
Member Reviews

Even though Ava had already tried to ask Cam out on a date and he rejected her right away, that doesn't stop her from trying to at least befriend him at her brother's wedding. It might still be a bit difficult for her, but it somehow turns out well. Known for being reserved, Cam makes communication challenging for Ava. However, when Ava falls ill, Cam steps in as her unexpected caretaker, altering their relationship dynamics. Despite their differences, sparks fly between them in the cozy intimacy of Cam's home.
This book is sweet, a small-town romance where Ava and Cam "try again" after she falls ill at her brother's wedding. The characters are connected to the first book, and I appreciate that there's enough explanation about who is who, so this book can be read as a standalone. Cam and Ava are interesting characters, and I like how well-developed they become over the course of the book, even though it spans only a few days. Initially, the writing style felt a bit odd, but I quickly got used to it, and it’s easy to follow. The sex scenes are engaging and well-presented. I like how much Cam and Ava try to make the relationship work, even at the beginning, with small dramas that kept me glued to the book until I finished it. Although I've mentioned many positives, something feels missing. I didn't expect this kind of ending—it feels incomplete, as if many things are left unresolved. I still recommend reading the book; despite being part of a series, it’s easy to follow and perfect for a summer beach read.

This is the second one I've read by Catherine Robertson and although the books are technically standalones, I'm glad I read the first one since there were a few scenes from the first mentioned in the second (minimal scenes... nothing major). But, even the second chance, this still wasn't my favorite book to date. It was rushed, written with so much dialogue (like book 1), and the characters just moved so quickly. I appreciate the author's willingness to try and write out a love story.. it just didn't work as much as I'd hoped. Thanks for the opportunity to read!

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the chance to read and review You're So Vine by Catherine Robertson. This is the second book in this author's new series; the first was Corkscrew You. This was a quick, enjoyable rom-com, but as an American reader, I have to say it was extremely distracting that these two books set in America featured so much dialogue and narration that were clearly NOT written by an American author. There were so many colloquialisms and turns of phrase that would never be heard in a conversation with an American English speaker that it actually detracted from the story for me. If a non-American writer is going to set their story in America, they had better get an American editor to fix all of the dialogue and narration so that it actually sounds American.

loved this book, very cute and easy read, would definitely recommend in store and hand sell to romance lovers! thank you so much for letting me read this book early, i really enjoyed it !!

I was willing to try this author again as I think they are interconnected standalone rather than a sequential series. And this book just did not do it for me. Another count except I wanted to love. she chose the wrong characters to continue on the story about. Unfortunately, another disappointment.

Review to Come
I love the cover design ❤️
The description peaked my interest…
This is a new author to me.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC

I know I was not a fan of book 1 but the cover and concept once again stole my attention.
This books concept is more grumpy sunshine (Military PTSD) named Cam and a love struck Ava
Ava sees Cam at her brothers wedding and absolutly is lovestruck and done for with a look from Cam and Cam is not into it.
While this book is short, descriptive and keeps a steady pace it felt way too rushed for the very important and serious aspect of the book so i feel the pace of the book should be tweaked becuase even the characters special time was sped along. This issue really kept you from bonding with the characters and I think with how conversational this book is the POV style chosen doesnt really work.
But this book didnt have any of the things I hated from book 1 and they can both be standalones.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for access to this digital arc!
This small town romance opens from the perspective of Ava Durant, a woman on the brink of disaster. Despite her young age and presumed health, Ava has been feeling drained lately-- so tired in fact that she had to leave a job she was passionate about, because she simply couldn't make it through the day. With her dad's recent health scare in mind, Ava returns home to her family's mansion-- thinking she can just relax and her problems will disappear (ahh, privilege).
On top of her looming health issue, her personal life has been less than stellar. She was recently turned down by the handsome but aloof Cam, who is a good friend of the family her brother Nate just married in to. When she runs into him at Nate's wedding, Ava decides to try and put the whole thing behind them and befriend Cam. This backfires when Ava collapses after a few dances and is escorted to the hospital.
This is the point where the story went downhill for me, but I do still think it holds a lot for people to enjoy depending on tropes you enjoy! What happens next is a montage of insta love, trauma bonding (Cam dumps all his ex military trauma), an insane amount of jealousy, and confusingly a storyline that feels forced, in which there is a dying family member who is being kept a secret (no one knows this family member exists, save one person) who comes out of the woodworks to wrap up a happily ever after for Cam and Ava.
I won't share too many frustrations about storyline in order to keep from sharing spoilers, but for me this story moved too quickly- glazing over aspects that could definitely be expanded on. I could certainly see fans of Virgin River enjoying this series, particularly if it becomes a long series, as you will get to know and love the characters of this charming small town over the course of the series.

This book was amazing and I devoured this book in just a few sittings! I loved the character development and how the story progressed.

This is the 2nd installment in the Flora Valley series. This book is about Cam and Ava.
What I liked about Ava is that she is so open about her feelings. She immediately tells Cam what she's feeling and doesn't let him off the hook either. She makes him tell her everything he's feeling, even if he doesn't want to tell her.
Cam is supposed to be this very silent person, who doesn't say more than 3 words per conversation. In this book, we can finally see why and what he's thinking, which is a lot. Because of Ava, he begins to say more and confront his feelings.
This book deals with some heavy themes, such as PTSD, but it doesn't really help the characters fix or confront those things. Cam has some severe PTSD, but he just deals with it and doesn't get any professional help. I think it would be good for him, even now that he has found love.

You're So Vine by Catherine Robertson is a fast-paced, small town romance in which our FMC and MMC, Ava and Cam, get to know each other better between Ava's medical emergency. This book really felt like the second half of a story. I didn't get a chance to read Corkscrew You and it really feels like you need that story first to get anything out of You're So Vine. I feel like the description was misleading. I thought we were getting a love at first sight romance with lots of tension and waiting, but the characters already know each other and Ava has asked Cam on a date prior to the start of this book (that he says no to). There is zero tension and things between them move extremely fast. The side plots also felt very messy. I believe the entire story happens within a week. I also did not enjoy the style of writing where it seems like the main character is talking directly to the reader and asking us questions.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC for my honest review in return.

this book was not my cup of tea. the characters had no chemistry and then they fell in love after 4 days of KNOWING each other. they both had individual problems they didn't work out and an illness that was never solved.
Should have DNF but kept reading hoping it would get better sadly I will not continue this series
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the arc

Ava and Cam were both such likeable people with such different traumas bringing them together. Their romance was hard and fast and very unrealistic! There were a lot of siblings (therefore their names) to keep up with. I did really enjoy this book and found it a nice, easy and light read but felt like there were some unfinished storylines and parts to the plot that could tidy it up a bit and make for an even better read.

You're So Vine is perfect for fans of the movie, How to Lose a Guy in 10 days. It's such a fun summer romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an advanced e-copy of You're so Vine, in exchange for an honest review.
'You're So Vine' is the second installment in the Flora Valley series, and the book will introduce you to Cam's and Ava's love story.
One of the standout aspects of this book is Ava's refreshing honesty. She is unapologetically open about her feelings, confronting Cam even when he attempts to avoid emotional vulnerability. This forces Cam to confront his own emotions, leading to a more authentic and intimate connection between them.
Cam is characterized as very reserved and quiet, but the narrative delves into his inner thoughts and struggles. Readers gain insight into his past trauma and the reasons behind his emotional reserve. As Ava challenges him to open up, we witness a gradual transformation in Cam, who begins to express himself more freely.
While 'You're So Vine' focuses on a romantic relationship, it also touches on serious themes such as PTSD. Cam's experiences have deeply affected him, and while he attempts to cope with them on his own, the book acknowledges the importance of seeking professional help.
Despite the compelling characters and storyline, one area where the book could have improved is in addressing Cam's PTSD. While the narrative acknowledges the severity of his condition, it does not provide concrete solutions or a clear path to recovery. It would have been beneficial to see Cam actively seeking therapy or other forms of support.
'You're So Vine' is a super cute romance that explores the transformative power of open communication and emotional vulnerability. While it delves into heavy themes, it ultimately will leave you with a sense of hope and the belief that even those who have experienced trauma can find love and healing.
This was a 3.5 Star read for me?

It was cute storyline, had me confused at bits with the whole Lee relationship. Characters were good but I just think it didn't flow the best too many bits and bobs going on.

I had the opportunity to read this book as an ARC, and I feel grateful for the opportunity to read early and give an honest opinion.
So, I will start by saying the positives. One positive is that even though I didn’t like the characters, I did appreciate that they didn’t line for line follow the very popular stereotypes at every opportunity. They were dense at times, shallow at others, etc.
However, I didn’t enjoy this book. I found the prose to be painful - the writing style was just not for me. The story itself was alright, but I couldn’t look past the sentence structure and the fact that it was overly conversational.

3.5 ⭐️
First, a huge thank you to NetGalley and Catherine Robertson for the opportunity to read the advanced copy. The opinions in this review are honest and my own.
I very much liked the overall plot line for this. I liked the backstories and troubles of both Cam and Ava. I thought other the characters were all fun as well, and I have to admit I would love to see Jackson’s story next. I want to give this a higher rating, but the writing style just didn’t do it for me. The sentences often felt stunted or incomplete, and tended to distract me. I think it got better towards the end, but I might have just gotten used to it. My only other “complaint” would be the timeline. This relationship escalates very quickly. It was a little difficult not to roll my eyes when they’d discuss forever after less than a week. I do however recognize that romance tends to be quicker stories and don’t hold it against the overall value of this book.
Ultimately, I think this is a fun, quirky story that is perfect for someone looking for a quick and lighthearted read.
Trigger Warning: There is discussion of cancer, PTSD, and chronic illness.

A good rom com with just a bit of depth in the way of heavier subjects being covered to stop it being too fluffy.
A great holiday read.

A fun easy read perfect to enjoy on the beach or by the pool this summer. I really enjoyed the sizzling romance and the beautiful setting in this novel.