his brother’s not believing in his plan. Monroe knows he can save the vineyard by marrying Sadie. This might start as a marriage of convenience but maybe it might turn out to be love.

Sadie and Monroe get married to meet the requirements of a trust their grandfathers wrote. I thought that was a good reason to get married since the trust is what has been ruining the vineyard for years. Sadie dropped out of college to care for her family and the vineyard. I think the author did a good job showing how overwhelmed Sadie was in her daily life and also showing her love for her family and their vineyard. The thing Sadie lacks is the ability to say no and draw boundaries. Monroe is determined to get his inheritance. He doesn’t plan to have more than a friendly relationship with Saide. He has a difficult dynamic with his family. They consider his decision to marry Sadie impetuous and ill conceived. I will admit that I agreed with them but by the end I thought the author did a good job showing how Monroe’s decision was helping his family. By the end, I felt like Sadie and Monroe were a good match. I believed they were going to stay together for the long haul. There are a lot of side characters that play important roles in the story. I am assuming each of them will get a story to bring them closure and happiness. Monroe’s mother needs happiness!

This is a family drama romance. The families disagree with Sadie and Monroe sneaking off to get married but it meets the requirement of the trust for people in the family to marry. I’m interested to find out where the author goes with this story. There are lots of potential stories left to tell. I will definitely read more from this author in the future.

𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ★ ★ ★ ★
𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪:

Now while this wasn’t my favorite that Lark has written , I thought this was a good read. This book gives you rival families, mystery, marriage of convenience and a lot of twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. This book immediately gave me the feel of Romeo and Juliet and I loved that. I enjoyed the dialogue between all of our characters, the dynamics within the families and the main characters Monroe and Sadie and how they grew throughout the book. This book would be a great weekend read, it’s one of those reads that you could read in a quiet cozy weekend and not want to place down.

Large thank you to our Author, NetGalley as well SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books | Bloom Books

This was such a sweet story. Definitely much more wholesome than much of Sophie Larks work, "Sparrow and Vine" is about a feud between two families over a beloved (but struggling) vineyard.

This book includes:
- forced proximity
- marriage of convenience
- workplace romance (arguably but I stand by this)
- siblings with complicated dynamics
- family drama that lasts generations
- viniculture
- artists and scoundrels

Sadie is in a panic. Her family's farm is falling apart. Her beloved grandfather's health is declining rapidly. Her father is a mess. her sister's are at their wits end, and Sadie feels utterly useless. So when Monroe - the son of her family's most vicious enemy - comes to her with an insane solution to all of their problems, she decides to jump in with both feet.

I had a fabulous time reading this book and am looking forward to the rest of the series very much. I would say that this is my favorite of her most recent books. Sadie is cute and so sunny and lovely. Monroe has all the best qualities that I love in a book boyfriend. And June, Hazel, Heath, and Gray are all great supporting characters that I can't wait to see come to life in their own series.

I received this ebook as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Sophie Lark, and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books for the opportunity to review this book. This review has been posted across my socials under the username @tinynightingales, check out my GoodReads profile https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/62314863
my bookstagram account https://www.instagram.com/tinynightingales/
and booktok https://www.tiktok.com/@tinynightingales?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Okay, this one had me hooked. Arranged marriage, tension, chemistry that practically jumps off the page — yes please. Sadie and Monroe’s relationship was intense in all the right ways. I loved how bold she was and how much he tried (and failed) to stay in control. There were moments I wanted to yell at them both, but that’s part of the fun! If you’re into powerful dynamics and a little bit of drama mixed with serious steam, this one delivers.

I have chosen not to read or review after it was pulled by publisher for problematic lines. This is unacceptable to me.

Goodness me, this was such a good book. Highly entertaining. Would definitely recommend to others, that's for sure!

I have decided not to read or review this book, given the controversy surrounding this book and the fact that it was made unavailable by the publisher. Thank you for the consideration of an ARC.

Couldn’t get past the real-world controversy surrounding this book. Even ignoring that, it felt forced and flat. Not something I’d ever recommend.

While I’ve read this book and found it to be a quick, cute read, with a Romeo and Juliet–style romance and a marriage of convenience twist, I’ve chosen not to share a full review due to some concerns related to the author. I did enjoy the character development, but I’m opting to keep the rest of my thoughts to myself out of personal preference.

Unfortunately, I did not realize it when I requested the eArc but the author is a problematic.
I feel uncomfortable supporting her work now that I am aware of her opinions so I cannot share a true review of this book.
Thank you for understanding.

A Romeo and Juliet type romance with a marriage of convenience sprinkled in. It’s a quick read that I thought was cute, and I liked the development of the two main characters.
I did cringe a bit at the Elon Musk line and I understand that the book was pulled from publication and the author came under fire for some parts of the book. I’m hoping with some revision and edits that it’ll be a more enjoyable read for all!

I'm sorry to say because of the questionable incidents involving the author, I am not going to review this book. I did read it, but prefer to withhold my review.

I honestly couldn't get over the casual racism and praise of a man that is literally helping destroy our country. If there was at least push back to these comments I would have continued reading but all the characters in the book just brushed it off and it was spoken about again. Shame on you Sophie Lark and shame on you bloom books for allowing it.