Red, White & Blue (Uncorked Book 6)

There's not much you can do when your own mother understands nothing about who you are and what makes you happy, and even less when she's intent on making a scene in public places because of it. Poor Blue, but one moment of a guilt-induced wardrobe gets him noticed by someone who he'd never have picked for himself. Everything that Lowen is matches Blue and they get along really well, both bringing out strengths in one another. While there was a ton of potential here, it was merely a nice story with a lot of sappy endearments, moments of passion, and a happy ending with more love than I expected.I wish I was more thrilled with this story. Apple Blossom really had potential to be a fantastic comedic element to the story, but instead she was a serious embarrassment and a disappointing human being. Whether the direction with her character was supposed to me more dramatic or more funny, neither were fully realized and that was a shame. Similarly, Blue could have really developed some grit in response to the first or more acceptance of himself and peace with the second, but again, without working to either of those ends, he was made to be an insecure young man and was left feeling less than complete as a character. Lowen was nice with his encouragement and conflicted relationship with his parents, but if he weren't an MC I fear he'd be forgettable most of the time.It's not that the story was bad or disappointing, it was just underwhelming. There were a ton of moments that I was excited for when they came around, but very few of them bore any fruit. So overall, it was a nice story. This was my first book by this author and according to their catalogue, they've got quite a few under their belt so I'm hoping this isn't a true representation of their work. I may or may not look for more from them.

I do believe this is the first book by this author I have read, however don’t quote me on that as it’s truly possible I’m mistaken. I can say for sure this is the first book in this series I have read and I liked it. When choosing to read this series I must advise you start from the beginning.Now about the characters. The mother was horrible, I love to embarrass my kids as much as the next person but when you grow up in a house hold with a mom with no filter and kinda hard to be shocked with the quick come backs and the constant jokes. With that being said to not really know your kids likes and dislikes, what your kid wants or even the little jesters they may have to key you in on their emotional state at times was heartbreaking to read. Blue and Lowen suited each, their dynamic was great. The way Lowen complements Blue and vice versa was great. The passion was there, it just didn’t reach the level it could have been. Blue hated the spotlight but for some reason his mother would always drag him into it to satisfy her own need to be recognized.Blues character seemed to lack confidence but, with Lowens encouragement and love you get to see Blue open up a little. The one thing I wished to see was for Blue to stand up for himself and truly let his mom know how she made him fill. But that never really happened. All and all a great story. EnjoyI received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I typically love this authors work and while I didn't hate this and I don't feel I wasted my time reading it I was underwhelmed. I wanted, well, more. More highs, more lows, more angst, something. There was, I believe, a great opportunity with the mother (don't worry no spoilers here) that I think was wasted or at least could have been expanded. It felt like the author wanted to go somewhere with her but didn't quite get there. I also didn't really feel the relationship between the main characters. They were young and it really felt like it. It could just be how this series is. I've only read the first book or two and that was a long time and many books ago and I know that many authors use a different writing "style" with different series and this maybe what Ms. Balik is doing with this one. I truly enjoy many (most) of her other series and the fact that I haven't read more than one or two of these probably indicates that this is an anomaly - at least for me. Like I stated earlier while I was underwhelmed I didn't dislike the book. If you are a fan of the author and, I assume, the series I believe you will enjoy this one as well.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Loved this book, the main MC's were great and the return of several from previous books was a lovely continuation.