As a first-generation immigrant, I'm deeply disappointed in Sophie Lark's newest release. It's disheartening to know that this version of the book likely went through at. least 1-2 editors and alpha/beta readers before getting into the hands of ARC readers like myself, and despite all of this, 2 specific aspects of the book were still included/not properly vetted. Considering the state of the world and this country's political climate, references to Elon Musk (in a positive light) and "questionable work visas" is just not okay... I sincerely hope Bloom and/or Sophie Lark 1. makes a statement regarding this and 2. does the work to rectify this with serious edits before release.

I am DNFing this over a racist character and another character who idolizes someone who I don’t align with. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc ebook in exchange for an honest review.

I was very disappointed by this book. The inclusion of an off-hand racist remark was uncalled for, unnecessary, and insensitive. I do not understand how this remark made it past the editing stage, but I sincerely hope this issue is rectified and that Bloom Books pays closer attention to the insensitive rhetoric included in their books going forward.

Unfortunately I won’t be reading this book due to Sophie’s problematic and racist writing in this book. A character says “but shouldn’t there be a crew of people with questionable work visas picking these grapes for us?” And I knew that I was done. This is unbelievably harmful. Unbelievably disgusting. Bloom, I’m disappointed that this made it past so many in your publishing group.

Sparrow and Vine Honest ARC Review:

I was hooked from the beginning! Seriously. There was no slow start to this one as the first scene included a naked man running through a vineyard.
This is my first novel from this author although many of her books are on my TBR list. I cannot wait to devour her other books now!!

No one knows why Sabine and Caleb didn’t get married, when they had a trust fund, home and vineyard awaiting them. Will Sadie and Monroe be able to solve the issues that have escalated with their families? Only time will tell. Sibling rivalry, familial ties and a little war between the two families leads to an interesting storyline.

This is such a great novel with complex characters who develop further throughout the story, plot twists and turns. Definitely 💯 add to your TBR list!

Thank you for sharing this ARC with me. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

Will not continue to read books from an author thinking casual racism is okay. Immigrants deserve respect.

The premise was fun but it started off weird and got worse from there. This isn’t a spoiler because it’s in Chapter 2 but right after naked grandpa is recovered (and out of nowhere) the MMC’s c*ck is mentioned and he is thinking about the FMC naked. The idea that this is an enemies-to-lovers marriage of convenience pretty much goes out of the window when the MMC is clearly attracted to the FMC. It was giving me the ick from that point on but I was determined to see it through until the “questionable work visas” comment. Barf.

I’m not a fan of blatant racism and casual ableism in my books so this clearly isn’t for me. This was my first Sophie Lark and there won’t be a second!

This book contains harmful stereotyping about immigrants, so be aware before reading. I was not able to get past it and unfortunately could not complete the book. I hope this line in chapter 8 is changed prior to publication.

Sparrow and Vine is the first installment of a series where the two main characters are from rival families in an arranged marriage. The premise itself is very interesting and sounds almost like a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet with family dynamics and dramatics coming into play.

However, when it comes to the actual story I really struggled with the writing style and found it to be flat and one-dimensional. I couldn't find myself caring for any of the characters or empathizing for any of them. I also felt myself checking the category (YA vs New Adult) because some of the writing choices for similes felt a bit too juvenile for me personally.

And then I came upon some dialogue that stopped me in my tracks and I could not continue reading.
Chapter 8:
""I don't want to sound ignorant," I say to Sadie as we ascend the gentle slope up to the vines, "but shouldn't there be a crew of people with questionable work visas picking these grapes for us?"
"Sometimes there is." Sadie bites the edge of her lip. "We're a little short on cash this year.""

This scene needs to be taken out or changed. This is an incredibly insensitive and demeaning line between two characters where the second character indirectly agrees with the first character's racist dog whistle of a remark. It would be different if the second character checked the first character for making such a statement, but that doesn't happen. It does not give me a great impression of the author and I feel like this is a direct jab towards Mexican immigrants. And, being someone of Mexican American descent, it does not make me want to support an author who may see me or my family and friends as lesser than. I must emphasize its need for removal because this will alienate a substantial portion of readers.

All in all, I had to drop this book which is a shame, because I was very excited for it. However, I cannot in good conscience recommend it to my audience.

Thank you to Bloom Books for allowing me the opportunity to review.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this book. However, I will no longer be reading it or providing feedback due to the recent highlights that have emerged from the contents of this book. I do not wish to support this author any further.

Racist remarks. I will not continue with this book or this author. These remarks are not only harmful but a disgrace to include in a book given the current political climate

With recent information come to light, I do not feel comfortable reading this or supporting the author.

With the quotes from this book that are insensitive and misguided at best and racist at best, I can give this book a proper review and will be stepping back from this author as a whole.

I've only read the Sinners Duet from Sophie Lark before, and enjoyed that very much, so I was looking forward to getting to know some new characters of hers.

This had all the makings of a good book for me. Marriage of convenience, Forbidden Love, Underestimated MCs, Family Drama...

Unfortunately, the writing just did not follow through. It was very heavy at the start on " I did this and this. Then I did this", just listing actions and feelings non stop.

I also felt like there were two different stories merged into one. Monroe's reasoning and goals changed repeatedly. Sadie was meant to be both naive/ditzy and sunshine, smart and very talented. She was supposes to be distrustful of him but also trusted him implicitly. None of it felt consistent. It was like character development happening before our eyes, there were no reasons I could see for the changes.

We're also repeatedly told Monroe's mother will be sending spies and will be checking in on them and try to sabotage them at from every angle. Implying they should up their fake marriage antics. But none of that happened, and the marriage turned real very fast. Like one page fast from "I don't think we're pretending to I love and will always love you", it just didn't suit the story and felt a bit too rushed.

I noticed other reviewers have also mentioned the casual racism in the book. I had hopes there would've been a reason for it. Like maybe a character is supposed to be racist and then is told off or the story admonishes it. But no. No one blinks at the comment and just says they're too broke to afford help.

There's also very odd (to me at least) mentions of specific business books and mentalities. I've read quite a few stories about characters starting or running their own businesses and have never seen anyone repeatedly mention different business/economy/capitalistic titles by name, or say the admire Elon Musk.

Also the dad is supposedly an addict, but it seems more like he's bipolar and trying to medicate with alcohol. But that could just be because I suck at reading between the lines,, and I personally think it would've been a better story. Oh and I think June is being written as (stereotypically) autistic. But really each of the side characters just seem so one dimensional, and they're barely important expect to create interest in their own book. I feel like they should have been important to this story too, not just uses to grow something else from the get go.

On that note, while I appreciate the goal of the first book is to build the world and create interest, I do feel like not enough answers were given/found regarding the family's feud. A good series should encourage you to read because the writing is enjoyable and you love the characters, not because the truth or answers are being held over your head.

For all my dislikes I must say it's refreshing and validating to see someone to believe in the partner instead of giving into their anxiety and manipulation by others, and just trusting they love you have for each other.

I cannot and will not support a book that has such a harmful and racist line in it. Not only is that not funny, but it’s also extremely easy to not be a hateful person and just not put shit like that into a romance novel. And shame on the editors that read this book prior to it going out to arc readers and didn’t immediately demand that harmful content be removed.

While I was very excited to be approved to read the latest book from Sophie Lark as I have loved previous books she has written, I cannot in good faith read and support this book in light of being made aware of the the racist dialogue from the MMC.

*only giving 3 stars, because I don't want to hurt my own ratio for a book I no longer feel comfortable reading.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-arc!

This was my first Sophie Lark book and I am still giddy from the ending and hopeful future of Sparrow and Vine. This was a cute romance where family drama and financial ruin and salvation are at play. Monroe turned out to be so sweet and Sadie found her voice and artistic outlet which was all adorable. I am looking forward to the next book titled Love and Madness.

“The Wedding That Never Was.”
This book is definitely on the lighter side compared to the author’s other books. Rival families that each have their own idea with what they want to do with Sparrow & Vine winery. The back and forth between the FMC and MMC had me laughing until tears came. So much taunting and teasing. The both have great personalities and chemistry. This is a true love story with many battles. The way the author painted the picture of a Rhode Island winery has me trying to find a way to visit one. Sounds so magical and ethereal. I really enjoyed this read.

I normally enjoy a Sophie Lark novel and this one did kinda fell flat. I really enjoyed the Romeo and Juliet vibes and I love a good marriage of convenience but there were some parts that were very questionable. Monroe asked if worker with questionable work visas should be picking the grapes in the beginning and I found that inappropriate and racist. June also referenced Elon Musk and how she was “inspired by him” and it did not sit well with me; I prefer books with completely made up characters over characters pulled from real life with questionable beliefs. Needless to say I won’t be reading more of the series.

I was initially so excited and eager to read this book, and when I saw I was approved I ran to read it. Honestly, what the fuck?? Wow. It’s an absolute no from me. I’m incredibly disappointed in Sophie Lark. I’ve loved a few of her books and I’ve enjoyed her writing but the BLATANT racism in this book is astounding. NO.