Books & Booze Review: Sins of a Saint, A Crowne Legacy & 19 Crimes-Snoop Cali Red.
Everything about the book and wine was the perfect compliment. Of course, it is best when you experience it for yourself. I encourage you to try these two and let me know your thoughts in the comments.
Bonus: A Crowne Legacy reading guide for the serious reader.
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Ever lock eyes with someone from across the room and know it was sinful?
HIM
Deliciously dangerous and addictive. That’s how I felt when I kissed her. My gut knew she was trouble before my heart did, but she betrayed both. I swore on my Crowne family, that trust was something I’d never give twice. But with the past creeping back to light - and her along with it - it seems my world might fall victim to the messy kind of secrets I’m usually so good at cleaning up.
HER
If sin had a taste, it would be him. But in our world, trust isn’t given, it’s only received once you’ve proven your loyalty. I doubt he’ll ever look at me the same again, but he’s the only person I can turn to. The only one for the job. It takes one look from him to know I’m in more trouble than I thought. He might be a saint, but sinful is his nature. Unfortunately for me, I’ve always been the sinning type.
Please Note: Sins of a Saint contains sex, violence, and profanity and is the thrilling introduction into the Crowne family. It is not required to read the sexy, fast-burn prelude - Face Down Fridays - first, but highly recommended for overall enjoyment.
Sins of a Saint is the second installment of the Crowne Legacy series. The author gets your attention with this series, don't expect the same voice you've had in the past. This series is telling a story of a family with a unique dynamic. Much like a chessboard, every person has a position.
First, we have Saint Crowne, a trained professional cleaner. He runs a crew called the Drifters, an on-call professional cleaning service. I will leave that right here for you to get your conclusion. Taraj Walker is a bit of a wild card in this one. She is a female assassin; specialty: knives. Here is where the story starts to twist. Saint and Taraj have a history that stems from childhood and then intimacy. When Saint is called to do a job, he comes face to face with the one that broke his heart. She makes a proposition that defies comprehension, giving the fact of all that has happened between them. So you can imagine having to work with someone with tension so thick it could become life-threatening.
The story journeys through the past and gets you caught up without revealing all the pieces of the puzzle.
Sins of a Saint is a well-written story with great character development. With all the secrets, fine lines between legal/illegal the author do a great job in keeping you on the edge of your seat waiting for what will happen next. Even though this was suspenseful, I would be remiss if I didn't mention all the heat that ignites between Saint and Taraj, even amidst all the dangers.
One of the best parts of the book is the strong cast of characters that had a voice throughout the entire book. This Crowne Family is a force to be reckoned with and if you fall in their crosshair....well, let's just say in the next one...
Reader Note: I recommend taking in Carter #Undoing and Face Down Friday before diving into this one. While it is not mandatory, it would help provide some insight into the already complicated characters. Happy Reading
Full and dense, with strong black & blue fruit notes upfront from the Petite Sirah, complemented by bright red, slightly candied fruit in the background from the Zinfandel. The darkly toasted oak ties it all together with a slightly sweet finish.
Color: Red
Features: Blend (Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, & Merlot)
Size: 750 ml
Sweetness: Semi-sweet
The label on the bottle got my attention, much like a book. Reading the label convinced me this would be the perfect pair for my next read.
By the wine's definition of existence makes it perfect for the hero of Sins of a Saint. 19 Crimes is defiant by nature, bold in character, and always uncompromising. It is a brand built on authentic stories of rebellion, defiance, loyalty, and perseverance.
Telling the true stories of rulebreakers who beat the odds, overcome adversity, which is what the author did in Sins of a Saint.
*****
On the pour, the wine has a deep violet color; the nose picks up dark berry fruits, subtle hints of vanilla with a touch of maybe pepper. I wasn't sure what to expect from this selection, but I was pleasantly surprised. The wine was very smooth, and it had the right amounts of dry and sweet, you pick up a little oak on the finish. I enjoy blended reds, and this one just got added to the list.
This entire line of wine has an intriguing story to tell and I will be adding them to my list.
This can be found at local grocery and wine & spirits near you. Cost: $10-15
Suggested Food Pairing: Barbecued Baby Back Ribs
Suggested Book Pairing: Sins of a Saint