From the moment Murphy and Wes met over a flat tire, I instantly wanted to know more about the newfound connection.

Wes is so tormented by his need to distance himself from Murphy, and you follow his journey and the challenges as their relationship develops along the way.

Murphy is facing issues and struggles to open up to anyone until she starts to really connect with Wes on a deeper level. Wes really starts to become her person well before the relationship really starts to blossom.

I really enjoyed this book and both the main characters. The setting of the scene was great, and the added family drama to the personal struggles was real and relatable. I love a book that does a great job at documenting the journey of a relationship, and the journey of Wes and Murphy was fantastic.

This was a cute book. A quick read that you could use as a palate cleanser. I didn’t feel like the characters had enough development. At the same time it felt like there were so many different story lines and so many questions were left unanswered. Does ever confront his dad? Does the relationship with the siblings get any better? Do they save the winery? It’s not something I would read again but it wasn’t terrible.

What a great story... I truly enjoyed this book! Wes and Murphy are written so well. From the beginning of the book, I was drawn in and needed to learn more about each character. The family dynamics and backstories drew me in, and I couldn't wait to read the next page!

Wes and Murphy are both struggling to find their footing after major disappointments derailed their dream careers — her as a singer/songwriter, and him as a celebrity chef. Instant chemistry is immediately chased by the startling realization that she is his boss' sister. Ultimately, the potential impropriety is the least of each character's worries as they navigate the challenges of opening a restaurant on a family vineyard and plotting new goals on such tenuous foundations.

This novel, written in the leisurely pace of so many small-town stories, builds just the right amount of tension between characters with a few little plot twists tossed in for flavor. I found myself underlining words of wisdom the characters relayed to each other, and I enjoyed each character's personal development almost as much as the romance storyline.

Spice: 3 out of 5
Overall rating: 4 out of 5
Tropes: Small town, boss-employee, secret romance, anxiety representation

I absolutely loved this, Meredith and Jillian put together a wonderful story, full of love, compassion, compromise, dreams and family!
Wes and Murphy’s story is one of a kind, they each have dreams and as the story develops you just can’t wait for them to end up together.
From the first pages it will fill you up with more than you are bargaining for and it will not disappoint you!

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this book early!

Small town is one of my favourite types of romance and this had so many of the small town elements I look forward to reading!

I really enjoyed the way that Murphy and Wes helped each other through difficult situations and supported one another even after a rocky start!

The story was wholesome and I loved both Wes and Murphy, I’m excited to see who’s book is next!

I really enjoyed this!

It’s about two people starting over and finding acceptance in each other. It’s got small town, grumpy x sunshine, and overcoming struggles. I think the romance worked really well and I truly rooted for the main characters.

I think the pacing could have been better but otherwise I this was a good read!

Perfectly enjoyable read. Nothing spectacular. But the audience for this type of romance novel is likely not looking for anyone to reinvent the wheel.

The characters fell a little flat for me, even with some of my favorite tropes like grumpy/sunshine and boss/employee. There was not enough of the steamy banter that usually comes with those types of relationships for me to fully buy it.

I did adore the setting however and I thought there was a lot that could have been cultivated and developed about the FMC that was sort of left on the table. But I think it’s great for what it is and it gets the job done.

I can’t even express how much I love the chemistry between Murphy and Wes. They were just so adorable and sexy, and I especially loved how Wes sees Murphy in a way that no one else in the town or even her own family sees her.

This romance book had some of my absolutely favourite tropes. I really enjoyed Wes’ character especially and how he was Murphy’s boss. I loved the whole grumpy persona that Wes had and how Murphy was his ray of sunshine. To me, this book just felt a bit short. It felt as if more character development and relationship development was needed as I am not convinced that they would stay together forever. Overall, a quick and easy read and if you want a cheesy romance story, this book is for you.

I really enjoyed this book! For me it was the perfect pace and kept me interested the whole time! Loved alllllll the characters. Thanks Netgalley and to the publisher.