Kiss My Glass

Flora Valley #3

by Catherine Robertson

If there’s one thing Frankie has learned in life, it’s that you never challenge Worse. Because when things happen and you say, ‘Well, at least things can’t get worse’, Worse is always listening…

Returning to her family vineyard in California to help with the annual grape harvest is not how Frankie Armstrong wants to spend her summer, but when her sister calls in distress there’s only one yes. Now she’s back in the grasp of the vines she’s hated her whole life, being confronted by memories that bring nothing but fury, and having to join forces with the sexiest arrogant jerk she’s ever had the misfortune of Danny Durant.

Frankie’s sister might have married Danny’s brother, but that doesn’t mean they have to be friends. And the lustful thoughts Frankie’s having about Danny’s body? Merely a convenient distraction. At least, that’s what she’s trying to tell herself. Because the more time Frankie spends with Danny, the more her determination to hate him gives way to her body’s desire to have him…

Readers LOVE Flora authors writing style is witty and warm … Her dialogue sparkles with humor and authenticity, making the interactions between characters a major highlight’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Hooked me in from the first chapter’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘This was an incredibly fun read – I loved loved our cast of characters and will absolutely be reading sequels to come’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Nate and Shelby were so fun and swoony! … I absolutely loved the setting’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A cute and enjoyable read. The writing is humorous, and I laughed out loud at several parts’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'An enjoyable romantic read .. It's quite inspirational showing how something good can be achieved when dealing with grief’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres: Contemporary Romance

337 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 13, 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

[SelkieReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Firstly, I got this as an ARC and I have not read the previous books in the series. I try to read previous books unless they’re noted to be stand-alone-ish
Which, my fault, I definitely thought this was in that category.
The description on NetGalley didn’t say otherwise, so I just jumped in.
Now, I know, you definitely need to read the previous books to read this one. I was lost, I was confused, I had no idea what was going on, when they brought up other characters and situations in passing references or even for big plot movements, I had no clue what was happening.

that being said, while I did like the characters and I did like the premise it kind of makes it hard to give an accurate review of this book. Because I’m thrown into a situation where I’m not even given the full background of the characters because so much of the characters have been built in previous books as well .
So if this is supposed to be an interconnected standalone, it definitely needs more background about the characters

Unusually for me, I liked the MMC more than the FMC. He was very understanding and loving damn near doing whatever she wanted whenever she wanted just to make her happy, and I feel like she really put a lot of her own traumas on other people.

The parts that annoyed me throughout the entire book was allllllll the other characters, useless mother, neglectful mother, emotionally, distant father, weird situation with mom’s old boyfriend-kinda??? Siblings that don’t care until they need something from you….
But the whole premise of the book is a married couple is going to have a baby, and the mother has preeclampsia, so they’ve called in two family members with jobs of their own living elsewhere to come help them. They already have tons of other family and friends already around them but no they NEED more support…
How much help you could possibly need to take care of yourself?? It makes literally no sense. These people would not survive in poor America, they would die instantly in a Third World country. They could never be a low income single parent. It’s rather pathetic to be honest.
That fact alone made it hard to read.
You already have 4-6 adults you can call that are minutes away, why do you need two more? Are you not adults?
It would have made more sense if it was an all hands to try to save the family business as opposed to just sitting around watching a pregnant lady who has a perfectly good husband.

[linds❣ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kiss My Glass started off strong and I was eager to dive into this. Forced proximity, reverse grumpy x sunshine, family dynamics, and a cute setting at a vineyard? Sounded like the perfect romcom. And it was cute. The characters were introspective, and the banter was good. There were significant side plots that detracted from the romance.
Everything just wrapped up so quickly and nicely that it fell kind of flat for me. Also, I knew Danny was technically her brother-in-law but I didn’t realize there were so many inter-family relations in this series and it sometimes threw me off.

A couple notes:
- NetGalley did not mark this as a series, and I had not read the other two books prior to this one. That being said, I didn’t have a had time following along with the characters, but it would probably be more enjoyable if I had.
- It was marked as Erotica, and while it did have open door scenes, I wouldn’t classify it as such. It had much more side plot than spice so anyone looking for a straight up Erotica romance might be dissatisfied.

This was an enjoyable read that I would still recommend to anyone looking for an easy, charming romcom with emotional depth. Perhaps would be a great book to take on vacation!

{Thank you HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.}

[Selen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredibly well-written, cutesy little romantic story! I loved it so much that I finished it in a day. I was given this as an ARC, so I had no idea that it was the third book in a series (and I kind of wished I had started from the beginning because I loved this little winery and family so much), but honestly, it didn't make much difference for me. The way the author introduces us to the world and the already existing characters was so seamless that I didn't feel confused about who was who, or the dynamics between people, and I certainly didn't feel like I missed something. On the contrary, it only made me want to read the first two books more.

I really liked the author's writing style. I could picture the town and the winery in my head as if I were there with them. I also enjoyed the stream of consciousness connecting their thoughts, what was going on around them, and their backstory. Like I already said, it was so well-written. I don't even need to get into the character dynamics. It was nice to see their strained relationships slowly improve and get better.

Needless to say, I'm a sucker for a well-written interconnected series, and this book really hit the mark for me. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go and read the rest of this series.

[Stacie Peck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kiss My Glass is a charming and heartfelt romance that beautifully combines family dynamics, witty banter, and undeniable chemistry. Frankie Armstrong’s return to her family’s California vineyard brings a mix of nostalgia and tension, especially when she clashes with the grumpy yet handsome Danny Durant. Their fiery back-and-forth is entertaining and eventually gives way to a tender and passionate connection.

The story does a fantastic job of showcasing the push-and-pull between two strong-willed characters, making their eventual romance feel earned and satisfying. The clever dialogue and insight into family relationships add depth, while the vineyard setting offers a cozy and picturesque backdrop. Frankie and Danny’s chemistry leaps off the page, and their journey from annoyance to love is equal parts frustrating and delightful.

While the romance is captivating, the pacing occasionally lags, and some moments feel slightly predictable. However, the developed characters and heartwarming resolution more than make up for it.

If you enjoy stories centered around family, strong-willed characters, and a touch of rural charm, Kiss My Glass is a delightful read.

4/5 Stars.

[Gillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kiss My Glass by Catherine Robertson is book #3 in the Flora Valley series. I thought the California vineyard setting was fun, and the character dialogue was entertaining. However, the characters and relationships were lacking in emotional depth, and this was something I noticed throughout the book.

I didn't realize it was part of a series when I started, so I was confused not knowing the background and characters from the other books. If you are thinking about reading this, I recommend reading the series in order so it's more meaningful and to help understand the backstory better.

Overall, it was entertaining, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a lighthearted, quirky read. I'd rate it 3/5 stars.

Thank you to One More Chapter, HarperCollins UK, for the NetGalley ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Inês · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I don't know honestly how I ended up reading another book in this series... after book 2 I promissed myself I was done with it. Really liked the first one, but the second not so much. I really thought I was done it this! Then, this cover appeared on NetGalley and misled me into thinking it was just a cute romance. I was so stupid that I only noticed this was in the same series when I read the first chapter and the names started to appear. Only me -.-

Ok, what can I say about this one? Huh, I didn't like it. I'm sorry but no. Nothing really happened, hated the MFC and the only think that made me finish it was Danny, the MMC. The whole book was about Shelby being pregnant. The romance was again really forced and not even the spicy scenes were good.

Let's hope I don't find another pretty cover in this series to mislead me into reading another one.

[Maj · Rating 3 out of 5]

Catherine Robertson's "Kiss My Glass" offers a pleasant journey into the world of romantic novels. The story follows Frankie Armstrong as she reluctantly returns to her family vineyard in California to help with the annual grape harvest. Faced with memories she'd rather forget and forced to work alongside the irritatingly attractive Danny Durant, Frankie finds herself navigating a complex web of emotions and unexpected desires.
As an avid reader of romantic novels, I found this book to be a decent, if somewhat conventional, addition to the genre. While the characters are amiable and relatable, and the story provides a light distraction, it ultimately lacks the depth and originality that would make it truly memorable.
"Kiss My Glass" is best suited for readers looking for a breezy romantic interlude. It's a solid choice for a relaxing afternoon but may not satisfy those craving deeper emotional engagement or innovative storytelling.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This third book in the Flora Valley series is a charming, slow-burn romance between Frankie and Danny, two strong-willed characters who clash at first but can’t deny their growing attraction. I definitely wish I would have read the first two books because I was pretty lost at the beginning, and I was expecting to be able to have read it as a stand alone based on the synopsis. Once I got into it, the witty banter and chemistry was enjoyable, and the family dynamics added warmth to the story. However, while the romance has its sweet moments, the pacing occasionally lags, and some side plots feel underdeveloped. I felt like some side characters had more chemistry than the MMC and FMC, and I kept waiting for the plot to pick up but it didn’t. One plus though was that there was also very little spice for people who enjoy closed door romance. Overall, it was a pleasant read, but not as captivating as I had hoped.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC of Kiss My Glass ❤️

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the banter and the premise of the story, and I think the book was really well written (and done in a very believable way, which was incredibly refreshing). However, sadly this book was not for me. This is very much a me problem, but the romance aspect fell flat and didn't have that oomph that would make it exciting.
Also, I personally am not a big fan of penis pet names and it was used so frequently throughout the book, so that really contributed heavily to me not vibing with the couple as it kept taking me out of the headspace I wanted to stay in.
I would still recommend this book to others though as I definitely think a lot of people will adore this story.

Thank you so much to HarperCollinns UK(One More Chapter) for this ARC via NetGalley, and for giving me the opportunity to share my honest thoughts on the book.

[Maddi Wood · Rating 2 out of 5]

No no no

There are books sometimes that are so out of this world that you can get lost in them...this was not one of those

The book itself was not marketed as needed to be read in a certain author, so when I requested this from netgalley, I figured that it could be read as a stand alone- NOPE! But I decided that it would be ok and I would just start with this one. Maybe that's where the issue came in, but honestly the characters just kind of sucked. The fmc was so spoiled and the mmc was literally a cinnamon roll that would do anything her for. He sounds great right? Yeah we'll he deserved better I'll tell you that

I wouldn't NOT recommend it, I just wouldn't really recommend it either

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the arc!

[JANELLE · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how this started out - never challenge worse, because worse is always listening.

Frankie ends up back on her childhood vineyard helping her sister when she's put on bedrest while pregnant. Frankie's glad to be helping, until she finds out that her brother in law also asked his brother and now they're there together. They've had a bad relationship and she dreads their time together. They clash and have a flash of a spark. The dialog is fun, the characters are entertaining and it's a fun story.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

[Rachael Stray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Catherine Robertson’s Kiss My Glass, the third instalment in the Flora Valley series, is a charming, slow-burn romance between Frankie and Danny, two strong-willed characters whose initial clashes give way to undeniable attraction.

While it offers plenty of witty banter and heartfelt family dynamics, the book doesn’t quite live up to its potential as a standalone read for me.

Frankie and Danny’s chemistry is enjoyable, with their banter providing much of the story’s charm. However, their romantic development occasionally takes a backseat to side plots that feel underdeveloped, and some secondary characters exude more chemistry than the leads. This imbalance makes the central romance feel less engaging than it could have been.

Readers new to the Flora Valley series might struggle at the start, as the story assumes familiarity with earlier books. While this might be a treat for long-time fans, those jumping in with Kiss My Glass may find themselves initially disoriented.

On the plus side, the novel features a closed-door approach to romance, making it an appealing choice for readers who prefer minimal spice. The family dynamics add warmth and depth to the narrative, creating a cosy backdrop to the central romance. However, the story’s pacing lags in places, leaving the plot feeling stagnant at times.

It was refreshing to have a main female lead to be body positive and proud to be curvier and still be portrayed as sexy and wanted!

Overall, Kiss My Glass is a pleasant, feel-good read that offers charm and heart but falls short of being truly captivating. Fans of the series will likely enjoy returning to Flora Valley, but new readers may want to start with the first book to fully appreciate the world and characters.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[EVANGELIA MARAGKOPOULOU · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story . Frankie and Danny have to spent the next 6 weeks at her family's vineyard because her sister is having problem with her pregnacy and they must help with the harvest . Their attraction is evident and all her sister's friends comment on it so they give it a chance to see where it goes . They both have issues with a parent and feeling like they must prove themselves . Will her insecurities let her lose the only man she ever loved ?
I received this book from netgalley , the author and the publicer as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one started out pretty well for me, I liked the premise and the banter/competitive spirit was great. Unfortunately it lost momentum and fell flat for me. There were a lot of side plots that never really developed enough to be worthwhile being included, too many side characters that had no real purpose and if I’m honest the chemistry between the MCs vanished after they decided to be together. It gets 3 stars from me because I think if I’d have been in the mindset for an easy palate cleanser book it would’ve done an ok job.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[BFF Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frankie and Danny have to help their siblings out with the upcoming wine harvest due to a difficult pregnancy. Frankie thinks Danny is an annoying jerk due to their first encounter at her sister’s wedding and is determined at first to give him a hard time.

This rom com has a cute premise and some good banter and romance, but I felt like it was longer than it needed to be. A lot of time was devoted to each character’s parental issues.

I did appreciate reading about a FMC who was neither a teenager or a size 4 fashion model!

Thanks to NetGalley for this eARC!

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 6%. I think this is more of a me problem, than an author problem, but I found this book hard to read. The sentence structure feels more like rambling thoughts than a storyline. The synopsis of this book sounded fun and the cover is cute but ultimately I couldn't get past the way it was reading in my head with all the periods and commas.

Thank you NetGalley, Catherine Robertson, and One More Chapter for a copy of this arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Emma Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed my return to Flora Valley, this was my favourite in the series. It was great to see how the characters lives had developed and to meet Frankie with her quirky style. Looking forward to the next one!

[Mari Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic way to finish this series! I love the plus-size representation with the FMC as well as the added drama with Shelby's pregnancy and Danny's relationship with his father. Also, Frankie's relationship with her mother. I'd recommend this to any romance fan!

[Cheryl McConnell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read, romantic story

[Lesley Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book!

Frankie finds her herself back home to help her sister who is pregnant and on bedrest. In walks Danny, who finds himself back home to help his brother - whose wife is pregnant and on bedrest. In case you can’t tell, their siblings are married and having a baby together lol

I loved the banter between Frankie and Danny. Their personalities shouldn’t fit, but do. Their dynamic is equal parts hilarious and heartwarming.

There were parts of the book I wished were a little bit spicier, but that’s a me thing! All in all I found myself wanting to get back to reading to see what was going to happen next.

This story is a celebration of love, family and the u expected ways we find strength in one another. I absolutely loved it and can’t recommend it enough.

Thank you to NetGalley, Catherine Robertson and the Publisher for providing me with a digital Arc copy to read and review.

[Athena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frankie Armstrong returns to her family's vineyard in California to lend a hand to her pregnant sister. But she's not the only one who's been tapped to help out. She immediately finds herself butting heads with the handsome Danny, her jerk of a brother-in-law.

What begins as annoyance turns into a passion. The back and forth between Frankie and Danny is charged with chemistry, making their eventual romance more delicious.

It’s perfect if you love strong characters, stories centred around family, and a casual dip into farming life.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for facilitating me with a review copy of this book at no cost and with no obligation. I reviewed this book voluntarily, and all opinions are my own.