This was my first time reading something by this author. It is an engaging, steamy romance set in Blue Ridge. I listened to this as an audiobook. The story captures Zoe's journey from loneliness to a thrilling, unexpected connection with Laine Woods, a Napa-trained vintner and the sister of Zoe's greatest enemy. The chemistry between Zoe and Laine is strong. The narrator does a fantastic job bringing Zoe's witty, determined voice to life while also delivering Laine's more reserved yet alluring persona.

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

This book was…fine. Perfectly, utterly fine. I didn’t hate it, but I doubt I’ll remember much about it a year from now—probably not even the characters’ names by next week.

Cons:
It’s been a while since I picked up a heterosexual romance, and honestly, this felt like one. It was as if the author wrote a straight love story and then, at the last minute, switched the male lead to a woman without adjusting the dynamics. The masculine energy was too much, and the few references to queerness didn’t sit well with me.
The romance had its moments, but the cringe factor was high—both in the romantic build-up and the sex scenes. It just didn’t match my vibe.
The main character, Zoey (yes, I had to remind myself), was frustratingly incompetent and lacked any real self-awareness. It wasn’t quirky or endearing; it was just infuriating.

Pros:
It was a romance novel, and it delivered on that front.
The story was light and relatively low-stakes—nothing too intense or emotionally taxing.

All in all, it wasn’t the worst read, but it wasn’t memorable either. If you’re looking for a queer romance with more nuanced representation and less secondhand embarrassment, you might want to look elsewhere.

This audio book was exactly what I was hoping for. The narrator absolutely crushed it. I could not stop cackling during this sapphic rom com, so many amazing scenes where I just couldn't stop smiling. Lindsey's voice and tempo is perfect for me, I didn't have to speed it up and it was very easy for me to separate all the different characters.

Zoe Brennan, First Crush is an absolute delight—a witty and heartfelt sapphic romance that masterfully intertwines humor, emotional depth, and authentic queer representation. From its vibrant vineyard setting in Blue Ridge to the snappy banter between the two main characters, Laine and Zoe, this novel is a must-read for fans of the genre.
The chemistry between Zoe and Laine is electric, driven by their history as former lovers. Zoe, depicted as a relatable protagonist, balances her snark and vulnerability while navigating the challenges of her family vineyard and the unexpected return of her first crush. Laine, a talented vintner with a confident demeanor, serves as a perfect counterpoint to Zoe’s stubbornness, making their interactions fraught with unresolved feelings and humor.
The book excels in crafting a witty dialogue that had me laughing out loud on several occasions. The supporting cast—particularly the antics of the quirky Queer Mountaineers and the mysterious goat, which causes $1,300 worth of damage—enrich the narrative and add layers of fun. The humorous moments blend seamlessly with deeper themes of forgiveness, personal growth, and the complexities of love, making the characters’ journeys all the more compelling.
One of the story's strengths is its authentic portrayal of queer relationships, steering clear of stereotypical tropes. Instead, it focuses on the genuine emotional struggles and triumphs that come from reconnecting with a first love and overcoming pride. As the characters grow, their individual arcs become intertwined, creating a satisfying sense of connection for the reader.
While some conflicts could have been explored more deeply and a few plot points felt a touch prolonged, these minor critiques are easily overshadowed by the overall charm, humor, and heartfelt moments throughout the book.

Thank you, @netgalley, @dreamscape_media, and @laurapiperlee for the advanced listening copy of this swoon-worthy sapphic romance! And thank you to @purplecouchbookshop for picking this as our February Romance Book Club read! 

When she discovers that a prestigious wine festival is coming to Blue Ridge, it sets off a competition between these already rival wineries until Zoe’s grandma gets ill, and her father must return to his hometown in Italy, putting their winery at a considerable disadvantage. Dejected, she agrees to a blindfolded threesome, a decision made in a moment of vulnerability and impulsiveness, only to discover that the stranger she hooked up with while blindfolded is: 1. The vintner her father has hired to temporarily replace him, 2. The estranged daughter of the rival winery, and 3. Her high school crush, Laine Woods.

As Zoe and Laine (poorly) attempt to have a professional relationship, their simmering attraction keeps getting in the way. Can they save the season’s wine, win the festival, and deal with the emotional baggage they are both carrying in order to have a chance at love?

I absolutely loved the dreamy winery setting - what an idyllic location! Zoe and Laine were such interesting characters to connect with, each seeming to balance the other - they each had insecurities and weaknesses that the other helped shoulder. I also enjoyed how, after the ahem intense first meeting, this was a slow-burn romance where they took their time to get it right. There’s a lot of lack of communication in this one (between couples, friends, families), but it doesn’t read as miscommunication so much as fear of communication, which seemed infinitely more authentic given the backstories that are revealed for each of the characters. Zoe’s best friend, Teddy, absolutely steals every scene he is in, and I adore him. This book is connected to 'Hannah Tate, Beyond Repair ', Laura Piper Lee's debut, and I’ll be reading that one ASAP. However, this book can absolutely be enjoyed as a stand-alone.

🎧 About the Audiobook 🎧 Lindsey Dorcus, a new-to-me narrator, does a lovely solo narration. I particularly enjoyed her voicing of Janine and Teddy. The audiobook is 12 hours and 4 minutes.

I LOVED this book/audiobook. It's beautifully written by Laura Piper Lee and has the perfect narrator in Lindsey Dorcus.

I've been in a bit of a book/reading slump and was worried when I started listening that I just wouldn't have the energy to finish but I'm so glad I did! This is exactly what I needed.

I'm ready to hop on a plane and take a trip to Georgia for some wine (who knew they have vineyards in Georgia?)! I was drawn in almost right away. Lee does an amazing job bring you into her world while Dorcus was, again, the perfect narrator.

If you're looking for a fun, sexy, novel, I can't recommend this one enough. I'm honestly ready for a re-listen. It's full of fantastic side characters, community, shenanigans and fun. The descriptions in each scene really make you feel like you're a part of it too.

I'm so grateful for this ARC and can't wait to read (or listen) to Laura Piper Lee's next work.

First thing’s first: thank you Netgalley for the ALC of this book!
Zoe Brennan, First Crush was a sapphic romcom about a failing winery and the lesbians running it. This book was double horny with a capital H. Don’t get me wrong, I dont mind a horny book, but the characters being SO horny for each other ALL THE TIME was a little distracting and felt forced. I did enjoy the characters and the emotional relationship that built, I loved the setting, and I did find myself chuckling along while listening. I think the book could have been a little shorter, some parts felt a little drawn out when they didn’t have to be. All in all I enjoyed this one, though!
3.5⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me an audiobook arc!

3.5 stars!! I enjoyed Zoe Brennan and definitely want to read the author’s other books!

Zoe Brennan runs her family winery with her father, and she’s dedicated her entire life to it. Zoe’s mom died when she was young, and the winery was her mother’s dream, one that her husband and daughter continued to carry out. However, Zoe and her father have had their fair share of hardships- the winery isn’t very profitable, and the wines that they make aren’t perhaps as good as they would like them to be..however, Julie (Zoe’s mom) was always the expert at winemaking.

When Zoe’s father has to make an emergency trip back to Italy due to his mother’s poor health, Zoe is feeling doomed about the future of the vineyard. Zoe’s father promises her all will be okay, as he’s arranged for a replacement for him to continue making the wine. This may have provided some relief for Zoe, until she sees who her father has left the winery in the hands of.. one of the last people Zoe would have expected.. Laine Woods, Zoe’s first crush and sister of Zoe’s ex best friend turned rival.

Besides the awkward situation of Zoe’s previous crush, Zoe is uncertain if she can trust Laine. After all, Laine is Rachel’s sister, and even Rachel is warning Zoe about Laine’s misgivings. The woods family also owns Into the Woods, a competing vineyard.

As Zoe and Laine spend more time together and get to know each other as adults, Zoe’s feelings begin to change from suspicion and embarrassment to something warmer. But as the stakes get higher for the winery as it has a chance to be in a life changing showcase, Zoe is determined to keep things professional between her and Laine.

I really enjoyed this book! The narrator did a really good job, and the story itself is so fun! There’s romance, laughs, anger, and even some tears. I would recommend this to any romance lovers, especially if you’re looking for a heartwarming sapphic read.

What an adorably fun book! Not only do we have a super cute duo who “definitely don’t have feelings for each other” but the sense of community and support within Blue Ridge was what really won me over. Also, who doesn’t love a threesome meetcute lol

• when tasked with managing her family’s vineyard, zoe is surprised when the temporary vintner replacing her father is the sister of her ex-bff-turned-business-rival, laine. not only is she zoe’s queer awakening, but they also had a surprising one-night-stand the day before laine’s first day. can the two of them put their differences aside to save the winery?
• this book was such a delightful surprise??? i was really rooting for zone & laine, and even though this book had a third-act breakup (*eyeroll*), the ending was very satisfying!
• this was a lot smuttier than i was anticipating, so be aware if that’s not what you’re looking for in a romcom!

I got this as an audio arc on Netgalley and it has since come out. A nice good sapphic romance with a very good storyline. The spice level was so very good. The narrator really brought the mc to life. I loved the side characters. And the goat.

A sweet sapphic romance! This book felt a little long, and like it took a few too many twists, but I enjoyed the characters and the overall arc so much that it didn't bother me much.
I loved the world building in this book - so many amazing side characters and situations, and both main characters had a rich background full of complex baggage. It made for an interesting story, even with tried and true tropes.
This was a pleasure to read!

Zoe Brennan, First Crush

ELC review! This was a cute, sapphic romance. I loved both the narrators and the vineyard setting! This romance started out with a spicy threesome and went from crush to hook up to dislike to lovers. The character arcs were fantastic but I wish we had some side character development. Overall, I enjoyed this one!

Spice scale: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Rating: rounded up to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Read this if you like:
🍇high school crush/sexual awakening
🍷lots of nerdy discussion about wine making
🍇excellent banter
🍷spicy blindfolded threesome scene



Thank you to Dreamscape media and NetGalley for the advanced listener copy of this one!

ALC Review
Zoe Brennan, First Crush by Laura Piper Lee
Narrated by: Lindsey Dorcus

If you are looking for a moderately spicy, small town sapphic romance, this book fits the bill. There is all sorts of family drama, feeling of expectations, meddling side characters, and mutual pining.

The resolution with the main protagonist was lacking. I feel like it was wrapped up so quickly to brush it under the rug. I think it could have been handled differently.

"Zoe Brennan, First Crush" by Laura Piper Lee is a delightful dive into romance, humor, and the complexities of past loves amidst the backdrop of a competitive vineyard setting. Zoe Brennan's struggle to put her family vineyard on the map is entwined with personal growth and rekindled old flames, providing a rich narrative that sparkles as brightly as a well-aged wine. The book's highlight, a blindfolded encounter that turns hilariously awkward when identities are revealed, sets the stage for a story filled with both tension and passion. The chemistry between Zoe and Laine Woods, her first crush and a newly hired vintner, ignites off the pages, blending professional rivalry and sexual tension into a compelling read. This novel is a perfect blend of romance and comedy, making it an ideal selection for anyone looking to lose themselves in a story of love, laughter, and wine.

This was such a delightful story and I am glad we picked it for our upcoming bookclub.

Audiobook/Book Review 🍇🍷

Thank you so much @unionsqandco @dreamscape_media for the gifted copy + audiobook!

Zoe Brennan, First Crush
by Laura Piper Lee
Narrated by Lindsey Dorcus

About the book 👇🏽

When a prestigious wine festival announces it’s coming to town, it kicks off a battle royale among local vineyards vying for the opportunity to host it. Zoe’s in it to win it—being chosen would put Bluebell Vineyards on the map, and she could stick it to the vineyard next door, run by her ex-best friend (now enemy), Rachel. But when Zoe’s father is called home to Italy to care for his sick mother, Bluebell is left without a vintner.

Dejected, Zoe impulsively agrees to a blindfolded threesome with a friend, and excitingly, a stranger. But once the blindfolds come off, Zoe realizes the hot butch that rocked her world isn’t a stranger at all. It’s Laine Woods—Zoe’s first crush, Rachel’s big sister, and, Zoe is horrified to discover, the Napa-trained vintner Zoe’s dad just hired as his replacement.

🍷🍇 My thoughts:

I was not expecting so much steam but I loved it! It’s a light and swoony read/listen you’ll be able to binge over a weekend or in one sitting if that’s your taste. The audiobook narrator did an incredible job with this story and will have you hanging on every word. What I really enjoyed was that we get right into the good stuff… just immediately jumping right into the story that you really don’t have any choice but to be immersed in it. Everyone had their own set of personalities that were realistic, making this story feel cozy because the characters felt familiar. This is the first book I’ve read by Laura Piper Lee and it definitely will not be my last.

Happy reading! 📖🎧🍇🍷

I thought this was just okay. I love the vineyard setting, but other than that it was heavy spice and less plot than I usually like.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC.

This book starts off steamy and then mellows into a really fun sapphic rom-com.

Read if you love:
🍇wine /vineyard settings
🍇best friends older sibling
🍇first crush
🍇slow burn
🍇sapphic love

Audio narration by Lindsey Dorcus is great!

Zoe Brennan, First Crush by Laura Piper Lee is a sapphic adult contemporary romance that follows Zoe whose family owns a struggling vineyard, and her ex-best friend's family is their biggest competitor. After Zoe's father leaves to Italy to take care of his mother, Zoe's left alone to take care of the business, until Laine comes to help. And Laine is none other than Zoe's first crush, and her enemy's sister. There's a lot of tension between them and a whole lot of chemistry, and they succumb to their feelings as they have to work together to keep the business running and win the local wine festival. They have a lot of feelings locked deep inside, and have to work through them to overcome their fears and fall in love.

It is a wonderful romance that is quick to read, lighthearted but meaningful, spicy and sweet. I loved the vineyard vibes - it would be a perfect read for the summer - and I loved the angst and pining in the romance. I'd highly recommend it if you'd like to read a sapphic romance that is hot and emotional, and has forced proximity and workplace romance. I also listened to the audiobook, which has an amazing narration, so if you listen to audiobooks, definitely check it out! I will absolutely be reading more books by Laura Piper Lee.

I had the absolute pleasure of listening to this audiobook ARC curtesy of Netgalley and wow, i am so glad i requested this audiobook.

This audiobook is amazing in every. single. way. possible and is everything i LOVE in a story.

The plot follows Zoe Brennan, a struggling vineyard owner who is left to run and manage a vineyard all on her own when her father suddenly has to go to home to Italy to take care of his sick mother.

During this time Lesbian Zoe agrees to a blindfolded threesum with a friend and who she thought was a complete stranger, little does she realise, the stranger is actually Laine Woods, a butch Lesbian who was also Zoe's first ever crush.

Much to Zoe's horror, her dad employs Laines assistance to run the vineyard, and over the course of the story, Zoe and Lane get involved in a wine festival where there is a competition between all the local vineyards to host it.

Over the course of the story, we see Zoe and Laine getting closer and closer, foreshadowing their hot and steamy relationship, and boy, was their relationship hot and steamy.
10/10 for the plot.

As for spice, this book must be one of the most spiciest lesbian story's I've ever read, i absolutely loved every spicy scene in this book.
Spice fans will definitely not be disappointed.
10/10 for the plot.

I also thought the character selection and rep was really good, being a lesbian story it obviously has lesbian rep as well as butch lesbian rep too.
10/10 for Character Selection/Character Rep.

In terms of the audiobook itself, the audiobook is narrated by Lindsey Dorcus who did an amazing job at narrating this story as well as voicing all the different characters, her flow in chapters was perfect and she really painted the picture of each scene especially with her pitch and tone.

All in all, would i recommend this book? Absolutely! There's not a bad thing i can say about this book.
If you are a fellow Lesbian or just Queer like myself, you'll absolutely LOVE this book!

As always, i would like to personally thank Laura Piper Lee, Lindsey Dorcus and ofcourse Dreamscape Media for allowing me the opportunity of listening to this ARC in exchange for a review.
I definitely look forward to reading/listening to more of Laura Piper Lee's works in the future.