Breathe

Price Family #1

by Lucinda Race

Her family’s successful winery business in the Finger Lakes region of New York should have gone to Tessa Price. She’d always dreamed of running the winery, but when the “prodigal son” returns to take up the reins, she boldly strikes out on her own, purchasing Sand Creek Winery—a cash-strapped competitor—right out from under her family. She can forge her own destiny, using her marketing skills and big plans to bring new life to the winery. But first she has a proposition for the sexy previous owner. And he’s likely to hate it.

Kevin “Max” Maxwell would never have willingly sold his winery to anyone named “Price.” Family always comes first, and if paying for his sister’s cancer treatment cost him his business, it was worth it. But when the new owner offers him a one year contract to stay on as general manager, with a possible bonus, he really can’t afford to turn it down. He can ignore the effect her deep brown eyes and heart-shaped face have on his senses for a year, can’t he?

Relationships, like slowly ripening vineyards, take time. But Max has been keeping a secret from Tessa, one that could destroy her hopes for their future. Will a terrible accident force Tessa and Max to face how much they have to lose, or tear apart their budding relationship forever? Sometimes a romance is like a fine wine. To be its best, it just needs time to breathe.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Ebooks, Contemporary Romance

288 pages, Paperback

First published March 17, 2021

About the author

Award-winning and best-selling author Lucinda Race is a lifelong fan of cozy mysteries and romance novels

She spins tales of small town romance and cozy mystery—writing the kinds of stories she loves to read. Whether she’s weaving a heartwarming romance or a cozy mystery, her fingers practically fly across the keyboard.

Lucinda lives with her little dog— a shih tzu mix rescue—who is always by her side. When she’s not immersed in writing mystery, suspense, or romance, she’s wandering in her garden or curled up with a book, devouring everything she can get her hands on.


Be sure to follow her on Bookbub for the latest on sales and new releases. https://bit.ly/LucindaRace

Reviews

[Brigitte · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a lovely story which revolves mainly around a vineyard where the two MCs have preconceived ideas about each other before meeting and getting to know each other.

Max is having to let go of his dream due to the sad episode which has changed his life and forcing him to change directions.

Tessa always thought that her path was set until it no longer isn't. This prompts her to start a business that she loves being involved in.

It's a well written concept with a slow burn romance. There isn't much angst until towards the end when a misunderstanding threatens what Max and Tessa have worked so hard for. It also threatens their beautiful relationship. It's a heartwarming story where the family unit shines despite any differences. The details of running a vineyard and winery are enlightening. Max and Tessa complement each other well. A very pleasant read indeed.

I received an eARC from Netgalley and the views expressed are my personal opinion.

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tessa Price never expected her life to change so dramatically when she bought Sand Creek Winery. She fully intended to take over her family’s winery but when her brother, the prodigal son, returned, her father snubbed her, choosing her brother instead. Branching out on her own drives her to make Sand Creek Winery a success. But in order to do that, she must convince the previous owner, Max, to stay on for one year. He reluctantly agrees and they discover they work well together. They can’t deny the heat which simmers between them. Like a fine wine, relationships need time to breathe and grow. But when a terrible accident takes place, they discover their foundation is not built on firm ground. Will it destroy their burgeoning romance or will they realize how scintillating love can be?

Breathe is one of the best romances I’ve read. As a wine lover, I was instantly transported to Finger Lakes, New York, and the wine industry. Every nuance, every detail of the winemaking business is beautifully described. Intricate narration allowed me to escape the cold and travel to lush landscapes. The plot moves at a great pace with a fairly large cast of characters. Since this is book one of a series, there’s a fair bit of background information but it’s done a little morsel at a time. Excellent work by Lucinda Race, to not info dump on the reader. Each character presented has its own voice and I found myself wondering if they will get their own story. Breathe’s couple is Tessa and Max. While combative in the beginning, love soon smoothes out the rough edges. The romance is sweet, slow-burning and I loved every minute of it. I sighed with contentment when I finished the book. A delicious romance to savor, Breathe is a must-read, perfect for wine lovers. Highly recommend!

Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.

My Rating: 5+ stars

Reviewed by: Mrs. N

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...

[Lucinda Race]

I can't wait to share this book with you. I loved Tessa and Max and think you will too.

This book is available now - click the link today.
It released on March 17, 2021

https://books2read.com/u/3JXYeK

[Wendy W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breathe by Lucinda Race

This review is based on NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.

If you want a quick, easy, breezy romance, this is the book for you. And as a bonus, you’ll get to learn a lot about the winemaking industry in the Finger Lakes region of New York.

Tessa Price has decided to strike out on her own after her father handed down the reins of her family winery to her brother. Stung by her perceived rejection to run the family business, she bought a neighboring winery to have something of her own to build and grow.

Sand Creek Winery was owned by Kevin “Max” Maxwell, who was forced to sell due to unexpected financial woes brought about by his sister's expensive healthcare costs. Kevin resents the fact that someone else will have the power to manage his pride and joy.

When Tessa asks Kevin to stay on and manage the winery, sparks fly.

I liked the main characters very much. The heroine, Tessa, was strong, smart and tough, she knows what she wants and knows how to get it. The hero, Kevin (or Max) was handsome, smart and kind.

I also like the fast pace of the book, the beginning grabbed me almost immediately and except in a few places the pace kept up. There were a few spots in the middle where the plot slowed and the author spent too much time on the winery details itself. However, I liked learning about the wineries and how they are fun and some of the problems winemakers have to overcome.

I also got a bit confused with the Hero’s names. His name is Kevin, but he likes to be called Max, and especially during the first few chapters I thought they were different people.

I recommend this book and I am looking forward to reading the next in this series.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, Lucinda Race and MC 2 Press for book Breathe. This is my personal review.
Tessa Price has always been involved in her family’s winery. She had dreams of running the family business until her brother returned and it was turned over to him to run.
Her decided that it was time she got her own winery. She found one and made an offer that was accepted. She was the proud owner of Sand Creek Winery. She was going to her winery the success she knew it would be.
Kevin “Max” Maxwell had no choice due to needing money but to sell his winery. He was not sure he wanted to stay at the winery, but Tessa made him offer to stay and he accepted.
The romance between Tessa and Max was amazing. It was a slow development but one that made me cheer for them to be together.
I loved this book and can not wait to read the next books in the series Crescent Lake Winery series.
Thank you, Lucinda Race, for giving me this group of amazing people to follow and enjoy.

[Chris gerst · Rating 5 out of 5]

New author for me . Loved reading this book. Couldn't put it down.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in The Crescent Lake Winery Series and it is Tessa and Max's story. Tessa always wanted to run the family's wins business but when it is given to her brother to run Tessa has had enough of always being pushed aside so she goes out and buy's Sand Creek Winery and even though it needs a lot of work and is determined to make it and show her family just what she is made of. Max's sister has cancer and he needed to sell the winery to pay for her treatment as family always comes first for Max so he is surprised when Tessa asks him to stay and work for her and it is an offer that he can't refuse. Tessa and Max work well together and they have become close but with Max keeping a secret from Tessa what will happen when it is revealed will it be the end of there relationship or will they have a chance of happiness. Wow I absolutely loved this story and I can't wait to read the next book in this series. Lucinda Race is a brilliant author and writer and I definitely recommend you read this book and others by her and you will definitely not be disappointed.

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

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tessa decides to strike out on her own after a decision her father makes in regards to the family vineyard and to be honest I don't blame her, this leads her to Sand Creek Winery where she knows it has great wine but needs more her to lift it and make it's mark in the wine world. I feel for Max he had to sacrifice a lot but who wouldn't when it is to do with family and yeah I would be on guard if a member from a ruling wine family bought my winery. There are plenty of highs and lows, laughter, tense times, a few potential tears and worry as well as strength within and with family for both as Tessa navigates running the winery, working out her feelings for Max while and Max also has to work out does he want to stay or start afresh along with the need to have family near and take a chance on love. Enjoy getting to know both Tessa and Max's family as well as a sweet love story about two people not expecting to find love during a winery take over.

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

[Shannon The Co-Captain · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate to give a bad review but man, I can’t think of anything I actually liked about this book. I had to read a book for a challenge where the characters visit a winery or vineyard and I had this book on my Kindle. It had great reviews so I thought it would be perfect. Well, I thought wrong.

I don’t drink wine and in some ways, that’s all this was about. To be fair to myself though, I’ve read other books about winemakers and family vineyards that I loved. Also, I know nothing or do I care anything about tennis and Carrie Soto is Back is one of the best books I’ve ever read and I guarantee at least 60% of that book is tennis. Still, I’m not a wine enthusiast and maybe if I were, it would have been a little more engaging.

Another big issue was the flow. It would start another section of the book right in the middle of a conversation. While I understood it was changing POV, it was very strange. It would even sometimes start a new chapter in the middle of a scene. It was very weird in that regard but I eventually acclimated.

I still liked Max and since I hate to give a 1 star I was still probably going to give it 2 stars to be nice. Then she broke up with him and the reasoning was so weak…I just couldn’t. I only finished it because I was reading it for a challenge. Otherwise this one would have ended up on my very small DNF shelf.

[Penny Leidecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is the first book I’ve read by Lucinda Race, I can honestly say it won’t be my last. I loved Tessa Price and Kevin “Max” Maxwell’s story. When Tessa’s brother, Don, returns to the family winery, Crescent Lake Winery, and her dad makes him the President, she knows she has to leave. She purchases Sand Creek Winery from Max and this is when the book really takes off. I loved how protective Max is of his sister, Stella. Everything he’s done has been because of his love for her, as you’ll learn while reading this amazing story. I loved how supportive Tessa’s family is of her and her dream too. I won’t leave any spoilers, but if you love reading a beautiful love story with family at the center, then you will enjoy this book.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Crescent Lake Winery series. There is a novella about Tessa's parents that tells the story of how they met. It's not necessary to read to enjoy this series but it’s a nice sweet read. I loved this story it's well written, sweet romance with a storyline that was entertaining. Tessa wants to run a winery and realizes that running her family's winery, Crescent Lake Winery, isn’t going to happen now that her older brother Don is home so she starts looking for a winery to purchase. When Sand Creek goes up for sale Tessa jumps on the chance to finally own her own place and to show her dad and brother, she has what it takes to be in charge. She convinces Max the previous owner to stay on for are year. Will these two find more than a successful partnership?

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

[Julie Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the prequel of Sam and Stella’s story, but Tessa and Max’s story is so much more. I love a strong independent female, and Tessa is all that plus a top-notch marketer. After losing an opportunity she believes was hers, she sets out on her own and buys a local winery. Max has no choice but to sell his winery after some unfortunate circumstances, but he is a gifted winemaker. Will the two of them make a success of Sand Creek Winery? Can both of them achieve their dreams? Will his secrets break them?

I recommend this sweet love story and can not wait for the next in the series.

Thank you to Booksprout and the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took forever to read. Not because the story moved slowly, or even because of the length. Quite the opposite - I've fallen in love the book and the Price family, so much so that I was afraid to miss a single word. The prequel was wonderful, Sam and Sherry's story. And now we have more in the series, and the amazing family that they raised. This book really took off for me. The characters... the slow burn... the story... I just loved it all. With Tessa's contacts and marketing expertise, and Max's blending talents, the sky's the limit for them and the winery.

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

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading the prequel, I was eager to start reading this series. I loved how the story slowly unfolded as it went, and that it had me changing my mind about some characters and understanding things differently or in more depth. The characters were strong, developed and I felt a connection to them. I loved the closeness and importance of family and the different dynamics of the relationships portrayed in this story. I am looking forward to reading Book two next which is Anna's story.

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

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely love it, a very sweet romance.

Breathe is the story of Tessa, upset after her father passes her up for running the family company, she buys her own vineyard near by, determined to prove herself. Max, struggling to stay afloat while paying for his sister's cancer treatments, he's forces to sell his vineyard and give up his dream.

Along the way the two realizes that just because it looks different, doesn't mean the vineyard can't be both of their dreams.

This was a very cute story, definitely character driven and very little conflict.

*Thank you to the publisher for this eARC.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Max and Tessa has its ups and downs, but it is a wonderful, romantic storyline. Intense emotions and feelings. Some miscommunications cause situations that threaten but are averted. The characters grow so much and learn to support each other totally. Loved the whole thing and can not wait to read more by this author.

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

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet read! It’s well written and draws you in from the very start. Tessa is an incredibly strong woman and very career minded. Max is family oriented and when his sister becomes I’ll he has to find solutions to pay for her treatment. Enemies at first can Tessa and Max work together to get the right ending, will they come together? It’s a fab story, a little drama, always misunderstandings as all relationships do and a lovely ending.

[McKennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!! Such a sweet and light story with just the right amount of “conflict”! Definitely can’t wait for the rest of the series.

[Spunky N Sassy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spunky N Sassy Rating: 4.0

~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~

Great Book
This book was definitely worth the read. I was hooked from the very beginning and I couldn’t put it down.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tessa buys a winery to make a name for herself and Kevin is the former owner that needs cash to help his sister. The storyline flowed easily throughout the pages and the characters are engaging and well developed with plenty of sparks between them.

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

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this book. It was so well-written that it captured my mind, and I was dragged along for the ride. Once I started reading, I could not put it down until I read the last page.

[Ansunet Van Wyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating 4/5

I like the story of Tessa and Max. And the set of a vineyard was perfect.

Would have liked more charactor development. It was very predicatable. Think the "main game changer" - dont want to spoil anything was early in the book. Was hoping for an another high in the book.

It was very nice to experience the workings behind a successful vineyard. And the family bond is portrait in a very sweet why. Showing blood is truely thicker than water...

Still debating if I want to continue with the series and the story of Anna. Would also like to see Stella find happiness in her life maybe later.

Thank you for letting me enjoy this book..

[Dorothy Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Excellent Book

Lucinda is a new author to me and I absolutely loved this book I already purchased the next two books and am looking forward to reading them and hope this series goes on I highly recommend this book to everyone Dorothy Schaefer

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book one in the Crescent Lake Winery series and it does not disappoint! Tessa is a strong career minded woman who decides to break from the family business when her older brother returns. The Sand Creek Winery provides the perfect opportunity for Tessa to stretch her marketing talents and bring the struggling winery into the black. Due to his sisters illness Kevin “Max” Maxwell is forced to sell his winery. Although he is indifferent and hesitant at first Tessa wins him over and they begin to develop more than just a working relationship. Once Max’s secret comes out they struggle to keep their budding relationship.

This is such a sweet relationship, I cannot wait to read the rest of the series!

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great first book to the series

Tessa and Max are strong characters to kick off this series. I didn't realize what it took to own or run a winery. I like that Tessa had the courage to go off on her own and her family was so supportive. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Ginny Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful, romantic story of two people who are brought together under unusual circumstances. Kevin Maxwell (Max) is forced to sell his winery after exhausting all his funds to take care of his sister who has suffered from cancer. Tessa Price, part of a family who owns a competing winery, has decided to strike out on her own after her father decided to give her brother control of the family business. There are many things that led to her decision as well as background that motivated her father to make his decision.

Well, Max and Tessa begin with an unusual relationship, but soon decide they can work together. Tessa has excellent business and especially marketing skills and instincts. Max knows everything there is to know about growing and nurturing grapes and making excellent wine. But he has lost his dream of having his own winery, and it makes him hold back a little from Tessa. She, however, is anxious to build a business and make it a roaring success. So over time the two of them begin to work well together. And they also start to have feelings for each other. But nothing in this story moves quickly. There are ups and downs to their relationship, but mostly great things happen to the business.

Time goes on, The Price family welcomes Max with open arms. This does a lot for him. It makes Tessa very happy, too, especially since she realizes she likes him more than just as a business associate. There are many fun and interesting things that happen in this story. There is also one event that is almost tragic when they are in a car accident. Ironically, this brings them both closer together. This book was hard to put down, and I'm sure if you like a romance, you will love this as much as I do!

[Su · Rating 2 out of 5]

(Received for free as promotion)

Fun light romance with a focus on the two protagonists squabbling over a winery and trying to build it into a success, despite obstacles form their past and present.

I appreciated the detail and work that went into this but was left a bit cold as the romance just didn't gel for me. There's a lot of exposition, but I just didn't feel the emotion, and couldn't get over Max continually stuffing both feet into his mouth and Tessa letting him get away with it.

I know it's in the title/theme, but I was not expecting the overload of wine-related detail. That's on me for not paying attention, but I guess like hockey romance I should acknowledge I "know nothing, Su Chan" and steer clear.

I guess coming from a broken relationship over my ex's alcoholism (and her subsequent death) it was all just a bit to close to home to see the characters knocking back glass after glass, scene after scene. That's a me problem as well, and not a criticism of the work. I'm taking it too personally.

Certainly a fun light read for a weekend, to be enjoyed with your choice of wine and appetizers. May I recommend a good riesling with double brie and quince paste?

[Jenny C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have discovered another amazing author! This book was just up my alley and I loved every page, every chapter! I tend to always lean more towards mature relationships and the chemistry and elegance illustrated between Tessa and Max was beautifully written from every aspect. A match made in heaven, although it had a rocky start. Max was the perfect gentleman and I loved his chivalry , something that will never go out of fashion, in my opinion! The Price Family is the perfect family personified - a family that supported and loved each other and Mom Sherry was the glue that kept the family together alongside Sam, the strong father figure. I felt the family bond during Thanksgiving and Christmas. How the charming Prize family embraced Max and Stella was endearing to read. Tessa proved to be a lady of substance with her unstoppable drive, yet there was a softness to her that I loved.

Favorite phrases:
The music wrapped them in a cocoon for two.
The future looks like a perfectly ripe grape ready for harvest.
She battled like a warrior princess.
Dash of freckles
You are on the track for success.
Watching the vineyard throughout the seasons gives me hope for the future.

[Haney Hayes Promotions · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dive into a world where whispered promises and unspoken desires linger beneath the surface of grand estates and fiercely guarded ambitions. This story is crafted for those who savor the slow unfolding of deep connection, where the intricate tapestry of personal aspirations and deeply rooted family legacies creates a backdrop for a romance that simmers with untold tension and the weight of complex secrets. Immerse yourself in the gradual blossoming of affection, where every glance, every touch, and every shared confidence is laden with meaning, and the journey towards love is as captivating as the destination itself. Prepare to be swept away by a narrative rich in emotional nuance, where the characters grapple with their own inner demons and the expectations of their heritage, all while navigating the treacherous currents of attraction that threaten to unravel their carefully constructed worlds.