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Love Among Vines
Jade Gardner’s life is on the brink of disaster. She and her golden retriever are on the verge of losing their home thanks to a two-year stretch of artist’s block (hers, not the dog’s). To make matters worse, she accidentally agreed to be a bridesmaid…in her ex-boyfriend’s wedding.
An ill-timed bachelorette trip to the Finger Lakes is exactly what she doesn’t need.
Everett Rhodes has put his own dreams on hold to take over the family winery. Competition is increasing and margins are getting smaller, but nothing will stop him from steering the business back on course. Especially not an impulsive, gorgeous hot mess with a backpack full of cheese and enough emotional baggage to fill a cargo hold.
Jade desperately needs a date to the wedding—also maybe a financial bootcamp. But she’ll settle for a fake romance with the grumpy winemaker who needs to get his parents off his back about his lack of a love life.
It’s only two weeks. Sure, they’re complete opposites. But they can absolutely fake it for two weeks, especially since they don’t seem to have to pretend about the whole physical attraction thing. What could possibly go horribly, horribly wrong?
An ill-timed bachelorette trip to the Finger Lakes is exactly what she doesn’t need.
Everett Rhodes has put his own dreams on hold to take over the family winery. Competition is increasing and margins are getting smaller, but nothing will stop him from steering the business back on course. Especially not an impulsive, gorgeous hot mess with a backpack full of cheese and enough emotional baggage to fill a cargo hold.
Jade desperately needs a date to the wedding—also maybe a financial bootcamp. But she’ll settle for a fake romance with the grumpy winemaker who needs to get his parents off his back about his lack of a love life.
It’s only two weeks. Sure, they’re complete opposites. But they can absolutely fake it for two weeks, especially since they don’t seem to have to pretend about the whole physical attraction thing. What could possibly go horribly, horribly wrong?
438 pages, Paperback
Published June 20, 2025
1300 people are currently reading
1968 people want to read
About the author
Madison Score
6 books624 followersMadison Score is the author of the Claire Hartley Accidental Mystery series (and the younger, weirder sister of Lucy Score.) She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, son, and perpetually-shedding corgi. For some reason her parents allowed her to get a degree in Creative Writing, which she now utilizes to craft stories with comedy, romance, and sometimes a hefty dose of crime.
When she’s not writing or chasing after her tornado of a toddler (seriously, how many times can he upend our rubber tree?) you can find her blatantly ignoring recipes in the kitchen, flailing her body around in the gym, or bingeing true crime podcasts, TV, and movies.
Follow her on Facebook and Instagram if you want to see an excess of poorly-photographed foods during her weekly Madison Tries It segment.
When she’s not writing or chasing after her tornado of a toddler (seriously, how many times can he upend our rubber tree?) you can find her blatantly ignoring recipes in the kitchen, flailing her body around in the gym, or bingeing true crime podcasts, TV, and movies.
Follow her on Facebook and Instagram if you want to see an excess of poorly-photographed foods during her weekly Madison Tries It segment.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 318 reviews
August 10, 2025
I really enjoyed this book and it was perfect for the summer! takes place in a small town with a vineyard?? sign me up 🤭 AND it also had a lil fake dating moment which is one of my fav tropes and this didn’t disappoint!
I really enjoyed the characters, they felt super realistic and had depth to them to where I felt like I actually got to know them well. they had great chemistry and the banter was so much fun, my only complaint is the timeline (2 weeks) was super short where I’m not fully convinced all of this could have happened in that short time period. I also really appreciated how the characters went on their own healing journey, I love reading about growth it gets me emotional every time! I also LOVED the setting, the small town vibes with the vineyard just screamed romance to me!!
thank you to hambright pr and madison score for an e-arc and physical copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the characters, they felt super realistic and had depth to them to where I felt like I actually got to know them well. they had great chemistry and the banter was so much fun, my only complaint is the timeline (2 weeks) was super short where I’m not fully convinced all of this could have happened in that short time period. I also really appreciated how the characters went on their own healing journey, I love reading about growth it gets me emotional every time! I also LOVED the setting, the small town vibes with the vineyard just screamed romance to me!!
thank you to hambright pr and madison score for an e-arc and physical copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 24, 2025
Sips and Strokes
Jade had been roped into being in the wedding of her best friend and her ex, and there was no plus one in sight to save her pride.
The handsome owner of the vineyard where the bachelorette party was held, really struck her muse hard. His name was Rhett and he was gorgeous.
Rhett needed someone to accompany him to his big Centennial celebration for his grandmother’s vineyard. Jade needed a wedding plus one, and a magical deal was struck.
This is the story about surviving trauma and thriving despite the hurdles that needed cleared. It’s a nice, slow burn romance with just a hint of spice. Five stars for the romantic in all of our hearts.
Jade had been roped into being in the wedding of her best friend and her ex, and there was no plus one in sight to save her pride.
The handsome owner of the vineyard where the bachelorette party was held, really struck her muse hard. His name was Rhett and he was gorgeous.
Rhett needed someone to accompany him to his big Centennial celebration for his grandmother’s vineyard. Jade needed a wedding plus one, and a magical deal was struck.
This is the story about surviving trauma and thriving despite the hurdles that needed cleared. It’s a nice, slow burn romance with just a hint of spice. Five stars for the romantic in all of our hearts.
July 17, 2025
This was so cute!!!! I really enjoyed Rett and Jade together!!! Their mirrored pasts worked really well together and I enjoyed how each of them made the other better and brought out the best in one another. Rett DID look at Jade as a little project-y which was annoying at times and the spice was cringe at times, but overall their relationship was good!!! The third act breakup was so stupid but they always are lol. AND WHY WAS THERE NO EPILOGUE??? Literally so weird lol, the ending was so abrupt. But i loved the little town and Margie and Cindy and all the girls and her new friends!!!! Overall so so cute!! Esp if you love wine like me lol.
June 24, 2025
Another great read from Madison! I really enjoyed that both Jade and Everett were both artists in their own ways and both had similar traumatic background. It made it easy for both characters to comfort and be sympathetic to each other. I devoured this book within two days.
Idk how Jade managed to be in her "bestie's" wedding but let me tell you she made it eventful! I love that Everett was right there cheering her along. I found that them being opposites were great too! Jade is a free spirited artist were Everett is a planner/ semi-control freak winemaker lol. I think their personalities balanced each other out nicely. Also, their banter was fantastic! I just wish there was a little more development in their relationship. Two weeks wasn't enough for me but it didn't stop me from binging this story. There were so many fun moments in this book and love that the side characters were just as memorable. Also, the small town was very picturesque.
Thank you to hambright pr and madison score for the gifted ebook.
Idk how Jade managed to be in her "bestie's" wedding but let me tell you she made it eventful! I love that Everett was right there cheering her along. I found that them being opposites were great too! Jade is a free spirited artist were Everett is a planner/ semi-control freak winemaker lol. I think their personalities balanced each other out nicely. Also, their banter was fantastic! I just wish there was a little more development in their relationship. Two weeks wasn't enough for me but it didn't stop me from binging this story. There were so many fun moments in this book and love that the side characters were just as memorable. Also, the small town was very picturesque.
Thank you to hambright pr and madison score for the gifted ebook.
June 22, 2025
My favorite summer read!
This book had me squealing with joy! It has everything I want in a romance novel; I never wanted it to end.
Jade Gardner has somehow found herself a bridesmaid in the wedding of her “best friend” to the man she was supposed to marry. Down on her luck doesn’t even begin to describe Jade’s circumstances as the wedding party descends on the charming small town of Hammondsport, NY. A formerly successful artist, she is now dealing with a crippling loss of mojo that’s left her almost destitute. But when she takes her first sip of wine from Rhodes Vineyard, electric sparks shock her nervous system and the first artistic vision in 2 years shimmers.
Everett Rhodes inherited Rhodes Vineyard from his grandmother and he’s putting his heart and soul into the vines and feeling inadequate every day. After their meet cute, Rett and Jade hatch a plan for a mutually beneficial fake dating scheme, and shenanigans ensue.
This book is hilarious, heartfelt, schmexy, and swoony. Rett is an amazing fake boyfriend, as he tries to help Jade get her artistic tingle back, and Jade is determined to help Rett loosen up and find his passion.
The townspeople, the Finger Lakes scenery, the vineyard, the canvases, the very atmosphere surrounding this story is vivid and rich. I wish I could read this again for the first time!
This book had me squealing with joy! It has everything I want in a romance novel; I never wanted it to end.
Jade Gardner has somehow found herself a bridesmaid in the wedding of her “best friend” to the man she was supposed to marry. Down on her luck doesn’t even begin to describe Jade’s circumstances as the wedding party descends on the charming small town of Hammondsport, NY. A formerly successful artist, she is now dealing with a crippling loss of mojo that’s left her almost destitute. But when she takes her first sip of wine from Rhodes Vineyard, electric sparks shock her nervous system and the first artistic vision in 2 years shimmers.
Everett Rhodes inherited Rhodes Vineyard from his grandmother and he’s putting his heart and soul into the vines and feeling inadequate every day. After their meet cute, Rett and Jade hatch a plan for a mutually beneficial fake dating scheme, and shenanigans ensue.
This book is hilarious, heartfelt, schmexy, and swoony. Rett is an amazing fake boyfriend, as he tries to help Jade get her artistic tingle back, and Jade is determined to help Rett loosen up and find his passion.
The townspeople, the Finger Lakes scenery, the vineyard, the canvases, the very atmosphere surrounding this story is vivid and rich. I wish I could read this again for the first time!
June 25, 2025
When you are basically forced to attend your ex’s wedding to your friend, you deserve to be rewarded by a hunky winery owner’s attention.
Jade was relatable and going through it, losing her muse as a result of her love life disaster.
Rett is wine focused and will stop at nothing to make his family business a success. He also has prior relationship drama that makes you want to hope for their HEA.
This book has everything- a fake dating turned friends to lovers, opposites attract, making ex’s jealous, spicy time interruptions by the townspeople, and a good conclusion.
The third act breakup could have been avoided if Rett watched what/how he said things, but alas, he is a man.
This book was the perfect summer vacation read, and I also would love it in the fall!
Thank you Hambright PR for this copy!
Jade was relatable and going through it, losing her muse as a result of her love life disaster.
Rett is wine focused and will stop at nothing to make his family business a success. He also has prior relationship drama that makes you want to hope for their HEA.
This book has everything- a fake dating turned friends to lovers, opposites attract, making ex’s jealous, spicy time interruptions by the townspeople, and a good conclusion.
The third act breakup could have been avoided if Rett watched what/how he said things, but alas, he is a man.
This book was the perfect summer vacation read, and I also would love it in the fall!
Thank you Hambright PR for this copy!
July 3, 2025
This was such a great #summerromance It was funny and heartfelt and full of small town shenanigans. Jade and Everett were complete opposites but they had such great chemistry.
Jade had the opportunity to really figure out what she wants and Rett was so supportive. He was completely swoon worthy and I loved how they developed a friendship that becomes something more.
This book is charming and fun and I would definitely give it a read!
✨What To Expect:
🏡 Small Town
🤫 Fake relationship
🌦️ Grumpy/Sunshine
👩🏼❤️💋👨🏼 Opposites attract
🍷 Found family
💞 Friends with benefits
🍇NY Finger Lakes Setting
🦝 Indoor/Outdoor Raccoon
🧀 Cheese
Jade had the opportunity to really figure out what she wants and Rett was so supportive. He was completely swoon worthy and I loved how they developed a friendship that becomes something more.
This book is charming and fun and I would definitely give it a read!
✨What To Expect:
🏡 Small Town
🤫 Fake relationship
🌦️ Grumpy/Sunshine
👩🏼❤️💋👨🏼 Opposites attract
🍷 Found family
💞 Friends with benefits
🍇NY Finger Lakes Setting
🦝 Indoor/Outdoor Raccoon
🧀 Cheese
June 30, 2025
I’m a sucker for the fake dating trope, so I had to sign up for this one and it did not disappoint! It was surprisingly emotional, with heartfelt messages about finding yourself and learning to forgive the past. I adored the love story and the opposites attract dynamic had me hooked. Plus, the vineyard setting? Total romantic vibes. The banter was top notch and the chemistry was so good. Highly recommend this one to all my contemporary romance lovers! Thanks to Hambright PR for the gifted copy!!
July 2, 2025
This book started off really working for me, barring the absolutely wild setup of Jade (the FMC) as a bridesmaid in the wedding of Ashley (her bff) and Nate (her ex) after Nate cheated on her with Ashley. That’s a level of forgiveness (delusion) I can’t get behind, but I’ve read weirder setups so I rolled with it.
Jade is a relatable FMC. I really related to her as an only child who needs her dog because she’s down so many friends and who has no family. I also like that later in the story she stands up for herself (even if it’s short-lived). Penny her dog is a cute addition too.
I enjoyed the small town feel, the townspeople that are impossibly nice, the found family who accept her immediately. I liked the winery setup and the fact she’s an artist.
Now, here’s the sole reason this book didn’t work for me, Rett, the MMC. I thought he started out really promising. He was your standard sort of grumpy love interest. Then he started an inner monologue about how he must coach Jade and teach her basic life skills like interviewing and resume making.
First, she’s an artist who was very successful. She’s down on her luck, not an infant. Maybe she’s allowed to be free spirited? Again though, I figured okay maybe this was a weird blip, but no.
It’s easier to list the things he did that made me crazy:
He nags about her budget. He talks to her like she needs “a real job” sometimes or like she is so dense she doesn’t know she might need a backup job. Then he’d switch to “oh you’re perfect, such a good artist, so smart and capable.” Alright pick a lane.
I got an immediate ick that he bought his fake girlfriend he has never slept with a bra and panty set for their date. I can see this being hot in a dark romance or at least one with a dominate man. It’s just weird when it’s Mr. You Need to Budget.
Jade spends four whole dollars on some kid’s cider and he lectures her about frivolous spending. It’s four fucking dollars my man. It’s giving boomer “stop buying coffees and you’ll not be poor” energy.
I was fully rooting for the happy ending to be Jade finding her muse again and kicking ass ALONE in the art world and just visiting her new friends. Because the final nail was the third act breakup where he was flat out cruel.
She does thankfully leave his ass and give him some hell about it but in my opinion she shouldn’t have taken him back.
Also, not very important but I didn’t like the spice, the way it was written was not for me. I skipped it.
The book also had an epilogue and it was the same one you’ve read 7,000 times already, which I just want people to stop doing. We get it, everyone must be married and pregnant to be happy. That is the way.
So I would have fully rated this four stars if the happy ending was what I was rooting for and Jade finding herself was the happy ending, because I liked her part of the story a lot. But it really knocked it down for me that she took him back after what he said when it had only been a week and he wasn’t worth it.
Jade is a relatable FMC. I really related to her as an only child who needs her dog because she’s down so many friends and who has no family. I also like that later in the story she stands up for herself (even if it’s short-lived). Penny her dog is a cute addition too.
I enjoyed the small town feel, the townspeople that are impossibly nice, the found family who accept her immediately. I liked the winery setup and the fact she’s an artist.
Now, here’s the sole reason this book didn’t work for me, Rett, the MMC. I thought he started out really promising. He was your standard sort of grumpy love interest. Then he started an inner monologue about how he must coach Jade and teach her basic life skills like interviewing and resume making.
First, she’s an artist who was very successful. She’s down on her luck, not an infant. Maybe she’s allowed to be free spirited? Again though, I figured okay maybe this was a weird blip, but no.
It’s easier to list the things he did that made me crazy:
He nags about her budget. He talks to her like she needs “a real job” sometimes or like she is so dense she doesn’t know she might need a backup job. Then he’d switch to “oh you’re perfect, such a good artist, so smart and capable.” Alright pick a lane.
I got an immediate ick that he bought his fake girlfriend he has never slept with a bra and panty set for their date. I can see this being hot in a dark romance or at least one with a dominate man. It’s just weird when it’s Mr. You Need to Budget.
Jade spends four whole dollars on some kid’s cider and he lectures her about frivolous spending. It’s four fucking dollars my man. It’s giving boomer “stop buying coffees and you’ll not be poor” energy.
I was fully rooting for the happy ending to be Jade finding her muse again and kicking ass ALONE in the art world and just visiting her new friends. Because the final nail was the third act breakup where he was flat out cruel.
She does thankfully leave his ass and give him some hell about it but in my opinion she shouldn’t have taken him back.
Also, not very important but I didn’t like the spice, the way it was written was not for me. I skipped it.
The book also had an epilogue and it was the same one you’ve read 7,000 times already, which I just want people to stop doing. We get it, everyone must be married and pregnant to be happy. That is the way.
So I would have fully rated this four stars if the happy ending was what I was rooting for and Jade finding herself was the happy ending, because I liked her part of the story a lot. But it really knocked it down for me that she took him back after what he said when it had only been a week and he wasn’t worth it.
June 20, 2025
What a wonderfully beautiful romance.
This was a romance that immediately sucked you in. I was loving the drama that it started out with. It was such an omg situation! Jade is a saint who needed to kick some ass. It was a great storyline for the start of their fake relationship.
Jade was truly on a journey in life to refind herself. She was taking every adventure head-on. A great way for her to tackle her situation. It was an endearing quality of her personality. Jade was a fantastic main FC.
Rhett just wanted to be left alone. He had a little bit of the grumpy tendencies but was so much more. He’s almost immediately so endearing.
They were opposites in many ways but were also so good for each other in many others.
Madison Score absolutely doesn’t let you down with this amazing, heartfelt story.
Come read with me on instagram @booksy.tx.ana
This was a romance that immediately sucked you in. I was loving the drama that it started out with. It was such an omg situation! Jade is a saint who needed to kick some ass. It was a great storyline for the start of their fake relationship.
Jade was truly on a journey in life to refind herself. She was taking every adventure head-on. A great way for her to tackle her situation. It was an endearing quality of her personality. Jade was a fantastic main FC.
Rhett just wanted to be left alone. He had a little bit of the grumpy tendencies but was so much more. He’s almost immediately so endearing.
They were opposites in many ways but were also so good for each other in many others.
Madison Score absolutely doesn’t let you down with this amazing, heartfelt story.
Come read with me on instagram @booksy.tx.ana
June 20, 2025
This book made me so giddy!!! I laughed, I was mad, I giddy with happiness, I sad, just a wonderful romcom!!! Loved it!! Perfect summer read.
Fake dating is not a favorite trope of mine, but this one was done so well. It really didn't ever feel fake! Found family IS a favorite trope of mine, and this found family was utterly amazing.
I adored the dual pov, it's always nice to see both sides of their thoughts and feelings. This felt very much like it could be a movie.
If you like:
🤫 Fake relationship
👩🏼❤️��👨🏼 Opposites attract
🩷 Found family
🏘️ Small town
😘 Friends with benefits
Thank you so much @madisonscore and @hambright_pr for the advanced copy!!
Fake dating is not a favorite trope of mine, but this one was done so well. It really didn't ever feel fake! Found family IS a favorite trope of mine, and this found family was utterly amazing.
I adored the dual pov, it's always nice to see both sides of their thoughts and feelings. This felt very much like it could be a movie.
If you like:
🤫 Fake relationship
👩🏼❤️��👨🏼 Opposites attract
🩷 Found family
🏘️ Small town
😘 Friends with benefits
Thank you so much @madisonscore and @hambright_pr for the advanced copy!!
June 22, 2025
Jade was attending the wedding of her best friend and her ex-boyfriend (who had an emotional affair with each other while they were dating). Rhett was hosting her friend’s bachelorette wine tasting. Both needed a plus one to life-changing events. So a deal was struck.
Both hearts broken in a similar manner. Both helping the other heal with this temporary arrangement. Can they truly keep feelings out of it?
Jade and Rhett have a beautiful time together, even if it’s just a fake relationship with mutual benefits.
💕Found Family
💕Small Town
💕Second Chance
💕Fake Dating
Both hearts broken in a similar manner. Both helping the other heal with this temporary arrangement. Can they truly keep feelings out of it?
Jade and Rhett have a beautiful time together, even if it’s just a fake relationship with mutual benefits.
💕Found Family
💕Small Town
💕Second Chance
💕Fake Dating
July 9, 2025
I could not keep at this one. Sadly a DNF for me.
I couldn't connect with the characters, and there were SO many ancillary characters, I started getting them confused.
Not for me.
I couldn't connect with the characters, and there were SO many ancillary characters, I started getting them confused.
Not for me.
July 15, 2025
Lett, søt og litt forutsigbar. Litt klisjé innimellom, men det får være greit - jeg koste meg! Akkurat det jeg trengte nå
September 18, 2025
This book felt never-ending, with far too many events crammed in. While it had its cute moments, more often it was confusing. Why was the MMC suddenly mentoring the FMC? Why did he take on the role of a life coach? At times, he came across as controlling and condescending. And why was there so much drinking involved?
After their fight and the third-act breakup, I expected the MMC to immediately show up at the FMC’s home to grovel and fight for their relationship. Instead, he disappointed me by hiding like a coward. His eventual apology wasn’t much better—it read more like, “I’m a screwup and don’t deserve you, but please lower your standards for me.”
After their fight and the third-act breakup, I expected the MMC to immediately show up at the FMC’s home to grovel and fight for their relationship. Instead, he disappointed me by hiding like a coward. His eventual apology wasn’t much better—it read more like, “I’m a screwup and don’t deserve you, but please lower your standards for me.”
August 25, 2025
great easy read — loved their relationship
August 30, 2025
This warmed my little rom com-loving heart. 4.5 stars!
July 30, 2025
This was a really cute story!!!!
I really enjoyed Rett and Jade. The banter was great. I enjoyed how each of them made the other better. I will say Rett making it seem as though Jade was a little project of his at times kind of got on my nerves.
I did miss having an epilogue, and I did feel it ended rather abruptly.
Overall, I enjoyed the read and all the characters really.
Super cute!
I really enjoyed Rett and Jade. The banter was great. I enjoyed how each of them made the other better. I will say Rett making it seem as though Jade was a little project of his at times kind of got on my nerves.
I did miss having an epilogue, and I did feel it ended rather abruptly.
Overall, I enjoyed the read and all the characters really.
Super cute!
June 19, 2025
Love Among Vines is the perfect small town, fake dating, grumpy X Sunshine Romance. Set in Fingers Lake.
Rhett is so swoony that grumpy vineyard owner. Then he meets Jade Gardner when her and her best friend's bridal party blows into town. They both feel an instant connection towards each other.
Jade's best friend is marrying her ex-boyfriend. She needs a date for their upcoming wedding. Rhett is looking for a date to get his parents off his back so that they will stop trying to set him up. They both decide that they can help each other out and fake date without developing real feelings. What could possibly go wrong?
Jade stays in town to paint a mural for the local cafe. The more time Jade and Rhett spend together the more they both feel that gravitational pull and connection towards each and they can't get enough of it.
I love a good small town romance and Madison Score didn't disappoint! This story is about second chances, rediscovering yourself and letting go of the past. Along with many swoony moments because Rhett is 🔥. I loved all of the side characters and pets in this book as well!
Tropes:
-Fake Relationship
-Opposites Attract
-Found Family
-Small Town
-Friends with Benefits
Rhett is so swoony that grumpy vineyard owner. Then he meets Jade Gardner when her and her best friend's bridal party blows into town. They both feel an instant connection towards each other.
Jade's best friend is marrying her ex-boyfriend. She needs a date for their upcoming wedding. Rhett is looking for a date to get his parents off his back so that they will stop trying to set him up. They both decide that they can help each other out and fake date without developing real feelings. What could possibly go wrong?
Jade stays in town to paint a mural for the local cafe. The more time Jade and Rhett spend together the more they both feel that gravitational pull and connection towards each and they can't get enough of it.
I love a good small town romance and Madison Score didn't disappoint! This story is about second chances, rediscovering yourself and letting go of the past. Along with many swoony moments because Rhett is 🔥. I loved all of the side characters and pets in this book as well!
Tropes:
-Fake Relationship
-Opposites Attract
-Found Family
-Small Town
-Friends with Benefits
June 25, 2025
LOVE AMONG VINES by @madisonscore
PUB WEEK review • pub date 06.26.25
Told in dual POV of Jade - an artist who has had a block for two years now - who meets Rett, the owner of a winery while out of town for a bachelorette party. Their paths cross and they find out Jade is a bridesmaid for her best friend that’s marrying Jade’s ex, and Rett is trying to get his parents off his back about dating while he runs the family business. They have a fake relationship and show up for each other when they need it most.
I am UTTERLY OBSESSED. I don’t read tons of romance books but this one had me in a chokehold! I absolutely adored the characters and was rooting for them the entire time. Fake dating is my favorite trope and the tension was palpable. Top notch banter. I laughed, felt giddy, and went through all five stages of grief while reading. This was such a joy to read and I picked it up every time I had a free minute to spare. 🥰 now I must read every other word she’s written! this will also be available on ku!!
5⭐️
Huge thanks to the author + @hambright_pr for my gifted e-ARC!
PUB WEEK review • pub date 06.26.25
Told in dual POV of Jade - an artist who has had a block for two years now - who meets Rett, the owner of a winery while out of town for a bachelorette party. Their paths cross and they find out Jade is a bridesmaid for her best friend that’s marrying Jade’s ex, and Rett is trying to get his parents off his back about dating while he runs the family business. They have a fake relationship and show up for each other when they need it most.
I am UTTERLY OBSESSED. I don’t read tons of romance books but this one had me in a chokehold! I absolutely adored the characters and was rooting for them the entire time. Fake dating is my favorite trope and the tension was palpable. Top notch banter. I laughed, felt giddy, and went through all five stages of grief while reading. This was such a joy to read and I picked it up every time I had a free minute to spare. 🥰 now I must read every other word she’s written! this will also be available on ku!!
5⭐️
Huge thanks to the author + @hambright_pr for my gifted e-ARC!
July 2, 2025
Loved this one.
Jade and Everett were charming and their chemistry was good as well. The way that their story progressed and they bonded was so good to read. The only thing that was underwhelming for me was the third-act breakup, nonetheless, it was a light and cute read. I laughed, smiled and swooned throughout the story!
Read it if you love:
🌸 Fake dating
🌸 Small Town Romance
🌸 Found family
🌸 Opposite Attracts
Thank you so much @hambright pr and @madison score for the ARC! ❤️
Jade and Everett were charming and their chemistry was good as well. The way that their story progressed and they bonded was so good to read. The only thing that was underwhelming for me was the third-act breakup, nonetheless, it was a light and cute read. I laughed, smiled and swooned throughout the story!
Read it if you love:
🌸 Fake dating
🌸 Small Town Romance
🌸 Found family
🌸 Opposite Attracts
Thank you so much @hambright pr and @madison score for the ARC! ❤️
July 21, 2025
Jade x Rett 🍇
Rett is a workaholic and constantly stressed about something terrible happening at the winery he inherited. He worries about continuing his grandma’s legacy and is hoping to make the winery as successful as she did. His parents are also on his case about settling down.
Jade is a hot mess, a formerly successful artist that has lost her muse after her boyfriend cheats with her best friend (and she still agreed to be a bridesmaid). She doesn’t want to attend this wedding alone so when the attractive vintner she met at the bachelorette party suggests they help each other out by faking a relationship, it’s a no brainer.
This was a light fake dating read. It felt clunky at times and a little repetitive here and there. She’s also very financially irresponsible (some of it is quite understandable) and he tends to frequently remind her of it, which was annoying. The third act breakup pissed me off only because Rett was a huge asshole and it didn’t feel very “in character” for him. I’ve read other books with a third act breakup where the mmc is a total dick but something about this one kinda gave me the ick. He did redeem himself but still… The ending felt rushed too, but the bonus chapter was cute.
And…Listen, I am an animal lover but FFS this girl needs to discipline her dog. OMG I was so annoyed by this dog’s behavior! Yes I know it’s a fictional story but good lord, there needs to be some obedience training with how obnoxious Penny was. And Jade did literally nothing to curb the bad behavior.
All the wine talk made me want to crack open a bottle like every other chapter. Parts of this were very sweet and had me smiling and swooning. I enjoyed the side character friends too. But overall just wasn’t my favorite.
Rett is a workaholic and constantly stressed about something terrible happening at the winery he inherited. He worries about continuing his grandma’s legacy and is hoping to make the winery as successful as she did. His parents are also on his case about settling down.
Jade is a hot mess, a formerly successful artist that has lost her muse after her boyfriend cheats with her best friend (and she still agreed to be a bridesmaid). She doesn’t want to attend this wedding alone so when the attractive vintner she met at the bachelorette party suggests they help each other out by faking a relationship, it’s a no brainer.
This was a light fake dating read. It felt clunky at times and a little repetitive here and there. She’s also very financially irresponsible (some of it is quite understandable) and he tends to frequently remind her of it, which was annoying. The third act breakup pissed me off only because Rett was a huge asshole and it didn’t feel very “in character” for him. I’ve read other books with a third act breakup where the mmc is a total dick but something about this one kinda gave me the ick. He did redeem himself but still… The ending felt rushed too, but the bonus chapter was cute.
And…Listen, I am an animal lover but FFS this girl needs to discipline her dog. OMG I was so annoyed by this dog’s behavior! Yes I know it’s a fictional story but good lord, there needs to be some obedience training with how obnoxious Penny was. And Jade did literally nothing to curb the bad behavior.
All the wine talk made me want to crack open a bottle like every other chapter. Parts of this were very sweet and had me smiling and swooning. I enjoyed the side character friends too. But overall just wasn’t my favorite.
June 29, 2025
hmmmm.
He’s ready to propose but then finds his girlfriend in bed with his brother.
She just signed a lease only to find out her boyfriend has fallen in love with her best friend.
She has maintained a relationship with the best friend and is in the wedding? He is pandering to the brother because the parents apparently like the brother best. The relationships are all somewhere between a little and a lot overdone. The main characters aren’t particularly likable. She is more than he is. He just lectures her about her “faults” most of the time. Most of what he lectures her about are forgivable for someone her age. Nobody brings up that she hasn’t tried basic dog obedience. FFS, it benefits the dog, too. It’s not endearing to anyone when your dog is pulling you on the sidewalk and it’s dangerous to you and them.
So he’s a jerk and she’s kind of a flake. The other people in the town and their friends who aren’t actively cheating on anyone are great though. The other people are just kind of caricatures though.
He’s ready to propose but then finds his girlfriend in bed with his brother.
She just signed a lease only to find out her boyfriend has fallen in love with her best friend.
She has maintained a relationship with the best friend and is in the wedding? He is pandering to the brother because the parents apparently like the brother best. The relationships are all somewhere between a little and a lot overdone. The main characters aren’t particularly likable. She is more than he is. He just lectures her about her “faults” most of the time. Most of what he lectures her about are forgivable for someone her age. Nobody brings up that she hasn’t tried basic dog obedience. FFS, it benefits the dog, too. It’s not endearing to anyone when your dog is pulling you on the sidewalk and it’s dangerous to you and them.
So he’s a jerk and she’s kind of a flake. The other people in the town and their friends who aren’t actively cheating on anyone are great though. The other people are just kind of caricatures though.
September 5, 2025
I finished this book with 41 highlights and laughed out loud multiple times, that alone tells you it’s a good one. But for the details, please continue.
This book and I were on a roller coaster together. At first, Rett grated on my nerves. He felt pushy, pretentious, even a little overbearing, and my mood-reader self almost threw in the towel. But I’m so glad I didn’t.
Rett turned out to be one of the most realistic characters I’ve ever read. He’s not perfect, not even in that “flawed but secretly attractive” kind of way. His flaws are real, the kind that make you want to poke him in the eye sometimes.
I also adored the Finger Lakes residents, and watching Jade slowly reclaim herself after so much trauma was beautiful. She found her groove again piece by piece, and what I loved most is that it wasn’t about a man fixing her. Even on her own, she rediscovered her vision and chased her dream.
This book and I were on a roller coaster together. At first, Rett grated on my nerves. He felt pushy, pretentious, even a little overbearing, and my mood-reader self almost threw in the towel. But I’m so glad I didn’t.
Rett turned out to be one of the most realistic characters I’ve ever read. He’s not perfect, not even in that “flawed but secretly attractive” kind of way. His flaws are real, the kind that make you want to poke him in the eye sometimes.
I also adored the Finger Lakes residents, and watching Jade slowly reclaim herself after so much trauma was beautiful. She found her groove again piece by piece, and what I loved most is that it wasn’t about a man fixing her. Even on her own, she rediscovered her vision and chased her dream.
August 8, 2025
“𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐮𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝.”
OK, how did I not know that Lucy Score has a little sister who is also an incredible author?! Guess I’ll be working my way through her entire backlist — especially since most of it looks like a cozy mystery romance series. I cannot wait to devour them all.
As for this one, it’s heartfelt, well-written, and deeper than I expected. Heads-up though: cheating is a major theme (not between main characters), so if that’s a trigger for you, proceed with caution.
The setting was pure perfection — a charming small town in wine country — and it hit even harder for me because I read this while sipping wine in Petoskey. Instant atmosphere! I’m happily married, so I wasn’t exactly on the lookout for a hot vintner, but hey, if that’s your thing, maybe hit up a winery and you’ll get lucky like our FMC 😉
I’m a sucker for a champion romance — when one character genuinely wants to see the other thrive because they deserve more. I loved that aspect. That said, it was slightly over the top at times. For someone struggling with his business and having his own dramas, this man sure bought her a lot of expensive things and seemed pretty judgmental about her lifestyle.
Overall: cozy, heartfelt, with a swoony setting. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author.
What you can look forward to:
🍷 Dreamy scenery
❤️🔥 Smoking hot tension
👯♀️ Found family
🎨 Struggling artist FMC
🥂 Struggling winery owner MMC
🔨 “I can fix you” energy
Bonus quote if you made it this far because it’s too good not to include:
“𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐥𝐥, 𝐈’𝐦 𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐬. 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥, 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥, 𝐰𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐨𝐱𝐢𝐜 𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬.”
OK, how did I not know that Lucy Score has a little sister who is also an incredible author?! Guess I’ll be working my way through her entire backlist — especially since most of it looks like a cozy mystery romance series. I cannot wait to devour them all.
As for this one, it’s heartfelt, well-written, and deeper than I expected. Heads-up though: cheating is a major theme (not between main characters), so if that’s a trigger for you, proceed with caution.
The setting was pure perfection — a charming small town in wine country — and it hit even harder for me because I read this while sipping wine in Petoskey. Instant atmosphere! I’m happily married, so I wasn’t exactly on the lookout for a hot vintner, but hey, if that’s your thing, maybe hit up a winery and you’ll get lucky like our FMC 😉
I’m a sucker for a champion romance — when one character genuinely wants to see the other thrive because they deserve more. I loved that aspect. That said, it was slightly over the top at times. For someone struggling with his business and having his own dramas, this man sure bought her a lot of expensive things and seemed pretty judgmental about her lifestyle.
Overall: cozy, heartfelt, with a swoony setting. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author.
What you can look forward to:
🍷 Dreamy scenery
❤️🔥 Smoking hot tension
👯♀️ Found family
🎨 Struggling artist FMC
🥂 Struggling winery owner MMC
🔨 “I can fix you” energy
Bonus quote if you made it this far because it’s too good not to include:
“𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐥𝐥, 𝐈’𝐦 𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐬. 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥, 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥, 𝐰𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐨𝐱𝐢𝐜 𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬.”
August 21, 2025
I was looking at rental properties in the finger lakes within the first 1/4 of this book solely based off the chance of running into someone like Rhett. Unfortunately, I didn’t find the perfect run down little studio cottage for 600/month that I had in my mind. I loved the comforting feelings this book provided for me whether it was in the way the friendships were written or the possibility of finding a person who could give me what these two gave to each other (more details could be shared but I don’t want spoilers in this)
September 7, 2025
2,5⭐️
Boff, j’ai pas autant aimé que je pensais, c’était correcte, sans plus.
Vraiment long pour pas grand chose.
Les personnages me tombaient sur les nerfs: Rett qui prend Jade pour un projet tout le long. Jade avec sa peinture🤣. J’ai aimé le chien, quoique, il est vraiment mal élevé.
Le 🌶️ m’a fait grincer des dents. C’était malaisant ?
La rupture juste avant la fin avait VRAIMENT pas rapport.
Boff, j’ai pas autant aimé que je pensais, c’était correcte, sans plus.
Vraiment long pour pas grand chose.
Les personnages me tombaient sur les nerfs: Rett qui prend Jade pour un projet tout le long. Jade avec sa peinture🤣. J’ai aimé le chien, quoique, il est vraiment mal élevé.
Le 🌶️ m’a fait grincer des dents. C’était malaisant ?
La rupture juste avant la fin avait VRAIMENT pas rapport.
July 10, 2025
A light summer read! Based on the synopsis, I was really excited about this book - a romance with wine, fake dating, a fun town that comes together and a golden retriever- what’s not to love! I will say though that there were parts that felt both rushed and some repetitive if that makes sense. The late conflict and reconciliation felt a little clunky as well but overall a fun read!!
July 9, 2025
I ate this book up. Excellent summer / fall romance book. Fake dating trope. I didn’t love the last 10% of the book—the big conflict at the end seemed random and out of character for the MMC but overall I really enjoyed this one. Favorite light read this summer so far.
December 5, 2025
4.5⭐️ Incredibly cozy read.
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