Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: Cherryvine
SERIES: Honeythorn #2
AUTHOR: Marina Vivancos
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 146 Pages
RELEASE DATE: March 29, 2022
BLURB:
When Omega Isak get shipped to the South to be married off for the second time, he knows exactly what to expect—Coldness. Neglect. Abuse. He’s learnt how to survive being bonded to a cruel Alpha. He can do it again.
Alpha Emil Carillo, however, is anything but expected. Effusive, charming, and joyful, Isak doesn’t know how to handle him. How to figure out when his new husband will turn mean and abrasive—when the first blow will finally land.
Alpha Carillo seems to be nothing like his late husband, but Isak doesn’t know how to trust that. If he’ll ever be able to let go of the past and embrace the future.
Isak has been hurt badly before…can he really allow himself to open up and let love in?
Cherryvine is an Alpha/Omega, pseudo-regency book filled to the brim with good old hurt/comfort.
This book is part of the Honeythorn series but can be read as a standalone.
REVIEW:
Upon the death of his husband, another marriage is arranged for Isak to Alpha Emil Carillo. After previously enduring – years of abuse, Isak believed he knew what to predict and how to handle it. Survival was Isak’s aim. What he hadn’t anticipated were understanding and kindness. An arranged ‘peace’ marriage didn’t excite Emile. The last thing he wanted was to give up his free as a bird lifestyle. He didn’t think marriage would be the opposite of what he expected.
Cherryvine is book two in the Honeythorn series and can be read as a standalone. I love Marina Vivancos’s writing, and I adored book one. I couldn’t wait to get started on this one, cos, damn, I love a good dose of hurt/comfort.
The story is told in the third person, with the lion’s share from Isak’s viewpoint. A couple of other voices sneak in, but they are exceptions. Technically, nothing significant stood out as being wrong. Then again, I was so engrossed in the tale to honestly notice.
Emile is a loveable rogue. He has a huge heart but is mainly known for rolling in late, needing to sleep off a hangover. So, I was intrigued with how he’d fair as husband to Isak, who needed the opposite of everything he’d experienced.
Isak, bless him. My heart went out to the man. His controlling ex had beaten all hope and aspiration out of him in such a way that Isak considered himself unworthy of anything different. Such experiences are difficult to overcome and always remain part of a person’s makeup – and this is the case for Isak. Lovely pictures were painted with words, describing both landscapes and emotions. Isak’s journey from his old home to his new one reflected his personal one. It was akin to moving from a cold, wet, Victorian England to the heat and beauty of Spain.
Isak’s thoughts are so sad, and yet he demonstrates an inner strength that is inspirational. He is encouraged/supported within his new surroundings in varying ways, and Isak is eager to learn. Watching Isak emerge was a joy, and Emile made me melt, especially when he courts Isak instead of owning him. The courtship ritual was a delight to read.
However, the last chapter felt somewhat disjointed from the rest of the story. Mainly because it took me a while to figure out who’s point of view I was reading, followed by the sensation of ‘where did this come from?’ Somewhat left field was the answer. I couldn’t help feeling a bridging chapter was needed containing the connecting pieces. Until that last chapter, this story was headed towards 4.5 or maybe even 5 hearts as I was soooo totally on board with Isak and Emil’s journeys. I presume the ending doubled as a set-up for book three – but something was definitely missing.
On the whole, (with the exception of the last chapter) I found Cherryvine a captivating, beautiful, story full of heartache, beauty, and stunning imagery.
RATING: 
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