What do you think?
Rate this book
St. Helena Vineyard #2
Summer in Napa
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.
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.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 14, 2013
544 people are currently reading
1799 people want to read
About the author
Marina Adair
40 books1,941 followersMarina Adair is a New York Times author whose fun, flirty contemporary romances have sold over a million copies. She has hit #1 overall in Amazon Kindle Paid and her St. Helena Vineyard series was optioned and made into the original Hallmark Channel Vineyard movies: Autumn in the Vineyard, Summer in the Vineyard, and Valentines in the Vineyard. Raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. She holds a MFA from San Jose University and currently lives in Northern California with her husband, daughter, and two neurotic cats. Please visit her online at MarinaAdair.com and sign up for her newsletter at www.MarinaAdair.com/newsletter.
TikTok: Tiktok.com/@marinaadair
Instagram: instagram.com/authormarinaadair
Facebook: facebook.com/marinaadairaauthor
BookBub: bookbub.com/authors/marina-adair
TikTok: Tiktok.com/@marinaadair
Instagram: instagram.com/authormarinaadair
Facebook: facebook.com/marinaadairaauthor
BookBub: bookbub.com/authors/marina-adair
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
January 6, 2014
I like stories about women who lose it all only to find out that the best is yet to come. I also love friends to lovers stories, so this was exactly my cuppa. Throw in some nummy food descriptions and I was a goner!
Alexis and Marco have chemistry out the wazoo...and it takes a bit, but have patience, my friends. It's worth the wait to get the fireworks explosions that seem to lie in wait for these two to touch.
"But that's like saying we are perfect for each other because I'm tall or have two eyes."
"I like my women tall, and two eyes are damn sexy."
The small town atmosphere is quaint yet hip all at the same time. The feeling of all of these old friendships and family feuds is perfect for when you want to escape into someone else's life for awhile. These are normal, real people, with everyday problems somehow made captivating by Marina Adair.
My only complaint is that I'm too vindictive for the way things eventually worked out. I wanted the ex to literally crawl on the floor begging forgiveness only to get booted out the door after witnessing a passionate, never-ending kiss between the woman whom he now realizes is the love of his life and his ex-best-friend....Yeah, that would have been great. Hahahahha!!! Not to say that the ending wasn't satisfactory. It was great. I just wanted more revenge...cuz I'm vengeful like that. *shrug*
This is a series that circles around the DeLuca brothers and the one DeLuca sister. I'm stoked to get to read the other stories now. Marina Adair writes fantastic light contemporary romance. For fans of Bella Andre, Jill Shalvis, Terri Osburn...
Copy provided by Montlake Romance via NetGalley
Alexis and Marco have chemistry out the wazoo...and it takes a bit, but have patience, my friends. It's worth the wait to get the fireworks explosions that seem to lie in wait for these two to touch.
"But that's like saying we are perfect for each other because I'm tall or have two eyes."
"I like my women tall, and two eyes are damn sexy."
The small town atmosphere is quaint yet hip all at the same time. The feeling of all of these old friendships and family feuds is perfect for when you want to escape into someone else's life for awhile. These are normal, real people, with everyday problems somehow made captivating by Marina Adair.
My only complaint is that I'm too vindictive for the way things eventually worked out. I wanted the ex to literally crawl on the floor begging forgiveness only to get booted out the door after witnessing a passionate, never-ending kiss between the woman whom he now realizes is the love of his life and his ex-best-friend....Yeah, that would have been great. Hahahahha!!! Not to say that the ending wasn't satisfactory. It was great. I just wanted more revenge...cuz I'm vengeful like that. *shrug*
This is a series that circles around the DeLuca brothers and the one DeLuca sister. I'm stoked to get to read the other stories now. Marina Adair writes fantastic light contemporary romance. For fans of Bella Andre, Jill Shalvis, Terri Osburn...
Copy provided by Montlake Romance via NetGalley
January 10, 2014
~~~~~~~ 4.5 STARS! ~~~~~~~~
This was refreshing on so many levels! Once again, I'm a sucker for friends to lovers stories and this delivered in spades! This is also a new author to me so thanks to Duchess Nicole for reading this and subsequently me finding it ;-))
I'm actually reading out of order starting with the second book in this series and that's okay. The characters from the first one are here and I was given a quick synopsis of what occurred with them.
Every book in the series deals with one of the DeLuca brothers, otherwise known as the Italian stallions ;-)), a group of successful siblings that produce DeLuca wine in beautiful Napa. Here we get Marco DeLuca, a successful business owner and renowned playboy that recently branched out of the family vineyards to restore an old hotel once regaled as the pinnacle of luxury in his home town. Marco has long harbored a crush on Alexis(Lexi) Moreau since they were 14. Unfortunately for him, he's also always repressed those feelings and held back because his friend Jeffrey started dating Lexi.
Years later, Lexi is back in town. After spending years with Jeff, marrying him and ultimately suffering through his betrayal, she decides a new change is in order and her time for accomplishing her dreams, always put on the back burner to her marriage. But she didn't count on Marco and the combustible energy between them taking flight.
Now, after years of holding back are these two destined for a new beginning?
I loved this story and loved how the book's focus wasn't wrapped up in dramatic angst. There was angst of course, but a more mature version, a better and more acute empathy with the characters. This was an intelligent story. It wasn't just about watching two old friends reconnect and find that each one was always waiting for the other....it was about letting go of the past and examining the reasons behind the decisions we fail to make out of fear. It was about trust and the ability to break free from old chains AND I LOVED IT.
I loved how Marco kept trying to convince himself to stay away from Lexi only to find he couldn't and that fate had something else in store. He didn't want to betray Jeff but the question of who he would ultimately be betraying finally pushed him into the best decision of his life.
Jeff finally gets his comeuppance in the end but I wished we got to see his fallout. I wanted to read how he suffers at the hands of his own selfishness, I wanted to see his reaction to how everything turned out. But I guess the purpose of ending this book the way it did was so the reader wouldn't lose focus of the beauty between Marco and Lexi. It wasn't about vindication, but about finally doing what's right and screw anyone else.
Such a beautiful and sweet story! I will be continuing this series and am so glad I found it.
This was refreshing on so many levels! Once again, I'm a sucker for friends to lovers stories and this delivered in spades! This is also a new author to me so thanks to Duchess Nicole for reading this and subsequently me finding it ;-))
I'm actually reading out of order starting with the second book in this series and that's okay. The characters from the first one are here and I was given a quick synopsis of what occurred with them.
Every book in the series deals with one of the DeLuca brothers, otherwise known as the Italian stallions ;-)), a group of successful siblings that produce DeLuca wine in beautiful Napa. Here we get Marco DeLuca, a successful business owner and renowned playboy that recently branched out of the family vineyards to restore an old hotel once regaled as the pinnacle of luxury in his home town. Marco has long harbored a crush on Alexis(Lexi) Moreau since they were 14. Unfortunately for him, he's also always repressed those feelings and held back because his friend Jeffrey started dating Lexi.
Years later, Lexi is back in town. After spending years with Jeff, marrying him and ultimately suffering through his betrayal, she decides a new change is in order and her time for accomplishing her dreams, always put on the back burner to her marriage. But she didn't count on Marco and the combustible energy between them taking flight.
Now, after years of holding back are these two destined for a new beginning?
I loved this story and loved how the book's focus wasn't wrapped up in dramatic angst. There was angst of course, but a more mature version, a better and more acute empathy with the characters. This was an intelligent story. It wasn't just about watching two old friends reconnect and find that each one was always waiting for the other....it was about letting go of the past and examining the reasons behind the decisions we fail to make out of fear. It was about trust and the ability to break free from old chains AND I LOVED IT.
I loved how Marco kept trying to convince himself to stay away from Lexi only to find he couldn't and that fate had something else in store. He didn't want to betray Jeff but the question of who he would ultimately be betraying finally pushed him into the best decision of his life.
Jeff finally gets his comeuppance in the end but I wished we got to see his fallout. I wanted to read how he suffers at the hands of his own selfishness, I wanted to see his reaction to how everything turned out. But I guess the purpose of ending this book the way it did was so the reader wouldn't lose focus of the beauty between Marco and Lexi. It wasn't about vindication, but about finally doing what's right and screw anyone else.
Such a beautiful and sweet story! I will be continuing this series and am so glad I found it.
June 27, 2013
Lexie's dream was always to help her grandmother turn the family bakery into a bistro but instead she followed her husband to New York and helped him set up his dream restaurant. Then she caught her husband having an affair with their sous chef and had her heart broken. Leaving New York behind she has returned home to lick her wounds and to finally put her own dreams first. The last thing she wants is to meet another man so she is horrified by the number of dates her grandmother has lined up for her. When Marco, her friend from high school, offers to be her pretend boyfriend so that she can focus on creating a new menu for the bistro she is happy to take him up on the offer just to avoid the rest of the dates her grandmother has set up. Marco always had a thing for Lexi but when she started dating his best friend she became strictly off limits, now, even though she is divorced it goes against the man code to even think about dating her. Keeping things platonic is easier said than done though, the chemistry between them is hot enough to burn and she is one temptation he has trouble walking away from.
I loved Kissing Under the Mistletoe when I read it last year so Summer in Napa has been at the top of my wish list ever since and I'm happy to say that I loved this story just as much. When I'm in the mood for a sweet, sexy romance that has me laughing out loud one minute and swooning the next Marina Adair always delivers and I can't wait to carry on reading this series. I love this kind of small town romance, one where everyone knows each other's business and the whole town is sticking their noses into the couple's budding relationship. One of the best things about this series is the trio of meddling grandmothers who get up to such crazy things that it's hilarious to read about. I also absolutely love the banter between Marco and his brothers, they tease each other mercilessly but when it comes down to it they have each other's backs and anybody would be a fool to cross them.
Lexi is a fabulous character, she is still smarting from her ex-husband's betrayal and is embarrassed that she has come home with her tail between her legs but she doesn't let that stop her from chasing her dreams. Jeff didn't just cheat on her though, he is still causing her problems even after their divorce and Lexi is livid when she finds out what he has been up to. Things keep kicking Lexi while she is down but she just gets back up and carries on fighting. There are a few times when her insecurities get the better of her but that was completely understandable and between Marco and her best friend Abby they always gave her the push she needed. Marco was a swoon worthy hero, he has a reputation as a playboy but he isn't actually as bad as he seems and he has never lied to anyone or led them on. He went a bit wild after his parents died and his family still tend to think of him as the screw up he was as a teenager but in reality he is a hard working business man who takes his job very seriously. He didn't want to work in the family wine business but he has worked hard to open up his hotel and is determined to make a success of it. I really liked the way Lexi saw past his reputation and understood just how much effort he put in to his career. It was nice for Marco to finally have someone who believed in him and he offered her the same support in return. As much as I loved them both as individuals I liked them even more as a couple, they are so cute together and they really did make a great match.
I've already mentioned how much I loved their families and the other town characters but I can't forget to mention Marco's dog Wingman who added a lot of humour to the story. It was great to catch up with Gabe and Regan from the previous book and we've also been given a glimpse at future couples. After checking the author's website I was excited to see that Nate and Frankie are next, they have already shown how much they love to hate each other and I'm expecting their chemistry to be off the charts. The St Helena Vineyard series is so much fun to read and although the books do work well as stand alone stories I can highly recommend both instalments so far. Marina Adair is right up their with my favourite small town contemporary romance authors and I have to say that I'm enjoying this series as much as Jill Shalvis's Lucky Harbor books which is huge praise from me because I LOVE that series!
I loved Kissing Under the Mistletoe when I read it last year so Summer in Napa has been at the top of my wish list ever since and I'm happy to say that I loved this story just as much. When I'm in the mood for a sweet, sexy romance that has me laughing out loud one minute and swooning the next Marina Adair always delivers and I can't wait to carry on reading this series. I love this kind of small town romance, one where everyone knows each other's business and the whole town is sticking their noses into the couple's budding relationship. One of the best things about this series is the trio of meddling grandmothers who get up to such crazy things that it's hilarious to read about. I also absolutely love the banter between Marco and his brothers, they tease each other mercilessly but when it comes down to it they have each other's backs and anybody would be a fool to cross them.
Lexi is a fabulous character, she is still smarting from her ex-husband's betrayal and is embarrassed that she has come home with her tail between her legs but she doesn't let that stop her from chasing her dreams. Jeff didn't just cheat on her though, he is still causing her problems even after their divorce and Lexi is livid when she finds out what he has been up to. Things keep kicking Lexi while she is down but she just gets back up and carries on fighting. There are a few times when her insecurities get the better of her but that was completely understandable and between Marco and her best friend Abby they always gave her the push she needed. Marco was a swoon worthy hero, he has a reputation as a playboy but he isn't actually as bad as he seems and he has never lied to anyone or led them on. He went a bit wild after his parents died and his family still tend to think of him as the screw up he was as a teenager but in reality he is a hard working business man who takes his job very seriously. He didn't want to work in the family wine business but he has worked hard to open up his hotel and is determined to make a success of it. I really liked the way Lexi saw past his reputation and understood just how much effort he put in to his career. It was nice for Marco to finally have someone who believed in him and he offered her the same support in return. As much as I loved them both as individuals I liked them even more as a couple, they are so cute together and they really did make a great match.
I've already mentioned how much I loved their families and the other town characters but I can't forget to mention Marco's dog Wingman who added a lot of humour to the story. It was great to catch up with Gabe and Regan from the previous book and we've also been given a glimpse at future couples. After checking the author's website I was excited to see that Nate and Frankie are next, they have already shown how much they love to hate each other and I'm expecting their chemistry to be off the charts. The St Helena Vineyard series is so much fun to read and although the books do work well as stand alone stories I can highly recommend both instalments so far. Marina Adair is right up their with my favourite small town contemporary romance authors and I have to say that I'm enjoying this series as much as Jill Shalvis's Lucky Harbor books which is huge praise from me because I LOVE that series!
July 20, 2013
There's a giveaway for this book here on Goodreads...Publisher is giving away 20 books and ends 7/27/13
Ms. Adair had brought a Foodie Romance into this small town story. She had really worked this book to its full potential. She used the wine country as setting, culinary involvement of this community and everything else that comes with small town atmosphere; family history, childhood friends, gossiping neighbors and meddling family members. But most of all, she wrote a story of second chances and first loves.
Marco is the youngest of the five Delucca siblings and Summer in Napa tells his love story. “He was everything that his brothers were, just more. Taller, bigger, brighter, funnier, sweeter and… sexier.” In deed he is, but one thing he is not is taken, not that he wanted to be. He’s been too busy trying to make his dream come true and playing the field is more his forte. Until his good friend’s ex wife came back to town. Alexis Moreau had always been THE ONE for him. All these years he had stood back and watched Jeff marry his first love only to cheat on her. Now, Lexi is back to rebuild her life in their hometown , and he’d be damned if he’s just going to sit back and do nothing.
Alexis Moreau was Captain of the cheerleading team, prom queen, valedictorian, and after college, she married well or so she thought. She had caught Jeffrey steaming up the kitchen with her sous chef. Though she is a hot mess right now, she is determined to make her grandmother’s bakery into her very own bistro.
Ms. Adair had brought another heroine that has risen from a very bad heartbreak. She broke my heart and inspired me at the same time with this story. I love that Lexi was focused on rebuilding her life despite the put down from her ex-husband. Watching her cook and build her bistro from scratch was kind of cool; it was like a day in a life type of story. I’m glad that she found love. If that were to happen to me, I would’ve been jaded like there’s no tomorrow and sworn of men entirely. But knowing that Marc had always felt something for her, made their love easy and not one time that I felt any insta-love between them. I thought all their interactions were sweet, funny and full of innuendos. Marc is the only man that can call a woman names and make is sound flirty than an insult. He can call me “cream puff” any day.
I’m glad that we have more Delucca siblings to explore. There was a bit of a set up for the next book. Nate who is usually well controlled had a few moments of dumb struck when Frankie was around. And from what I’ve read, Frankie will shock the hell out of him. Abby the Delucca sister was in this book quite a bit. Like Lexi, her ex husband had cheated on her. I am intrigued and curious on how Ms. Adair will give her happy ending, sooner than later I hope.
Summer in Napa is an exceptional heart-warming foodie romance , and just like the Kissing Under the Mistletoe, this novel is another five star rating. A job well done, Ms. Adair.
Favorite quote (Spoiler)
~“She likes my dog, doesn’t take my crap, and looks at me like I can be the kind of man Dad was. When she cooks…she wears this apron…And I love her so damn much that I have no idea how I’m suppose to wake up tomorrow and pretend like my life hasn’t just fucking ended”
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review
May 30, 2017
עוד ספר נחמד בסידרת היקב של סנט הלנה.
הדמויות, אחים לבית דה לוקה, שכלו את הוריהם בגיל יחסית צעיר וסבתם צ'יצ'י התגייסה לגדל אותם.
צ'יצ'י עצמה שכלה את בעלה לפני שעברה לגדל את הבנים. ובהתחלה הם כולם נאבקים לשמר את היקב, ואז ההצלחה סוחפת אותם והם מתפתחים לכיוונים שונים.
הספר הזה מתמקד במארק, שבחר לשפץ מלון ולערוך בו את הגאלה השנתית להתרמה. במקביל חוזרת לעיר לקסי, גרושתו של החבר הטוב ביותר של מארק, ג'ף.
תככים מזימות, אהבות ישנות וחדשות, טינות ומאבקים. מיני מלודרמה איטלקית :-)
הדמויות, אחים לבית דה לוקה, שכלו את הוריהם בגיל יחסית צעיר וסבתם צ'יצ'י התגייסה לגדל אותם.
צ'יצ'י עצמה שכלה את בעלה לפני שעברה לגדל את הבנים. ובהתחלה הם כולם נאבקים לשמר את היקב, ואז ההצלחה סוחפת אותם והם מתפתחים לכיוונים שונים.
הספר הזה מתמקד במארק, שבחר לשפץ מלון ולערוך בו את הגאלה השנתית להתרמה. במקביל חוזרת לעיר לקסי, גרושתו של החבר הטוב ביותר של מארק, ג'ף.
תככים מזימות, אהבות ישנות וחדשות, טינות ומאבקים. מיני מלודרמה איטלקית :-)
December 29, 2014
this bored me to death. so many unnecessary details, no real dialogue. for such a boring mess of a book, I truly don't understand the ratings.
December 17, 2018
After a failed divorced with a cheating husband, five-star chef Alexis Moreau is back in St-Helena, a small town in the heart of the Napa Valley, hoping to realise her longtime dream of transforming her grandmother's bakery into a bistro. She didn't expect her grandma to set her up on dates with every bachelors in town nor to engage in a fauxmance with an old friend from her school days and her ex-husband's friend.
Marco DeLuca is known as a player in town and the screwup for his family, because he went wild and partied too hard when his parents died years ago. Not pleased with his reputation, he's trying to prove to himself and everyone else that he's not that guy anymore, and that bowing out of the family wine business to renovate an old hotel was a smart move. But the stakes are high because the most prestigious wine contest in the country is being held in his hotel this year. So he can't afford distractions. Too bad that Lexi, the girl he felt in love with at fourteen, the girl who chose their friend, just move in next to his office and that he's got a view inside her apartment. ;p
The only woman who can't be easily charmed by his muscles and quick smile, but it won't stop our hero from trying. In truth, Lexi doesn't stand a chance against their natural chemistry.
On the menu : a sweet and sexy romance with a mix of exasperation and playfulness, nosy families and a rowdy dog :)
Marco DeLuca is known as a player in town and the screwup for his family, because he went wild and partied too hard when his parents died years ago. Not pleased with his reputation, he's trying to prove to himself and everyone else that he's not that guy anymore, and that bowing out of the family wine business to renovate an old hotel was a smart move. But the stakes are high because the most prestigious wine contest in the country is being held in his hotel this year. So he can't afford distractions. Too bad that Lexi, the girl he felt in love with at fourteen, the girl who chose their friend, just move in next to his office and that he's got a view inside her apartment. ;p
The only woman who can't be easily charmed by his muscles and quick smile, but it won't stop our hero from trying. In truth, Lexi doesn't stand a chance against their natural chemistry.
On the menu : a sweet and sexy romance with a mix of exasperation and playfulness, nosy families and a rowdy dog :)
April 25, 2018
Good starting over/friends to lovers story. Lexie grew up in St. Helena and dreamed of turning her grandmother's bakery into a bistro. Instead, she followed her high school sweetheart to New York, where they opened their restaurant, Pairings. But somehow, all the things she wanted took second place to Jeff's plans, until the day she found him indulging in his own pairings with her sous-chef. Now she's back home, ready to follow her long-delayed dreams. Only it hasn't started out the way she planned.
If it weren't for bad luck, Lexi would have no luck at all. From her late night arrival and sneaking into the apartment over the bakery, to locking herself out on her way to get her suitcase from her car, she has a rough morning. Then she gets stuck in the window of the bakery as she tries to sneak in without being spotted by anyone out on the street, only to be discovered by Marco DeLuca, her ex-husband's best friend and currently the last person she wants to see.
Marc had been looking forward to Lexi's arrival, even though he shouldn't. He's been crushing on her since he was fourteen, but his buddy Jeff asked her out before he could. Now, the "bro-code" says you don't poach your friend's girl, even after they've broken up, but his heart isn't listening.
I enjoyed the development of their relationship. Marc and Lexi had been friends for a long time, except for the period since the divorce. Marc had been unable to figure out what to say to Lexie, and as a result said nothing, leaving her feeling hurt. Now that she's back in town, he has a chance to make it up to her. He begins by trying to be just the friend and supporter that she needs, but his attraction to her keeps growing. I loved his inner conversations as he reminds himself over and over that she's off limits, only to forget everything the minute he's with her. Lexi doesn't want to get involved with anyone right now; she just wants to concentrate on her plans. Unfortunately, her grandmother has a bazillion dates already lined up for her, plus she's trying to fight the crazy things she feels around Marc.
I loved their interactions. Lexi has seen Marc as a player all these years. He's well-known for the variety and short tenure of his women. She gives him a hard time about his current problem, even as she tries to help him. Marc may be a player, but with Lexie, he is completely different. I loved how closely he watched her and saw her struggles. Jeff's actions had done a number on her self-confidence, but Marc had an unexpected sensitivity and seemed to know just what to say or do to give her the boost she needed. He also could think on his feet and came up with a brilliant idea - a faux romance to get her grandmother to lay off the matchmaking and protect him from his more aggressive pursuers. It wasn't long before the "faux" was dropped from the romance, as they began to drop their guards. Marc also has to deal with his reputation within his own family. Because of his actions after the deaths of their parents, his siblings still look at him as the family screw-up. However, he has worked hard to make his hotel a success, and Lexi recognizes that immediately. I loved the way that she gave him the same belief and support that he gave her.
There is also a lot going on around them. The town is getting ready for the Great Wine Showdown, a huge event. Marc has stuck his neck way out in using his recently renovated hotel as the site. There are many issues creating headaches for him. The longstanding feud between the DeLucas and the Baudouins threatens the wine-tasting itself. Marc's brothers are constantly on his case about one thing or another. Marc's sister Abby is running newspaper ads about her "missing Dick" of a husband, the battle for the caterer has come down to Lexi versus the woman who wants Marc for her own, and Marc is keeping a huge secret from Lexi. I loved the small town politics and personalities that brought all of this to life. The grandmothers were a hoot with their mix of modern and traditional values. I loved the food showdown between Lexi and Natasha, as Lexi strives to regain her mojo when it comes to unique dishes.
The biggest obstacle is one that Lexie knows nothing about, except for the jerking around she's been getting from Jeff. He is a man I detested from the get-go. His treatment of Lexi during and after the divorce is scum-of-the-earth worthy, as he made it impossible for her to use the recipes she developed for Pairings in her new place. Jeff has also been lying like a rug to Marc to gain his cooperation for his expansion plans - plans that once again will stick it to Lexie. Unfortunately, Marc doesn't figure this out until he's in deep with Lexie, and then he doesn't know how to fix it. I ached for Lexie when she found out, as her feelings of betrayal nearly leveled her. I loved the support she got from her friend Abby, and how she picked herself up yet again and went on. I ached for Marc too, as he realized just how badly he had screwed up. Though he can have major problems with his brothers, when the chips are down, they are there to support him when he needs it. I loved Gabe's comment "you don't fuck with our family, our wine, or our women." Marc's "go big" moment at the end is amazing, and he comes through for Lexie in a big way.
This was my first book by this author, but it won't be my last. Her other books are now on my "plan to read" list. I'm especially looking forward to reading Frankie and Nate's book.
If it weren't for bad luck, Lexi would have no luck at all. From her late night arrival and sneaking into the apartment over the bakery, to locking herself out on her way to get her suitcase from her car, she has a rough morning. Then she gets stuck in the window of the bakery as she tries to sneak in without being spotted by anyone out on the street, only to be discovered by Marco DeLuca, her ex-husband's best friend and currently the last person she wants to see.
Marc had been looking forward to Lexi's arrival, even though he shouldn't. He's been crushing on her since he was fourteen, but his buddy Jeff asked her out before he could. Now, the "bro-code" says you don't poach your friend's girl, even after they've broken up, but his heart isn't listening.
I enjoyed the development of their relationship. Marc and Lexi had been friends for a long time, except for the period since the divorce. Marc had been unable to figure out what to say to Lexie, and as a result said nothing, leaving her feeling hurt. Now that she's back in town, he has a chance to make it up to her. He begins by trying to be just the friend and supporter that she needs, but his attraction to her keeps growing. I loved his inner conversations as he reminds himself over and over that she's off limits, only to forget everything the minute he's with her. Lexi doesn't want to get involved with anyone right now; she just wants to concentrate on her plans. Unfortunately, her grandmother has a bazillion dates already lined up for her, plus she's trying to fight the crazy things she feels around Marc.
I loved their interactions. Lexi has seen Marc as a player all these years. He's well-known for the variety and short tenure of his women. She gives him a hard time about his current problem, even as she tries to help him. Marc may be a player, but with Lexie, he is completely different. I loved how closely he watched her and saw her struggles. Jeff's actions had done a number on her self-confidence, but Marc had an unexpected sensitivity and seemed to know just what to say or do to give her the boost she needed. He also could think on his feet and came up with a brilliant idea - a faux romance to get her grandmother to lay off the matchmaking and protect him from his more aggressive pursuers. It wasn't long before the "faux" was dropped from the romance, as they began to drop their guards. Marc also has to deal with his reputation within his own family. Because of his actions after the deaths of their parents, his siblings still look at him as the family screw-up. However, he has worked hard to make his hotel a success, and Lexi recognizes that immediately. I loved the way that she gave him the same belief and support that he gave her.
There is also a lot going on around them. The town is getting ready for the Great Wine Showdown, a huge event. Marc has stuck his neck way out in using his recently renovated hotel as the site. There are many issues creating headaches for him. The longstanding feud between the DeLucas and the Baudouins threatens the wine-tasting itself. Marc's brothers are constantly on his case about one thing or another. Marc's sister Abby is running newspaper ads about her "missing Dick" of a husband, the battle for the caterer has come down to Lexi versus the woman who wants Marc for her own, and Marc is keeping a huge secret from Lexi. I loved the small town politics and personalities that brought all of this to life. The grandmothers were a hoot with their mix of modern and traditional values. I loved the food showdown between Lexi and Natasha, as Lexi strives to regain her mojo when it comes to unique dishes.
The biggest obstacle is one that Lexie knows nothing about, except for the jerking around she's been getting from Jeff. He is a man I detested from the get-go. His treatment of Lexi during and after the divorce is scum-of-the-earth worthy, as he made it impossible for her to use the recipes she developed for Pairings in her new place. Jeff has also been lying like a rug to Marc to gain his cooperation for his expansion plans - plans that once again will stick it to Lexie. Unfortunately, Marc doesn't figure this out until he's in deep with Lexie, and then he doesn't know how to fix it. I ached for Lexie when she found out, as her feelings of betrayal nearly leveled her. I loved the support she got from her friend Abby, and how she picked herself up yet again and went on. I ached for Marc too, as he realized just how badly he had screwed up. Though he can have major problems with his brothers, when the chips are down, they are there to support him when he needs it. I loved Gabe's comment "you don't fuck with our family, our wine, or our women." Marc's "go big" moment at the end is amazing, and he comes through for Lexie in a big way.
This was my first book by this author, but it won't be my last. Her other books are now on my "plan to read" list. I'm especially looking forward to reading Frankie and Nate's book.
December 12, 2018
I loved Lexie and Marc's story. I enjoyed getting more of a feel for the dreamy setting and characters.
I can't seem to stop reading this series.
I can't seem to stop reading this series.
October 20, 2019
I absolutely loved this story of two people who really seen each other getting the chance of true love -so beautiful
September 19, 2017
quote from "Summer in Napa (A St. Helena Vineyard Novel)" by Marina Adair - (and one of the reasons I keep laughing out loud while reading this book)
"A great step for his sister but terrible timing for him, since her full-page “Have You Seen This Dick?” announcement, complete with a picture of Richard, ran concurrently with his Summer Wine Showdown ad."
Start reading this book for free: http://a.co/cFLZMe9
"A great step for his sister but terrible timing for him, since her full-page “Have You Seen This Dick?” announcement, complete with a picture of Richard, ran concurrently with his Summer Wine Showdown ad."
Start reading this book for free: http://a.co/cFLZMe9
December 12, 2018
I liked this one even more than book one. The fact that the characters had history made me feel so much more connected to the story. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series!
May 16, 2013
Alexis Moreau is back in St. Helena, California. Once the golden girl of her hometown, she is returning with a divorce decree so new the ink is barely dry and with her self-esteem in tatters. Her faithless ex was supposed to be her soul mate and forever love, but Lexi didn’t realize there was an expiration date on her high school romance that morphed into marriage. Now former husband Jeff is already someone else’s husband, and there is no room for Lexi in the New York restaurant she helped to make a success. She’s hoping that fulfilling an older dream of turning her grandmother’s patisserie into a bistro will give her new purpose. But first she has to cope with a string of unwanted dates her matchmaking grandmother arranges and the ambivalent feelings Marco DeLuca, he ex-husband’s best friend and perennial best man is evoking.
Marco DeLuca has always known that Lexi Moreau was off-limits for him, no matter how much she appealed to his libido and to his heart. He needs to focus on getting the old hotel he is transforming ready for the Summer Wine Showdown. Besides, even though technically Lexi is free now, Marco knows that getting involved with her would violate the man rules of romance. Or so he keeps telling himself. But although his head knows he should ignore Lexi, the rest of him is not getting the message.
When the two agree to fake a summer romance, it soon becomes clear that intentions are just tinder for the sparks that fly when this combustible twosome is together. Summer and wine and chocolate and a hero and heroine who finally have a chance to rectify the bad choices their hearts made earlier—it sounds like a perfect recipe for romance to me.
I finished Kissing Under the Mistletoe, Adair’s first book in her St. Helena’s Vineyard series giggling over the abundance of Rudolphs, and I started the second book giggling over Lexi’s window adventure. Both books mix laughter with family dynamics, small-town atmosphere, and sigh-worthy moments to produce just the kind of entertaining escape many romance readers are looking for.
One of the things I liked best about the book is that there is a balance of fraternal support and friction among the DeLuca brothers, a blend I find more believable than the idyllic sibling relationships I sometimes see in romance. I admit I found the family’s conviction that Marcus was destined to be a player and a screw-up irritating. But I know that once a family member is cast in a role, breaking out of it is nearly impossible. So I accepted their actions as credible even when I deplored them.
If you are a fan of light romances that are fun to read with likeable primary characters and some scene-stealing secondary characters (a child in the first book, Marco’s dog Wingman in this one), I recommend Marina Adair. I look forward to seeing more of the DeLuca family.
Marco DeLuca has always known that Lexi Moreau was off-limits for him, no matter how much she appealed to his libido and to his heart. He needs to focus on getting the old hotel he is transforming ready for the Summer Wine Showdown. Besides, even though technically Lexi is free now, Marco knows that getting involved with her would violate the man rules of romance. Or so he keeps telling himself. But although his head knows he should ignore Lexi, the rest of him is not getting the message.
When the two agree to fake a summer romance, it soon becomes clear that intentions are just tinder for the sparks that fly when this combustible twosome is together. Summer and wine and chocolate and a hero and heroine who finally have a chance to rectify the bad choices their hearts made earlier—it sounds like a perfect recipe for romance to me.
I finished Kissing Under the Mistletoe, Adair’s first book in her St. Helena’s Vineyard series giggling over the abundance of Rudolphs, and I started the second book giggling over Lexi’s window adventure. Both books mix laughter with family dynamics, small-town atmosphere, and sigh-worthy moments to produce just the kind of entertaining escape many romance readers are looking for.
One of the things I liked best about the book is that there is a balance of fraternal support and friction among the DeLuca brothers, a blend I find more believable than the idyllic sibling relationships I sometimes see in romance. I admit I found the family’s conviction that Marcus was destined to be a player and a screw-up irritating. But I know that once a family member is cast in a role, breaking out of it is nearly impossible. So I accepted their actions as credible even when I deplored them.
If you are a fan of light romances that are fun to read with likeable primary characters and some scene-stealing secondary characters (a child in the first book, Marco’s dog Wingman in this one), I recommend Marina Adair. I look forward to seeing more of the DeLuca family.
February 3, 2015
3.5 Stars!
March 20, 2019
This was a good friends to lovers story. The main characters were likable, and I found the secondary players and small town setting very charming. For the most part, the story was well developed. Unfortunately the side plot with the ex-husband wasn't completely resolved. I would have liked a little more detail, he was a horrible person and I wanted more closure.
I wasn't interested in reading/listening to the first book in the series Kissing Under the Mistletoe, so I started with this one. This story works as a standalone, details from the first story are included so I wasn't lost. Overall I enjoyed this one, based on this story I'm interested in continuing the series.
I wasn't interested in reading/listening to the first book in the series Kissing Under the Mistletoe, so I started with this one. This story works as a standalone, details from the first story are included so I wasn't lost. Overall I enjoyed this one, based on this story I'm interested in continuing the series.
May 7, 2013
Alexis Moreau moves back home to St. Helena, California to lick her wounds after her divorce and help her grandmother with her bakery. But once she is home she finds her grandmother is making it her full time job to find Lexie a new man. One man not on her grandmother’s list is her ex-husbands best friend, Marco De Luca. Marco has had a crush on Lexie since high school but he stepped back to let his friend date her instead. Even after nearly 16 years he still has feelings for her but he won’t act on them because he feels it would interfere with the ‘man code.’ Sparks are constantly flying between Lexie and Marc. While Lexie has no idea that Marco has had feelings for her, she finds herself drawn to him even though she knows it wouldn’t be a good idea.
I don’t want to give away any spoilers but I really enjoyed this book. I liked how the ‘player’ showed his soft side to Lexie and how she slowly let him in after her divorce. There is a wonderful slow build to their relationship that was lovely to read. Even though Marco had liked Lexie for a while, he never acted on those feelings but once he starts to let her in, the relationship blossoms and was beautiful.
I loved how the characters interact in this story. From Marc and Lexie to the grandmothers, they all fit together so well it is like reading about a real life group of family and friends. They are always in each others business and in general make the environment of the main characters interesting. I also loved how the town is portrayed. It has a small town vibe with all the gossiping old ladies and the use of face book and you tube is pretty entertaining.
Some of the best scenes in this book are when the families are involved. The supporting characters are wonderful. All of the grandmother’s are hilarious. What with carrying food in their purses to shove in people mouths before they lie or having a cat dressed up in a different outfit each time it appears was hilarious. And Wingman, what an awesome dog! There are also some pretty stellar scenes that are also embarrassing. It seemed like Marco always appeared at the most…interesting times.
I love this series. Each book shares characters but they can be read as standalones. I can’t wait till the next book comes out. Frankie and Nate are gonna be awesome!
I don’t want to give away any spoilers but I really enjoyed this book. I liked how the ‘player’ showed his soft side to Lexie and how she slowly let him in after her divorce. There is a wonderful slow build to their relationship that was lovely to read. Even though Marco had liked Lexie for a while, he never acted on those feelings but once he starts to let her in, the relationship blossoms and was beautiful.
I loved how the characters interact in this story. From Marc and Lexie to the grandmothers, they all fit together so well it is like reading about a real life group of family and friends. They are always in each others business and in general make the environment of the main characters interesting. I also loved how the town is portrayed. It has a small town vibe with all the gossiping old ladies and the use of face book and you tube is pretty entertaining.
Some of the best scenes in this book are when the families are involved. The supporting characters are wonderful. All of the grandmother’s are hilarious. What with carrying food in their purses to shove in people mouths before they lie or having a cat dressed up in a different outfit each time it appears was hilarious. And Wingman, what an awesome dog! There are also some pretty stellar scenes that are also embarrassing. It seemed like Marco always appeared at the most…interesting times.
I love this series. Each book shares characters but they can be read as standalones. I can’t wait till the next book comes out. Frankie and Nate are gonna be awesome!
May 8, 2013
So we have Lexi, a divorcée to Marco’s best friend, Jeffrey. She plays it safe and never listens to her wants and needs, rather she focuses on others. This was proved time and time again when she would go on blind dates set up by her grandmother, even though she doesn’t want to.
And then we have Marco, a DeLuca and the “screw-up” of the family. I really, really liked Marco here. He was always trying to get Lexi to listen to her instincts and not to others, and unleash her wild side.
The first half of the book I didn’t like so much. It was very annoying seeing Lexi constantly be pushed over by her grandmother and everyone else, never doing what she wanted to do. And Abigail—Marco’s sister—was still annoying. When she found out that her best friend Lexi and her brother were dating, she flew off the handle. That part’s understandable, I mean it’s her best friend and her brother. But what really pissed me off was that, like the rest of the DeLuca family, she didn’t think of Marco in the best light and said things about him that just made me want to throw something at her.
In fact, the whole DeLuca family didn’t think much of Marco. They didn’t think he would be good at his job and were constantly doubting his abilities. I just wanted to hit all of them upside the head.
But once Lexi let go a little bit and they started to hang out more and more, it got better. Much better. I loved how Lexi and Marco’s relationship was so perfect and that they fit together so well. The happy moments between them were heart-melt worthy.
The conflicts that poor Lexi had to go through—including the no-good, cheating ex of hers—made me feel like the poor woman deserved a medal. And the way Marco made up for his mistakes and put Lexi first, that made me melt.
I loved the sweet ending that these two got and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
And then we have Marco, a DeLuca and the “screw-up” of the family. I really, really liked Marco here. He was always trying to get Lexi to listen to her instincts and not to others, and unleash her wild side.
The first half of the book I didn’t like so much. It was very annoying seeing Lexi constantly be pushed over by her grandmother and everyone else, never doing what she wanted to do. And Abigail—Marco’s sister—was still annoying. When she found out that her best friend Lexi and her brother were dating, she flew off the handle. That part’s understandable, I mean it’s her best friend and her brother. But what really pissed me off was that, like the rest of the DeLuca family, she didn’t think of Marco in the best light and said things about him that just made me want to throw something at her.
In fact, the whole DeLuca family didn’t think much of Marco. They didn’t think he would be good at his job and were constantly doubting his abilities. I just wanted to hit all of them upside the head.
But once Lexi let go a little bit and they started to hang out more and more, it got better. Much better. I loved how Lexi and Marco’s relationship was so perfect and that they fit together so well. The happy moments between them were heart-melt worthy.
The conflicts that poor Lexi had to go through—including the no-good, cheating ex of hers—made me feel like the poor woman deserved a medal. And the way Marco made up for his mistakes and put Lexi first, that made me melt.
I loved the sweet ending that these two got and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
December 30, 2015
In Marina Adair's Summer in Napa, the second installment in the St. Helena Vineyard contemporary romance series, she tantalized us with a delicious treat in this contemporary romance. After a brutal divorce, Alexis "Lexi" Moreau fled from New York to return to her hometown of St. Helena, California, to start over. She decided to start from scratch to help her grandmother run her shop and have her own bistro. And that's when she ran into Marco "Marc" DeLuca, the best friend of her ex-husband. From there, they stirred up a friendship that blossomed into a fake romance, when they had eyes for each other. For Marc, he always wanted Lexi and had gotten himself into a mess with signing a deal with him. Their fauxmance had heated up into a romance, when secrets and lies came out into the open with a surprising twist in the end when justice will be served on a cold platter.
December 10, 2014
This book was even better than its prequel and if the awesomeness continues, St. Helena's Vineyard is about to become one of my favorite contemporary romance series.
Now I'm super excited about the next book. Fingers crossed.
Now I'm super excited about the next book. Fingers crossed.
April 30, 2019
1.5 stars
I read half of Summer in Napa. Skimmed through the other half. I have found it unoriginal, uninspired and I have found myself disappointed because I expected more Summer and more Napa and neither was there, really. I don’t think there is a single reference to weather in the entire book and I think that there is no attempt at describing the setting and/or mood of Napa. Both of which I expected when I decided to read this book. My bad for judging a book based od the title.
I read half of Summer in Napa. Skimmed through the other half. I have found it unoriginal, uninspired and I have found myself disappointed because I expected more Summer and more Napa and neither was there, really. I don’t think there is a single reference to weather in the entire book and I think that there is no attempt at describing the setting and/or mood of Napa. Both of which I expected when I decided to read this book. My bad for judging a book based od the title.
December 30, 2017
Good romance. Sweet story - I see over half of my last 10 reviews have “sweet” in them. Must be trying to beat the winter blues!
March 1, 2016
I previously read Marina Adair's Kissing Under the Mistletoe (A St. Helena Vineyard Novel) the first book in her St. Helena Vineyard series.
I think my overall feeling from that one was that it was just okay and had way too absurd moments though as a whole it was just set up as a typical holiday romance novel.
Her newest offering, "Summer in Napa", is still focusing on the DeLuca family. The two main protagonists in this novel are Lexi and Marco (he was introduced in Kissing Under the Mistletoe).
Lexi, a long-time resident of St. Helena who left to follow her boyfriend and now ex-husband to New York. Due to her divorce she leaves New York and the restaurant she helped him built to return back to St. Helena. Lexi runs into Marco DeLuca, her ex-husband's long time best friend and reluctantly feels herself drawn to him. Marco while attempting to get his family's wine contest underway finds himself drawn to Lexi even though he does his level best to avoid her.
The good: Well this plot was a lot more palatable than Kissing Under the Mistletoe. I really enjoyed the character of Lexi and felt for her dealing with trying to start over again back home and feeling like a failure.
Also we get more insight into Abigail DeLuca since she and Lexi in this novel are long time friends. I was glad to see that Ms. Adair rounded out the character of Abigail so she was less a caricature in this novel than in the previous one.
Also thank goodness for continuity. We have glimpses of previous characters' (Gabe and Regan from 'Under the Misteloe') and allusions to long-time family grudges between the DeLuca's and others which I am sure we will hear more about in subsequent novels.
The bad: The DeLuca family are still caricatures in some aspects and they need to be fleshed out more (the brothers). I am assuming due to the subsequent novels in this series we will get to hear more about the other brothers only briefly touched upon in this novel. However, I do think that Ms. Adair did her best to write more scenes between the brothers' but the constant heavy handiness by Gabe and the other brothers' towards Marco got old fast. I would like to see more family dinners, hangouts, something, just so I can see that yes they are a very loving family with one another.
All in all this was a nice read and I am looking forward to reading the next novel in this series.
Please note that I received this novel via the Amazon Vine Program.
I think my overall feeling from that one was that it was just okay and had way too absurd moments though as a whole it was just set up as a typical holiday romance novel.
Her newest offering, "Summer in Napa", is still focusing on the DeLuca family. The two main protagonists in this novel are Lexi and Marco (he was introduced in Kissing Under the Mistletoe).
Lexi, a long-time resident of St. Helena who left to follow her boyfriend and now ex-husband to New York. Due to her divorce she leaves New York and the restaurant she helped him built to return back to St. Helena. Lexi runs into Marco DeLuca, her ex-husband's long time best friend and reluctantly feels herself drawn to him. Marco while attempting to get his family's wine contest underway finds himself drawn to Lexi even though he does his level best to avoid her.
The good: Well this plot was a lot more palatable than Kissing Under the Mistletoe. I really enjoyed the character of Lexi and felt for her dealing with trying to start over again back home and feeling like a failure.
Also we get more insight into Abigail DeLuca since she and Lexi in this novel are long time friends. I was glad to see that Ms. Adair rounded out the character of Abigail so she was less a caricature in this novel than in the previous one.
Also thank goodness for continuity. We have glimpses of previous characters' (Gabe and Regan from 'Under the Misteloe') and allusions to long-time family grudges between the DeLuca's and others which I am sure we will hear more about in subsequent novels.
The bad: The DeLuca family are still caricatures in some aspects and they need to be fleshed out more (the brothers). I am assuming due to the subsequent novels in this series we will get to hear more about the other brothers only briefly touched upon in this novel. However, I do think that Ms. Adair did her best to write more scenes between the brothers' but the constant heavy handiness by Gabe and the other brothers' towards Marco got old fast. I would like to see more family dinners, hangouts, something, just so I can see that yes they are a very loving family with one another.
All in all this was a nice read and I am looking forward to reading the next novel in this series.
Please note that I received this novel via the Amazon Vine Program.
May 8, 2013
A perfect pairing just like great food and fine wine!
Marina Adair has done it again with book 2 of the St. Helena Vineyard series! Summer in Napa is as charming, witty, and fun as the first book, only this time Adair sets out to create the perfect romantic pairing with two long-time, good friends.
Marco DeLuca is the DeLuca brother we get to know all about in this story. Marco has always loved women and living the single life. So when his friend, Lexi Moreau, moves back into town things are shaken up a bit. He's always considered her off-limits, and still does, even after her divorce from his best friend. However, the lines of friendship start to blur as Marco and Lexi embark on a little summer “fauxmance”.
I adored Lexi! She's back in her hometown of St. Helena to move on with her life and build her dream bistro. It's her time to make a name for herself and shine. There's so much intricate details that go on that involve family, friends, and small-town traditions. One thing is for sure, this story is so delicious, not only in the slow build of the intense romance between Marco and Lexi, which I very much appreciated, but also, Lexi is a chef, and the food she creates just makes my mouth water! Really, try not to read this on an empty stomach.
From the food, beautiful wineries, to the local pride, Marina Adair continues to feature the distinct allure of the Napa Valley region. That is one of my favorite aspects of this series! I have gone on several day trips to Napa to fall in love with its charm. I'm pretty sure that is why I absolutely adore this series so much. I see so much of the Napa charm in this story. Another aspect I love is that Adair has a way of creating secondary characters that are as rich and lively as the main ones and puts them in many engaging situations. If you've read book 1, then you will know exactly what I mean when I say...the grandmothers are back!!!
If you're a fan of friends-to-lovers stories with slow-burning true romance, then you must check out Summer in Napa. I truly enjoy Adair's writing and her sense of humor. She even teases us with possible future couple pairings. I can't wait for the next DeLuca brother to fall in love in the next book, Autumn in the Vineyard!
Marina Adair has done it again with book 2 of the St. Helena Vineyard series! Summer in Napa is as charming, witty, and fun as the first book, only this time Adair sets out to create the perfect romantic pairing with two long-time, good friends.
Marco DeLuca is the DeLuca brother we get to know all about in this story. Marco has always loved women and living the single life. So when his friend, Lexi Moreau, moves back into town things are shaken up a bit. He's always considered her off-limits, and still does, even after her divorce from his best friend. However, the lines of friendship start to blur as Marco and Lexi embark on a little summer “fauxmance”.
I adored Lexi! She's back in her hometown of St. Helena to move on with her life and build her dream bistro. It's her time to make a name for herself and shine. There's so much intricate details that go on that involve family, friends, and small-town traditions. One thing is for sure, this story is so delicious, not only in the slow build of the intense romance between Marco and Lexi, which I very much appreciated, but also, Lexi is a chef, and the food she creates just makes my mouth water! Really, try not to read this on an empty stomach.
From the food, beautiful wineries, to the local pride, Marina Adair continues to feature the distinct allure of the Napa Valley region. That is one of my favorite aspects of this series! I have gone on several day trips to Napa to fall in love with its charm. I'm pretty sure that is why I absolutely adore this series so much. I see so much of the Napa charm in this story. Another aspect I love is that Adair has a way of creating secondary characters that are as rich and lively as the main ones and puts them in many engaging situations. If you've read book 1, then you will know exactly what I mean when I say...the grandmothers are back!!!
If you're a fan of friends-to-lovers stories with slow-burning true romance, then you must check out Summer in Napa. I truly enjoy Adair's writing and her sense of humor. She even teases us with possible future couple pairings. I can't wait for the next DeLuca brother to fall in love in the next book, Autumn in the Vineyard!
December 14, 2018
I just tried to reread this, and apparently my tolerance for bullshit has dropped dramatically.
Note: I don’t consider any of this spoilers, as most of this happens in the first chapter. Seriously.
First, the grandmother. Her granddaughter, her only granddaughter no less, has just had her life implode in the space of a few weeks. Her husband had an affair with her sous chef, and she only discovered it when she walked in on them in bed. Her restaurant, that she’d poured her heart and soul into, was taken out from under her because she’d trusted her husband and he’d pulled shady shit with ownership. She had to leave her house, that she loved, and had turned into a real home for herself. She had to go back to her small town, tail between her legs, to face the judgment of close minded people that no matter what, will just assume that it was her fault the marriage failed, because obviously she hadn’t been a good little wife.
And the old bat didn’t even give her 24 hours, not even a decent nights sleep, before she’s literally setting her up on dates, nightly dates, all with different men. And when Lexi tries to explain that she’s in pain, that she needs time and space to recover, to get her head on straight and rebuild herself, the manipulative bitch starts pulling out all this guilt and emotional blackmail shit, all because she’s old and wants a great-grandbaby. While her granddaughter is at her absolute most vulnerable, she takes advantage of her and pushes her into things she’s not ready for.
And somehow, this is all supposed to be normalized, because she’s old and quirky, and small towns are just different, you just have to accept that and learn to deal.
Bullshit. That woman is a narcissistic hag. The people in that town are close minded and just plain terrible. The ‘love interest’ is a self centered womanizer, who tormented her through high school, but we’re supposed to brush that off since Lexi was his true love and he was just lashing out in frustration that she was with his best friend and not him.
Apparently at one time I liked this, but I’ve obviously changed, more than I thought I had.
Note: I don’t consider any of this spoilers, as most of this happens in the first chapter. Seriously.
First, the grandmother. Her granddaughter, her only granddaughter no less, has just had her life implode in the space of a few weeks. Her husband had an affair with her sous chef, and she only discovered it when she walked in on them in bed. Her restaurant, that she’d poured her heart and soul into, was taken out from under her because she’d trusted her husband and he’d pulled shady shit with ownership. She had to leave her house, that she loved, and had turned into a real home for herself. She had to go back to her small town, tail between her legs, to face the judgment of close minded people that no matter what, will just assume that it was her fault the marriage failed, because obviously she hadn’t been a good little wife.
And the old bat didn’t even give her 24 hours, not even a decent nights sleep, before she’s literally setting her up on dates, nightly dates, all with different men. And when Lexi tries to explain that she’s in pain, that she needs time and space to recover, to get her head on straight and rebuild herself, the manipulative bitch starts pulling out all this guilt and emotional blackmail shit, all because she’s old and wants a great-grandbaby. While her granddaughter is at her absolute most vulnerable, she takes advantage of her and pushes her into things she’s not ready for.
And somehow, this is all supposed to be normalized, because she’s old and quirky, and small towns are just different, you just have to accept that and learn to deal.
Bullshit. That woman is a narcissistic hag. The people in that town are close minded and just plain terrible. The ‘love interest’ is a self centered womanizer, who tormented her through high school, but we’re supposed to brush that off since Lexi was his true love and he was just lashing out in frustration that she was with his best friend and not him.
Apparently at one time I liked this, but I’ve obviously changed, more than I thought I had.
September 21, 2013
Lexi has lost everything she has ever worked for and all in the name of love and divorce. As fifteen years ago , Lexi married Jeff -though she had always held a soft spot for playboy Marc DeLuca - the timing just never seemed right until fifteen years later when Lexi discovered Jeff in bed with another woman. Fleeing home , Lexi hopes to start her own little cafe business but things start to go terribly wrong when she is served court papers and Jeff is suing her by saying that her family recipes belong to the restaurant that they owned as a couple. If trouble in paradise and trying to move on with her life wasn't hard enough, try adding the fact that her grandmother and her grandmother's best friend ChiChi have set her up a dating profile and a blog and are setting her up with a mountain load of blind dates. What will happen though, when the situation arises and Marc and Lexi decide to come up with the solution of Marc being Lexi's fake boyfriend. Little does the other one realise, that each has strong feelings for the other. As we all know what formula romances follow we read as the sparks start to fly between Marc and Lexi and just when things are about to heat up and go "POP" along comes Jeff - Marc's best friend and Lexi's ex-husband with the reason why he needed those recipes that have been in her family for centuries and worst thing is that Lexi discovers that Marc is involved somehow. Breaking her heart all over again, will Lexi be able to forgive Marc and find a second chance at love or will it be a matter of duped twice and left to wallow in spinsterhood for the rest of her life?
Find out in Book #1 of A. St Helena Vineyard Series and find out just what "A Summer in Napa" can do to one another.
Find out in Book #1 of A. St Helena Vineyard Series and find out just what "A Summer in Napa" can do to one another.
April 5, 2013
Lexi caught her husband getting ‘serviced’ by their Sous-Chef. Now she is returning to her home town feeling defeated after having lost both her husband and her restaurant. The one sunny side of things is that she and her grandmother can now work on the bistro they always dreamed of having together.
Marco has had a crush on his best friend’s girl since they were teens. Now that Lexi is back and she and Jeff are no longer married he still feels the need to keep things platonic, but he’s having trouble staying away from the girl who was his friend first.
I loved the first book in this series, Kissing Under the Mistletoe, so I had high hopes for this second story. It not only met my expectations, but exceeded them. The characters are rich, the writing keeps you enthralled and the romance made my heart pitter patter. I freakin love the DeLuca brothers and I could eat Marco with a spoon. He is positively yummy. Lexi and Marc manage to remain sweet while creating enough sparks to light up the night sky. Sexy.
Marina Adair has created a colorful group of people and a town that anyone can relate to. These books are keepers, for sure, and I can see myself reading and reaching for them when I need a little pick me up. I laughed, I cried and I melted a bit. I am seriously antsy to read Autumn in the Vineyard, though I am not sure that the long wait won’t make me crazy. These are seriously terrific books, easy to enjoy - I wouldn’t change a thing!
Cherise Everhard, April 2013
Book provided by and reviewed for the Amazon Vine Program
Marco has had a crush on his best friend’s girl since they were teens. Now that Lexi is back and she and Jeff are no longer married he still feels the need to keep things platonic, but he’s having trouble staying away from the girl who was his friend first.
I loved the first book in this series, Kissing Under the Mistletoe, so I had high hopes for this second story. It not only met my expectations, but exceeded them. The characters are rich, the writing keeps you enthralled and the romance made my heart pitter patter. I freakin love the DeLuca brothers and I could eat Marco with a spoon. He is positively yummy. Lexi and Marc manage to remain sweet while creating enough sparks to light up the night sky. Sexy.
Marina Adair has created a colorful group of people and a town that anyone can relate to. These books are keepers, for sure, and I can see myself reading and reaching for them when I need a little pick me up. I laughed, I cried and I melted a bit. I am seriously antsy to read Autumn in the Vineyard, though I am not sure that the long wait won’t make me crazy. These are seriously terrific books, easy to enjoy - I wouldn’t change a thing!
Cherise Everhard, April 2013
Book provided by and reviewed for the Amazon Vine Program
August 18, 2013
My Review:
Two words... LOVED. IT. I went back to the first book, so I can get a feel for Marco.. soo many books, I was started to merge my characters. Its a great story line and sometimes I was thought I knew how it would end but I didn't. Lexi family and friends mean well but the minute she moves back home after leaving behind her restaurant, her recipes and her cheating husband... the matchmaking begins. And it gets old fast.., so to keep her family and friends at bay she partners up with sexy Marco and makes them assume they are a "couple".. A couple with "benefits". The love story between these two is hot and you want them to reunite at least to have hot steamy sex. Both were very strong characters and I couldn't put it down. I immediately disliked her husband, what a loser.
In all honesty I will put this on my Read Again pile. If you are sorting through new release and can't figure out which book to read next, put this one up on the top of the pile. Enjoy... Summer can't get any hotter than this book.
Two words... LOVED. IT. I went back to the first book, so I can get a feel for Marco.. soo many books, I was started to merge my characters. Its a great story line and sometimes I was thought I knew how it would end but I didn't. Lexi family and friends mean well but the minute she moves back home after leaving behind her restaurant, her recipes and her cheating husband... the matchmaking begins. And it gets old fast.., so to keep her family and friends at bay she partners up with sexy Marco and makes them assume they are a "couple".. A couple with "benefits". The love story between these two is hot and you want them to reunite at least to have hot steamy sex. Both were very strong characters and I couldn't put it down. I immediately disliked her husband, what a loser.
In all honesty I will put this on my Read Again pile. If you are sorting through new release and can't figure out which book to read next, put this one up on the top of the pile. Enjoy... Summer can't get any hotter than this book.
April 8, 2013
When Lexi Moreau's husband is caught cheating with his sous-chef, Lexi runs all the way home to St. Vineyard. There she plans to turn her grandmother's bakery into a bistro. But her ex has other plans impeding that dream, and his best friend Marco DeLuca is helping. Growing up, Lexi has always been off-limits for Marco, since she was the best friend's girl. Except now she's unattached and he finds her just as irresistible as ever. Plus, he's starting to realize his best friend may not be the best person to side with.
I read the ARC of Kissing Under the Mistletoe and loved it. I was excited to receive Summer in Napa as part of the St. Helena Vineyard series. As much as I liked Mistletoe, Napa outshined. Full of quirk, humor, and steam, this was impossible to put down and hard to forget. The characters were relatable, the romance hot, the setting ideal, and the secondary characters delightful. A sweet and funny small town romance worth the read.
I read the ARC of Kissing Under the Mistletoe and loved it. I was excited to receive Summer in Napa as part of the St. Helena Vineyard series. As much as I liked Mistletoe, Napa outshined. Full of quirk, humor, and steam, this was impossible to put down and hard to forget. The characters were relatable, the romance hot, the setting ideal, and the secondary characters delightful. A sweet and funny small town romance worth the read.
October 4, 2014
3.5-4 stars.
Really liking this series.
This time it was Marc’s turn. I gotta say, I kinda disliked him in the first book. I thought he was a cold jerk, but then again, I disliked all the brothers back then, lol.
However, it was a real surprise to see him this up close. Yeah, he came off kind of a jerk, but he was in the end a great guy, trying to make a name for himself apart from his family.
Loved, loved Lexi. She was talented, funny, caring. It sucked that she was dealt such a crappy hand in life. Her ex was such an asshole, I can’t even with him. Trying to take her gran’s recipes for his own benefit? The restaurant was a success because of Lexi. He was actually a really bad restaurant manager. I was so mad at that situation.
There was a great mix of romance and drama in this one. And it ended up being a great read.
Really liking this series.
This time it was Marc’s turn. I gotta say, I kinda disliked him in the first book. I thought he was a cold jerk, but then again, I disliked all the brothers back then, lol.
However, it was a real surprise to see him this up close. Yeah, he came off kind of a jerk, but he was in the end a great guy, trying to make a name for himself apart from his family.
Loved, loved Lexi. She was talented, funny, caring. It sucked that she was dealt such a crappy hand in life. Her ex was such an asshole, I can’t even with him. Trying to take her gran’s recipes for his own benefit? The restaurant was a success because of Lexi. He was actually a really bad restaurant manager. I was so mad at that situation.
There was a great mix of romance and drama in this one. And it ended up being a great read.
April 15, 2022
Alexis Moreau is back in St Helena, divorced and disillusioned, but set on finally reaching her dream to open a bistro cum bakery with her grandmother. Marco DeLuca has been in love with Lexi since high school and watched her marry his best friend. Now they are going to have a fake relationship to give Lexi time to figure out the menu for the summer wine festival and Marc time to organise the event in his new hotel. Everything that you expect from this series, lovely characters, lots of chemistry and a beautiful setting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews