The Vineyard Manager: A Forced Proximity Small Town Romance

by Lane Winters

City event planner Victoria didn't want a vineyard. She wanted to sell it, take the money, and get back to her high-powered life in New York. But her uncle's will has other plans—she's stuck in Maplewharf Falls for six months, working the harvest alongside the vineyard's infuriatingly attractive manager.

Matteo has poured his heart into this vineyard for five years. The last thing he needs is some corporate suit swooping in to destroy everything he's built. But when Tori rolls up her designer sleeves and actually tries to learn the craft, he starts seeing past the heels and attitude to the woman underneath.

She's brilliant with business. He's an artist with wine. Together, they could be unstoppable—if they can stop fighting for control long enough to realize they're on the same team.

A steamy opposites-attract romance about a partnership that starts in the vineyard and grows into something neither of them expected—complete surrender.

68 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 3, 2026

About the author

Lane Winters writes steamy, emotionally charged romances set against snow-drenched backdrops and quiet towns where everyone knows your secrets. Her stories blend heat and heartbreak, featuring men who wear their scars like armor and women who refuse to melt quietly.
Expect forbidden tension, deep emotional payoff, and love stories that feel like winter storms—intense, isolating, and impossible to ignore. Lane’s heroines are resilient and sharp-tongued, while her heroes hide tenderness beneath gruff exteriors and calloused hands.
When she’s not writing about slow-burn passion and redemption in cold places, Lane’s probably wrapped in a blanket, sipping coffee strong enough to wake the dead, and plotting her next snowed-in kiss.

Reviews

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5 of the Maplewharf Falls series. Can be read as a standalone.

'A steamy opposites-attract romance about a partnership that starts in the vineyard and grows into something neither of them expected—complete surrender. '

The characters carried the story and they were so very appealing and likeable and perfect together. Plot was intriguing and well paced. World building continues to excel and impress. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joy Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Vineyard Manager" truly captivated me from the very first page! Lane Winters has masterfully woven a heartwarming and enchanting story, and I was particularly impressed by the exceptional character development throughout the narrative. The dynamic interactions between the characters were a highlight, feeling incredibly believable and utterly engaging, making it easy to root for them. Furthermore, the writing style is exceptionally smooth and engaging, seamlessly drawing the reader into the charming small-town romance setting and keeping me hooked from the opening chapter to the very last page.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JP18267 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tori and Teo find themselves on opposite sides while determining the fate of the vineyard. There were several occasions that had me laughing out loud. The perfect balance of witty banter, hilarious mishaps, and sizzling hot chemistry. This story was short but didn't feel rushed at all. The ultimate quick getaway!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tiffany (areyoutellingstories) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things aren't quite as smooth as a fine wine when Manhattanite Tori shows up the vineyard she's inherited in her Louboutins and meets manager Teo. But after a few weeks working the vines together, things get tasty!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I had read in this series by Lane Winters and as I am coming to expect it didn't disappoint. A quick read that is full of spice, comedy, decision making and happy ever afters.

I cannot wait to read more of this series and more books by Lane Winters.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful and fun story. Loved the push and pull between the two main characters. I laughed and enjoyed the fun moments. Cozied in with the sweet moments. And swooned over the steamy moments. This was a well written story and one enjoyed each book that I’ve read from this author so far.