What do you think?
Rate this book
Vino & Veritas #14
Stronghold
A second chance at love? Or a second chance to ruin everything?
When Skyler spots the new bartender at Vino and Veritas, his body responds before the guy even turns around. But when he does, it takes only a heartbeat for recognition to set in and for sparks to fly. Judson’s been gone for ten years, but he’s the man Skyler never forgot. Or forgave.
The last place Judson wants to be is back home in Burlington, living with family. Not so long ago he was a world-class chef with the lifestyle to prove it. Now he’s serving drinks and flying under the radar until he can get the hell out again. But when his childhood best friend reenters his life, looking finer than any entree at a five-star restaurant, he wonders if it’s time to update his menu of life choices.
Working through past wounds with Skyler won’t be easy, though, especially with family obligations--and the occasional dairy cow--interfering. When their loyalty is tested, will their newly built stronghold be sturdy enough to withstand the storm?
Stronghold is a sweet and sexy Vino & Veritas romance with some creative use of maple syrup.
When Skyler spots the new bartender at Vino and Veritas, his body responds before the guy even turns around. But when he does, it takes only a heartbeat for recognition to set in and for sparks to fly. Judson’s been gone for ten years, but he’s the man Skyler never forgot. Or forgave.
The last place Judson wants to be is back home in Burlington, living with family. Not so long ago he was a world-class chef with the lifestyle to prove it. Now he’s serving drinks and flying under the radar until he can get the hell out again. But when his childhood best friend reenters his life, looking finer than any entree at a five-star restaurant, he wonders if it’s time to update his menu of life choices.
Working through past wounds with Skyler won’t be easy, though, especially with family obligations--and the occasional dairy cow--interfering. When their loyalty is tested, will their newly built stronghold be sturdy enough to withstand the storm?
Stronghold is a sweet and sexy Vino & Veritas romance with some creative use of maple syrup.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2021
127 people are currently reading
974 people want to read
About the author
Ana Ashley
70 books767 followersMeet Ana Ashley, your friendly neighborhood romance author!
Ana has been lost in the pages of books for as long as she can remember, taking a few amusing missteps with her childhood writing attempts. But everything changed when she discovered the magical world of LGBTQ+ romance—cue the confetti!
Ana's books offer sweet and sexy romance with a charming mix of humor and heart. Getting her guys together wouldn't be the same without the meddling but well-intentioned cast of secondary characters, who always insist on having their own story.
When she’s not crafting heartfelt tales, you can find her indulging in her favorite pastime of baking delicious treats, enjoying quality time with friends, or staying up late immersed in the pages of a good book.
You can find out more about Ana and her works-in-progress by joining her Newsletter. To sign up visit Ana's website anawritesmm.com
Ana has been lost in the pages of books for as long as she can remember, taking a few amusing missteps with her childhood writing attempts. But everything changed when she discovered the magical world of LGBTQ+ romance—cue the confetti!
Ana's books offer sweet and sexy romance with a charming mix of humor and heart. Getting her guys together wouldn't be the same without the meddling but well-intentioned cast of secondary characters, who always insist on having their own story.
When she’s not crafting heartfelt tales, you can find her indulging in her favorite pastime of baking delicious treats, enjoying quality time with friends, or staying up late immersed in the pages of a good book.
You can find out more about Ana and her works-in-progress by joining her Newsletter. To sign up visit Ana's website anawritesmm.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 238 reviews
July 8, 2021
3.5*
When I started reading, I felt sure this was going to be another solid 4 or 5* book, but unfortunately it just tailed off a bit towards the middle act and things fell a bit flat for me at that point.
There's a super sweet ending and a very firm HEA though which definitely brought my enjoyment level back up by the time the book finished.
On the face of it, this sounded like it would be a passionate former best friends/enemies to lovers romance, with the added spice of a reality TV show - but the supposed camera crew that keeps popping up everywhere actually doesn't, at all.
Well, they're there, as part of said reality TV show, but only in the moments when filming is taking place for the competition, they certainly don't appear randomly as if trying to catch out our two MCs actually having a relationship and not just being friends anyway.
It seemed to be a plot point that just never fully developed as the reality TV show part doesn't even come into the book until almost two quarters of the way through, after Judson and Skyler have reconnected.
One thing the book does do well though, is have them actually have a conversation about what led to Judson leaving 10 years ago and why Skyler's overjoyed to see him and puzzled by his negative attitude.
It also scores highly on their emotional and physical reconnection, you can feel the UST leading up to the point where the pressure cracks and they end up snogging madly :)
There's a secondary plot involving Skyler's family farm which is also done well, and the integration into the wider Vino & Veritas series is solid, with a few of the regular characters turning up as part of the scenery.
I found both characters sympathetic, I liked how they were able to move past the misunderstanding which had caused Jud to leave and I liked that there wasn't really much in the way of relationship angst.
Most of the tension points come from external sources, which makes perfect sense when you see what's been going on, and they were also integrated well into the overall plot.
All in all, it's a solid, and steamy :D entry in the Vino & Veritas series and very much a nice, easy read.
#ARC kindly received from the publishers Heart Eyes Press in return for an honest and unbiased review
When I started reading, I felt sure this was going to be another solid 4 or 5* book, but unfortunately it just tailed off a bit towards the middle act and things fell a bit flat for me at that point.
There's a super sweet ending and a very firm HEA though which definitely brought my enjoyment level back up by the time the book finished.
On the face of it, this sounded like it would be a passionate former best friends/enemies to lovers romance, with the added spice of a reality TV show - but the supposed camera crew that keeps popping up everywhere actually doesn't, at all.
Well, they're there, as part of said reality TV show, but only in the moments when filming is taking place for the competition, they certainly don't appear randomly as if trying to catch out our two MCs actually having a relationship and not just being friends anyway.
It seemed to be a plot point that just never fully developed as the reality TV show part doesn't even come into the book until almost two quarters of the way through, after Judson and Skyler have reconnected.
One thing the book does do well though, is have them actually have a conversation about what led to Judson leaving 10 years ago and why Skyler's overjoyed to see him and puzzled by his negative attitude.
It also scores highly on their emotional and physical reconnection, you can feel the UST leading up to the point where the pressure cracks and they end up snogging madly :)
There's a secondary plot involving Skyler's family farm which is also done well, and the integration into the wider Vino & Veritas series is solid, with a few of the regular characters turning up as part of the scenery.
I found both characters sympathetic, I liked how they were able to move past the misunderstanding which had caused Jud to leave and I liked that there wasn't really much in the way of relationship angst.
Most of the tension points come from external sources, which makes perfect sense when you see what's been going on, and they were also integrated well into the overall plot.
All in all, it's a solid, and steamy :D entry in the Vino & Veritas series and very much a nice, easy read.
#ARC kindly received from the publishers Heart Eyes Press in return for an honest and unbiased review
October 15, 2022
There's so much I loved about this story... I don't know where to start, so I'm going to leave it like this and come back to this review when I've gathered my thoughts.
Reread 2022-10
Reread 2022-10
July 14, 2021
*** I received an eArc from Heart Eyes Press in exchange for an honest review.***
This was an entertaining enemies to lovers romance that I enjoyed how sweet and honest the two main characters were in overcoming their shared experiences. The HEA was well earned due to the miscommunication that created a ten-year separation for these childhood best friends turned enemies.
I was curious and excited while reading to see how Skyler and Judson would overcome their relationship obstacles and I was not disappointed. There is an amazing conversation, which does not occur before many moments of envy and jealousy between both characters.
Overall I enjoyed the two main characters, they had a sweet connection that was easy to digest and watch develop and mature.
This was an entertaining enemies to lovers romance that I enjoyed how sweet and honest the two main characters were in overcoming their shared experiences. The HEA was well earned due to the miscommunication that created a ten-year separation for these childhood best friends turned enemies.
I was curious and excited while reading to see how Skyler and Judson would overcome their relationship obstacles and I was not disappointed. There is an amazing conversation, which does not occur before many moments of envy and jealousy between both characters.
Overall I enjoyed the two main characters, they had a sweet connection that was easy to digest and watch develop and mature.
August 12, 2021
Judson + Skyler.
Judson left his hometown in Vermont ten years ago when he was just 18. We don't yet know why and what happened back then. But he ended up in Paris as a successful chef. But now he's back home at his parents' place - and again we don't yet know what happened in Paris.
Skyler never left home. He dreams of having his own maple company, but his dad needs him on the farm until his little brother comes home from college to take over.
Judson and Skyler used to be the bestest of friends - until they weren't.
What happened?
What will happen now that they're both back home?!
LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN!☺
═════════════════
Aww!
Judson and Sky are so adorable!
They were best friends since the day they were born and then they weren't for ten years!
So sad!
But now here's their second chance! And it was so cute to watch them find their happily ever after - in love and life.
I really loved those maple moments! How happy Sky is with his maple farm - adorable!
And I so need to taste some maple cream now! I already checked out some recipes - I'm gonna make that soon!
Like I mention in every one of my World of True North reviews - I could read these kinds of books every day for the rest of eternity!
I also wouldn't mind seeing this whole world on Netflix one day!
Can't wait to get more Vermont soon!
STRONGHOLD was an adorable + funny + farmy + mapley + foodie + a bit heartbreaking M/M love story! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Sky + Jud - they'll be sold out in no time!
💜
💜
August 12, 2021
Skyler and Judson were childhood friends but they don't see each other for ten years.
When Judson comes back after his culinary studies and chef experience in Europe he is fascinated from this grown up version of his old friend and even if he is still heartbroken he can't stay away from Skyler. Will they give each other a second chance and start anew? Or the past disappointments are still too painful to forget?
I really liked the main characters, and their mums, Skyler and Judson are as sweet as the maple syrup and they deserve to be happy and successful.
Stronghold kept me interested even if I felt like it was a bit rushed in the middle but I loved the ending.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
September 30, 2022
I really liked this but it felt rushed, and some chapters jumped or missed out things that could have helped connect to the characters better.
If it had been a little longer and didn't feel so rushed I'd have definitely rated higher!
If it had been a little longer and didn't feel so rushed I'd have definitely rated higher!
July 8, 2021
3,5 stars.
This was a lovely addition to the Vino&Veritas series! I enjoyed this story quite a bit, but if I'm honest, it didn't really stand out. I had an enjoyable time while reading, but I have a feeling it's not a story that is going to stay with me for a long time. It was lovely, it was well written and it definitely had the Vino&Veritas vibe I enjoy so much about these books. I still believe that's an amazing accomplishment by all the different authors in this project: all books I have read so far in this series, have that specific vibe going strong, and I think that deserves a compliment on its own, because with all these different authors there must have been quite some communication about the town, the bar and bookstore and about the MC's from previous books we see returning in each book. I think it's an amazing series and I have enjoyed all books I've read, some more than others.
This book is somewhere in the middle. Like I said, not really outstanding, but enjoyable to read.
Both MC's, Skyler and Jud, are very likable. They were best friends, but due to a huge misunderstanding, Jud felt like he had to leave. He felt betrayed by his best friend and wanted to go as far away as possible. He ended up in Europe, where he was a chef at a restaurant he owned with his partner, both in business and in life. But another betrayal left him fleeing back to Vermont, where he feels like a failure and meets up with Skyler again. The chemistry and attraction is still there. They eventually talk things out, clean the air, and renew their friendship, that slowly grows into something more. They both have been in love with each other before, but they both assumed they were the only one having those feelings and kept them to themselves.
With a reality TV show hitting town, making it possible for them to fulfill a dream they already had when they were kids, both Skyler and Jud give their best to making it come true.
And oh yes, there are some shenanigans going on with maple syrup too, so be prepared 😉
All in all, an enjoyable, well written, sweet read. This was my first book by this author, but I will make sure to check out their backlist!
I recommend this for readers who enjoy a good friends-to-enemies-to-friends-to-lovers and to those who have a thing for guys who know their way around a kitchen!
I received an ARC from the publisher and this is my honest review
This was a lovely addition to the Vino&Veritas series! I enjoyed this story quite a bit, but if I'm honest, it didn't really stand out. I had an enjoyable time while reading, but I have a feeling it's not a story that is going to stay with me for a long time. It was lovely, it was well written and it definitely had the Vino&Veritas vibe I enjoy so much about these books. I still believe that's an amazing accomplishment by all the different authors in this project: all books I have read so far in this series, have that specific vibe going strong, and I think that deserves a compliment on its own, because with all these different authors there must have been quite some communication about the town, the bar and bookstore and about the MC's from previous books we see returning in each book. I think it's an amazing series and I have enjoyed all books I've read, some more than others.
This book is somewhere in the middle. Like I said, not really outstanding, but enjoyable to read.
Both MC's, Skyler and Jud, are very likable. They were best friends, but due to a huge misunderstanding, Jud felt like he had to leave. He felt betrayed by his best friend and wanted to go as far away as possible. He ended up in Europe, where he was a chef at a restaurant he owned with his partner, both in business and in life. But another betrayal left him fleeing back to Vermont, where he feels like a failure and meets up with Skyler again. The chemistry and attraction is still there. They eventually talk things out, clean the air, and renew their friendship, that slowly grows into something more. They both have been in love with each other before, but they both assumed they were the only one having those feelings and kept them to themselves.
With a reality TV show hitting town, making it possible for them to fulfill a dream they already had when they were kids, both Skyler and Jud give their best to making it come true.
And oh yes, there are some shenanigans going on with maple syrup too, so be prepared 😉
All in all, an enjoyable, well written, sweet read. This was my first book by this author, but I will make sure to check out their backlist!
I recommend this for readers who enjoy a good friends-to-enemies-to-friends-to-lovers and to those who have a thing for guys who know their way around a kitchen!
I received an ARC from the publisher and this is my honest review
August 9, 2021
4.5
Okayyyyy everything about this was perfection. To this day I argue with myself about what I love best: friends to lovers or enemies to lovers. I think I just need to quit trying to decide and accept the fact that I love both equally but can be in the mood for either/or at different times. This one was a bit of a friends to lovers/second chance situation. Due to a misunderstanding their senior year (isn't there ALWAYS ONE?!?) these former best friends hadn't seen each other in ten years. Judson literally fled across the world to France where he attended culinary school while Skyler stayed home to help out his family after his dad almost gambled away their entire farm while also getting into the maple syrup business.
Fast forward to now--Judson is back due to a bad situation in France and is just trying to pick up the pieces of his life--again. The two run into each other and it's obvious that whatever soul-deep connection they used to have, never went away. My favorite part about this book was that it didn't take long for them to finally open up about what happened the night before Judson left. Sky had been left broken and confused when he left but quickly realized what it was that Jud had overheard him say. They quickly straightened that out and were able to build an actual romantic relationship from there. The fact that Sky was able to FINALLY, after all these years, tell Jud how he truly felt was so satisfying.
I cannot tell you how many romances were spoiled for me because these miscommunications are handled poorly because one half of the couple storms off before hearing the other side's perfectly reasonable explanation or love declaration. OOOOOH it frustrates me to no end. This one however, has none of that. These two TALK and COMMUNICATE and also eat maple syrup off one another which doesn't hurt anything, either LOLLLLLLLL. Loved, loved, loved.
Huge thanks to Heart Eyes Press for allowing me to read an eARC of this in exchange for an honest review!♥
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Okayyyyy everything about this was perfection. To this day I argue with myself about what I love best: friends to lovers or enemies to lovers. I think I just need to quit trying to decide and accept the fact that I love both equally but can be in the mood for either/or at different times. This one was a bit of a friends to lovers/second chance situation. Due to a misunderstanding their senior year (isn't there ALWAYS ONE?!?) these former best friends hadn't seen each other in ten years. Judson literally fled across the world to France where he attended culinary school while Skyler stayed home to help out his family after his dad almost gambled away their entire farm while also getting into the maple syrup business.
Fast forward to now--Judson is back due to a bad situation in France and is just trying to pick up the pieces of his life--again. The two run into each other and it's obvious that whatever soul-deep connection they used to have, never went away. My favorite part about this book was that it didn't take long for them to finally open up about what happened the night before Judson left. Sky had been left broken and confused when he left but quickly realized what it was that Jud had overheard him say. They quickly straightened that out and were able to build an actual romantic relationship from there. The fact that Sky was able to FINALLY, after all these years, tell Jud how he truly felt was so satisfying.
I cannot tell you how many romances were spoiled for me because these miscommunications are handled poorly because one half of the couple storms off before hearing the other side's perfectly reasonable explanation or love declaration. OOOOOH it frustrates me to no end. This one however, has none of that. These two TALK and COMMUNICATE and also eat maple syrup off one another which doesn't hurt anything, either LOLLLLLLLL. Loved, loved, loved.
Huge thanks to Heart Eyes Press for allowing me to read an eARC of this in exchange for an honest review!♥
For more of my reviews, please visit:
September 15, 2021
Second chance? Childhood friends reunite, but the anger still lingers.
Judson/Jud, 28, Chef, slim, dark blonde,
blue-eyed, tattooed, came back to town, is working at V & V while he tries to figure out his life. He failed in Paris and lost everything.
Skylar/Sky, 28, a tall, buff and muscled,
blondish Henry Cavill look-a-like, who works the family farm and his own business, Maple Sky. He has to work the farm because his brother is in college and their Dad has gambled away the profits.
Sky goes to town to see friends and finds Judson at V & V . The anger is alive and they need to talk to each other about what happened ten years ago.
When they do talk, pasts are told, problems and issues are aired and the spark they once knew is re-kindled. Each man has changed physically and mentally.
Their sexy times are sizzling and exciting. The desires are there. Ecstasy.
A contest fires up their ideas and they go for it. Through the process, they regain their heart's needs, and begin to plan.
Judson still needs to settle the money from Paris. Sky needs to help the farm recover from his Dad, again, but together, their plan is a great one.
We get deep characters, a marvelous story, intense love, and more.
Loved it !
ENJOY !
=====
Judson/Jud, 28, Chef, slim, dark blonde,
blue-eyed, tattooed, came back to town, is working at V & V while he tries to figure out his life. He failed in Paris and lost everything.
Skylar/Sky, 28, a tall, buff and muscled,
blondish Henry Cavill look-a-like, who works the family farm and his own business, Maple Sky. He has to work the farm because his brother is in college and their Dad has gambled away the profits.
Sky goes to town to see friends and finds Judson at V & V . The anger is alive and they need to talk to each other about what happened ten years ago.
When they do talk, pasts are told, problems and issues are aired and the spark they once knew is re-kindled. Each man has changed physically and mentally.
Their sexy times are sizzling and exciting. The desires are there. Ecstasy.
A contest fires up their ideas and they go for it. Through the process, they regain their heart's needs, and begin to plan.
Judson still needs to settle the money from Paris. Sky needs to help the farm recover from his Dad, again, but together, their plan is a great one.
We get deep characters, a marvelous story, intense love, and more.
Loved it !
ENJOY !
=====
May 26, 2022
2.5 this was mostly fine (if a little bland) but the last 10% were godsdamned annoying
August 13, 2021
Sweet maple cream cooks.
Second chance at insta-love.
There's not much to this.
Second chance at insta-love.
There's not much to this.
October 12, 2021
Judson esta de regreso a Burlington de donde huyo para convertirse en Chef, y donde dejo no solo a su familia sino al hombre del que estaba enamorado desde la adolescencia y que lo traiciono tan feamente. Pero su regreso no es por gusto, su ex decidio que esta mejor sin el, y que prefiere tener a otro en su cama, pero tampoco quiere comprarle su parte del restaurant, lo que deja a Judson sin dinero ni lugar donde vivir mas que con sus padres. Pero su regreso a Burlington lo hace enfrentarse al hombre que lo traiciono, pero que todavia ama con todo su corazon, pero no sabe si su relacion con el puede ser algo mas que una amistad, si logra olvidar la traicion.
Skyler tuvo que dejar sus sueños de lado para salvar la granja de sus padres, pero con todo eso pudo crear un nuevo negocio con su Sirope de Maple y su Crema de Maple, su vida en sencilla pero satisfactoria, y aunque le falta un novio a su lado, no ha dejado nunca que eso ensombrezca su animo. Pero cuando descurbre que el que fue su mejor amigo esta de regreso en el pueblo y que al parecer lo odia con todo su ser, no puede dejar de pensar en lo bien parecido que es, y en cuanto quiesiera estar entre sus brazos y ver si su relacion puede ser mucho mas que solo amistad.
Judson y Skyler tendran que enfrentar las mentiras y los sobreentendido de hace años, pero tambien deberan aceptar que sus sentimientos y sus metas siguen siendo los mismos, ademas de aceptar la ayuda no solo de sus amigos, sino tambien de sus familiares.
Es un lindo libro romantico, bien llevado, sin muchos dramas, facil y rapido de leer, vemos algo de los personajes de los libros anteriores, pero no logre ubicar el tiempo de esta historia, porque no mencionaron en ningun momento a Brody y Logan o su licor de Maple.
Pero los dialogos son divertidos, y los secundarios hacen bien su papel, ademas el tiempo de su relacion paso como muy rapido, y senti algunas incosistencias en los tiempos, porque de repente estaban a una semana de hacer el programa y zass de golpe habian pasado 4 semanas. De golpe Miles estaba por regresar y zasss de repente ya estaba ahi. Otra cosa, que apenas mencionaron a un Luke adolescente al comienzo y no volvio a aparecer sino hasta el final.
Se que son pequeños detalles, pero eso me hizo perder un poco el foco en la lectura mientras intentaba averiguar quien era quien, y de donde habian salido.
Pero bueno, la serie sigue mostrandome muy buenos autores del genero, algunos de los cuales pienso leer mas adelante, y ya tan cerca del final de la serie, espero las proximas sorpresas.
Skyler tuvo que dejar sus sueños de lado para salvar la granja de sus padres, pero con todo eso pudo crear un nuevo negocio con su Sirope de Maple y su Crema de Maple, su vida en sencilla pero satisfactoria, y aunque le falta un novio a su lado, no ha dejado nunca que eso ensombrezca su animo. Pero cuando descurbre que el que fue su mejor amigo esta de regreso en el pueblo y que al parecer lo odia con todo su ser, no puede dejar de pensar en lo bien parecido que es, y en cuanto quiesiera estar entre sus brazos y ver si su relacion puede ser mucho mas que solo amistad.
Judson y Skyler tendran que enfrentar las mentiras y los sobreentendido de hace años, pero tambien deberan aceptar que sus sentimientos y sus metas siguen siendo los mismos, ademas de aceptar la ayuda no solo de sus amigos, sino tambien de sus familiares.
Es un lindo libro romantico, bien llevado, sin muchos dramas, facil y rapido de leer, vemos algo de los personajes de los libros anteriores, pero no logre ubicar el tiempo de esta historia, porque no mencionaron en ningun momento a Brody y Logan o su licor de Maple.
Pero los dialogos son divertidos, y los secundarios hacen bien su papel, ademas el tiempo de su relacion paso como muy rapido, y senti algunas incosistencias en los tiempos, porque de repente estaban a una semana de hacer el programa y zass de golpe habian pasado 4 semanas. De golpe Miles estaba por regresar y zasss de repente ya estaba ahi. Otra cosa, que apenas mencionaron a un Luke adolescente al comienzo y no volvio a aparecer sino hasta el final.
Se que son pequeños detalles, pero eso me hizo perder un poco el foco en la lectura mientras intentaba averiguar quien era quien, y de donde habian salido.
Pero bueno, la serie sigue mostrandome muy buenos autores del genero, algunos de los cuales pienso leer mas adelante, y ya tan cerca del final de la serie, espero las proximas sorpresas.
August 14, 2021
I binge-read the last five books, starting with this one of the Vino & Veritas series and it was an epic ride! The story of Jud and Sky was a heartwarming swoon-fest for me. I love second chance-to-get-it-right stories and this one had the added pleasure of getting a childhood friendship back on track and it made it that much sweeter for me.
I must give the author mad props for handling the whole miscommunication conflict of the story maturely and respectfully. I don’t want to give details of this story away, so you might have to read the book to fully understand what I mean but I will say this about it, too many times past problems with characters are dragged into the narrative of the present journey and not dealt with efficiently and in my opinion, that is a sure way to ruin a story quick. This one didn’t do that, so mad props!
This is my first read by this author and I am left with a very happy heart and a huge smile. The storyline unfolded well and the choices she made for the characters read true to characters in their late 20s; realistic and relatable. I’m looking forward to reading a bit more of her work in the future!
I must give the author mad props for handling the whole miscommunication conflict of the story maturely and respectfully. I don’t want to give details of this story away, so you might have to read the book to fully understand what I mean but I will say this about it, too many times past problems with characters are dragged into the narrative of the present journey and not dealt with efficiently and in my opinion, that is a sure way to ruin a story quick. This one didn’t do that, so mad props!
This is my first read by this author and I am left with a very happy heart and a huge smile. The storyline unfolded well and the choices she made for the characters read true to characters in their late 20s; realistic and relatable. I’m looking forward to reading a bit more of her work in the future!
June 6, 2023
3.5 stars - rtc
November 22, 2024
I got so excited when I discovered two more of the Vino & Veritas series was available to me on audiobook with my subscription (Everand this time). I’m slowly making my way through this entire series and lots of them I’ve loved and some are just ok. This unfortunately is one of the ok ones. There was nothing wrong with it but nothing that really kept me interested. There was a lot of stuff going on between the MCs and other characters and external plot and I just wasn’t as into it as I hoped. If you’re making your way through this series too I still recommend reading.
August 15, 2021
Stronghold is a standalone novel, but it is part of the Vino and Veritas series, set in Sarina Bowen’s World of True North. And it is adorably Vermonty.
I had a great time reading Skyler and Judson’s story. They’re childhood friends who had a sudden and painful fallout ten years ago, so they’re not precisely on speaking terms. But there’s attraction and heat between them, along with a history and unresolved feelings.
Judson is a world-class chef who’s going through a tough time. He’s back home in Vermont, living at his parents’ house and working as a bartender at Vino and Veritas, but already making plans to leave. Until he comes across Skyler, his ex best friend and crush, and things get interesting fast.
I loved Stronghold. It’s a sweet and steamy story of best friends to strangers who reconnect and become lovers, but not without some emotional turmoil. It’s heartfelt and really well written, fast paced and fun. The Vermonty feel is strong in this book, with Skyler’s family farm and the whole maple syrup empire Skyler dreams of establishing, and it is adorable. Then there’s the atmosphere at Vino and Veritas, which gives the book a great connection to the other books in the series.
I loved reading this book and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys sweet love stories with emotional undertones without being angsty. And to fans of the World of True North books. This one is a wonderful addition to the Vino and Veritas series.
I had a great time reading Skyler and Judson’s story. They’re childhood friends who had a sudden and painful fallout ten years ago, so they’re not precisely on speaking terms. But there’s attraction and heat between them, along with a history and unresolved feelings.
Judson is a world-class chef who’s going through a tough time. He’s back home in Vermont, living at his parents’ house and working as a bartender at Vino and Veritas, but already making plans to leave. Until he comes across Skyler, his ex best friend and crush, and things get interesting fast.
I loved Stronghold. It’s a sweet and steamy story of best friends to strangers who reconnect and become lovers, but not without some emotional turmoil. It’s heartfelt and really well written, fast paced and fun. The Vermonty feel is strong in this book, with Skyler’s family farm and the whole maple syrup empire Skyler dreams of establishing, and it is adorable. Then there’s the atmosphere at Vino and Veritas, which gives the book a great connection to the other books in the series.
I loved reading this book and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys sweet love stories with emotional undertones without being angsty. And to fans of the World of True North books. This one is a wonderful addition to the Vino and Veritas series.
July 18, 2021
I'm a sucker for a second-chance romance, and I loved experiencing these two fall in love. So many swoony lines. All the feels.
November 4, 2021
I really *wanted* to like this book, and I guess I didn’t not like it, but it is definitely the weakest book I read in the series so far (I’ve read 10). It reads like a first draft. A lot happens in this book and yet it feels too short because what did happen could’ve been fleshed out more. Events that could take up half a chapter are covered in a couple sentences. Details like body dysmorphia get 1-2 mentions, then are left behind with no further development. The plot includes two “big misunderstandings,” financial drama with an ex, a secondary character with a gambling problem, a restaurant reality tv show, weigh loss and body image issues, a dairy farm and a maple syrup business, farmers markets and festivals, quite a lot of side characters, and yet the book is less than 200 pages! Everything gets short shrift. Also the misunderstandings between the MCs are not believable. There were typos and sloppy grammar and usage mistakes. The idea of the book is there but it needed at least another round of rewrites and editing. I did like the main characters, I found their attraction and love story believable. I liked the maple syrup “thread” woven through the story, it’s almost its own character. The story connected nicely to the V&V universe. But the writing wasn’t up to par. I would recommend this only if you’re a completionist and like the V&V series generally.
August 5, 2022
3.5 ⭐
Oooh j'ai beaucoup aimé ce nouveau séjour à Burlington ! Je trouve le principe de cette série "Vino & Veritas" vraiment cool, mais je n'ai pas forcément été séduite par tous les titres que j'ai lu lire jusque là. Celui-ci s'intègre vraiment bien dans la série, j'ai adoré retrouver le bar et ses employés, c'était vraiment chouette de se retrouver en terrain familier et de revoir des personnages que j'avais apprécié auparavant.
La romance suit le trope du "friends-to-lovers" avec ici deux anciens meilleurs amis qui ne se sont plus parlé ni vu pendant 10 ans, du jour au lendemain. Forcément, une partie de l'histoire repose sur un trope (dont j'ai horreur !) : celui du malentendu. Heureusement, on franchit assez vite ce cap. J'ai été séduite par ces deux gars, touchée par leurs parcours respectifs, et charmée par le couple qu'ils forment.
Il y a plein de petites choses très sympa dans ce livre, notamment cette idée géniale autour du projet commun de Sky et Jud, mais sur cet élément du récit, je suis vraiment trop restée sur ma faim, l'autrice aurait largement pu développer et nous raconter tout ce qui s'est passé (ou une bonne partie), car je trouvais l'idée vraiment top, et c'est dommage de nous appâter avec un truc si cool pour au final en rester là.
Bien que certains sujets abordés soient un peu rudes, c'est une lecture douce, romantique et plutôt feel-good, qui vous donnera envie de vous empiffrer de plats à base de sirop d'érable, et d'aller vous accouder au comptoir du bar pour commander un cidre Shipley ou un bon verre de vin français ! ♥
Oooh j'ai beaucoup aimé ce nouveau séjour à Burlington ! Je trouve le principe de cette série "Vino & Veritas" vraiment cool, mais je n'ai pas forcément été séduite par tous les titres que j'ai lu lire jusque là. Celui-ci s'intègre vraiment bien dans la série, j'ai adoré retrouver le bar et ses employés, c'était vraiment chouette de se retrouver en terrain familier et de revoir des personnages que j'avais apprécié auparavant.
La romance suit le trope du "friends-to-lovers" avec ici deux anciens meilleurs amis qui ne se sont plus parlé ni vu pendant 10 ans, du jour au lendemain. Forcément, une partie de l'histoire repose sur un trope (dont j'ai horreur !) : celui du malentendu. Heureusement, on franchit assez vite ce cap. J'ai été séduite par ces deux gars, touchée par leurs parcours respectifs, et charmée par le couple qu'ils forment.
Il y a plein de petites choses très sympa dans ce livre, notamment cette idée géniale autour du projet commun de Sky et Jud, mais sur cet élément du récit, je suis vraiment trop restée sur ma faim, l'autrice aurait largement pu développer et nous raconter tout ce qui s'est passé (ou une bonne partie), car je trouvais l'idée vraiment top, et c'est dommage de nous appâter avec un truc si cool pour au final en rester là.
Bien que certains sujets abordés soient un peu rudes, c'est une lecture douce, romantique et plutôt feel-good, qui vous donnera envie de vous empiffrer de plats à base de sirop d'érable, et d'aller vous accouder au comptoir du bar pour commander un cidre Shipley ou un bon verre de vin français ! ♥
August 14, 2023
Skyler and Judson who were friends growing up in Vermont, are unexpectedly and unintentionally reunited after a 10-year separation. In that time period, anger and confusion surrounding Jud’s abrupt departure simmer and fester, leaving both men unsure of where they stand with each other. They are similarly ambivalent about whether they even want to try to resume their friendship or perhaps start a new type of relationship. They are two endearing guys with intriguing histories. Anna Ashley did a beautiful job of developing their layers and their complexities. They also make a solid couple who make good sense together. However, what makes less sense is the entire misunderstanding that separated them to begin with, nor do their attitudes and feelings for each other, which vacillate wildly when Jud arrives back home in Vermont after his ten years in France, he almost goes out of his way to avoid Skyler. He’s still furious at Skyler’s betrayal and not at all ready to forgive and forget...so when they first see each other again at Vino & Veritas where Jud works, Jud pretends to not even know who Skyler is. Not long after that, Jud does an entire about face. He seeks Skyler out and seems to ready to drop all hostility. Skyler is similarly angry that Jud abruptly left for France without any explanation and never contacted Skyler again. Yet when Skyler sees him at Vino & Veritas for the first time in ten years, he eagerly approaches him as if they have no hostility or anger between them. Jud and Skyler’s miscommunications and assumptions are what drives this story's plot. As a whole, that’s not a big problem, but the conflict derived from singular events are responded to with seemingly nonsensical actions. It just semes a bit overboard for after an 18-year-long childhood friendship, that just one overheard comment, completely taken out of context would cause Jud to completely abandon his best friend without a word or any further contact. He even moves to a different country. Skyler also has inexplicable conduct. He's quick to jump to conclusions and take action based on out of context comments. Neither man seeks clarification before taking action which has been based on inaccurate facts. In spite of this the story still manages to be enjoyable. There are plenty of sweet, sexy scenes and on the whole has fairly low angst, with enough romantic moments.
January 26, 2025
RECENSIONE A CURA DI ELYXYZ
Il quattordicesimo volume della serie è firmato da un’autrice che conosco bene e di cui ho letto quasi tutto ciò che ha tradotto da noi. Lo premetto per dire che mi piace il suo stile e per come sa raccontare dei suoi personaggi. Ammetto però che, forse perché la storia non è molto corposa, mi è rimasta la dolcezza del tutto – come lo sciroppo d’acero che è il fulcro di questo libro – ma non mi ha rapito il cuore.
Continua sul nostro blog!
Il quattordicesimo volume della serie è firmato da un’autrice che conosco bene e di cui ho letto quasi tutto ciò che ha tradotto da noi. Lo premetto per dire che mi piace il suo stile e per come sa raccontare dei suoi personaggi. Ammetto però che, forse perché la storia non è molto corposa, mi è rimasta la dolcezza del tutto – come lo sciroppo d’acero che è il fulcro di questo libro – ma non mi ha rapito il cuore.
Continua sul nostro blog!
July 30, 2021
A sweet story but it made me miss Chester Falls, just because I didn't love the characters the same.
Jud and Sky don't speak for 10 years after a misunderstanding. Jud doesn't want to be friends with his ex-bestie after his return from France but Sky has always had his heart.
Jud in particular was easy to understand, his body hang ups and hurt feelings were relatable. I loved the background characters.
Slower burn, lower heat. No trigger warnings that I can think of.
Jud and Sky don't speak for 10 years after a misunderstanding. Jud doesn't want to be friends with his ex-bestie after his return from France but Sky has always had his heart.
Jud in particular was easy to understand, his body hang ups and hurt feelings were relatable. I loved the background characters.
Slower burn, lower heat. No trigger warnings that I can think of.
July 20, 2021
Judson and Skyler are childhood friends who lost contact when Judson leaves to Paris to learn how to cook.
10 years later he returns to his hometown and to Skyler, but are things the same as 10 years ago?
Maybe, maybe not
Another great book from Ana Ashley, and being from Europe I want to try maple syrup
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
10 years later he returns to his hometown and to Skyler, but are things the same as 10 years ago?
Maybe, maybe not
Another great book from Ana Ashley, and being from Europe I want to try maple syrup
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
July 17, 2021
Aaaaa second chances romances and childhood friends that they rediscover each other. This is the sweetest trope ever.
We did meet Skyler in “Insatiable” by awesome Rhys Everly and he had the misfortune (Skyler not Rhys) to be in a relationship with a not-so-nice fella. That was fixed in the end, leaving Skyler free to find his HEA in Stronghold.
And queue in Judson. Best friends, like attached to the hip best friends, turned to lovers. They both had a crush on each other since forever and a misunderstanding broke them apart. Not anymore though.
There is cooking, maple syrup in… places, a TV crew that is rooting for them, and a lot of steam.
Let’s be honest, they cannot keep their hands off each other.
The whole story is really sweet and lovey-dovey, with the only angst moment (because we need drama) happening around 85% of the book. For that, the HEA felt a bit rushed but the characters are awesome, so I do not care! :P
P.s. I do believe Skyler is a hoot.
Thank you to #hearteyespress for the ARC.
We did meet Skyler in “Insatiable” by awesome Rhys Everly and he had the misfortune (Skyler not Rhys) to be in a relationship with a not-so-nice fella. That was fixed in the end, leaving Skyler free to find his HEA in Stronghold.
And queue in Judson. Best friends, like attached to the hip best friends, turned to lovers. They both had a crush on each other since forever and a misunderstanding broke them apart. Not anymore though.
There is cooking, maple syrup in… places, a TV crew that is rooting for them, and a lot of steam.
Let’s be honest, they cannot keep their hands off each other.
The whole story is really sweet and lovey-dovey, with the only angst moment (because we need drama) happening around 85% of the book. For that, the HEA felt a bit rushed but the characters are awesome, so I do not care! :P
P.s. I do believe Skyler is a hoot.
Thank you to #hearteyespress for the ARC.
September 21, 2021
This was cute, but it didn’t have me in a chokehold like some of the others from this series did.
Judson and Skylar were products of miscommunication, which can be a bit frustrating.
Jud abruptly leaves as a teenager to move to Europe after overhearing Skylar say some mean things about him to a guy who, as we later find out, was trying to get into Jud’s pants (therefore Skylar tries to throw him off the scent because he wanted to be with Jud). Which...in itself, was a bit silly.
Jud’s reaction to it was extreme, sure, but it’s more so silly in the way that it just didn’t need to happen at all. Why couldn’t Skylar just say Jud was seeing someone? He didn’t have to say he was fat, ugly, and boring (all the things Jud was insecure about being) just to get the guy to back off.
And even though he did say those things, why did the guy care? He had eyes. He saw Judson and still wanted to get with him despite him being so-called fat and ugly. Hearing these descriptors from Skylar really pushed him over the edge? I’m not buying it.
Fast forward to 10 years in the future, Skylar and Judson reconnect, make promises to each other, start to build a future together.
But then Skylar freaks out and retreats, because his friends overheard that Jud was flying back to Paris, which was not true. So Skylar basically did the exact same thing that Judson did years ago. He assumed. Even worse, he got this information secondhand. At least Judson visibly and audibly heard the mean words come out of Skylar’s mouth.
As I said before...MISCOMMUNICATION.
Despite this, I really was happy for Skylar and Judson to be together and was definitely rooting for them. I wasn’t completely keen on the whole reality tv cooking competition aspect as it felt almost out of place, but I got over it.
Overall a cute read and decent addition to this series!
Judson and Skylar were products of miscommunication, which can be a bit frustrating.
Jud abruptly leaves as a teenager to move to Europe after overhearing Skylar say some mean things about him to a guy who, as we later find out, was trying to get into Jud’s pants (therefore Skylar tries to throw him off the scent because he wanted to be with Jud). Which...in itself, was a bit silly.
Jud’s reaction to it was extreme, sure, but it’s more so silly in the way that it just didn’t need to happen at all. Why couldn’t Skylar just say Jud was seeing someone? He didn’t have to say he was fat, ugly, and boring (all the things Jud was insecure about being) just to get the guy to back off.
And even though he did say those things, why did the guy care? He had eyes. He saw Judson and still wanted to get with him despite him being so-called fat and ugly. Hearing these descriptors from Skylar really pushed him over the edge? I’m not buying it.
Fast forward to 10 years in the future, Skylar and Judson reconnect, make promises to each other, start to build a future together.
But then Skylar freaks out and retreats, because his friends overheard that Jud was flying back to Paris, which was not true. So Skylar basically did the exact same thing that Judson did years ago. He assumed. Even worse, he got this information secondhand. At least Judson visibly and audibly heard the mean words come out of Skylar’s mouth.
As I said before...MISCOMMUNICATION.
Despite this, I really was happy for Skylar and Judson to be together and was definitely rooting for them. I wasn’t completely keen on the whole reality tv cooking competition aspect as it felt almost out of place, but I got over it.
Overall a cute read and decent addition to this series!
August 15, 2021
This was such a good book. Skyler and Judson were best friends until something happens to make Jud run away for 10 years. Skyler had no idea what happened and was so glad to see Jud turn back up in town one day. It took a little while for Judson to open back up to Skyler, but when he did they ended up becoming friends again and going towards their feelings instead of running away from them. The TV show in the middle of the book was interesting but not fleshed out a lot where it was a big part of the story. On one hand I was glad that it wasn't all about just that, but on the other hand it seemed like it was brushed by a little too quickly without any real challenges. Regardless, though, I liked watching them come together and find a real solid HEA. I liked this universe and am definitely interested in reading more from this series.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by publisher
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by publisher
October 28, 2024
Read the book first time. Listen to audiobook second time. Love John solo narrating. Love the second chance best friends childhood friends always loved each other trope. Always good for a good sweet story.
November 1, 2022
I don't care for simple, easily fixed, misunderstandings and just because Judd is skinny now does not mean his relationship with food is healthy. Bro needs therapy.
August 8, 2021
;
Yaaaasss more World of True North
Now,what is that Bon Jovi song - "Who Says You Can't Come Home".
That is delectable Judson's life right now. And when he sees his old best friend, his heart went boom - and so did mine.
Oh Jud has some splainin' to do do Skyler - and I loved going on the ride with them.
I am obsessed with Skyler and his maple farm - and may have just bought everything I need to make maple cream - I need that stuff in my life STAT
Cute and adorable and sexy maple farmery - I really enjoyed this best friends to more story
a>
Yaaaasss more World of True North
Now,what is that Bon Jovi song - "Who Says You Can't Come Home".
That is delectable Judson's life right now. And when he sees his old best friend, his heart went boom - and so did mine.
Oh Jud has some splainin' to do do Skyler - and I loved going on the ride with them.
I am obsessed with Skyler and his maple farm - and may have just bought everything I need to make maple cream - I need that stuff in my life STAT
Cute and adorable and sexy maple farmery - I really enjoyed this best friends to more story
a>
October 30, 2021
Judson Hale and Skyler West grew up together and they were inseparable. But one night changed everything for the both of them, Judson left for Paris and Skyler lost his best friend. Now ten years later, Judson's back home in Burlington to spend some time with his family and start over. Skyler is now a sugar maker with a thriving business selling maple syrup and maple cream and helps his parents on their farm. Since Judson's money is tied up in a restaurant he owned and ran in Paris, he's found a job at Vino & Veritas to keep him busy. When Skyler comes into V&V for a drink with some friends, he's shocked to see Judson after all these years but also happy to see his friend. I liked both Judson and Skyler, they both made mistakes and neither of them made the effort to fix things back then. But as adults they were able to talk things through and start over. Judson went to France and reinvented himself, while Skyler stayed behind and found a new passion. I liked how open they were with each other and it was as if those ten years they lost never happened. It was cute how they finally admitted their feelings for one another and were able to make a new dream together. Skyler was able to expand his business and Judson had a restaurant to be able to make food again. I really enjoyed Judson and Skyler as a couple, because they were friends first then their relationship evolved. They cared and respected one another and always support each other.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 238 reviews