What do you think?
Rate this book
Lost Creek - Texas Hill Country #1
The Perfect Blend
Welcome to Lost Creek, a small town deep in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, where people come seeking new opportunities and a chance to reinvent themselves—and maybe even find love.
A man rocked by scandal. A woman betrayed by those she loved. A kiss that should be wrong but is more than right…
Winemaker Braden Clark’s world is turned upside down when his father is convicted of embezzlement charges and sentenced to prison. The family’s prestigious company, Clark Vineyards, no longer exists, its assets and the very land the grapes grow on having been seized by the federal government. Braden, tainted by scandal, can’t land a job in the wine industry, despite his skills and reputation.
Event planner Harper Hart discovers the day before her wedding that her fiancé has been cheating on her with her best friend. Eager to escape Austin, she returns home to Lost Creek, a small town in the serene Texas Hill Country, where her family runs Lost Creek Vineyards, known for its remarkable wines.
Braden gets a fresh start as a viticulturist at Lost Creek Winery, soon working his way up to chief winemaker. He would prefer to devote all his time and energy to his job, but Harper, who has taken on the role of the winery’s event manager, is a sexy distraction that he can’t seem to avoid.
Soon, their professional and personal lives intertwine, with their friendship deepening. As they learn to lean on one another for support and heal emotionally, friendship turns into love.
Can two people damaged almost beyond repair heal emotionally?
Find the answer in bestselling author Alexa Aston’s The Perfect Blend, the first book in Lost Texas Hill Country. This romance contains no third-act breakup!
Each book in the series is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order. The entire series is available in Kindle Unlimited.
A man rocked by scandal. A woman betrayed by those she loved. A kiss that should be wrong but is more than right…
Winemaker Braden Clark’s world is turned upside down when his father is convicted of embezzlement charges and sentenced to prison. The family’s prestigious company, Clark Vineyards, no longer exists, its assets and the very land the grapes grow on having been seized by the federal government. Braden, tainted by scandal, can’t land a job in the wine industry, despite his skills and reputation.
Event planner Harper Hart discovers the day before her wedding that her fiancé has been cheating on her with her best friend. Eager to escape Austin, she returns home to Lost Creek, a small town in the serene Texas Hill Country, where her family runs Lost Creek Vineyards, known for its remarkable wines.
Braden gets a fresh start as a viticulturist at Lost Creek Winery, soon working his way up to chief winemaker. He would prefer to devote all his time and energy to his job, but Harper, who has taken on the role of the winery’s event manager, is a sexy distraction that he can’t seem to avoid.
Soon, their professional and personal lives intertwine, with their friendship deepening. As they learn to lean on one another for support and heal emotionally, friendship turns into love.
Can two people damaged almost beyond repair heal emotionally?
Find the answer in bestselling author Alexa Aston’s The Perfect Blend, the first book in Lost Texas Hill Country. This romance contains no third-act breakup!
Each book in the series is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order. The entire series is available in Kindle Unlimited.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2024
44 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Alexa Aston
151 books482 followersAward-winning and USA Today bestselling author Alexa Aston lives with her husband in a Dallas suburb, where she eats her fair share of dark chocolate and plots out stories while she walks every morning. She enjoys travel, sports, and time with her family.
Her historical romances bring to life loveable rogues and dashing knights, while her contemporary romances are light and flirty and sometimes contain a bit of suspense.
Stay in touch with Alexa at:
Website: https://alexaaston.com/
Newsletter Sign-Up: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/form...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoralexaa...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlexaAston
BookBub Follow: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alexa...
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/alexaaston
BingeBooks Author Page: https://bingebooks.com/profile/AlexaA...
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Her historical romances bring to life loveable rogues and dashing knights, while her contemporary romances are light and flirty and sometimes contain a bit of suspense.
Stay in touch with Alexa at:
Website: https://alexaaston.com/
Newsletter Sign-Up: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/form...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoralexaa...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlexaAston
BookBub Follow: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alexa...
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/alexaaston
BingeBooks Author Page: https://bingebooks.com/profile/AlexaA...
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 22, 2024
Romance in Texas Hill Country
First in a new series, The Perfect Blend takes place in Texas wine country. Aston frequently features characters who have experienced a reversal in life and need a second chance. Braden's career has been destroyed by his father's dishonest practices at the family owned wine business. When he applies for work at Lost Creek Vineyard, he is broke and out of other opportunities. On the night before her wedding, Harper is jilted by her fiance and learns that he's been cheating with her best friend. Because she can't remain where she will continue to run into her ex and be reminded of her humiliation, she returns to her family's business, Lost Creek Vineyards. In the supportive environment of Lost Creek, both embark on new ventures and begin to regain hope that they can make new lives for themselves. Of course, there are immediate sparks between the two. Like most featured Aston characters, both are sincere and honest, but also vulnerable and skeptical about being hurt again. The book is filled with fun facts about wine making, event planning and this part of Texas.
First in a new series, The Perfect Blend takes place in Texas wine country. Aston frequently features characters who have experienced a reversal in life and need a second chance. Braden's career has been destroyed by his father's dishonest practices at the family owned wine business. When he applies for work at Lost Creek Vineyard, he is broke and out of other opportunities. On the night before her wedding, Harper is jilted by her fiance and learns that he's been cheating with her best friend. Because she can't remain where she will continue to run into her ex and be reminded of her humiliation, she returns to her family's business, Lost Creek Vineyards. In the supportive environment of Lost Creek, both embark on new ventures and begin to regain hope that they can make new lives for themselves. Of course, there are immediate sparks between the two. Like most featured Aston characters, both are sincere and honest, but also vulnerable and skeptical about being hurt again. The book is filled with fun facts about wine making, event planning and this part of Texas.
May 11, 2024
The Perfect Blend is the first book in the new Lost Creek - Texas Hill Country romance series. Harper has moved back home to Lost Creek to her family’s winery after being left the day before her wedding for her best friend. She is looking for a new start and has big ideas for her future, including a new event center at the winery. Braden Clark just got the job of viticulturist at Lost Creek Winery following a scandal at his family’s own winery. Both Braden and Harper are looking for fresh starts and they find them at Lost Creek Winery.
When I saw this small town romance, it looked cute and sweet, just like I was in the mood to read. It fit the bill! I loved both Harper and Braden and their separate stories and really liked how this all played out. This was a sweet, slow burn small town romance that was a good read. The story was an easy read that was fun and intriguing from the beginning. It was a little slow at times, but overall I really enjoyed it. If you are a small town romance fan check this one out.
When I saw this small town romance, it looked cute and sweet, just like I was in the mood to read. It fit the bill! I loved both Harper and Braden and their separate stories and really liked how this all played out. This was a sweet, slow burn small town romance that was a good read. The story was an easy read that was fun and intriguing from the beginning. It was a little slow at times, but overall I really enjoyed it. If you are a small town romance fan check this one out.
May 5, 2024
This is a fun, entertaining, sweet romance. Braden and Harper are interesting, relatable, intriguing, complex, entertaining, fun characters. I enjoyed their romance and the path it took to get to their HEA. I love the family and friends aspects of this story as much as the small town vibes. I’m looking forward to reading the other books in the series. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment. The story is easy to read and get into.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 24, 2024
A sweet story
I have read this author's historical books and enjoyed them so thought I would try these. She writes a sweet tale that has it's rough, really rough parts. She gives us great characters and ones that we want to read more of.
This is not a spicy tale so don't expect vivid descriptions. You enjoy the HEA without overly describing each and every detail of sex. Its glossed over.
I have read this author's historical books and enjoyed them so thought I would try these. She writes a sweet tale that has it's rough, really rough parts. She gives us great characters and ones that we want to read more of.
This is not a spicy tale so don't expect vivid descriptions. You enjoy the HEA without overly describing each and every detail of sex. Its glossed over.
May 11, 2024
This is the first book in the Lost Creek:Texas Hill Country Series. I love a series that evolves around family and close friends, especially when the characters are well written, super likable, both the primary and secondary characters in this story were stellar.
This is the story about two people who have had their lives totally uprooted by people who were supposed to love them and their journey to moving on with their lives, starting over, and healing emotionally and professionally.
Harper Hart has been betrayed by her fiancé and best friend and finds out the day before her wedding. Her parents own the Lost Creek Winery, she returns home to escape the drama from her broken engagement, and along with her sister Ivy, they suggest changes for the winery. Harper has once again found purpose with a new business Weddings With Hart at the winery.
Braden Clark loses everything when his father is convicted of embezzlement, they lose the family’s prestigious winery in California, his fiancé left him, and he is broke. He takes a chance and applies for a job at the Lost Creek Winery, and is hired as the viticulturist, he sees future possibilities and recovery of all he has lost because of this opportunity.
When Braden and Harper meet they are both attracted to each other but neither is emotionally ready for more than friendship. Braden is truly a wonderful person, he is kind, caring, offers his assistance, and is a good cook. Harper is super organized, smart, kind and caring too.
As they spend time together professionally, it is obvious to everyone around them that they are perfect for each other. They start a relationship with the intentions of taking things slowly, but their love and connection was deep and strong, so friendship quickly turns to love, and marriage. I love a story where people have been beaten down by unfortunate events, but they don’t give up, and in Braden and Harper’s case, find their true soulmate.
A really well written romantic story, the author writes the emotions the characters experience in such a believable manner. The interesting facts about the winery, and Braden’s recipes were a wonderful addition to the story.
I tend to read historical romances, and that is where, I first encountered Alexa Alston’s writing, but I was pleasantly surprised, I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the rest of the series. She has left me anxiously awaiting for Ivy and Dex’s romance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the story about two people who have had their lives totally uprooted by people who were supposed to love them and their journey to moving on with their lives, starting over, and healing emotionally and professionally.
Harper Hart has been betrayed by her fiancé and best friend and finds out the day before her wedding. Her parents own the Lost Creek Winery, she returns home to escape the drama from her broken engagement, and along with her sister Ivy, they suggest changes for the winery. Harper has once again found purpose with a new business Weddings With Hart at the winery.
Braden Clark loses everything when his father is convicted of embezzlement, they lose the family’s prestigious winery in California, his fiancé left him, and he is broke. He takes a chance and applies for a job at the Lost Creek Winery, and is hired as the viticulturist, he sees future possibilities and recovery of all he has lost because of this opportunity.
When Braden and Harper meet they are both attracted to each other but neither is emotionally ready for more than friendship. Braden is truly a wonderful person, he is kind, caring, offers his assistance, and is a good cook. Harper is super organized, smart, kind and caring too.
As they spend time together professionally, it is obvious to everyone around them that they are perfect for each other. They start a relationship with the intentions of taking things slowly, but their love and connection was deep and strong, so friendship quickly turns to love, and marriage. I love a story where people have been beaten down by unfortunate events, but they don’t give up, and in Braden and Harper’s case, find their true soulmate.
A really well written romantic story, the author writes the emotions the characters experience in such a believable manner. The interesting facts about the winery, and Braden’s recipes were a wonderful addition to the story.
I tend to read historical romances, and that is where, I first encountered Alexa Alston’s writing, but I was pleasantly surprised, I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the rest of the series. She has left me anxiously awaiting for Ivy and Dex’s romance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 19, 2024
I've read and enjoyed many of Alexa Aston's historical romances, so I was looking forward to reading The Perfect Blend and I was not disappointed.
When his father was charged with embezzlement and sentenced to jail, winemaker Braden Clark had lost everything. Despite of all his connections in the industry, nobody is willing to give him a chance - until he lands on his feet when he gets a job as a viticulturist as Lost Creek Vineyards situated in a small town in Texas Hill Country. Romance is the very last thing on his mind - until a chance encounter with event planner Harper Hart turns his world upside down!
Harper has just discovered that the man she had been about to marry had cheated on her - with her best friend! Escaping to her hometown of Lost Creek seems like the only option available to her. After her heartbreak, Harper is certainly not looking for another relationship, but when she crosses paths with Braden, the two quickly become friends.
Is their friendship about to develop into something deeper? Or will their fears and insecurities keep them from taking a chance on love?
Alexa Aston knows how to write a fun, entertaining and emotional romance that touches the heart and tickles the funny bone and The Perfect Blend is an excellent example of her storytelling talents. Readers will be completely charmed by The Perfect Blend and will be counting down the days until they can return to Lost Creek, Texas Hill Country.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When his father was charged with embezzlement and sentenced to jail, winemaker Braden Clark had lost everything. Despite of all his connections in the industry, nobody is willing to give him a chance - until he lands on his feet when he gets a job as a viticulturist as Lost Creek Vineyards situated in a small town in Texas Hill Country. Romance is the very last thing on his mind - until a chance encounter with event planner Harper Hart turns his world upside down!
Harper has just discovered that the man she had been about to marry had cheated on her - with her best friend! Escaping to her hometown of Lost Creek seems like the only option available to her. After her heartbreak, Harper is certainly not looking for another relationship, but when she crosses paths with Braden, the two quickly become friends.
Is their friendship about to develop into something deeper? Or will their fears and insecurities keep them from taking a chance on love?
Alexa Aston knows how to write a fun, entertaining and emotional romance that touches the heart and tickles the funny bone and The Perfect Blend is an excellent example of her storytelling talents. Readers will be completely charmed by The Perfect Blend and will be counting down the days until they can return to Lost Creek, Texas Hill Country.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 22, 2024
Lighthearted and entertaining, this novel brings two people who have been devastated by a scandal, not of their own making. Harper returns home to Lost Creek where she determines to map out a new future for herself, whilst Braden finally manages to find a job at Lost Creek Vineyards after the horror that was his family. Both Harper and Braden are strong characters, determined to work through their past, and it is fortunate that they find in each other the strength and hope they need. The love story between the main characters is sweet and I enjoyed how their relationship developed, however, I did find the nitty-gritty details of starting a new business rather mind-numbing. I received a copy of this novel as a gift through BookSprout and this is my honest and voluntary review.
May 20, 2024
Braden and Harper have both been burned by someone they thought loved them, he by his criminal father who ruined his family and by default Braden’s reputation and career and Harper by her fiancé who left her for her best friend. The attraction was there right away but she just got out of a long-term relationship and he’s trying to rebuild his career working for her family winery. I enjoyed reading about all the places they visited, work that goes into wine making, and the yummy food they ate some of which Braden made. I loved the epilogue. I liked her artistic sister Ivy and I’m looking forward to her romance.
May 21, 2024
The first book in a new series, Lost Creek:Texas Hill Country. Lost Creek Winery has just gained two employees who are looking to rebuild their lives, Harper, who has moved home after a canceled wedding. Braden has moved from his family's winery after a scandal.
A fresh start is what both need. Can Lost Creek Winery provide this professionally and personally?
This is a slow-burn, small-town romance built around family and close friends. I liked the first book, and I am looking forward to more from Lost Creek.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
A fresh start is what both need. Can Lost Creek Winery provide this professionally and personally?
This is a slow-burn, small-town romance built around family and close friends. I liked the first book, and I am looking forward to more from Lost Creek.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
May 28, 2024
Finding a Second Chance
In this small-town romance, two people are looking for a chance to start over. After her cheating fiancée cheated on her with her best friend, Harper returns home to start a new project. There, she meets Braden.
After scandal destroys his family, Braden comes to Lost Creek, hoping to work in the winemaking industry again. Harper's father hires him. Little does he know that he will not only find a job, but also love. Will Harper and Braden let love into their hearts despite being betrayed by people they love? If you like small-town, contemporary romance, you will have to read the story to find the answer.
In this small-town romance, two people are looking for a chance to start over. After her cheating fiancée cheated on her with her best friend, Harper returns home to start a new project. There, she meets Braden.
After scandal destroys his family, Braden comes to Lost Creek, hoping to work in the winemaking industry again. Harper's father hires him. Little does he know that he will not only find a job, but also love. Will Harper and Braden let love into their hearts despite being betrayed by people they love? If you like small-town, contemporary romance, you will have to read the story to find the answer.
June 16, 2024
the book felt rather one-dimensional somehow, it didn't raise any excitement while reading it. plus the connection between the MCs was pretty puny. for example in chapter 11, the MCs kissed and decided to be more than friends and explored a relationship yada yada. then suddenly in chapter 16, it fast forward and the hero was like "he was going to tell her that he loved her. they had been together five months..." i was like huh?? honestly, i didn't felt that they were connecting on a deep level in between the chapters. bleh....
May 6, 2024
Harper and Braden have both had their lives turned upside down by people they loved. Those losses have led them both to Lost Creek Vineyards. The vineyard belongs to Harper's parents, and they have just hired Braden. They become friends over time, and a spark begins to develop. It is risky to do anything about that, but they go ahead and give it a try. They are a sweet couple, especially after everything they have been through. I enjoyed this story, and I am looking forward to Ivy's book.
May 19, 2024
Harper betrayed by her fiancé and best friend returns home to her family’s vineyard to make a fresh start.
Braden lost everything, his name, his reputation, and his career when his father was sent to prison.
He gains a fresh start when Harper’s father takes a chance and hires him. They meet professionally and personally thus the sweet romance begins.
Book one of a series with good character development and fun dialogue.
I received an ARC but the honest opinion is my own.
Braden lost everything, his name, his reputation, and his career when his father was sent to prison.
He gains a fresh start when Harper’s father takes a chance and hires him. They meet professionally and personally thus the sweet romance begins.
Book one of a series with good character development and fun dialogue.
I received an ARC but the honest opinion is my own.
August 28, 2025
The story of two people looking for a place to start over, Braden and Harper find that at Lost Creek Winery.
The first in a series, the slow burn, small town romance fit the bill for me! It’s a fun, light hearted, easy read. The author sets up the background providing opportunities for subsequent books in the series. If you need a sweet easy read, this would be perfect.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The first in a series, the slow burn, small town romance fit the bill for me! It’s a fun, light hearted, easy read. The author sets up the background providing opportunities for subsequent books in the series. If you need a sweet easy read, this would be perfect.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 16, 2024
I absolutely loved everything about this book! The sweet love story with a hint of spice; the small town inclusion with its romantic history; the knowledge and inclusion of vineyard living and business. I could go on and on. Harper and Braden are made for each other! I can't wait to red more books by Alexa Aston! Definitely recommending and searching for more of her books!
May 19, 2024
Heartwarming start to a new series, readers will be enchanted by this story. Fantastic characters, great settings, and a romance that is both sweet and sexy. I always enjoy what this author comes up with. I read this in one sitting. I couldn't put it down!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 16, 2024
A great story about two people who have been through alot and find each other. They are able to heal each other. Braden and Harper meet at Lost Creek Vineyards, her parents vineyard and know they have something special. Great supporting characters.
February 26, 2025
This was an easy and enjoyable read. As a fellow Texan I enjoyed reading about the local places. Great characters and story line. I do wish there had been a bit more character development but it was good. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
May 21, 2024
Loved reading Braden and Harper's wonderful story set in Lost Creek in the Texas Hills. Such a great story, can't wait to read more about the lives and loves of its other residents.
May 27, 2024
Ok read
Harper is jilted by her politically ambitious fiance. She goes home and starts her event planning business, falls in love, and has a happy life.
Harper is jilted by her politically ambitious fiance. She goes home and starts her event planning business, falls in love, and has a happy life.
February 20, 2025
Loved it
Loved this romance and the characters as they developed in the story line. Now I want a glass of wine.
Loved this romance and the characters as they developed in the story line. Now I want a glass of wine.
May 28, 2024
This is a sweet romance where two people who needed a fresh start and a second chance at love find the opportunity. Braden and Harper have both had their lives torn apart. The characters in the story are well written. The plot is smooth and easy to follow. The dialogue is simple and makes turning the pages easy.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews