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Intoxicating #3
Make Him Stay
From award-winning and USA Today bestselling author Christie Ridgway comes the Intoxicating trilogy—about three sisters determined to save the historic family winery. Along the way they find three sexy and handsome men who first make them breathless with desire and finally drunk on love.
Note: This book was previously published.
In Make Him Stay, Giuliana Baci, oldest of the three sisters, has returned to her hometown to manage the mess that is the Tanti Baci winery. They agreed to give it a year before selling out, but as the deadline approaches, complicating matters is the tension between her and her neighbor and first love, Liam Bennett, who has been smoldering at her for months. Their past left scars but hasn’t cooled the desire they feel for each other. Can she continue to keep him at arm’s length?
Liam Bennett has not for an instant forgotten Giuliana and what he’s always felt for her. But the woman maddens him even as he’d do anything to make things right between them…if only so they can move freely on to their separate lives. Once passion overwhelms their qualms and they tumble into bed, however, Liam realizes he doesn’t want to live on past memories of his Baci girl. Instead, he must persuade her they are meant to have a future too.
Note: This book was previously published as Can’t Hurry Love.
Note: This book was previously published.
In Make Him Stay, Giuliana Baci, oldest of the three sisters, has returned to her hometown to manage the mess that is the Tanti Baci winery. They agreed to give it a year before selling out, but as the deadline approaches, complicating matters is the tension between her and her neighbor and first love, Liam Bennett, who has been smoldering at her for months. Their past left scars but hasn’t cooled the desire they feel for each other. Can she continue to keep him at arm’s length?
Liam Bennett has not for an instant forgotten Giuliana and what he’s always felt for her. But the woman maddens him even as he’d do anything to make things right between them…if only so they can move freely on to their separate lives. Once passion overwhelms their qualms and they tumble into bed, however, Liam realizes he doesn’t want to live on past memories of his Baci girl. Instead, he must persuade her they are meant to have a future too.
Note: This book was previously published as Can’t Hurry Love.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2011
37 people are currently reading
816 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
June 30, 2018
For two books the romance of Giuliana and Liam have lurked in the background. So many questions that were answered. Although it was nice it was the romance of the side characters that I loved the most.
Kohl and Grace are so sweet! He suffers from PTSD as a Vet and she is going through a divorce from an abusive husband. The two of them are so interesting and their romance is lovely. 💕
Kohl and Grace are so sweet! He suffers from PTSD as a Vet and she is going through a divorce from an abusive husband. The two of them are so interesting and their romance is lovely. 💕
July 12, 2011
Ah, a “second chance” Romance. I have been in the mood for one of those lately. I enjoy the sense of depth and connection in the hero and heroine’s relationship when they have a past, so that was definitely a plus with Liam and Guiliana (aka Jules). This was my first book in the Three Kisses series, but I never felt lost. The author did a good job of making the book able to stand on its own. Although I didn’t need to read the first two books to read this one, I had my appetite whetted enough to want to backtrack and check out the other two stories. I’m curious to see the sisters’ romances unfold—and to see Jules and Liam snarking at each other. ;)
The relationship between Jules and Liam felt a little back and forth. It bounced between humor, angst, and coolness. It took me a bit to really sink into it because I was having a hard time getting a handle on the characters and their feelings. One moment Jules would be sniping at Liam, but then in the next she’d be laughing with him and reminiscing about some good memory they had together. Liam was the same. He’d jump from finally gaining ground in his pursuit of Jules to closing himself off and acting coldly. At times it felt a bit like they’d take one step forward and three steps back. It was frustrating, but once I got further into the book and saw deeper into their pasts I understood them better and had more patience (even though I still wasn’t always happy).
Learning about their past as a couple and getting a glimpse of their individual past issues with their families really helped iron out the inconsistencies I had with the characters. The only complaint I have about that is that it took quite a while for all to be revealed, so it was a while before I had a well rounded view of them. But when I learned all there was to know about their past… I felt so bad for them. The author did a really good job showing the emotion in a scene toward the end where Liam hears Jules talking to someone else through the window.
While revealing Jules and Liam’s past, the author used flashbacks. Normally flashbacks do not work very well for me. I always end up feeling like I’ve been shorted development of the relationship in the present while the author develops the relationship in the past. That wasn’t the case here. The author used a light hand with the flashbacks and ended up adding to the romance instead of overwhelming it.
In addition to Jules and Liam’s romance, we were also treated to a lovely secondary romance. Kohl and Grace were scene stealers and for a while there I was impatient to get through the main characters’ relationship issues so I could get back to them. I really wish they would have had a book of their own so I could have enjoyed them more. They were great as it is, so I can only imagine how much more I would have loved them together if I had been able to really sink into their characters.
One thing that I really wish was addressed in the book was the particulars of their break up 10 years ago. I never felt any closure with this because I couldn’t understand why they didn’t completely sever all ties. I needed some reason for this and I didn’t see one. Because of that I was left feeling that it existed strictly for use as a plot device. I also felt that in the beginning of the book Jules came off a little more immature and petulant than I think the author was going for. It went away eventually, but it made it a little hard for me to get into her character.
Although I had some issues with this book, I still enjoyed it overall. I’m going to keep my eye out for this author in the future.
Favorite Quote:
Review originally posted on Fiction Vixen.
The relationship between Jules and Liam felt a little back and forth. It bounced between humor, angst, and coolness. It took me a bit to really sink into it because I was having a hard time getting a handle on the characters and their feelings. One moment Jules would be sniping at Liam, but then in the next she’d be laughing with him and reminiscing about some good memory they had together. Liam was the same. He’d jump from finally gaining ground in his pursuit of Jules to closing himself off and acting coldly. At times it felt a bit like they’d take one step forward and three steps back. It was frustrating, but once I got further into the book and saw deeper into their pasts I understood them better and had more patience (even though I still wasn’t always happy).
Learning about their past as a couple and getting a glimpse of their individual past issues with their families really helped iron out the inconsistencies I had with the characters. The only complaint I have about that is that it took quite a while for all to be revealed, so it was a while before I had a well rounded view of them. But when I learned all there was to know about their past… I felt so bad for them. The author did a really good job showing the emotion in a scene toward the end where Liam hears Jules talking to someone else through the window.
Don’t tell her. Liam’s heart rate spiked. Don’t say it out loud. Please don’t make me hear it.It hurt just reading it. His internal pain and thoughts in that scene were what really sold him for me. I liked him before and was rooting for them to get together, but there was no way I could read that scene and remain unmoved. And that goes for both of them, not just Liam.
While revealing Jules and Liam’s past, the author used flashbacks. Normally flashbacks do not work very well for me. I always end up feeling like I’ve been shorted development of the relationship in the present while the author develops the relationship in the past. That wasn’t the case here. The author used a light hand with the flashbacks and ended up adding to the romance instead of overwhelming it.
In addition to Jules and Liam’s romance, we were also treated to a lovely secondary romance. Kohl and Grace were scene stealers and for a while there I was impatient to get through the main characters’ relationship issues so I could get back to them. I really wish they would have had a book of their own so I could have enjoyed them more. They were great as it is, so I can only imagine how much more I would have loved them together if I had been able to really sink into their characters.
One thing that I really wish was addressed in the book was the particulars of their break up 10 years ago. I never felt any closure with this because I couldn’t understand why they didn’t completely sever all ties. I needed some reason for this and I didn’t see one. Because of that I was left feeling that it existed strictly for use as a plot device. I also felt that in the beginning of the book Jules came off a little more immature and petulant than I think the author was going for. It went away eventually, but it made it a little hard for me to get into her character.
Although I had some issues with this book, I still enjoyed it overall. I’m going to keep my eye out for this author in the future.
Favorite Quote:
”The kind that will kill you while you lie in bed.” She could see it now. “You heard them. They say that I have a nasty temper and hold a grudge for eternity. And you know me. Think! I might even do it without realizing it. I’ll just rise up in the middle of the night and…and smother you with my pillow.”
They were all staring at her as if she’d gone mad. So? The idea of being that close to Liam again made her mad.
Allie stepped forward. “Guiliana.” Her voice was kind. “Nobody said you had to actually sleep with Liam.”
Mortification rushed over her. “I knew that,” she mumbled.
Review originally posted on Fiction Vixen.
June 30, 2011
Original review posted here: Happily Ever After - Reads
The story between Liam and Giuliana (Jules) has been building since the first book. There has been such a wide range of emotions between the two of them, hostility, anger, and the most important a level of angst coming from both of them. Since we first met the families, we’ve seen Allie and Penn and Stevie and Jack fall in love, and the entire family come together to try and save their winery Tanti Baci. The sisters have planned a Vow-Over Weekend on the one year anniversary of when they decided to try to turn the winery around and get it back on its financial feet. Jules had agreed to help for the year, but if progress doesn’t happen, all bets are off.
There was always a sense that something major happened in Liam and Jules’s past. We know that they’re both the oldest of their siblings and have a take charge attitude. This is especially hard for Jules to overcome when dealing with the family winery and her sisters. We also find out that Liam and Jules were much more then friends growing up, but Jules always felt as though she was the girl on the wrong side of the tracks compared to Liam, but together young love won out. They were able to let go of all their responsibilities and just enjoy each other, and enjoy life together. Those responsibilities eventually caught up with them, and through heart break and loss the couple lost their way back to each other and let things go unsaid for 10 years.
Cut to present day, the sparks are still there, but so much of the past needs to be discussed and worked out, and it proves hard for both Liam and Jules to express their feelings. Their story was very back and forth through much of the book, they’d make progress to put the past behind them, then one of them one would shut back down and retreat again. It felt very hot & cold, and it made it a little hard to completely warm up to them. It was hard to side with Jules – she makes some decisions based on what she wants and what she thinks is best for the winery without speaking to her sisters about it, and needless to say, it doesn’t sit well with Allie and Stevie. I did feel for her though, her mother asked her to take care of her sisters before she died, and Jules has always put a lot of responsibility on herself, being the one worrying about the details but with Liam, she was able to let go and it still scares her to go to that place again with him. It’s hard for her to make the leap and take the risk.
When Liam and Jules were actually being nice to one another, they had some incredibly sweet scenes. It took most of the book for them both to let their guard down, but in Liam’s case he was determined to make Jules stay and get things worked out once and for all. At one point Liam finally snaps and drunk Liam = good times! I would have liked a little more of them together at the end, the ending felt a bit abrupt, even with a nice epilogue. I’m a fan of epilogues and this one gives us just a little peek into the future and what our favorite sisters and their men have been up to.
The book scene stealers were Kohl and Grace. I would have loved for them to have their own full story. They’re both intriguing characters battling to overcome issues in their pasts. Watching Kohl trying to remember how to be “normal” and want to date Grace correctly was so endearing, and I loved him instantly.
This was a nice conclusion to a fun series centered around the Baci sisters. I’m sorry to see it end, but look forward to what Christie has planned next. This is a light, fun read and overall enjoyable.
The story between Liam and Giuliana (Jules) has been building since the first book. There has been such a wide range of emotions between the two of them, hostility, anger, and the most important a level of angst coming from both of them. Since we first met the families, we’ve seen Allie and Penn and Stevie and Jack fall in love, and the entire family come together to try and save their winery Tanti Baci. The sisters have planned a Vow-Over Weekend on the one year anniversary of when they decided to try to turn the winery around and get it back on its financial feet. Jules had agreed to help for the year, but if progress doesn’t happen, all bets are off.
There was always a sense that something major happened in Liam and Jules’s past. We know that they’re both the oldest of their siblings and have a take charge attitude. This is especially hard for Jules to overcome when dealing with the family winery and her sisters. We also find out that Liam and Jules were much more then friends growing up, but Jules always felt as though she was the girl on the wrong side of the tracks compared to Liam, but together young love won out. They were able to let go of all their responsibilities and just enjoy each other, and enjoy life together. Those responsibilities eventually caught up with them, and through heart break and loss the couple lost their way back to each other and let things go unsaid for 10 years.
Cut to present day, the sparks are still there, but so much of the past needs to be discussed and worked out, and it proves hard for both Liam and Jules to express their feelings. Their story was very back and forth through much of the book, they’d make progress to put the past behind them, then one of them one would shut back down and retreat again. It felt very hot & cold, and it made it a little hard to completely warm up to them. It was hard to side with Jules – she makes some decisions based on what she wants and what she thinks is best for the winery without speaking to her sisters about it, and needless to say, it doesn’t sit well with Allie and Stevie. I did feel for her though, her mother asked her to take care of her sisters before she died, and Jules has always put a lot of responsibility on herself, being the one worrying about the details but with Liam, she was able to let go and it still scares her to go to that place again with him. It’s hard for her to make the leap and take the risk.
When Liam and Jules were actually being nice to one another, they had some incredibly sweet scenes. It took most of the book for them both to let their guard down, but in Liam’s case he was determined to make Jules stay and get things worked out once and for all. At one point Liam finally snaps and drunk Liam = good times! I would have liked a little more of them together at the end, the ending felt a bit abrupt, even with a nice epilogue. I’m a fan of epilogues and this one gives us just a little peek into the future and what our favorite sisters and their men have been up to.
The book scene stealers were Kohl and Grace. I would have loved for them to have their own full story. They’re both intriguing characters battling to overcome issues in their pasts. Watching Kohl trying to remember how to be “normal” and want to date Grace correctly was so endearing, and I loved him instantly.
This was a nice conclusion to a fun series centered around the Baci sisters. I’m sorry to see it end, but look forward to what Christie has planned next. This is a light, fun read and overall enjoyable.
July 25, 2011
I really expected to like this book so much better than I actually did. I generally like Christie Ridgway's books, and had enjoyed the previous two books in this series, so I expected that this would be more of the same for me. Not so. This book didn't work for me on a lot of levels. As a person, Liam sucked. The more detail we learned about him, the less I liked him, which is the opposite of how these books usually work! I like it when an emotionally repressed hero learns to acknowledge his feelings, but I just didn't believe anything about Liam's transformation. He was a brute, and I didn't get why Guiliana didn't just wash her hands of him. The Jules of the previous books wasn't at all like this. If it wasn't for Kohl and Grace's much more enjoyable, subtle, well-written (etc) romance, this book would have been completely dead in the water for me. I could have, and would have preferred, to read an entire book about the Freaky Fridays, who sound like amazing people. Liam and Guiliana just sapped my will to live, and only my hatred of not finishing books kept me around for the end of this one. I expected more.
March 7, 2016
I didn't enjoy this as much as the precious two. I was really excited to finally find out the story behind all the tension between Liam and Guiliana. Unfortunately I wasn't as wowed as I expected to be. I think part of my problem might have been my high expectations.
July 11, 2011
A lovely wrap-up to the Baci sisters trilogy set in Napa Valley. Guiliana and Liam's path to HEA is pretty rough but as with any Christie Ridgway book there's enough laughs and sweetness to balance out the tears. I especially loved the secondary romance between Khol and Grace.
December 26, 2014
Well, quite frankly, the entirety of the main characters' motives and logic was a right mess. Giuliana zigged when she swore she was going to zag, which would have been fine, except there was no real (believable) reason for her to do so. Liam was barely fleshed out. If Liam had wanted so badly NOT to be like his father, he would have done the exact opposite of what he did do (and that storyline [Erin Bell] never really got tied up). I like arrogant asshole heroes in my romance, except for ones who either don't figure out where they went wrong or ones who don't acknowledge it.
The prose was good, but the logical fallacies and inexplicably inconsistent behavior of the hero and heroine were too much to overcome.
The prose was good, but the logical fallacies and inexplicably inconsistent behavior of the hero and heroine were too much to overcome.
October 5, 2011
A easy, quick read, but I felt it was a little disjointed- not the quality of the rest of the series. There were certain things that were thrown in that weren't developed enough.
Some pretty exciting sex scenes, first time I have read a sex in a fountain scene. Not sure if this is the end of the series. It seems like it was because the epilogue talked about all of the kids the 3 sisters had, but there still was Seth, one of the Bennett brothers, and another illegitimate sister too.
August 14, 2011
Loved the story great continuation of the character. I loved the ending and epilouge
Want to read
January 12, 2013Serinin ilk kitabının yarısındayım ama şu anda bşle deli gibi bu kitabu merak ediyorum.
May 19, 2018
So for the past two books, we've seen Liam Bennett and the oldest Baci sister, Giuliana or Jules, dancing around each other with boat loads of tension. Finally we see a resolution to their story. We knew they had a history and were sweethearts when they were teenagers, then they went to Tuscany together and when they came back, everything was broken. We learn what happened between them (and I will spoil it in the next paragraph) and how they are trying to deal with it now, since avoidance hasn't been working. Allie and Stevie are still trying to save the vineyard and Jules is putting in her time that she promised, but underneath it all, she's not sure the vineyard can or should be saved. And if she gets too invested, with either Liam or the vineyard, she might not be able to walk away again, and risking loss is just too painful.
Of the three books, this one was my favorite. Maybe because it didn't feel like either Jules or Liam were trying to use the other (except maybe to get each other out of their system) but it was established that they had loved each other, and deeply, but even ten years later they couldn't shake this attraction between them. They both kind of agreed to try to work it out (sexually). We never get a full story of what happened...they don't exactly sit down and hash it all out unfortunately, but it's pieced together that the two had eloped to Reno, then gone to Tuscany where they were elatedly happy, though Jules had noticed that Liam was emotionally distant, then she got pregnant and had it confirmed just before Liam got called back to California by his dad, leaving Jules in Tuscany. Then, she lost the baby and called Liam to tell him and he was pretty unsupportive, saying "Maybe it was for the best." and sort of ending it between them. After that, it's anybody's guess. I think maybe left straight away for LA and never bothered talking to Liam about it again. I'm pretty sure though, that neither of them fought for the other. So in the blame game, I can't say whose side I took. Yes, Jules ran away without a confrontation, but I'm not sure I blame her. Liam gets to play the righteous card because he was always there at home and she knew where he was. But he's the one who pushed her away, so I don't know that he has a leg to stand on. In the end, they didn't really get to discuss it, nobody really apologized and there wasn't any grovel. They both kind of agreed that they were young and immature and made mistakes and can't we just move on? But for me, that was kind of unsatisfying and not the way I like my second chance romances. Also, just a side note, what was up with the sex scenes? The first time Liam and Jules go to bed together has them foreplaying in the fountain and then fading to black with a "the next morning" follow up. Their first time giving in to passion in ten years wasn't worth a full scene? It isn't until the end, when Liam realizes he's too similar to his father and wrecks everything he touches and decides to be with Jules for the last time that we actually get a full scene of them together. That was disappointing also.
There's plenty of push and pull between Liam and Jules, but I've got to admit, Jules gave into to the attraction awfully quickly considering how hurt she claimed to be. And her sisters - gah. I still don't like them really, considering how mercenary they were. In order to save their dying vineyard, they use emotional blackmail to force Jules to live in Liam's house and pretend they've been reunited (although, maybe it's payback for Jules forcing Stevie to plan her ex-fiancee's wedding). Neither of them care that their sister was hurt by Liam, only that they do everything possible to keep the vineyard. They didn't even ask her really, which is ironic since they get mad at her repeatedly for not consulting them. I was not feeling the sisterly love in this book.
The romance between Kohl and Grace was just okay. It was sweet, but pretty underwhelming, especially in comparison to the tension between Liam and Jules. But at least in this case, I actually liked both characters in the secondary romance and neither of them acted like an asshole.
Of the three books, this one was my favorite. Maybe because it didn't feel like either Jules or Liam were trying to use the other (except maybe to get each other out of their system) but it was established that they had loved each other, and deeply, but even ten years later they couldn't shake this attraction between them. They both kind of agreed to try to work it out (sexually). We never get a full story of what happened...they don't exactly sit down and hash it all out unfortunately, but it's pieced together that the two had eloped to Reno, then gone to Tuscany where they were elatedly happy, though Jules had noticed that Liam was emotionally distant, then she got pregnant and had it confirmed just before Liam got called back to California by his dad, leaving Jules in Tuscany. Then, she lost the baby and called Liam to tell him and he was pretty unsupportive, saying "Maybe it was for the best." and sort of ending it between them. After that, it's anybody's guess. I think maybe left straight away for LA and never bothered talking to Liam about it again. I'm pretty sure though, that neither of them fought for the other. So in the blame game, I can't say whose side I took. Yes, Jules ran away without a confrontation, but I'm not sure I blame her. Liam gets to play the righteous card because he was always there at home and she knew where he was. But he's the one who pushed her away, so I don't know that he has a leg to stand on. In the end, they didn't really get to discuss it, nobody really apologized and there wasn't any grovel. They both kind of agreed that they were young and immature and made mistakes and can't we just move on? But for me, that was kind of unsatisfying and not the way I like my second chance romances. Also, just a side note, what was up with the sex scenes? The first time Liam and Jules go to bed together has them foreplaying in the fountain and then fading to black with a "the next morning" follow up. Their first time giving in to passion in ten years wasn't worth a full scene? It isn't until the end, when Liam realizes he's too similar to his father and wrecks everything he touches and decides to be with Jules for the last time that we actually get a full scene of them together. That was disappointing also.
There's plenty of push and pull between Liam and Jules, but I've got to admit, Jules gave into to the attraction awfully quickly considering how hurt she claimed to be. And her sisters - gah. I still don't like them really, considering how mercenary they were. In order to save their dying vineyard, they use emotional blackmail to force Jules to live in Liam's house and pretend they've been reunited (although, maybe it's payback for Jules forcing Stevie to plan her ex-fiancee's wedding). Neither of them care that their sister was hurt by Liam, only that they do everything possible to keep the vineyard. They didn't even ask her really, which is ironic since they get mad at her repeatedly for not consulting them. I was not feeling the sisterly love in this book.
The romance between Kohl and Grace was just okay. It was sweet, but pretty underwhelming, especially in comparison to the tension between Liam and Jules. But at least in this case, I actually liked both characters in the secondary romance and neither of them acted like an asshole.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2021
I had to finish this series because the first two amused me. I knew this would not amuse me because I never liked Giuliana. She gives women a bad name with her temper and holding a grudge for 10 years! She gives Liam the silent treatment for all that time and that is never the way to solve a problem. Liam tried to talk to her repeatedly and she just cut him off. That is rude and disrespectful. Even after the reason is revealed he did not deserve it. Why Liam likes her is a complete mystery.
The side stories were weak. I have loved Kohl throughout the series but here he is just a loser. Why does he have to be an unfeeling drunk? I didn't get that feeling in the previous books. And his girlfriend choice makes no sense either. Not to mention her special powers, ick. It helped tie up a dangling story line, but even that wasn't satisfactory.
There is also an untouched storyline from the first two books about a missing half-sister. I fully expected her to appear here. She would have added something that this book needed. Maybe she could have been likable.
The side stories were weak. I have loved Kohl throughout the series but here he is just a loser. Why does he have to be an unfeeling drunk? I didn't get that feeling in the previous books. And his girlfriend choice makes no sense either. Not to mention her special powers, ick. It helped tie up a dangling story line, but even that wasn't satisfactory.
There is also an untouched storyline from the first two books about a missing half-sister. I fully expected her to appear here. She would have added something that this book needed. Maybe she could have been likable.
April 15, 2022
This is the final book in this series about three sisters and their California vineyard and the men they love. The Tanti Baci Vineyard was hitting a fifty year milestone that involved their wedding wine. It seems everyone who had registered and had this wine at their wedding we’re still married with no divorces. Giuliana Baci was the oldest sister and who had a secret that she did not want her family to know but Liam Bennett was deeply involved in her secret so, of course, everyone found out. Jules and Liam had run off and married ten years ago but after their time in Tuscany, Liam came back to the vineyard alone. Jules made the decision not to return home until a year ago and has been trying to help her sisters keep the vineyard from losing money. A celebration of the wedding wine would help so even though they never divorced, Jules and Liam were forced to make believe they had come to their senses and were still married. Cute read
July 6, 2011
This is Guiliana Baci and Liam Bennett's story. Their story has been heavily foreshadowed in the previous 2 books, Crush on You (Three Kisses) and Then He Kissed Me (Three Kisses). I have been looking forward to unraveling their mystery, although by the end of Then He Kissed Me, I had a pretty good hunch on how it would play out.
Very Brief Summary - The 3 Baci sisters inherit the Tanti Baci Winery after their father dies, with Guiliana (Jules) alone inheriting the land upon which the winery sits. The Bennett winery sits adjacent to the Baci land. Tanti Baci is in financial trouble, and the sisters have agreed to a one year push to make the winery profitable. In addition to wine, they offer weddings on their property, at a cabin which used to belong to the original owners. The story goes that all newlyweds who have partaken of the special Tanti Baci wedding wine are still married, and the the younger sisters, Allie and Stevie, plan to capitalize on that fact for advertising purposed. So why does this freak Jules out so much?
Throughout the series, Jules and Liam have been avoiding each other, and acting like wet cats when their paths do happen to cross. Finally, we get the rest of the story.
Liam - Liam is described multiple times as having a stick in his posterior region. He is icy, in control at all times, placid on the surface. You know what they say about still waters. Liam is still trying to reconcile the extremely manipulative actions of his father of which he was a victim from the age of ten. His internal angst comes across clearly. His desire to be with Jules wars with his belief that he is too much like his father to ever be a good long term bet. Yet, Liam can't quite let go of the longing to be with Jules. He gets crazy possesive when she talks to any other man, blowing his cool, calm façade out of the water. He gets very demanding and controlling in bed. He wants to believe he can exorcise the need he has for Jules, push that want and desire into a box until it settles and he doesn't feel it any longer.(The last line is an almost direct quote from the book) These scenes are the best in the book for me, when we get to see the real Liam. It's clear the possessive, jealous, controlling actions are dictated by his sublimation of his desire for Jules because the more he pushes her away (or allows himself to be pushed away), the more over the top he gets.
Guiliana (Jules)- So many secrets...Once she and Liam broke up 10 years ago, she retreats to L.A., and builds a life for herself, only returning to the Napa area when her father dies. Having to deal with Liam brings back all the pain of losing him. Jules is trying to bring resolution to the Tanti Baci issue. As the oldest, she takes a great deal on herself rather than sharing the burden with her sisters. She tries hard to keep her distance from Liam, but events transpire against her, forcing her to move in with him temporarily. She struggles to reconcile their teenage romance with the reality of their grown up lives. She can't move past the pain of the past nor does she understand how everything went so wrong. While she is a strong, independent woman, Liam affects her as if she were still a teenager in love.
Liam and Jules together - Oh, the pain these two have. Deep feelings and dark secrets do not a relationship make. Only when they are able to be honest with each other do they make any headway. I found this book to be an interesting study of how first love lingers with an intensity often unmatched in later, more adult relationships. There are several flashbacks to their younger selves, and Jules, especially, longs for the Liam that was not so shuttered. After the layers are peeled back, the secrets are exposed, seeing the details with adult lenses eases some of the pain of their initial breakup.
What worked for me - Liam - a tortured hero if there ever was one. He takes his role of big brother seriously and does not allow himself to be emotional. He loves Jules desperately but can't figure out how to have her without hurting her. Kohl and Grace - a lovely subplot/secondary romance. Jules - really liked the younger Jules, but understood how the circumstances of her life completely shut her down emotionally. Great character growth. The theme of young love surviving tragedy to be resurrected as an adult partnership. The epilogue. I love Christie Ridgway's series ending epilogues. Strong romantic/sexual scenes. When Liam and Jules are in sync, they set the pages to smokin'.
What didn't work for me - I would have liked a little more information about how Liam dealt with his father's manipulative ploy to bring him home from Italy, which was a true turning point in the story. More specifics as to what exactly happened when Jules left him the first time. The ending was too abrupt, as well, for my taste. Perhaps these issues could be due to editing for length?
Overall, I liked this series a lot. It made me think about a lot of issues. The three books are perhaps more serious in nature than some of Ms. Ridgway's work, but there are comedic elements to lighten the mood. I would almost classify it as chic lit, except for the very strong romance elements and the HEA's. The last two books, especially, deal with how childhood trauma can manifest itself in behaviors that are not only counterproductive, but ultimately downright destructive. Worthwhile reading, in my opinion.
Very Brief Summary - The 3 Baci sisters inherit the Tanti Baci Winery after their father dies, with Guiliana (Jules) alone inheriting the land upon which the winery sits. The Bennett winery sits adjacent to the Baci land. Tanti Baci is in financial trouble, and the sisters have agreed to a one year push to make the winery profitable. In addition to wine, they offer weddings on their property, at a cabin which used to belong to the original owners. The story goes that all newlyweds who have partaken of the special Tanti Baci wedding wine are still married, and the the younger sisters, Allie and Stevie, plan to capitalize on that fact for advertising purposed. So why does this freak Jules out so much?
Throughout the series, Jules and Liam have been avoiding each other, and acting like wet cats when their paths do happen to cross. Finally, we get the rest of the story.
Liam - Liam is described multiple times as having a stick in his posterior region. He is icy, in control at all times, placid on the surface. You know what they say about still waters. Liam is still trying to reconcile the extremely manipulative actions of his father of which he was a victim from the age of ten. His internal angst comes across clearly. His desire to be with Jules wars with his belief that he is too much like his father to ever be a good long term bet. Yet, Liam can't quite let go of the longing to be with Jules. He gets crazy possesive when she talks to any other man, blowing his cool, calm façade out of the water. He gets very demanding and controlling in bed. He wants to believe he can exorcise the need he has for Jules, push that want and desire into a box until it settles and he doesn't feel it any longer.(The last line is an almost direct quote from the book) These scenes are the best in the book for me, when we get to see the real Liam. It's clear the possessive, jealous, controlling actions are dictated by his sublimation of his desire for Jules because the more he pushes her away (or allows himself to be pushed away), the more over the top he gets.
Guiliana (Jules)- So many secrets...Once she and Liam broke up 10 years ago, she retreats to L.A., and builds a life for herself, only returning to the Napa area when her father dies. Having to deal with Liam brings back all the pain of losing him. Jules is trying to bring resolution to the Tanti Baci issue. As the oldest, she takes a great deal on herself rather than sharing the burden with her sisters. She tries hard to keep her distance from Liam, but events transpire against her, forcing her to move in with him temporarily. She struggles to reconcile their teenage romance with the reality of their grown up lives. She can't move past the pain of the past nor does she understand how everything went so wrong. While she is a strong, independent woman, Liam affects her as if she were still a teenager in love.
Liam and Jules together - Oh, the pain these two have. Deep feelings and dark secrets do not a relationship make. Only when they are able to be honest with each other do they make any headway. I found this book to be an interesting study of how first love lingers with an intensity often unmatched in later, more adult relationships. There are several flashbacks to their younger selves, and Jules, especially, longs for the Liam that was not so shuttered. After the layers are peeled back, the secrets are exposed, seeing the details with adult lenses eases some of the pain of their initial breakup.
What worked for me - Liam - a tortured hero if there ever was one. He takes his role of big brother seriously and does not allow himself to be emotional. He loves Jules desperately but can't figure out how to have her without hurting her. Kohl and Grace - a lovely subplot/secondary romance. Jules - really liked the younger Jules, but understood how the circumstances of her life completely shut her down emotionally. Great character growth. The theme of young love surviving tragedy to be resurrected as an adult partnership. The epilogue. I love Christie Ridgway's series ending epilogues. Strong romantic/sexual scenes. When Liam and Jules are in sync, they set the pages to smokin'.
What didn't work for me - I would have liked a little more information about how Liam dealt with his father's manipulative ploy to bring him home from Italy, which was a true turning point in the story. More specifics as to what exactly happened when Jules left him the first time. The ending was too abrupt, as well, for my taste. Perhaps these issues could be due to editing for length?
Overall, I liked this series a lot. It made me think about a lot of issues. The three books are perhaps more serious in nature than some of Ms. Ridgway's work, but there are comedic elements to lighten the mood. I would almost classify it as chic lit, except for the very strong romance elements and the HEA's. The last two books, especially, deal with how childhood trauma can manifest itself in behaviors that are not only counterproductive, but ultimately downright destructive. Worthwhile reading, in my opinion.
April 19, 2023
Didn’t love it
I didn’t love this couple as much as the others. Too much angst. The also see to switch personalities towards the end. I think the best thing of this book was Gracie and Khol and each couples happily ever after.
I didn’t love this couple as much as the others. Too much angst. The also see to switch personalities towards the end. I think the best thing of this book was Gracie and Khol and each couples happily ever after.
November 27, 2016
Love second chance stories! This one does not disappoint. Ms. Ridgway's style
Of writing makes this and all of her books a fun and effortless read!
Of writing makes this and all of her books a fun and effortless read!
July 17, 2011
I reviewed this book for Night Owl Reviews with a 4.5 Star Rating
Can’t Hurry Love by Christie Ridgway is the funny and sometimes bittersweet third story in the Baci sisters trilogy. Having never read Ms. Ridgway before, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Although the story started out a little slowly for me, due to not having read the previous two books in the trilogy, I was able to fully enjoy this story. The characters are well written and drew me into their story.
Guiliana “Jules” Baci is an interesting character; she’s twenty eight years old, has lived away from her family for the last ten years and has a whopper of a secret. Fulfilling her father’s deathbed wish, she’s agreed to help her younger sisters save the family winery, Tanti Baci. At the heart though, Jules really doesn’t think they can succeed and due to a strange and complicated family will, she’s the sole owner of the actual land the winery is on. Jules is also seriously in “lust” with her “secret” high school boyfriend, Liam Bennett and never thought coming home would unleash all of her emotions again.
Liam Bennett is a complicated man, he’s thirty, incredibly good looking and has a serious case of guilt. He kept his father’s secrets for years and now they’ve been exposed, courtesy of a half-brother he didn’t know about. He’s become cold and self contained in an effort to be a different man than the one his father was. Just when he was beginning to think he had a handle on things, his life became more complicated thanks to Jules Baci’s return. The girl he’s loved all of his life, has turned into an even more alluring woman than he thought possible and he still hasn’t gotten over how he feels about her. To make matters even more complicated, they share a mutual secret of a summer full of love and passion ten years ago.
The scenes between Jules and Liam are a combination of witty dialogue, snarky humor and angst over what their lives have become. Combine all of that with intense physical chemistry and they find themselves engaging in numerous secret trysts. Their intimacy brings Liam and Jules closer together and reignites the emotional bond they left behind. Unfortunately neither wants to acknowledge how they feel about the past or about each other. Thankfully their family and friends force them to face the truth and reveal their secrets. While Liam and Jules’ romance is the main plot, there is also the mystery of who burned down the apartment building Jules was living in and who is vandalizing the winery.
The secondary characters in this story are familiar as they are Jules’ sisters and brothers-in-law, who were the primary characters in the previous books. We get to re-meet Alessandra and her husband Penn Bennett (Liam’s half-brother) from Crush on You and also get to re-meet Stevie and Jack from Then He Kissed Me. We also get to meet 3 additional secondary characters who are important to the vandalism subplot; Kohl and Grace, both employees of the Baci winery and Daniel, Grace’s abusive ex.
The story concludes with a bright future for the Baci and Bennett families and the Baci winery. The arsonist is caught – and the identity was somewhat of a surprise. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Ridgway’s work in the future.
Can’t Hurry Love by Christie Ridgway is the funny and sometimes bittersweet third story in the Baci sisters trilogy. Having never read Ms. Ridgway before, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Although the story started out a little slowly for me, due to not having read the previous two books in the trilogy, I was able to fully enjoy this story. The characters are well written and drew me into their story.
Guiliana “Jules” Baci is an interesting character; she’s twenty eight years old, has lived away from her family for the last ten years and has a whopper of a secret. Fulfilling her father’s deathbed wish, she’s agreed to help her younger sisters save the family winery, Tanti Baci. At the heart though, Jules really doesn’t think they can succeed and due to a strange and complicated family will, she’s the sole owner of the actual land the winery is on. Jules is also seriously in “lust” with her “secret” high school boyfriend, Liam Bennett and never thought coming home would unleash all of her emotions again.
Liam Bennett is a complicated man, he’s thirty, incredibly good looking and has a serious case of guilt. He kept his father’s secrets for years and now they’ve been exposed, courtesy of a half-brother he didn’t know about. He’s become cold and self contained in an effort to be a different man than the one his father was. Just when he was beginning to think he had a handle on things, his life became more complicated thanks to Jules Baci’s return. The girl he’s loved all of his life, has turned into an even more alluring woman than he thought possible and he still hasn’t gotten over how he feels about her. To make matters even more complicated, they share a mutual secret of a summer full of love and passion ten years ago.
The scenes between Jules and Liam are a combination of witty dialogue, snarky humor and angst over what their lives have become. Combine all of that with intense physical chemistry and they find themselves engaging in numerous secret trysts. Their intimacy brings Liam and Jules closer together and reignites the emotional bond they left behind. Unfortunately neither wants to acknowledge how they feel about the past or about each other. Thankfully their family and friends force them to face the truth and reveal their secrets. While Liam and Jules’ romance is the main plot, there is also the mystery of who burned down the apartment building Jules was living in and who is vandalizing the winery.
The secondary characters in this story are familiar as they are Jules’ sisters and brothers-in-law, who were the primary characters in the previous books. We get to re-meet Alessandra and her husband Penn Bennett (Liam’s half-brother) from Crush on You and also get to re-meet Stevie and Jack from Then He Kissed Me. We also get to meet 3 additional secondary characters who are important to the vandalism subplot; Kohl and Grace, both employees of the Baci winery and Daniel, Grace’s abusive ex.
The story concludes with a bright future for the Baci and Bennett families and the Baci winery. The arsonist is caught – and the identity was somewhat of a surprise. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Ridgway’s work in the future.
July 12, 2011
This is my very first Christie Ridgway way book and i was not disappointed. It's funny that I started with the last book in the series but that just makes me want to go out and start again from the beginning. And I shall!!
The story is about Liam and Giuliana and from my understanding their tension has been building since the first book and I love a good tension story. Not only did they have the tension building but had tons of emotions between the two of them. Hostility and anger being some. The series is about two families that come to come together and save their winery. It just so happens that these three sisters fall in love with three brothers. And heaven knows I love a good romance story that involves families. The sisters decided to plan a Vow-Over Weekend on the one year anniversary to try to turn the winery around and get it back to making money. Jules had agreed to help for the year, but if things dont work out she will sell it and go back to her life.
Now even though I haven't read the first two books, I wasn't as lost as I thought I would be. You get the sense that something major happened in Liam and Jules’s past and what you find out is a shocker!! With both of them being the older siblings you would think they would understand each other more but one thing they cant deny is the sparks they throw off. While growing up they had a young love and were able to enjoy it. But when heart break and loss happens they let the necessary talk go for 10 years. I know thats crazy but somethings are just hard to deal with and I felt both their pain.
Now that they are back around each other and the sparks are still there, they need to have a long overdue talk and work it out. Their relationship was pretty hot and cold throughout the whole book. When one would make progress, the other would shut down and visa versa. Jules tends to make some decisions based on what she wants without speaking to her sisters about it. Which I totally did not agree with and needless to say, it doesn’t sit well with her sisters.
Overall I really did enjoy the book until the very end. Like I said before I have plans to start from the beginning to get a better understanding of these wonderful characters and how things came to be. I wish I got a little more time with Jules and Liam as a couple without all the anger, but it didn't ruin the story for me. I loved the plot and the scenes were well written. Although sometimes I did feel that the scenes were a bit wordy when I didn't feel they had to be.
It seems like a fun series to get into and enjoy. I mean I am a romance lover so as long as it has a happy ending and makes sense I am all for it. I am sorry to see it end, but look forward to what else Ridgway will have in store in the future. Very enjoyable read.
The story is about Liam and Giuliana and from my understanding their tension has been building since the first book and I love a good tension story. Not only did they have the tension building but had tons of emotions between the two of them. Hostility and anger being some. The series is about two families that come to come together and save their winery. It just so happens that these three sisters fall in love with three brothers. And heaven knows I love a good romance story that involves families. The sisters decided to plan a Vow-Over Weekend on the one year anniversary to try to turn the winery around and get it back to making money. Jules had agreed to help for the year, but if things dont work out she will sell it and go back to her life.
Now even though I haven't read the first two books, I wasn't as lost as I thought I would be. You get the sense that something major happened in Liam and Jules’s past and what you find out is a shocker!! With both of them being the older siblings you would think they would understand each other more but one thing they cant deny is the sparks they throw off. While growing up they had a young love and were able to enjoy it. But when heart break and loss happens they let the necessary talk go for 10 years. I know thats crazy but somethings are just hard to deal with and I felt both their pain.
Now that they are back around each other and the sparks are still there, they need to have a long overdue talk and work it out. Their relationship was pretty hot and cold throughout the whole book. When one would make progress, the other would shut down and visa versa. Jules tends to make some decisions based on what she wants without speaking to her sisters about it. Which I totally did not agree with and needless to say, it doesn’t sit well with her sisters.
Overall I really did enjoy the book until the very end. Like I said before I have plans to start from the beginning to get a better understanding of these wonderful characters and how things came to be. I wish I got a little more time with Jules and Liam as a couple without all the anger, but it didn't ruin the story for me. I loved the plot and the scenes were well written. Although sometimes I did feel that the scenes were a bit wordy when I didn't feel they had to be.
It seems like a fun series to get into and enjoy. I mean I am a romance lover so as long as it has a happy ending and makes sense I am all for it. I am sorry to see it end, but look forward to what else Ridgway will have in store in the future. Very enjoyable read.
December 31, 2013
Can’t Hurry Love is a contemporary romance story a third in the Baci Sisters series. Can’t Hurry Love happens to be my first book by Ms. Christie Ridgway.
Can’t Hurry Love is a love story that takes place near Napa Valley, California. The main characters are Liam Bennett, a wealthy winery owner and Guiliana (Jules) Baci the eldest of three Baci sisters and part owner of Tanti Baci Winery. The plot centers around the Baci and Bennett’s family rivalry, the Baci family financial troubles and the sexual attraction between Liam and Jules.
**Spoilers, sorry.**
Can’t Hurry Love is an entertaining and well written love story. I believe Ms. Ridgway does a great job working the tension and angst between the main characters. Ms. Ridgway also does an excellent job with character and emotional development.
Liam is calm and composed on the surface, but demanding and controlling deep down. His desire and love for Jules is palpable. Jules on her end is cool and reserved keeping up appearances. Years back when she and Liam broke up she retreated to L.A. and built a life for herself, only returning to the Napa area when her father dies to manage the Tanti Baci Winery, the business he willed to his three daughters, Allie, Stevie and Jules.
Over a ten year span Liam and Jules, have hidden secrets, secrets that hurt them both. Once the layers are peeled back, however, these secrets are exposed, and the details of their initial breakup surface.
What I didn’t like:
Liam and Jules ten year separation was a little far-fetched for me, I guess I didn’t ‘buy’ the two loving and lusting after each other but neither seeking the other one out for years. The other odd thing was how Jules lost the baby and not even her sisters (with whom she’s very closed to) knew about that pregnancy. Also, if she was so close to her sisters why would she have stayed away from the Tanti Baci Winery for ten years?
What I liked:
Can’t Hurry Love had all the elements I like in a romance story, the sexual tension, a creative plot, and good dialogue. Also, the relationship with Kohl and Grace added a spicy element to the story.
I enjoyed reading Can’t Hurry Love and I would definitely recommend the book to others. I give this book 3.5 stars.
Can’t Hurry Love is a love story that takes place near Napa Valley, California. The main characters are Liam Bennett, a wealthy winery owner and Guiliana (Jules) Baci the eldest of three Baci sisters and part owner of Tanti Baci Winery. The plot centers around the Baci and Bennett’s family rivalry, the Baci family financial troubles and the sexual attraction between Liam and Jules.
**Spoilers, sorry.**
Can’t Hurry Love is an entertaining and well written love story. I believe Ms. Ridgway does a great job working the tension and angst between the main characters. Ms. Ridgway also does an excellent job with character and emotional development.
Liam is calm and composed on the surface, but demanding and controlling deep down. His desire and love for Jules is palpable. Jules on her end is cool and reserved keeping up appearances. Years back when she and Liam broke up she retreated to L.A. and built a life for herself, only returning to the Napa area when her father dies to manage the Tanti Baci Winery, the business he willed to his three daughters, Allie, Stevie and Jules.
Over a ten year span Liam and Jules, have hidden secrets, secrets that hurt them both. Once the layers are peeled back, however, these secrets are exposed, and the details of their initial breakup surface.
What I didn’t like:
Liam and Jules ten year separation was a little far-fetched for me, I guess I didn’t ‘buy’ the two loving and lusting after each other but neither seeking the other one out for years. The other odd thing was how Jules lost the baby and not even her sisters (with whom she’s very closed to) knew about that pregnancy. Also, if she was so close to her sisters why would she have stayed away from the Tanti Baci Winery for ten years?
What I liked:
Can’t Hurry Love had all the elements I like in a romance story, the sexual tension, a creative plot, and good dialogue. Also, the relationship with Kohl and Grace added a spicy element to the story.
I enjoyed reading Can’t Hurry Love and I would definitely recommend the book to others. I give this book 3.5 stars.
July 17, 2011
OMG, this book was the PERFECT emotional ending to this fabulous trilogy.
Full review reposted from my Smitten with Reading blog...
My Review:
E.MO.TION.AL. That was the word for this book. Throughout this entire book, my heart just ached for Liam & Giuliana. Two lovers that have obviously never gotten over their love for each other, I can't tell you how many times throughout this book that I teared up. It was so good!
There is a HUGE history between Liam & Giuliana. So far, they have managed to avoid each other for the past year that she's been back, but with the 50th anniversary of the Tanti Baci fabled wine, circumstances are such where they cannot avoid each other any longer... neither their history nor their current-day situation.
There are so many story plots and details wrapped into this story. It made for an amazing read. First, there is the sizzling romance story line between Jules & Liam. It literally kept me gasping for more. But there was so much "more" to this story. Liam & Penn...half-brothers that look like twins and act like two halves of a whole. They act completely opposite of each other, but there were so many heart-rending moments between these two in this book. The growth of their relationship in this book was incredibly heart-warming and moving. Then there was the romance between Grace & Kohl. These are two wounded people that Jules has taken into her inner-circle, but they are awesome together. I loved their romantic story line. Individually, they are wounded, scarred people, but together they are magical.
The suspense story line was easily defined, but for me the high-drama of this book came from Liam & Jules. They are both so stubborn and wounded by what happened 10 years ago. I had no idea which of them was going to break first and my heart was dying each step of the way. It was so good! I just loved this story! A great finish to this fabulous trilogy!
The trilogy:
1. Crush on You A- rating
2. Then He Kissed Me B+ rating
3. Can't Hurry Love (this book) A+ rating
Full review reposted from my Smitten with Reading blog...
My Review:
E.MO.TION.AL. That was the word for this book. Throughout this entire book, my heart just ached for Liam & Giuliana. Two lovers that have obviously never gotten over their love for each other, I can't tell you how many times throughout this book that I teared up. It was so good!
There is a HUGE history between Liam & Giuliana. So far, they have managed to avoid each other for the past year that she's been back, but with the 50th anniversary of the Tanti Baci fabled wine, circumstances are such where they cannot avoid each other any longer... neither their history nor their current-day situation.
There are so many story plots and details wrapped into this story. It made for an amazing read. First, there is the sizzling romance story line between Jules & Liam. It literally kept me gasping for more. But there was so much "more" to this story. Liam & Penn...half-brothers that look like twins and act like two halves of a whole. They act completely opposite of each other, but there were so many heart-rending moments between these two in this book. The growth of their relationship in this book was incredibly heart-warming and moving. Then there was the romance between Grace & Kohl. These are two wounded people that Jules has taken into her inner-circle, but they are awesome together. I loved their romantic story line. Individually, they are wounded, scarred people, but together they are magical.
The suspense story line was easily defined, but for me the high-drama of this book came from Liam & Jules. They are both so stubborn and wounded by what happened 10 years ago. I had no idea which of them was going to break first and my heart was dying each step of the way. It was so good! I just loved this story! A great finish to this fabulous trilogy!
The trilogy:
1. Crush on You A- rating
2. Then He Kissed Me B+ rating
3. Can't Hurry Love (this book) A+ rating
August 18, 2011
This is the first book i read from this author and series. Overall, I was pretty engrossed with the plot and the story because of all the tension between Giuliana and Liam, also Grace and Kohl (who I loved together as a couple and had actually hoped that they had a bigger spotlight and storyline in the book. I actually live quite close to Napa valley so a lot of the wine valley descriptions are accurate, and the story really hits pretty close to home.
However in terms of the actual story and characters, it was a little hard to follow. I felt like aside from the actual summer Liam and Giuliana spent together, everything else about the past was a little sketchy. I had to mentally draw out a time line to follow all the emotions and events entangled in their past. That part was a little frustrating. Also, Liam as a person is quite closed off and he tends to keep to himself a lot, which is like most guys, in addition to being incredibly stubborn, which also is like most guys. But because he is so stubborn and such an introvert, it kinda made is "aha" moment a little unrealistic (also he was kinda half drunk when he begged Giuliana to stay). Nevertheless, I did appreciate his sense of duty and sacrifices as the oldest brother; not many people are willing to uphold familial obligations when it interferes with their own personal desires. In regards to Giuliana, more than anything, I think I empathize and sympathize for her because of all she's had to go through with her mother's death and watching over her sisters as well as the winery.
My favorite couple though had to be Grace and Kohl. Maybe it was because of Grace's willingness to trust Kohl, when he didnt even trust himself, that drew my interest for the couple, but regardless, I kept looking forward to their relationship's development throughout the book. I honestly feel that the two bring the best out of each other and truly compliment each other.
However in terms of the actual story and characters, it was a little hard to follow. I felt like aside from the actual summer Liam and Giuliana spent together, everything else about the past was a little sketchy. I had to mentally draw out a time line to follow all the emotions and events entangled in their past. That part was a little frustrating. Also, Liam as a person is quite closed off and he tends to keep to himself a lot, which is like most guys, in addition to being incredibly stubborn, which also is like most guys. But because he is so stubborn and such an introvert, it kinda made is "aha" moment a little unrealistic (also he was kinda half drunk when he begged Giuliana to stay). Nevertheless, I did appreciate his sense of duty and sacrifices as the oldest brother; not many people are willing to uphold familial obligations when it interferes with their own personal desires. In regards to Giuliana, more than anything, I think I empathize and sympathize for her because of all she's had to go through with her mother's death and watching over her sisters as well as the winery.
My favorite couple though had to be Grace and Kohl. Maybe it was because of Grace's willingness to trust Kohl, when he didnt even trust himself, that drew my interest for the couple, but regardless, I kept looking forward to their relationship's development throughout the book. I honestly feel that the two bring the best out of each other and truly compliment each other.
May 8, 2013
This is the third book of the Baci sisters trilogy and features eldest sister, Guiliana (Jules) Baci and Liam Bennett.
Guiliana and her sisters are trying to keep their family business, the Tanti Baci, alive and had given themselves a year to put things to rights. Unbeknownst to her two younger sisters Stevie and Allie, Guiliana has no hopes for saving the business and planned to sell the land on which the winery is on.
Liam is a childhood friend, his family grew up next to the Baci's and he and Guiliana had grown up together. They fell in love as young adults and stole away and got married. But their marriage had fallen apart when he had to leave her and she miscarried their child.
Only they hadn't fully dissolved their marriage and forced proximity of trying to keep Tanti Baci afloat forces them to deal with their issues and any feelings they still have for each other.
I'd only read one other book in this series, the second one featuring middle sister Stevie and I found this was one was not nearly as captivating as the previous book. Guiliana, for me, was not as likable a character and in parts, I did not think she was worthy of either her sisters or Liam. He, on the other hand, was a great hero and I connected to him immediately.
The other thing that I was not too happy about was the secondary storyline between Kohl Friday, the winery manager and the assistant Grace Hatch. They're love story was beautiful but it was a bit unresolved. Grace was dealing with an abusive ex that had suddenly come around again while she was falling in love with Kohl. Yet the big epic climactic ending had Daniel, the ex, take Liam and Guiliana hostage and never did Grace and Daniel get things resolved. Nor did Ms. Ridgway update Grace and Kohl's supposed happy ending in the epilogue even though the entire Baci's were given updates to include their children. It disappointed me that the ending was so havey-cavey.
Otherwise it was a solid read.
Guiliana and her sisters are trying to keep their family business, the Tanti Baci, alive and had given themselves a year to put things to rights. Unbeknownst to her two younger sisters Stevie and Allie, Guiliana has no hopes for saving the business and planned to sell the land on which the winery is on.
Liam is a childhood friend, his family grew up next to the Baci's and he and Guiliana had grown up together. They fell in love as young adults and stole away and got married. But their marriage had fallen apart when he had to leave her and she miscarried their child.
Only they hadn't fully dissolved their marriage and forced proximity of trying to keep Tanti Baci afloat forces them to deal with their issues and any feelings they still have for each other.
I'd only read one other book in this series, the second one featuring middle sister Stevie and I found this was one was not nearly as captivating as the previous book. Guiliana, for me, was not as likable a character and in parts, I did not think she was worthy of either her sisters or Liam. He, on the other hand, was a great hero and I connected to him immediately.
The other thing that I was not too happy about was the secondary storyline between Kohl Friday, the winery manager and the assistant Grace Hatch. They're love story was beautiful but it was a bit unresolved. Grace was dealing with an abusive ex that had suddenly come around again while she was falling in love with Kohl. Yet the big epic climactic ending had Daniel, the ex, take Liam and Guiliana hostage and never did Grace and Daniel get things resolved. Nor did Ms. Ridgway update Grace and Kohl's supposed happy ending in the epilogue even though the entire Baci's were given updates to include their children. It disappointed me that the ending was so havey-cavey.
Otherwise it was a solid read.
August 10, 2011
Review to comeLiam Bennett and Giuliana Baci have been circling each other for the past year. Whenever the two of them are in the vicinity of the other, they barbs seem to fly. What's behind those barbs are anyone's guess.
Guiliana figures she only has four more weeks at the family winery before she can cut her losses and deal with unfinished business between she and Liam. Although her sister's may not like what's she's planning, she'll keep the promise she made to her mother as she was dying and take care of her sisters.
Liam has learned to be good at keeping secrets. His father taught him from a young age about keeping secrets. While he wants to deal with the issues hanging over his relationship with Giuliana, he can't bear to share the secrets that played such a large part in their history.
Secrets have a way of weaseling their way out and soon everything is out in the open. Will any of it make a difference and finally allow Liam and Giuliana have the life they hoped for?
I was a little disappointed with this one? I have been waiting for this book since I read the Allie and Penn's story 18 months ago. I just KNEW there was more going on between these two characters than what we were seeing in the other 2 books. While their involvement was just as I had suspected, the hostility and the secrets were just a little too much for me.
I did love the secondary story with Kohl and Grace, although I'm not really sure what Kohl's blackouts were about. Did they have a point or were they just there as a diversionary tactic from the real culprit of the vandalism going on in town?
Don't get me wrong, this was still a good story, but it was a bit disappointing ending to the series.
3 Cocktails
Guiliana figures she only has four more weeks at the family winery before she can cut her losses and deal with unfinished business between she and Liam. Although her sister's may not like what's she's planning, she'll keep the promise she made to her mother as she was dying and take care of her sisters.
Liam has learned to be good at keeping secrets. His father taught him from a young age about keeping secrets. While he wants to deal with the issues hanging over his relationship with Giuliana, he can't bear to share the secrets that played such a large part in their history.
Secrets have a way of weaseling their way out and soon everything is out in the open. Will any of it make a difference and finally allow Liam and Giuliana have the life they hoped for?
I was a little disappointed with this one? I have been waiting for this book since I read the Allie and Penn's story 18 months ago. I just KNEW there was more going on between these two characters than what we were seeing in the other 2 books. While their involvement was just as I had suspected, the hostility and the secrets were just a little too much for me.
I did love the secondary story with Kohl and Grace, although I'm not really sure what Kohl's blackouts were about. Did they have a point or were they just there as a diversionary tactic from the real culprit of the vandalism going on in town?
Don't get me wrong, this was still a good story, but it was a bit disappointing ending to the series.
3 Cocktails
July 13, 2011
My thoughts:
This is the third and final book about the 3 Baci Sisters from Napa Valley. It can easily be read as a stand alone (though I did read book 2 but I have not read book 1 yet.)
Giuliana "Jules" Baci fell in love when she was young, but their love story came to a halt and they have not been civil to each other for ten years. Why they broke up is a mystery to everyone else and to the reader. Back to the characters, Jules is the mother hen for her two younger sisters, and Liam is still in her life as he owns a share of the winery and his half-brother is married to her sister. These two sure can not get along and I did wonder what on earth made them like that, but little by little we understand what happened that fateful summer so long ago.
Jules has a lot on her plate. She is a strong woman but at the same time there is sadness over her cos of the things she has lost. While Liam also is portrayed as strong and the one who is doing the chasing. He wants her or just wants her out of his system. I do like a good lovers reunited story and these two clearly love each other and always have. But then there is that summer....
There is also other things going on. What will happen to the winery? And a slowly building romance between Kohl who works at the winery and Grace who also works there. I liked this story because they both had big emotional scars. Grace had been abused and Kohl was traumatized from the war.
Conclusion:
A lovely romance about lovers who find their way back to each other, and at the same time we get a second love story playing in the background. It was very enjoyable and sweet.
Rating:
Sweet summer read
This is the third and final book about the 3 Baci Sisters from Napa Valley. It can easily be read as a stand alone (though I did read book 2 but I have not read book 1 yet.)
Giuliana "Jules" Baci fell in love when she was young, but their love story came to a halt and they have not been civil to each other for ten years. Why they broke up is a mystery to everyone else and to the reader. Back to the characters, Jules is the mother hen for her two younger sisters, and Liam is still in her life as he owns a share of the winery and his half-brother is married to her sister. These two sure can not get along and I did wonder what on earth made them like that, but little by little we understand what happened that fateful summer so long ago.
Jules has a lot on her plate. She is a strong woman but at the same time there is sadness over her cos of the things she has lost. While Liam also is portrayed as strong and the one who is doing the chasing. He wants her or just wants her out of his system. I do like a good lovers reunited story and these two clearly love each other and always have. But then there is that summer....
There is also other things going on. What will happen to the winery? And a slowly building romance between Kohl who works at the winery and Grace who also works there. I liked this story because they both had big emotional scars. Grace had been abused and Kohl was traumatized from the war.
Conclusion:
A lovely romance about lovers who find their way back to each other, and at the same time we get a second love story playing in the background. It was very enjoyable and sweet.
Rating:
Sweet summer read
August 2, 2012
I just finished Can't Hurry Love yesterday. I read the first book in the series ages ago but I never read the second book. I didn't feel at all lost reading the books out of order. I felt like I couldn't put the book down. I'm not sure that it'll find a place on my keeper shelf, but I NEEDED to find out what happened. The book caught my interest from the beginning and Ms. Ridgeway was really intriguing with the hints of secrets and motivations. This book felt very emotional and I felt drawn in to the story. I enjoyed how the book played out although I felt there were loose ends and a couple things could have used a better explanation. I would have liked to know what Kohl was doing each time he blacked out. The villain felt flat - I couldn't figure out why he wanted Grace back (especially with him being so superstitious). I also had a hard time accepting that Liam and Jules left their marriage alone for 10 years. It seemed both of them had relationships with other people during those 10 years and especially as we get the backstory on how Liam viewed marriage I just don't see how they could both go on with their romantic lives knowing that they're still married. It also really bothered me that there was no conclusion to how possessive Liam was. I eventually understood where it was coming from, but Jules seemed like way too independent of a person to allow Liam to suspect her of some kind of infidelity each time she talks to a man.
Overall, I liked the book as an engaging story and I've thought about it often since I put it down. But I don't think it'll be one that I read over and over again.
Overall, I liked the book as an engaging story and I've thought about it often since I put it down. But I don't think it'll be one that I read over and over again.
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February 18, 2017good
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September 13, 2014
A sweet, entertaining CR.
The main reason why I liked this story so much was that it was a well-balanced blend of everything I like in a Contemporary Romance. A small town with quirky people, three sisters with a funny and realistic relationship, not too much drama and not too much fluffiness and lightness either.
The main characters, Giuliana (Jules) and Liam were very well drawn and fit together very well: both stubborn, both very proud, both being the sensible older siblings. But their mentalities were rather ying/yang like, so that there was Liam with his quiet aloofness, and his cold fish image and attitude, and Jules being the fiery little Italian.
Liam was a good enough hero, but in this rarely appearing case I liked Jules better, because she was more "human".
The secondary characters were enjoyable, too, especially Kohl and Grace with their little love story. They didn't steal the show, but their story was a great addition.
The only thing I found lacking was the fact that the story didn't catch me in a very emotional way, which of course would have been the icing on the cake, but still. I found me as a rather distanced reader, without my feelings getting very much involved, not even at the dramatic parts.
All in all still a good, solid CR, I will definitely check this author out again!
The main reason why I liked this story so much was that it was a well-balanced blend of everything I like in a Contemporary Romance. A small town with quirky people, three sisters with a funny and realistic relationship, not too much drama and not too much fluffiness and lightness either.
The main characters, Giuliana (Jules) and Liam were very well drawn and fit together very well: both stubborn, both very proud, both being the sensible older siblings. But their mentalities were rather ying/yang like, so that there was Liam with his quiet aloofness, and his cold fish image and attitude, and Jules being the fiery little Italian.
Liam was a good enough hero, but in this rarely appearing case I liked Jules better, because she was more "human".
The secondary characters were enjoyable, too, especially Kohl and Grace with their little love story. They didn't steal the show, but their story was a great addition.
The only thing I found lacking was the fact that the story didn't catch me in a very emotional way, which of course would have been the icing on the cake, but still. I found me as a rather distanced reader, without my feelings getting very much involved, not even at the dramatic parts.
All in all still a good, solid CR, I will definitely check this author out again!
August 30, 2012
I guess this is the book I liked the least in the series.
As could easily be guessed, Liam and Giuliana had an history, that did not end so well 10 years ago. Since then both of them seem extremely bitter, aggressive to one another when they cannot avoid each other, since Giuliana moved back one year before.
Sincerely I was getting really annoyed that the hero would systematically avoid giving any information regarding his feeling at the time of the fallout or at the current time and making such a bit secret of something that I expected to be less than a mouse. The heroine was also always avoiding discussion which did not bid well.
However I liked the moment when the heroine lately finally has an epiphany about how she's behaving and why and all the moments the hero looses his cool to behave out of characters.
The secondary love story was nice, though really cut short at the end.
Finally I did not like the epilogue that takes place too long after and only shows the offspring.
Overall this series was nice and managed to successfully convey the message that Napa Valley is a special place to be.
As could easily be guessed, Liam and Giuliana had an history, that did not end so well 10 years ago. Since then both of them seem extremely bitter, aggressive to one another when they cannot avoid each other, since Giuliana moved back one year before.
Sincerely I was getting really annoyed that the hero would systematically avoid giving any information regarding his feeling at the time of the fallout or at the current time and making such a bit secret of something that I expected to be less than a mouse. The heroine was also always avoiding discussion which did not bid well.
However I liked the moment when the heroine lately finally has an epiphany about how she's behaving and why and all the moments the hero looses his cool to behave out of characters.
The secondary love story was nice, though really cut short at the end.
Finally I did not like the epilogue that takes place too long after and only shows the offspring.
Overall this series was nice and managed to successfully convey the message that Napa Valley is a special place to be.
August 11, 2011
What a satisfying ending to a wonderful series! FINALLY we get to know the reason to the love/hate relationship of Giulliana & Liam. I've been waiting for this from the very beginning & I what a whopper the secret was! I have to honest that I basically guessed most of the BIG secrets since the hints were pretty clear. But to finally find out how Liam really feels about Jules since he's so introverted and almost robot-like with him being so together & perfect that it was nice to see the real core of Liam. My favorite part was his his public declaration that they were created for each other & they're union was a hundred years in the making. Oh! Be still my heart! I also love the other love story of Kohl & Grace. But it's the main characters that I really clamored for! I usually wait til the books is in my local library but this one I physically bought in B&N cause I couldn't wait any longer! My only con is that the love scenes could have been more romantic & detailed. More hotness is all it really needed to be 5 Stars!
November 4, 2012
Wow, that was an emotional roller coaster. Mostly for the hero and heroine. I think up until 50% of the novel, I had no idea what those two wanted; one minutes they seem to want to be together and the next they want to break off their relationship. It wasn't until I got to know the two characters better and read what happened ten years ago that I began to understood the internal struggle those two are dealing with.
I wasn't really looking forward to reading this particular novel when I finished with the previous two. On one hand, I want to see Giuliana and Liam together but on the other hand, there seemed to be so much negative emotions (ten years of it) between them that I wonder how they can ever get back together again. Nevertheless, I did enjoy reading their story. In addition, I really like the secondary romance in here--maybe even a bit more than the primary one. The story of Grace and Kohl was really sweet and I wish it was it's own novel.
I enjoyed reading this series and kinda hopes it would continue on; maybe tell the story of the other Bennett Brother, Seth.
I wasn't really looking forward to reading this particular novel when I finished with the previous two. On one hand, I want to see Giuliana and Liam together but on the other hand, there seemed to be so much negative emotions (ten years of it) between them that I wonder how they can ever get back together again. Nevertheless, I did enjoy reading their story. In addition, I really like the secondary romance in here--maybe even a bit more than the primary one. The story of Grace and Kohl was really sweet and I wish it was it's own novel.
I enjoyed reading this series and kinda hopes it would continue on; maybe tell the story of the other Bennett Brother, Seth.
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