Cherry Wine Kisses for Christmas

by Wit Talcott

In this sweet gay holiday romance, Ian and Patrick welcome their son, Sam, back to their vineyard home in the Blue Ridge Mountains for a fresh start. Sam’s career as an author of racy gay romance novels may be over, but stories still flash through his mind, especially when the handsome Grant appears on horseback one snowy evening. Grant, who lives in a cabin up the hill, is out of practice wooing men, until he turns to one of Sam’s novels for inspiration. Reality may not quite live up to the fantasies they had imagined, but with heart, humor, and a few bottles of cherry wine, the men each get just what they wanted for Christmas.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance

130 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2020

About the author

Wit Talcott writes gay fiction. He lives on a lake in a Southern state with his husband and pit bull mix. He has happily become one of the eccentric "lake people" that he frequently writes about.

Source: Amazon.com.

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cherry Wine Kisses For Christmas is by Wit Talcott and is my first book by this author.

Sam Holt is twenty nine years old. Sam is an author. He writes sexy gay romance, heavy on the sexy, with his writing partner and boyfriend of eight years, Clayton. Only six months ago, Clayton left him for someone new. Now alone and homeless, Sam has decided it’s time to go home to his dads, who live in and own a winery, where Sam grew up. He’ll spend Christmas at home and try to figure his life out.

Grant Woodson lives near the winery in a small cabin on a ranch. Grant is a potter. He makes beautiful pottery from the very clay they live on. Grant doesn’t really have much experience with romance. He’s had casual hook-ups. But never anything serious.



It’s on Sam’s first night home when a sexy cowboy that looks like he’s right out of one of the books he has published rides up on his horse. In reality, it’s Grant, making a delivery. Their attraction is immediate. But neither know how to act on it. Sam’s only ever been with one man and Grant is inexperienced.

Sam is struggling. He’s always only written with his now ex. Never alone. He hasn’t been able to put anything on paper since Clayton left him. And his attraction to Grant is surprising and confusing to him as well.

Okay, now is the hard part of this review. I did not really enjoy this book. First of all, there were hook ups happening all over the place. Don’t get me wrong. I have no triggers. Nothing much bothers me. I just didn’t like the casual way sex was treated, even in conversation. Don’t even get me started on some experiences Pastor Pete admitted to! I thought Sam and Grant’s journey to finding love would have been a lot more romantic without all of the extra hook-ups. There were also quite a few editing issues which for me is just a pet peeve.

This was a quick read, and I was interested enough to finish it to see how it all ended. But, when I chose it, I was hoping for a romantic, sweet, holiday read. For me, though, it just didn’t work out for me.

[Ed Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet Christmas story and I liked it, but I didn’t care for some of Sam’s actions. Sam blowing the straight guy after the wine tasting was upsetting. I also was bothered by Pete and Grant’s little shower sex at the gym. Without these two unnecessary scenes I would have rated it 4 stars.

[Shweta · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect Christmas novella to enjoy with your own glass of wine overlooking the fireplace as it's snowing out.

The story follows Samuel who's worn down from his recent breakup, loss of career and mid- life crisis as he returns home to his parents vinery and crosses paths with artist/lone cowboy -Grant. As the duo give into their attraction, face self doubts, try to sort out what their hearts want, a lot happens over cherry wine and Christmas festivities.

I am a big fan of Author Talcott's writing style and I loved the Lake Fearless series (totally recommend that one) and though this story was very different from the Lake Fearless world, the reader in me was once again captivated by the author's words and the beautiful way the scenery and the emotions were described.

|"It was clay and earth, sunrises and sunsets, moonlight glistening over the snow-covered vineyard. And a man wrapping his arms around him as he slept under layers of quilts. When he started to shiver, Grant held him tighter in his arms."|

The hilarious scenes (like Sam's parents shipping him with Grant and bad mouthing his ex, Jane's dialogues and a hot pastor) and the subtle satirical undertones on cliche story lines was such a treat to read.

Highly recommend to those looking for a light-hearted, Christmas comfort read.

[Juniper · Rating 5 out of 5]

At 29, Sam is moving home after breaking up with his first and only boyfriend, who was also his writing partner. His situation has all the potential for pathos, but never quite gets there, largely because the home he’s moving back to is so amazing. It’s a winery. A winery run by his two gay dads. Who cook (well) make wine (better than they used to) and play music (results mixed). There’s tons of holiday cheer. Decorating. Sweet cherry wine. And there’s a hot, helpful neighbor who literally rides up on a white horse Sam’s first night home. If that sounds like the setup for a stereotypical romance, not so fast. The sheer joy of this book is that it’s so aware of the tropes it’s manipulating, it makes the reader want to see them remade too. Sam, after years and years writing gay romance/erotica, is prone to think in romantic cliches. Grant, not really a full-time cowboy, but actually a potter and a really decent, caring person, as well as a good looking one, is more than Sam knows how to expect, or hope for, and watching him learn that real connection is more valuable than a picture-perfect scenario is the real payoff for this story. It’s a delightfully meta read-- a romance that takes on romantic cliches in favor of something sweeter, deeper, and more sustaining. As a bonus, the supporting characters, with the exception of Sam’s awful ex and one skeezy winery employee, are quirky and delightful. Sam’s dads should have their own series. Highly recommended read.

*An ARC was provided to me and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review.

[Stephanie W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam returned to his family home, feeling broken after a break up. His career as a gay romance writer has also taken a hit. No longer feeling inspired. An inspiration occurs where he least expects it to.

Grant appears on horseback and captures the attention of Sam. Grant is out of practice with dating, yet lays his eyes on Sam and ironically - uses one of his romance novels for inspiration.

How adorably sweet these two were. Grant works on Sam's insecurities and in turn, Sam continues to win Grant's heart.

His knight in shining armor, lifted form the pages of his own novel. Loved the romantic connection between Sam and Grant.


****I received this ARC from Gay Romance Reviews for my honest feedback.****

[Audrey Pott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family and small town wonderful quirky characters and want my own cherry wine kisses. My first by Wit and certainly won’t be my last. A delightful story, descriptive adorable characters except for a couple of people, heartfelt, sparkling, warm, witty and sizzling moments. I would love to see Sam’s parents Patrick and Ian have their book. A keeper.

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I definitely recommend this book.

[Janet Hunt]

Sam is a writer and has recently broken up with his boyfriend and writing partner. He’s come home. He meets a sexy cowboy artisan named Grant. Grant is a homebody who lives for his art. Sam is struggling to find his writing mojo again after his boyfriend cheated on him. I loved this story of two lonely men coming together! Sam’s dads were the best. There are awesome secondary characters. I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the premise of this where a gay romance novelist meets his prince charming on horseback in the snow during the holidays. The fact that Grant uses Sam's writing as inspiration for his courtship is priceless. This is going to become a regular holiday read. Sweet and steamy enough to melt all that snow.

[Rebecca Park · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adored the short stories by Wit and I enjoyed this one as well! I do think they are really quick like everything happens really fast but still
Very very enjoyable! Sam & Grant are super cute together and very sweet! I love that Pete is also having a good time and is back where he should be! Can’t wait to see what’s next!

[Patricia Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this fantastic, charming, sweet, grab-you-by-the-feels, poignant, engaging, beautiful, delightful, adorable, and lovely holiday season romance.

[Swarnakshi Sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cherry Wine Kisses is a sweet, cuddle-with-your-pet-and-a-hot-chocolate kind of holiday romance that was exceptionally good. Wit Talcott is a new author to me and I was scared of reading something that I wouldn't like but this book was anything but disappointing.

'Cherry Wine Kisses' was something out of a sweet Hallmark movie. Ian and Patrick welcome their son Sam home for holidays who is heartbroken and just wants to spend time with his parents. Ian and Patrick are the sweetest and the most amazing parents anyone could ask for! I wish they were my parents too! Christmas time is for traditions, cheer, and making new friends and this book had everything.

Grant is an artist and lives in the same town as Ian and Patrick. Although he has a friend he still longs for someone who is more of his persuasion. Grant needs a friend and Sam needs motivation. They both find that in each other. There were some misunderstandings and troubles but what good a story is if there is no suspense. Grant and Sam are perfect for each other and complement each other very well. Ian and Patrick love Grant and they are absolutely happy to have their son back home.

There were some discrepancies in the story arc that I found a little odd but all in all, this was a perfect holiday romance with beautiful sceneries, good food, and of course its namesake (which sounds awesome, btw)

Pick up this book if you're in need of a sweet, hallmark romance kind of Christmas story, and if you just love snarky parents.

*I received an ARC for my honest review of this book*

[Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first story I've read by this author. After all the holiday books out there was just something about this one that drew me to it. Sam having everything go wrong that can, relationship breakup, career not working out and moving back home is not looking to get involved. Grant, living in a small community has limited opportunities to really connect. Then they meet. I love the different ways the author plays out their coming together. Grant trying to be brave enough and put himself in the position of being a romance hero is fun. Sam undecided what he wants, is really funny when his ex is finally introduced to the story. And Sam's dads really play a big part in the story. They didn't like Sam's ex Clayton. When the story introduces Clayton, he turns out, in my opinion, to be a laughable character. Grant really didn't have any competition. This is a feel good story. I was given a free copy by Gay Romance Review and this is my honest opinion.

[Emery Rachelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an adorable story with well-established characters. It's perfect for a cute gay Christmas book. The story isn't too long or heavy, but still feels real and not rushed.

The book does have room for improvement. A lot of head-hopping goes on, with mixed-up point of views. There's too much past perfect verb tense ("had ____"). I noticed typos and run-on sentences, especially in the dialogue. Overall, the book reads like a really great draft in need of a final line/copy edit.

I give Cherry Wine Kisses for Christmas an overall 3.5 stars. The story earns at least four, but the technical details brought it down for me.

Visit my blog, Emery Rachelle Writes, for my full review.

I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Raven and Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a little holiday story about Sam and Grant. Sam has recently been through a break up with his longtime partner and co-writer. He is lacking any inspiration and feels like he has hit a writer’s block. He has moved back home to live with his dads at their vineyard in the Blue Ridge mountains. Grant is a potter who lives nearby and happens to inspire some interesting cowboy fantasies in Sam’s head. This story takes you on an interesting road as both men hook up with other people on their way to try and figure out the way to their own happy ending. Both men have to explore their own worth and realize that settling for something isn’t nearly as good as finding what truly makes you happy.

[Dixiecowgirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Feel good Christmas story of finding love and home.  I enjoyed the characters and enjoyed Sam's dads. Patrick and Ian who create a wonderful background of family and love and offer hope for the future.  I enjoyed the dads and thought they brought humor, depth and love to this sweet story. 

Sam has a challenge of letting go of the past and looking to create a future.  Grant is a nice guy who is looking for more meaning in his life.  I loved that he was a potter and I would have loved more about his pottery.  The winery business sounds interesting and I think there was more to explore there.  

I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review  

[Shana_Bobana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sam & Grant were interesting main characters and I loved Sam’s parents (Ian & Patrick). Ian and Patrick added a lot of humor and sweetness to the story.

Overall the story was sweet and had a HEA but *spoilers* I did not like each of them hooking up with other people. It didn’t really seem to fit in with the story and the end game of Sam & Grant being together. It just seemed out of place in this story.

It’s a good story over all and if them hooking up with other people won’t bother you then I highly recommend this book.

I did receive a free ARC of this book but that did not influence my review.

[brownsoda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Coming home to nurse a broken heart and a bruised ego, Sam is home sort out his life after his boyfriend and writing partner wanted to expand his horizons. Sam’s Dad’s welcome him home to their picture-perfect home in a winery, where wine can be decadent or questionable. Enter Grant, hot guy, around Sam’s age hauling flour and riding a horse. Sam a romance novelist imagination piqued. Sam moving from a broken heart, to bruised, to open was enjoyable. Grant was sweet. The conflicts seemed a little shallow. Overall, this was good holiday read

I was provided an Advanced Reader Copy for a honest review by Gay Romance Reviews.

[T Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

This holiday treat takes us to North Carolina, a beautiful place with amazing people. Sam is heartbroken, he comes home to his family. Grant, lonely in love but abundantly affable, together they find themselves two halves of a whole. Their attraction is obvious and their connection is strong yet the past has a way of causing ripples. This holiday romance, the main and supporting characters and the engaging storyline make this a lovely reading. The wise choice of a happily ever after for the heroes just makes it that much better. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

What do you do when the life you thought you wanted spirals into a disaster? If you're lucky you go back to a place you felt loved and safe. So that's exactly what Sam does.

He comes home to the Blue Ridge Mountains, to his dad's and a chance to regroup and decide what he'll do next. What he doesn't expect is to find a cowboy who ticks so many boxes!

But he has decisions to make and sometimes you make mistakes along the way. And so does the cowboy.

An HEA awaits them, if they can open their eyes, and hearts, to what they really want.

[Sarah Mitcham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Returning Home

Sam had been in a relationship for over eight years but it had ended six months ago and now he was returning to his Dad's and the vineyard where he had grown up, he didn't know what he was going to do as he and his ex Clayton had co-written gay romance novels sharing the pen-name Samuel Clayton. He'd hardly been home a moment when a gorgeous cowboy Chance rode to the house on horseback to deliver something for his Dad...
Amusing in places with several characters featured, quite a light read.

[Michi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two people who are figuring things out meet in the way only people can meet in romance novels. This story was super sweet, full of holiday feels, and set in a quaint little town. There are a few laugh out loud moments and a whole lot of Hallmark moments.

Cherry wine kisses are the best kisses to wish for on Christmas.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Sam had broken up with his boyfriend, he moved back home to work at his dads vineyard. He met Grant when he delivered flour for all the baking Patrick did. As one of his fictional characters, Grant arrived on horseback wearing cowboy boots and hat.
So glad a familiar face showed up in the form of Pete.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

[Xochitl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time I have read this author and I was pleasantly surprised. This was a heartfelt story and many wonderful characters in a sweet and funny love story. My favorite character was definitely Grant and I think a lot of the heartwarming moments that happened in the book was because of something he did. Enjoyable reading. I' m looking forward to read more books from this author.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet Christmas story. It had a wonderful storyline and some great charters that you just wanted to grab onto and give a big old hug to. This was a great Christmas story that will help make your holidays a little more sweeter.

[Gwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam came back home heartbroken, but his husband is not done yet. He meets Grant, a sweet and sexy cowboy who wants him for himself. Sam has so many insecurities it’s grating sometimes but those cherry kisses are awesome. I loved Grant and his strength. Of course Sam’s parents are also lovely.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book for my honest review. Sam is a writer and has recently broken up with his boyfriend. Grant is a potter who inspires cowboy fantasies for Sam. Sam’s fathers play a big part in this story. This story is nice and funny.

[Myeshia Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding love at the holidays it's so wonderful and it just works here. Sam and Grant are both lonely for different reasons and somehow find their way to reach other. This was such a cute and sweet story. I fell in love with the characters and the plot. I enjoyed it. Great story.

[Mstay · Rating 3 out of 5]

okay

This story had potential for me. I loved how the two main characters met. Then it seemed to veer off on floundering and sexual side quests. It did atleast end on a positive note.

[Diane Dannenfeldt · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t like my MC’s hooking up with other people. Yes I know they weren’t a couple, but knowing that they were destined to be, that really turned me off.

[Karen Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new author for me . I enjoyed the story about Grant and Sam I especially loved Sam's dads Patrick and Ian