Lay It Down

Grado Valley Vineyards #2

by Bella Michaels, Cissy Mecca

I’ve had a crush on my best friend’s older brother, Antonio Grado, since middle school. And now that I work for Grado Valley Vineyards, it’s getting harder to keep this infatuation a secret.

My biggest problem? I just got scheduled to take a two-week road trip with Antonio—aka Neo—the sexy winemaker everyone adores.

Alone.

Just me, and him.

But I can be professional, right?

I’ve had a lot of practice keeping those feelings locked up tight. Until a seductive game of truth or dare and a private stretch limo blows the “secret” part of my secret crush to bits and pieces.

But I can’t let a few wine-fueled nights cloud my judgment. There’s too much at stake—my job, my relationship with my best friend, my treasured place within the Grado family.

They’ve taken care of me since I was young, and I would never risk losing them.

So I’ll lose my heart instead.

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Forced Proximity, Contemporary, Romance

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 13, 2022

About the author

Cissy Mecca is the real-life nickname of the author behind steamy small-town romance novels. When she’s not writing historical romance as Cecelia Mecca or crafting romantasy as C.L. Mecca, she enjoys dreaming up captivating escapes for readers. Cissy lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two teens.



Reviews

[Lorrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When two people love one another but self-doubt keeps them from acting on it.

Thayle: She has loved Antonio aka "Neo" for so long. Problem is she's best friends with Neo's sister Min and has never revealed her feelings even to her! Now that she's been working for Grado, how could she break the company rule of no dating within the company? Does he even feel the same way for her or is she more like a sister since she's been around for so long? Now she has to go on a wine tour with Neo and fears her secret would be revealed.

Neo: The somewhat quiet brother that works the vineyard coming up with new ideas for wine flavors that will set their vineyard above the others in the region. He's always watched and adored Thayle but she never noticed. They're scheduled to take a wine tour and maybe now would be a good time to figure out if the way they interact is flirting, or brother/sisterly banter.

This story made me want to reach in and push their heads together and scream, "Kiss already!" Self doubt can be a cumbersome load to carry around and add to that two somewhat shy people and you have a beautiful story worthy of waiting for that first kiss. And after that.....whoa! They make up for lost time, trust me!

I was gifted with an ARC and wanted to post my review. Don't miss this one. I finished it in a day and a half....fitting time in during the day just to check in on them. Great read!!

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thayle has had secret feelings for Neo for the longest time, but she's never even given a hint at it so no one knows, not even her best friend, who just so happens to be the sister to Neo. Little does she know that Neo also harbors secrets feelings towards her, as he's kept it close to the vest. I really wanted to shake these two but there is more than just the worry of being rejected at play here. See, she works for him & his family, and there's a policy against anyone dating so it's stayed as it was for too long. That all changes when they end up taking a work trip together, and finally, the sparks are flying like crazy. Will they or won't they at the end of the day?! This story was a straight up light romance that left me with a smile on my face despite the fact I was frustrated for a minute because of both hiding their feelings. There's heat, great banter, and an amazing supporting cast that makes it easy to HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Small Town Romance Series. If you read Pop and Pour you're already familiar with lots of the characters. You can read this book as a standalone but you'll get more enjoyment if you read book one first. What a great book that will grab your attention right at the beginning. It won't take you long to get emotionally involved with Neo and Thayle. Their slow burn romance is addictive. A great book that is well written with a strong page turning story line and great characters. I read an arc via the author and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute, fun book. I loved the banter and flirtatious shenanigans between Neo and Thayle. Based on the synopsis, I was a bit concerned that Thayle’s feelings for Neo would be deeper or come about faster than his feelings for her, but that was definitely not the case. They were both so adorably transfixed by one another and unaware that their feelings were returned. There was a touch of drama near the end of the story, but generally speaking, it was a very light, happy tale of two people who obviously really cared for one another.

My only complaint was that I wish there had been more dialogue and relational development and less focus on descriptions of settings, wine, etc. There were some parts that I just wanted to skim. However, the story was incredibly sweet, and I quite enjoyed the ending. I’m also excited to read the next book in the series. Michaels does a great job of creating satisfying alpha heroes and strong, smart heroines.

Overall, this was a family-oriented, fun romance full of chemistry and heart. I highly recommend it.

*I received an ARC of this novel. This is my complete and honest review.*

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in this incredible series, and this is Antonio / Neo and Thayle’s story. Thayle has loved her best friend’s brother for a long time, but she has managed to keep it a secret, especially when she is working at Grada Valley Vineyards. Neo and Thayle must go in a 2-week wine tour road trip together, but will they be able to keep their feeling to themselves? This is a well written story which is a slow burn, which is a fun read, with secrets, friendships, family, humor, witty banter, emotions, drama, shenanigans, and love, which leads to an entertaining and light-hearted page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

These two were made for each other, friends turned lovers romance, from the brilliantly talented pen of Bella Michaels.
Second book in a new series that’s not to be missed.

If you love the vineyard life, wine tasting, emotional entanglements, loving passionate clinches, this is definitely for you.

I adored these characters when I met them in Pop and Pour, the first book.
Seeing them in a close range journey through this story, and watching the chemistry evolve and pull them together was wonderful.
Excellent reading and awesome moments, dying for the next book.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was eagerly awaiting book 2 in this series because it I was so intrigued by Neo and Thayles story.
The Romance between them was a long time coming ,because they both had feelings for one another but never acted on it.
Thayle was Neo's sisters best friend so falling in love with him was not such a good idea,so she hid it from her...she had been a teenager when she noticed how gorgeous he was,now she was working at their family's vineyard and so now he was a work colleague too so a double no no on showing her feelings for him.
It takes a work trip that they both have to attend that secrets are revealed,and alot of flirting is done and innuendos between them.
Neo was just as bad as Thayle she was his sisters best friend and he had noticed her but kept his feelings to himself,going the friendship route with her.
But the work trip changes everything,he sees her alot differently and friendship is the last thing he wants.
I really LOVED this book the chemistry between Neo and Thayle was off the charts there was so much teasing and flirting between them,and I loved the way they could just be so natural with one another.Their comfortable feelings leads to desire and passion and want,they were so hot together I loved their relationship.
But Thayle had insecurities because her upbringing wasn't like Neos and she didn't have qualifications she thought she wasn't successful enough for him.She was also so afraid of what her best friend would say when she discovered she had loved her brother forever.
This is were Neo made me swoon because he did not care how she grew up,what mattered to him was the woman she was now.He had no doubt about his feelings for her and wanted to tell everyone and would risk anything his family had to say against it.
I love the family dynamic in this story they are so funny and easy with eachother,I can't wait for the other Grado's to get a story.
Bella Michaels has created a really great family,giving them each stories that will keep you captivated from the start.Her writing will have you hanging on every word.
Such an AMAZING read.
FABULOUS.!!
5 Stars.

[Kat Tolle · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG… THIS BOOK IS INCREDIBLE!!!! Lay It Down by Bella Michaels is book 2 in the Small Town series and though in a series this book can be read as a standalone but… I am highly recommending you read Pop and Pour, book 1, to learn the characters and their stories. What I just loved about this book was that not only was it very well written but the slow burn between Neo and Thayle… SOOO HOT!!! I have to admit that in most books I skip over the sex scene, if you read one you read them all but in this book I read every word and I could not put this book down. Bella is one of my all time favorite authors and just when I think that she has written her best book yet I am proven wrong as now Lay it Down is now my all time favorite. I found this contemporary book to be original, wonderful characters, witty, so well written, amazing and just a true delight to read. As I said this book was INCREDIBLE. This story has a winery, long time friend of the family & best friend of the sisters, a brother who makes the wine, secret crushes, not able to go on a week tour of the surrounding vineyards, asking a brother to do it, suggesting the manger to go with him, a famous British wine critic, playing truth or dare, getting drunk & meeting new people, not wanting to tell the family their secret, not feeling good enough, a wonderful chauffeur, and admitting they are in love. YES YES YES… I am highly recommending you read this book… you can not help falling in love with Neo!

***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.

[Gsmitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lay It Down by Bella Michaels is the second book in the Grado Valley Vineyards series and I was so excited for Neo and Thayle's story, and this ABSOLUTELY DELIVERED!

Seriously, how am I supposed to define how much I enjoyed this story? Don't worry, I'm going to try!

Neo is SWOONWORTHY! He's all that and more, with layers, with emotional depth, with a whole lot of love to shower on the woman of his dreams.

Thayle is such a beautiful soul, caring and kind, and I just wanted to give her the biggest hug and cheer her on; she needed to learn to accept herself and see what everyone else saw, that she's amazing.

I adore this family. The strength of the connections, the bonding, the loyalty, the trust, the love. Loved seeing familiar faces, and am very much hooked on finding out more about each and every single one of them.

Who doesn't love a roadtrip? Good intentions, will they won't they vibes, the push and pull of some insanely intense chemistry, it's sheer perfection!

So, if you're looking for a slow burn, an intense yet beautiful connection, moments of tension, and lots of laughter, this book is for you! Enjoy, I know I did!

P. S. Neo can wink at me any time!

P. P. S. I'd like some of these wine charms please and thank you! GVV merch FTW!

P. P. P. S. So ready to Sip and Savor Min's story!!!

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one brings a trip that you’ll enjoy vicariously, as well as all the autumn feels we desperately need when it looks like summer will never end in my town! Thayle and Neo are both harboring some unrequited love, and neither seems to trust the few slips in facades or the hopes of their own hearts. Not even when they’re on a winery tour together, and their games of Truth or Truth bring them closer to revealing it all. But reveal they do, and the anticipation is almost as hot as their long-awaited togetherness! But they head home far too soon, and reality comes with it. The question is whether that reality will bring a new relationship or broken hearts with it.

There were some hilarious moments here. The misunderstandings. The doubts. And that text! My heart dropped at that, as will yours. But then I had to laugh because why wouldn’t these two have something trying to muddy the waters at such an important time? And if you didn’t already adore the Grado family and Min, you will soon enough. I can’t wait for her to find her person, because she’s proven just how big her heart is and how much she deserve a love of her own. And soon!

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, sexy, entertaining, and a true joy to read, this series is quickly turning into one of my favorites for fun romance.

Neo Grado has liked his sister's friend Thayle Burke for quite awhile but she has been friends with his younger sister since they were in kindergarten. Neo's siblings think of her as a sister. Neo just can't go there. Even though it seems Thayle doesn't return his feelings, and it would only complicate things since she's an employee, he keeps his feelings to himself.

Thayle has had a crush on her best friend's brother for years but she vowed to never do anything to encourage those feelings because she didn't want to endanger her relationship with Min. Plus, she works for the Grado's and they have a no fraternization policy.

When Thayle and Neo are thrown together to represent the Grado family winery with their annual two week post-harvest tour of other wineries the two begin a flirty back and forth game of truth or dare and everything begins to change.

Both Neo and Thayle will wonder how they both managed to miss all the little signs over the years.

[Diana Whiteman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Antonio and Thayle

These books in this series keep getting better and better. Grado Valley Vineyard is a character all by itself, as well as the town, Kitchi Falls. The descriptions of this imaginary place is so lush it makes me want to visit!

This is the second book in the series. Antonio (Neo) and Thayle are sent on a tour of the Finger Lake wineries located near Kitchi Falls. These two both have feelings for each other but it's complicated. It was a treat to watch them navigate the murky waters and come out smelling sweet. I liked the way they bantered with each other and I especially liked the way they challenged each other.

This was a quick, easy read. Not a lot of angst which was a treat. No miscommunication... Just a misdirection that was easily repaired. Truly looking forward to the next book in this series.

The amount of research that Bella Michaels has devoted to this series is staggering. From the scenery and description of the area, as well as the process for making wine, and grading wine was equally educational.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

They have tripped and traipsed around each other for years, keeping the secrets of their hearts under wraps, observing the non-fraternization policy as co-workers and their relationship with Neo's sister. But when an unexpected trip takes Neo and Thayle on a two-week visit to the other wineries in their area, the gloves come off. Spending time together brings all their feelings to the fore and as they reminisce and recall past adventures, Neo and Thayle come to the point where they can no longer ignore the burning desire they have for one another. With the future of the vineyard at stake and the constant quest to improve its image, they have more to consider than to give into their feelings. So many things could go wrong, but as they discover the Grado family always has their backs. The novel is heartwarming, witty, and romantic, but also rather steamy. I received a copy of this novel as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Aurora Harner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book immensely! Neo and Thayle were two of my favorite characters from pop and pour and I was so excited to read their story. Bella did an amazing job with this friends to lovers story. It was the best mixture of sweet and steamy. Bella does an amazing job at bringing characters and worlds to life through her writing. It was as if I was visiting the vineyards with the characters myself. Her books are very well written and I just absolutely love the characters and stories she creates. I can't wait to see what comes next. I am so very glad I got to be part of her ARC team for this book.

[Amy Reierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neo and Thayle perfect actors in each other's friends to lovers romantic comedy. Oh wait this is their story and they aren't acting they are hiding their feelings.
I know exactly why Bella Michaels said she had so much fun writing this book! It's just as much fun to read.
Neo is smart and easy going, but he's also charming and funny with a little bit of a devilish side.
Thayle also smart and fun, with good people skills and very resourceful.
They also both love a good wager and playing with their food. 😂
I don't want to give anything away. This is a quick read that you'll be able to devour in one sitting if you like, I know I did!
I have voluntarily left this review.

[Jeriann Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neo & Thayle At Last

Neo has been interested in his younger sister's best friend Thayle since forever, hoping but uncertain she felt the same. (She does. Big time.) The both work at Mel's family winery.

When his CEO brother and his fiance can't make the week-long annual excursion to tour the other vineyards in the area, Neo and Thayle go. They get the opportunity to clear the air and discover the depths of their feelings for each other.

This is a light hearted read, free from angst and the only drama is Thayle's concern that her best friend (Noe's sister) will be upset with her relationship with her brother. But its a fun, sexy story. 5-stars.

[Rosanna Phelan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down!

Having met Neo and Thayle in book 1, Pop and Pour, I immediately pre-ordered Lay It Down. As soon as it arrived, I started reading and did not stop until the final page. These characters are so real, their dialogue and emotions so genuine, I popped and poured a nice red wine and imagined myself at Grado Valley Vineyards just hanging out with the family and enjoying the story as their love revealed itself. Well done, Bella, I'm ready to pre-order book 3, Sip and Savor.

[Michele McMullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this series, and this is friends to lovers done the most wonderful way! Neo and Thayle have been friends forever, but they might each have a little secret crush on one another! They work together they play together they have witty, playful banter and now they are thrown together for a work excursion. Pack those weekender bags we are headed back to the Grado Valley Vineyards for delicious adult refreshment, a visit with a few of our friends from the first book and a spicy new couple to keep us entertained!
~~Michele McMullen~~

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a wonderful and captivating story. I immensely enjoyed this story. Bella give a fun and cute touch to friends to lover , best friends brother, unrequited love with well developed characters and witty banter. Thayle has feelings for her best friends brother Neo . The story was captivating and beautifully written. If you are looking for a fun enjoyable weekend read than I would highly recommend reading this book.

[Laurel Irvine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good "best friends Brother" romance and Lay it down ticks all the boxes. The anticipation, the looks- or was there a look. Thayle has sass and strength...Neo is melt in your mouth hotness. His natural ease with a smile is a big tick for me.
Just saying, I knew banana's were the bomb...haha.....
Its flirty, a bit of tease and a hole lot of laughter and lovin'.
Well done Bella Michaels. Loved it!

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continues to Entertain!!

Neo is the Grado Valley vineyard winemaker. Thayle is smitten but keeps it to herself. When they are sent on a wine tour sparks fly. Love these characters, and the interactions.

When faced with a decision, choose the path that feeds your soul - words we should all live by! A soared room, a cake incident, meeting interesting people, and an important wine critic comes to town. So good.

***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****

[Craftybookworm11 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story for the most part. There were a few continuity errors, such as at one point Neo thinking about his siblings and stating that he had 2 older brothers and an older sister and we know at least Min is younger as Thayle is the same age as her and she is younger. Also it was a little odd that he would supposedly be in love with her but dated a friend. Light spice, and likable characters.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This completely surprised me. Definitely my favourite from the author. It's her best one yet IMO. I really enjoyed Neo and Thayle's story. It's a friends-to-lovers done right. Absolutely right in this case. Their story is hot and sweet. Their characters are amazing. What more could you ask for? I highly recommend their story.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one but didn’t love it. This is one of my favorite tropes and I enjoyed the premise. Since it was a bit on the short side, it moved fast… almost a little too fast. The writing seemed a little immature at times and almost like the author forgot whose POV she was writing at the time. Still… it was a cute enough quick read.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It is the first time I have read a Bella Michaels Book (Cissy Mecca). I have been meaning to start reading them. I definitely would love to read more of the Grado Valley Vineyards books and other books by Cissy Mecca. This book was wonderful, I love visiting Vineyards my self!
I love the story of Thayle and Neo.

[Michele Del Rey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good, I loved the cover first, then the story got me. Antonio's and Thayle were amazing together, their chemistry was so easy to see and feel. I thought the story was written well and I learned so much about each of them and I loved them together.

[Teresa Zimmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again we head back to GVV, this time with Neo the wine marker and Thayle the wine club manager. This is a charming sweet story of how these two childhood friends fell in love. Grab your copy of Lay it down and find out!

[Gaia Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

sweet and wonderful story

This was such a great second in this series. Neo and Thayle are so warm and wonderful as characters. They’re relatable and the way their story unfolds is absolutely perfect. You couldn’t ask for a sweeter and spicier story for them.

[Ann Alton · Rating 4 out of 5]

i got nervous

I always get a bit nervous at about 80% - someone is going to do something, making them tstl, let alone have an adult relationship. Without giving anything away, let’s just say the drama was from adults facing issues, not avoiding them. Mostly.

[Lisareadsromance · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ot my cup of tea

Honestly it's not that it was bad… I think I just wasn't in the mood for the book because I absolutely loved the 1st book. I found myself scanning this one, Maybe it was just me not feeling that chemistry between them.