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Dogwood Cove #3
Work and Play
Sharing a rental house with a hot guy? Check
Finding out that hot guy is my new boss? Check.
My new boss clearly not wanting me there? You guessed it, check.
Landing an interior design job at Finn McNeil’s new winery in Dogwood Cove is supposed to be my fresh start. Let’s just say things aren’t going as planned: It’s clear he doesn’t want my help.
Not to mention he’s grumpy, stubborn, and annoyingly sexy.
But I’m determined to win him over with my charm and professionalism. Not only do I need this job, but this town has become more than a place to earn a living, it’s become home.
When we start to blur the lines between work and play, things start to get complicated. Are we headed for disaster, or is this the perfect blend for love?
Finding out that hot guy is my new boss? Check.
My new boss clearly not wanting me there? You guessed it, check.
Landing an interior design job at Finn McNeil’s new winery in Dogwood Cove is supposed to be my fresh start. Let’s just say things aren’t going as planned: It’s clear he doesn’t want my help.
Not to mention he’s grumpy, stubborn, and annoyingly sexy.
But I’m determined to win him over with my charm and professionalism. Not only do I need this job, but this town has become more than a place to earn a living, it’s become home.
When we start to blur the lines between work and play, things start to get complicated. Are we headed for disaster, or is this the perfect blend for love?
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 10, 2022
83 people are currently reading
798 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
February 28, 2022
•Canadian small town romance
•Workplace/forbidden
•Grumpy/sunshine meets opposites attract
•Forced proximity
Work and Play is book 3 in the Dogwood Cove series and was oh-so-enjoyable! Finn & Ashley had phenomenal chemistry that was palpable while reading. I loved how Finn was such a pessimist when it came to becoming one of Ashley’s clients, but she quickly changed his mind about her. If you’re a wine fan, this will be for & I loved how this was centered around a winery. Another winning romance from Julia Jarrett!
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to the author for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
•Workplace/forbidden
•Grumpy/sunshine meets opposites attract
•Forced proximity
Work and Play is book 3 in the Dogwood Cove series and was oh-so-enjoyable! Finn & Ashley had phenomenal chemistry that was palpable while reading. I loved how Finn was such a pessimist when it came to becoming one of Ashley’s clients, but she quickly changed his mind about her. If you’re a wine fan, this will be for & I loved how this was centered around a winery. Another winning romance from Julia Jarrett!
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to the author for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 27, 2022
Welcome back to Dogwood Cove. We have Finn and Ashley up next and this enemies to lover's tale is sweet, sexy, steamy and so much fun. Finn and his partner are opening a winery and they need the expertise of a designer. Let's meet Ashley, who is a friend of the winery partner and about to give Finn a run for his money.
Ashley has been trying to prove herself in the design world so when she is offered the job to design the new winery tasting area, she jumps at it. She is accustomed to push back but what she isn't prepared for is Finn. He is arrogant, so full of himself, too handsome for his own good and always wants to be right.
Finn has never met a woman that he didn't like, or he couldn't woo but that is all about to change when he comes to face to face with his new nemesis Ashley.
This couple has sassy witty banter, they butt heads at each turn, and they are both fighting the same attraction to one another. I loved falling back into the old characters from Dogwood and catching up with them! So much fun.
~~Michele McMullen ~~
Ashley has been trying to prove herself in the design world so when she is offered the job to design the new winery tasting area, she jumps at it. She is accustomed to push back but what she isn't prepared for is Finn. He is arrogant, so full of himself, too handsome for his own good and always wants to be right.
Finn has never met a woman that he didn't like, or he couldn't woo but that is all about to change when he comes to face to face with his new nemesis Ashley.
This couple has sassy witty banter, they butt heads at each turn, and they are both fighting the same attraction to one another. I loved falling back into the old characters from Dogwood and catching up with them! So much fun.
~~Michele McMullen ~~
January 13, 2022
Work and Play is the third book in the Dogwood Cove series! This is such a lovely Canadian series full of loveable, relatable characters. Work and Play was not my favourite of the series, but was still a deliciously steamy, full of real life angst romance that will tug at your heartstrings. Julia knows how to get your heart racing, the tension builds up and the explosive steamy scenes to please all your fantasies.
Dogwood Cove series covers real life issues, conflicts that every day couples would actually experience it. While we're used to books that have crazy and elaborate conflicts that these conflicts seem menial but they're actual real life relationship problems that would actually happen. After that reminder, these books are a delight to experience the beautiful Canadian landscapes, lovely characters and Hallmark After Dark steam scenes. If you're looking for a Canadian author producing Canadian content to set your skin on fire - check out this series!
Dogwood Cove series covers real life issues, conflicts that every day couples would actually experience it. While we're used to books that have crazy and elaborate conflicts that these conflicts seem menial but they're actual real life relationship problems that would actually happen. After that reminder, these books are a delight to experience the beautiful Canadian landscapes, lovely characters and Hallmark After Dark steam scenes. If you're looking for a Canadian author producing Canadian content to set your skin on fire - check out this series!
January 7, 2022
Easy 5⭐.
I've made no secret that I am a huge fan of the author and this series.
Dogwood Cove is one of those fictional places you really wish was real.
Julia has done it again with this next installment into the series.
The storyline had me engaged from the very beginning
( I mean, what's not to love about a enemies to lovers, close proximity, small town romance featuring some of my very favourite characters)
And as per usual the HEA was nothing short of magic for me.
Highly recommend.
*I Was lucky enough to be granted an arc for this incredible book curtesy of the author in exchange for my honest opinion*
I've made no secret that I am a huge fan of the author and this series.
Dogwood Cove is one of those fictional places you really wish was real.
Julia has done it again with this next installment into the series.
The storyline had me engaged from the very beginning
( I mean, what's not to love about a enemies to lovers, close proximity, small town romance featuring some of my very favourite characters)
And as per usual the HEA was nothing short of magic for me.
Highly recommend.
*I Was lucky enough to be granted an arc for this incredible book curtesy of the author in exchange for my honest opinion*
![Profile Image for Amy [Book Addict Reviews].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1572307419i%2F47676940._UY200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
January 25, 2022
I absolutely adored Finn and Ashley’s story. It was the perfect mixture of sweet, spice, and emotion from the start. Their chemistry is instant and perfect and their banter was on point.
I loved Finn. I love that he was broody and kind of a jerk on the outside, but inside there is so much more to him and he was so sweet, caring, and dirty. Ashley is such a likable character. She is confident, smart, and talented when it comes to interior design. I loved her determination in trying to prove Finn wrong when it came to her job. She wasn’t afraid to stand up to the man.
Grab yourself a glass of wine, sit back and enjoy this story! This story was so much fun to read from start to finish. The characters are amazing and their relationship was great. I love the small town and the fact that everyone knows everyone’s business. Plus, it is always fun to catch up with the previous couples in the series.
If you’re looking for a small town, workplace, forced proximity romance this is one to read!
I loved Finn. I love that he was broody and kind of a jerk on the outside, but inside there is so much more to him and he was so sweet, caring, and dirty. Ashley is such a likable character. She is confident, smart, and talented when it comes to interior design. I loved her determination in trying to prove Finn wrong when it came to her job. She wasn’t afraid to stand up to the man.
Grab yourself a glass of wine, sit back and enjoy this story! This story was so much fun to read from start to finish. The characters are amazing and their relationship was great. I love the small town and the fact that everyone knows everyone’s business. Plus, it is always fun to catch up with the previous couples in the series.
If you’re looking for a small town, workplace, forced proximity romance this is one to read!
December 26, 2021
4.5 Stars ⭐️
Work and Play is the third book in Julia Jarrett’s small town romance series - Dogwood Cove. In this book, sexy wine maker/sommelier Finn, meets his match in interior designer, Ashley. Full disclosure, I was waiting for this book because I have a soft spot for the men of this series and Julia did not disappoint!
Finn is one helluva sexy protagonist. I wasn’t expecting him to fall gracefully, and in fact he didn’t. He was guarded and protective of both his business and his heart and that’s what made his fall, that much more fun to read. He didn’t stand a chance and Ashley was the perfect woman for him.
Ashley is one of the good ones. She has a big heart and lots of love to give. I enjoyed watching her find her place in town while fighting her attraction to Finn, her client. With the added ‘airbnbmates’ factor, things heated up pretty quickly.
Work and Play ticked off all my boxes. It was the best kind of enemies to lovers, forced proximity, small town romance read and it took me back to one of my favorite fictional places - Dogwood Cove - a place I’d love to visit and a group of friends, I’d love to be a part of. For these reasons and more, I’m giving it the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!
Work and Play is the third book in Julia Jarrett’s small town romance series - Dogwood Cove. In this book, sexy wine maker/sommelier Finn, meets his match in interior designer, Ashley. Full disclosure, I was waiting for this book because I have a soft spot for the men of this series and Julia did not disappoint!
Finn is one helluva sexy protagonist. I wasn’t expecting him to fall gracefully, and in fact he didn’t. He was guarded and protective of both his business and his heart and that’s what made his fall, that much more fun to read. He didn’t stand a chance and Ashley was the perfect woman for him.
Ashley is one of the good ones. She has a big heart and lots of love to give. I enjoyed watching her find her place in town while fighting her attraction to Finn, her client. With the added ‘airbnbmates’ factor, things heated up pretty quickly.
Work and Play ticked off all my boxes. It was the best kind of enemies to lovers, forced proximity, small town romance read and it took me back to one of my favorite fictional places - Dogwood Cove - a place I’d love to visit and a group of friends, I’d love to be a part of. For these reasons and more, I’m giving it the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!
January 24, 2023
I have to start this review by complimenting Julia Jarrett for her male cover model. Rhyllan completely fitted the description of Finn, and while the story played out in my head, Finn also had his face. Which was nice because Rhyllan is hot AF!!
Julia Jarrett has the talent to give life to her characters and stories. Finn and Ashley felt like real people with relatable problems, doubts, and emotions.
I liked both Finn and Ashley. Ashey is confident yet careful with the decisions she makes, this made her more real for me.
Finn is the broody winemaker who acts like an asshole. He actually is the sweetest, most caring man, but he is scared of what might happen.
I love Dogwood Cove! It really has that Stars Hollow vibe where everyone knows everyone and is in each other's business, a place with real community spirit.
I enjoyed catching up on previous characters' lives. It's like meeting up with an old friend who tells you how their lives have been since the last time we saw each other.
Work Anf Play is another win for Julia Jarrett with this well-written, lighthearted story filled with humor, emotions, and steam.
Title: WORK AND PLAY
Author: JULIA JARRETT
Series: Dogwood Cove book 3
(Sub)Tropes: Small town/forced proximity/workplace romance
POV: DUAL
Steam level: Sexy (=Multiple sex scenes with graphic language. The sexy plays a role in a story but is not the main focus.
Do I recommend it? Ye
I received an ARC from the author but am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
Julia Jarrett has the talent to give life to her characters and stories. Finn and Ashley felt like real people with relatable problems, doubts, and emotions.
I liked both Finn and Ashley. Ashey is confident yet careful with the decisions she makes, this made her more real for me.
Finn is the broody winemaker who acts like an asshole. He actually is the sweetest, most caring man, but he is scared of what might happen.
I love Dogwood Cove! It really has that Stars Hollow vibe where everyone knows everyone and is in each other's business, a place with real community spirit.
I enjoyed catching up on previous characters' lives. It's like meeting up with an old friend who tells you how their lives have been since the last time we saw each other.
Work Anf Play is another win for Julia Jarrett with this well-written, lighthearted story filled with humor, emotions, and steam.
Title: WORK AND PLAY
Author: JULIA JARRETT
Series: Dogwood Cove book 3
(Sub)Tropes: Small town/forced proximity/workplace romance
POV: DUAL
Steam level: Sexy (=Multiple sex scenes with graphic language. The sexy plays a role in a story but is not the main focus.
Do I recommend it? Ye
I received an ARC from the author but am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
May 8, 2022
This is my favorite of the Dogwood Cove series! 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗬 is a perfectly sweet (and steamy) small town, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity read! Why do I love "trapped together in a blizzard" so much? It's just my favorite.
Finn and Ashley have chemistry for days! I love Finn's grumpy ass to Ashley's sunshine. Ashley is kind, smart, creative, and hard working! I loved her! And Finn is so swoony. He cares so much about wine and I love that we can see exactly why he wants no part of Ashley's job at his winery. Watching her win him over was seriously swoony.
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗬 can totally be read as a standalone so you can dive right in, even if you haven't read the previous books in this series. And you really should because this book is a great one!
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated R / 1-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: cheating ex, parent with health issues
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 2/5 - A bit of drama, but still a pretty light read.
👇🏻𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗠𝗘 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘👇🏻
INSTAGRAM | YEAR OF SMUT CHALLENGE
Finn and Ashley have chemistry for days! I love Finn's grumpy ass to Ashley's sunshine. Ashley is kind, smart, creative, and hard working! I loved her! And Finn is so swoony. He cares so much about wine and I love that we can see exactly why he wants no part of Ashley's job at his winery. Watching her win him over was seriously swoony.
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗬 can totally be read as a standalone so you can dive right in, even if you haven't read the previous books in this series. And you really should because this book is a great one!
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated R / 1-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: cheating ex, parent with health issues
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 2/5 - A bit of drama, but still a pretty light read.
👇🏻𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗠𝗘 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘👇🏻
INSTAGRAM | YEAR OF SMUT CHALLENGE
August 8, 2022
It was so nice to get back to Dogwood Cove, I absolutely adore this small town, it’s a town and a group of people that I would definitely hang with. The characters in this series are just wonderful friendly people, friends who are loyal and would drop everything at the drop of a hat to help each other out.
I really liked the snippets we saw in book one and two of Finn so it was really great to finally see inside his head. He is a lovely guy, who has a heart of gold, though he also has some grump in him too haha, though there are reasons for that. Ashley was a welcome member to add to this group of friends, she is a lovely girl, one who needs someplace new to call home, she has definitely landed in the right town for that.
Super sweet but sexy read with some added steam for the win. It was a real easy read, one I didn’t want to put down.
Thanks for the pleasure ❤️
I really liked the snippets we saw in book one and two of Finn so it was really great to finally see inside his head. He is a lovely guy, who has a heart of gold, though he also has some grump in him too haha, though there are reasons for that. Ashley was a welcome member to add to this group of friends, she is a lovely girl, one who needs someplace new to call home, she has definitely landed in the right town for that.
Super sweet but sexy read with some added steam for the win. It was a real easy read, one I didn’t want to put down.
Thanks for the pleasure ❤️
January 30, 2022
Title: Work and Play (Dogwood Cove Book 3)
Author: Julia Jarrett
Hero/Heroine: Finn & Ashley
Trope: Forced Proximity/Workplace Romance/Small Town
THE GOOD 😀
As with the previous Dogwood Cove books, a few things you’ll be guaranteed are fantastic characters, all those small town feels and some pretty intense chemistry. Work and Play was no exception.
Our hero Finn and his business partner are in the process of opening a winery, and when they hire Ashley, our wonderful heroine, to decorate the tasting room, it’s the start of something neither of them were prepared for. Not wanting to waste money he didn’t really have on hiring Ashley as an interior designer, he was standoffish with her from the get go. Ashley, determined to make a success of this job, didn’t stand for Finn’s crappy attitude, which I loved. Not afraid to call him out when he was being rude, she was more than a match for him, which in turn helped build the sexual tension between these two hard headed characters. Another thing I loved about this book was the friendship between Ashley and the women from the previous books. Mila and Serena were so quick to make Ashley feel welcome, and I loved that they rallied round her when she needed them.
Fabulous characters and an idyllic setting make this an enjoyable addition to the series.
THE BAD ☹️
It wasn’t bad as such, but the miscommunication between Finn and Ashley was frustrating at times. I just wanted to shout ‘WOULD YOU JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER ALREADY!’. I understood that they had both been burned in the past, however I just wanted them to be honest with each other about how they were feeling.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this to read. This is my honest review.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: Wonderful story with likeable characters
STEAM LEVEL: 🔥🔥🔥
STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Julia Jarrett
Hero/Heroine: Finn & Ashley
Trope: Forced Proximity/Workplace Romance/Small Town
THE GOOD 😀
As with the previous Dogwood Cove books, a few things you’ll be guaranteed are fantastic characters, all those small town feels and some pretty intense chemistry. Work and Play was no exception.
Our hero Finn and his business partner are in the process of opening a winery, and when they hire Ashley, our wonderful heroine, to decorate the tasting room, it’s the start of something neither of them were prepared for. Not wanting to waste money he didn’t really have on hiring Ashley as an interior designer, he was standoffish with her from the get go. Ashley, determined to make a success of this job, didn’t stand for Finn’s crappy attitude, which I loved. Not afraid to call him out when he was being rude, she was more than a match for him, which in turn helped build the sexual tension between these two hard headed characters. Another thing I loved about this book was the friendship between Ashley and the women from the previous books. Mila and Serena were so quick to make Ashley feel welcome, and I loved that they rallied round her when she needed them.
Fabulous characters and an idyllic setting make this an enjoyable addition to the series.
THE BAD ☹️
It wasn’t bad as such, but the miscommunication between Finn and Ashley was frustrating at times. I just wanted to shout ‘WOULD YOU JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER ALREADY!’. I understood that they had both been burned in the past, however I just wanted them to be honest with each other about how they were feeling.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this to read. This is my honest review.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: Wonderful story with likeable characters
STEAM LEVEL: 🔥🔥🔥
STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 13, 2022
Awww Dogwood Cove! I am so excited to go back and visit this little town set on Vancouver Island. It feels like home!
This series - this author - PERFECT!
It's official I am addicted. I picked it up and knew I wouldn't put it down until it was done. Super sexy (and tattoed may I add) wine maker Finn - also can we talk about the backwards hat?
Enter sweet, lovable Ashley, the interior designer and the flames start burning. I loved the banter between the characters and the steam ... WOW it get's hot.
The books in this series are the perfect getaway from the heavy crime/thrillers I normally read and I love having stories like this to lighten the day. Plus it is always fun to imagine running into your perfect someone - literally!
I also really enjoy the carryover from the previous stories and getting to come back and see how my favourite characters develop. While there is an order to this series, you can pick up any one and roll with it.
Thanks to the author who generously gifted me a copy of this perfect, hot, steamy love story.
This series - this author - PERFECT!
It's official I am addicted. I picked it up and knew I wouldn't put it down until it was done. Super sexy (and tattoed may I add) wine maker Finn - also can we talk about the backwards hat?
Enter sweet, lovable Ashley, the interior designer and the flames start burning. I loved the banter between the characters and the steam ... WOW it get's hot.
The books in this series are the perfect getaway from the heavy crime/thrillers I normally read and I love having stories like this to lighten the day. Plus it is always fun to imagine running into your perfect someone - literally!
I also really enjoy the carryover from the previous stories and getting to come back and see how my favourite characters develop. While there is an order to this series, you can pick up any one and roll with it.
Thanks to the author who generously gifted me a copy of this perfect, hot, steamy love story.
February 15, 2024
BRB guys...I'm packing up to move to Dogwood Cove! I just love the characters and the community so much.
Ashley is an interior desire hired by Finn's partner to help spruce up the winery they intend to open. Finn wasn't exactly crazy about bringing Ashley in to help, and things get worse when, after some damage to his home during a snow storm, Finn ends up sharing an Airbnb with Ashley. Being stuck in a house with someone is not conducive to ignoring one's attraction to said person. Poor Finn.
The more time they spend together, the harder it is to deny their attraction to each other, and I just love how their relationship blossoms as they get to know each other outside of the workplace. Their chemistry is great, and we even get a little caretaking goodness. With some steam and spice added in, this was a wonderfully enjoyable read. The secondary characters are so fun and make such a great friend group, and I just want to be friends with them, ok?
🎧: This audio was such a good time. Heather Firth and Neill Thorne are both new-to-me narrators, but I will definitely be listening to more of their work in the future. They did a fantastic job with their performances, both with their own characters and the secondary characters, and the emotions of the characters really came through.
𝚝 𝚛 𝚘 𝚙 𝚎 𝚜:
small town romance
forced proximity
workplace
grumpy hero
caretaking
Ashley is an interior desire hired by Finn's partner to help spruce up the winery they intend to open. Finn wasn't exactly crazy about bringing Ashley in to help, and things get worse when, after some damage to his home during a snow storm, Finn ends up sharing an Airbnb with Ashley. Being stuck in a house with someone is not conducive to ignoring one's attraction to said person. Poor Finn.
The more time they spend together, the harder it is to deny their attraction to each other, and I just love how their relationship blossoms as they get to know each other outside of the workplace. Their chemistry is great, and we even get a little caretaking goodness. With some steam and spice added in, this was a wonderfully enjoyable read. The secondary characters are so fun and make such a great friend group, and I just want to be friends with them, ok?
🎧: This audio was such a good time. Heather Firth and Neill Thorne are both new-to-me narrators, but I will definitely be listening to more of their work in the future. They did a fantastic job with their performances, both with their own characters and the secondary characters, and the emotions of the characters really came through.
𝚝 𝚛 𝚘 𝚙 𝚎 𝚜:
small town romance
forced proximity
workplace
grumpy hero
caretaking
January 16, 2022
My Review 🍷🍷🍷🍷1/2
I loved this friends to loves book - This was my first one by Julia and definitely will not be the last. Now I need to put the previous two on my kindle so that I’m able to enjoy this whole series.
I loved the push an pull in this book from Finn & Ashley. The chemistry is there from the beginning and it just gets better the deeper you get into this book.
Finn may have not wanted to mix work an play but those lines get blurred and things heat up!
You should add this book to you TBR pile and get excited to read it as soon as it hits!
* I received this book as an arc for my honest review.
I loved this friends to loves book - This was my first one by Julia and definitely will not be the last. Now I need to put the previous two on my kindle so that I’m able to enjoy this whole series.
I loved the push an pull in this book from Finn & Ashley. The chemistry is there from the beginning and it just gets better the deeper you get into this book.
Finn may have not wanted to mix work an play but those lines get blurred and things heat up!
You should add this book to you TBR pile and get excited to read it as soon as it hits!
* I received this book as an arc for my honest review.
September 26, 2022
Finn and Ashley were absolutely adorable! I loved their banter together, and how Finn went from being all gentlemanly to holding her at arms length...it really showed how he was fighting his feelings for her. He wanted to do what he thought the right thing was, but it turned out that it wasn't. Once they both gave into it...that's when things really got going. Seeing their relationship progress from the initial meeting to later on in the book...it was amazing!
I do feel that the ending was a little rushed. I would have liked to see things maybe drawn out a little bit, but it wasn't a deal breaker. I still enjoyed the story!
I do feel that the ending was a little rushed. I would have liked to see things maybe drawn out a little bit, but it wasn't a deal breaker. I still enjoyed the story!
August 4, 2022
Finn finally got his story & talk about opposites attracting! City girl meets small town boy in Julia Jarrett’s third Dogwood Cove novel, Work & Play.
Finn and Ashley’s chemistry was on fire. I love that while Finn was charming to his friends, he was a grump towards Ashley, but she quickly changed his mind. Watching Ashley become a part of the group of friends was sweet too and I adored Finn’s close friendship with the friends, especially Ethan.
You’ll enjoy this if you like:
•grump/sunshine
•one Airbnb
•opposites attract
•small town
•steam
I’m excited to start Dogwood Cove #4, Truth and Temptation!
Finn and Ashley’s chemistry was on fire. I love that while Finn was charming to his friends, he was a grump towards Ashley, but she quickly changed his mind. Watching Ashley become a part of the group of friends was sweet too and I adored Finn’s close friendship with the friends, especially Ethan.
You’ll enjoy this if you like:
•grump/sunshine
•one Airbnb
•opposites attract
•small town
•steam
I’m excited to start Dogwood Cove #4, Truth and Temptation!
January 8, 2022
Be still my beating heart – I thoroughly enjoyed this book and Finn. I loved growly Finn, cocky Finn, romantic Finn, family loving Finn and of course sexy as hell Finn. All around, I think he is probably my most favorite male main character of any of Julia’s books. Ashley is a good match for him, not afraid to go toe-to-toe with Finn – she is strong, sassy, and beautiful.
I got caught up in the push and pull of their relationship – as circumstances force them to share an AirBNB and they move from their initial snarky interactions, to friends, to lovers. Their chemistry was off the charts and steamed up the pages of this book. I wanted to shake them a few times because their communication needed some work, but they ultimately got their HEA.
It was fun being back in Dogwood Cove and catching up with all my favorite characters. If you are a lover of small town, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity romances then this may be the book for you. Advanced copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. 4.5⭐️
I got caught up in the push and pull of their relationship – as circumstances force them to share an AirBNB and they move from their initial snarky interactions, to friends, to lovers. Their chemistry was off the charts and steamed up the pages of this book. I wanted to shake them a few times because their communication needed some work, but they ultimately got their HEA.
It was fun being back in Dogwood Cove and catching up with all my favorite characters. If you are a lover of small town, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity romances then this may be the book for you. Advanced copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. 4.5⭐️
April 27, 2022
This was such a fun and steamy work place, grump and sunshine, forced proximity romance! I absolutely love Finn and how he was this sweet kind hearted guy with the people he knows vs a pain in Ashley's side until he gave in. Ashley was such a sweetheart and was so unsure of what she wanted to do. Be on the island or stay on the mainland with her dad. The steamy stuff was on point and those two definitely had chemistry and were perfect for each other. I loved them and this book. Definitely recommend picking this up.
December 31, 2021
Welcome back to Dogwood Cove, the best small-town in Canada - at least the one I've been to most this year!
Work and Play is a small-town, enemies(ish)-to-lovers, forced proximity, workplace romance. And yes, it lives up to all of those things. In previous books, we've met Finn - the winemaker who has recently moved back to Canada from California - and have I been *waiting* for his story! He's always been described as attractive, fun, and a ladies man, but in this story, we get broody, lusty, and HOT Finn.
When Finn literally bumps into Ashley, the interior designer hired to design the tasting room and shop at his new winery, sparks fly. Before he knows her identity, he's attracted and once he knows who she is, he's conflicted because of previous experience with a workplace romance.
Ashley is smart, creative, beautiful, and not afraid of scowly Finn McNeil. She knows what she brings to the table professionally and is determined to show him that she's more than pretty colors and throw pillows. Together, they navigate their intense feelings for one another and let me tell you - once they let each other in as friends, the fire ignites and leads to so much more.
They have to navigate the real world of working together, being friends with the same people, and falling for each other. They experience miscommunication and recover from it beautifully. I loved their love story.
Julia Jarrett has created this incredible place that I can visualize in my mind, with people I'd like to be friends with. She creates characters that love hard and earn it, and Finn and Ashley are no different.
Thank you, Julia, for an early copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. You know I love your work and can't wait to see who finds love next in Dogwood Cove!
Work and Play is a small-town, enemies(ish)-to-lovers, forced proximity, workplace romance. And yes, it lives up to all of those things. In previous books, we've met Finn - the winemaker who has recently moved back to Canada from California - and have I been *waiting* for his story! He's always been described as attractive, fun, and a ladies man, but in this story, we get broody, lusty, and HOT Finn.
When Finn literally bumps into Ashley, the interior designer hired to design the tasting room and shop at his new winery, sparks fly. Before he knows her identity, he's attracted and once he knows who she is, he's conflicted because of previous experience with a workplace romance.
Ashley is smart, creative, beautiful, and not afraid of scowly Finn McNeil. She knows what she brings to the table professionally and is determined to show him that she's more than pretty colors and throw pillows. Together, they navigate their intense feelings for one another and let me tell you - once they let each other in as friends, the fire ignites and leads to so much more.
They have to navigate the real world of working together, being friends with the same people, and falling for each other. They experience miscommunication and recover from it beautifully. I loved their love story.
Julia Jarrett has created this incredible place that I can visualize in my mind, with people I'd like to be friends with. She creates characters that love hard and earn it, and Finn and Ashley are no different.
Thank you, Julia, for an early copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. You know I love your work and can't wait to see who finds love next in Dogwood Cove!
September 15, 2022
This book is so good! It's sweet, sexy, and everything you could want in a small town romance. A bit of a slow burn, but the characters captivate you from the start. Love this book, I'll be reading the rest of the series, I can't wait to see what happens next!
January 2, 2022
What do you get when you mix a sexy winemaker and a gorgeous interior decorator together? A battle of wits laced with sexual tension, a shared Airbnb and one bum knee. Finn is now part owner of a local winery in Dogwood Cove and the tasting room needs to be decorated to prepare for the opening. Finn’s co-owner hires Ashley since she’s the daughter of his friend and in need of work. Ashley effortlessly wins over Finn’s co-owner but it’s Finn who’s the hard sell. Can they manage to find a middle ground and work together or will their lack of communication cause problems?
There’s no denying the chemistry between Finn and Ashley but they are hesitant because of past hurts. While they start to open up to each other they still hold back from truly revealing their feelings and desires for a future together. Of course, they needed help from our favorite group of friends to see what everyone already saw which was how perfect they are together and to stop hiding their feelings.
Work and Play is the 3rd book in the Dogwood Cove series by @juliajarrettauthor and I highly recommend this series if you love a good small town romance with an amazing group of friends! The fourth book in the series will come out spring 2022.
Thank you @juliajarrettauthor for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback!
There’s no denying the chemistry between Finn and Ashley but they are hesitant because of past hurts. While they start to open up to each other they still hold back from truly revealing their feelings and desires for a future together. Of course, they needed help from our favorite group of friends to see what everyone already saw which was how perfect they are together and to stop hiding their feelings.
Work and Play is the 3rd book in the Dogwood Cove series by @juliajarrettauthor and I highly recommend this series if you love a good small town romance with an amazing group of friends! The fourth book in the series will come out spring 2022.
Thank you @juliajarrettauthor for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback!
January 27, 2022
Work and Play was a sweet and steamy romance!
I love the Dogwood Cove setting and the friendships that have formed and flowed throughout this series. I enjoyed this book and felt the storyline flowed well and keep my interest. Finn was a little broody and I loved how Ashley stood her ground. A great small-town, forced proximity, workplace romance had a little bit of everything, some lighter angst, and great characters.
Julia Jarrett is an author you need to read if you enjoy those lighter feel-good romances!
I love the Dogwood Cove setting and the friendships that have formed and flowed throughout this series. I enjoyed this book and felt the storyline flowed well and keep my interest. Finn was a little broody and I loved how Ashley stood her ground. A great small-town, forced proximity, workplace romance had a little bit of everything, some lighter angst, and great characters.
Julia Jarrett is an author you need to read if you enjoy those lighter feel-good romances!
December 31, 2021
I received an ARC of this book and this review is my honest opinion.
What’s not to love about a good forced proximity, workplace, small town romance?
This book has a great storyline which is a nice easy read where we get to reacquaint ourselves with life in Dogwood Cove and all the friends from the previous books.
Finn is joint owner of a new winery and Ashley is a beautiful designer hired to design the tasting room of the new vineyard. Their attraction is instant but neither one will admit it. The sexual chemistry and tension is so good and when they finally get together, it’s steamy!!
A couple of times I wanted to throw my kindle at the wall as I was so frustrated with the pair of them! Finn particularly needed a good shake. It was so nice though to see a male lead character not suddenly become a possessive alpha but instead show his insecurities, emotions and vulnerability.
A really good read and I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
What’s not to love about a good forced proximity, workplace, small town romance?
This book has a great storyline which is a nice easy read where we get to reacquaint ourselves with life in Dogwood Cove and all the friends from the previous books.
Finn is joint owner of a new winery and Ashley is a beautiful designer hired to design the tasting room of the new vineyard. Their attraction is instant but neither one will admit it. The sexual chemistry and tension is so good and when they finally get together, it’s steamy!!
A couple of times I wanted to throw my kindle at the wall as I was so frustrated with the pair of them! Finn particularly needed a good shake. It was so nice though to see a male lead character not suddenly become a possessive alpha but instead show his insecurities, emotions and vulnerability.
A really good read and I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
January 7, 2022
Note: I received an arc copy for an honest review. I love this book! This story does not disappoint. The characters are still the most charming and unpredictable bunch you will ever read. I would recommend this series to anyone.
December 30, 2021
Wow. Where to start with this one!?! I was intrigued with Finn from his appearance in Always and Forever. And Ashley... I can totally relate to her. Most books portray the characters as very open and touchy feely people. Not Ashley.
The push and pull between these two is off the charts! I startled my husband at one point when I said out loud, "Uuugh! You dipsh#*" ... you'll see.
Again, the banter, the supporting characters, the reaquainting with people in town and introducing us to new people, absolutely spectacularly done.
I can usually get lost in a book by about midway but this one had me hooked by the end of chapter 3. I'm not usually a sappy type of person but I had tears by the end. With Work and Play, Julia has solidified my love of Dogwood Cove and the people who live there (in her mind ... and in my heart!)
The push and pull between these two is off the charts! I startled my husband at one point when I said out loud, "Uuugh! You dipsh#*" ... you'll see.
Again, the banter, the supporting characters, the reaquainting with people in town and introducing us to new people, absolutely spectacularly done.
I can usually get lost in a book by about midway but this one had me hooked by the end of chapter 3. I'm not usually a sappy type of person but I had tears by the end. With Work and Play, Julia has solidified my love of Dogwood Cove and the people who live there (in her mind ... and in my heart!)
January 2, 2022
When Ashley heads to Dogwood Cove for a job opportunity, she never thinks her prince charming could be here boss, Finn, who she keeps butting heads with.
The third book of the Dogwood Cove series introduces you further to Finn, the wine maker, who "squishes grapes" for a living. Although a little pig-headed to start, he's rather sweet and endearing as the novel carries on.
I must also say that the "sexy time" in this book, is definitely the hottest of the three books. Look for all your favourite Dogwood Cove characters to make an appearance as well!
The third book of the Dogwood Cove series introduces you further to Finn, the wine maker, who "squishes grapes" for a living. Although a little pig-headed to start, he's rather sweet and endearing as the novel carries on.
I must also say that the "sexy time" in this book, is definitely the hottest of the three books. Look for all your favourite Dogwood Cove characters to make an appearance as well!
January 27, 2022
It’s no secret I am big fan of Julia’s. I’ve loved the Dogwood Cove series since book 1 and book 3 makes me wish Dogwood was a real place to live.
Hot Cocky Boss - Check.
Forced Proximity - Check
Steam Factor - Double Check
We have met Finn briefly through out the series and he’s been of interest to me, we finally get to know him. Finn finally makes the move Dogwood Cove to open a winery with his business partner. Winemaking his pride and joy and his description of the flavors made me want to have a glass with me through out this whole book. We meet Ashley when she is brought in by his business to partner to help decorate the wine tasting room. Their relationship starts off extremely rocky but they both have an immediate attraction to each other they both deny until they can no longer do it anymore.
There were times Finn such a jerk I wanted to smack him through the pages. But they both had insecurities and fears to work through. Once they finally figure them out they become a very swoon worthy couple. Another great addition to the Dogwood Cove Series by Julia!
Can’t wait to go back and visit for book 4.
Hot Cocky Boss - Check.
Forced Proximity - Check
Steam Factor - Double Check
We have met Finn briefly through out the series and he’s been of interest to me, we finally get to know him. Finn finally makes the move Dogwood Cove to open a winery with his business partner. Winemaking his pride and joy and his description of the flavors made me want to have a glass with me through out this whole book. We meet Ashley when she is brought in by his business to partner to help decorate the wine tasting room. Their relationship starts off extremely rocky but they both have an immediate attraction to each other they both deny until they can no longer do it anymore.
There were times Finn such a jerk I wanted to smack him through the pages. But they both had insecurities and fears to work through. Once they finally figure them out they become a very swoon worthy couple. Another great addition to the Dogwood Cove Series by Julia!
Can’t wait to go back and visit for book 4.
January 2, 2022
This book is delightful. Ashley is smart and passionate about her work as a designer. Finn’s business partner brings Ashley in to design the tasting room for their winery. Finn and Ashley have instant chemistry. Their story is one with lots of banter as they dance around each other trying to keep things professional.
December 31, 2021
Finn and Ashley’s story is the perfect addiction to the Dogwood Cove series! Their forced proximity due to work and living arrangements really makes for the slow burn element of this story to shine through! I loved how they both feel an immediate attraction but let their fears hold them back. They are both so head strong and determine individuals. Once they finally give in and realize how magical their connection is their love truly takes over. Through all the ups and downs and miscommunication they still love one another! And that’s all that is needed to make their relationship forever!
January 27, 2022
In Work and Play, we head back to the beautiful Dogwood Cove and meet interior designer, Ashley and winery/sommelier, Finn. These two are sexy, hot and oh so sweet!
I loved Ashley and Finn! They started off as enemies but can’t fight their attraction. I enjoyed all the cameos from the previous books and their meddling. Finn has strict rules about mixing work and play, but Ashley breaks all his rules. This small town, enemies to lovers, forced proximity romance is sweet, sexy and brings the heat!
“Fuck, Ash.” He sucks my inner thigh into his mouth, probably leaving a mark, but I don’t care. “If I say I’ve waited a lifetime to have you at my mercy like this, do you believe me?” he says softly, his hands caressing my hips. I peer down my body to see him between my legs, staring at me with such reverence it takes my breath away, despite how dirty his words are.“
I loved Ashley and Finn! They started off as enemies but can’t fight their attraction. I enjoyed all the cameos from the previous books and their meddling. Finn has strict rules about mixing work and play, but Ashley breaks all his rules. This small town, enemies to lovers, forced proximity romance is sweet, sexy and brings the heat!
“Fuck, Ash.” He sucks my inner thigh into his mouth, probably leaving a mark, but I don’t care. “If I say I’ve waited a lifetime to have you at my mercy like this, do you believe me?” he says softly, his hands caressing my hips. I peer down my body to see him between my legs, staring at me with such reverence it takes my breath away, despite how dirty his words are.“
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