<b>Do you want or need "Sweet Escape" from real life? Meredith Wild and Jillian Iota have one right here for you. Vivian and Memphis took us on an emotional rollercoaster. It has spice and passion. It has heartbreak and heartache. It has swoon and warmth. I loved every second of it!</b>

🎵 small town romance
🎵 enemies to lovers
🎵 opposites attract
🎵 grumpy sunshine
🎵 best friend's older brother
🎵 vacation fling

Vivian ran away from LA when she caught her cheating boyfriend and she came to Rosewood where her best friend has a family vineyard. She has to write more music for her upcoming first record and she is stuck. Memphis has a lot of burden on his shoulders. He is trying to revive the dying family business on his own. The last thing he needs is a relationship. But Vivian sparks something primal inside him. It was supposed to be just casual sex. But it never really is.

<b>Vivian is smart-ass and sassy and full of life. But all her life, she never let herself to be open to the people close to her. On the other hand, life has made him grumpy and brooding and closed off in a different way than Vivian. He barely has time to breathe from the vineyard and winery and restaurant and yet he feels he is failing and everything will crush down at any moment. Vivian didn't have nice ideas about him because her best friend said some not so nice things over the years because of the complex family dynamics so it's a bit rough initially. They have insane chemistry from first meeting. It cracks and sizzles and explodes. As they start spending some time together deciding to give into temptation, they find more things to like about each other. Memphis found himself worrying less about his endless task and feel excited about life again. Vivian lifted the weight from his heart. He is stubborn and edgy and didn't let anyone help him but he realised slowly that it's not the way. Vivian never felt as safe and content as she did in the small town. She came here with a broken heart and she found the healing kind of love. But no love story is complete without a bit heartache and angst. Vivian pushed Memphis away out of fear before Memphis could make her stay but she did come back home! I loved their witty banter and sharp words at the beginning. The chemistry was so hot. And I love how their hearts fit like missing puzzle pieces.</b>

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

I received an arc from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

This was an okay read for me however the story sounded familiar like I have read this storyline before. The family dynamic of the story was great. I loved the ending and how the family came together and the love interest as well. Micah, Memphis and Murphy had to overcome and work through a lot of family issues but glad for the HEA ending.

Vivian was a force to be reckoned with and glad she got her HEA ending in the end as well.

4.5⭐
2 🌶️
Tropes/Themes: Bestie’s brother, With benefits, songwriter FMC, Winery owner MMC, snarky banter, opposites attract
Dual POV 1st person

I really really enjoyed this book- Vivian is hilarious, the banter is great and the chemistry between her and Memphis is amazing. It’s sweet and swoony and everything I love. Vivian’s snark had me laughing and cheering them on. I basically sat down and read this book in one day/setting, that’s how good it was. I do wish there had been more about why Viv hated him at first, but she seemed to get over it pretty quickly so that wasn’t a big deal. I also liked how the vineyard framed the story, and the push and pull for the two of them between their hearts and obligations.

Already added the first book in this series to my TBR!

In Sweet Escape by Meredith Wild and Jillian Liota, singer-songwriter Vivian Walsh visits her best friend, Murphy, after discovering her boyfriend’s infidelity. A night out leads her to a charming bartender—who turns out to be Murphy’s brother, Memphis Hawthorne. Their instant attraction was never meant to last beyond one night, but fate has other plans.

Memphis is focused on saving his family’s struggling vineyard, taking on any task necessary, including shifts at the restaurant’s bar. Meeting Vivian is an unexpected but welcome distraction. As their chemistry deepens, they must decide if they’re willing to take a chance on something real.

With sizzling romance, heartfelt emotion, and well-developed characters, Sweet Escape is a captivating love story filled with passion, witty banter, and just the right amount of drama.

5 Star Review Sweet Escape (Harvest Vines #2) by Meredith Wild & Jillian Liota

This was an entertaining romantic story that ticked the boxes for me. From the first chapter I was hooked on the story that was told. The characters were easy to relate to and I really liked them.

The chemistry between them was intense and I found myself laughing out loud on a number of occasions with the witty banter and humour.

The secondary characters were just as entertaining and I hope to see more of them at a future date.

This book is a little gem that I have no trouble recommending. The narrators certainly did justice to the characters and the wonderful story that the author created.

I received an ARC through the publisher and Netgalley.

This is an enjoyable story. The dynamic between Memphis and Vivien is flirty and fun.
Memphis is trying to keep the family business afloat. Vivien is an up and coming singer.
The story wasn't too long but still gave time to give the relationship between the two main characters substance.
I like a musical story background and also enjoyed the banter.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher

Thank you Montclair and Netgalley for this ARC!

This novel was an enemies to lovers novel that was very similar and filled to the movie. A star is born. this novel surrounds Vivian a well-known artist who travels to her friends, families vineyard for some song inspiration. Quickly, Vivian meets her friends, brother Memphis, who works at the Vineyard immediately there are not a great match however, overtime they do have an enemies lovers, kind of relationship. I thoroughly did enjoy the love story of this novel however I felt that there was way too much focus on the vineyard and the processes of running the vineyard that it took away from that romantic feel of the novel that I was wanting. Overall this is really good and a great love story but just be aware that there is quite a bit of discussion surrounding the vine unless surrounding a romance.

Sweet Escape is a sweet read. Memphis is a workaholic trying to save his families vineyard. He does everything in his power to keep things afloat even when his father drags his feet. Vivian needs an escape and her muse to inspire her finishing her album before heading into the studio. The chemistry between Memphis and Vivian is there from the beginning. You feel the reluctance Vivian has when she realizes Memphis is her best friends brother. I love how Vivian gets Memphis to put the work down and live a little. I love how Memphis shows Vivian that not all men are like her ex. I love how Memphis and his siblings become closer as the changes to the vineyard take place. This gives you all those good feels. I could not put this down. Go click this today.

You will love Memphis and Vivian!

Memphis Hawthorne only goal was to keep the family vineyard running and fix the black hole in the finances so he had no problem stepping in and covering a shift for one of the employees. But he never expected to meet a gorgeous woman at the restaurant’s bar while he was working at the bar.

Singer/songwriter Vivian Walsh was visiting her best friend Murphy after finding out her boyfriend was sleeping around. She was surprised to find out that the bartender was Murphy’s brother Memphis that she had heard about since they became friends. But she never expected that there might be more than one night with Memphis if they could admit that there might possibly be a future.

You will love how Vivian and Memphis finally realize that they have a future when they put their relationship first.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sweet Escape by Meredith Wild and Jillian Liota is a delightful blend of sweetness and spice, a romance that delivers on all fronts. The story expertly balances heartwarming moments with fiery chemistry, creating a journey that’s both emotionally satisfying and utterly captivating.

The romance at the core of the novel is compelling, with the protagonists’ connection unfolding naturally yet intensely. True to the genre, there’s a dose of drama, but it’s handled with finesse, adding depth and tension without feeling overdone. The authors skillfully navigate these dramatic turns, ensuring the story stays grounded and relatable.

The characters are a standout feature, perfectly developed with layers of complexity and charm. Their growth throughout the narrative makes them easy to root for, and their banter and vulnerability make them truly lovable. By the end, it’s hard not to feel invested in their journey together.

Overall, Sweet Escape is a beautifully written romance that hits all the right notes. Wild and Liota have crafted a story brimming with passion, emotional resonance, and unforgettable characters. It’s a perfect pick for readers looking for a feel-good, steamy love story with just the right amount of drama.

I’m so happy to be back in this series, I’ve been dying to read this book since I finished book 1 but I do also love to put off reading my most anticipated books so that is why these two are now so far apart. I loved Vivian, her personality, her attitude, her one-liners made her character unforgettable. She was the life of the party, she was hilarious, fun, sweet, and brought so much entertainment to both mine and Memphis’s life I couldn’t not love this book.

Vivian knows what she wants and when she wanted Memphis she got him, these two and their chemistry is was obviously how quickly they would get together because they literally could not avoid each other, and likely subconsciously sought each other out. Memphis fell for Vivian, I mean how could he not, and was willing to have her in any way he could fit her into his busy life.

I also loved the family drama and how it continues from book to book within the series. I can’t wait for Micah’s book cause I know it’ll be good, but also because I’m excited to see all the changes to the winery!

Sweet Escape by Meredith Wild and Jillian Liota is Book 2 in the Hawthorne Vines series.
What can you expect?
🏡 Small-town vineyard
💕 Best friend’s older brother
😠 Grumpy hero
💃 Sassy heroine
🎤 Singer FMC
🔥 No strings attached

4 ⭐ | 2.5 🌶

My thoughts:
I really enjoyed Sweet Escape! If it’s set in a small town, I’m immediately hooked. The story begins with Vivian catching her boyfriend cheating on her. Heartbroken, she heads to her best friend’s family vineyard to focus on writing music for her first album.
While there, she can’t resist teasing Memphis, her best friend’s older brother. Memphis, burdened by the family vineyard’s struggles, works long hours and has no time for distractions. Neither is looking for a relationship, so a no-strings-attached fling feels like the perfect solution. But when it’s time for Vivian to return to LA, things become more complicated.

I loved Vivian’s personality—her persistence and confidence stood out. After their first night together, she couldn’t resist wanting more. Her connection with Memphis even helped her creativity with her music. Vivian was hilarious and unapologetically herself. The spice between them? Amazing!

At first, their relationship was purely physical, but as they spent more time together, their bond deepened into an unexpected friendship. Despite this, both kept their emotional walls up. Memphis, overwhelmed by the vineyard’s demands, worked 16–18 hours a day but refused to ask for help. Vivian, shaped by her absent parents’ flawed relationship, struggled with trust and feared opening up to Memphis. Their growth as characters was well done—Memphis learned to lean on his siblings, and Vivian worked on being more open with those she cared about.

What I appreciated most was that neither interfered with the other’s dreams, even though their goals were very different. Their relationship wasn’t conventional, but it worked perfectly for them.

The small-town vibes, sizzling chemistry, and vineyard setting added so much charm. Although I haven’t read the first book in the series, this was easy to follow, and I now want to read the first for more context. The only downside was that the story dragged a bit in the middle, causing me to lose interest briefly, but it picked up again and ended on a satisfying note.

Thank you, NetGalley, Meredith Wild, and Jillian Liota, for the advance copy. This was my first book from these authors, and it certainly won’t be my last!

Finding love was the last thing Vivian had on her mind when she takes a getaway to her best friend Murphy's family vineyard. Immediately Memphis, Murphy's brother, and Vivian cannot resist and stay away from each other. With Vivian only being in town for a short time and all the problems of a struggling business, Memphis absolutely does not want to start anything that will likely only end up in broken hearts all around. The banter was perfection! You can clearly see that Vivian is attracted to Memphis, physically and as a person immediately after their first meeting. I loved the small town vibes of the vineyard and how it can make even a big city girl fall in love with the small town life. I also loved the family dynamics in this book. I did a combination eyeball read and ALC and enjoyed the narrators. Thank you to the authors for the free eARC and ALC. All opinions are my own.

Instagram review will be live approximately 31Jan25.

I didn't realize this was a second book in a series, however it didn't effect my ability to enjoy this one. It was really cute and I enjoyed it.

You have a free spirited FMC and a MMC who is a serious man (he still knows how to have fun, if you know what a mean 😉). They are a "watercolor and excel sheet" as our girl Murphy would say.

It was a cute and easy read. Great if you want something cozy!

Sweet Escape is a one-night stand romance. Situated in the heart of wine country. That quickly transforms into a whole lot more.

As singer-song writer, Vivian Walsh needs an escape from life in LA and finds it on her friend Murphy's family vineyard.

But what Viv doesn't expect is Murphy's brother, Memphis. Who is struggling to keep the family business in the black, and who has no time for a relationship, romance, or a woman like Viv. Whom he has absolutely nothing in common with.

Yet, that's the reason why they're such a perfect match.

As they may flirt and bicker constantly. But underneath there's a pull that neither can ignore and as the story unfolds the pair realise their connection is more meaningful and real than either could have ever imagined.

And with a wonderful setting, lots of lush detail, likable characters and a great blend of sweetness, spice, charm and emotion. Sweet Escape is the perfect book to read. Especially during this time of year, while curling up under a blanket and enjoying a glass of wine.

Jillian Liota and Meredith Wild have created a heartfelt, swoon-worthy story in the second book of their Hawthorne Vines series. Sweet Escape effortlessly blends instant attraction with a slow slide into something much deeper, all while capturing the thrill of a vacation fling.

Vivian Walsh is a free-spirited singer-songwriter nursing a bruised heart who finds solace and inspiration at her best friend Murphy’s family vineyard. What she doesn’t expect is her attraction to Murphy’s brother, Memphis, a workaholic with the weight of the winery’s finances on his shoulders and an infuriatingly irresistible charm.

Their chemistry is electric from the start, and watching their “no strings attached” arrangement bloom into something more is pure magic. I love how Vivian is clear about what she wants and goes after it. Memphis has no chance against her captivating allure! *I might have a slight girl crush on Vivian.

The authors skillfully balance lighthearted banter, sizzling tension, and emotional depth as Vivian and Memphis navigate their personal struggles and undeniable connection. And while their time together is fleeting, they challenge and support each other in a way that feels like they’ve been together forever. Vivian’s vacation inevitably comes to an end, and I was not prepared for how emotional I was about their “goodbye”. It all works out beautifully in the end, though. That grand gesture!

Hawthorne Vines and the small town of Rosewood are the perfect backdrop for Vivian to rediscover her muse. Errol and the Firehouse Inn are my favorite new additions. I loved seeing Murphy, Wes and Sarah again. More is revealed about Jack’s role in the financial situation of the winery, and I feel like a resolution is in place for that going forward.

I hope the next book is about Micah and a character I won’t name. Fingers crossed!

Whether you're new to this series or returning for more, I highly recommend Sweet Escape. It is a true testament to finding love in unexpected places.

I loved this book! It was a phenomenal exposure to the authors' writing. The tension with the best friend's brother trope was so good. Plus her deadline to leave the town? It was just incredible!

I look at you and I'm home. You are the other half of me.

Sweet Escape is a story of romance at it's finest. It is immediate mutual attraction for Memphis and Vivian. Memphis was stunned when he first met the feisty Vivian. He had never felt so drawn to a woman like he did with Vivian for a very long time, if ever. Their flirtatious banter back and forth started what was to be an amazing bit of fun. It turned out to be much more.

They are so different from each other. Memphis all business, no nonsense and focused. Whereas Vivian was more easy going and relaxed. This contrast seems to be the key that has them being just right for each other. There are ups and downs as they try to navigate coming to terms with how they really feel about each other. If you enjoy romance, lots of laughter and some spice, Sweet Escape is for you.

I wanted to love this because I really like both of these authors but it fell flat for me. I love the blurb and story concept but I feel like it was too slow in spots.

Sweet Escape by Meredith Wild and Jillian Liota is the 2nd book in the Hawthorne Vines series and I found it to be just as enjoyable as the 1st book, Bitter Truth. Again, it’s set in wine country and focuses this time on Memphis, Murphy’s brother that we were introduced to in the first book. The whole wine country atmosphere makes this story a truly unforgettable experience for the reader. I enjoyed revisiting Wes and Murphy, as well as several secondary characters that really bring out the emotional depth of this entire series. Memphis and Vivian both have their own set of issues they’re dealing with and together their slow, very enjoyable, romantic journey gave me tons of feels. All these characters really make this a heartwarming, heartbreaking, thought-provoking story that reminds you that "Love, like wine, takes time to grow and flourish—but when it does, it’s worth every drop." I’m really looking forward to reaching Micah’s story! I’m grateful to have been given an opportunity to read and review an advance copy of this book for NetGalley.