Tessa Bailey does grumpy-sunshine romances very well, and this is yet more proof of that. I loved that the book was dual POV because both had such distinct voices and I just loved hearing how they described each other. Because the book had dual POVs, the tone of the book felt balanced as you switched back and forth between them. As a reader, I enjoyed both the serious character of Julian and Hallie's free spirit. The chemistry between them was FIRE! Tessa Bailey knows how to write a sex scene! I always know going in that those scenes are going to be steamy! I especially like Julian's sister, who is one of the MC’s of the next book in the series. Hallie was fun but not over-the-top, and believably flawed. Julian's growing interest in her and the discussion of his hang-ups was well done too. I don't think this book needed the secret admirer letters that Hallie impulsively writes and leaves for Julian. The central conflict would be the same, and they aren't used enough to further the plot. I skipped over those parts of the book. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series, which was set up very nicely. Thank you to NetGalley, Avon and Tessa Bailey for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was very excited to get an ARC of this because Tessa Bailey is one of my favorites! However, I felt this one a little lacking. Maybe it’s because her past three that I’ve read had been too tier, this one felt just okay. The plot seemed lacking and repetitive, but it had nice characters to make it better. It’s worth a read, just not my favorite of hers.

Solid and cute romance.

A sunshine grump combo is always a favorite, and Bailey does it well. I appreciate the different aspects of realness sprinkled throughout the book. The grief and confusion caused by the loss of a loved one. The way that panic can steal everything from you.

I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

Another Tessa Bailey masterpiece. I loved these two main characters so much, it truly was the opposites attract romcom of my dreams. Tessa Bailey always manages to weave so much heart and humor into her stories that they are almost compulsively readable and this was no exception. I have nothing bad to say really except it didn't captivate me like some of her other books but it's well worth the read, especially for fans.

How do you handle a life-changing event? Do you increase the chaos in your life so you don't have to face the pain? That's how Hallie deals with the death of her grandmother Rebecca, who was the stabilizing force in her life. Or do you rigidly focus on control of every minute of the day to avoid losing control of yourself and how you handle what life throws at you? That's how Julian handles the devastating fire at his family's vineyard four years ago and his father's reaction to Julian's paralyzing anxiety that resulted from it. How do these two opposite personalities discover the common ground between them? Aside from the blazing chemistry (and secret crush that Hallie has on Julian from their high school years). It all starts with a drunken letter that Hallie sends to Julian, signing it Secretly Yours in which she tells him how much she adores his quiet goodness. But then things get complicated, and that is the joy of this story. While it certainly is a case of opposite personalities, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that there are many traits that both protagonists share and that discovery leads to a believable and satisfying ending. This is well worth the read.

I am a big Tessa Bailey fan and this one did not disappoint. It was a really sweet read and I definitely liked the way that there was focus on Julian's growth and mending his family relationship in the novel as well, along with the romance.

If you're a fan of contemporary romance and you're looking for a delightful quick read, this is it! The tropes are on point and well executed-- grumpy + sunshine, pining, (sort of) secret identity - all very nicely done here for a sweet, comforting reading experience. I loved the chemistry between the two main characters, and their journey to overcoming their individual obstacles was satisfying.

I particularly enjoyed the California wine country setting. Although I'm a lifelong Californian, I've never been up to Napa/Sonoma, and this book reminds me that I NEED to experience it! Also, the area experienced some devastating wildfires in the last few years, and I appreciated how Bailey incorporated that into the plot of this book.

Recommended!

Secretly Yours is a solid start to a new series from Tessa Bailey. Hallie is a sweet and joyful gardener who is also a bit of a mess. She may have just broken the disco ball in front of a wine shop in order to stop people from going there. Julian is home working on a novel after witnessing his colleague go through a breakdown. Hallie, who has had a crush on Julian for 15 years after they almost kissed at his sister's party, devises a plan to get close to Julian by landscaping his mother's guest house. Then, on a drunken whim she leaves him a letter from a secret admirer. Things only get more chaotic from there. Fans of grumpy/sunshine and opposites attract will really enjoy this book! It's always nice to see characters grow over the course of a book, and both Hallie and Julian have to work through some things in their past before they can get their HEA. Bonus for cute dogs and Judge Judy themed donut shops.

Secretly Yours was filled with sweet, funny and sexy moments; a cute concept of secret admirer letters, opposites attract, and grumpy/sunshine. I loved that Hailee was a gardener! You don’t see that in books, so that was fun. Julian had some sweet moments throughout the story too and I was here for them!

I have to say, I was hoping for more where the secret admirer letters came in. I feel like it could’ve played out more than it did. While I’m a huge Tessa fan, sadly this one didn’t hit the mark for me. Don’t get me wrong though, I think others will enjoy this!

Fun story. I found the hero incredibly hot for some reason. I didn't particularly care for the whole secret letter writing plot point it didn't feel entirely necessary. Both characters came to some big realizations about themselves fairly quickly which maybe wasn't the most realistic. It has good sex scenes and really made me want a glass of wine.

I liked this one more than a couple of others by the same author. The characters are real the drama isn't too overwrought. The love scenes are spicy. This is the first in a new series. I will probably check the next in the series out just because Natalie was so quippy. Library patrons should enjoy this offering.

Thanks to Avon Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the ARC! Not to be tmi, but I find the male lead of this book, Julian, to be one of the most attractive fictional characters I’ve come across in recent memory. Something about the buttoned up scholar who takes charge is just so great to read. And Tessa Bailey is quickly becoming one of my must read authors. Back in high school, Hallie ALMOST kissed the son of a local vineyard owner, and has harbored feelings for him ever since. Julian, said son, has returned to his hometown on sabbatical from teaching to write a novel. The two collide due to Hallie’s gardening business, and sparks fly immediately. Throw in a drunken bad decision that turns out to just maybe not be so bad, and I was hooked the entire way through. Highly recommend this one, and can’t wait for others in the series!

I hadn't read any Tessa Bailey before this one, and Secretly Yours really didn't hit for me. I'm not a fan of the insta love trope, and that plus the opposites attract trope made this book a real miss. The MCs in Secretly Yours had literally nothing in common--except for a love of wine. If we as the readers are rooting for their HEA, I give that relationship the shelf life of a banana. I also really disliked the way that anxiety was used as a plot device and a way to drive the conflict--but without the sensitivity that was needed to make it compelling and relatable. Based on Secretly Yours, it'll be a while before I'm ready to try another Tessa Bailey book.

Tessa Bailey is an author that is an automatic read for me. When I found out that she was starting another series, I got very excited because I loved the Hot and Hammered series and the Bellinger sisters duology. This book, while not my top favorite Tessa Bailey book, was still an enjoyable read and I really loved Hallie's character. I am very excited for the next books in this "A Vine Mess" universe.

I could not put this book down! Tessa Bailey makes characters that are very hard NOT to fall in love with. I could not wait to find out what happens between Hallie and Julian. This book takes place in Napa Valley and it gives you all the feels. To watch Hallie and Julian grow as themselves and together is amazing. Hallie has always loved Julian since High School, but when he comes back to town for some time off from work is he the boy she remembers or something more entirely. Sometimes not being perfect makes you perfect! Bailey does an amazing job of portraying anxiety and how to address it.

This novel is SO CUTE!

Hallie is a messy, disorganized gardener who is stull getting over the death of her beloved grandmother. Julian is the super organized son of Napa Valley royalty and she has had a crush on him since high school 15 years earlier!

What I LOVED:
* Hallie is curvy and a wreck and totally relatable!
* Julian is sweet and caring and protective of his family and helpfup
* The Cheese Incident
*Their connection seemed real
*Their tension was SO MUCH MORE than miscommunication
*Anxiety and mental health awareness
*Lots of build-up and sexual tension
*Open door
* Dirty talk

What Didn't Work For Me:
* Hallie was a virgin - this didn't seem believable because there was no awkwardness
*The "Getting Back Together" part was too over the top

Overall, I really liked this book, but I had a hard time believing Hallie was a virgin.

If you’re a Tessa Bailey gal, like myself, you’re gonna love this! It’s got her classic hijinks, and trademark steam. The tropes are grumpy/sunshine and opposites attract. Where I think this really shines is the mental health rep! The MMC goes though quite the journey processing his trauma and anxiety.

(⚠️CW: On page panic attacks)

I already love Tessa Bailey, but this is one of my favorites if hers already. Julian and Hallie were very real. Particularly loved the scene when Julian had to tell a story to the kids. I felt the letters were an unnecessary plot line and didn’t really make sense with the characters and the rest of the story.

I absolutely loved Secretly Yours by Tessa Bailey. It had every element I look for in a romantic comedy with second chance romance. The letters were one of my favorite parts and the secondary characters gave ourain characters a great balance. It is a bit spicy so if you like spice, add this to your TBR

This book was super cute. I’m not the biggest fan of secret admirers since the lie by omission can be icky, but this is still definitely worth a read. Also, I’m just dying to read Natalie’s book. Her brief moments with her love interest were engaging, and I wanted to explore her as a character. So I’m super glad she is getting her own book!

My most significant note for the publisher would be to edit the first chapter. I think the first chapter has too much rambling and doesn't hook the reader as well as other Tessa books. The first two sentences are way too long. Nevertheless, still a fun book and I look forward to Natalie's story.