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Vino & Veritas #6
Booklover
Two guys meet over a stack of romance novels. Soon they're turning pages late into the night...
Jamie Morin’s college GPA drops every time a cow breaks through a fence, but he’s determined to get his degree and keep his parents’ Vermont dairy farm afloat. He’d rather be reading than milking, but he can’t let his family down…not the way his brother did. So the last thing he needs is distraction in the form of an irresistible bookseller with a mysterious backstory.
Briar Nord has a lifetime of experience proving that happily-ever-afters only happen in his favorite books. But his luck might be changing. He’s got a great job at a bookstore, and he lives in a city that puts maple syrup on everything. But Briar knows not to trust anything or anyone. And that includes a gorgeous farm boy with soulful eyes and too many obligations.
When Jamie joins Briar’s romance novel book club, they both feel an instant connection. Soon they’re turning pages long into the night. But Briar’s past was bound to catch up with him. Sometimes, though, it takes two heroes to write a new ending . . .
Jamie Morin’s college GPA drops every time a cow breaks through a fence, but he’s determined to get his degree and keep his parents’ Vermont dairy farm afloat. He’d rather be reading than milking, but he can’t let his family down…not the way his brother did. So the last thing he needs is distraction in the form of an irresistible bookseller with a mysterious backstory.
Briar Nord has a lifetime of experience proving that happily-ever-afters only happen in his favorite books. But his luck might be changing. He’s got a great job at a bookstore, and he lives in a city that puts maple syrup on everything. But Briar knows not to trust anything or anyone. And that includes a gorgeous farm boy with soulful eyes and too many obligations.
When Jamie joins Briar’s romance novel book club, they both feel an instant connection. Soon they’re turning pages long into the night. But Briar’s past was bound to catch up with him. Sometimes, though, it takes two heroes to write a new ending . . .
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2021
About the author
J.E. Birk
10 books186 followersJ.E. Birk was raised in Vermont and is now adulting in Colorado with intermittent success. She is a long-time lover of stories, and she writes and reads in worlds where imperfect characters find their happily ever after.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 316 reviews
July 3, 2021
Audio - 5+++ Stars!! I'm impressed with the narrator selections for this series so far. Cooper North and Tim Paige did an amazing job.
Story - 4 Stars
Well this story turned out to me more angsty and exhausting than what I've read so far in the series. It was also a bit frustrating at times because I don't have patience for characters with martyrdom syndrome. I loved the MCs. They had great chemistry.
JE Birk is another author who deserves extra points for featuring an MC who was a bit pudgy. I love it when it's not all about the buff and fit.
Story - 4 Stars
Well this story turned out to me more angsty and exhausting than what I've read so far in the series. It was also a bit frustrating at times because I don't have patience for characters with martyrdom syndrome. I loved the MCs. They had great chemistry.
JE Birk is another author who deserves extra points for featuring an MC who was a bit pudgy. I love it when it's not all about the buff and fit.
August 28, 2022
When I started reading this one, I wasn't sure it was going to be one I would find myself enjoying as much as I did.
I don't often read books with protagonists as young as these two because often I end up losing patience with the lack of maturity which comes with life experiences.
However, Briar has a past which has given him a more cynical and weary approach to life and it makes him feel older. Jamie, although he's 20, has had responsibility thrust on his shoulders because of his family farm.
Their happy ending felt earned and more than just a stepping stone for other relationships somewhere down the line.
The use of funny chapter headings and the creation of an author and her series of MM romances which our two heroes identified with, is a clever idea that works well for the narrative.
There's humour here to break up the sometimes more serious elements of the book and I genuinely felt for Briar when it seemed his past was going to once again impinge in his new life.
A new author to me and one I'd happily read more from.
#ARC kindly received from the publisher Heart Eyes Press in return for an honest and unbiased review.
I don't often read books with protagonists as young as these two because often I end up losing patience with the lack of maturity which comes with life experiences.
However, Briar has a past which has given him a more cynical and weary approach to life and it makes him feel older. Jamie, although he's 20, has had responsibility thrust on his shoulders because of his family farm.
Their happy ending felt earned and more than just a stepping stone for other relationships somewhere down the line.
The use of funny chapter headings and the creation of an author and her series of MM romances which our two heroes identified with, is a clever idea that works well for the narrative.
There's humour here to break up the sometimes more serious elements of the book and I genuinely felt for Briar when it seemed his past was going to once again impinge in his new life.
A new author to me and one I'd happily read more from.
#ARC kindly received from the publisher Heart Eyes Press in return for an honest and unbiased review.
April 7, 2021
I don't think I'll be reading the other two books that came out at the same time than Booklover, but this story was worth it for sure, the best one yet. 🥰❤
Everyone who loves to read will feel connected to this, is inevitable and since the story is enjoyable as hell, it's a well thought story. I'm so in love with all this farmers and in here we have one with cows, who wants to be a librarian and a guy who's running from his past and is working in V & V.
I really liked this relationship, the pace of it and the personality of the characters. They were both really kind and very clear with each other, the sex happened quickly (wich I think it's a theme of the series, the horizontal tango always happens quickly), but the feelings took time and we were showed a lot of conversations and lovely times that filled my heart with warmth. And if I'm gonna say something about the saaax, is that involved some role play of scenes taken from their favorite books. 😧😏🔥❤
The little town atmosphere was beautifully described in this, wich I loved and was missing in some of the other installments. I also liked the mystery part of it, how it's shown that Briar is a victim even though he doesn't have scars nor an obvious abuse (or what other people think is obvious) to show it. So yeah, I really liked this. 🥰❤
Everyone who loves to read will feel connected to this, is inevitable and since the story is enjoyable as hell, it's a well thought story. I'm so in love with all this farmers and in here we have one with cows, who wants to be a librarian and a guy who's running from his past and is working in V & V.
I really liked this relationship, the pace of it and the personality of the characters. They were both really kind and very clear with each other, the sex happened quickly (wich I think it's a theme of the series, the horizontal tango always happens quickly), but the feelings took time and we were showed a lot of conversations and lovely times that filled my heart with warmth. And if I'm gonna say something about the saaax, is that involved some role play of scenes taken from their favorite books. 😧😏🔥❤
The little town atmosphere was beautifully described in this, wich I loved and was missing in some of the other installments. I also liked the mystery part of it, how it's shown that Briar is a victim even though he doesn't have scars nor an obvious abuse (or what other people think is obvious) to show it. So yeah, I really liked this. 🥰❤
July 5, 2021
5 stars audio
3 stars story
3 stars story
June 20, 2021
I liked this well enough.
Both Briar and Jamie where quite interesting characters, they were both likable enough, had interesting lives and quite a few big flaws. Both men were carrying more weight on their shoulders than they could handle. Sometimes these flaws made me scream at them to just get their shit together, but it made for an interesting read for sure. My favorite part was being surrounded by books in the book. I loved the setting of the bookstore and the library. I loved reading about two main characters that was as invested in romance books as I am.
However, I was left wanting more. I've never read anything by this author before so I don't know anything about their style of writing but it didn't really work for me. Something about the way this story was told felt off. Maybe it was a bit unbalanced and all Jamie and Briar's problems was solved a little too quickly, a little too easy. So many questions was left unanswered or not explained enough. I needed Jamies dad to have to work much more for forgiveness. And more of Aarons story. What happened to Luke? So many questions, so few answers. For a book that's this dedicated to the romance genre I at least expected a spectacular HEA. What we got was lukewarm.
Both Briar and Jamie where quite interesting characters, they were both likable enough, had interesting lives and quite a few big flaws. Both men were carrying more weight on their shoulders than they could handle. Sometimes these flaws made me scream at them to just get their shit together, but it made for an interesting read for sure. My favorite part was being surrounded by books in the book. I loved the setting of the bookstore and the library. I loved reading about two main characters that was as invested in romance books as I am.
However, I was left wanting more. I've never read anything by this author before so I don't know anything about their style of writing but it didn't really work for me. Something about the way this story was told felt off. Maybe it was a bit unbalanced and all Jamie and Briar's problems was solved a little too quickly, a little too easy. So many questions was left unanswered or not explained enough. I needed Jamies dad to have to work much more for forgiveness. And more of Aarons story. What happened to Luke? So many questions, so few answers. For a book that's this dedicated to the romance genre I at least expected a spectacular HEA. What we got was lukewarm.
May 8, 2021
I’m going to use bullet points to describe this book because at this point, there are enough wordy reviews that I don’t need to add to. Plus, I like this method best :)
1. Adorbs
2. Charming
3. Heartfelt
4. Insta visceral attraction with great build-up
And then it fell apart …. Briar has a complicated history that should have blended with the journey between him and Jamie waaaaay before it did as to not come across as rushed and frankly, a bit forced. His history came to blows in a cliché kind of way and not enough time was utilized to really develop and incorporate it into the storyline, in my opinion. For me, it put a cloud over the almost two thirds of the book I had already invested it and it disappointed me.
Excellent beginning with some good development and them fizzle … mayor bummer for me but the story has tons of potential that maybe some day in the future the author might think about re-branding and exploring more thoroughly the plot points. But I’m not an author so what do I know, right? DO what all this info what you will :)
Sidenote: If half stars were a rating thing, this story would have rated 2.5 from me but it's not a 2 star so 3 it is :)
1. Adorbs
2. Charming
3. Heartfelt
4. Insta visceral attraction with great build-up
And then it fell apart …. Briar has a complicated history that should have blended with the journey between him and Jamie waaaaay before it did as to not come across as rushed and frankly, a bit forced. His history came to blows in a cliché kind of way and not enough time was utilized to really develop and incorporate it into the storyline, in my opinion. For me, it put a cloud over the almost two thirds of the book I had already invested it and it disappointed me.
Excellent beginning with some good development and them fizzle … mayor bummer for me but the story has tons of potential that maybe some day in the future the author might think about re-branding and exploring more thoroughly the plot points. But I’m not an author so what do I know, right? DO what all this info what you will :)
Sidenote: If half stars were a rating thing, this story would have rated 2.5 from me but it's not a 2 star so 3 it is :)
March 31, 2021
Booklover is the perfect story for book lovers.
I share the same love for Romance books as the main characters, and even if I didn’t have a troubled past or a messy life like them, I also escape into stories with a sure happy ending to forget real life for a few hours.
Briar came to Burlington for a new start, his old life put him in danger and he made some bad decisions with his old friends. Now he is the new clerck at Vino and Veritas bookstore and he can forget about his past. Jamie is a student, a part time librarian and a dairy farmer whenever his family needs some help. He also loves to read Romance books so he decides to sign up for V and V Book Club and here he meets Briar who looks a lot alike a famous book’s character. They are instantly attracted to each other but are they willing to complicate their lives beginning a love relationship?
I’ve enjoyed this story. The author put together some pretty heavy topics and some funny moments, enriching it with some vivid depictions of Vermount landscape and its delicious food.
I liked the main characters, I grew attached to them as they were introduced.
Briar has been through a lot during his life and he has seen this new begin as his chance to be serene and to find some peace even if he thinks he doesn’t deserve it. Jamie has had a happy life but nowadays he feels under pressure with his many different commitments. I adored their differences and their common love for books, I think they are the right person for each other, and in the end I was ready to fight them if they didn’t get their happy ending.
I absolutely recommend to read this story.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
April 4, 2021
This book was not for me.
I hate forced farm work just because a characters family owns a farm. A lot of the plot revolves around how one character’s brother left the farm for school and how awful that was for everyone else, and all I could think was: good for him!
I also hate unnecessary drama, late plot health scares, and martyrdom. We get it all in this, all with an impressive lack of romance. There was a ton of internal dialogue in this and not a ton of relationship building. There was zero chemistry.
There were a few cute scenes though, so it wasn’t all bad. It also started off fairly strong. By 50% in though, I was pretty done with it.
The writing was clean and well done (grammar, etc.).
I hate forced farm work just because a characters family owns a farm. A lot of the plot revolves around how one character’s brother left the farm for school and how awful that was for everyone else, and all I could think was: good for him!
I also hate unnecessary drama, late plot health scares, and martyrdom. We get it all in this, all with an impressive lack of romance. There was a ton of internal dialogue in this and not a ton of relationship building. There was zero chemistry.
There were a few cute scenes though, so it wasn’t all bad. It also started off fairly strong. By 50% in though, I was pretty done with it.
The writing was clean and well done (grammar, etc.).
August 30, 2021
For some reason this book didn't really tick any of my boxes, I didn't dislike it at all. It was such a sweet story about two men who needed something, but they weren't entirely sure what that something was until it fell into their lap.
Jamie Morin is juggling far more than any twenty-year-old should have to. Going to college, working in the school library and helping on his families Dairy Farm is taking every drop out of Jamie. The one thing he has decided to do for himself is join a book club at Vino & Veritas. What he doesn't expect is to see the hottest man probably ever and while that would be wonderful for most college students it isn't for Jamie. He can barely make time for a book club much less a date or more from someone. The instant connection he feels for Briar is going to end up biting him in the ass, but he isn't sure he cares.
Briar Nord has never had someone as a constant in his life. Everyone leaves and that is a lesson he had to learn the hard way and now he knows to keep people at a distance. The moment he locks eyes with Jamie he knows that this man could be his ruin but there is nothing wrong with being friends. He can do friends, until one night of total exhaustion leads Jamie to Briar's bed. Now, he is just going to read and be there for this man who intrigues him in more ways than one. Being half naked in bed with any man is sure to lead to other activities but with Jamie, he knows it could lead to much more.
As Jamie and Briar make a deal to keep their friendship just that with the added benefits but no relationship thing starts to become complicated quickly. How often do friends with benefits work? Finding someone who understands what you need is an impossible feat at times but finding it in a partner is even harder and Jamie & Briar have to decide what exactly their future could hold if they were just to try?
Honestly, I can't even complain about a specific thing or things because it was a good book, but I just couldn't connect with either character. It might be a mood thing for me, but it could have just been that this book wasn't for me. Either way, if you have been reading the Vino & Veritas series than I suggest you read this one because it was a delightful story about finding love when that is the last thing on your mind.
Jamie Morin is juggling far more than any twenty-year-old should have to. Going to college, working in the school library and helping on his families Dairy Farm is taking every drop out of Jamie. The one thing he has decided to do for himself is join a book club at Vino & Veritas. What he doesn't expect is to see the hottest man probably ever and while that would be wonderful for most college students it isn't for Jamie. He can barely make time for a book club much less a date or more from someone. The instant connection he feels for Briar is going to end up biting him in the ass, but he isn't sure he cares.
Briar Nord has never had someone as a constant in his life. Everyone leaves and that is a lesson he had to learn the hard way and now he knows to keep people at a distance. The moment he locks eyes with Jamie he knows that this man could be his ruin but there is nothing wrong with being friends. He can do friends, until one night of total exhaustion leads Jamie to Briar's bed. Now, he is just going to read and be there for this man who intrigues him in more ways than one. Being half naked in bed with any man is sure to lead to other activities but with Jamie, he knows it could lead to much more.
As Jamie and Briar make a deal to keep their friendship just that with the added benefits but no relationship thing starts to become complicated quickly. How often do friends with benefits work? Finding someone who understands what you need is an impossible feat at times but finding it in a partner is even harder and Jamie & Briar have to decide what exactly their future could hold if they were just to try?
Honestly, I can't even complain about a specific thing or things because it was a good book, but I just couldn't connect with either character. It might be a mood thing for me, but it could have just been that this book wasn't for me. Either way, if you have been reading the Vino & Veritas series than I suggest you read this one because it was a delightful story about finding love when that is the last thing on your mind.
March 29, 2021
Jamie + Briar.
Jamie's dream is to become a librarian. He just loves books.
But a lot of reading and studying-for-college-time gets stolen by his family's farm. There's always something that his dad needs help with.
Enter Briar. He's new in Vermont. He's working his dream job at the book-side of Vino & Veritas.
It's insta attraction between those two.
But two problems:
Jamie doesn't have time in his busy life for a relationship and Briar doesn't think he deserves it. He's afraid his past might catch up with him.
But between discussing books and fighting over baked goods ... falling for each other is probably not something they have any control over ...
LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN! ☺
══════════════════
Such a sweet story.
Both Jamie and Briar are very young. But both know what they want. Jamie wants to be a librarian with a life outside of the farm and Briar is just happy to be in a place that he can call home with a job and friends and maybe a boyfriend one day.
It's so adorable to watch those two fall for each other while trying not to.
I really enjoyed reading this. The story is cute, funny, heartbreaking, sexy, sweet, and hella frustrating because it takes them forever to get to that happy end. There are way too many problems in the way - mostly cows. LOL! But also some very dangerous things from Briar's past!
Great Love Story!
I loved the two boys and the V & V crew and the friends and the parents. Finally someone got gifted a set of parents who are not homophobe idiots! ♥
Like I always say: I could read these kinds of books every day for the rest of eternity!
I also wouldn't mind seeing this whole world on Netflix one day!
Can't wait to get more Vermont soon!
BOOKLOVER was such an adorable + sweet + heartbreaking NA romance! I loved reading it! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Jamie & Briar - they'll be sold out in no time!
💜
💜
November 12, 2023
This was a surprisingly complex and enjoyable story. I liked all the family drama. There's tons of college guy sex, of course, but the friendships built were well done.
The audio is nicely performed by Tim Page and Cooper North.
The audio is nicely performed by Tim Page and Cooper North.
July 3, 2021
*4.5 stars*
J.E. Birk’s Booklover is a departure from the other books in the Vino & Veritas series so far. Actually, it strikes me as a departure from M/M romance books in general. The book really doesn’t rely on any of the typical M/M romance tropes as part of the premise or drivers of the story. Instead, we just get a straightforward story with emotional complexity, a little action and suspense, and a whole lot of two guys getting to know and trust each other, and falling in love.
Jamie and Briar are two college-aged men who meet at Vino & Veritas, the titular fictional, inclusive bookstore/wine bar located in Burlington, Vermont, set in Sarina Bowen’s True North world. Briar works in the V&V bookstore and has just started a romance book club/discussion group. Jamie, a voracious reader, joins the book club. He and Briar immediately hit it off. Turns out that Jamie and Briar are huge lovers of romance and happen to have the same favorite author.
Jamie and Briar are both out and there’s no gay homophobia at play. There aren’t any machinations or forced circumstances like fake boyfriends. They’re not friends to lovers, nor are they enemies to lovers. There’s no age gap, nor are they opposites or grumpy/sunshine. I could continue down the list of tropes and you’d see that this story just doesn’t fit in any of those “buckets”. There’s a little bit of friends with benefits, but it’s really more in the background rather than a plot driver. Consequently, what we get is an authentic story purely based on developing a relationship between two emotionally complex men who have secrets and burdens they are afraid to put down.
I don’t think I realized the absence of trope until I finished the book. The story just felt so different to me and I couldn’t put my finger on why. I now realize it’s because I experienced the story in an authentic way without any artifice. I found that really refreshing.
Booklover doesn’t present an overly complicated story, but it’s very well-done. Briar is a loner with a checkered past. He’s come to Burlington, Vermont and the V&V bookstore in the hopes of starting over and putting his past behind him. However, he fears that his past will follow him and destroy whatever good he starts to develop. Briar wants to be open and make some friends, put down some roots. As a book aficionado, his bookstore job is a dream, and he’s finally, finally starting to feel like maybe he could call Burlington home. But he’s afraid the truth of his past will take it all away. His past has taught him that he can’t rely on anyone because they always lead you astray, leave you or let you down.
Jamie is buckling under the pressure of his college course load at Moo U, family obligations at his family’s dairy farm, and a job at the library, which is a dream job for him since he loves books and wants to become a librarian. His older brother is in absentia and his parents are getting older. They aren’t able to keep up with the cows and the farm work like they used to. The burden all falls on Jamie to pick up the slack, and Jamie takes up the yoke of that burden. He puts the farm before absolutely everything in his life – school, work, friends, sleep – and he’s miserable and growing resentful.
When Jamie and Briar come together over their mutual love of romance novels, they find a way to escape together. But real life bleeds in, and we get to see how they work their way through it to a strong relationship together. The road is not smooth, nor realistically should it be. I appreciated that the author maintained the integrity of the difficult circumstances posed and really made Jamie and Briar navigate those obstacles rather than making it easy for them in an artificial way.
Booklover really has it all. Engrossing plot, endearing, multi-faceted characters with complex emotions, some hurt/comfort, low level angst, a little bit of suspense, some unexpected twists, and definitely sweet, sexy, swoony scenes between our two leading men. There’s also a found family aspect of this story that’s very heartwarming. It’s particularly poignant vis-a-vis Briar who literally has no one before he improbably lands at V&V and meets Jamie. The owners, staff and other book club members all take Briar under their wing, and Jamie’s circle of friends and family immediately accept Briar into their fold. There are one or two plot points that are resolved a bit too conveniently and hastily in my view, but otherwise, this book hit all the right notes.
Booklover is definitely a one-sitting read, not because it’s particularly short, but because you will become so immersed, you won’t want to put it down. I highly recommend you give it a read. You don’t have to be a booklover to love Booklover, but reading Booklover just may make a booklover out of you.
Originally posted on LoveBytesReviews
J.E. Birk’s Booklover is a departure from the other books in the Vino & Veritas series so far. Actually, it strikes me as a departure from M/M romance books in general. The book really doesn’t rely on any of the typical M/M romance tropes as part of the premise or drivers of the story. Instead, we just get a straightforward story with emotional complexity, a little action and suspense, and a whole lot of two guys getting to know and trust each other, and falling in love.
Jamie and Briar are two college-aged men who meet at Vino & Veritas, the titular fictional, inclusive bookstore/wine bar located in Burlington, Vermont, set in Sarina Bowen’s True North world. Briar works in the V&V bookstore and has just started a romance book club/discussion group. Jamie, a voracious reader, joins the book club. He and Briar immediately hit it off. Turns out that Jamie and Briar are huge lovers of romance and happen to have the same favorite author.
Jamie and Briar are both out and there’s no gay homophobia at play. There aren’t any machinations or forced circumstances like fake boyfriends. They’re not friends to lovers, nor are they enemies to lovers. There’s no age gap, nor are they opposites or grumpy/sunshine. I could continue down the list of tropes and you’d see that this story just doesn’t fit in any of those “buckets”. There’s a little bit of friends with benefits, but it’s really more in the background rather than a plot driver. Consequently, what we get is an authentic story purely based on developing a relationship between two emotionally complex men who have secrets and burdens they are afraid to put down.
I don’t think I realized the absence of trope until I finished the book. The story just felt so different to me and I couldn’t put my finger on why. I now realize it’s because I experienced the story in an authentic way without any artifice. I found that really refreshing.
Booklover doesn’t present an overly complicated story, but it’s very well-done. Briar is a loner with a checkered past. He’s come to Burlington, Vermont and the V&V bookstore in the hopes of starting over and putting his past behind him. However, he fears that his past will follow him and destroy whatever good he starts to develop. Briar wants to be open and make some friends, put down some roots. As a book aficionado, his bookstore job is a dream, and he’s finally, finally starting to feel like maybe he could call Burlington home. But he’s afraid the truth of his past will take it all away. His past has taught him that he can’t rely on anyone because they always lead you astray, leave you or let you down.
Jamie is buckling under the pressure of his college course load at Moo U, family obligations at his family’s dairy farm, and a job at the library, which is a dream job for him since he loves books and wants to become a librarian. His older brother is in absentia and his parents are getting older. They aren’t able to keep up with the cows and the farm work like they used to. The burden all falls on Jamie to pick up the slack, and Jamie takes up the yoke of that burden. He puts the farm before absolutely everything in his life – school, work, friends, sleep – and he’s miserable and growing resentful.
When Jamie and Briar come together over their mutual love of romance novels, they find a way to escape together. But real life bleeds in, and we get to see how they work their way through it to a strong relationship together. The road is not smooth, nor realistically should it be. I appreciated that the author maintained the integrity of the difficult circumstances posed and really made Jamie and Briar navigate those obstacles rather than making it easy for them in an artificial way.
Booklover really has it all. Engrossing plot, endearing, multi-faceted characters with complex emotions, some hurt/comfort, low level angst, a little bit of suspense, some unexpected twists, and definitely sweet, sexy, swoony scenes between our two leading men. There’s also a found family aspect of this story that’s very heartwarming. It’s particularly poignant vis-a-vis Briar who literally has no one before he improbably lands at V&V and meets Jamie. The owners, staff and other book club members all take Briar under their wing, and Jamie’s circle of friends and family immediately accept Briar into their fold. There are one or two plot points that are resolved a bit too conveniently and hastily in my view, but otherwise, this book hit all the right notes.
Booklover is definitely a one-sitting read, not because it’s particularly short, but because you will become so immersed, you won’t want to put it down. I highly recommend you give it a read. You don’t have to be a booklover to love Booklover, but reading Booklover just may make a booklover out of you.
Originally posted on LoveBytesReviews
October 4, 2021
Briar tiene un pasado del que no esta orgulloso, y ahora trabaja en la libreria de Vino & Veritas, nunca ha tenido amigos reales, solo aquellos que lo han querido usar y al final todos los abandonan, pero sus libros siempre han estado ahi, sus libros le permiten vivir los finales felices que cree que no existen en la vida real. Por eso, la idea de formar un Club de Lectura que se reuna dentro de la Libreria y compartir su pasion por los libros, es lo mas cerca que ha tenido nunca de una familia, hasta que conoce a un chico del Club que lo hace sentir mas que nadie antes.
Jamie es un estudiante universitario, que ademas trabaja en la granja de du familia y ademas trabaja en la Biblioteca de la universidad. Su vida siempre han sido los libros y si son de romance mucho mejor. Asi que cuando se entera que crearon un Club de Lectura en su libreria favorita, no duda ni un segundo en unirse, aunque no sabe de donde sacara el tiempo para cumplir con las lecturas, pero no puede evitar la emocion de poder hablar de sus libros favoritos con otras personas. Y cuando ve que en club lo dirige nada mas que la personificacion de uno de sus personajes preferidos, mucho mas interesado esta en el Club.
Briar y Jamie van a tener que navegar una no-relacion que ninguno tiene tiempo de perseguir, ni confianza en mantener, pero que los ata tanto que va a ser imposible de negar. La confianza de Briar va a ser quizas lo mas dificil de superar, pero la paciencia de Jamie y la presion de sus amigos lograran que al final todo tenga el final feliz que ambos necesitan.
Ok, el libro esta bien escrito, los dialogos son fluidos, los personajes secundarios interesantes, pero los protas... no se, no me terminaron de convencer, quizas fui yo, que no estaba para esos dramas tan pesado de Briar, o que el autor no supo escribirlos de una forma que realmente me identificara, pero lo cierto es que las situaciones que envolvieron a los protas me parecieron demasiado tontas como para que me convencieran.
Bueno, no es un mal libro, es una historia de confianza y perdida, que podria haber sido manejada mejor. Pero la gran ventaja es que vemos mucho a algunos de los personajes de libros anteriores, y los secundarios realmente merencen su momento cada uno en libro en solitario, que probablemente el autor lo haga independiente de esta serie, ya veremos.
Asi que si, la serie no ha perdido su atractivo, pero me di cuenta (quizas tarde) que todos, absolutamente todos los protas de esta serie hasta ahora, comienzan como amigos-con-derecho, y que ninguno, ni siquiera Rainn con su "yo-soy-hetero", se desvio de ese principio basico, y no se si se ha vuelto algo comun en los libros de romance ahora, o si es solo esta serie, pero siento que hace falta uno de esos libros donde ambos protas realmente quiren estar juntos y luchan con los dientes para estarlo, vere si mas adelante en esta serie habra uno se ese tipo, ya vere.
Jamie es un estudiante universitario, que ademas trabaja en la granja de du familia y ademas trabaja en la Biblioteca de la universidad. Su vida siempre han sido los libros y si son de romance mucho mejor. Asi que cuando se entera que crearon un Club de Lectura en su libreria favorita, no duda ni un segundo en unirse, aunque no sabe de donde sacara el tiempo para cumplir con las lecturas, pero no puede evitar la emocion de poder hablar de sus libros favoritos con otras personas. Y cuando ve que en club lo dirige nada mas que la personificacion de uno de sus personajes preferidos, mucho mas interesado esta en el Club.
Briar y Jamie van a tener que navegar una no-relacion que ninguno tiene tiempo de perseguir, ni confianza en mantener, pero que los ata tanto que va a ser imposible de negar. La confianza de Briar va a ser quizas lo mas dificil de superar, pero la paciencia de Jamie y la presion de sus amigos lograran que al final todo tenga el final feliz que ambos necesitan.
Ok, el libro esta bien escrito, los dialogos son fluidos, los personajes secundarios interesantes, pero los protas... no se, no me terminaron de convencer, quizas fui yo, que no estaba para esos dramas tan pesado de Briar, o que el autor no supo escribirlos de una forma que realmente me identificara, pero lo cierto es que las situaciones que envolvieron a los protas me parecieron demasiado tontas como para que me convencieran.
Bueno, no es un mal libro, es una historia de confianza y perdida, que podria haber sido manejada mejor. Pero la gran ventaja es que vemos mucho a algunos de los personajes de libros anteriores, y los secundarios realmente merencen su momento cada uno en libro en solitario, que probablemente el autor lo haga independiente de esta serie, ya veremos.
Asi que si, la serie no ha perdido su atractivo, pero me di cuenta (quizas tarde) que todos, absolutamente todos los protas de esta serie hasta ahora, comienzan como amigos-con-derecho, y que ninguno, ni siquiera Rainn con su "yo-soy-hetero", se desvio de ese principio basico, y no se si se ha vuelto algo comun en los libros de romance ahora, o si es solo esta serie, pero siento que hace falta uno de esos libros donde ambos protas realmente quiren estar juntos y luchan con los dientes para estarlo, vere si mas adelante en esta serie habra uno se ese tipo, ya vere.
August 23, 2021
It's complicated. They meet at the Booklovers Club, agree on a few reads, and the hint of more is stopped by a "cow" emergency on the family dairy farm.
Jamie is tall, lanky, dark curly hair and brown-eyed.
He's in college to become a Librarian, but he also has to help on the farm, because his older brother had taken off and never came back, plus has a job. He carries a ton of responsibility.
Briar is a new resident working at the Veritas
Bookstore. He has dirty blonde hair and hazel eyes, and needs a new start, but his secrets and burdens are on his shoulders.
The two become fast friends, then friends with benefits. Neither guy has time for more, but neither has had that is so satisfying and intense.
Briar needs to be shown that he's deserving of a good life. When a nemesis from his past shows up, it can only be bad news, and he fears he'll lose his job and new friends when the guy spills his secrets.
We do get to see Jamie and Briar get closer, share some stories, understand each other, plus they hang out and have fun, too.
Jamie has an offer and it will disappoint his Dad, but it's decision time. Briar's dark cloud old friend is pushing. It all crashes down at gunpoint.
We have gotten a lot of scenes to show our MCs deepening their bond, growing, making friends, having sexy times, and enjoying themselves.
Jamie's fantasy....
In all, this is heartwarming, sexy, complicated, thought provoking, and brave.
There is a farm reunion, and our men opening up to their new found possibilities.
ENJOY !
=====
Jamie is tall, lanky, dark curly hair and brown-eyed.
He's in college to become a Librarian, but he also has to help on the farm, because his older brother had taken off and never came back, plus has a job. He carries a ton of responsibility.
Briar is a new resident working at the Veritas
Bookstore. He has dirty blonde hair and hazel eyes, and needs a new start, but his secrets and burdens are on his shoulders.
The two become fast friends, then friends with benefits. Neither guy has time for more, but neither has had that is so satisfying and intense.
Briar needs to be shown that he's deserving of a good life. When a nemesis from his past shows up, it can only be bad news, and he fears he'll lose his job and new friends when the guy spills his secrets.
We do get to see Jamie and Briar get closer, share some stories, understand each other, plus they hang out and have fun, too.
Jamie has an offer and it will disappoint his Dad, but it's decision time. Briar's dark cloud old friend is pushing. It all crashes down at gunpoint.
We have gotten a lot of scenes to show our MCs deepening their bond, growing, making friends, having sexy times, and enjoying themselves.
Jamie's fantasy....
In all, this is heartwarming, sexy, complicated, thought provoking, and brave.
There is a farm reunion, and our men opening up to their new found possibilities.
ENJOY !
=====
May 6, 2021
I absolutely lost myself in this book, I was instantly grabbed and it didn't let go not even with the last page, I couldn't download the bonus content fast enough! Oh my between Briar and Jamie, I don't know who pulled at my heartstrings more. Briar had a tough life and he moved to Vermont with the hopes of putting his past in the past but unfortunately it didn't stay that way. And Jamie, this poor guy was feeling the pressure from everything crushing him down...school, working on the family dairy farm, working at the library, and trying to have a personal life....yeah he just couldn't handle the heavy load of it all.
I enjoyed watching as Briar and Jamie try to navigate a friends with benefits relationship when they both knew that what they had was more, heck as soon as they met and connected over their favorite author at a book club meeting you could tell they were goners. But, it took each of them a while to come around to what their hearts already knew even if their minds weren't on the same page at the time.
I am really enjoying the Vino & Veritas Series, I am loving that I get to explore so many new to me authors, which is what J.E. Birk was but I will definitely be reading more of her books soon! If you enjoy MM Romances, Small Town Romances, or are just looking for a book to loose yourself in I would definitely recommend this book to you.
Happy Reading!!!
read an excerpt here: http://bit.ly/NBReviewB
I enjoyed watching as Briar and Jamie try to navigate a friends with benefits relationship when they both knew that what they had was more, heck as soon as they met and connected over their favorite author at a book club meeting you could tell they were goners. But, it took each of them a while to come around to what their hearts already knew even if their minds weren't on the same page at the time.
I am really enjoying the Vino & Veritas Series, I am loving that I get to explore so many new to me authors, which is what J.E. Birk was but I will definitely be reading more of her books soon! If you enjoy MM Romances, Small Town Romances, or are just looking for a book to loose yourself in I would definitely recommend this book to you.
Happy Reading!!!
read an excerpt here: http://bit.ly/NBReviewB
September 18, 2022
I think this book is one of my favourites of the V&V series! It was really really great. The chemistry was great and the story was very interesting!
February 16, 2024
I absolutely loved this story. It’s probably one of my favourites in this series. This is the first time I’ve read this author but I definitely want to check out their other books. I loved how this book was so involved with Vino & Veritas itself and I’m glad I just finished Harrison and Finn’s story as they were in it quite a bit as well.
This story had so much going for it: laughs, book club discussions, angst, mystery, sexy times and even some tears. It was such a great balance of everything. I loved both of these characters and seeing them figure out how they could live their lives for themselves and realize they deserve want they want too was wonderful!
I really loved Briar and couldn’t believe his childhood. I loved the bit of mystery and will he or won’t he we got with him and his story. So happy he got the happy ending he wanted and deserved. Jamie poor Jamie. Having to choose between what’s best for himself and family. Couldn’t imagine making that choice. Actually this story was full of big important choices and it makes it such an amazing read not knowing what they will choose!
I loved their HEA and it was perfect for them! I listened to the audiobook and was enjoying it so much I had to read the ebook to finish the book instead of waiting to finish listening tomorrow! I absolutely recommend this book and audio whether you’ve read any of the rest of the series or not.
This story had so much going for it: laughs, book club discussions, angst, mystery, sexy times and even some tears. It was such a great balance of everything. I loved both of these characters and seeing them figure out how they could live their lives for themselves and realize they deserve want they want too was wonderful!
I really loved Briar and couldn’t believe his childhood. I loved the bit of mystery and will he or won’t he we got with him and his story. So happy he got the happy ending he wanted and deserved. Jamie poor Jamie. Having to choose between what’s best for himself and family. Couldn’t imagine making that choice. Actually this story was full of big important choices and it makes it such an amazing read not knowing what they will choose!
I loved their HEA and it was perfect for them! I listened to the audiobook and was enjoying it so much I had to read the ebook to finish the book instead of waiting to finish listening tomorrow! I absolutely recommend this book and audio whether you’ve read any of the rest of the series or not.
March 20, 2023
I recognized this story, so I must have read it via Kobo Plus, five years ago. It was nice but some things were illogical. I don't believe a book club causes a noticeable rise in book sales. Impossible. And when having having stitches in your ankle, there is no risk of pulling them by laughing too hard. Little things like this. I felt exasperated by Frank and Luke and would have wished the drama was in the relationship, not caused by side characters.
The narration was fine.
The narration was fine.
January 7, 2023
I felt sorry Briar. He tried to tie his families dairy farm, his college classes, and his job in the bookstore together and still have time to be a decent boyfriend to Jamie Morin. Jamie and Briar met in the bookstore at the romance book club that Jamie started. They were perfect for one another even though their plans often got waylaid by cow that escaped the broken fence or something else that his father thought he should drop his life for and come help to fix. Jamie had spent a great many years of his life in the system going from one foster system to another. One of the boys he met in the system was destined even in his early years for a long stay in prison and he always talked Jamie who was desperate for a friend, to help him pull off small thefts. When Jamie moved to Vermont, he thought he had lost contact for good. No such luck. Now he's back and he wants Jamie to help him rob the bookstore. The story is emotional and lighthearted at times while being frustrating and heartbreaking in the next instance. The chemistry between Jamie and Briar is fantastic.
March 31, 2021
3.5 stars.
My first time reading J.E. Birk was a mixed one. Sometimes I would find myself really enjoying the book and other times I would be not interested at all. If I had to describe this in one word it would be long, even though this isn't long at all. On the other side, this review ended up super long, sorry! I just had a lot to say, ops.
It's told with double POVs, following the perspective of Briar (21yrs) and Jamie (20yrs) as they fall in love. It's also very well edited (one mistake that I noticed) which is always nice.
Before saying anything else I would like to add I wouldn't have read this book had I known what "But Briar’s past was bound to catch up with him" really means as this is not the kind of story I usually read. If you want to know, here it goes: . This all happens rather quickly and after having read it didn't bother me that I did, but I think it's fair to leave this heads up.
Briar was a complex character, having suffered through a lot in life from almost everyone in it. His fears and insecurities were completely believable. Maybe even underplayed but as this is not supposed to be depressing, it was just in the right amount. He felt very real.
The internal conflict he suffers from the Luke situation only made me like him more. People are not perfect and not moral all the time, especially when faced with their fears. Knowing the right call doesn't make it easy to decide that way. Briar's way of dealing was very honest and it was one of my favorite things about the book.
One thing that bothered me was how damn long it took for the reader to actually learn everything about him, though. I was inside his head but still it took for almost 70% of the book to actually learn the details of his background. He constantly thinks about specific situations but no details are given to the reader before he actually tells Jamie. That didn't work for me, the entire suspense about it only made me uninterested.
Jamie is a very different character. He has a loving family and good friends but still a lot to do. Between school, his job and his family's farm he has almost no time whatsoever. He is also not portrayed as perfect but his flaws were a bit like saying your flaw is being a perfectionist. Sure, it's a flaw but one of the "good ones". He is just so dedicated and patient with his family he drives himself to the ground. Horrible, right?
And it annoyed me. After a while I only wanted him to say "Ok, the farm is important, but my dreams are important too. I can't keep doing this, I'm sorry, but I can't". Honestly, should I have thought Aaron was wrong for leaving? Because I didn't and still don't. I cannot imagine asking my own kids to give up (or even delay) going to Harvard because I need them to help with my responsibilities.
The relationship was enjoyable but not one that's going to stay with me for very long, you know? I liked Jamie and Briar, I liked them together from the start and I liked how everything developed but I didn't love it.
I need to say that the development of said relationship was stellar, though. I loved that they spent so much time together on page and how they talked about things and worked up to where they end up. The first sex scene caught me by surprise but it could totally happen in real life. Unfortunately, that kind of chemistry that makes you invested in the couple was missing for me. Don't really know why.
Another super well done thing were the secondary characters. I liked them so much. Aaron, Lissie, Jeremy, Lexy and Louie. I could so read their stories. Sometimes authors write stories for side characters that were completely one dimension but that's not the case. Everyone was amazingly developed and reading their stories would be a joy.
The standard breakup didn't annoy me as much but I don't think it was really necessary. One conversation that made everyone's priorities very clear from that moment on could have fixed it but sure, do the breakup thing. What annoyed me was the big gesture. Why was that needed? The characters were so low-key, it came completely out of left field.
Finally, Lance and Porter were an unusual but perfect addition to the story. Those two are characters from a book both Jamie and Briar like and are frequently mentioned by them. It was really cool and something I had never seen before. I would happily read their story.
Overall, this book had things to like and things to dislike. Would I read it again? Probably not. But I'm happy that I read and I had a nice time reading it, all things considered. If you decide to read it I hope you enjoy it!
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Strong homophobia:
Triggers:
HEA:
My first time reading J.E. Birk was a mixed one. Sometimes I would find myself really enjoying the book and other times I would be not interested at all. If I had to describe this in one word it would be long, even though this isn't long at all. On the other side, this review ended up super long, sorry! I just had a lot to say, ops.
It's told with double POVs, following the perspective of Briar (21yrs) and Jamie (20yrs) as they fall in love. It's also very well edited (one mistake that I noticed) which is always nice.
Before saying anything else I would like to add I wouldn't have read this book had I known what "But Briar’s past was bound to catch up with him" really means as this is not the kind of story I usually read. If you want to know, here it goes: . This all happens rather quickly and after having read it didn't bother me that I did, but I think it's fair to leave this heads up.
Briar was a complex character, having suffered through a lot in life from almost everyone in it. His fears and insecurities were completely believable. Maybe even underplayed but as this is not supposed to be depressing, it was just in the right amount. He felt very real.
The internal conflict he suffers from the Luke situation only made me like him more. People are not perfect and not moral all the time, especially when faced with their fears. Knowing the right call doesn't make it easy to decide that way. Briar's way of dealing was very honest and it was one of my favorite things about the book.
One thing that bothered me was how damn long it took for the reader to actually learn everything about him, though. I was inside his head but still it took for almost 70% of the book to actually learn the details of his background. He constantly thinks about specific situations but no details are given to the reader before he actually tells Jamie. That didn't work for me, the entire suspense about it only made me uninterested.
Jamie is a very different character. He has a loving family and good friends but still a lot to do. Between school, his job and his family's farm he has almost no time whatsoever. He is also not portrayed as perfect but his flaws were a bit like saying your flaw is being a perfectionist. Sure, it's a flaw but one of the "good ones". He is just so dedicated and patient with his family he drives himself to the ground. Horrible, right?
And it annoyed me. After a while I only wanted him to say "Ok, the farm is important, but my dreams are important too. I can't keep doing this, I'm sorry, but I can't". Honestly, should I have thought Aaron was wrong for leaving? Because I didn't and still don't. I cannot imagine asking my own kids to give up (or even delay) going to Harvard because I need them to help with my responsibilities.
The relationship was enjoyable but not one that's going to stay with me for very long, you know? I liked Jamie and Briar, I liked them together from the start and I liked how everything developed but I didn't love it.
I need to say that the development of said relationship was stellar, though. I loved that they spent so much time together on page and how they talked about things and worked up to where they end up. The first sex scene caught me by surprise but it could totally happen in real life. Unfortunately, that kind of chemistry that makes you invested in the couple was missing for me. Don't really know why.
Another super well done thing were the secondary characters. I liked them so much. Aaron, Lissie, Jeremy, Lexy and Louie. I could so read their stories. Sometimes authors write stories for side characters that were completely one dimension but that's not the case. Everyone was amazingly developed and reading their stories would be a joy.
The standard breakup didn't annoy me as much but I don't think it was really necessary. One conversation that made everyone's priorities very clear from that moment on could have fixed it but sure, do the breakup thing. What annoyed me was the big gesture. Why was that needed? The characters were so low-key, it came completely out of left field.
Finally, Lance and Porter were an unusual but perfect addition to the story. Those two are characters from a book both Jamie and Briar like and are frequently mentioned by them. It was really cool and something I had never seen before. I would happily read their story.
Overall, this book had things to like and things to dislike. Would I read it again? Probably not. But I'm happy that I read and I had a nice time reading it, all things considered. If you decide to read it I hope you enjoy it!
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Strong homophobia:
Triggers:
HEA:
March 15, 2021
ARC received for an honest review
Awww, who doesn't love a book about a booklover?
Our lovelies, Jamie and Briar, are younger than the other books so far, but they are also more mature and know what they want in life.
But neither of them have it easy - Jamie is run ragged with work and school and cows - MOOOO! - and Briar is trying to escape his past, and has maybe, finally, found his place in the world.
They are so cute and adorkable and sweet with the love of their favourite books helping them fall for each other - even though neither of them is looking for it or feels that they are meant to get a HEA.
It s frustrating at times, and I wanted to slap some people around their ears with a hardcover, however I loved how things all came round on the side of good - eventually.
Loved seeing more of the guys from Vino and Veritas, and want more and more and more. And maybe a HBO series (so we can get all the sexy times!!)
Awww, who doesn't love a book about a booklover?
Our lovelies, Jamie and Briar, are younger than the other books so far, but they are also more mature and know what they want in life.
But neither of them have it easy - Jamie is run ragged with work and school and cows - MOOOO! - and Briar is trying to escape his past, and has maybe, finally, found his place in the world.
They are so cute and adorkable and sweet with the love of their favourite books helping them fall for each other - even though neither of them is looking for it or feels that they are meant to get a HEA.
It s frustrating at times, and I wanted to slap some people around their ears with a hardcover, however I loved how things all came round on the side of good - eventually.
Loved seeing more of the guys from Vino and Veritas, and want more and more and more. And maybe a HBO series (so we can get all the sexy times!!)
March 11, 2024
I've given this an A- for narration and a B for content at AudioGals, so I'm calling it 4.5 stars
One of the things I’m enjoying about the Vino and Veritas series is that it’s bringing a number of new-to-me authors to my attention, some of whom I’m planning on reading/listening to again. J.E. Birk is one of my ‘unknowns’, and with two such excellent narrators at the helm, I was happy to jump right in to Booklover, book six in the series. As I’ve mentioned before, all the books work as standalones, so they can be read in any order.
Jamie Moran’s life is… busy. A student at Burlington University (aka Moo U), he’s juggling his studies, his part-time job at the library and the demands of his family’s dairy farm, and barely has enough time to sleep and eat, let alone time for a boyfriend. His one indulgence is his love of romance novels, so he looks forward to attending the new book club that’s been set up at the Vino and Veritas bookstore, and the chance to discuss some of his favourite books with a few like-minded people.
“Booklovers” is the brainchild of Briar Nord, one of the employees at the bookstore. He’s fairly new to the area and hasn’t had the easiest time of it; bounced around the foster system, he got in with a bad crowd and did some time in Juvie before his social worker got him sorted out and eventually helped him to get the job at V and V. Always an avid reader, Briar likes his job and is happy to have both it and somewhere to call home, even if he can’t quite quash those niggles at the back of his mind telling him he doesn’t really deserve it.
There’s an instant attraction between Briar and Jamie when they first meet at the bookstore, but they also recognise a deeper affinity, too, born of their love of romance novels and what they represent. Jamie would love to explore their attraction further, but his life is already so full there’s no way he has time for a relationship, and Briar can’t see a way he can be with Jamie without revealing the truth of his past – which he fears would destroy anything that might develop between them and drive Jamie away.
I enjoyed the way their relationship begins, with cruller/doughnut rivalry, and then develops into friendship and beyond, with Jamie offering to show Briar some of the area’s long-held and beloved traditions such as the Maple Festival, and then taking him out to the farm to show him the places that are important to him. Despite being romance fans and knowing how most friends-with-benefits relationships turn out, they decide to try to keep things casual between them anyway – although of course we know that’s a losing battle right from the start because they’re already way beyond casual. Their initial friendship is really well written, and there’s a real sense of Jamie’s relief at finally having someone to talk to about everything going on in his life, about the anger and frustration he feels over the fact that he’s had to take on so much responsibility at the farm since his brother left following an argument with their dad a year before; how his dad’s constant requests for help are risking his college grades and may even scupper his long-term plans to study library science and become a librarian. Briar is less forthcoming; he wants to be open and put down roots, but it’s not so easy to shake of the lessons of the past that have taught him that other people always leave, disappoint or lead you astray. Add to this the recent reappearance on his doorstep of the one person he’d hoped never to see again trying to get him to help commit a crime, and all his worst fears come crashing down.
I really liked both Brian and Jamie, who are a pair of well-drawn, ordinary guys with realistically complicated lives who, despite their love of romance novels, have a hard time seeing a happily ever after for themselves. The author captures their emotions really well; Jamie’s exhaustion and frustration are palpable, as is Briar’s panic and his sense that his life is unravelling, and their relationship is well developed; they spend a lot of time together on the page and their romance is sweet and warm and lovely.
There were a few things that didn’t quite work for me, however, the largest of which was the resolution to the plotline involving Briar’s former… associate, which felt overly dramatic and which, tonally, jarred with the rest of the story. And while I sympathised with the situation Jamie’s family was in – unable to afford the help they needed to keep the farm running – and could understand that it was hard for someone like Jamie – a deeply caring guy who wants to help the people he loves – I wish he had put his foot down sooner than he did. That said, I also completely got where he was coming from – it’s hard to say no, especially to people you love, and learning to do so is a big step in his personal journey.
There’s a nicely characterised secondary cast and the small-town atmosphere and the setting is especially well-described, from the weather to the eclectic shops in the town to the proliferation of maple syrup, flannel shirts and toques .
Cooper North and Tim Paige are favourite narrators of mine and I was really pleased to see them team up for a couple of titles in the Vino and Veritas series. Both deliver well-paced, expertly characterised and expressive performances, with Mr. North narrating the chapters from Briar’s PoV and Mr. Paige those from Jamie’s. Each narrator does a great job of capturing the essence of each of the leads; I particularly liked the way Cooper North conveys Briar’s shy sweetness, and Tim Paige does a great job when it comes to presenting Jamie as a man who’s reached his limit, complete with all his underlying frustration. They’re terrific in the quieter, more intimate moments and the sex scenes, too – they both bring out the warmth and affection underpinning the connection between Jamie and Briar, and other than the odd time when they sound a bit too similar, the differentiation is good throughout. The secondary characters are well-realises as well; they voice female characters believably, the gruffness Mr. Paige injects into his voice is perfect for Jamie’s dad, and Mr. North’s portrayal of the slimy Luke is particularly good.
With a few winks to romance readers, more than a few mouthwatering descriptions of maple-y goodness, and a lot of two guys getting to know each other and falling in love, Booklover is a charming and heartfelt romance between two people who are trying to find their place in life and have to learn it’s okay to put themselves first. Strong performances from Cooper North and Tim Paige truly enhance the story and I’m happy to recommend it in audio.
This review orignally appeared at AudioGals .
One of the things I’m enjoying about the Vino and Veritas series is that it’s bringing a number of new-to-me authors to my attention, some of whom I’m planning on reading/listening to again. J.E. Birk is one of my ‘unknowns’, and with two such excellent narrators at the helm, I was happy to jump right in to Booklover, book six in the series. As I’ve mentioned before, all the books work as standalones, so they can be read in any order.
Jamie Moran’s life is… busy. A student at Burlington University (aka Moo U), he’s juggling his studies, his part-time job at the library and the demands of his family’s dairy farm, and barely has enough time to sleep and eat, let alone time for a boyfriend. His one indulgence is his love of romance novels, so he looks forward to attending the new book club that’s been set up at the Vino and Veritas bookstore, and the chance to discuss some of his favourite books with a few like-minded people.
“Booklovers” is the brainchild of Briar Nord, one of the employees at the bookstore. He’s fairly new to the area and hasn’t had the easiest time of it; bounced around the foster system, he got in with a bad crowd and did some time in Juvie before his social worker got him sorted out and eventually helped him to get the job at V and V. Always an avid reader, Briar likes his job and is happy to have both it and somewhere to call home, even if he can’t quite quash those niggles at the back of his mind telling him he doesn’t really deserve it.
There’s an instant attraction between Briar and Jamie when they first meet at the bookstore, but they also recognise a deeper affinity, too, born of their love of romance novels and what they represent. Jamie would love to explore their attraction further, but his life is already so full there’s no way he has time for a relationship, and Briar can’t see a way he can be with Jamie without revealing the truth of his past – which he fears would destroy anything that might develop between them and drive Jamie away.
I enjoyed the way their relationship begins, with cruller/doughnut rivalry, and then develops into friendship and beyond, with Jamie offering to show Briar some of the area’s long-held and beloved traditions such as the Maple Festival, and then taking him out to the farm to show him the places that are important to him. Despite being romance fans and knowing how most friends-with-benefits relationships turn out, they decide to try to keep things casual between them anyway – although of course we know that’s a losing battle right from the start because they’re already way beyond casual. Their initial friendship is really well written, and there’s a real sense of Jamie’s relief at finally having someone to talk to about everything going on in his life, about the anger and frustration he feels over the fact that he’s had to take on so much responsibility at the farm since his brother left following an argument with their dad a year before; how his dad’s constant requests for help are risking his college grades and may even scupper his long-term plans to study library science and become a librarian. Briar is less forthcoming; he wants to be open and put down roots, but it’s not so easy to shake of the lessons of the past that have taught him that other people always leave, disappoint or lead you astray. Add to this the recent reappearance on his doorstep of the one person he’d hoped never to see again trying to get him to help commit a crime, and all his worst fears come crashing down.
I really liked both Brian and Jamie, who are a pair of well-drawn, ordinary guys with realistically complicated lives who, despite their love of romance novels, have a hard time seeing a happily ever after for themselves. The author captures their emotions really well; Jamie’s exhaustion and frustration are palpable, as is Briar’s panic and his sense that his life is unravelling, and their relationship is well developed; they spend a lot of time together on the page and their romance is sweet and warm and lovely.
There were a few things that didn’t quite work for me, however, the largest of which was the resolution to the plotline involving Briar’s former… associate, which felt overly dramatic and which, tonally, jarred with the rest of the story. And while I sympathised with the situation Jamie’s family was in – unable to afford the help they needed to keep the farm running – and could understand that it was hard for someone like Jamie – a deeply caring guy who wants to help the people he loves – I wish he had put his foot down sooner than he did. That said, I also completely got where he was coming from – it’s hard to say no, especially to people you love, and learning to do so is a big step in his personal journey.
There’s a nicely characterised secondary cast and the small-town atmosphere and the setting is especially well-described, from the weather to the eclectic shops in the town to the proliferation of maple syrup, flannel shirts and toques .
Cooper North and Tim Paige are favourite narrators of mine and I was really pleased to see them team up for a couple of titles in the Vino and Veritas series. Both deliver well-paced, expertly characterised and expressive performances, with Mr. North narrating the chapters from Briar’s PoV and Mr. Paige those from Jamie’s. Each narrator does a great job of capturing the essence of each of the leads; I particularly liked the way Cooper North conveys Briar’s shy sweetness, and Tim Paige does a great job when it comes to presenting Jamie as a man who’s reached his limit, complete with all his underlying frustration. They’re terrific in the quieter, more intimate moments and the sex scenes, too – they both bring out the warmth and affection underpinning the connection between Jamie and Briar, and other than the odd time when they sound a bit too similar, the differentiation is good throughout. The secondary characters are well-realises as well; they voice female characters believably, the gruffness Mr. Paige injects into his voice is perfect for Jamie’s dad, and Mr. North’s portrayal of the slimy Luke is particularly good.
With a few winks to romance readers, more than a few mouthwatering descriptions of maple-y goodness, and a lot of two guys getting to know each other and falling in love, Booklover is a charming and heartfelt romance between two people who are trying to find their place in life and have to learn it’s okay to put themselves first. Strong performances from Cooper North and Tim Paige truly enhance the story and I’m happy to recommend it in audio.
This review orignally appeared at AudioGals .
March 4, 2021
This was a slightly suspenseful friends to lovers romance, and I love how vivid the author created the locations in this book. V&V of course, but also the rental house of Briar, and the dairy farm where Jamie grew up.
I love how this book centered around two characters that loved romance novels, and the book club that brought them together. It’s simply any book lovers dream.
“Happy endings, in books and real life, are always just stopping points before the next conflict comes.” ... “That’s why books have sequels. That’s why people do, too.”
I love how this book centered around two characters that loved romance novels, and the book club that brought them together. It’s simply any book lovers dream.
“Happy endings, in books and real life, are always just stopping points before the next conflict comes.” ... “That’s why books have sequels. That’s why people do, too.”
May 11, 2022
Booklover is the sixth book in the Vino and Veritas series set in Sarina Bowen’s World of True North. It is a standalone and can be read without reading any other books.
Briar is new to Burlington. He has recently moved there to start a new life. He loves books and is delighted to work at the bookstore side of Vino and Veritas. He loves romance novels because they promise a happy ending, and decides to form a romance book club. And there he meets Jamie.
Jamie is a student at Moo U, and he also loves romance novels. He lives in the dorms but is constantly having to go back home to help at the family farm. He also works prt time at one of the college’s libraries, so he really has very little time for himself, but he’s determined to join the romance book club.
Briar and Jamie are very attracted to each other, but besides their love of romance, they have little in common. Jamie is too busy to have a relationship, and Briar is reluctant to open up to another person.
I liked how their relationship develops and shifts, and how Briar begins to feel like he belongs. When Briar’s past comes knocking, things get complicated fast, and I liked how that part plays out. I liked the role Vermont plays in the story, the maple donut vs. cruller debate, and the family drama. I liked the book club idea and the intensity at the end.
Booklover is emotional and lighthearted at times, the characters are well developed, and the story flows and keeps you interested until the very end. I liked it. I just recommend you have donuts at hand, because you’ll probably end up craving more than one.
Briar is new to Burlington. He has recently moved there to start a new life. He loves books and is delighted to work at the bookstore side of Vino and Veritas. He loves romance novels because they promise a happy ending, and decides to form a romance book club. And there he meets Jamie.
Jamie is a student at Moo U, and he also loves romance novels. He lives in the dorms but is constantly having to go back home to help at the family farm. He also works prt time at one of the college’s libraries, so he really has very little time for himself, but he’s determined to join the romance book club.
Briar and Jamie are very attracted to each other, but besides their love of romance, they have little in common. Jamie is too busy to have a relationship, and Briar is reluctant to open up to another person.
I liked how their relationship develops and shifts, and how Briar begins to feel like he belongs. When Briar’s past comes knocking, things get complicated fast, and I liked how that part plays out. I liked the role Vermont plays in the story, the maple donut vs. cruller debate, and the family drama. I liked the book club idea and the intensity at the end.
Booklover is emotional and lighthearted at times, the characters are well developed, and the story flows and keeps you interested until the very end. I liked it. I just recommend you have donuts at hand, because you’ll probably end up craving more than one.
November 26, 2021
3-3.5 stars
This was cute, but didn’t have the wow factor haha.
I do think they acted a little more like teens than in their 20’s but they were adorable together.
The way that this was written was good, and it made me want to continue! I know I will keep my eyes out for more JE Birk books!
The narrators were great.
This was cute, but didn’t have the wow factor haha.
I do think they acted a little more like teens than in their 20’s but they were adorable together.
The way that this was written was good, and it made me want to continue! I know I will keep my eyes out for more JE Birk books!
The narrators were great.
January 22, 2022
3.5 hot book scene re-enactments stars
Booklover was a entertaining novel. It was my first try at the Vino and Veritas series. I liked the setting of the bookstore/wine bar and it made me curious about the other characters' own stories.
Briar and Jamie were a cute couple, but I didn't feel a lot of chemistry between them except at the very beginning. Their relationship worked more on an emotional level. There were a few sweet couple scenes, but the book was overall centered on their own current and past hardships. Because of that, I'm wondering if I'd really classify this novel as a romanc, as it felt more like a life story book, including a romance.
In the end, I was more interested in their own separate story - especially Jamie's - than their couple relationship. I still loved the secrets sharing scenes and the overall atmosphere.
Booklover was a entertaining novel. It was my first try at the Vino and Veritas series. I liked the setting of the bookstore/wine bar and it made me curious about the other characters' own stories.
Briar and Jamie were a cute couple, but I didn't feel a lot of chemistry between them except at the very beginning. Their relationship worked more on an emotional level. There were a few sweet couple scenes, but the book was overall centered on their own current and past hardships. Because of that, I'm wondering if I'd really classify this novel as a romanc, as it felt more like a life story book, including a romance.
In the end, I was more interested in their own separate story - especially Jamie's - than their couple relationship. I still loved the secrets sharing scenes and the overall atmosphere.
March 23, 2021
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the sixth book in a series of stories written by a collection of talented authors and set in Sarina Bowen’s True North world. I am really enjoying the connections, and yet the variety of styles offered by the different writers.
This is my favourite of the series so far - but not for the reasons you might expect! I spent a lot of time closing my iPad and stopping from reading, because I didn't want to know how things could develop.
Briar was such a hopeful character, with a new start, trying his very best to rise above his past ... and that could all be destroyed by an old friend turning up. The tension is extreme, and yet it really isn't at all. I was so hopeful that he would be able to disengage from that time, and the worry became real.
Jamie is so torn, studying, working a job to help fund his social life, and then dashing home to support the family farm - the last thing he needs is a boyfriend, and yet one look at Briar in V&V, and he cannot resist him.
I loved the book club sessions, fun, cute and just what everyone would want in a book club. I loved it when the men acted out or quoted from their favourite romances, and how it tied them together, even when things were difficult. And most of all, I loved that the V&V family stepped up and gave Briar the family he needed and the hope of a better future.
Overall, I thought this was an excellent read - and I am really glad that I made it past my reluctance to read more because I was too invested to cope with any difficult bits - but do be ready with a tissue too, as there is one bit (at least) which really got to me!
This is the sixth book in a series of stories written by a collection of talented authors and set in Sarina Bowen’s True North world. I am really enjoying the connections, and yet the variety of styles offered by the different writers.
This is my favourite of the series so far - but not for the reasons you might expect! I spent a lot of time closing my iPad and stopping from reading, because I didn't want to know how things could develop.
Briar was such a hopeful character, with a new start, trying his very best to rise above his past ... and that could all be destroyed by an old friend turning up. The tension is extreme, and yet it really isn't at all. I was so hopeful that he would be able to disengage from that time, and the worry became real.
Jamie is so torn, studying, working a job to help fund his social life, and then dashing home to support the family farm - the last thing he needs is a boyfriend, and yet one look at Briar in V&V, and he cannot resist him.
I loved the book club sessions, fun, cute and just what everyone would want in a book club. I loved it when the men acted out or quoted from their favourite romances, and how it tied them together, even when things were difficult. And most of all, I loved that the V&V family stepped up and gave Briar the family he needed and the hope of a better future.
Overall, I thought this was an excellent read - and I am really glad that I made it past my reluctance to read more because I was too invested to cope with any difficult bits - but do be ready with a tissue too, as there is one bit (at least) which really got to me!
March 31, 2021
5 Fantastic Stars!!!
Booklover is the first book I’ve read by J.E. Birk and OMG, I loved it so much! I confess that I wasn’t sure how I felt about it in the first chapter or two but it just kept getting better and better and I ended up loving everything about it.
This may not make sense to a lot of people, but one of the ways I measure how much I like a book is how much it affects me emotionally. Booklover had my emotions all over the place. Towards the end I was nearly sobbing – most of those were happy tears.
I’m a sucker for a good New Adult story and Jamie and Briar really got to me. Both of them are carrying a lot of baggage that ultimately causes them to break a bit.
Jaime’s family depends on him too much to help with the family dairy farm. He’s a college student and works in one of the libraries; a job that he loves. When his help is needed at the farm, he’s expected to drop everything and head home – and it’s not close; it takes nearly an hour for him to get home. He doesn’t have time for a romance but then he meets Briar…
Briar comes from a troubled background, one where no one ever put him first. He was let down by many of the people in his life and he’s not proud of some of the things he’s done in his past. Moving to Burlington, and working in the bookstore at Vino and Veritas, is a chance for him to start over but he still doesn’t want to trust that life will have a HEA for him. And then he meets Jaime and he really wants that HEA but his past comes back to haunt him.
I really can’t say enough good things about this book. It was so good that once I started reading it, I finished it in one afternoon. I’m going to check out more books by J.E. Birk!
A copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
Booklover is the first book I’ve read by J.E. Birk and OMG, I loved it so much! I confess that I wasn’t sure how I felt about it in the first chapter or two but it just kept getting better and better and I ended up loving everything about it.
This may not make sense to a lot of people, but one of the ways I measure how much I like a book is how much it affects me emotionally. Booklover had my emotions all over the place. Towards the end I was nearly sobbing – most of those were happy tears.
I’m a sucker for a good New Adult story and Jamie and Briar really got to me. Both of them are carrying a lot of baggage that ultimately causes them to break a bit.
Jaime’s family depends on him too much to help with the family dairy farm. He’s a college student and works in one of the libraries; a job that he loves. When his help is needed at the farm, he’s expected to drop everything and head home – and it’s not close; it takes nearly an hour for him to get home. He doesn’t have time for a romance but then he meets Briar…
Briar comes from a troubled background, one where no one ever put him first. He was let down by many of the people in his life and he’s not proud of some of the things he’s done in his past. Moving to Burlington, and working in the bookstore at Vino and Veritas, is a chance for him to start over but he still doesn’t want to trust that life will have a HEA for him. And then he meets Jaime and he really wants that HEA but his past comes back to haunt him.
I really can’t say enough good things about this book. It was so good that once I started reading it, I finished it in one afternoon. I’m going to check out more books by J.E. Birk!
A copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
November 18, 2023
I'm kinda hating Jamie's dad more than I've hated a character in a while. So far at chapter 13 I feel like I want to punch him in the face. Jamie's dad cares about his daughter having opportunities but not his son. He's already lost one son but doesn't seem to care that he's asking his other son to quit his job (and basically college) to take care of the farm. Fuuuuuck I hate that guy. The author keeps trying to paint the dad sympathetically by having Jamie have inner monologue to excuse his dad's words but fuck that noise.
Okay! Finished! Full review! This book was damn near perfection. There’s an HEA and it’s pretty low angst (2 things I love). It features real people (also a plus). I give it 4.5 stars. I’m still super curious about Jeremy and whatever he has going on but I didn’t see where he has a story later in the v&v universe. Definitely will be checking out more of this authors books! My only complaint was how the dad kinda got a free pass for his behavior even though it resulted in his sons lover getting shot. And I didn’t like how “perfect” Jamie was even till the bitter end by excusing his dads behavior. If it wasn’t for my inability to relate to that it would be five stars. Maybe is just a better person than I could be in that situation.
Okay! Finished! Full review! This book was damn near perfection. There’s an HEA and it’s pretty low angst (2 things I love). It features real people (also a plus). I give it 4.5 stars. I’m still super curious about Jeremy and whatever he has going on but I didn’t see where he has a story later in the v&v universe. Definitely will be checking out more of this authors books! My only complaint was how the dad kinda got a free pass for his behavior even though it resulted in his sons lover getting shot. And I didn’t like how “perfect” Jamie was even till the bitter end by excusing his dads behavior. If it wasn’t for my inability to relate to that it would be five stars. Maybe is just a better person than I could be in that situation.
February 6, 2021
I loved this book! Everything else aside, I'd read it again just to hear the author talk about food. It's glorious! I loved the characters and really felt I got to know them. The perspective shifts between the two protagonists, which helps get inside their heads. It's hilarious that the characters are romance novel fans, and the book makes tender fun of its own genre in such a clever way. This is definitely an adult romance novel; it gets very steamy. It's clear the author knows the area and dairy farming well, and readers truly get to step into Vermont life. I was rooting for the characters and really needed a happy ending in today's crazy world.
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