Corkscrew You

Flora Valley #1

by Catherine Robertson

Could the guy she loves to hate turn out to be her perfect pairing? If Shelby Armstrong wants to keep her late father’s beloved Flora Valley Wines in business, she’ll have to listen to Nathan Durant’s advice. But given the fact that Shelby is all heart and Nate is nothing but tough love, bringing the winery back to life quickly becomes a battle of wills.

And yet, Shelby and Nate aren’t incompatible in every way – in fact, an unexpected (and unexpectedly hot) kiss shows Shelby that they’d make a very good team – in the bedroom! But as is always the case when it comes to love and money, things quickly get complicated…

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Enemies To Lovers, Workplace

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 5, 2024

About the author

If you like fast-paced plots, sparkling funny dialogue and heartfelt emotion, I'm the romcom author for you. I write about real people struggling with real stuff, but who each get their own happy ending. My brand of humor is perceptive and kind and I love jokes and wordplay. I love to write series with characters who develop through each book - basically, I hate to let them go! I live in the glorious wine country of New Zealand, and share my life with one husband, two grown sons, four cats, two dogs and a flock of no longer spring chickens. Get good (and free) stuff by signing up to my newsletter: google catherinejrobertson author

Reviews

[Christina (stinarinareads)]

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me the chance to read this book early for an honest review!

DNF, 20 pages in.

Unfortunately, this book really did Corkscrew Me, and not in the good way. I knew from page 1 that the writing style and characterizations by the author were going to be a huge turnoff. To me, the novel just seemed like an endless stream of consciousness, rather than nuanced writing with a story's plot, interesting character dialogue, and descriptions being the driving force.

The author has potential, but needs work.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlike many people who read this, I ate it up! Thank you NetGalley for the chance to pre-read the ARC for this. I absolutely loved the characters and their story. If you don’t like books with miscommunication, this may not be the book for you.

Mildly spicy in the best way possible!

[Ashley · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 37%

Catherine Robertson's Corkscrew You is a small town romance that centers on Shelby Armstrong and Nathan Durant.

I assumed this would be something enjoyable after reading the synopsis and looking at the cover, but it wasn't.

The protagonist, Nathan, was already in love with Shelby, the heroine, when I was just 20% into the story. And let's not even discuss when they actually begin hooking up.

Another thing that made me iffy was Shelby's refusal to swear and the weird things she replaced bad words with. The cherry on top was when she referred to sex as "boink-bonk."

I made an effort to get through it, but the last line was witnessing Nathan come dangerously close to telling Shelby he loved her at just 30%.

*Thank you to NetGalley, One More Chapter, and to the author, Catherine Robertson, for providing me with this e-copy in exchange for an honest review.*

[Nigel Dalton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Confession: I am not a rom-com super stan, and only arrived at this book via the author’s earlier Gabriel’s Bay novels - so her wit, pace, and method of plaiting multiple strands and several character’s narratives together, I already love.

I found the California wine country story elements to really work - we’re not on Bridgerton time frames here, shit needs to happen, grapes need to be harvested 😉 The friendships, family interactions, snappy dialog, quirky phrases, and small town characters blend within with a chapter structure that buzzes along.

It’s also anchored on a pretty realistic set of circumstances - ailing businesses, deaths in the family, misunderstandings, then passion v rational spreadsheet logic over what should happen next.

Final plus, the sex doesn’t read like something ChatGPT wrote.

Perfect travel read. Will 100% buy the next one.

[Jillie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Fell in love with the characters and the small town, and the vineyard sounds like a great, if a tad chaotic, place. Cannot wait to read the next Flora Valley Wines book.
Also really loved the playlist at the start of the book, such a cool idea

[Hannah Louise Catherall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! Definitely going to look out for more from this author, I am fully in my romance era and this truly hit the spot for me.

[julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ˖⁺‧✮

i’d like to begin with idea of the book. i loved it, i really did! she had to work with him to save her father’s winery? it’s so good, but the way it was written i did not enjoy as much. the writing was easy and quick but the plot was moving so fast. by chapter 8 he was already in love with her and later on with each chapter their relationship was moving with a speed of light. it felt like everything was happening in a period of a month.

characters: i think characters were okay. i liked both of them as well as supportive characters. the atmosphere was comforting and at the same time professional. i definitely not a pet person but shelby’s little friends were cute. also i liked shelby’s confidence and her motivation to keep the winery working even though her close person was not around.

scenes: love scenes were bad. they were a little cringy and i did not enjoy them. most of the time i skipped them.

thank you NetGalley and One More Chapter for approving my request in exchange for an honest review

[Meagan Acquisto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK One More Chapter, and Catherine Robertson for an early access copy of Corkscrew You.

Corkscrew You is a grumpy/sunshine, small town romcom. Shelby, an optimistic, is a creative winemaker trying to save her family winery after the passing of her father. Nathan, the direct realist, is put in charge of managing Shelby’s family winery by a new investor. When the two are forced to work together, funny banter, a lot of angst, sexual tension ensues,

The characters were likable and written well. The story had great secondary characters. The falling of the characters happened quite quickly, this is not a slow burn by any means.

This story is a great fit for stories where he falls first (and quite fast), grumpy/sunshine dynamic, an appreciation for honesty, and small town vibes.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable romantic read. I liked how the main characters Shelby and Nathan are influenced by their family backgrounds. It's quite inspirational showing how something good can be achieved when dealing with grief.

[Bri · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I would like to thank HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Could the guy she loves to hate turn out to be her perfect pairing? If Shelby Armstrong wants to keep her late father’s beloved Flora Valley Wines in business, she’ll have to listen to Nathan Durant’s advice. But given the fact that Shelby is all heart and Nate is nothing but tough love, bringing the winery back to life quickly becomes a battle of wills. And yet, Shelby and Nate aren’t incompatible in every way – in fact, an unexpected (and unexpectedly hot) kiss shows Shelby that they’d make a very good team – in the bedroom! But as is always the case when it comes to love and money, things quickly get complicated.

What I Loved:
- Nate's family, I am a sucker for characters from big families who don't let anyone get away with anything and the Durant family is no exception
- Flora Valley Wines, I love that Shelby is willing to do anything to keep her father's business running even if it means giving up control and it is all about personal connection
- Nate and Shelby, these two are the epitome of opposites attract and I enjoy how they don't pull punches around each other and have a quick and HOT connection
- Shelby's friends, the whole town is on Shelby's side and will fight for and with her to ensure she is safe and happy and who doesn't want a group of friends like that

Overall I really did enjoy this book, it was a true enemies to lovers romance and got to the romance part quick...which I didn't mind. If you are looking for an opposites attract, enemies to lovers romance with a great family element and a fun town as the background for this story I would highly recommend this book.

[Jess B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not 100% why this book has such low reviews - It's super cute with a consistent plot and great characters.

A small town romance in a quaint California town with wineries and a fancy hotel -- Shelby Armstrong is trying her best to keep her family's winery going and accepts JP as an investor & his condition that Nathan Durant be the business manager of the winery. Neither character makes a good impression on the other despite how attracted they are to each other. They are opposites - Nate is determined, organized, and thinks of the profit for the business while Shelby is creative, friendly, and thinks of the traditions of the business. But both are struggling with family obligations - which they could help each other with.

The story hinges on an insta-attraction/insta-love which causes jealousy and misunderstandings early in the books. If you aren't into insta-attraction, then this may not be the book for you.

There are a LOT of side characters (the MMC has 4 siblings, the FMC has 2 besties plus 3 male friends that get plenty of page time) -- which gives a ready made cast for future books -- and there is definitely going to be at least one more book. However, I loved all of the side characters. They were fun and their insight was amazing. I'm looking forward to a story about Chiara.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

Corkscrew You is a light-hearted rom-com set in the wine country, a la Tessa Bailey's series with Secretly Yours, which I absolutely loved -- and this book was nearly just as fun! Both our main characters, Shelby and Nate are lovable heroes who have are coming to terms with the loss of their father. Shelby's saddled with fighting for her pride and joy, her wine farm, which previously relied solely on local support and the gravitas of her father. Nate is our Harvard-educated pretty business boy, sent to help rescue the finances of the farm, while also grappling with his father's refusal to utilize modern medicine to survive a diagnosis of viral myocarditis (more on this later...)

What I loved about this book was the way in which it subverted cliches, but still managed to hold tension and stay cozy. For example, our big boss owner of the farm is a family friend of Nate's and admirer of Shelby and her father; he remains warm and understanding throughout the book, instead of this big bad investor. Our small town comprised of a constantly suspicious baker, an incredibly wealthy but also kind and thoughtful hotel owner, and the two best friends of Shelby, who are both intriguing in their own right. I'm particularly excited to see a book for Jordan and Brandon, pleaaaase!

Our two characters fell quick - my one only tiny gripe with this book. It felt like by chapter 3, Nate was already thinking he was in-love with Shelby - which was much, much too fast for me, considering they barely knew each other and Nate was getting over a fiance jilting him. What I did love about this, though, was their quick descent into spicy times. I can fully appreciate a book that spreads its sex scenes throughout while still having plot - yay!

I also appreciated both of our families -- Shelby's family clearly loves her, but has their own lives and have all but abandoned her and the farm. Nate's family is big and driven, AND his father is sort of realistic, but definitely clearly frustrating in way that I was able to relate to. Now, because I'm a medical student, I can't help but comment on the realism of this, which by the way, is genuinely very accurate to medicine. The imminent fear of him falling dead at any moment is a bit odd with a viral myocarditis or dilated cardiomyopathy, since it would be relatively rare and not something I'd necessarily feel incredibly anxious about, until he actually had an arrhythmia episode. Buuut, given this is a man who is reluctant to take meds and had a whole section on the CoQ enzyme, eh, I'm willing to suspend some belief and just be frustrated with Nate's family. I certainly would be, and the author certainly set up enough familial anxiety around it. I'd give anything to slap some sense in this man.

Ultimately, this was an incredibly fun read - I loved loved our cast of characters (again, please give me Jordan and Ava's story!!!!!) and will absolutely be reading sequels to come. Can't wait for our silent grump of a Cam to be a main character!! Giving this book a full 4.5 stars, with a 3.5 for spice!!

[Colin Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shelby is struggling to keep her father's vineyard in business after his death and then her mother, who inherited the complete outfit, tired of the amount of work required to run the vineyard decides to sell. Shelby is forced to find financial backing and after a long struggle does find it - however it comes with a stipulation that she will have to work with a new business manager, Nate. With a clash of personalities things don't go well.......
I must admit that I struggled with this book, both main characters aren't particularly likeable, although I did warm to them as the story developed. There are also some very spicy scenes that I'm not always a fan of. I did persevere with reading and it did all start coming together, in particular the reason for Nate blowing hot and cold in his relationship with Shelby coming clear and the combination of cold business logic against an emotional attachment behind to find a balance. Worth a read, especially if you enjoy the spicy scenes, I would give this 3.5* rounded up to 4* after finishing the book.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book and I subsequently purchased it on release.

[Aubrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this read, like stayed up half the night reading it and I haven't done that in a while. I really enjoyed the story and even though I get some of the other criticism like the FMC's aversion to cussing, and how quick the romance happened I was able to over look it because of how enjoyable I found the story.

Shelby was working double time looking for an investor to save her family business after losing her father when she finally meets JP, a savvy business investor looking to give his last investment of his career some soul but there's a catch. He doesn't believe that Shelby has the business experience to turn the winery around, so agreeing to working with Nate is non negotiable. Shelby instantly dislikes him and thinks he's nothing but a Harvard snob who's going to ruin her family business but she learns quickly that there may be more heart to him than she originally gave him credit for.

I can't wait to read the rest of the series and I just hope there's a Jordan and Brendan book in our future.

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shelby, a bubbly and outgoing girl, loses her father and after the rest of her family decides to sell the family winery, it’s up to her to save the business somehow.
After months of searching, she secured an investor willing to take the risk of helping her out - on one condition. Shelby must work with a big shot Harvard graduate, Nate. Nate’s role is to manage the business because while Shelby knows the ropes of MAKING the wine, she can’t quite let go of those small town roots that her father planted so deep within her.
After deciding to give each other a shot, Nate is forced to make a tough decision after his own father’s health declines.

With strong supporting characters (personally, Kiki is a MAJOR MAJOR favorite), Dylan the Duck, the pigs named after Star Wars that I refuse to spoil for you because you just MUST read, and all the other helpers on the farm (humans AND animals), this was a great quick and cutesy read!

[Sam | Sambooka23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this small town romance. It was an easy, fast paced read that dealt with some tough themes throughout. It gave me Unfortunately Yours by Tessa Bailey vibes.

It had the right amount of spice. It was fun, entertaining and I wanted to bang Shelby and Nathan’s heads together at times. However, the whole enemies to lovers trope was the best in this.

I wanted a bit more from the writing style, I felt at times in lacked and was very YA. I wanted more for it to be more ‘adult’… Does that make sense?

Overall, it was a good, spicy read which I did enjoy. Thank you to @netgalley, Harper Collins and Catherine Robertson for allowing me access to this ARC.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

TWs: grief/family death, depression

Nathan is in charge of turning Shelby's family's beloved winery around. The winery used to be her late father's, but it's been struggling to stay afloat. Even though she wants the winery to succeed, Shelby is resistant to follow Nathan's suggestions, and it seems like their working relationship will not turn out well. On the other hand, their physical relationship is another story...

Tropes:
Grumpy/sunshine
Small Town Romance
He falls first
yearning/angst

I really liked Shelby's personality. She was easy to relate to and is also fiercely independent. We follow her struggle with feelings of grief for her dad while balancing the burden of managing the winery by herself. I also really liked Nathan and his siblings. I thought Shelby and Nathan had good banter and balanced each other out really well. But I felt like Nathan developed feelings pretty fast (falling in love within the first few chapters) when in previous chapters, physical attraction is the only thing that was mentioned. There's a lot of pining/angst after Nathan realizes his feelings (which I live for!) and he struggles with balancing his responsibilities and commitments to his family, job, and relationship with Shelby. Throughout the book, we are able to see how Nathan and Shelby grow together and support each other through their hardships.

A cute and enjoyable read. The writing is humorous, and I laughed out loud at several parts. I'm excited to read the other books in the series: there are some great potential couples!

[Winona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to One More Chapter, Netgalley and author Catherine Robertson for this eARC.

I thoroughly enjoyed Corkscrew You.
Were our MCs, Shelby and Nate annoying and irrational at times? Yes. Did I still love and root for them? Also yes!
I especially loved the banter and the secondary characters.
If you like fun, quick and cute summer romance reads with small town vibes and a grumpy x sunshine romance this is the book for you!
3.75 stars

[Mandiisbooked08 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK One Day publishing for the early copy of this book.
I really enjoyed this read.
Shelby is trying to save her family winery after her father's passing, and is forced to bring in Nate, a savvy businessman, to help her.
Shelby is quirky, independent and the town sweetheart.
Nate is a grade above Type A. Stoic, straightforward, and terrified of failure.
The two fall hard and fast and within a week have mentally said (and done) that 4 letter word.
I'm not usually into instalove, but the way the author navigates their weeklong whirlwind romance, I believed it.
I wish the author had dived a bit more into Shelbys depression after her father's passing. It was mentioned several times, but brushed off as if a 3-month stent on antidepressants is a cure all.
The steam in this book was so much better than I anticipated. Shelby is a good girl and doesn't swear, but she is no shy kitten in the bedroom.
I loved Nate's family, and I am hoping the author continues this world into a series with the siblings' stories.
There were so many great characters, she could bring us back to this winery for years to come.

[Abbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It was lighthearted but also touched on serious family feelings in a way that was relatable, both Nate and Shelby were very likeable characters and all of the side characters were introduced to were very likeable to! I can’t wait to see how things develop with the other characters in this series.

[Rosy Fenwicke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rollicking great rom-com.

What a start to a series! Fast paced fun and laughter on every page. The author’s quick wit is evident in every sentence. Nate and Shelby are a wonderfully likeable couple whose misunderstandings on the path to the fulfilment of their love will keep you turning pages long after your bedtime and theirs! Looking forward to Book 2.

[ari joy cave · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rounded up from a 1.5 🌟

Mmmm this book wasn’t for me. I finished out of pure determination and the need to come out triumphant. I think I enjoyed about 30%? And then I became disinterested which often happens with romances. Also I’m not a big fan of Nathan, especially after their argument. He’s a very insecure character and hearing his thoughts exasperated me. The back and forth was a little unnecessary. Do I need to hear every single thing he’s mulling over in the span of five minutes? It seemed like he enjoyed Shelby's company and loved her because she was ready to accept anything he threw at her, but, as soon as she puts up a fight and says something out of line, he drops the relationship. A man in dire need of therapy and not someone I really want to read about. The beginning was a little hard to get through because the flow of consciousness style of writing was a little overwhelming although it does tone down a little after a couple of chapters. It’s also quite cheesy.

It was tiring to constantly hear all of Shelby and Ethan’s thoughts 24/7. I wish we could’ve been shown a bit more instead of being told, but is that what the romance genre is like? I’m not sure. Also, why is everyone gorgeous? It’s like a town full of models. That’s kinda all they are. They’re gorgeous, have a job that no one else has, and they have a quirk.

Overall, not really for me, but there is some enjoyment to be taken out of this book! I had a few laughs.

[Stephanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I want to thank HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

sadly a DNF for me again.. I’m finding this book to be way too fast paced.. Nathan is already going gaga over Shelby and I reached only about 25%.. I feel like this man will profess his love in the next coming chapter already.. I’m feeling nothing.. not much of exploration is going on in this one..

[Nics · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars
I enjoyed this romcom and liked the family closeness aspects too Nathan and Shelby are very well suited for each other the banter and funny moments between them made me laugh so much. The only issue I had with this book is that Shelby came across immature at times which did annoy me at times.

[claire · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book gets better and better as the reading goes on and I love it

[Jasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!
Lovely easy read
The romance happened quite quickly which I didn’t expect but it wasn’t a bad thing. Lots of little funny moments throughout the book to which I enjoyed.
Looking forward to starting the next one.

[Grackie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Blerrrrrrgghhhhhhh.

The spice did not make up for the sludginess of the plot. Sorry.

[Andrea ☾ [is inconsistently consistant] · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️ It takes hard work to save a vineyard!
Thank you so much Net Galley for the eARC!

Nate has been hired to help Shelby's family-owned Flora Valley Wines get out of debt after her father's passing. Although they seem focused on their differences at first, they know they ultimately want the same thing: for the vineyard to succeed. But money and soul are two very diametrically different concepts, and success looks differently depending on what it is you want most.

This book scraped by the three-star mark, but barely. It was rom-com-y and cute, and although I really like the premise and the side characters, the MMC was a big problem for me. He is basically just a walking, talking alphahole who decides, out of nowhere, that he's in love with her. I usually love instalove, instalust stories, but this one didn't make sense at all. They have a couple of conversations, in which he keeps thinking how terrible she is and how he wishes he could hit her so hard she passed out and stopped talking... I wish I was kidding. And, although I'm sure these things could work for someone else, I'm not that someone. I liked Shelby, the FMC, well enough. She was more of a cry-baby push-over than I would have liked, but then again a good cry is good every now and then, and there's an important part of this book that focuses on mental health and grief. The ending was cute, and I love the chances for other stand-alones in this series.

Apart from the terrible MMC, my biggest problem with this book was the writing. It felt so unnatural and the grammar was so odd at times. Why say 'thank you, thank you' every time, even to yourself in your own head? That was another thing, this book has Dual POV changing from Nate to Shelby, and they do this thing where they talk to themselves in the third person and then answer themselves too, in their heads. The narration doesn't stop or show any punctuation to signal there's a change in tone or anything like that, but there were questions and answers. It was just weird.

🌶🌶 - There are a couple of s*x scenes, but they're not particularly great, imo. Except for the key lime pie one. That one was good.

[Robin (DocRobReads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm actually giving this one 3.75 stars and rounding up for Goodreads and NetGalley. This was a solid story. And while the pacing didn't always work for me, and some of the "quirks" were annoying and not endearing, I still managed to finish it within a day. When I walked away due to competing responsibilities, I was imagining what was going to happen next. So technically, while I thought the story had some problems. Clearly, there was enough "there" there. 😍

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5
This book has such a fun premise and I did enjoy Nate and Shelby. They fell for each other pretty fast but did have to work for it and communicate.
I enjoyed meeting all the characters and am excited to see more of them.

I’m still working through my thoughts but yeah basically this

ETA 3/29/24 I’m keeping it at 3.5 but making the stars 4 instead of 3 because vibes