Blood and Wine – A Love You to Death Story

~Tiffany Royster

You’ve probably heard the phrase “aging like fine wine” tossed around as a compliment. Tiffany Royster takes that well-worn saying, pours it into a crystal glass, and adds just enough darkness to stain the tablecloth in Blood and Wine, a short story featured in the A Love You to Death multi-author cocollectio

Kyze and Sofia purchase an old winery in Italy, fulfilling Sofia’s long-held dream of owning one. Picture lush vineyards stretching toward rolling hills, a quaint house nestled on the property, and a charming Italian town just close enough to feel inviting. It’s the kind of setup that practically begs for romance. Unfortunately, the townsfolk’s strange reaction to the couple’s arrival puts a sour note in the air. Sofia is unsettled, Kyze shrugs it off as folklore meant to lure tourists, and naturally, things only get stranger from there.

Royster weaves a love story into something eerie and quietly unsettling, the kind that makes you side-eye your significant other for a moment longer than usual. Kyze and Sofia are both likable and relatable, though I did feel a slight disconnect with Sofia early on. It took two chapters before we even learn her name, despite her being the primary narrative voice. A quicker introduction would have helped ground the reader sooner. That said, for a short story, Royster does a solid job building an immersive atmosphere. The winery felt realistic, and I could easily imagine myself wandering the grounds alongside the couple.

As a longtime fan of Royster’s work, I usually find myself enthusiastically singing her praises. This time, however, the story landed a bit flatter for me than expected. The premise is strong and full of promise, but it feels like it’s just shy of its full potential. With a bit more development and a few layout tweaks, this could have been something truly memorable.

Overall, Blood and Wine is a quick, enjoyable read that offers a darker twist on Valentine’s Day stories typically drenched in hearts, chocolate, and predictable happily-ever-afters. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for something short, atmospheric, and slightly off-kilter without requiring a major time commitment.

Blood and Wine releases on January 30th, 2026.

I would like to thank Tiffany Royster for the opportunity to Alpha/Beta/ARC for Blood and Wine. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation, current or future by the author or publisher for a fair and honest review.

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