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Planted and Plowed #3
Yule Be Sorry
Yule Be Sorry is book three in the Planted and Plowed series of romantic comedies featuring the Storm sisters. Love blooms reluctantly and stems get spliced in these steamy books full of small-town swoon in a big city setting.
- GenresHoliday
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2025
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32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 26, 2025
Steamy and quirky romcom featuring Eliza Storm (sister of Esther, proprietress of Bridges + Bitters from the Stag family series and her own book Last Call) and delightfully uptight yet earnest Reed Nicholas who’s trying to make his mark in the sustainability entrepreneurial movement without his parents’ corporate influence.
This was a fun, frothy holiday-centric novella that’s just perfect for cozy season heading into the “big” holidays. Eliza/“Liza” is delightfully unhinged, and Reed is initially aloof but shows greater depth soon into their series of run-ins and collaboration. As with all beloved Lainey Davis books, it’s Pittsburgh-centric, and a warts and all, but darn close to ideal portrayal of the Steel City. The Storm sisters and their SOs make several memorable appearances, and animals brimming with personality wreak their usual havoc. No third act breakup, wonderful escapism, and gloriously imperfect MCs shine. 5/5 stars, no notes.
I was fortunate to have been furnished an advance reader copy from the author, and I’m pleased to share my honest review.
This was a fun, frothy holiday-centric novella that’s just perfect for cozy season heading into the “big” holidays. Eliza/“Liza” is delightfully unhinged, and Reed is initially aloof but shows greater depth soon into their series of run-ins and collaboration. As with all beloved Lainey Davis books, it’s Pittsburgh-centric, and a warts and all, but darn close to ideal portrayal of the Steel City. The Storm sisters and their SOs make several memorable appearances, and animals brimming with personality wreak their usual havoc. No third act breakup, wonderful escapism, and gloriously imperfect MCs shine. 5/5 stars, no notes.
I was fortunate to have been furnished an advance reader copy from the author, and I’m pleased to share my honest review.
September 21, 2025
Loved, loved, loved it! Like most all of your books I've read, the characters are all unique and well developed, enriching the story. His family struggles versus hers are some of the most realistic parts. I've known people exactly like her mom.
The familiarity and tapestry of how the other Storm sisters stories and partners weave in and out of Elizas story seamlessly. I had already began reading Last Call about Esther's and Koas love story when I received this book. I put in on hold and noticed how details about both of them matched up from their story.
I enjoy the light-hearted reading and pacing of your stories. The details and the ups and downs are just right. Everything isn't perfect but not so many obstacles as to be tired either.
The romance scenes are hot but not gross or crass as in some books I've tried.
I'll read any of your books any time. I can't think of any I haven't thoroughly enjoyed, Also, I love Pittsburgh ❤️. I've been there many times as I used to see a doctor in Hermitage. I brought my young daughter and we flew into Pittsburgh and stayed a couple nights. She loved walking around a mall we usually always stayed close by and I'd take her to build a bear and shopping for clothes or shoes. I loved driving around the city in my rental car. Reading about the city makes me miss going there. it's probably been 15 years now.
Keep the books coming! Wonderful
The familiarity and tapestry of how the other Storm sisters stories and partners weave in and out of Elizas story seamlessly. I had already began reading Last Call about Esther's and Koas love story when I received this book. I put in on hold and noticed how details about both of them matched up from their story.
I enjoy the light-hearted reading and pacing of your stories. The details and the ups and downs are just right. Everything isn't perfect but not so many obstacles as to be tired either.
The romance scenes are hot but not gross or crass as in some books I've tried.
I'll read any of your books any time. I can't think of any I haven't thoroughly enjoyed, Also, I love Pittsburgh ❤️. I've been there many times as I used to see a doctor in Hermitage. I brought my young daughter and we flew into Pittsburgh and stayed a couple nights. She loved walking around a mall we usually always stayed close by and I'd take her to build a bear and shopping for clothes or shoes. I loved driving around the city in my rental car. Reading about the city makes me miss going there. it's probably been 15 years now.
Keep the books coming! Wonderful
October 9, 2025
Eliza and Reed do not get a great first impression of each other. They meet (and it’s not cute) in line at the city offices — Eliza, hoping to get paid for work she did for the city months ago, and Reed, for paperwork he hadn’t been told he needed to fill out. Eliza thinks Reed is some stuck-up rich guy, and Reed thinks Eliza is rude.
Reed is trying to get funding for his budding company, Urban Forest Solutions, and is dodging his parents, who are trying to make him work a soul-killing corporate job. He has produced a line of hydroponic fir trees, just the right size to work as a small Christmas tree for someone with an apartment, and will not have to be thrown away at the end of the season. While at Bramblewood Manor for a presentation to get the attention of potential investors, his trees are destroyed by Eliza’s goats, who were on the property doing vine control for the mansion. Something spooked them, and…well, you can imagine the rest.
Now Eliza is beholden to Reed for a lot of money, and she explains that she can’t pay him in full, so he basically gets her to work with him, because she knows a lot about plants, and about growing them.
It’s adorable, watching these two fall in love, even though they both fight it. They both have issues with their parents, and Eliza has a huge abandonment phobia, so she often cuts things off with someone, determined to let them down before they let her down. What’s lovely is that they both recognize their similarities, and encourage each other instead of bailing. (Though Eliza does try bailing once, but doesn’t really follow through.)
The usual suspects of the Storm family make appearances, and help with talking Eliza down and talking Reed up. Of course, there are plenty of donkey and goat antics, as per usual. But it turns out that Chiron the donkey actually likes Reed, which flabbergasts pretty much everyone.
Reed is analytical, focused, and awkward. Eliza knows how to get him to loosen up, and Reed helps to ground her. They’re really the perfect pair, their personalities and skills complementing each other. It’s really the perfect holiday jaunt, and will make you laugh, and maybe even cry a little, as you’ll likely identify with some of the things these characters are going through. All in all, another winner from one of my favorite authors.
Reed is trying to get funding for his budding company, Urban Forest Solutions, and is dodging his parents, who are trying to make him work a soul-killing corporate job. He has produced a line of hydroponic fir trees, just the right size to work as a small Christmas tree for someone with an apartment, and will not have to be thrown away at the end of the season. While at Bramblewood Manor for a presentation to get the attention of potential investors, his trees are destroyed by Eliza’s goats, who were on the property doing vine control for the mansion. Something spooked them, and…well, you can imagine the rest.
Now Eliza is beholden to Reed for a lot of money, and she explains that she can’t pay him in full, so he basically gets her to work with him, because she knows a lot about plants, and about growing them.
It’s adorable, watching these two fall in love, even though they both fight it. They both have issues with their parents, and Eliza has a huge abandonment phobia, so she often cuts things off with someone, determined to let them down before they let her down. What’s lovely is that they both recognize their similarities, and encourage each other instead of bailing. (Though Eliza does try bailing once, but doesn’t really follow through.)
The usual suspects of the Storm family make appearances, and help with talking Eliza down and talking Reed up. Of course, there are plenty of donkey and goat antics, as per usual. But it turns out that Chiron the donkey actually likes Reed, which flabbergasts pretty much everyone.
Reed is analytical, focused, and awkward. Eliza knows how to get him to loosen up, and Reed helps to ground her. They’re really the perfect pair, their personalities and skills complementing each other. It’s really the perfect holiday jaunt, and will make you laugh, and maybe even cry a little, as you’ll likely identify with some of the things these characters are going through. All in all, another winner from one of my favorite authors.
September 23, 2025
OH HOW I LOVED THIS STORY! WHO DOESN'T LOVE A DONKEY AND GOATS?! Lainey always makes sure you have a great time in her books and this was another one that had me smiling like crazy! If you love a grumpy/sunshine romance and love animals that cause mischief then this is PERFECT for you!
Eliza is one of the Storm Sisters and she's just a mess!! She is sweet as can be but if it an go wrong it will. She owns Mobile Urban Natural Cleaning Heard (a.k.a. MUNCH) and so she has goats and a donkey that she takes to place that need weeding done. That way there will be no pesticides used and the goats can clean it all up for a fee. Her business is struggling and she's trying to get paid by the city when she runs into a grumpy man. She will learn that man is Reed Nicholas.
Reed Nicholas is supposed to work for his father in their family business but that's the last thing he wants to do. He started his own business Urban Forest Solutions. But he's having a hard time finding funding. When Eliza's goats end up ruining all of his tree's she ends up helping him with his business. The more time these two spend together the more they start having feelings. But they both have some challenges along the way.
This book had me laughing out loud, smiling like crazy through out, I got mad a few times at their parents but then Lainey gave me such a sweet ending! You will also get to enjoy some family holiday traditions. I love these sisters and how their bond is so strong and the love they have for each other. I HIGHLY recommend this book and this series!
Thank you Lainey Davis for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.
Eliza is one of the Storm Sisters and she's just a mess!! She is sweet as can be but if it an go wrong it will. She owns Mobile Urban Natural Cleaning Heard (a.k.a. MUNCH) and so she has goats and a donkey that she takes to place that need weeding done. That way there will be no pesticides used and the goats can clean it all up for a fee. Her business is struggling and she's trying to get paid by the city when she runs into a grumpy man. She will learn that man is Reed Nicholas.
Reed Nicholas is supposed to work for his father in their family business but that's the last thing he wants to do. He started his own business Urban Forest Solutions. But he's having a hard time finding funding. When Eliza's goats end up ruining all of his tree's she ends up helping him with his business. The more time these two spend together the more they start having feelings. But they both have some challenges along the way.
This book had me laughing out loud, smiling like crazy through out, I got mad a few times at their parents but then Lainey gave me such a sweet ending! You will also get to enjoy some family holiday traditions. I love these sisters and how their bond is so strong and the love they have for each other. I HIGHLY recommend this book and this series!
Thank you Lainey Davis for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.
October 9, 2025
Two quirky, independent, nerdy lovers of nature, both scarred by nasty, hypocritical parents, meet each other under the most peculiar circumstances, only to come together for separate but not so disparate reasons. Enter cash-strapped Eliza Storm, owner of Urban Natural Clearing Herd whose staff, aka goats, can clear out a property faster than you can say “meh,” and trust fund baby Reed Nicholas who owns Urban Forest Solutions, a hydroponic table top tree Christmas tree startup.
Both want their respective endeavors to succeed so that they can contribute to the environmental call and to prove that their unusual selection of professions does indeed have value and worth. And somewhere along the journey they become a team of two friends who figure out pretty quickly that they could be more, if they are willing to trust each other and chance overcoming their doubts and insecurities.
I love, love, love Yule Be Sorry, the third book in the Planted and Plowed series! Only Lainey Davis could come up with a storyline so original, wacky, scientific, and endearing all at the same time. I was torn between scratching my head, erupting into laughter, scorning non-believers, and rooting for the crazy two and four legged characters, who simply want to create a better world through sustainability. What a great Christmas gift for Lainey’s followers and anyone else out there who loves a laugh-out-loud, beautifully written, smokin’ hot holiday romance with a twist of magic. And don’t miss the bonus scene for a sneak preview of more goodness.
I received this book as an ARC reviewer and voluntarily offer my honest opinion.
Both want their respective endeavors to succeed so that they can contribute to the environmental call and to prove that their unusual selection of professions does indeed have value and worth. And somewhere along the journey they become a team of two friends who figure out pretty quickly that they could be more, if they are willing to trust each other and chance overcoming their doubts and insecurities.
I love, love, love Yule Be Sorry, the third book in the Planted and Plowed series! Only Lainey Davis could come up with a storyline so original, wacky, scientific, and endearing all at the same time. I was torn between scratching my head, erupting into laughter, scorning non-believers, and rooting for the crazy two and four legged characters, who simply want to create a better world through sustainability. What a great Christmas gift for Lainey’s followers and anyone else out there who loves a laugh-out-loud, beautifully written, smokin’ hot holiday romance with a twist of magic. And don’t miss the bonus scene for a sneak preview of more goodness.
I received this book as an ARC reviewer and voluntarily offer my honest opinion.
October 12, 2025
What a fun Christmas opposites-attract novella! Set in Pittsburgh (along with the best of Lainey's books), this is about Eliza Storm (is she a lonely goat-herd?) who runs a micro-business using her goats to munch on rogue vegetation on vacant blocks and building sites. Reed is a buttoned up scientist looking for seed funding for his hydroponic Christmas trees and Reed and Eliza meet by arguing in the Council offices before being thrown together in a number of tricky situations. There are misunderstandings and stereotyping but these two misfits are drawn together and best of all, have each other's backs as they navigate funding for the Christmas trees and clients for the goats.
I loved all the sightings of the Storm sisters and how they support each other. Eliza's awful mother and Reed's ghastly parents make appearances, but luckily for us, they are not around for long.
It's fun and a bit silly, but so warm and appealing. I love everything Lainey writes and this is a delightful stocking filler for the holiday season.
Thank you so much Lainey Davis for the ARC. Opinions are my own.
I loved all the sightings of the Storm sisters and how they support each other. Eliza's awful mother and Reed's ghastly parents make appearances, but luckily for us, they are not around for long.
It's fun and a bit silly, but so warm and appealing. I love everything Lainey writes and this is a delightful stocking filler for the holiday season.
Thank you so much Lainey Davis for the ARC. Opinions are my own.
October 11, 2025
Absolutely delightful continuation of the Storm sisters series. This book can be read as a standalone and it's a holiday story. The Storm sisters are unique. They have carved out interesting, but unusual careers for themselves.
Reed is the son of a corporate empire. but he wants to use his PhD in an environmentally and interesting way - to grow hydroponic holiday trees for apartments and other applications where small trees are perfect - such as for table decorations for holiday galas. His parents dismiss his efforts as a worthless hobby.
Eliza has a goat herd that she rents out to eat overgrowth and vines. They have no problem eating poison ivy. (Truth)
However, Eliza and Reed meet when her herd breaks down the fencing while on a job and they eat some of Reed's special trees that were meant to be part of his pitch to potential investors. Although they start off disliking and fearing each other, they quickly find that they are attracted to each other and each has talents that can help the other.
Such a fun, holiday story. I gobbled it up.
Reed is the son of a corporate empire. but he wants to use his PhD in an environmentally and interesting way - to grow hydroponic holiday trees for apartments and other applications where small trees are perfect - such as for table decorations for holiday galas. His parents dismiss his efforts as a worthless hobby.
Eliza has a goat herd that she rents out to eat overgrowth and vines. They have no problem eating poison ivy. (Truth)
However, Eliza and Reed meet when her herd breaks down the fencing while on a job and they eat some of Reed's special trees that were meant to be part of his pitch to potential investors. Although they start off disliking and fearing each other, they quickly find that they are attracted to each other and each has talents that can help the other.
Such a fun, holiday story. I gobbled it up.
October 6, 2025
Another wonderful part of a series that also easily stands alone. This book is refreshingly honest (no misunderstandings), upfront, and shows people dealing with normal life issues. My favorite part of Lainey's books is how realistic the characters are. Eliza it's so fun and quirky, yet strong and independent. Reed is a hot nerd - which is just my type! They not only have the opposites attracting trope, but my favorite enemies-to-lovers one as well, which creates such humorous scenes. Especially with all the adorable animals! And bonus for Lainey's books taking place in one of the most beautiful cities that I frequent often, because the views really are breathtaking!
I received an advanced copy of the book and am leaving an honest review.
My rating system:
5=will read again
4=recommend to everyone
3=recommend to anyone liking that particular writing style/trope
2=do not recommend
1=DNF
I received an advanced copy of the book and am leaving an honest review.
My rating system:
5=will read again
4=recommend to everyone
3=recommend to anyone liking that particular writing style/trope
2=do not recommend
1=DNF
October 22, 2025
Yule Laugh, Yule Cry, Yule Be Swooning
Five stars and a sleigh full of joy! This rom-com hit every beat I crave—quirky animals, emotional growth, and a romance that made me cheer and tear up in equal measure.
✅ Hungry goats that munch on weeds and investments? Check.
✅ A grumpy donkey with a heart of gold… well, after a few carrots.
✅ A MMC who’s deep in his research and needs to reconnect with his emotions—but rocks a pair of black glasses like nobody’s business. Check plus!
✅ An FMC who knows what she wants but needs to believe in herself.
And the romance? It’s not just about chasing dreams—it’s about learning that love means trust, vulnerability, and showing up for your person simply because they’re yours, and you’re theirs.
Lainey Davis delivers charm, wit, and emotional depth in a package that’s as cozy as a holiday sweater and as satisfying as a perfectly timed kiss under the mistletoe. I’m already first in line for whatever she writes next.
Five stars and a sleigh full of joy! This rom-com hit every beat I crave—quirky animals, emotional growth, and a romance that made me cheer and tear up in equal measure.
✅ Hungry goats that munch on weeds and investments? Check.
✅ A grumpy donkey with a heart of gold… well, after a few carrots.
✅ A MMC who’s deep in his research and needs to reconnect with his emotions—but rocks a pair of black glasses like nobody’s business. Check plus!
✅ An FMC who knows what she wants but needs to believe in herself.
And the romance? It’s not just about chasing dreams—it’s about learning that love means trust, vulnerability, and showing up for your person simply because they’re yours, and you’re theirs.
Lainey Davis delivers charm, wit, and emotional depth in a package that’s as cozy as a holiday sweater and as satisfying as a perfectly timed kiss under the mistletoe. I’m already first in line for whatever she writes next.
October 13, 2025
If I could choose one word about how I feel about this book it would be smitten! I was smitten with Reed and Eliza, their families and found families, and even the goats and rascally donkey! I could have also used cute, quirky, or steamy, but smitten just encompasses my overall feeling of enjoyment when reading this book!
The scene at Bramblewood Manor, where Eliza and Reed unexpectedly meet again, had me equally in stitches and gasping in horror! There might have been some cringing, too. And that was just the beginning. Needless to say I completely enjoyed this book and was thoroughly entertained!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
The scene at Bramblewood Manor, where Eliza and Reed unexpectedly meet again, had me equally in stitches and gasping in horror! There might have been some cringing, too. And that was just the beginning. Needless to say I completely enjoyed this book and was thoroughly entertained!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
October 1, 2025
The Animals Do It Again
The Storm sisters are not what most people would call ‘normal’, but they are definitely worth while reading about! Eliza is keeping goats as a weeding business, and a donkey as a ‘herd dog’. Chaos is her middle name and trouble always knows how to find her. Her counterpart Reed is extremely organized and doesn’t know how to deal with this female tornado who crashed into his life.
A wonderful, funny and romantic story with some sweet lovemaking between those two incredible MCs. Very highly recommended! <3 <3 <3
The Storm sisters are not what most people would call ‘normal’, but they are definitely worth while reading about! Eliza is keeping goats as a weeding business, and a donkey as a ‘herd dog’. Chaos is her middle name and trouble always knows how to find her. Her counterpart Reed is extremely organized and doesn’t know how to deal with this female tornado who crashed into his life.
A wonderful, funny and romantic story with some sweet lovemaking between those two incredible MCs. Very highly recommended! <3 <3 <3
October 13, 2025
Christmas trees and goats
I loved this cute and quirky Storm sister romance. Ms Davis brings to life the best characters who have awkward realness, off the cuff banter, unique professions and unexpected connections.
Reed and Eliza have tension and spark, great banter, emotion, steam, growth, twists and laugh out loud humour.
I love the deeply loyal family connection between the Storm sisters and how they embrace each new challenge and addition to the family.
Each story in this series has been heartwarming as well as fun and I can’t recommend them highly enough.
I loved this cute and quirky Storm sister romance. Ms Davis brings to life the best characters who have awkward realness, off the cuff banter, unique professions and unexpected connections.
Reed and Eliza have tension and spark, great banter, emotion, steam, growth, twists and laugh out loud humour.
I love the deeply loyal family connection between the Storm sisters and how they embrace each new challenge and addition to the family.
Each story in this series has been heartwarming as well as fun and I can’t recommend them highly enough.
January 10, 2026
Reed & Eliza's story was a joy. She is a plucky business owner - her goats munch on overgrown vines in Pittsburg. She is trying to get paid (and who cant relate to that?!) and he is a fussy scientist holding up the line @ City Hall. I love this family and how they are weaved into the story seamlessly. Reed's friends are now added to this rich tapestry. Davis builds rich worlds and well-developed characters. I love the cadence of her words. I'll be adding some funny highlights to this review.
HEA, light steam. Fun dialogue - a bit Gilmore Girls? Relatable issues. Goats. Donkey Hijinx.
HEA, light steam. Fun dialogue - a bit Gilmore Girls? Relatable issues. Goats. Donkey Hijinx.
October 8, 2025
Eliza and Reed’s journey to HEA was not easy, but it was full of grumpy donkey(s), rebellious goats, tiny yummy fir trees, reappearing Xmas spirit, loss of self doubt, women empowerment, family shenanigans- the good and the bad kind, and some steamy pages.
But let’s be honest, Lainey had me at Eliza Storm’s book.
But let’s be honest, Lainey had me at Eliza Storm’s book.
October 10, 2025
Wow! What a sweet, powerful and hopeful story. Two broken souls finding each other and helping each other fight their demons and finding love and happiness. Eliza and Reed are so good together even with all the flaws and insecurities, their relationship is so true, honest and right that it will warm your heart. The Storm’s sisters are incredible.
September 20, 2025
Goats, goats and more goats. They are so cute and adorable. Until they are naughty again. Naughty with the hot guys trees! Funny incidents that lead you to a partnership where you are always there for each other, no matter what. Especially family that can't take a hint.
October 5, 2025
I enjoyed Eliza and Reed. I liked the way their relationship developed. They both have pasts that left them wary. I liked that they supported each other. The storyline was good. I liked seeing the sisters again. It was a good read I enjoyed in a couple hours.
December 31, 2025
Short sweet story but the plot couldve been better.
September 30, 2025
I like the Storm sisters. They're all a bit broken, but they stick together and they overcome all the obstacles thrown in their path. Eliza's obstacles are her goats, a donkey with opinions, and getting in her own way. She's a fiery, feisty, chaotic mess. Reed is all about control, everything in its place and a place for everything. Neither of them are able to stand up to their overbearing parents. After a very destructive start, they both start to realise they have far more in common than they thought. I really enjoyed this fun story set around the holidays. There was pandemonium with goats and donkeys, Christmas cookies, obnoxious parents and found family. 4.25*
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews