e-Audio, 11:15:51
Narrated by: Heidi Franklin & Ryan Vincent Anderson
Release Date: September 20, 2022
Published by: Books on Tape
Read from: September 19-20, 2022
Stand-alone
Source: Netgalley (I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the Publisher in exchange for a just and honest review. This did nothing to influence my review.)
TW: Misogyny, Racism
For Readers Interested In: Contemporary Romance, Realistic Fiction, Wine, Vineyards, AdultAn intoxicating and sparkling new romance by New York Times bestselling author Jasmine Guillory.
Margot Noble needs some relief from the stress of running the family winery with her brother. Enter Luke: sexy, charming, and best of all in the too-small world of Napa, a stranger. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and Margot is delighted that she lucked into the perfect one-night stand she’ll never have to see again. That is, until the winery’s newest hire, Luke, walks in the next morning. Margot is determined to keep things purely professional, but when their every interaction reminds her of the attraction still bubbling between them, it proves to be much more challenging than she expects.
Luke Williams had it all, but when he quits his high-salary tech job in Silicon Valley in a blaze of burnout and moves back to Napa to help a friend, he realizes he doesn’t want to tell the world–or his mom–why he’s now working at a winery. His mom loves bragging about her successful son–how can he admit that the job she’s so proud of broke him? Luke has no idea what is next for him, but one thing is certain: he wants more from the incredibly smart and sexy woman he hooked up with–even after he learns she’s his new boss. But even if they can find a way to be together that wouldn’t be an ethical nightmare, would such a successful woman really want a tech-world dropout?
Set against a lush backdrop of Napa Valley wine country, nothing goes to your head as fast as a taste of love–even if it means changing all your plans.
*MY THOUGHTS*
I think I’m one of the only ones left who still will eat up what Jasmine Guillory will put out. So when I heard that there was another book by her coming out and this one was set in a vineyard that a BLACK family owned?! I was hella excited! But this didn’t have nearly as much chemistry as I wanted AND it was a little too repetitive for my liking.
There’s not too many vineyards that are owned by Black people, so I was hella excited when I heard about it. Especially since Black Girl Magic Rose is one of my favoritesssssss! But although there was a spot where the male MC was getting asked about some wines, he wasn’t really answering anyone. He was basically complaining about someone asking it. (Which was valid but still) I know she was the marketing team, but for a book set in a vineyard, I would expect the main character to talk about the place, the types of grapes, the different fragrances, etc. But she gave us nothing. As someone who got the very basics from Olive Garden when I worked there, I just think she could have at least TRIED.
Also going along with the plot, I wanted more chemistry between the two of them. They had a one night stand and even then before they got to their one night, it was them talking at the bar. And they moved it to her house. I don’t know, it was a bit boring. Because once they found out who the other was, they didn’t pay each other any attention after that. And when they did, it was out of left field again and they immediately did it again. ANDDDD this mofo lied to his mama the whole time. I was so mad at that. Lie to your best friend or your worst enemy, but don’t lie to your mama lol
This is one time for me that the tropes worked. I LOVE age gaps, so I wanted to know more about it as soon as I heard she was writing one. And then there’s the one night stand to your boss to lovers. I NEEDED to get my hands on this because I think I’ve read all the BIPOC age gaps I could find lol Yes this helped scratch my itch for BIPOC age gaps so I will treat it as a win since I didn’t DNF it. No it wasn’t great, it did keep me entertained. Was it the determining factor that I would read it tho? No. I will always add a Jasmine Guillory to my TBR.
Everything else was per usual. A slow burn romance, low spice although it seemed like they were doing it constantly throughout the book. And of course there was the third act. This break up was dumb tho. I think I remember even saying, “Dumbest fight ever.” Because really, it was. If it wasn’t for spoilers I’d tell you what it was and then you’d probably say the same thing too. It was all just dumb lol
The narration was ok. I haven’t listened to anything else they’ve narrated, so it was cool to find another two narrators to add to my list. It also looks like one of them is new to the narration world because only the one book came up when I pulled it up. Which was cool to me because I was so surprised. I had no idea that they were so new which means I couldn’t tell at all. Definitely a plus.
This was nothing like I wanted it to be. No chemistry and repetitive. But even still it did have some good moments. I just wish she would go back to her The Wedding Date years. Because this didn’t seem like her at all.
Overall, I give this
