A broken former Marine. A determined culinary student. A collision course that could end in love or destruction...
Audrey Montgomery is a diligent and self-reliant culinary student at Portland's prestigious Cordon Bleu. She has a clear picture of her future in mind, and it allows little room for the steely-eyed and tormented young man she bumps into by chance while wine tasting with friends.
Tyson Dawes had a perfect childhood, raised among the wine and vines in Oregon's Willamette Valley. But even the most idyllic of upbringings couldn't have prepared him for what he would face as a Marine. He returns to his childhood home angry and haunted by the storms of what he has faced and by those he has lost.
Do opposites truly attract? Can the Audrey's clarity and innocence offer Tyson hope in the face of his emptiness?
I'm USA Today Bestselling author Delancey Stewart. My contemporary romances run the gamut of settings and setups, but they always deliver humor, heart and heat. It's a guarantee.
I write from my home in Denver, CO, where I manage a household full of boys and men. Okay, only one man. The hubs. But two boys. I mean, three if you count the hubs. (You see why I do words and not numbers. I was told there'd be no math in this bio. Someone lied.)
I grew up in California and have had more jobs than anyone on earth (personal trainer, pharmaceutical rep, copywriter, tech writer, marketing director, wine seller, elementary school teacher... I'm not kidding. The list. It goes on.) But the one I love the most is writing, in part because I get to meet people who love books and stories as much as I do! Please don't hesitate to get in touch to say hello, and don't forget to join my newsletter!
Warning: You will want both a big glass of pinot noir and a hot ex-military man to pour it for you while you read this book. Redemption Red hooked me right from its opening scene in the tasting room at a Willemette Valley winery. Delancey Stewart is a fantastic writer all the way around, but she REALLY knows how to write about wine. My mouth was watering! Then again, maybe it was the sexytimes I drooled over...I still can't get a particular scene in Audrey's kitchen out of my head. :) If you love wine and romance, grab this book and drink it up!
I know a little bit about the author, so I'm partially biased (on the positive side)...but I must say that I read this book very quickly - and wasn't able to do anything productive until I was finished. It was one of those "I-can't-put-it-down" types for me.
Audrey and Tyson are an electrifying couple...sparks fly between them almost immediately. Tyson's past is an obstacle that makes any relationship a challenge, but Audrey wants (and needs) to rescue him. Their attraction is undeniable - regardless of the barriers between them.
The descriptive language and casual dialogue keeps the reader attentive. The author's writing style allows the reader to easily visualize these characters - their personalities and their imperfections. Ms. Stewart brings them to life. They are real people with real problems. Although this is a typical "happy ending" romance novel, it's not riddled with unbelievable characters living unrealistic lifestyles. The story is believable, and Audrey and Tyson's romance will make you laugh and cry. You may even learn a little something about winemaking in the process.
She couldn't deny that she believed she could save him. Of course he would to give her the chance.
Tyson is a winemaker's son, just trying to get his life back in order after returning from The Marines. He is suffering from loss, pain, and behavioral changes. He uses poor coping strategies and is numb, lost and lacking direction. A chance meeting with culinary student and restaurant worker, Audrey sparks his attention. And another meeting just intrigues them both more. Their reaction to each other is strong, but confusing. She feels for the man who is obviously struggling and he is surprised to feel anything at all.
Their story is full of challenges for them both personally and together. He has demons to fight and needs to get his life on track. But he is plagued with issues, doubts, insecurities, and reactions that he has a hard time controlling. He has been used to numbing the pain, so he does not have to feel it. He knows what he wants, but does not feel he deserves it. She knows he will be a difficult challenge, but she has always been drawn to fixing things. But she also has her own personal issues and busy life to deal with.
I loved getting both points of view especially since they such inner monologues about their insecurities. It really loved these two characters and this couple together. Tyson was closed off, damaged, antagonistic and a real mess, but my heart broke for him. I found myself in his corner hoping he would find the inner strength to pull himself out of his personal hell and darkness.
And Audrey was amazing. She was smart, sassy, independent, and so nurturing. She was not afraid to help him handle the extreme reactions in him and bring calmness. She went through so much, but was such a bright positive influence. They faced several very difficult situations, but those are what made them stronger. Their family issues were difficult and provided more drama and depth to the story.
Together they had this intensity about them. Her acceptance of his issues and willingness to support him was admirable even when he pushed away. Seeing his growth and attachment form when he had previously been so detached was heartwarming. Their chemistry was evident, but it did not need a bunch of sex scenes to prove it. It was sexy and steamy without overkill.
I enjoyed her friends at the restaurant and her best friend Shelby, his sister Rebecca and significant other, Ray, and the parents involved. They provided a framework of support and tough love when it was needed, but at times added to the drama as well. The scenery itself of he Oregon winery and exclusive restaurant Fork made it interesting and tied their lives together in a way.
This book was a really pleasant surprise for me. I did not read the first book and have heard that the only similarity is the wine background. So this is a stand-alone story. But I did not expect the complex characters, personal demons, emotional situations, drama and surprises in this book. I was totally sucked in from the beginning and it kept surprising me. It was a beautiful story of facing the past, recovery, redemption, and finding a reason to move forward. It was well written, flowed flawlessly, kept me interested and engaged. The characters won me over and made me believe in them. I felt like I truly went on this journey with them. I will not hesitate to read more from Delancey Stewart in the future.
Thanks to Delancey Steward for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review. Will be posted at Reviews by Tammy and Kim.
I received the book from the touring host for an honest review.
A beautiful love story, with enough drama to keep you guessing if the two main characters will come together in a happy ending. A real emotional rollercoaster as you are drawn into their daily lives. Well written, fast paced with great characters you learn about the world of wine and restaurants as Audrey and Tyson met. Not in the best of ways mind you, but enough to make a lasting impression on both. Audrey, a young woman still learning her culinary skills is filled with care and love, always to the rescue for those who wants to be saved. When she met Tyson she thought that he needs her as well, but at the end it turns out they needed each other. Working in a restaurant, going to school and caring for her ailing father was her priority, but once he made his appearance her focus shifted. At first the hand, she reached out was rejected, she was scared, not knowing if she makes the right decision. Tyson was a troubled soul, an ex-marine who had to work through a lot of pain. Drowning it in the bottle, with no future plans. Living with his father on the wine farm, a wine maker, and a comatose mother he had no hope left to fight. That is until he met the petite little woman who became more important than the bottle. Both needed restoration, their home lives sorely lacking, but standing at the bed of a dying father they realized what was important. With determination and strong will they both showed that they could overcome the obstacles in their lives. Working together to reach what they both craved. The romance breathtaking and beautiful as both learn to give and take in equal measures. Each supporting character played their part beautifully in the story as it unfolds. Every character depositing a truth or a wake up call to them. Well layered the scenes were building the plot to its final page. For a few hours, you could get lost in the story and fall in love with the characters as they struggled with everyday problems, making it a believable and enjoyable read.
Redemption Red is the first book that I have read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Tyson is a troubled, ex-Marine who is having difficulty with dealing adjusting the world and getting back into the swing of things. Audrey is a quiet woman going to culinary school and living on her while trying to help her sick father. Both of them need healed in different ways and don’t really open up to many people.
Tyson and Audrey are two lovable and believable characters. They are both going through different things and don’t realize how much they need one another. Redemption Red takes you on a journey of love, hope, forgiveness and healing. It’s a well written and beautiful story. I don’t want to give too much away, so I am keeping this review short and sweet!
If you are looking for a nice and sweet read, this series is it. I have become a fan of this author and look forward to reading more of her books in the future. This book is in a series, but it can be read as a stand-alone.
2.5 stars rounded to 3. I enjoyed this book, however the ending was a little too neat and tidy for me. I liked the writing style of this author a lot, but wish that there was more character development. This was a quiet story, featuring two MCs who are trying to make the best of the lives they have. It was very sweet, but seemed a little too easy.
What I liked: 1) The writing. It was very pretty and easy to read. 2) No ow/om drama. Can't stand that stuff. Very little drama overall. 3) The H. He was such a good guy. His struggles were heart wrenching and I was really rooting for him. 4) The dual povs. 5) The h. She was a good person, too. She made her interest in the H obvious, without being pathetic.
What I didn't like: 1) The tidiness of how the PTSD, unresponsive mother, drama queen mother, sick father, and everything else was resolved. 2) It was a little sappy toward the end.
This is the first book I’ve read by Delancey Stewart, but the second in the Wine Country Romance series. The author did a very nice job making sure that I didn’t feel like I was dropped into the middle of any over-arcing series threads. The book read perfectly as a standalone, and I am always very appreciative of that fact when I have to jump in to a series that’s already begun. So, no worries on that front!
There were parts of these characters and this story which I liked a lot, and then there were a few aspects which simply didn’t work for me. Overall, I feel like Redemption Red is a very solid, very traditional contemporary romance. Being charged with reviewing this book, however, I do have to cover the good and the not-so-good.
Let’s get the not-so-good out of the way first! I think what I really felt was missing was just a little bit of depth. Well, a little bit more, anyway. The characters needed some additional exploration, particularly their pasts. That would have rounded out the story very nicely and given it that extra teeny tiny smidge of something which could have really brought the characters to life. I also would have liked additional time with Tyson’s mom in order to get a better feel for what she was going through (unfortunately, I can’t expand on that as I don’t want to give spoilers).
Now, let’s discuss what I really liked about Redemption Red! The character basics were everything I love in a hero and heroine. For the most part, Audrey was strong, decisive, held her ground, and yet knew when to give rather than take. Tyson was troubled yet fixable. And…it was fun to have a hero who has holding back sexually while the heroine did the seducing! Go Audrey!! I wasn’t sure how interested I would be in the story setting of the winery. Surprisingly, I found it very much held my attention, and I truly enjoyed Tyson working in the winery with his father. There was just enough detail to make that aspect feel authentic, but not so much that I was completely lost and/or bored to death! Ha!!
Honestly, I think Delancey Stewart has a series here with the potential to grow and grow and grow! The writing is well-crafted, and I know this author is capable of reaching further and deeper. The talent is definitely there! Truly, I’m looking forward to future books from Delancey Stewart. I say give this a try, and let me know how you feel about it!!
4 Stars
*Review posted on blog in October for author's blog tour*
I was given an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Redemption Red is the 2nd book in the Wine Country Romance series. It can be read as a stand alone. This is the first novel I read in the series but will definitely be going back to read the first one! While out wine tasting with friends Audrey, a sweet, independent culinary student has a brief unpleasant encounter with Tyson, the troubled ex-Marine who is haunted by his past. Although unpleasant they both immediately feel the attraction. When they unexpectedly meet up again they both know that their attraction is something they should explore. While dealing with real life emotions and problems they develop a relationship. This story was well written and the characters were easy to visualize. The author had a way of making you feel like you were right there in the story too. Because this story pulled you in and dealt with real life scenarios it was an emotional read. I laughed a lot and cried too! I would highly recommend this book and I look forward to reading more in this series!
I received this book through the goodreads giveaways and consider myself fortunate to discover a talented author I had not read before but will definitely read again. I will look forward to reading all the books in this series.
This was a book I finished quickly, as I was easily drawn into the authentic emotions and dialog from Tyson and Audrey. While Tyson is haunted from his recent past experiences, Audrey realizes that she too must deal with situations from her past to move forward. The characters' personalities and emotions show through on every page and are realistic. These are not two fantasy characters with perfect lives or perfect personalities. They are two people who manage to find each other in the midst of their worst and growing moments.
Redemption Red by Delancy Stewart. When Audrey's student run restaurant is ransacked, not working threatens her ability to continue paying for her cooking school classes. Tyson works for his father's winery but his PTSD has him jumping with every loud pop of a cork. When Tyson meets Audrey when trying to get the winery wines in her restaurant, both feel a peace in each others presence. With their own problems threatening to overwhelm themselves,can they possibly help each other? A fast read with a believable plot line, i can honestly recommend this book ( I received this book for free from the author)
This is the first book I've read by author Delancey Stewart & it won't be the last. I really enjoyed the story & the authors writing style. The vivid description in the book made it so easy to picture the surroundings & actions. Tyson stole my heart from his first appearance. I hesitate to say too much because I don't want to spoil anything. I will say I wanted to hug him a lot. I really liked Audrey. She was intelligent, strong & caring. I highly recommend Redemption Red and will definitely be reading Delancey's other works.
I won't post any spoilers, but I will say that I thoroughly enjoyed Redemption Red. It is a modern romance in every sense, brining together two characters that have depth in their own lives and a complexity in their relationship as a couple - romantically and otherwise. I loved how opposite yet similar Audrey and Tyson were - and that their story wasn't an open shut case. It took time, just like a good wine, to mature into what it was supposed to be.
LOVED! Off to read more Delancey Stewart titles, because now I have to! :)
"Redemption Red had me smiling, laughing and crying right up through the epilogue. Delancey Stewart’s suburb writing only complimented her carefully thought out and precise plot development. The characters struggles were both realistic and authentic guiding my heart through highs and lows as Tyson and Audrey try to persevere through unimaginable obstacles. It’s a refreshing New Adult Romance read and I highly recommend it."
This book stuck with me for days later! I look forward to future reads from Delancey!
This was such an amazing book! I didn't put it down until "the end". If you are looking for a wonderful way to spend an evening. Pick up this book- you will fall in love with Tyson and will taste the Pinot Noir. Can't wait until the next Wine Country Romance!!!
From the moment I picked up Redemption Red I couldn't wait to see how the story would unfold. You can really lose yourself in the world Delancey creates. I look forward to reading many more stories by this author.
I received a review copy of this book from the author through Voracious Readers. I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were so vividly created that I was invested in them from the very first chapter. The story was very well crafted, and flowed wonderfully. I laughed and I cried. I found myself rooting for each of the characters as they worked through their fears and issues. And I loved the ending. Romance fiction at its very best!
This was my favorite book in the series. I love the way Audrey doesn't give up on Tyson. Even though he is a mess he doesn't want to deal with his PTSD. Even though she doesn't have the right to infiltrate in his business. He keeps showing up and in the end she turns his life around. All in the name of food and wine.
"There was no innocent teasing in their kiss this time. It was full of urgent desire, their tongues thrusting against each other."
This is my first time reading Delancey Stewart and I am so anxious to read more! Redemption Red is a fantastic read! Smart, classy AND hot! That is a hard combination to achieve. I absolutely fell in love with Audrey & Tyson. Their family situations adds so much to the story. Delancey Stewart is definitely on my must read author list now!