Category Archives: Montlake Romance

January 13, 2014 · 11:58 pm

Review: Be Mine Forever by Marina Adair

be mineTitle: Be Mine Forever by Marina Adair
St. Helena Vineyard Book Four
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 297 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

For Trey DeLuca, the idea of settling down was entirely unsettling. As VP of sales for his family’s wine company, he’s never in any one city—or with any one woman—for long, which is how he likes it. But when family obligations keep him temporarily grounded in his hometown, he finds the perfect distraction. She’s sweet, gorgeous, and sexy as hell…only her life screams commitment.

Between raising her son and struggling to keep her dance school afloat, Sara Reed has her hands full. Dance students she needs—a steamy tangled sheets cha-cha with a self-admitted commitment-phobe?
Not going to happen. But sparks fly as the town prepares for a big Valentine’s Day gala, and Trey strikes a deal with Sara…he’ll “manny-up” and watch her son in exchange for ballroom lessons.

With love quickstepping ever closer, Sara needs to teach this playboy some new steps or risk losing him—and her heart—forever.

The Review:

Marina Adair’s St. Helena Vineyard has quickly become one of my favorite series so I have been eagerly awaiting Be Mine Forever. This fourth installment is youngest brother Trey and Sara Reed’s story and their romance is just as sweet, passionate and alluring as the older DeLuca brothers’ stories.

Be Mine Forever opens with Trey’s hurried and harried trip home to St. Helena where he discovers the family emergency does not involve illness or impending death. Instead his clever grandmother ChiChi has summoned Trey home to act as her dance partner in the upcoming annual Winter Garden Gala. His brothers are impervious to his pleas to escort her in his place so Trey gracefully accedes to her wishes. Needing to brush up on his dancing skills, Trey turns to local dance instructor Sara, a widow and mom who recently relocated to St. Helena to realize her dream of owning a dance studio. The sparks are soon flying between Sara and Trey and they indulge in a short term fling before Trey leaves town.

Trey’s job in the family’s wine business provides him with a convenient excuse to avoid settling down. His (misplaced) guilt over the deaths of his parents haunts him and although he loves his family, his need for emotional distance keeps him far away from home. Trey is affable and quite charismatic but he is not interested in a serious relationship. Instead he has a past that is chockfull of empty encounters and unfortunately, some of these short-lived affairs took place a little too close to home. Much to his chagrin, he runs into some of his previous partners at the most inopportune times but these confrontations leave him vowing to stop indulging in meaningless sex.

While Sara may no longer be mourning her husband, she is still not quite ready to jump back into dating. She is stretched thin with caring for her young son Cooper and getting her dance studio up and running. Sara is surprised by her unexpected attraction to Trey but she is content to keep their relationship on a friendly, but professional, level. But once her long dormant desires are awakened, she finds it difficult to ignore the simmering desire she feels for Trey.

Right from the beginning, Trey’s reaction to Sara is very different from anything he has previously experienced. She does not strike the “settling down” fear in him and he is surprised by how comfortable he is with her. Of course, this smooth talker cannot resist trying to charm Sara into his bed but she rebuffs Trey at every turn. Instead they settle into an easy friendship that crackles with sexual tension.

The relationship between Trey and Sara is unhurried and I loved watching them explore their unexpected passion. There is genuine affection on both sides and Trey is refreshingly honest with Sara about his future plans. Instead of jumping headlong into an affair, they discuss the possible consequences of their actions and Trey takes Sara’s concerns about Cooper quite seriously. They are both careful to present a “friends only” facade around him and in public. Love creeps in unexpectedly for both of them and a family emergency puts their relationship in jeopardy.

The rest of DeLuca brothers and sister Abby are absent for much of Be Mine Forever. Instead Trey fills in for the various “husbandly” roles and he is the go to guy for his nieces. He grows much closer to his sisters-in-law and he uses them as a sounding board when he needs relationship advice. Of course there are some seriously “awww, how sweet” moments with his nieces that really highlight how much he has changed during his unanticipated stay in St. Helena. It is with ChiChi that the most touching moments occur and provide him with a new perspective on both his past and his future. But it is an impromptu heart to heart with his brothers that proves to be most illuminating for Trey.

Be Mine Forever is another superb addition to the St. Helena Vineyard series. The characters are richly developed with realistic flaws that are easy to relate to. The plot is beautifully executed and the conflict never overpowers the story. The DeLuca family is wonderfully imperfect but their love and support for one another is unconditional. Now that Marina Adair has given each of the brothers their happily ever afters, she turns her attention to sister Abby’s love life in the next installment. She has paired Abby with a character that I have loved since his first introduction and I am quite impatient to experience their fiery love story!

Please click HERE for my review of the other novels in the St. Helena Vineyard series.

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Filed under Be Mine Forever, Contemporary, Marina Adair, Montlake Romance, Rated B+, Review, Romance, St Helena Vineyard

January 12, 2014 · 11:54 pm

Review: Love on Mimosa Lane by Anna DeStafano

mimosaTitle: Love on Mimosa Lane by Anna DeStafano
Seasons of the Heart Book Three
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 329 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Law Beaumont and Kristen Hemmings have watched each other from a distance for years. But Law, a bartender with a bad-boy past, and Kristen, an assistant principal devoted to helping her community, couldn’t seem more different. When they unite to mentor a young foster child and to help Law’s troubled daughter through the aftermath of her parents’ ugly divorce, their attraction deepens. They face the undeniable connection between them, and a whirlwind of challenges they can only conquer together.

A stirring love story and a candid look at the complexities of divorce, substance abuse, and our country’s foster care system, Love on Mimosa Lane is a love song to an entire community, and a novel about the power of family—the family you’ve been given, the one you’ve chosen, and the one that can lift you up, even when the world is tearing you down.

The Review:

Love on Mimosa Lane is a heartwarming story of love, family and friendship. This latest installment in Anna DeStafano’s extremely popular Seasons of the Heart series is sure to be a hit with old and new fans of the series.

Chandlerville is a tight-night community where the residents look out for one another. So when assistant principal Kristen Hemmings needs help with one of her new students, she is quick to ask Law Beaumont to help mentor the young man. Law is no stranger to trouble and while he is at first hesitant to become involved, he soon sees an opportunity to not only help Fin Robinson, but his young daughter Chloe as well.

Both Law and Kristen have complicated family histories that continue to plague them even though they are now adults. They each tend to keep an emotional distance and while Law has been married, Kristen ends her relationships long before they get serious. Kristen’s issues are fairly easy to overcome whereas Law’s are going to take a lot of work and most of the novel to fully resolve.

Law thought his problems with his wife Libby would end once they were divorced. Unfortunately Libby is bitter, vindictive and out to ruin not only his reputation, but his relationships too. Their daughter Chloe is caught in the middle until Law finally starts to listen some of the advice from his friends and his brother, Dan and begins to take control of his life.

All of the characters in Love on Mimosa Lane have a lot of emotional baggage and some of them are dealing with some pretty serious problems. Law and Libby have substance abuse issues, both in the past and present, and Law has a prison record. Chloe is caught between doing what she wants and trying to please her mother. Fin has been in the foster care system for most of his young life and he is having trouble adjusting to his new foster home. Ms. DeStafano does an exemplary job of handling each of these topics with sensitivity and the story never feels overwhelmed by the various conflicts. It is not a light, fluffy read, but it is not bleak or depressing either.

There is a romantic element to Love on Mimosa Lane but this part of the storyline is very understated. Instead, most of the novel centers around Law and the various obstacles he is facing. He has a lot a demons in his past and before he can have a successful relationship with Kristen, Law needs make peace with his mistakes and change how he deals with adversity.

While I liked Love on Mimosa Lane, it is fairly slow paced for the first half of the novel. Some of the sentences are a little awkwardly written. I really liked Fin and Chloe but they seemed a lot older than third graders. Libby’s character has no redeeming qualities and her maliciousness becomes predictable and grating.

Despite these minor issues, I really enjoyed Love on Mimosa Lane. The characters are likable with genuine problems that are realistically resolved. The storylines are compelling and the novel’s conclusion is emotionally satisfying. This powerful story of healing is a fascinating addition to Anna DeStafano Seasons of the Heart series.

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Filed under Anna DeStafano, Contemporary, Love on Mimosa Lane, Montlake Romance, Rated B, Review, Romance, Seasons of the Heart Series

January 8, 2014 · 11:58 pm

Review: Single by Saturday by Catherine Bybee

singleTitle: Single by Saturday by Catherine Bybee
Weekday Brides Series Book Four
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 315 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

She enjoyed her fake marriage…until she fell in love with her brother-in-law.

Catherine Bybee serves up excitement and dizzying romance in Single by Saturday, the sequel to Fiancé by Friday and the latest entry in her bestselling Weekday Brides series.

Karen Jones: The petite blonde married a Hollywood star, yet she’s the one who spends every day playing a part: the part of a happy wife. A year ago, she agreed to wed a famous actor to diffuse rumors about his personal life. Now, her divorce sits just around the corner, along with a five million dollar payout. However, as she prepares to exit her fake marriage gracefully, her drop-dead-gorgeous brother-in-law walks through the door…and into her heart.

Zach Gardner: Dark-haired, blue-eyed hunk Zach crashes Michael and Karen’s fancy one-year anniversary party, determined to meet the wife his brother hid from their family. But sparks fly the moment he and Karen see each other. When the famous couple decides to visit the whole Gardner clan, Karen must keep Michael’s secret under wraps in front of his questioning relatives…including Zach, the man who could be the real love of her life.

The Review:

Single by Saturday, the newest addition to Catherine Bybee’s fabulously awesome Weekday Brides series, is my absolutely favorite novel in the series so far. With a very unique spin on the marriage of convenience plot device, this enchanting love story is a refreshing change of pace from typical contemporary romances.

Single by Saturday opens with Karen Jones and movie heartthrob Michael Wolfe celebrating their one year anniversary. This marriage of convenience is not your ordinary marriage-Karen and Michael wed to dispel rumors about Michael’s private life and while they do love one another, there is no chance of them falling IN love. They have kept their distance from Michael’s family from day one but that is about to change when Michael’s brother Zach Gardener crashes their extravagant anniversary party. Unable to avoid his family, Michael and Karen head back to Michael’s small hometown where Michael reconnects with his family and Karen and Zach fight their unexpected attraction.

Although Karen is going to receive a big payout for her marriage to Michael, her reason for needing the money is not for personal gain. Instead she plans to use the money to help set up a refuge for disadvantaged teens. She spends most of her days volunteering at the local Boys and Girls Club and she uses her marriage to the kids’ advantage. Karen has a big heart, a good head on her shoulders and an uncanny ability to size people up within minutes. She can hold her own against just about anyone and she does not mince words when protecting her loved ones. Karen and Michal have a strong friendship and she is very worried about what effect her growing feelings for his brother are going to have on him. Karen agonizes over her attraction to Zach and this part of the storyline is brilliantly executed.

Zach is a dutiful son who has always been content with his life’s choices. His father’s expectations for him to take over the family hardware business have kept him in town, but he chose a different career path. His construction business is quite successful but on his return from Michael’s, he begins to rethink his decisions. Having no idea what the truth is about his brother’s marriage, Zach is horribly conflicted about his attraction to Karen. But he begins to notice that things are a bit off between the couple, and he quietly observes them trying to figure out the truth about their relationship.

One of the things I liked best about Single by Saturday is how down to earth Michael’s family and Karen are. While she might enjoy some of the financial benefits of her marriage, she really does not like being in the limelight. Michael might have his reasons for staying away his family, but they remain untouched by his fame and his trip home reminds how much he loves them. Of course it also dredges up some of his unpleasant past and emphasizes how much he has to lose if his secrets come out. The interactions between Karen, Michael and his family are sometimes poignant, humorous and ultimately, loving.

The relationship between Zach and Karen is tastefully portrayed and slowly evolves over the course of the novel. It is a push/pull of emotions as they struggle to keep from hurting Michael while remaining true to their own desires. They also keep the extended family’s reactions in mind but they are fully aware some family members are going to have a difficult time understanding their romance.

Single by Saturday is a captivating love story that kept me glued to the pages to see how Catherine Bybee was going to resolve what seems to be an impossible pairing between two unlikely lovers. I should not have worried because she not only manages to effortlessly pull off Karen and Zach’s romance, she also preserves all of the tricky family relationships as well.

Single by Saturday is an enchanting addition to the Weekday Brides series that old and new fans are sure to enjoy. It can be read as a standalone story, but don’t be surprised if you end up purchasing the first three books in the series. Yep, it is THAT good!

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Filed under Catherine Bybee, Contemporary, Montlake Romance, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Single by Saturday, Weekday Bride Series

October 28, 2013 · 3:58 am

Review: Autumn in the Vineyard by Marina Adair

Title: Autumn in the Vineyard by Marina Adair
St. Helena Vineyard Book Three
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 324 pages
Book Rating: A

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Author

Summary:

Frankie Baudouin has a hundred reasons not to trust Nate DeLuca. First, he’s a DeLuca. Second, he kissed her—in front of the entire town—and then never called. Oh, and he’s after her land. Sorrento Ranch is Frankie’s last chance to prove to her family—and to herself—that she has what it takes to be an award-winning winemaker. And she will stop at nothing to ensure her success—even if it means playing nice with the starched, sophisticated, and oh-so-sexy Italian.

For Nate, Sorrento Ranch is more than just soil and grape vines; it was his father’s dream—a dream Nate is determined to make a reality. So when he finds himself forced to cohabitate with a hot-headed, irrational, and incredibly gorgeous Baudouin, Nate is surprised to discover that chaos could be so much fun—especially when she sleeps in nothing but lace.

The Review:

Autumn in the Vineyard is an incredibly heartwarming and emotion-filled addition to Marina Adair’s fabulous St. Helena Vineyard series. It is a sizzling hot and sweetly romantic read that old and new fans of the series are sure to love.

Francesa “Frankie” Baudouin is devastated when her grandfather fires her from the family wine business but she quickly makes plans to purchase a vineyard and produce her own wine. But that plan comes to a screeching halt when rival vintner Nate DeLuca takes her to court over a land dispute. Forced to work together by a judge who wants to put the two families’ long standing feud to rest once and for all, Frankie and Nate give in to their smoldering desire but a misunderstanding threatens their newfound relationship.

Lurking underneath Frankie’s tough as nails exterior is an aching desire to fit in with her family. She has a couple of close friends, but her single-minded dedication to the family winemaking business leaves her with little time for a social life. While Frankie does not let much intimidate her, she is out of her depth when it comes to girly type activities. Frankie’s galpals require her participation in some things that are way out of her comfort zone and loyal friend that she is, Frankie gives in gracefully despite her discomfort. These scenes result in some of the most hilarious and poignant moments in the novel. But Frankie is at her most vulnerable when she is dealing with her tangled emotions for Nate. Their past is complicated and the few times she lets her guard down with him, Nate manages to hurt her in the worst possible ways.

Nate really is a great guy, but he inadvertently hurts Frankie time and again. He works in his family’s winemaking business with his siblings and he really does not have any serious issues to work through. Nate is determined to convince Frankie to give up the land he thought he was purchasing, and he ups the ante between them when he moves into the house they currently co-own. He comes up with some pretty inventive ways to defuse her anger as he attempts to outmaneuver her. But the biggest frustration he has with Frankie is her inability to completely give him her heart.

It is an absolute delight to watch the romance build between Frankie and Nate. These two share a real connection and they share a mutual a respect for one another. The banter between them is often quite funny but Frankie and Nate also have some amazingly honest conversations. Underlying all of their interactions is an incredible sexual attraction that they come close to fulfilling on numerous occasions. When they finally do give in to their burning desire for one another, their sex scenes are scorching hot.

There was not anything I did not like about Autumn in the Vineyard. The storyline has just the right amount of tension and drama, the characters have realistic flaws and the issues they have to overcome are easy to relate to. It is a positively outstanding romance that will leave readers eagerly anticipating Marina Adair’s next installment in the St. Helena Vineyard series.

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Filed under Autumn in the Vineyard, Contemporary, Marina Adair, Montlake Romance, Rated A, Review, Romance, St Helena Vineyard

August 28, 2013 · 3:59 am

Blog Tour Stop, Contest, Excerpt & Review: Fiance by Friday by Catherine Bybee

Title: Fiancé by Friday by Catherine Bybee
Weekday Brides Series Book Three
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Genre: Contemporary, Romantic Suspense
Length: 339 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publicist

Summary:

GWEN HARRISON:
The beautiful high-born daughter of an English duke came to America to take over her sister-in-law’s matchmaking business. But just because she’s the boss doesn’t mean she can’t fantasize about making her own perfect match with bodyguard Neil MacBain. Will the enigmatic man who haunts her dreams cost her more than she bargained for?

NEIL MACBAIN:
The retired Marine can’t deny the effect blue-blooded Gwen has on his troubled soul or his battle-hardened body. Bus as a client, Gwen is off-limits—until a threat from Neil’s past returns… and Gwen is caught in the crossfire. Now to keep her safe he will risk it all: his career, his life… and his heart.

Purchase Links: Amazon * Barnes & Noble * BAM * Book Depository

The Review:

Fiancé by Friday is a fast-paced and engaging romance that is also quite suspenseful. Although it is the third installment in Catherine Bybee’s Weekday Brides series, it can be read as a standalone story.

Gwen Harrison may be a British royalty, but she is very down to earth, sensible and likable. She has been attracted to bodyguard Neil MacBain for quite some time, but theirs is strictly a platonic relationship. Tired of waiting for Neil to make a move, Gwen works up the courage to confront him about their attraction and challenges him to make the next move.

Gwen is the model of grace under pressure while she and Neil track down the person who has been stalking her. Life on the run is way out of her comfort zone, but this privileged and level-headed woman is more than up for the challenge. While she does not blindly follow Neil’s orders, Gwen is definitely not a too stupid to live heroine whose ridiculous actions put her in danger. She keeps her wits about her and calmly comes up with a pretty ingenious plan when she finds herself in a dangerous situation.

Neil is the epitome of the strong, silent type. A quintessential loner, he is quite mysterious and close mouthed about his past. Neil is plagued by (misplaced) guilt over his disastrous last mission while on active duty. When a fellow Marine tracks him down following the death of one of their friends, Neil realizes Gwen’s stalker and his past are inexplicably linked. Fearing for Gwen’s safety, Neil seeks help from the person he trusts most and he then attempts to lure the killer out of hiding.

The mystery element of Fiancé by Friday is quite compelling and keeps the story moving at a brisk pace. It is an effective plot device that brings Neil and Gwen together and takes their relationship in a very surprising direction. I was pretty stymied for good deal of the novel about who was behind the stalking, but once the pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place, I was able to discern who was behind the plot fairly easily.

Fiancé by Friday is a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining novel with genuinely likable and realistic characters. The overall plot is well-developed and quite engrossing. The longstanding history Gwen and Neil creates amazing sexual tension and lends credibility to their romance. It is a delightful addition to Catherine Bybee’s wonderfully unique Weekday Brides series and I am eagerly anticipating the next book.

Excerpt

Eliza flagged down a waitress and ordered a martini. “I see not a lot has changed,” she said after the waitress left.

“What do you mean?” Gwen asked.

“We’re sitting in a bar and your giant shadow is lurking in the back of the building.” Eliza tossed a peanut in her mouth.

“My shadow?”

Eliza looked o the right of the bar. “Yeah. The man who acts like you’re a job but can’t seem to leave you alone. If it was anyone other than Neil I’d be afraid he was a stalker.”

Gwen twisted around in her chair. Sure enough, perched at the edge of a seat on the far side of the bar, sat Neil.

“What’s he doing here?”

His eyes found hers for a brief moment before she looked away.

“I think that’s obvious.”

Her back teeth started to grind. “I don’t’ need a babysitter.”

“I don’t know, Gwen. The last time we sat in a bar I remember a certain someone getting drunk and a couple of other someones getting into a fight.”

She’d never live that down. Gwen and Eliza went to blow off steam in a Texas bar. The cowboys ewre full of “yes, ma’am” and “howdy, darlin’.” They danced and carried on…and yes, she drank a little too much. When one of the cowboys mistakenly took her smile as an invitation for intimacy, Neil erupted form the bar to teach the cowboy the meaning of the word no.

It was the first time Neil had defended her honor, and though she hated to admit it, she got a kick out of how ticked off he became when another man looked at her. “That was last year.”

“What’s changed since then?”

Nothing! It didn’t matter how much she flirted with the man, or how obvious she was about her attraction Neil didn’t bite.

“Everything.” Gwen stood, ready to put Neil I his place. “If you’ll both excuse me for a minute.”

She pushed her way through the crowd as if on a collision course with Neil. He kept his lips in a thin line as she approached and gripped the longneck bottle at his side. Slipping between the woman on the stool next to him and Neil’s massive frame, Gwen slapped a hand on her hip and growled. “What are you doing here?”

He blinked, once and picked up his beer. “Having a drink.”

She wanted to scream. “Having a drink,” she repeated.

He tilted the bottle back, took a swig.

“I know what you’re doing, Neil. And I don’t like it. I don’t want or need a bodyguard.”

“That’s debatable.”

If stomping her foot would knock some sense into him, she’d stomp better than a farm girl in a vineyard.

Poking a finger into his chest, she moved closer. “Do you have any idea how difficult it is to have a love life with a tow-hundred-thirty-pound bodybuilder standing in my way?”

A muscle in his jaw tightened. “Two hundred and fifty.”

“Ahhh!” She did scream now.

He lifted his beer again, but before he could take a swig, Gwen grabbed it from his fingers and tilted it back herself.

In a move that would make Eliza and Karen proud, she pushed the empty beer bottle back into his hand and slid between his thighs.

His jaw twitched again.

The strong musky scent that was pure Neil invaded her senses. She dropped one hand to his thigh and left it there. “This is how I see it, Neil. You have two choices. Either back off or step up.”

Gwen squeezed his thigh before vacating his personal space and marching back to the girls. A satisfied smile stretched over her face.

PRAISE FOR FIANCE BY FRIDAY

“The hero and heroine come to life with each flip of the page
and will linger long after readers cross the finish line.”
–RT BOOK REVIEWS, TOP PICK, 4 ½ STARS

“Bybee takes an elegant titled lady, a dark emotionally guarded hero, a menacing stalker,
and a cast of distinctive characters mixing it all up into an unusual courtship tale
full of danger an sexual tension.”
–PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

“The hottest love on mainstream paper…
Ms. Bybee does not disappoint.”
—TJ MACKAY, IND’TALE MAGAZINE, 5 STARS

Author Bio

New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee was raised in Washington State, but after graduating high school, she moved to Southern California in hopes of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full-time and has penned novels Wife by Wednesday, Married by Monday, and Not Quite Dating. Bybee lives with her husband and two teenage sons in Southern California.

Contact Links: Website * Email * Blog * Twitter

Contest

Enter for your chance to win one of the following prizes:

Kindle Fire
2 $10 Amazon Gift Cards
4 $5 Amazon Gift Cards

a Rafflecoptergiveaway

Follow the rest of the tour HERE.

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Filed under Blog Tour, Catherine Bybee, Contemporary, Contest, Excerpt, Fiance by Friday, Montlake Romance, Rated B, Romantic Suspense, Weekday Bride Series

May 11, 2013 · 3:37 am

Review: Summer in Napa by Marina Adair

Title: Summer in Napa by Marina Adair
St. Helena Vineyard Book Two
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 340 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Author

Summary:

When Alexis “Lexi” Moreau caught her husband, Jeff, sampling the sous-chef’s more intimate wares in their New York restaurant, she ran—all the way back to her hometown of St. Helena, California. Six months later, Lexi has no husband and no restaurant. But she does have a three-step plan: First, convert her grandmother’s bakery into her dream bistro. Second, ignore Grandma’s matchmaking attempts. And third, avoid Marco DeLuca, her ex’s commitment-phobic, distractingly sexy best friend.

In school Lexi was off-limits for Marco. After all, she was his buddy’s girl. But she’s still as smart and as gorgeous—and apparently as immune to his charms—as she used to be. Yet the simple fake romance they agree upon to dodge Lexi’s grandmother’s matchmaking plans soon turns deliciously complicated. And the sultry summer might bring together all the right ingredients for Marco to win the only woman he’s ever wanted.

The Review:

Marina Adair’s Summer in Napa is a cute and witty friends to lovers novel. This second installment of the St. Helena Vineyard series starring the DeLuca family is a slow burning love story that is sure to delight fans of contemporary romances.

Recently divorced, Lexi Moreau returns to her hometown to help out in her grandmother’s bakery and open a bistro. Her plans are quickly complicated by her matchmaking grandma, her interfering ex-husband Jeff and her unwanted attraction to longtime friend Marc DeLuca.

Lexi and Marc are well-developed characters with realistic flaws and obstacles to overcome. Lexi is a people pleaser who has a difficult time saying no. Her marriage has taken a toll on her self-esteem and her ex, Jeff, continues to undermine her self-esteem.

Marc is pretty much the opposite of Lexi. He is self-confident both personally and professionally. Marc is close to his family, but there is some friction between him and his siblings. Marc went through a bit of a wild time when he was younger and his family cannot quite see the responsible man he has become.

There are definitely sparks between Marc and Lexi, but their complex past makes a relationship virtually impossible. Marc is Jeff’s best friend and he is living up to the “man” code of not dating his friend’s ex. Even though Lexi is not ready to date, her grandmother has set her up with practically every single man in town. Although Lexi has reservations she agrees to Marc’s suggestion that they pretend to date and it is not long before their “fauxmance” begins to feel an awful lot like a real romance.

Engaging characters, an entertaining plot, and an adorable dog prove to be an irresistible combination in Marina Adair’s Summer in Napa. This light-hearted romance has depth and substance and even though there is a little drama, it is resolved with very little angst.

Although this is the second novel of the St. Helena Vineyard, Summer in Napa can be read as a standalone story.

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Filed under Contemporary, Marina Adair, Montlake Romance, Rated B, Review, Romance, St Helena Vineyard, Summer in Napa