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The Can't Have Hearts Club #1
Let It Breathe
Forbidden fruit can be downright intoxicating.
Vineyard manager Reese Clark is determined to bring her family’s Oregon winery into the big leagues, and she knows building a new tasting room and event pavilion is her ticket there. Having her ex-husband’s best friend—and her secret college crush—turn up to head the construction project, however, doesn't pair well with her plans. Between her nauseating lovebird parents; her motorcycle-riding, pot-growing grandfather; and her pet alpaca, fond of head-butting groins, Reese has more than enough chaotic characters in her life.
Back in college, Clay Henderson was more likely to be sprawled over a bar than building one. But even if the new clean-living Clay has matured as deliciously as an oak-aged chardonnay, he’s still off-limits. As Reese’s well-laid plans for the winery crumble like bad cork, Clay the newly sober gentleman is sweet enough to rescue Reese from a wardrobe malfunction and still spicy enough to play “I Never” with her. Can he overcome his past rep to offer her a love too heady to ignore?
Vineyard manager Reese Clark is determined to bring her family’s Oregon winery into the big leagues, and she knows building a new tasting room and event pavilion is her ticket there. Having her ex-husband’s best friend—and her secret college crush—turn up to head the construction project, however, doesn't pair well with her plans. Between her nauseating lovebird parents; her motorcycle-riding, pot-growing grandfather; and her pet alpaca, fond of head-butting groins, Reese has more than enough chaotic characters in her life.
Back in college, Clay Henderson was more likely to be sprawled over a bar than building one. But even if the new clean-living Clay has matured as deliciously as an oak-aged chardonnay, he’s still off-limits. As Reese’s well-laid plans for the winery crumble like bad cork, Clay the newly sober gentleman is sweet enough to rescue Reese from a wardrobe malfunction and still spicy enough to play “I Never” with her. Can he overcome his past rep to offer her a love too heady to ignore?
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 22, 2016
340 people are currently reading
1016 people want to read
About the author
Tawna Fenske
73 books1,613 followersWhen Tawna Fenske finished her English lit degree at 22, she celebrated by filling a giant trash bag full of romance novels and dragging it everywhere until she’d read them all. Now she’s a RITA Award finalist, USA Today bestselling author who writes humorous fiction, risqué romance, and heartwarming love stories with a quirky twist. Publishers Weekly has praised Tawna’s offbeat romances with multiple starred reviews and noted, “There’s something wonderfully relaxing about being immersed in a story filled with over-the-top characters in undeniably relatable situations. Heartache and humor go hand in hand.”
Tawna lives in Bend, Oregon, with her husband, step-kids, and a menagerie of ill-behaved pets. She loves hiking, snowshoeing, standup paddleboarding, and inventing excuses to sip wine on her back porch. She can peel a banana with her toes and loses an average of twenty pairs of eyeglasses per year. To find out more about Tawna and her books, visit www.tawnafenske.com.
Tawna lives in Bend, Oregon, with her husband, step-kids, and a menagerie of ill-behaved pets. She loves hiking, snowshoeing, standup paddleboarding, and inventing excuses to sip wine on her back porch. She can peel a banana with her toes and loses an average of twenty pairs of eyeglasses per year. To find out more about Tawna and her books, visit www.tawnafenske.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
March 30, 2016
4.5 stars
Let It Breathe was such a fun & entertaining love story.
I was drawn into the story from the first page, loved Reese and Clay and all the secondary characters.
Reese and Clay were both complex, fun, intense, passionate and very relatable characters. I enjoyed watching them re-connect and give into the feelings they first felt back in college but never really acted on.
Now years later they go with these feelings and what they find is they are perfect together.
This was a well written heartwarming story that will leave you full of happy feels.
Thank you to Montlake Romance via NetGalley for the advance copy.
Let It Breathe was such a fun & entertaining love story.
I was drawn into the story from the first page, loved Reese and Clay and all the secondary characters.
Reese and Clay were both complex, fun, intense, passionate and very relatable characters. I enjoyed watching them re-connect and give into the feelings they first felt back in college but never really acted on.
Now years later they go with these feelings and what they find is they are perfect together.
This was a well written heartwarming story that will leave you full of happy feels.
Thank you to Montlake Romance via NetGalley for the advance copy.
March 22, 2016
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
While Let It Breathe was packed full of fun characters, hilarity and a romance for two very deserving people this book got off to a very slow start something I'm not use to from author Tawna Fenske. Thankfully it picked up the pace and I ended up enjoying it quite a bit.
Reese Clark and Clay Henderson have history, a lot of history and a good portion of it is not pretty. Clay is back after several years away getting his life together and going through rehab. Back to work on the expansion of Reese's family's winery. Yes, a recovering alcoholic is the project manager of a winery of a woman he has history with; a woman who he's wanted since college and a woman who is his best friend's ex-wife. Can you say complications? Oh but wait, there's more...Reese is still friends with her ex-husband who in fact is the wine maker for the family's winery and she's good friends with his now wife, her cousin also works for the winery and is her best friend and a piece of work, her parents have been married forever and still act like newlyweds (oh wait, I resemble that remark and don't apologize for it) and her
grandfather...well, him you'll just have to read to believe. I'm not kidding people, this is one zany cast of characters and Reese and Clay get a lot of advice both needed and unwanted.
I had a bit of trouble with Reese as she kept waffling on both her feelings for Clay and her attitude on relationships. I get that she was a bit conflicted due to her own failed marriage and that while she envied her parent's relationship she felt it was impossible to live up to their standard. In truth I think Reese put a lot of pressure on herself to succeed in all things and it became impossible for her to live up to her own expectations. I also hated that at times she didn't seem to trust Clay or his commitment to sobriety and while she had her reasons those reasons were in the past.
I really liked Clay and felt that while it was evident he struggled at times he was hell bent on remaining sober and finding others ways to deal with the situations that use to send him drinking. I give him a lot of credit for moving back into a life where he would be tested daily, not because of the wine he would be around but because of the woman he always wanted and the fact that she is his best friend's ex-wife. Clay was trying to be a better person and be a stand up guy and that got in his way of pursing Reese like he wanted.
Together these two had some humorous moments but they managed to get in some sexy times as well, but even then they kept their relationship under wraps for various reasons never giving each other what they needed to make a true go of it. While they eventually figured it all out, getting there was quite the adventure.
I enjoyed Let It Breathe tremendously, as always Ms. Fenske offers up a wild and crazy romance with characters you won't soon forget.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
While Let It Breathe was packed full of fun characters, hilarity and a romance for two very deserving people this book got off to a very slow start something I'm not use to from author Tawna Fenske. Thankfully it picked up the pace and I ended up enjoying it quite a bit.
Reese Clark and Clay Henderson have history, a lot of history and a good portion of it is not pretty. Clay is back after several years away getting his life together and going through rehab. Back to work on the expansion of Reese's family's winery. Yes, a recovering alcoholic is the project manager of a winery of a woman he has history with; a woman who he's wanted since college and a woman who is his best friend's ex-wife. Can you say complications? Oh but wait, there's more...Reese is still friends with her ex-husband who in fact is the wine maker for the family's winery and she's good friends with his now wife, her cousin also works for the winery and is her best friend and a piece of work, her parents have been married forever and still act like newlyweds (oh wait, I resemble that remark and don't apologize for it) and her
grandfather...well, him you'll just have to read to believe. I'm not kidding people, this is one zany cast of characters and Reese and Clay get a lot of advice both needed and unwanted.
I had a bit of trouble with Reese as she kept waffling on both her feelings for Clay and her attitude on relationships. I get that she was a bit conflicted due to her own failed marriage and that while she envied her parent's relationship she felt it was impossible to live up to their standard. In truth I think Reese put a lot of pressure on herself to succeed in all things and it became impossible for her to live up to her own expectations. I also hated that at times she didn't seem to trust Clay or his commitment to sobriety and while she had her reasons those reasons were in the past.
I really liked Clay and felt that while it was evident he struggled at times he was hell bent on remaining sober and finding others ways to deal with the situations that use to send him drinking. I give him a lot of credit for moving back into a life where he would be tested daily, not because of the wine he would be around but because of the woman he always wanted and the fact that she is his best friend's ex-wife. Clay was trying to be a better person and be a stand up guy and that got in his way of pursing Reese like he wanted.
Together these two had some humorous moments but they managed to get in some sexy times as well, but even then they kept their relationship under wraps for various reasons never giving each other what they needed to make a true go of it. While they eventually figured it all out, getting there was quite the adventure.
I enjoyed Let It Breathe tremendously, as always Ms. Fenske offers up a wild and crazy romance with characters you won't soon forget.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
March 28, 2016
Reese Clark is determined to bring her family's winery into the big leagues and she feels that expanding is the way to do it. She wants to add a tasting room and event pavilion to be able to expand profits and add exposure. When her ex-husband's best friend (and former crush) she fears that MAYBE she bit off more than she can chew.
Clay Henderson is finally back home after leaving to get his life on track. He is determined to show his friends that he has changed from his crazy drinking days to a more mature, SOBER man. But sometimes temptation comes in the form of the one woman that he has always loved. And will Clay be able to convince Reese to really give them a chance at love?
I actually would of really enjoyed this book if it weren't for one aspect of it. I didn't like the way that a few of the characters treated Clay about his alcoholism and recovery. I have family members that are alcoholics, so I understand that it is a disease that NEVER goes away and it is a constant battle. BUT you have to have some level trust all around or it won't work and it isn't fair to anyone involved. The doubt and mistrust will just add so much stress to everyone. And I felt that everyone was just waiting for Clay to lose it and dunk his head in a wine barrel and go to town. I felt that they were very judgmental and didn't give him a chance (specifically Reese and Eric) especially when Clay has been sober for years and was still recognizes it.
RATING: 2.5 out of 5
**I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.**
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Clay Henderson is finally back home after leaving to get his life on track. He is determined to show his friends that he has changed from his crazy drinking days to a more mature, SOBER man. But sometimes temptation comes in the form of the one woman that he has always loved. And will Clay be able to convince Reese to really give them a chance at love?
I actually would of really enjoyed this book if it weren't for one aspect of it. I didn't like the way that a few of the characters treated Clay about his alcoholism and recovery. I have family members that are alcoholics, so I understand that it is a disease that NEVER goes away and it is a constant battle. BUT you have to have some level trust all around or it won't work and it isn't fair to anyone involved. The doubt and mistrust will just add so much stress to everyone. And I felt that everyone was just waiting for Clay to lose it and dunk his head in a wine barrel and go to town. I felt that they were very judgmental and didn't give him a chance (specifically Reese and Eric) especially when Clay has been sober for years and was still recognizes it.
RATING: 2.5 out of 5
**I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.**
OTHER PLACES TO FIND ME:
Blog: http://alysenovak.blogspot.com
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/AlyseNovakBlog
Twitter: www.twitter.com/alyseypoo21
Bloglovin': https://www.bloglovin.com/alyseypoo21
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+AlyseNovak
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/alyseypoo21
January 31, 2017
I am really happy to have discovered this writer. I have several books of Fenske I have bought but have not read. After I read Let It Breathe, I tore through those.
The writing is riddle with the little facts and details that are catnip for me. I get to learn all about winemaking and the heroine does wildlife rescue so there is that fun as well.
The heroine is well drawn as someone who is stuck and the hero's journey to become his sober best self is great. He has loved her forever but has amends to make.
Their romance is one to root for.
There is a cast of secondary characters whom I like and some crazy goings on which I liked less. The mix of humor and ache in the book is well done.
I really just wanted more couple time without the mayhem and also I didn't like her ex husband (who she is still friends and co workers with and who is also the hero's college best friend) in terms of I thought he should have been really called on his uh stuff. He does not have a smooth path in the end but the book would have been more emotionially fulfilling if the hero and the heroine separately would have had it out with him. Also, the heroine's journey gets a bit repetitive and I think she could have grown more and in varied ways.
But it was a good book that gave me a new writer to read. Yea!
The writing is riddle with the little facts and details that are catnip for me. I get to learn all about winemaking and the heroine does wildlife rescue so there is that fun as well.
The heroine is well drawn as someone who is stuck and the hero's journey to become his sober best self is great. He has loved her forever but has amends to make.
Their romance is one to root for.
There is a cast of secondary characters whom I like and some crazy goings on which I liked less. The mix of humor and ache in the book is well done.
I really just wanted more couple time without the mayhem and also I didn't like her ex husband (who she is still friends and co workers with and who is also the hero's college best friend) in terms of I thought he should have been really called on his uh stuff. He does not have a smooth path in the end but the book would have been more emotionially fulfilling if the hero and the heroine separately would have had it out with him. Also, the heroine's journey gets a bit repetitive and I think she could have grown more and in varied ways.
But it was a good book that gave me a new writer to read. Yea!
March 12, 2016
I absolutely loved this book! It ticked all the boxes for a light fun read for me. It's filled with hilarious over the top characters - I just think the name Axl and start giggling! There's a wonderful small town feel, a groin butting alpaca, lots of family love, and an excellent slow build romance between Clay and Reese. All this just made me one happy reader.
Reese Clark has more chaos in her life than she can handle but since the majority of that chaos comes from family what's she gonna do?? It all may be too much though when you add in Clay Henderson as the project manager for her family's winery expansion plans. She may have had a crazy crush on him years ago but his life of the party lifestyle was just too much. Now he's sober and living a clean life but will working at a winery be too tempting???
Trust me when I say you want to grab a copy of this one and find out. I highly recommend it.
Reese Clark has more chaos in her life than she can handle but since the majority of that chaos comes from family what's she gonna do?? It all may be too much though when you add in Clay Henderson as the project manager for her family's winery expansion plans. She may have had a crazy crush on him years ago but his life of the party lifestyle was just too much. Now he's sober and living a clean life but will working at a winery be too tempting???
Trust me when I say you want to grab a copy of this one and find out. I highly recommend it.
September 20, 2022
sexy, funny read with complications
Reese & Clay’s story was funny and sexy, filled with OTT shenanigans courtesy of grampa Axl & his merry band of fun motorcycling felons. Some drama with a friendly ex and his second wife, but all in all a fun read.
Reese & Clay’s story was funny and sexy, filled with OTT shenanigans courtesy of grampa Axl & his merry band of fun motorcycling felons. Some drama with a friendly ex and his second wife, but all in all a fun read.
September 4, 2018
Too simple, too quick, too preachy, too don't waste your time.
June 30, 2016
His years as a stumbling drunk may have stolen a lot of his memories, but he'd never forget the curve of her cheek against her palm as she tapped her pencil on her teeth and looked toward the front of the lecture hall.
Thank you Tawna Fenske for coming into my life. I should apologize now but I found a new-to-me author and I am falling in love with her work. The first book of hers I read was Now That It's You and fell in love with her brand of storytelling (you will read more about that closer to release day!) and I just had to start reading more. I have a tendency to go author binge crazy once I find one that I connect with. I'm not sure what made me pick this novel first in my binge but I'm glad I did. Flawed characters. Forbidden love. And a second chance not only at love but at life. Let It Breathe was everything that I crave in a contemporary romance.
Now it was more a dull emptiness. Mourning for what was supposed to be, instead of what was.
Let It Breathe had a colorful cast of characters that made this story not only funny as hell but full of depth. First there was Reese, workaholic vineyard manager Reese who is more than ok to abstain from anything romance. Her ex-husband, best friend, and winemaker Eric. Eric's wife and Reese's friend Sheila. Reese's promiscuous but sweet cousin Larissa. Reece's super-in-love-still parents Jed and Judy. And my favorite, her potty-mouth, old man-whore-ish?, pot smoking, shroom growing, grandpa Albert, aka Axel. A ball buster alpaca, Leon. And Clay who is the rehabbed alcoholic best friend to Eric and Reese. But of course you know by reading the synopsis that Clay is more than just a friend. Clay and Reese are each other's forbidden fruit. And that forbidden burn between them is so intense. It's quite possibly my favorite element of this story.
"It was always you, Reese. Always you."
With the romance genre lately it feels as if lust and sex are replacements for passion and love. Sure, this story was plenty sexy, but you could feel the intimacy between Clay and Reese and I think that intimacy is one of the hardest things to convey in a story. Hell, the intimacy between them felt like a physical character of it's own. There was Clay, Reece, and how they felt for one another. It was wrapped in their turbulent past, their forbidden future, and the want they felt for each other despite either of those things. And I felt all those things too! The only gripe I had about Let It Breathe was that it felt that it ended just a tad abruptly. I like to say that I don't need an epilogue, but I really would have loved one. Especially since I wanted to know more about what happened with some of the other characters. Especially Sheila and Eric, and Larrisa, who I hope one day gets her own book. But other than that slight critique, I enjoyed the heck out of this and cannot wait to continue my Fenske author binge :)
January 28, 2016
This book started out a little on the slow side but once I got past that it really started to take off. I thought the plot was different and I started to really enjoy the characters and the challenges that Ms. Fenske took them on.
The story starts off with Reese wanting to expand her family's winery and the company who will doing it is on there way. But she doesn't know that Clay will be the one doing the work. Years ago she spent time bailing him out of jail because of his drinking problem but now that he's sober she doesn't know if she could completely trust him.
Clay has always loved Reese and its hurt him with all the messed up things he did back then now that he's back he will do everything to show her that he isn't the same person. Clays been sober for 4 years but when things start happening on the vineyard he becomes a suspect he only hopes the friends he once let down know for a fact that he is innocent.
This story had some really cute and funny moments. I enjoyed Fenske's sense of humor that she brought into the characters. Axl (the grandfather) was absolutely the funniest 80yr old I have read in a book to date.
Along with the humor Fenske brought a little bit of drama and wtf moments. What I mean by the wtf moments is that Reese's ex husband is remarried and they are still best friends including his new wife. Eric is actually the wine maker for them. Also Clay is his best friend and has loved Reese from the moment he met her in college and slept together 15 years ago but Clay also slept with Reese's cousin Larissa. Lol see what I mean? I mean it was kind of like a soap but the humor had me forgetting how all these people were connected.
During reading I was kind of getting annoyed with Reese and how she was acting with Clay. It's like she wants him and they share some kisses but she doesn't really understand the man he is now. Eric was also saying stuff to Clay that kind of got on my nerves it's like dude back off he's not the same guy quit taking petty jabs at him already. Sometimes these two characters were frustrating!
But overall I enjoyed this book and how Clay and Reese finally ended up together. I was shocked to see who was actually behind all the things going wrong around the vineyard. It just wasn't who I was expecting which was a nice surprise.
The ending ends in a HEA and yet it leaves things open between them. They aren't in a rush to get married or have babies but the way I understood it was they have some things to work out and get a chance to know each other again before any of that will happen which I truly loved.
The story starts off with Reese wanting to expand her family's winery and the company who will doing it is on there way. But she doesn't know that Clay will be the one doing the work. Years ago she spent time bailing him out of jail because of his drinking problem but now that he's sober she doesn't know if she could completely trust him.
Clay has always loved Reese and its hurt him with all the messed up things he did back then now that he's back he will do everything to show her that he isn't the same person. Clays been sober for 4 years but when things start happening on the vineyard he becomes a suspect he only hopes the friends he once let down know for a fact that he is innocent.
This story had some really cute and funny moments. I enjoyed Fenske's sense of humor that she brought into the characters. Axl (the grandfather) was absolutely the funniest 80yr old I have read in a book to date.
Along with the humor Fenske brought a little bit of drama and wtf moments. What I mean by the wtf moments is that Reese's ex husband is remarried and they are still best friends including his new wife. Eric is actually the wine maker for them. Also Clay is his best friend and has loved Reese from the moment he met her in college and slept together 15 years ago but Clay also slept with Reese's cousin Larissa. Lol see what I mean? I mean it was kind of like a soap but the humor had me forgetting how all these people were connected.
During reading I was kind of getting annoyed with Reese and how she was acting with Clay. It's like she wants him and they share some kisses but she doesn't really understand the man he is now. Eric was also saying stuff to Clay that kind of got on my nerves it's like dude back off he's not the same guy quit taking petty jabs at him already. Sometimes these two characters were frustrating!
But overall I enjoyed this book and how Clay and Reese finally ended up together. I was shocked to see who was actually behind all the things going wrong around the vineyard. It just wasn't who I was expecting which was a nice surprise.
The ending ends in a HEA and yet it leaves things open between them. They aren't in a rush to get married or have babies but the way I understood it was they have some things to work out and get a chance to know each other again before any of that will happen which I truly loved.
February 3, 2017
Let It Breathe was the first book I've read by Tawna Fenske and I really enjoyed it. It started a bit slow for me and took me a bit to get into it but once I did I really enjoyed the plot and the characters.
Reese manages her families vineyard and her ex-husband and still good friend makes the wine. He is re-married and Reese is good friends with his "new" wife as well. Growing up Reese, Eric (her ex-husband) and Clay were the best of friends. Reese was always attracted to Clay but he was an alcoholic who constantly made bad decisions usually due to too much drinking. Clay moved away and went to rehab to get his life together and now 4 years later he is back and the foreman on the construction project for the vineyard. Clay has always been in love with Reese but his drinking caused a lot of hurt to Reese over the years. He's changed and he's been sober for four years and wants to prove that he is a different person and can be trusted.
Clay's character was a wonderfully complex one. He was trying so hard to prove he was a better man that he swallowed a lot of what he wanted to say and spent a great deal of his time trying to act responsibly and apologizing. Reese wasn't sure if she could trust him and I understood this after years of Clay's drinking it wasn't something she could just forget and trust overnight. I did have a little more trouble with Eric's attitude. Clay was his best friend and yet he kept making little disparaging remarks to him which almost came off as jealous although apparently he had no romantic feelings for Reese.
There was an interesting mystery within the book about things that kept going wrong in the vineyard and I was surprised by the person who ended up being responsible for that. A really zany Grandpa that while over the top was really funny.
I probably would have given this five stars except that I thought the ending was abrupt. There was an HEA that was realistic but I would have liked a bit more of an ending. Maybe there will be another book with Clay and Reese as side characters. All in all a very enjoyable book with a nice romance, complex characters and a bit of mystery. Definitely won't be the last Tawna Fenske book I read.
Reese manages her families vineyard and her ex-husband and still good friend makes the wine. He is re-married and Reese is good friends with his "new" wife as well. Growing up Reese, Eric (her ex-husband) and Clay were the best of friends. Reese was always attracted to Clay but he was an alcoholic who constantly made bad decisions usually due to too much drinking. Clay moved away and went to rehab to get his life together and now 4 years later he is back and the foreman on the construction project for the vineyard. Clay has always been in love with Reese but his drinking caused a lot of hurt to Reese over the years. He's changed and he's been sober for four years and wants to prove that he is a different person and can be trusted.
Clay's character was a wonderfully complex one. He was trying so hard to prove he was a better man that he swallowed a lot of what he wanted to say and spent a great deal of his time trying to act responsibly and apologizing. Reese wasn't sure if she could trust him and I understood this after years of Clay's drinking it wasn't something she could just forget and trust overnight. I did have a little more trouble with Eric's attitude. Clay was his best friend and yet he kept making little disparaging remarks to him which almost came off as jealous although apparently he had no romantic feelings for Reese.
There was an interesting mystery within the book about things that kept going wrong in the vineyard and I was surprised by the person who ended up being responsible for that. A really zany Grandpa that while over the top was really funny.
I probably would have given this five stars except that I thought the ending was abrupt. There was an HEA that was realistic but I would have liked a bit more of an ending. Maybe there will be another book with Clay and Reese as side characters. All in all a very enjoyable book with a nice romance, complex characters and a bit of mystery. Definitely won't be the last Tawna Fenske book I read.
February 3, 2016
Review will be posted at www.books-n-kisses.com .
NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4 1/2
Another great read by Ms. Fenske. I really enjoyed the Let it Breath. I loved Leon. He is just awesome!! Who is Leon you ask? I can’t tell you ;). But you will like him.
I really enjoyed the tension between Clay and Reese. The history that Clay and Reese have is one that is filled with a lot of hurt, booze and unrequited love. I always love a second chance romance story, but Let it Breath is more of a second chance at first love.
I love the way that Ms. Fenske can tell us a story that makes us laugh, cry and want to climb into her story and become a character in her story. I really can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Montlake Romance in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4 1/2
Another great read by Ms. Fenske. I really enjoyed the Let it Breath. I loved Leon. He is just awesome!! Who is Leon you ask? I can’t tell you ;). But you will like him.
I really enjoyed the tension between Clay and Reese. The history that Clay and Reese have is one that is filled with a lot of hurt, booze and unrequited love. I always love a second chance romance story, but Let it Breath is more of a second chance at first love.
I love the way that Ms. Fenske can tell us a story that makes us laugh, cry and want to climb into her story and become a character in her story. I really can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Montlake Romance in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
April 2, 2016
This is the first time I've read a book by this author and it won't be my last.
I enjoyed Let it Breathe from start to finish. It's unique, filled with laughs, pain, shocking events, family and wine..plenty of wine.
You will fall for all of the characters! You'll enjoy the relationships involved too-- especially with Reese and Eric(her ex-husband). It's amazing to watch how their relationship works. It's nice to see them in an amicable relationship.
Then there's Clay. The one man she's always harbored feelings for, but also an alcoholic.
Time changes, people change... and with this book, it's refreshing to watch that grow. I loved watching Clay and Reese interact and you will come to fall for him too!
If you're a lover of a contemporary read, you will love this story! It has amazing friends, wine, issues, love, family and lots of laughs!
4 stars from me!
*Recv'd a paperback copy via the author from a FB Giveaway*
I enjoyed Let it Breathe from start to finish. It's unique, filled with laughs, pain, shocking events, family and wine..plenty of wine.
You will fall for all of the characters! You'll enjoy the relationships involved too-- especially with Reese and Eric(her ex-husband). It's amazing to watch how their relationship works. It's nice to see them in an amicable relationship.
Then there's Clay. The one man she's always harbored feelings for, but also an alcoholic.
Time changes, people change... and with this book, it's refreshing to watch that grow. I loved watching Clay and Reese interact and you will come to fall for him too!
If you're a lover of a contemporary read, you will love this story! It has amazing friends, wine, issues, love, family and lots of laughs!
4 stars from me!
*Recv'd a paperback copy via the author from a FB Giveaway*
April 2, 2016
As expected, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This author's books never fail to entertain, and parts of this one are laugh-out-loud funny. Like some of the antics of the octogenarian grandfather, who is still a Harley-riding, pot-growing, womanizing hoot... or the pet alpaca who "greets" gentlemen callers with a solid head butt to the groin, and gets stoned on some of Grandpa's pot.
It's a nice enough obstacle-filled romance, with a few toe-curling scenes, but nothing too graphic. The main setting is an Oregon vineyard, so there's lots of info about the wine-making business, which may slow things down for some readers. (I personally found it interesting.) Some of the characters are supremely annoying, and some of their behaviors, illogical, but all-in-all, it IS a Fenske book, so it IS enjoyable. I'd give it three and a half stars, rounded up to four.
It's a nice enough obstacle-filled romance, with a few toe-curling scenes, but nothing too graphic. The main setting is an Oregon vineyard, so there's lots of info about the wine-making business, which may slow things down for some readers. (I personally found it interesting.) Some of the characters are supremely annoying, and some of their behaviors, illogical, but all-in-all, it IS a Fenske book, so it IS enjoyable. I'd give it three and a half stars, rounded up to four.
February 4, 2016
I can say something about this book that's pretty rare - I wouldn't change one single word. Tawna always delivers hilarious, over the top characters that face down situations that are somehow both ridiculous and relatable, but Clay and Reese are something special. I rooted for them as a couple, but more than that, I rooted for them each to conquer their individual mountains as well.
As a woman who divorced in her twenties and is just now maybe possibly believing that another try might not be the worst thing in the world, Reese made herself a very comfortable place in my heart. At the center of this story, though, is exactly what any reader of a romance hopes to find - the ability to believe in love.
As a woman who divorced in her twenties and is just now maybe possibly believing that another try might not be the worst thing in the world, Reese made herself a very comfortable place in my heart. At the center of this story, though, is exactly what any reader of a romance hopes to find - the ability to believe in love.
March 17, 2016
I read this for review at All About Romance and gave it a B. I wrote:
"I gave Tawna Fenske’s 2011 Making Waves a B at AAR. Somehow, Ms. Fenske fell off my radar until I saw this on the review list, for which I’m grateful. The hero and heroine are fully developed with an interesting shared backstory. I found this an enjoyable read, and if not for a few annoying characters my grade would be even higher."
You can read my whole review here: http://likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookRev...
"I gave Tawna Fenske’s 2011 Making Waves a B at AAR. Somehow, Ms. Fenske fell off my radar until I saw this on the review list, for which I’m grateful. The hero and heroine are fully developed with an interesting shared backstory. I found this an enjoyable read, and if not for a few annoying characters my grade would be even higher."
You can read my whole review here: http://likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookRev...
March 31, 2016
I interviewed Tawna Fenske for my blog a few years ago, and have watched her career with interest. This book probably isn't aimed at people in my age group, but it was fun to read, and showed an unexpected sympathy for people in recovery from alcoholism. The risque innuendoes may have been a little repetitive, and I actually think the book stands up well enough (oops!) on its own, without that. Her sex scenes are romantic as well as sexy (not too sexy to read in public). All in all, a cheerful diversion.
March 23, 2016
I laughed. I cried. I fanned my flaming cheeks during a few scenes, if you get my drift. In other words, LET IT BREATHE is hilariously, heartbreakingly, quintessentially Fenske at her best. Who else would come up with that head-butting alpaca? I loved every page spent with Reese, Clay, and the whole supporting cast of quirkily charming characters. And I'm betting you will, too.
May 6, 2016
Another great quirky romantic comedy by Tawna Fenske, who has become one of my go-to authors for books that make me laugh while I read them and make me sigh with contentment when I finally turn the last page. (In between, there's a bit of steam, too...) Highly recommended.
October 27, 2016
It's been so long since I found a new author who could really make me laugh! I adore all the quirky side characters, and really, any book with the line, "Stop sexually harassing my alpaca!" is a good book in my mind.
May 10, 2016
A book filled with laughter, romance and a grandfather you ended up saving the day. A must read
March 10, 2020
This was another great, feel good, sweet read from Tawna Fenske focussing on a second chance at love. Clay, Reese and Eric go all the way back to college and were inseparable. Eric and Reese ended up dating and eventually marrying, but divorced after a year when they realised that being best friends isn't always a winning feature of a successful marriage. Simmering in the background for all of those years, however, was Clay's love and attraction for Reese and a lifetime of regret for never making his feelings known and making wrong choice after wrong choice. We know that something happened between the two, but the reader is only given tidbits here and there for the first part of the book. The problem? Clay was wild, often using alcohol as a crutch or way to make himself feel comfortable until he became a full blown alcoholic. After an unfortunate incident at a pub left Reese injured, Clay checks himself into rehab and they don't see each other for four years.
Eric and Clay are still best friends as are Eric and Reese with the former now remarried and working for Reese as the chief wine maker at her family-owned winery. Clay is commissioned to the vineyard to commence an extensive building project so he and Reese are reunited and they find that the strong attraction is still there, no matter how much they might wish they could avoid it. The story has humour, romance (of course!), drama as someone is sabotaging the winery and a crazy host of characters from Reese's family. It's a cute story that focusses on the message that our faults don't define us and that everyone deserves a second chance.
The theme of alcoholism is pretty strong throughout the book and I thought it was done tastefully with Clay making it clear that he'll always be in recovery and trying to be a better man to atone for his past sins while trying to retain who he is. Both Reese and Clay struggle with who they are as well as who they were and this made both characters really relatable. The tension between Clay and Reese is immediate and the reader is given constant hints at their past (and current) feelings.
There were a few cliches with the secondary characters: an eccentric grandfather (which I guess made a nice change from it being the crazy grandmother) that was chucked in for comedic value as he dabbled in illegal drugs and an assortment of women and general mayhem, parents that were cringe-worthily in love with each other and the reason that Reese had such high expectations for her love life and the zany cousin who dates men like she drinks water. Oh, and an alpaca that headbutts men in the nuts.
The dynamics with the ex-husband working so closely for Reese and her being best friends with the new wife was strange and hard for me to get my head around. While it was still a sweet read, although somewhat predictable with bits of extra angst thrown in for good measure. While I had worked out the mystery vineyard saboteur, it was pretty cheesy how it ended up and I would have like some stronger feelings to make it a bit more realistic rather that making Reese the better, forgiving person. Her livelihood and family legacy were almost destroyed - some anger and wanting to set stuff on fire is okay. The ending is also pretty cheesy but cute nonetheless and it was a feel-good story. I though Clay was a great character and it was adorable how much he loved Reese. This book had all the great stuff this author always provides and was another winner for me.
Eric and Clay are still best friends as are Eric and Reese with the former now remarried and working for Reese as the chief wine maker at her family-owned winery. Clay is commissioned to the vineyard to commence an extensive building project so he and Reese are reunited and they find that the strong attraction is still there, no matter how much they might wish they could avoid it. The story has humour, romance (of course!), drama as someone is sabotaging the winery and a crazy host of characters from Reese's family. It's a cute story that focusses on the message that our faults don't define us and that everyone deserves a second chance.
The theme of alcoholism is pretty strong throughout the book and I thought it was done tastefully with Clay making it clear that he'll always be in recovery and trying to be a better man to atone for his past sins while trying to retain who he is. Both Reese and Clay struggle with who they are as well as who they were and this made both characters really relatable. The tension between Clay and Reese is immediate and the reader is given constant hints at their past (and current) feelings.
There were a few cliches with the secondary characters: an eccentric grandfather (which I guess made a nice change from it being the crazy grandmother) that was chucked in for comedic value as he dabbled in illegal drugs and an assortment of women and general mayhem, parents that were cringe-worthily in love with each other and the reason that Reese had such high expectations for her love life and the zany cousin who dates men like she drinks water. Oh, and an alpaca that headbutts men in the nuts.
The dynamics with the ex-husband working so closely for Reese and her being best friends with the new wife was strange and hard for me to get my head around. While it was still a sweet read, although somewhat predictable with bits of extra angst thrown in for good measure. While I had worked out the mystery vineyard saboteur, it was pretty cheesy how it ended up and I would have like some stronger feelings to make it a bit more realistic rather that making Reese the better, forgiving person. Her livelihood and family legacy were almost destroyed - some anger and wanting to set stuff on fire is okay. The ending is also pretty cheesy but cute nonetheless and it was a feel-good story. I though Clay was a great character and it was adorable how much he loved Reese. This book had all the great stuff this author always provides and was another winner for me.
August 20, 2025
SPOILERS!
This was a good read just untill the end. Clay is a great character, trying to amend for his past mistakes. Everyone expects him to fail and start drinking again. They're waiting for him to fail. The whole concept of ex's best friend is not exactly true since they were all friends before Reese and Eric got married.
I didn't like Eric at all. He's supposed to be a best friend to both Clay and Reese but he came across as a jealous jerk. He admits that he knew Clay had feelings for Reese when they all met in college, but he went ahead and started a relationship with her anyway. Throughout the book it feels like he is jealous that Clay and Reese might end up together and he is actively sabotaging that by telling both of them they are not right for each other.
Although I like the idea of a quirky grandfather in the story, Axl seems unhinged and uncaring that his illegal activities might impact the business. He does what he wants, knowing that their rival neighbour would use any opportunity to take them down. After his honest conversation with Reese about love, he redeemed himself a bit for me.
I absolutely hate the plot with Sheila. She's supposedly a good friend to Reese, married to Eric who works for the winery owned by Reese's family, but she decides to sabotage the winery in the hopes of convincing Eric to move closer to her parents. When she confesses that she's the one behind the lost wine, the spelling error and the fire, risking the family business, they just need a minute and then forgive her?! She was risking their livelihood, possibly their lives with the fire, and she's still welcome. They even decide not to press charges. I live for the happily ever after in romance novels, but this was way too much. There are no consequences for her at all. This ending spoiled the book for me so much that I decided to write this review. It's like the author wanted everyone to have their happily ever after no matter what.
There was also the issue with Clay not remembering sleeping with Reese when they were younger, but he did remember sleeping with her cousin. This hurt Reese and she confronted Larissa. Larissa says they never slept together. And that's it. There's no conversation about this anymore. Did they sleep together or not? Apparently, it doesn't matter anymore.
This was a good read just untill the end. Clay is a great character, trying to amend for his past mistakes. Everyone expects him to fail and start drinking again. They're waiting for him to fail. The whole concept of ex's best friend is not exactly true since they were all friends before Reese and Eric got married.
I didn't like Eric at all. He's supposed to be a best friend to both Clay and Reese but he came across as a jealous jerk. He admits that he knew Clay had feelings for Reese when they all met in college, but he went ahead and started a relationship with her anyway. Throughout the book it feels like he is jealous that Clay and Reese might end up together and he is actively sabotaging that by telling both of them they are not right for each other.
Although I like the idea of a quirky grandfather in the story, Axl seems unhinged and uncaring that his illegal activities might impact the business. He does what he wants, knowing that their rival neighbour would use any opportunity to take them down. After his honest conversation with Reese about love, he redeemed himself a bit for me.
I absolutely hate the plot with Sheila. She's supposedly a good friend to Reese, married to Eric who works for the winery owned by Reese's family, but she decides to sabotage the winery in the hopes of convincing Eric to move closer to her parents. When she confesses that she's the one behind the lost wine, the spelling error and the fire, risking the family business, they just need a minute and then forgive her?! She was risking their livelihood, possibly their lives with the fire, and she's still welcome. They even decide not to press charges. I live for the happily ever after in romance novels, but this was way too much. There are no consequences for her at all. This ending spoiled the book for me so much that I decided to write this review. It's like the author wanted everyone to have their happily ever after no matter what.
There was also the issue with Clay not remembering sleeping with Reese when they were younger, but he did remember sleeping with her cousin. This hurt Reese and she confronted Larissa. Larissa says they never slept together. And that's it. There's no conversation about this anymore. Did they sleep together or not? Apparently, it doesn't matter anymore.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2025
It was always you
Phew - the feels in this book - it packs quite an emotional punch - laughing, crying, swooning, cringing, teeth gritting, and cheering. And I loved every swoony, heart wrenching, healing, hilarious moment of it. That’s the best kind of romcom for me, the sneaky ones that have all the depth and meaty storyline woven through all the snort worthy laughs. This one had the perfect balance of humor, heartwarming love, real life issues, a tiny bit of mystery/intrigue and spice. Reese manages her family’s vineyards and collects random animals that she nurses back to health. She works with her ex-husband, Eric. Clay is a recovering alcoholic who is best friends with Eric and Reese. In the past, Reese picked up the pieces often while Clay was drinking. Clay moves back to the area after 5 years in order to manage the LEED certified expansion of the vineyard. Just as Reese’s life becomes incredibly messy with so many things going wrong at the vineyard all at the same time. There is attraction, chemistry and history between Clay and Reese but they believe that they should not get together because of their past and their interlocking relationships. Nevertheless, their chemistry sizzled off the page and it pulled them together no matter how hard they tried to resist. To get to their HEA though there’s a bunch of baggage unpacking, truth telling, and boundary setting to be done all while trying to save what appears to be the sinking ship. As always with this author’s books, the story was well written and included engaging dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and a captivating storyline. I am excited to read more in the series.
Phew - the feels in this book - it packs quite an emotional punch - laughing, crying, swooning, cringing, teeth gritting, and cheering. And I loved every swoony, heart wrenching, healing, hilarious moment of it. That’s the best kind of romcom for me, the sneaky ones that have all the depth and meaty storyline woven through all the snort worthy laughs. This one had the perfect balance of humor, heartwarming love, real life issues, a tiny bit of mystery/intrigue and spice. Reese manages her family’s vineyards and collects random animals that she nurses back to health. She works with her ex-husband, Eric. Clay is a recovering alcoholic who is best friends with Eric and Reese. In the past, Reese picked up the pieces often while Clay was drinking. Clay moves back to the area after 5 years in order to manage the LEED certified expansion of the vineyard. Just as Reese’s life becomes incredibly messy with so many things going wrong at the vineyard all at the same time. There is attraction, chemistry and history between Clay and Reese but they believe that they should not get together because of their past and their interlocking relationships. Nevertheless, their chemistry sizzled off the page and it pulled them together no matter how hard they tried to resist. To get to their HEA though there’s a bunch of baggage unpacking, truth telling, and boundary setting to be done all while trying to save what appears to be the sinking ship. As always with this author’s books, the story was well written and included engaging dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and a captivating storyline. I am excited to read more in the series.
August 19, 2025
Really enjoyed--and it's the first in a (already fully complete!) series, so bonus :)
Reese and Clay's story is a friends-to-lovers, second chance/redemption romance with a host of fun side characters (family and found family) plus a bonus slightly unhinged alpaca--and I was here for it! Reese's grandfather and cousin especially had a tendency to make me LOL when they were on the page, and if Leon (the alpaca) was, snort laughing was probably involved too ;)
There are all kinds of complications to their romance: her ex-husband/current winemaker is his best friend, Clay's the new contractor at her vineyard and though he has been sober for 4+ years, their history includes Reese having to clean up his (literal) messes and bail him out of trouble countless times. She also has trouble believing that marriage and true love are in the cards for her, since her first marriage flamed out so quickly and her eternally lovey-dovey parents made their HEA look so easy.
I loved the chemistry between Reese and Clay, though TBH the lack of faith in his sobriety that both she and Eric (the BFF and winemaker) continued to show through almost the entire book was a bit disappointing. I get where it was coming from, but yikes. The reason behind the sabotage at the vineyard was surprising, and the way their problems were finally resolved was amusing, if a teensy bit...convenient. Can't argue with the results, though--this one kept me turning pages until the end and will absolutely have me coming back for more from this series!
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Reese and Clay's story is a friends-to-lovers, second chance/redemption romance with a host of fun side characters (family and found family) plus a bonus slightly unhinged alpaca--and I was here for it! Reese's grandfather and cousin especially had a tendency to make me LOL when they were on the page, and if Leon (the alpaca) was, snort laughing was probably involved too ;)
There are all kinds of complications to their romance: her ex-husband/current winemaker is his best friend, Clay's the new contractor at her vineyard and though he has been sober for 4+ years, their history includes Reese having to clean up his (literal) messes and bail him out of trouble countless times. She also has trouble believing that marriage and true love are in the cards for her, since her first marriage flamed out so quickly and her eternally lovey-dovey parents made their HEA look so easy.
I loved the chemistry between Reese and Clay, though TBH the lack of faith in his sobriety that both she and Eric (the BFF and winemaker) continued to show through almost the entire book was a bit disappointing. I get where it was coming from, but yikes. The reason behind the sabotage at the vineyard was surprising, and the way their problems were finally resolved was amusing, if a teensy bit...convenient. Can't argue with the results, though--this one kept me turning pages until the end and will absolutely have me coming back for more from this series!
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
May 26, 2017
This book was a nice surprise for me. I didn't expect I was going to like it this much, but I did. It is a light easy read.
This is sort of a second chance romance. It's the story of Reese and Clay. They met in college, and are best friends, along with Eric. They had a one night stand, but Clay was in a bad place at the time and Reese started dating and eventually married Eric. Life happens, and Clay went away to deal with his personal problems and Reese and Eric divorced but remain very close friends and coworkers. Now many years later Clay is back, a changed man. Will they have a chance to reconnect and maybe have the chance to start the relationship they didn't years ago? I think we all know the answer to that, but it was really fun and enjoyable to read how this two people get reacquainted with each other in this stage of their lives. We get to meet a host of super zany characters, that make this story stand out. I love how the author writes so humorously, including and sometimes only suggesting jokes that could be crude or raunchy in other settings, but she doesn't make them sound like that, she just includes a little humor without turning the book into a raunchy Rom com. She had me chuckling more than a couple times.
I listened to the audio version, and the narration was pretty good. Nice book overall.
This is sort of a second chance romance. It's the story of Reese and Clay. They met in college, and are best friends, along with Eric. They had a one night stand, but Clay was in a bad place at the time and Reese started dating and eventually married Eric. Life happens, and Clay went away to deal with his personal problems and Reese and Eric divorced but remain very close friends and coworkers. Now many years later Clay is back, a changed man. Will they have a chance to reconnect and maybe have the chance to start the relationship they didn't years ago? I think we all know the answer to that, but it was really fun and enjoyable to read how this two people get reacquainted with each other in this stage of their lives. We get to meet a host of super zany characters, that make this story stand out. I love how the author writes so humorously, including and sometimes only suggesting jokes that could be crude or raunchy in other settings, but she doesn't make them sound like that, she just includes a little humor without turning the book into a raunchy Rom com. She had me chuckling more than a couple times.
I listened to the audio version, and the narration was pretty good. Nice book overall.
August 11, 2025
This was such a wonderful multi-faceted story that I hardly know where to start. I always find Ms. Fenske's writing to be endlessly amusing and delightful, and this novel is exactly that.The cast of characters include plenty of eccentric folks, like a pot-growing grandfather and an "attack" alpaca. The dialogue in general is a ton of fun, with more than enough clever double entendre. Rest assured, however, that there is a convincing romance plot as well as a secondary suspense plot line. Reese is managing her family's vineyard, working with ex-husband (yet good friend) winemaker Eric. Trying to make the business more successful involves expansion and construction, and the company she's contracted sends Clay to make that happen - who just happens to be Reese's long ago crush. Yes, of course they fail to resist their attraction, and it's very believable and adult, which I admire. Their physical attraction and spicy moments are just right, adding to the story without feeling out of place or over the top. I can tell Ms. Fenske did her research about vineyards; I thought the setting was especially well represented (I've visited one just like this in Oregon myself!). This was a very satisfying read, and I am looking forward to reading the interconnected books soon!
I was given an ARC and happily volunteered to write a review.
I was given an ARC and happily volunteered to write a review.
August 22, 2025
I first discovered Tawna Fenske 10 years ago through Let It Breathe. I was hooked from the start, and 40+ books later, I’m still hooked by my favorite rom-com author. When Ms. Fenske released a second edition of five of her books, now part of The Can’t Have Hearts Club series, I was excited to revisit them all, beginning with the first in the series, Let It Breathe. These new editions include new chapters, new epilogues, and new author’s notes.
What you’ll also find is humor, friendships and family, second-chance romance, crazy animals, and a lot of sexy fun.
Reese is the manager of her family’s vineyards and winery. Her ex-husband, Eric, is the winemaker, and his current wife, Sheila, is Reese’s best friend. Somehow, they all make it work, and I could relate to that! Another friend from college days, Clay, comes back after going through rehab for alcoholism and spending a few years getting his life back together. He’s now working for the construction firm that is working on the expansion of the winery. While many things may have changed, one thing that hasn’t is the intense chemistry between Reese and Clay. There’s a lot of baggage and history to unpack on the way to the HEA, along with lots of laughter, family craziness, and a few tears. It’s a great journey, complete with sparkling dialogue, realistic situations, and three-dimensional characters. Cheers!
What you’ll also find is humor, friendships and family, second-chance romance, crazy animals, and a lot of sexy fun.
Reese is the manager of her family’s vineyards and winery. Her ex-husband, Eric, is the winemaker, and his current wife, Sheila, is Reese’s best friend. Somehow, they all make it work, and I could relate to that! Another friend from college days, Clay, comes back after going through rehab for alcoholism and spending a few years getting his life back together. He’s now working for the construction firm that is working on the expansion of the winery. While many things may have changed, one thing that hasn’t is the intense chemistry between Reese and Clay. There’s a lot of baggage and history to unpack on the way to the HEA, along with lots of laughter, family craziness, and a few tears. It’s a great journey, complete with sparkling dialogue, realistic situations, and three-dimensional characters. Cheers!
August 30, 2025
Reese's family runs a vineyard, and his ex-husband still works there. That feels important to the rest of the story.
Because Eric ( the ex in question) has a best friend named Clay. Clay has been in love with Reese since he laid on her. Did Eric know it all along? I don't remember, but the fact that he was still working with his exwife, I think, takes away any "you can't date her " bro code.
Clay is also a recovering alcoholic. Don't worry, you won't forget because they bring it up in dang near every conversation. I don't personally know any recovering alcoholics so maybe that amount of worry is needed.
Clay has some screw ups with Reese to atone for, even one thing he doesn't remember. Reese has a hard time believing in the new Clay because of the 180 in personality. I guess she wants him telling dirty jokes and turning everything into a double entendre. I mean, to each their own, I'd be very glad that behavior was gone.
It starts to feel like everything is going wrong. At first, I didn't see a pattern, I just thought it was random until I saw what the outcome of all of it was. I have to tell you , I did not even slightly see who the perpetrator was before the reveal.
Because Eric ( the ex in question) has a best friend named Clay. Clay has been in love with Reese since he laid on her. Did Eric know it all along? I don't remember, but the fact that he was still working with his exwife, I think, takes away any "you can't date her " bro code.
Clay is also a recovering alcoholic. Don't worry, you won't forget because they bring it up in dang near every conversation. I don't personally know any recovering alcoholics so maybe that amount of worry is needed.
Clay has some screw ups with Reese to atone for, even one thing he doesn't remember. Reese has a hard time believing in the new Clay because of the 180 in personality. I guess she wants him telling dirty jokes and turning everything into a double entendre. I mean, to each their own, I'd be very glad that behavior was gone.
It starts to feel like everything is going wrong. At first, I didn't see a pattern, I just thought it was random until I saw what the outcome of all of it was. I have to tell you , I did not even slightly see who the perpetrator was before the reveal.
December 14, 2025
Reese
Clay
Reese is the Manager of Sunridge Vineyards her family’s winery. She works to keep in up with her amorous parents, her grandpa who gets into trouble and a cousin who she has to remind they are trying to be professional.
Clay is a construction manager for Dorrington Construction and is back in town to work on the new event pavilion at Reese’s family’s winery. Clay is also a recovering alcoholic and trying to repair his friendships. Reese, Clay and Eric, Reese’s Ex, have been friends since College and even though Reese married Eric, Clay always loved her, now he’s out to show her he has changed for the better. This is a very good, fast read. The family members are an interesting bunch and you have an alpaca named Leon who has a habit of head butting. There’s trouble at the winery and relationships to be worked on. I would definitely read more books by this author and the series.
Clay
Reese is the Manager of Sunridge Vineyards her family’s winery. She works to keep in up with her amorous parents, her grandpa who gets into trouble and a cousin who she has to remind they are trying to be professional.
Clay is a construction manager for Dorrington Construction and is back in town to work on the new event pavilion at Reese’s family’s winery. Clay is also a recovering alcoholic and trying to repair his friendships. Reese, Clay and Eric, Reese’s Ex, have been friends since College and even though Reese married Eric, Clay always loved her, now he’s out to show her he has changed for the better. This is a very good, fast read. The family members are an interesting bunch and you have an alpaca named Leon who has a habit of head butting. There’s trouble at the winery and relationships to be worked on. I would definitely read more books by this author and the series.
August 15, 2025
Reese and Clay—they first met in college, and now she’s the manager of her family’s vineyard and he’s a recovering alcoholic who’s heading up the construction crew who’s been contracted to build their new wine-tasting pavilion. In college, they were best friends with Eric, whose marriage to Reese lasted less than a year and he’s now married to Sheila who has also become a good friend. A lot of people mistrust Clay from when he was drinking all the time, but he’s determined to make amends and pursue Reese. A series of unfortunate events happen, leaving the winery in jeopardy, and Reese is super stressed about it all and Clay is still trying to earn her back. When it all comes to a head, they work out their problems, her grandfather finds a cash source to save all their plans, and everything moves forward so Reese and Clay can find their HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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