Drinking Pages

I love reading and I love a good drink, so why not combine the two? This blog is for everyone who loves a good book with a complementary drink.

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The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo - Taylor Jenkins Reid

The Hollywood icon, Evelyn Hugo, is finally ready to open up about her life, the choices she has made, and of course, the seven husbands along the way.

First of all, I did enjoy reading this book even though the first few pages felt a bit off, in terms of weird lines about the other protagonist, Monique Grands darker skin tone and her biracial background. It didn’t seem to fit in with the books general theme or atmosphere.

After that little hiccup in the beginning, Reid is able to captivate the reader in the story with her beautiful writing style and masterful storytelling. The novel unfolds as Evelyn recounts her life story to the aspiring journalist Monique Grand.

With each layer of Evelyn's life peeled away, I was transported into the golden age of Hollywood – a world of glamour, love, ambition, and sacrifice. She seamlessly weaves together the various threads of Evelyn's tumultuous journey, which left me constantly yearning for more.

Evelyn is the heart of this novel and is brilliantly described with her fierce determination, vulnerability, and unapologetic pursuit of her desires which make her a compelling and unforgettable character. Through the exploration of her seven marriages, Reid delves into the intricacies of love, sexuality, and the compromises individuals make in their pursuit for personal fulfillment.

In conclusion, "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" is a breathtaking novel that lingers in the reader's mind and heart. It explores the multifaceted nature of humanity, the pursuit of happiness, and the complexities of relationships. This book will leave you awestruck, moved, and pondering its profound messages long after you've finished reading.

The drink I would recommend for this book is a French 75. This sparkling and elegant cocktail perfectly complements the glamour and sophistication of the golden Hollywood age.It is a classic known for its refined character. The presentation in a champagne flute evokes a sense of luxury and celebration, making you feel a part of that era. The citrusy and refreshing flavors serve you a burst of brightness, allowing a pleasant contrast to the various emotional and dramatic moments of the story.

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Shatter Me - Tahereh Mafi

I could not put this book down. It sucked me right in and did not let me go. I loved it!

And I read the whole series, so the story description mainly focuses on the first book but writing style and feelings include the other five and the three novellas.

It is about a young girl named Juliette who is kept hidden and held captive by the reestablishment, the group that has taken world domination, in a dystopian, kind of post-apocalyptic earth.

She caught the attention of a young leader of the reestablishment due to her gift: a touch of hers can kill. (First book)

Although it is a fast-paced series, there are enough descriptions and recollections of memories that you do not feel lost and really start to understand the world she is living in.

Throughout the series there are lots of unpredictable shifts and twists, creating an enticing and thrilling storyline I could not wait to follow.

Mafi has unique writing style in this series, for example; the crossing out of sentences and quite a lot of repetitions. I’ve heard lots of people found this annoying to read and tiresome. However, for myself, on the other hand I found that she is able to show the conflict inside of this disturbed and traumatized young girl and the sometimes-weird descriptions seem fitting for the mind of Juliette.

The Shatter Me books are an exciting and captivating dystopian romance series that will keep you hooked. The fast-paced plot and suspenseful story immerse you in a dangerous world full of twists and turns. Mafi's skillful storytelling, poetic writing, and detailed world-building make for an intense and thought-provoking reading experience. You'll be drawn into Juliette's journey, feeling the weight of her struggles and becoming deeply invested in her fate. This series is a real page-turner that leaves you eagerly anticipating the next installment, ready to uncover mysteries and confront new challenges

Regarding the drink, I would recommend a Maple Whiskey Sour. This twist on a classic complements the darker tones of the story perfectly. The combination of sweet, sour, and smooth flavors creates a harmonious blend that resonates with the complex and multi-layered narrative. The richness of the maple syrup adds depth to the drink, complementing the intricate world-building and character development. While sipping on this drink, the refreshing element of the lemon cuts through the tension and delivers a feeling of hope. It immerses you in a sensory journey that mirrors the intense emotions and enthralling atmosphere of the series.

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The Midnight Library - Matt Haig

This book explores the story of a young woman who, after attempting suicide, discovers the extraordinary opportunity to explore the infinite possibilities of her own life.

Nora, the protagonist, finds herself trapped in a state of unhappiness as her life seems to crumble before her eyes. Struggling with depression and burdened by numerous regrets from her past, she resolves to end her life. However, instead of death, she unexpectedly finds herself in a mysterious library. Here, she is given the chance to experience the various lives she could have lived if she had made different choices in the past. If she discovers a life free of regrets, she will be able to stay and live it.

I enjoyed reading this novel, even though it was quite predictable, and I was able to guess the ending halfway through the book. However, it inspire me to reflect on the choices I have made in my life and contemplate about the multitude of paths left unexplored and the ones still open to explore. Perhaps some of the regrets we have are self-inflicted and a different choice may not change anything in the end. It is a nice Sunday read, offering a fine blend of escapism and introspection.

Regarding the drink, I would recommend Gatão Vinho Verde, a very light and young wine from Portugal.Its light-bodied and uncomplicated nature can provide a casual and relaxed backdrop for the novel. Compared to other Vinho Verde wines, it does not possess the characteristic strong acidity or complexity, which aligns well with the books’ straightforward storyline and balances any dysphoric feeling which may arise at certain points while reading.

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Part of my latest book haul! Very excited to read these 🥰

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Fairydale - Veronica Lancet

Initially, this book failed to captivate me. However, it is a complex and haunting tale that skillfully combines fantasy, romance, and gothic aesthetics. Lancet creates a world of eerie atmospheres and secrets, where forbidden love and fate intertwine.

The story unfolds across three different time periods, with the present set in Fairydale, a small town shrouded in supposed evil. The romance between the central characters is both enticing and tragic, effectively capturing the emotional depth and intensity of their connection.

One standout feature of Fairydale is its world-building. The intricate lore and hidden secrets add depth to the overall story. However, I found the pacing to be occasionally uneven, with certain sections lingering too long on descriptions while rushing through crucial plot points. This led to a prolonged reading period of a few weeks, as I struggled to pick up the book and continue.

Nevertheless, the final third of the book proved to be truly captivating. As the missing pieces of the story fell into place, I finally began to understand and appreciate the book's overall appeal.

Would I recommend this book? Yes, but with a caveat. It is best suited for patient readers who are willing to push through the initial 500 pages.

During this journey, I suggest enjoying a glass of Apothic Red, a Californian red cuvée. Its ripe dark fruit flavors of black cherry and blackberry, along with hints of vanilla and spice, make it a fitting accompaniment to the atmospheric and romantic elements of the story. The wine's smooth and velvety texture adds a layer of comfort and enjoyment that may help navigate the book's bumpy beginning.

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Haunting Adeline - H.D. Carlton

Okay, so this one is going to be a lot more personal, and I think I shouldn't have enjoyed this book as much as I did. It has everything I love: smut, unbelievably good-looking characters, and a great plot, complete with an unexpected twist.

The book is a multiple POV novel about Adeline, a young, successful author who has just moved into her recently deceased grandmother's haunted mansion. The other POV is Zade, a self-employed mercenary who infiltrates and destroys human trafficking rings. Zade first becomes captivated with Adeline after seeing her at a book signing event. From that point on, he becomes her shadow. (I know it sounds bad, but trust the process.)

The book is very well-written and so engaging that I devoured it in one sitting. However, I believe it's an advanced read. If you're just starting your dark romance journey, I wouldn't recommend beginning with this book.

I must point out the trigger warnings. If you've been a victim of human trafficking, stalking, or sexual assault, this book may not be for you. I feel like this book should be for readers 21 and older, but it's definitely worth it.

For this book, I recommend an "Old Fashioned" cocktail. The male main character loves a good whisky, and the strong flavor underlines the desire he feels for Adeline. The smoothness of the drink also reflects her soft nature with a hunger for the thrill. "This book ends on a cliffhanger. The contents are very dark with triggering situations, such as non/dub con between the main characters, graphic violence, human trafficking, stalking, child trafficking, child sacrifice, mentions of child death, and explicit sexual situations. There are also particular kinks such as gun play, somnophilia, bondage, and degradation."

Carlton, H. D. . Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet Book 1)

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It Ends With Us - Colleen Hoover

It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover is a powerful and emotional novel that explores the difficult subject of domestic violence. The story follows the protagonist, Lily Bloom, as she navigates her own personal history with abuse and her current romantic relationship with Ryle Kincaid, a successful neurosurgeon with a turbulent past.

What makes this book truly exceptional is the way that it dives deep into the complex nature of abuse, and the many difficult choices that victims must make in order to protect themselves and those they love. The author does an excellent job of creating a nuanced and empathetic portrait of Lily, showing her as a strong and capable woman who is nevertheless deeply affected by the trauma of her past.

The novel is well-written and engaging with a plot that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. I raced through this book in about a day.

The romance between Lily and Ryle is both passionate and complicated, and the tension between them is palpable throughout the story.

Throughout the novel I began to really understand the victims of abuse and their decision making. I started to love the two main characters as I got to know them and even though my mind understood the awry situation they found themselves in, my heart did not want to budge in loving them all.

Overall, "It Ends with Us" is a beautiful and powerful novel that explores an often-taboo subject with sensitivity and grace. This book is for everyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the often-devastating effects of domestic violence.

In my opinion a must read.

The drink I would recommend for this book is a Tequila Manhattan this variation on the classic Manhattan made with tequila, sweet vermouth, and bitters represent the protagonists’ search for connection and understanding. The two main flavours perfectly accentuate the duality of her feelings she has to work through and the struggles she has to overcome.

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The Atlas Six - Olivie Blake

The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake is a dark academia thriller that’s supposed to keep the reader engaged from beginning to end.

Six uniquely talented people are chosen from around the world and invited to attend an exclusive program to join the secret Alexandrian society. But only five can remain.

A very impressive aspect of The Atlas Six is the attention to detail. The use of real-world conspiracy theories and historical events does add an element of realism to the story.

The characters in The Atlas Six are all individually complex, each with their own distinct personality and backstory. Some more likeable than others. The author weaves their individual narratives together to create an emotional maze for the reader. Which made the switching points of view a bit exhausting and bothersome.

The writing style of the author felt rather over the top. She tried to use synonyms and analogies in almost every opportunity. Halfway through the book I was not sure if I could finish it.

The plot is somehow engaging but felt overall lacking.

I was really excited for this book but unfortunately it fell short of the praise it received.

However, the drink I would recommend for this book is a Dark and Stormy. Its complex flavors evoke a sense of adventure and intrigue. The colors of the drink match the ominous tone of the novel, while the bold flavors of the rum and ginger beer mirror the characters twists and turns.

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The Life List - Lori Nelson Spielman

I decided to start this blog with a book recommended by one of my dearest friends and I gotta say, I was pretty sceptical in the beginning. But this book positively surprised me. 

"The Life List" by Lori Nelson Spielman is a heartwarming and inspiring novel about a woman named Brett who receives a surprising inheritance from her mother after her death. Instead of money or property, Brett is given a list of dreams she wrote when she was 14 years old, and her mother's dying wish is for Brett to fulfill all the items on the list.

As Brett starts to work her way through the list, she discovers that some of the items are easier to achieve than others, and some require her to step out of her comfort zone and face her fears.

Spielman's writing style is engaging and easy to read, and she has created well-developed and relatable characters. The themes of family, love and personal growth are woven throughout the novel, making it a heartwarming and uplifting read.

Overall, "The Life List" is a beautiful and touching novel that will leave readers feeling inspired and hopeful. It is a reminder that life is short, and we should cherish every moment and chase our dreams, no matter how big or small they may seem.

To complement that story I would recommend a Sauvignon Blanc. It compliments the heartwarming and optimistic tone of the novel with its light and refreshing taste. It feels like spring, which also fits Brett’s second spring of life.