What do you think?
Rate this book
Blackwood Cellars #2
Red Velvet
Six nights in the Northwoods, two best friends, and one big secret. What could possibly go wrong?
In her ultra-competitive family, April Beckett is used to taking last place. For years, she's put up with jabs about her modest job and her pathetic love life. Especially after she tried to impress her older sisters with a fake boyfriend in college and failed miserably. But now she has a smoking-hot date for her brother’s wedding, guaranteed to wow them.
Until he bails. Cue total desperation.
Without April’s friendship, Brody Blackwood wouldn’t have survived his last breakup. So, if she needs a plus-one for a family wedding, he’s all in. Even if it means pretending to be her boyfriend. And committing to a week of activities at a wooded resort in Wisconsin. But how hard could a fall getaway with your best friend be?
Too bad there’s a grueling 10K race and a cutthroat trivia night to endure. Not to mention a massive secret to protect. But will the biggest secret of all turn out to be that this fake relationship feels more real than April or Brody ever imagined?
In her ultra-competitive family, April Beckett is used to taking last place. For years, she's put up with jabs about her modest job and her pathetic love life. Especially after she tried to impress her older sisters with a fake boyfriend in college and failed miserably. But now she has a smoking-hot date for her brother’s wedding, guaranteed to wow them.
Until he bails. Cue total desperation.
Without April’s friendship, Brody Blackwood wouldn’t have survived his last breakup. So, if she needs a plus-one for a family wedding, he’s all in. Even if it means pretending to be her boyfriend. And committing to a week of activities at a wooded resort in Wisconsin. But how hard could a fall getaway with your best friend be?
Too bad there’s a grueling 10K race and a cutthroat trivia night to endure. Not to mention a massive secret to protect. But will the biggest secret of all turn out to be that this fake relationship feels more real than April or Brody ever imagined?
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 2021
About the author
Carla Luna
19 books117 followersCarla Luna writes contemporary romance with a dollop of humor and a pinch of spice. A former archaeologist, she still dreams of traveling to far-off places and channels that wanderlust into the settings of her stories.
When she’s not writing, she works in a spice emporium where she gets paid to discuss food and share her favorite recipes. Her passions include Broadway musicals, baking, whimsical office supplies, and pop culture podcasts. Though she has roots in Los Angeles and Victoria, B.C., she currently resides in Wisconsin with her family and her feisty Siberian cat.
When she’s not writing, she works in a spice emporium where she gets paid to discuss food and share her favorite recipes. Her passions include Broadway musicals, baking, whimsical office supplies, and pop culture podcasts. Though she has roots in Los Angeles and Victoria, B.C., she currently resides in Wisconsin with her family and her feisty Siberian cat.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
September 19, 2021
Following on a few months after the previous book, this next story in the ‘Blackwood Cellars’ series follows completely new characters so you don’t have to have read the rest of the series. However, I enjoyed the first book so much, I couldn’t wait to get started on this autumnal offering!
This book is a lovely autumnal romance. Set in the beautiful Wisconsin countryside during autumn, I could vividly picture the wonderful reds and oranges of the season. Although Luna makes some references to the wedding in the first book, this does not mean you need to know that story at all, because it really doesn’t shape the characters actions.
Meeting April, she is a gentle, warm character with a sweet friendship with Brody. Yet, it soon becomes clear that both are harbouring deep feelings – except Brody doesn’t quite realise it yet! I was surprised that the writer followed the same format as before: a hidden relationship in front of friends and family. For Brody and April, he becomes her plus one for a family wedding in order to save embarrassment from April’s awful family.
Indeed, I really disliked April’s family and the constant pressure they put on the youngest of the family. Luna does this deliberately so readers sympathise with April, but, some of the comments from her older sister, Drianna, are just terrible! She seems to make it her aim to make April’s life a living hell, destroying her self-esteem in the process. I was actually glad that April had Brody fighting her corner.
Despite these family horrors, the relationship between April and Brody is a delight to watch unfold. Eventually, as you would expect, the two characters do unite in a passionate, steamy liaison, with the expected crisis towards the end. It is a ‘happy ever after’ type of story so is perfect for an autumn mood boost as the weather draws in.
It was easy to enjoy this story with its sweet, uncomplicated plot development. I enjoyed watching Brody trying to impersonate another boyfriend and wondered if he would be able to get through the family holiday without revealing his true identity. Overall, it’s a good dose of old-fashioned romance and if you enjoy books of this genre, this will likely prove satisfying too.
With thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is a lovely autumnal romance. Set in the beautiful Wisconsin countryside during autumn, I could vividly picture the wonderful reds and oranges of the season. Although Luna makes some references to the wedding in the first book, this does not mean you need to know that story at all, because it really doesn’t shape the characters actions.
Meeting April, she is a gentle, warm character with a sweet friendship with Brody. Yet, it soon becomes clear that both are harbouring deep feelings – except Brody doesn’t quite realise it yet! I was surprised that the writer followed the same format as before: a hidden relationship in front of friends and family. For Brody and April, he becomes her plus one for a family wedding in order to save embarrassment from April’s awful family.
Indeed, I really disliked April’s family and the constant pressure they put on the youngest of the family. Luna does this deliberately so readers sympathise with April, but, some of the comments from her older sister, Drianna, are just terrible! She seems to make it her aim to make April’s life a living hell, destroying her self-esteem in the process. I was actually glad that April had Brody fighting her corner.
Despite these family horrors, the relationship between April and Brody is a delight to watch unfold. Eventually, as you would expect, the two characters do unite in a passionate, steamy liaison, with the expected crisis towards the end. It is a ‘happy ever after’ type of story so is perfect for an autumn mood boost as the weather draws in.
It was easy to enjoy this story with its sweet, uncomplicated plot development. I enjoyed watching Brody trying to impersonate another boyfriend and wondered if he would be able to get through the family holiday without revealing his true identity. Overall, it’s a good dose of old-fashioned romance and if you enjoy books of this genre, this will likely prove satisfying too.
With thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 20, 2021
Red Velvet is such a great contemporary romance! The story has many tropes that I love – friends-to-lovers romance, only one bed, fake dating, and more. It follows April, who must spend a week with her super competitive family for her brother’s upcoming wedding. Used to being teased and picked on every time she is with her family, April is thrilled to have her handsome boyfriend with her for the week. However, when he bails at the last minute, April despairs. Luckily, her best friend, Brody Blackwood, offers to pretend to be her boyfriend. As the week progresses and April and Brody try to maintain their ruse, the pair begins to face their more-than-friendly feelings for each other.
The romance between April and Brody is fantastic and equal parts sweet and steamy. Both April and Brody are nerds, and I loved their references to Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and more. They are the best of friends, and they are a great support to each other. They have such fun together, and it’s clear that they can be completely themselves when they are together. Both have had bad and recent breakups and are a little hesitant about love. However, they have a special connection and care deeply for each other. I love how they slowly admit their feelings for each other and how their relationship grows and transitions throughout the story. They have such fantastic chemistry, and their ease with and love for each other is relatable, realistic, and swoon-tastic! I totally related to this couple, as my husband and I were friends before we became more. We are also big nerds, much like April and Brody.
Both April and Brody have complicated family relationships, though the story focuses more on April’s family. Her sisters are particularly difficult and antagonistic, especially toward April. They are a highly competitive family, unlike April, and April often feels like the odd one out. She and Brody are alike in that way. They both struggle with feelings of worth and not living up to the expectations of their family. Neither feels like they fit in with the rest of their family, and they always seem like they are trying to prove themselves to those who should accept them without reservation.
I love how hard Brody works to make things easier for April. He knows how anxiety-ridden she becomes when with her parents and sisters, and he does everything in his power to alleviate her stress. It’s clear long before he realizes it that Brody loves April, and I love how he supports and defends her throughout their trip. From running in a 10k to participating in trivia night to enduring painful events with her terrible family, Brody puts his own problems aside to be there for his best friend, which says so much about him and their relationship.
I did struggle to like April’s family, and even after the explanations of why specific family members acted so nastily to April, I found them difficult to understand and forgive. They were unnecessarily mean, hyper-competitive, and often cruel to April, and even her parents prove difficult to please or even appease. They never really try to understand April, and they seem very selfish and self-centered. One sister in particular is so degrading and spiteful, and her attitude is toxic. The family’s lack of acceptance and understanding of April stands in stark contrast to the unwavering support, friendship, and love Brody offers.
Luckily, Brody and April do have people on their side. April’s brother and his fiancée, April’s quirky cousin, and Brody’s friends are all supportive, accepting, and encouraging, and I loved their roles in the story. Considering Brody and April have such complicated relationships with many of their family members, it’s wonderful to see that they have people in their lives that accept them without judgment.
I thought this was a fun and entertaining friends-to-lovers romance! It was the perfect light summer read, and I adored April and Brody. It is the second book in the Blackwood Cellars but can easily be read as a standalone. I did not read Blue Hawaiian, the first book in the series, though I intend to now, and I had no problem following the story. I’m eager to read more by Clara Luna, and the characters and love story from the first book sounds fantastic! Thanks so much to Rachel’s Random Resources and Clara Luna for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
The romance between April and Brody is fantastic and equal parts sweet and steamy. Both April and Brody are nerds, and I loved their references to Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and more. They are the best of friends, and they are a great support to each other. They have such fun together, and it’s clear that they can be completely themselves when they are together. Both have had bad and recent breakups and are a little hesitant about love. However, they have a special connection and care deeply for each other. I love how they slowly admit their feelings for each other and how their relationship grows and transitions throughout the story. They have such fantastic chemistry, and their ease with and love for each other is relatable, realistic, and swoon-tastic! I totally related to this couple, as my husband and I were friends before we became more. We are also big nerds, much like April and Brody.
Both April and Brody have complicated family relationships, though the story focuses more on April’s family. Her sisters are particularly difficult and antagonistic, especially toward April. They are a highly competitive family, unlike April, and April often feels like the odd one out. She and Brody are alike in that way. They both struggle with feelings of worth and not living up to the expectations of their family. Neither feels like they fit in with the rest of their family, and they always seem like they are trying to prove themselves to those who should accept them without reservation.
I love how hard Brody works to make things easier for April. He knows how anxiety-ridden she becomes when with her parents and sisters, and he does everything in his power to alleviate her stress. It’s clear long before he realizes it that Brody loves April, and I love how he supports and defends her throughout their trip. From running in a 10k to participating in trivia night to enduring painful events with her terrible family, Brody puts his own problems aside to be there for his best friend, which says so much about him and their relationship.
I did struggle to like April’s family, and even after the explanations of why specific family members acted so nastily to April, I found them difficult to understand and forgive. They were unnecessarily mean, hyper-competitive, and often cruel to April, and even her parents prove difficult to please or even appease. They never really try to understand April, and they seem very selfish and self-centered. One sister in particular is so degrading and spiteful, and her attitude is toxic. The family’s lack of acceptance and understanding of April stands in stark contrast to the unwavering support, friendship, and love Brody offers.
Luckily, Brody and April do have people on their side. April’s brother and his fiancée, April’s quirky cousin, and Brody’s friends are all supportive, accepting, and encouraging, and I loved their roles in the story. Considering Brody and April have such complicated relationships with many of their family members, it’s wonderful to see that they have people in their lives that accept them without judgment.
I thought this was a fun and entertaining friends-to-lovers romance! It was the perfect light summer read, and I adored April and Brody. It is the second book in the Blackwood Cellars but can easily be read as a standalone. I did not read Blue Hawaiian, the first book in the series, though I intend to now, and I had no problem following the story. I’m eager to read more by Clara Luna, and the characters and love story from the first book sounds fantastic! Thanks so much to Rachel’s Random Resources and Clara Luna for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
November 1, 2021
I'm so gosh darn proud of my friend Carla for the release of her second romance novel! I was an early reader of "Red Velvet" and I loved being whisked away on the page to the charming location of Door County, Wisconsin (aka the setting for this book).
"Red Velvet"'s main characters, April and Brody, are best friends and colleagues, and their story follows one of my favorite rom-com tropes (friends to lovers). In Carla's capable hands, she has created two people who feel very real. As a result, you feel for them deeply as they fumble their way toward realizing they have feelings for each other—a discovery that occurs over the course of a days-long gauntlet of family activities that culminates in the wedding of April's brother, Ollie.
I also love that Brody is a character who carries over from Carla's first book, "Blue Hawaiian", which I loved just as much!
"Red Velvet"'s main characters, April and Brody, are best friends and colleagues, and their story follows one of my favorite rom-com tropes (friends to lovers). In Carla's capable hands, she has created two people who feel very real. As a result, you feel for them deeply as they fumble their way toward realizing they have feelings for each other—a discovery that occurs over the course of a days-long gauntlet of family activities that culminates in the wedding of April's brother, Ollie.
I also love that Brody is a character who carries over from Carla's first book, "Blue Hawaiian", which I loved just as much!
September 11, 2021
After book one I was so excited for April and Brodys story and I could hardly wait to read it!
It did not disappoint.
April is a wonderful baker and she has an amazing friend in Brody. She’s dating Chris who is supposed to go with her to her brothers wedding. He bails-surprise surprise.
Queue Brody to the rescue. He agrees to go with and pretend to be her boyfriend. What could go wrong?!?
All sorts of hilariousness ensues and despite everything going wrong that could, April and Brody find something that was there all along but both were too blind to see it.
Part of what intrigued me about this book was that it is set in Door County, a wonderful town in my great state of WI. Carla did an amazing job of describing all the locations that are real places to go.
For a new writer these books are great. Carla has already found a place as a writer and I have no doubts that she will go far! I for one am there and will read whatever she writes.
It did not disappoint.
April is a wonderful baker and she has an amazing friend in Brody. She’s dating Chris who is supposed to go with her to her brothers wedding. He bails-surprise surprise.
Queue Brody to the rescue. He agrees to go with and pretend to be her boyfriend. What could go wrong?!?
All sorts of hilariousness ensues and despite everything going wrong that could, April and Brody find something that was there all along but both were too blind to see it.
Part of what intrigued me about this book was that it is set in Door County, a wonderful town in my great state of WI. Carla did an amazing job of describing all the locations that are real places to go.
For a new writer these books are great. Carla has already found a place as a writer and I have no doubts that she will go far! I for one am there and will read whatever she writes.
September 14, 2021
I would just like to say a big thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources who very kindly forwarded me an arc copy of this book, for my Kindle, in return for an honest review.
This is book 2 in the Blackwood Cellars series but can very easily be read as a stand alone.
Red Velvet is a ‘best friends to lovers’ trope and I absolutely loved it.
April was there in a big way when Brody’s relationship fell apart, so the very least he can do is pretend to be her boyfriend for a while - how hard can it be??!!!
This book was written really well and the descriptions of all the places were perfect, I could really imagine being there.
It was a roller coaster of emotions and I really enjoyed it.
This is book 2 in the Blackwood Cellars series but can very easily be read as a stand alone.
Red Velvet is a ‘best friends to lovers’ trope and I absolutely loved it.
April was there in a big way when Brody’s relationship fell apart, so the very least he can do is pretend to be her boyfriend for a while - how hard can it be??!!!
This book was written really well and the descriptions of all the places were perfect, I could really imagine being there.
It was a roller coaster of emotions and I really enjoyed it.
September 28, 2024
Loved that this book was set in Door County, Wisconsin. It was definently a good comfort romance set in the fall. Kind of predictable with the friends to lovers but in a good way
September 16, 2021
I loved the first book in this series by this author, Blue Hawaiian. In fact, it was one of my favorite books so far this year. So that meant I was very excited to read this one. Once again the story took place around the setting of a getaway wedding. However instead of the tropical setting of the last book, this time they were in Wisconsin. And the family that we were really a part of the wedding for, April’s family, were a bunch of competitive athletic types. I mean, they had a 10K one day, a softball game, and just wow. That was so weird to me! But I guess there are probably people like that out there, maybe? Brody was our hero, and I was so ready for him to get his HEA after what happened to him in the first book. What I really liked about this book was honestly how real the relationship between Brody and April seemed. The steamy bits, were good, but were real. You know how crazy sometimes, or so perfect those scenes can be in romance, and believe me, I don’t mind those, but these were just real. And that made that part of the story perfect for me. It was really hard to like April’s family, or at least her sisters, one of them especially. But her brother and cousin, I did really like them.
While this one didn’t blow me away as much as the first book did, it still was really good, and I sped through the story, enjoying every bit! Now, I’m excited for the third one, and I guess not only are our characters connected to the winery, but that one seems as if it will be centered around a wedding as well. I kind of enjoy that aspect of these stories! I only wish I could just once attend a wedding like this.
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
While this one didn’t blow me away as much as the first book did, it still was really good, and I sped through the story, enjoying every bit! Now, I’m excited for the third one, and I guess not only are our characters connected to the winery, but that one seems as if it will be centered around a wedding as well. I kind of enjoy that aspect of these stories! I only wish I could just once attend a wedding like this.
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
June 12, 2023
I’m sorry but when are they going to decide that we’ve had enough of the *come to this wedding as my partner but your only my friend but no one I actually believing it anyway and whoops I think I’m in love with you too* you’ve never fooled me and you never will
October 16, 2023
It was the miscommunication trope and then her phone dying for me
September 5, 2023
I enjoyed this friends to lovers, dual POV, fake dating, wedding date romance that sees two co-worker friends travelling to Door County, Wisconsin for April's brother's Fall wedding. Dumped by her scummy boyfriend, who constantly criticized April's weight and eating habits, she is desperate to find a date for the wedding or face the ridicule of her toxic sisters. Enter, Brody, her best friend who is happy to help in a pinch.
What follows are family competitions, only one bed, some steamy role-play and an unwelcome grand gesture from the wrong guy. This was my first Carla Luna book and I can't wait to read more. Part of her Blackwood Cellars series it can be read as a standalone but there are a few references to Brody's part in his sister's wedding from book one.
Steam level: open door, spicy
What follows are family competitions, only one bed, some steamy role-play and an unwelcome grand gesture from the wrong guy. This was my first Carla Luna book and I can't wait to read more. Part of her Blackwood Cellars series it can be read as a standalone but there are a few references to Brody's part in his sister's wedding from book one.
Steam level: open door, spicy
October 27, 2021
Thank you to the author and The Romance of Reading FB page.
Another chick lit book that was somehow cliche, fluffy, and cute at the same time. Friends to lovers trope. April's "plus one" (friend with benefits man) wouldn't attend her brother's wedding so Brody faked it as him and went and Brody being the guy he was went along with it not thinking it could be crazy.
Shenanigans ensued with her dysfunctional (yes another one) and competitive family throughout the week before the wedding in Door County, WI. Her sisters were always putting her down throughout life and April finally decided to stand up for herself.
Some sex scenes and graphic if you don't mind it. I've read enough of them so it doesn't bother me. The scenery sounded wonderful there especially in the Fall.
Another chick lit book that was somehow cliche, fluffy, and cute at the same time. Friends to lovers trope. April's "plus one" (friend with benefits man) wouldn't attend her brother's wedding so Brody faked it as him and went and Brody being the guy he was went along with it not thinking it could be crazy.
Shenanigans ensued with her dysfunctional (yes another one) and competitive family throughout the week before the wedding in Door County, WI. Her sisters were always putting her down throughout life and April finally decided to stand up for herself.
Some sex scenes and graphic if you don't mind it. I've read enough of them so it doesn't bother me. The scenery sounded wonderful there especially in the Fall.
May 18, 2023
Red Velvet by Carla Luna
This story is about April who needs a date for her brother's wedding. The last guy who was her date bail on her at the last minute. Her friend Brody just got out of a relationship and when April needs help, he will do whatever it takes to pretend to be her boyfriend for the wedding. This is a friend to lover's trope book and a bit of fake dating.
I enjoy this one the same as I enjoyed the first book in the series.
This story is about April who needs a date for her brother's wedding. The last guy who was her date bail on her at the last minute. Her friend Brody just got out of a relationship and when April needs help, he will do whatever it takes to pretend to be her boyfriend for the wedding. This is a friend to lover's trope book and a bit of fake dating.
I enjoy this one the same as I enjoyed the first book in the series.
November 7, 2023
4.5 ✨
Very cute fake dating / friends to lovers romance!
Very cute fake dating / friends to lovers romance!
August 30, 2024
Perfect cozy (and slightly spicy) romance for the autumn season (Is it going to be 31 degrees this weekend? Yes. Am I already reading autumn books? Absolutely.)
August 19, 2021
I love being right. After I read Carla Luna’s first book in her Blackwood Cellars series, I predicted it would be my favorite contemporary romance series. Naturally, I was eager to get my hands on an advance reader’s copy of book two, RED VELVET, and woooo boy, I love this writer! It’s a “friends to lovers” story and these characters reminded me of a quote I hung on my wall in college. “Good friends are like mirrors: They see you perfectly.” April was there for Brody when his world came apart, an unshakable support. So, when April’s food shaming, self-absorbed boyfriend fails her, Brody steps up. Romance readers expect heroes to perform great acts of, well, heroism. But what Brody Blackwood endures for April Beckett would make Ironman pale by comparison. How could anyone be expected to resist a guy like Brody? Carve out a day to yourself. You will not want to put this book down. Fall in love and fall hard with Brody and April in RED VELVET.
July 21, 2022
After April Beckett’s hot friend-with-benefits bails on her, she has a choice. Face her A+++ competitive family at her brother’s wedding solo or recruit her work-buddy to replace her plus one. To keep her sisters off her case, April opts for the second choice. So April and Brody Blackwood fly to Wisconsin.
When Brody Blackwood volunteers to help out April (who makes treat day at Blackwood Cellars a weekly event that he won't miss), he thinks a week alone with her will be the perfect get away. They’ve supported one another after disastrous break-ups and up until now, their CODE RED friendship has kept them close.
While having to share a charming one-bedroom cabin on the lake and navigating the Beckett family competitions, April and Brody discover that they work well together, and they have fun together. Especially when taking on the wine tasting trolley and trivia night. And of course, that one big bed looks like a lot of fun as well.
This book is a fun and flirty romance. You’ll root for April and Brody as they *fall* for one another while attending this autumn wedding.
I love this romantic setting. Author Carla Luna brings the flavors and life of Door County, Wisconsin alive. With crisp apples, gold and red leaves, cherry jams galore and plenty of wine tasting, you’ll adore this vacation-in-a-book.
*Red Velvet* is the second book in Carla Luna’s Blackwood Cellar series. Anyone who loves small town contemporary romances will adore this story. It’s a perfect read for a cool autumn day and a glass of cabernet. Treat yourself and pick up a copy of *Red Velvet*! TQXO
When Brody Blackwood volunteers to help out April (who makes treat day at Blackwood Cellars a weekly event that he won't miss), he thinks a week alone with her will be the perfect get away. They’ve supported one another after disastrous break-ups and up until now, their CODE RED friendship has kept them close.
While having to share a charming one-bedroom cabin on the lake and navigating the Beckett family competitions, April and Brody discover that they work well together, and they have fun together. Especially when taking on the wine tasting trolley and trivia night. And of course, that one big bed looks like a lot of fun as well.
This book is a fun and flirty romance. You’ll root for April and Brody as they *fall* for one another while attending this autumn wedding.
I love this romantic setting. Author Carla Luna brings the flavors and life of Door County, Wisconsin alive. With crisp apples, gold and red leaves, cherry jams galore and plenty of wine tasting, you’ll adore this vacation-in-a-book.
*Red Velvet* is the second book in Carla Luna’s Blackwood Cellar series. Anyone who loves small town contemporary romances will adore this story. It’s a perfect read for a cool autumn day and a glass of cabernet. Treat yourself and pick up a copy of *Red Velvet*! TQXO
June 27, 2023
Most of the characters in this book are insufferable, which I get can hook you into the plot but I just couldn't handle all the passive-aggressive behavior and just accepting truly awful behavior because "you're family".
October 24, 2023
The two leads abused the miscommunication trope! I still love them together, though!
August 6, 2024
i am so ready for it to be autumn – with record-breaking temps and heat waves this summer (and for ever more, it appears), i have been pretty miserable – and this book put me in the right headspace.
(a bonus: the weather even coöperated; i actually turned off the air con. oh, happy day!)
the book was a bit trope-y, and it drives me mad when a lack of basic communication is responsible for major conflict, but i still enjoyed this one. the Door County setting was the big pull for me: it's a magical place, especially in the fall...yes, even with all the people.
i found the two MCs likeable (April and Brody); they both seemed sweet, and their chemistry made sense. their inability to assert themselves was frustrating, to say the least – but if i'm honest, it wasn't unrealistic, as much as i wish it were. though i'm a far cry from it now, early-twenties me was a lot like April; my frustration was as much with my younger self as it was with the characters. i definitely learnt my lesson, and i'm glad the characters here learnt theirs, too (mostly).
i may finish off the series closer to the hols, as i believe the final instalment is set at Christmas; then again, i may read it sooner if the medical and personal hits keep coming and i need another *emotional* holiday.
PS i am proper chuffed the Door County Trolley Tours are mentioned in this book. they're excellent and fun and expertly led! if you ever find yourself in that part of the world, i highly recommend booking one; you won't be disappointed. 😊
[5 Aug 2024]
(a bonus: the weather even coöperated; i actually turned off the air con. oh, happy day!)
the book was a bit trope-y, and it drives me mad when a lack of basic communication is responsible for major conflict, but i still enjoyed this one. the Door County setting was the big pull for me: it's a magical place, especially in the fall...yes, even with all the people.
i found the two MCs likeable (April and Brody); they both seemed sweet, and their chemistry made sense. their inability to assert themselves was frustrating, to say the least – but if i'm honest, it wasn't unrealistic, as much as i wish it were. though i'm a far cry from it now, early-twenties me was a lot like April; my frustration was as much with my younger self as it was with the characters. i definitely learnt my lesson, and i'm glad the characters here learnt theirs, too (mostly).
i may finish off the series closer to the hols, as i believe the final instalment is set at Christmas; then again, i may read it sooner if the medical and personal hits keep coming and i need another *emotional* holiday.
PS i am proper chuffed the Door County Trolley Tours are mentioned in this book. they're excellent and fun and expertly led! if you ever find yourself in that part of the world, i highly recommend booking one; you won't be disappointed. 😊
[5 Aug 2024]
September 25, 2021
April was a SWEETHEART, emphasis on the sweet! She could bake like nobody's business, design like nature intended, and keep her long held crush well under wraps so as not to affect the friendship she holds near and dear. Grant it, she let's her family walk all over her with their ridiculous competitive streak, takes way too much from a boyfriend that should be supporting her and cherishing her not sweet shaming her and using her for pretty much just a booty call, and has a severe lack of confidence from pretty much all of the above and more to the extent that she can't see what a catch she really is...but hey, nobody's perfect, but they can certainly be perfectly matched!
Brody wasn't perfect, nor claiming to be, but it was so obvious that he had a thing for our girl April, even if he wasn't prepared to admit it at first. I mean, with his history, and the game plan they set in motion, if he didn't hold a modicrum of affection for her, he'd have to go down in some world record as being the bestest of best friend's EVER.
In the end, it was their chemistry that set things alight, and made the story that much more memorable for me. They were friends first, and potential lovers second; a great combination for building something that lasts...if only they can get past all the secrets and assumed identities unscathed! You'll have to read it to find out what all transpires, but suffice it to say, it'll be worth every page!
**ebook received for review; opinions are my own
Brody wasn't perfect, nor claiming to be, but it was so obvious that he had a thing for our girl April, even if he wasn't prepared to admit it at first. I mean, with his history, and the game plan they set in motion, if he didn't hold a modicrum of affection for her, he'd have to go down in some world record as being the bestest of best friend's EVER.
In the end, it was their chemistry that set things alight, and made the story that much more memorable for me. They were friends first, and potential lovers second; a great combination for building something that lasts...if only they can get past all the secrets and assumed identities unscathed! You'll have to read it to find out what all transpires, but suffice it to say, it'll be worth every page!
**ebook received for review; opinions are my own
September 15, 2021
Hilarious and heartwarming
The second contemporary romance in Carla Luna’s Blackwood Cellars trilogy, Red Velvet is a blast. Fans of Sophie Kinsella and Morgan Matson will appreciate the funny family squabbles and the heartfelt romance.
24-year-old April Beckett has not lived up to her family’s expectations for a corporate career, but she enjoys her creative marketing job, as well as baking red velvet cupcakes for her friends.
Still, April is apprehensive about attending her brother’s upcoming wedding. Her family has a history of nagging and teasing her about past romantic failures. And at the last minute, April’s boyfriend weasels out of their plans to attend April’s brother’s wedding at a resort in gorgeous Door County, Wisconsin. Luckily, April’s good friend and former crush, Brody Blackwood, volunteers to impersonate her boyfriend for the weeklong destination wedding. Little does he know that April’s family is super competitive—he’ll have to perform in a 10K race, softball game, pirate trivia night, and kayak float. Plus, he must fend off April’s spiteful sister, not to mention April’s loving but overbearing parents.
While April and Brody pose as a couple, they begin to fall for each other. But is the heat real, or just an act? Red Velvet balances sexy escapades with longing, both to belong and to break free from family.
The second contemporary romance in Carla Luna’s Blackwood Cellars trilogy, Red Velvet is a blast. Fans of Sophie Kinsella and Morgan Matson will appreciate the funny family squabbles and the heartfelt romance.
24-year-old April Beckett has not lived up to her family’s expectations for a corporate career, but she enjoys her creative marketing job, as well as baking red velvet cupcakes for her friends.
Still, April is apprehensive about attending her brother’s upcoming wedding. Her family has a history of nagging and teasing her about past romantic failures. And at the last minute, April’s boyfriend weasels out of their plans to attend April’s brother’s wedding at a resort in gorgeous Door County, Wisconsin. Luckily, April’s good friend and former crush, Brody Blackwood, volunteers to impersonate her boyfriend for the weeklong destination wedding. Little does he know that April’s family is super competitive—he’ll have to perform in a 10K race, softball game, pirate trivia night, and kayak float. Plus, he must fend off April’s spiteful sister, not to mention April’s loving but overbearing parents.
While April and Brody pose as a couple, they begin to fall for each other. But is the heat real, or just an act? Red Velvet balances sexy escapades with longing, both to belong and to break free from family.
October 23, 2023
smh @ myself bc i would’ve finished this in one day if i hadn’t fallen asleep with two pages left last night lol. i really liked this book! it was super cute and i love how the characters were both just dumbasses in their twenties. april’s journey of having to learn to stand up to family is hashtag relatable, although wow her sister is a bigger asshole than most!! truly a family of messy queens. also i liked that april was my age bc i was like yeah i get the whole trying to prove you’re an adult and not three eight year olds in a trench coat thing. my only drawbacks were 1. something that i really wish brody had said that he didn’t and 2. it definitely was better edited than most of the stuff on kindle unlimited but editors are y’all still employed?? bc i am catching typos (although luckily not many in this book!). anyways yeah cute fall read, anyone who knows me knows i love a mountain lake vibe. cute book, 10/10 would reread!
September 14, 2021
Like a perfect, cozy cup of hot cider, Red Velvet will warm you up with just the right amount of spice this fall season.
Carla Luna is a master at writing relatable characters, and April Beckett is no exception. The characters pop off the page, and the cozy but slightly steamy romance makes it impossible to put this book down. Yet, at the heart of the story is a couple learning to love themselves and each other just as they are.
You don’t want to miss out on this charming friends-to-lovers romance just in time for fall.
Carla Luna is a master at writing relatable characters, and April Beckett is no exception. The characters pop off the page, and the cozy but slightly steamy romance makes it impossible to put this book down. Yet, at the heart of the story is a couple learning to love themselves and each other just as they are.
You don’t want to miss out on this charming friends-to-lovers romance just in time for fall.
September 13, 2021
This is book two in the ( Blackwood Cellars Series ) . This story is about April who needs a date for her brother's wedding . The last guy who was her date bail on her at the last minute . Her friend Brody just got out of a relationship and when April needs help he will do whatever it takes to pretend to be her boyfriend for the wedding.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 20, 2024
2.5 stars rounded down because the miscommunication trope plus the phone dying is too much.
This was… fine? I mean, it’s exactly what you expect with a book filled with about every romance trope you can imagine- fake dating, friends to lovers, one bed, miscommunication, 3rd act “breakup”, etc.
I liked April and Brody and thought they were cute together. Her family was insufferable.
I’m glad I did the audio version. I doubt I would have finished a physical copy.
This was… fine? I mean, it’s exactly what you expect with a book filled with about every romance trope you can imagine- fake dating, friends to lovers, one bed, miscommunication, 3rd act “breakup”, etc.
I liked April and Brody and thought they were cute together. Her family was insufferable.
I’m glad I did the audio version. I doubt I would have finished a physical copy.
August 8, 2023
How is this book not main stream?! This book has to be the best contemporary romance I’ve ever read probably because I hate 90% of the contemporary romances! But this, this was amazing - I read it in 2 days lol. - This book is an absolute must read!!!!
August 26, 2023
Very sweet story. Loved the characters.
October 2, 2023
Very cute/cozy fall read! Makes me want to go to a cabin now! I enjoyed this book better than the first in the series.
October 24, 2023
3.5 🌟
Super cute rom com, perfect for the fall. Love that one bed trope and fake dating! It was an easy listen and I appreciated how quick the miscommunication was resolved.
**Listened via Scrib'd
Super cute rom com, perfect for the fall. Love that one bed trope and fake dating! It was an easy listen and I appreciated how quick the miscommunication was resolved.
**Listened via Scrib'd
November 5, 2023
4.5!
I really enjoyed this. I listened to it right after the first in the series. Definitely enjoyed this one way more!
I really enjoyed this. I listened to it right after the first in the series. Definitely enjoyed this one way more!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews