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A Vine Mess #1
Secretly Yours: A Novel
[ MP3 CD Format ] From #1 New York Times bestselling author and TikTok favorite Tessa Bailey comes a steamy new rom-com about a starchy professor and the bubbly neighbor he clashes with at every turn... Hallie Welch fell hard for Julian Vos at fourteen, after they almost kissed in the dark vineyards of his family's winery. Now the prodigal hottie has returned to their small Napa town. When Hallie is hired to revamp the gardens on the Vos estate, she wonders if she'll finally get that smooch. But the grumpy professor isn't the teenager she remembers and their polar opposite personalities clash spectacularly. One wine-fueled girls' night later, Hallie can't shake the sense that she did something reckless -- and then she remembers the drunken secret admirer letter she left for Julian. Oh sh*t . On sabbatical from his ivy league job, Julian plans write a novel. But having Hallie gardening right outside his window is the ultimate distraction. She's eccentric, chronically late, often literally covered in dirt -- and so unbelievably beautiful, he can't focus on anything else. Until he finds an anonymous letter sent by a woman from his past. Even as Julian wonders about this admirer, he's sucked further into Hallie's orbit. Like the flowers she plants all over town, Hallie is a burst of color in Julian's grey-scale life. For a man who irons his socks and runs on tight schedules, her sunny chaotic energy makes zero sense. But there's something so familiar about her... and her very presence is turning his world upside down.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published February 7, 2023
5718 people are currently reading
172479 people want to read
About the author
Tessa Bailey
96 books67.3k followersNew York Times Bestselling author Tessa Bailey can solve all problems except for her own, so she focuses those efforts on stubborn, fictional blue collar men and loyal, lovable heroines. She lives on Long Island avoiding the sun and social interactions, then wonders why no one has called. Dubbed the “Michelangelo of dirty talk,” by Entertainment Weekly, Tessa writes with spice, spirit, swoon and a guaranteed happily ever after. Catch her on TikTok at @authortessabailey or check out tessabailey.com for a complete list of books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 16,658 reviews
July 20, 2022
No description, no cover, no release date
its five stars, if you have an issue talk to my lawyer
its five stars, if you have an issue talk to my lawyer
November 4, 2023
1.5/5
Dear Tessa Bailey what is happening?? I felt more tension and emotions while reading my math book.
Dear Tessa Bailey what is happening?? I felt more tension and emotions while reading my math book.
Read
February 17, 2023DNF at 30%, i gotta put me first.
February 7, 2023
2.5 stars
This might be the summery easy romcom read for some, but it just missed the mark for me. It is a book that I knew I won’t like from the second chapter. I could just tell from all of the eye-roll worthy moments from the very beginning.
Some random thoughts that annoyed me:
~ The whole secret admirer thing added nothing to the story. It was put there for the sake of creating an unnecessary conflict by an unnecessary side plot. It was all so pointless??
~ The way Julian thought or acted was making me feel uncomfortable. Like the way he kept staring at her breasts from the first time he met her, he couldn’t take his eyes away from her breasts, then again after the second, third, and fourth meeting?? I don’t know it just made me feel so uncomfortable the way he was objectifying her like that, specially that there were no connection between them. The way he was obsessed with her breasts the first thing from the first meeting was making me get some creepy uncomfortable vibes from him.
~ The third act conflict was simply STUPID! It made me think that if this has ever happened to me and he just left and refused to talk to me, I’ll just let him be. Like fine go be a child because where’s the freakin problem??
The whole book and the main characters really annoyed me. It was all just so eye-roll worthy, unfortunately. I loved it happened one summer and I hoped this would be as good, but it’s not. At least for me.
Huge Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this copy. I wish I could’ve loved it more.
This might be the summery easy romcom read for some, but it just missed the mark for me. It is a book that I knew I won’t like from the second chapter. I could just tell from all of the eye-roll worthy moments from the very beginning.
Some random thoughts that annoyed me:
~ The whole secret admirer thing added nothing to the story. It was put there for the sake of creating an unnecessary conflict by an unnecessary side plot. It was all so pointless??
~ The way Julian thought or acted was making me feel uncomfortable. Like the way he kept staring at her breasts from the first time he met her, he couldn’t take his eyes away from her breasts, then again after the second, third, and fourth meeting?? I don’t know it just made me feel so uncomfortable the way he was objectifying her like that, specially that there were no connection between them. The way he was obsessed with her breasts the first thing from the first meeting was making me get some creepy uncomfortable vibes from him.
~ The third act conflict was simply STUPID! It made me think that if this has ever happened to me and he just left and refused to talk to me, I’ll just let him be. Like fine go be a child because where’s the freakin problem??
The whole book and the main characters really annoyed me. It was all just so eye-roll worthy, unfortunately. I loved it happened one summer and I hoped this would be as good, but it’s not. At least for me.
Huge Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this copy. I wish I could’ve loved it more.
Want to read
February 13, 2023Ok but am I the only one who’s now scared of picking this book up because of all the two star ratings it’s been getting?😭
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Authors need to stop writing books I want to read until I catch up on my tbr list
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Authors need to stop writing books I want to read until I catch up on my tbr list
November 30, 2023
i felt like he was more in love with her boobs than anything else.
July 7, 2025
Ah, another satisfying romcom from the queen of the spicy read!
Hallie Welch has been harboring a secret crush on Julian Vos since their high school days, when they almost smooched in the romantic vineyards that belong to his family. Now Julian is back in town, and Hallie might finally get a second chance at that kiss. But they are so different—he an uptight professor and she a carefree, chaotic gardener—that surely nothing can come of their attraction, right?
I always dig into Tessa Bailey books with relish, knowing I'm in for a swoony, steamy good time. The characters are flawed but loveable, the chemistry is off the charts, and the dialogue is cute and sassy. Sure, the premise can be a bit over the top, and if you think too carefully, the conflicts often don't make much sense, but that's romance for you. I'm in it for the light and fluff, and that's exactly what I get.
This story's combination of tropes—grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, and second-chance romance—is a fun one and there's sure to be something for every romance reader. And the setting of a vineyard could not be more romantic and undoubtedly appeals to the lush in me.
My only small nitpick here is that the secret admirer angle doesn't really make sense. It dragged the story out longer than was necessary and could easily have been left out. But then the title wouldn't make any sense, so there you go.
Of course since it's a Tessa Bailey book, I have to mention the spice level. Her books are pretty explicit, possibly shockingly so if you haven't read one before. So tread carefully and definitely avoid if that isn't your jam.
I'm already excited for the next book. I see that Julian's sister will get her own story and I can't wait to read it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
See also, my thoughts on:
Bellinger Sisters:
It Happened One Summer
Hook, Line, and Sinker
My Killer Vacation
Window Shopping
Hot & Hammered:
Fix Her Up
Love Her or Lose Her
Tools of Engagement
~~~~~~~~~~~~
✧ Connect with me ✧ Instagram ✧
Hallie Welch has been harboring a secret crush on Julian Vos since their high school days, when they almost smooched in the romantic vineyards that belong to his family. Now Julian is back in town, and Hallie might finally get a second chance at that kiss. But they are so different—he an uptight professor and she a carefree, chaotic gardener—that surely nothing can come of their attraction, right?
I always dig into Tessa Bailey books with relish, knowing I'm in for a swoony, steamy good time. The characters are flawed but loveable, the chemistry is off the charts, and the dialogue is cute and sassy. Sure, the premise can be a bit over the top, and if you think too carefully, the conflicts often don't make much sense, but that's romance for you. I'm in it for the light and fluff, and that's exactly what I get.
This story's combination of tropes—grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, and second-chance romance—is a fun one and there's sure to be something for every romance reader. And the setting of a vineyard could not be more romantic and undoubtedly appeals to the lush in me.
My only small nitpick here is that the secret admirer angle doesn't really make sense. It dragged the story out longer than was necessary and could easily have been left out. But then the title wouldn't make any sense, so there you go.
Of course since it's a Tessa Bailey book, I have to mention the spice level. Her books are pretty explicit, possibly shockingly so if you haven't read one before. So tread carefully and definitely avoid if that isn't your jam.
I'm already excited for the next book. I see that Julian's sister will get her own story and I can't wait to read it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
See also, my thoughts on:
Bellinger Sisters:
It Happened One Summer
Hook, Line, and Sinker
My Killer Vacation
Window Shopping
Hot & Hammered:
Fix Her Up
Love Her or Lose Her
Tools of Engagement
~~~~~~~~~~~~
✧ Connect with me ✧ Instagram ✧
August 17, 2022
not quite as perfect as ‘it happened one summer’ but its pretty dang close.
i love the sweet clash of personalities between julian and hallie. not exactly grumpy x sunshine, but definitely same effect. i also think napa plays the perfect setting - very summery with cosy small town vibes. and the anxiety rep is strong with this one. so a lot of good things to love all around!
but i think the tiny thing that missed the mark for me was whole secret admirer letters. although the synopsis makes it feel like the story is going to revolve around them, its much more of a side plot and one i dont think really adds anything to the story (other than the classic “miscommunication” bump towards the end that all romance books have). the main focus of the novel is julian getting to know hallie without the letters, which makes me think “what was even the point?” i guess its just not the trope for me.
but overall, this is a sweet romance and one that is going to be perfect for its valentine release!
a big thanks to avon and harper voyager for the ARC!!
↠ 4.5 stars
i love the sweet clash of personalities between julian and hallie. not exactly grumpy x sunshine, but definitely same effect. i also think napa plays the perfect setting - very summery with cosy small town vibes. and the anxiety rep is strong with this one. so a lot of good things to love all around!
but i think the tiny thing that missed the mark for me was whole secret admirer letters. although the synopsis makes it feel like the story is going to revolve around them, its much more of a side plot and one i dont think really adds anything to the story (other than the classic “miscommunication” bump towards the end that all romance books have). the main focus of the novel is julian getting to know hallie without the letters, which makes me think “what was even the point?” i guess its just not the trope for me.
but overall, this is a sweet romance and one that is going to be perfect for its valentine release!
a big thanks to avon and harper voyager for the ARC!!
↠ 4.5 stars
May 26, 2023
Reading this book felt like a tsunami of emotions and feelings. Meaning, there were highs and lows. In the beginning it was going great, in the middle of kind of fell off, then it picked up again, and then finally it fell off again. I was rushing to finish it because I just wanted to get over it already.
It pains me to say this, but the male main character carried this book. Julian was so flushed out and nuanced and layered. Not saying the female main character—Hallie, wasn’t, but I can’t lie, Julian was just more entertaining and relatable.
The chemistry was tangible from the beginning. Sizzling off the pages if you will. And I was in heat when he was doing the dirty talk during the nasty, may God forgive me. There was something so damn poetic when reading about this man who is married to the word “control” itself, lowkey so insane over her disorganized tactics and behavior. (he goes by a set schedule every single day and puts “beating to Hallie” on his list [multiple times] lmaoooo)🩷
I couldn’t care less for any of the side characters, maybe Julian‘s sister, since she’s the female main character in the next book. This was good, not great. I enjoyed reading it for the most part, but it’s nothing to write home about. maybe the sequel will be The One for me. I have somewhat high hopes…
It pains me to say this, but the male main character carried this book. Julian was so flushed out and nuanced and layered. Not saying the female main character—Hallie, wasn’t, but I can’t lie, Julian was just more entertaining and relatable.
The chemistry was tangible from the beginning. Sizzling off the pages if you will. And I was in heat when he was doing the dirty talk during the nasty, may God forgive me. There was something so damn poetic when reading about this man who is married to the word “control” itself, lowkey so insane over her disorganized tactics and behavior. (he goes by a set schedule every single day and puts “beating to Hallie” on his list [multiple times] lmaoooo)🩷
I couldn’t care less for any of the side characters, maybe Julian‘s sister, since she’s the female main character in the next book. This was good, not great. I enjoyed reading it for the most part, but it’s nothing to write home about. maybe the sequel will be The One for me. I have somewhat high hopes…
March 16, 2023
i thought this was a hole lot of fun! yes the heroine is quirky, yes the secret admirer shtick could have been better executed for maximum angst, etc etc. but i'm just looking for some cheap laughs and some raunchy ass, dirty talking, big titties in a polka dot bra bouncing, vineyard sex. so thank you tessa.
yes i mean to write hole <3
yes i mean to write hole <3
January 6, 2023
I'm just going to put it out there, front and center: Secretly Yours is NOT Tessa Bailey's best work. Not by a long shot.
I actually forgot who the author was when I started this book, and I was thinking amateur-hour with an eyeroll, so color me shocked when I saw who the author was at the end. *cue surprised Pikachu face*
The characters are okay I guess, but bland. The female MC gave me kind of stalker vibes- like an unrequited crush for that long and he barely remembered you? And you based all of your relationships on the standard of one guy you knew for a hot second? I was not feeling that... at all. The male MC was okay but I didn't really understand him. The anxiety rep was shaky at best, and I thought his motivations and personality didn't quite match up. The two together didn't do much for me.
Where Tessa Bailey usually shines is in her sex scenes, and this was sort of the case here. I (again) rolled my eyes at the , and the completely out of character way the male MC transitioned from straight-laced to dirty talk. It just didn't go with his character AT ALL. I know Tessa Bailey shines at dirty talk (and it was pretty decent here) but the MCs just didn't match up with the sex scenes.
The side characters were okay, and the winery details seemed half-hearted, but it just really wasn't enough for me. Plus, the conflict at the end drove me insane!! Please, authors, do better.
Is this the book that makes me hang up my Tessa Bailey hat? Maybe (*unless she write another M/M- I'm here for that*).
goodreads|instagram|twitter|tiktok
I actually forgot who the author was when I started this book, and I was thinking amateur-hour with an eyeroll, so color me shocked when I saw who the author was at the end. *cue surprised Pikachu face*
The characters are okay I guess, but bland. The female MC gave me kind of stalker vibes- like an unrequited crush for that long and he barely remembered you? And you based all of your relationships on the standard of one guy you knew for a hot second? I was not feeling that... at all. The male MC was okay but I didn't really understand him. The anxiety rep was shaky at best, and I thought his motivations and personality didn't quite match up. The two together didn't do much for me.
Where Tessa Bailey usually shines is in her sex scenes, and this was sort of the case here. I (again) rolled my eyes at the , and the completely out of character way the male MC transitioned from straight-laced to dirty talk. It just didn't go with his character AT ALL. I know Tessa Bailey shines at dirty talk (and it was pretty decent here) but the MCs just didn't match up with the sex scenes.
The side characters were okay, and the winery details seemed half-hearted, but it just really wasn't enough for me. Plus, the conflict at the end drove me insane!! Please, authors, do better.
Is this the book that makes me hang up my Tessa Bailey hat? Maybe (*unless she write another M/M- I'm here for that*).
goodreads|instagram|twitter|tiktok
June 12, 2023
i want to throw up 💗
February 26, 2023
...Time with you is the most substantial of all. I'll probably never be able to stop counting the minutes that we're apart, but the ones when we're together, I'm leaving room for anything. Whatever happens...
Plot- 2.5/5🌟
Spice- 3/5🌶️
Idk what to feel with this one.. basically a lot of lows, some highs but a lighthearted read that drags with minimal level of plot. Explained further, let's go over the tropes.
✔️ Small town romance
✔️ Dual pov
✔️ Insta love (meh trope but executed well)
✔️ Grumpy x sunshine
✔️ Professor x gardener
✔️ Secret admirer
✔️ Miscommunication (🤢)
Things I liked -
1. The romance- What good is a romance book if the romance isn't good, right? The chemistry is there, Hallie and Julian connect immediately and it doesn't feel forced. Am not a fan of insta love but I think Tessa Bailey executed it brilliantly here.
2. The smut- Oh boy it's juicyyyyyy. Also the FMC is a virgin so we see her first time experiences to sex and it's done well. We all know how good Tessa writes smut and she doesn't disappoint in that department.
3. Julian- Julian is such a good MMC and book boyfriend material. He's romantic, have his own quirks, considerate, charming and a sexy professor. The dirty talk made me swoon. NGL if there was a book with just Julian conversing, I'd buy it in an instant. The man is HOT 🥵
Things I didn't like -
Brace yourselves for mild attack of rants.
1. Pacing- It started slow and stayed slow and ended slow. It was consistent but slowwwww.
2. Plot- It was so bad. I could not careless for the vineyards and the town. The Corked vs UNCORKED rivalry was interesting but wasn't explored enough to grab my interest. Tessa's writing in that department was mediocre. It Happened One Summer was such a masterpiece compared to this. If it wasn't for the romance and Julian, I would've dnf-ed it.
3. Characters- Except for Julian, I didn't like anyone else. The side characters were not that interesting. Hallie was bearable but she was an inconsistent character. She wanted Julian, then she didn't, then she did, then she didn't, then did. Girl you wanted him first and now he wants you so just take him without drama 😭😭
4. Miscommunication trope- I hated it. Why is this trope a thing?! I don't like it. It serves no purpose beyond annoying the reader.
Anyway, felt good getting that off my chest.
Overall, it was decent enough for me to rate it three stars but it's not something exceptional. It does not create the same magic as It Happened One Summer. So if you pick this up, lower your expectations.
Plot- 2.5/5🌟
Spice- 3/5🌶️
Idk what to feel with this one.. basically a lot of lows, some highs but a lighthearted read that drags with minimal level of plot. Explained further, let's go over the tropes.
✔️ Small town romance
✔️ Dual pov
✔️ Insta love (meh trope but executed well)
✔️ Grumpy x sunshine
✔️ Professor x gardener
✔️ Secret admirer
✔️ Miscommunication (🤢)
Things I liked -
1. The romance- What good is a romance book if the romance isn't good, right? The chemistry is there, Hallie and Julian connect immediately and it doesn't feel forced. Am not a fan of insta love but I think Tessa Bailey executed it brilliantly here.
2. The smut- Oh boy it's juicyyyyyy. Also the FMC is a virgin so we see her first time experiences to sex and it's done well. We all know how good Tessa writes smut and she doesn't disappoint in that department.
3. Julian- Julian is such a good MMC and book boyfriend material. He's romantic, have his own quirks, considerate, charming and a sexy professor. The dirty talk made me swoon. NGL if there was a book with just Julian conversing, I'd buy it in an instant. The man is HOT 🥵
Things I didn't like -
Brace yourselves for mild attack of rants.
1. Pacing- It started slow and stayed slow and ended slow. It was consistent but slowwwww.
2. Plot- It was so bad. I could not careless for the vineyards and the town. The Corked vs UNCORKED rivalry was interesting but wasn't explored enough to grab my interest. Tessa's writing in that department was mediocre. It Happened One Summer was such a masterpiece compared to this. If it wasn't for the romance and Julian, I would've dnf-ed it.
3. Characters- Except for Julian, I didn't like anyone else. The side characters were not that interesting. Hallie was bearable but she was an inconsistent character. She wanted Julian, then she didn't, then she did, then she didn't, then did. Girl you wanted him first and now he wants you so just take him without drama 😭😭
4. Miscommunication trope- I hated it. Why is this trope a thing?! I don't like it. It serves no purpose beyond annoying the reader.
Anyway, felt good getting that off my chest.
Overall, it was decent enough for me to rate it three stars but it's not something exceptional. It does not create the same magic as It Happened One Summer. So if you pick this up, lower your expectations.
February 25, 2023
I’m starting to think the only Tessa Bailey book I like is It Happened One Summer. This fell sooooo flat for me, and I struggled to finish it. 🙈
February 7, 2023
A gardener and a professor, two individuals from different worlds but come together in a passionate way with a connection that is beyond palpable...
From the beginning of reading the synopsis, I just knew that Tessa would be writing something that I will instantly fall in love with. And I did. Julian and Hallie have become one of my favorites because of their sweet banters and their chemistry that goes way beyond anything. From that first kiss, it became one that Hallie could never forget. One that she became infatuated with. And from the moment she found out that the handsome college professor was coming back to their home town for a "visit", her obsession grew more.
Julian being the type A gentleman that he is, finding someone like Hallie and not remembering their first kiss, became something of an obsession to him to find out and try very hard to remember were it is he knows her from. But getting distracted by her beauty, quirky ways, and her three rumbustious dogs, he knows that being with her is not something that he can do. But his mind and body are telling him different things. Reacting in ways that makes him crave her presence. Her laughs, her overall emotions and energy. And of course, it makes him crave her smiles and mindless thoughts;
Hallie, being the type of person who is all over the place knows that being with someone like Julian would go anything against her non-existent values. She is totally type B personality, and I love everything about it. Her presence makes any room and environment shine like the type of person she is. And when they both finally come to a realization that they are meant to be together and their time apart is inevitable, their spark is one of the ages.
Tessa has delivered once again with her amazing main characters AND side characters. Natalie and August being said side characters in which I know I will instantly fall in love with.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review...
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From the beginning of reading the synopsis, I just knew that Tessa would be writing something that I will instantly fall in love with. And I did. Julian and Hallie have become one of my favorites because of their sweet banters and their chemistry that goes way beyond anything. From that first kiss, it became one that Hallie could never forget. One that she became infatuated with. And from the moment she found out that the handsome college professor was coming back to their home town for a "visit", her obsession grew more.
Julian being the type A gentleman that he is, finding someone like Hallie and not remembering their first kiss, became something of an obsession to him to find out and try very hard to remember were it is he knows her from. But getting distracted by her beauty, quirky ways, and her three rumbustious dogs, he knows that being with her is not something that he can do. But his mind and body are telling him different things. Reacting in ways that makes him crave her presence. Her laughs, her overall emotions and energy. And of course, it makes him crave her smiles and mindless thoughts;
"But he found himself wondering what it might be like to fill that role for Hallie. In another life, obviously. A full-time giver of Hallie smiles..."
Hallie, being the type of person who is all over the place knows that being with someone like Julian would go anything against her non-existent values. She is totally type B personality, and I love everything about it. Her presence makes any room and environment shine like the type of person she is. And when they both finally come to a realization that they are meant to be together and their time apart is inevitable, their spark is one of the ages.
Tessa has delivered once again with her amazing main characters AND side characters. Natalie and August being said side characters in which I know I will instantly fall in love with.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review...
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February 9, 2023
“ it hurt that he forgot her”
WELL HE LIVED HIS LIFE HADLEY AND DIDN’T OBSESS OVER A 14 YEAR OLD GIRL FOR 15 YEARS OF HIS LIFE
LFMAOOOOO GIRL WAS A JOKE👌
also I’m like 85% sure Tessa Bailey writes under Jess Kane.
WELL HE LIVED HIS LIFE HADLEY AND DIDN’T OBSESS OVER A 14 YEAR OLD GIRL FOR 15 YEARS OF HIS LIFE
LFMAOOOOO GIRL WAS A JOKE👌
also I’m like 85% sure Tessa Bailey writes under Jess Kane.
February 10, 2023
can millennials please stop trying to “fit in” and use gen z slang in their books because it’s giving cringe
March 19, 2024
This book was so bad, it was laughable. I had such high expectations for this since I absolutely adored It Happened One Summer but have been thoroughly disappointed.
The “plot” was just so ridiculous and the romance legitimately made me roll my eyes on several occasions. And yes, I know Tessa Bailey’s books are heavy on the romance/smut with barely enough of a plot to tie it together. And that is 100% fine with me when that’s the type of book I want to read! But this was executed so poorly and made zero sense.
The romance between these two was so bizarre. Halle has been borderline obsessed with Julian since high school even though they never talked and were in separate years. To the point that she hasn’t even dated (or had sex with) anyone because they couldn’t possibly live up to this fantasy version of him in her head.Vomit. 🤢 She becomes his gardener, they barely interact but since he notices she’s hot and has big tits he becomes overwhelmed with lust for her as she’s on her knees all day in the dirt. Is this a porno? What is going on? Regardless, this should make her happy, right? Her lifetime crush is attracted to her and wants to hook up. Well, apparently not. She turns him down to be “just friends” and then proceeds to write him love letters. Okay, yikes.
Long story short, they obviously get together eventually but for some reason Halle is terrified of him “finding out the truth” about the letters. Huh????? Love letters are romantic? Not to mention Julian even mentions to her that he LIKES these letters and yet.. it somehow becomes a huge point of drama for literally no reason? I did not understand that at all. Who doesn’t want to receive love letters and then find out it’s from the person you’re dating? Please make it make sense.
Also there was so much insta love after they got together it was so disgusting. They barely know each other but after like a month, are saying they are in love (before they even get together). I didn’t see any real chemistry between them and there was nothing in the plot that forced them to open up and grow together. And the grand gesture at the end actually made me burst out laughing with how awful it was. It wasn’t even cheesy, it was just cringey.
The plot literally didn’t exist. The “rivalry” between the two wineries does nothing to actually further the story for the character development. This book could have been set in literally any city and it would have made more sense than Napa. Especially since Halle is a 29 year old gardener who can somehow afford a HOUSE in Napa Valley by herself. Is she planting flowers for Beyoncé? It makes no sense. And her entire personality annoyed me. She’s constantly described as “chaotic” as if it’s some sort of quirk when in reality she doesn’t take any responsibility for her clients (constantly canceling on them), and is unable to pick a single necklace to wear so she wears a bunch of different ones. She acts like a 19 year old, not a 29 year old professional with her own business.
Julian was fine. His entire personality was about making Halle happy or saying he has anxiety when he’s only ever had one anxiety attack in his life (during a very trauma experience that would give anyone anxiety lol). And as someone with pretty bad anxiety, it was annoying how he was portrayed.
All in all, I really disliked this and don’t recommend it. Instead, I highly recommend It Happened One Summer. The spice is great and the plot and characters actually make sense and tell a cute story.
Update: the sequel is MUCH better! Definitely skip this and read that instead.
The “plot” was just so ridiculous and the romance legitimately made me roll my eyes on several occasions. And yes, I know Tessa Bailey’s books are heavy on the romance/smut with barely enough of a plot to tie it together. And that is 100% fine with me when that’s the type of book I want to read! But this was executed so poorly and made zero sense.
The romance between these two was so bizarre. Halle has been borderline obsessed with Julian since high school even though they never talked and were in separate years. To the point that she hasn’t even dated (or had sex with) anyone because they couldn’t possibly live up to this fantasy version of him in her head.Vomit. 🤢 She becomes his gardener, they barely interact but since he notices she’s hot and has big tits he becomes overwhelmed with lust for her as she’s on her knees all day in the dirt. Is this a porno? What is going on? Regardless, this should make her happy, right? Her lifetime crush is attracted to her and wants to hook up. Well, apparently not. She turns him down to be “just friends” and then proceeds to write him love letters. Okay, yikes.
Long story short, they obviously get together eventually but for some reason Halle is terrified of him “finding out the truth” about the letters. Huh????? Love letters are romantic? Not to mention Julian even mentions to her that he LIKES these letters and yet.. it somehow becomes a huge point of drama for literally no reason? I did not understand that at all. Who doesn’t want to receive love letters and then find out it’s from the person you’re dating? Please make it make sense.
Also there was so much insta love after they got together it was so disgusting. They barely know each other but after like a month, are saying they are in love (before they even get together). I didn’t see any real chemistry between them and there was nothing in the plot that forced them to open up and grow together. And the grand gesture at the end actually made me burst out laughing with how awful it was. It wasn’t even cheesy, it was just cringey.
The plot literally didn’t exist. The “rivalry” between the two wineries does nothing to actually further the story for the character development. This book could have been set in literally any city and it would have made more sense than Napa. Especially since Halle is a 29 year old gardener who can somehow afford a HOUSE in Napa Valley by herself. Is she planting flowers for Beyoncé? It makes no sense. And her entire personality annoyed me. She’s constantly described as “chaotic” as if it’s some sort of quirk when in reality she doesn’t take any responsibility for her clients (constantly canceling on them), and is unable to pick a single necklace to wear so she wears a bunch of different ones. She acts like a 19 year old, not a 29 year old professional with her own business.
Julian was fine. His entire personality was about making Halle happy or saying he has anxiety when he’s only ever had one anxiety attack in his life (during a very trauma experience that would give anyone anxiety lol). And as someone with pretty bad anxiety, it was annoying how he was portrayed.
All in all, I really disliked this and don’t recommend it. Instead, I highly recommend It Happened One Summer. The spice is great and the plot and characters actually make sense and tell a cute story.
Update: the sequel is MUCH better! Definitely skip this and read that instead.
February 18, 2023
Miss tessa is no longer an auto buy author for me… I’ll be picking her books up from the library maybe
February 26, 2023
dnf @20% , I’m sorry tessa but this is so bad that I’d honestly rather do my physics homework (and I hate physics)
May 15, 2023
i'm free!! this was fucking dreadful. don't even get me started on the raspberry, the filthy knees, or the lit spank bank. just NO. fuck you booktok.
November 30, 2025
"If something happened to you, it would end me. But that fear is only an indication that my heart belongs to you, all right? It's right here. Please just take it."
4.25 stars
4.25 stars
July 5, 2023
I have some mixed feelings about this book. On one hand I really liked the romance between the main characters and the chemistry was so good! There were several scenes that made me smile and swoon. I wasn't a fan of the insta-love between the characters but the author did craft the romance very well. There were several aspects that I didn't like about the book including the pacing, the characters (except Julian), the miscommunication at the end and the plot was all over the place. The pacing was slow throughout the book and the plot dragged. There were a few interesting parts, but I didn't feel engaged in the story and the storyline was inconsistent. Most of the characters didn't have much personality and I didn't connect with them. I have mixed feelings about Hallie, on one side she's kind and outgoing, but I didn't like that she couldn't make up her mind about Julian and she was a bit naive at times. I really liked Julian, he is so sweet, protective, strong, smart, very attractive, honest, caring and swoon worthy. The side characters were okay (I did like Julian's sister Natalie), but they didn't have much personality and weren't interesting. The miscommunication in the book bothered me. I wished that Julian and Hallie communicated their feelings more effectively and talked to each other when something was unclear. The ending was good, but it was a bit predictable. Overall, it was an okay book that had good romance but lacked depth.
February 7, 2023
it’s official guys, It Happened One Summer is Bailey’s one hit wonder
i won’t be quoting much from this book bc duh 1) it’s an ARC and 2) i don’t want the publisher to come for my ass so here’s a brief one -
i adored IHOS and so naturally my expectations were sky high for this one bc people were comparing and saying that they’re quite similar…
- chemistry and tension were nowhere to be found
- the plot was so boring i literally skipped pages
- characters were lowkey bland and dry i needed a glass of water
- the dirty talking felt weird and out-of-nowhere and this is coming from some who liked her heroes’ dirty talking game btw
- the conflict by the end was the most unnecessary shit i’ve ever read
conclusion
i didn’t like Hook Line and Sinker so now that i didn’t enjoy this too, i guess it’s obvious that i won’t be bothered to read the companion novel coming June 2023 but who knows 🤷🏻♀️
i won’t be quoting much from this book bc duh 1) it’s an ARC and 2) i don’t want the publisher to come for my ass so here’s a brief one -
i adored IHOS and so naturally my expectations were sky high for this one bc people were comparing and saying that they’re quite similar…
- chemistry and tension were nowhere to be found
- the plot was so boring i literally skipped pages
- characters were lowkey bland and dry i needed a glass of water
- the dirty talking felt weird and out-of-nowhere and this is coming from some who liked her heroes’ dirty talking game btw
- the conflict by the end was the most unnecessary shit i’ve ever read
conclusion
i didn’t like Hook Line and Sinker so now that i didn’t enjoy this too, i guess it’s obvious that i won’t be bothered to read the companion novel coming June 2023 but who knows 🤷🏻♀️
April 4, 2023
4 stars
If you're looking for a fun, opposites attract rom-com, this is the book for you. Secretly Yours was such a good time. Hallie is a gardener and Julian is a professor who is back in town at his family's vineyard to write a book. Hallie has had a crush on Julian since high school but hasn't seen him in some time. As these two become friends, some secret admire letters come into play.
I'm such a huge fan of one character being totally chaotic and the other one being more buttoned up (think Josh & Hazel's Guide to Not Dating) and this book did that so well. Hallie was a lot, but she also cares a lot and loves a lot. Julian is straight laced and has to learn to loosen up a bit. These two balance each other out perfectly. I loved them together and enjoyed listening to this one so much!
If you're looking for a fun, opposites attract rom-com, this is the book for you. Secretly Yours was such a good time. Hallie is a gardener and Julian is a professor who is back in town at his family's vineyard to write a book. Hallie has had a crush on Julian since high school but hasn't seen him in some time. As these two become friends, some secret admire letters come into play.
I'm such a huge fan of one character being totally chaotic and the other one being more buttoned up (think Josh & Hazel's Guide to Not Dating) and this book did that so well. Hallie was a lot, but she also cares a lot and loves a lot. Julian is straight laced and has to learn to loosen up a bit. These two balance each other out perfectly. I loved them together and enjoyed listening to this one so much!
Audio book source: Libby
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Callie Dalton
Narration Rating: 5 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 10h 49m
September 20, 2025
╰┈➤ 1.5 stars!
it wasn’t good but it wasn’t bad. it’s just a bit boring and it almost made me break my rule of not dnf-ing a book lol.
it wasn’t good but it wasn’t bad. it’s just a bit boring and it almost made me break my rule of not dnf-ing a book lol.
February 9, 2023
3.5 ⭐️ This was cute! 💐💕 I will admit, the plot was a little chaotic, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Tessa never fails to make me laugh till I cry 🥲
February 28, 2023
“If the clutter if yours, I want it. If you’re late, I don’t care. Just fucking show up." PHEWWW ALRIGHTY THEN.
Tessa Bailey just has such a unique way with words…
- You are literally leaching my vagina of moisture.
- I’m much better at speaking to men when I’m busy doing something with my hands.
- That butt had aged like Cabernet. Full bodied and - she assumed - delicious.
- Excuse me. Garçon? I’d like to order a new best friend.
- As soon as she was alone with her phone, she would google, How Horny is Too Horny?
- Are you a whole-ass moron, Julian?
- If this was an inappropriate time to be turned on, someone needed to tell her vagina.
- Hello, I’m three thousand miles from the broken pieces of my life right now. Nice to meet you.
LOOOOOOL. Just LOOOOOOL.
I didn’t really understand the conflict and why our two MC’s felt like they couldn’t be together for the majority of the book. We get it okay, one of you embodies organisation and one of you embodies chaos, but like…. who cares?? Also the third act conflict was not the one. JUST COMMUNICATE PEOPLE!!!!
Anyways, 4 stars because Tessa Bailey is hilarious.
Tessa Bailey just has such a unique way with words…
- You are literally leaching my vagina of moisture.
- I’m much better at speaking to men when I’m busy doing something with my hands.
- That butt had aged like Cabernet. Full bodied and - she assumed - delicious.
- Excuse me. Garçon? I’d like to order a new best friend.
- As soon as she was alone with her phone, she would google, How Horny is Too Horny?
- Are you a whole-ass moron, Julian?
- If this was an inappropriate time to be turned on, someone needed to tell her vagina.
- Hello, I’m three thousand miles from the broken pieces of my life right now. Nice to meet you.
LOOOOOOL. Just LOOOOOOL.
I didn’t really understand the conflict and why our two MC’s felt like they couldn’t be together for the majority of the book. We get it okay, one of you embodies organisation and one of you embodies chaos, but like…. who cares?? Also the third act conflict was not the one. JUST COMMUNICATE PEOPLE!!!!
Anyways, 4 stars because Tessa Bailey is hilarious.
December 31, 2023
Secretly Yours
by Tessa Bailey is a steamy opposites-attract romantic comedy featuring Hallie Welch and Julian Vos. Hallie had a crush on Julian when she was fourteen and they almost kissed in his family’s vineyard. It’s fifteen years later and she still has forgotten him. He’s come home to St. Helena in the Napa Valley of California to write a historical fiction novel. As Hallie gardens outside his window, Julian gets distracted and Hallie gets drunk one night and leaves a secret admirer letter for him to find. Will they get their happily ever after together or is there another future for them?
Hallie is the proprietor of Becca’s Blooms and is a premier gardener in the local area. She’s still reeling from her grandmother’s death and has become somewhat untethered. She’s impulsive, late, flighty, clever, immature for her age, and disorganized. Julian keeps to a rigid schedule. He’s organized, exacting, and efficient. However, he is also protective of others and quick to find solutions.
This is a funny and light read with several steamy scenes and well-developed characters. Themes include romance, crushes, helping others, family, secrets, community, and much more. My main quibbles are that I wanted more tension and obstacles as well as some of the actions of Tessa were improper and unprofessional.
Overall, this is an entertaining and light book, but not very memorable.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was February 7, 2023.
----------------------------------------
My 3.12 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon.
Hallie is the proprietor of Becca’s Blooms and is a premier gardener in the local area. She’s still reeling from her grandmother’s death and has become somewhat untethered. She’s impulsive, late, flighty, clever, immature for her age, and disorganized. Julian keeps to a rigid schedule. He’s organized, exacting, and efficient. However, he is also protective of others and quick to find solutions.
This is a funny and light read with several steamy scenes and well-developed characters. Themes include romance, crushes, helping others, family, secrets, community, and much more. My main quibbles are that I wanted more tension and obstacles as well as some of the actions of Tessa were improper and unprofessional.
Overall, this is an entertaining and light book, but not very memorable.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was February 7, 2023.
----------------------------------------
My 3.12 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon.
June 9, 2023
2.5 ⭐️ A sweet, second-chance romance that takes place in beautiful wine country
"All time is not created equal. I know that now. Time with you is the most substantial of all. I'll probably never be able to stop counting the minutes that we're apart, but the ones when we're together, I'm leaving room for anything."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ small town setting
✨ dual POV
✨ second chance romance
✨ opposites attract
✨ grumpy x sunshine
✨ fun-loving, messy, virgin gardener
✨ serious, organized, secret cinnamon roll professor
✨ secret admirer letters
✨ miscommunication
✨ lies by omission
✨ so much tension
✨ smut
✨ mental health discussions
Summary:
Haille is a carefree gardener who's had a crush on Julian Vos since 9th grade. He was a senior. They almost kissed in the vineyards during a high school party, but when he realized her age, he turned her down. Fifteen years later, Julian is back home after needing a bit of a mental health break when his mother hires Haille to spruce up the carriage house garden. Julian doesn't initially remember her, but once he does, sparks fly and romance blossoms. However, upon Julian's return, Haille wrote him secret admirer letters and doesn't know how to broach the topic without ruining what they have.
Thoughts
It's a fine story, but I must say, I liked the first half of the story more than the second.
Here's what I liked:
Tessa Bailey did a great job introducing us to the characters and setting up the story.
The small-town vibes. I've never read anything that takes place in wine country, so this was different for me, and it worked. I also enjoyed the side drama about saving local businesses.
The romance. During the first half, there was so much tension between these two, and I loved how different they are from each other. The second chance romance with grumpy x sunshine characters was fun, sweet, and often clashed. But in the end, they were able to bring out the best in each other.
Julian. He was such an interesting character. He's a history professor at Stanford on a sabbatical to reevaluate his life. We learn that he has anxiety and suffers from panic attacks, and to feel in control, he develops a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder and keeps himself on a very strict schedule. I've never read a story with an MMC with these struggles, so I found it refreshing. Julian is also a secret cinnamon roll who falls hard for Haille, and his inner thoughts about her were steamy and sweet. She's chaotic and messy, everything that scares him and his orderly life, but by being around her, he forgets time and can relax. I loved his character development.
Here's what I didn't like:
Hailee. I loved her sunshine vibes and chaotic nature, but she was incredibly immature. First off, she has been pining after and cyber-stalking Julian for 15 years. She would watch his lecture videos online because she was that obsessed. Also, she's a virgin at the age of 29. I'm not saying that's good or bad, I was just shocked. And her reasoning for not having sexual relationships in the past is that no one has ever compared to Julian, which is psycho behavior since she didn't really know him at all to begin with. Honestly, if this wasn't a rom-com things could have quickly turned into a psychological thriller story.
The secret admirer letters. I didn't really understand their purpose in the story. She writes them AFTER they have their first sexual encounter. So at this point, there is an already established connection, so why write the letters now? Wouldn't it have made more sense if she wrote them before meeting him again? I also just think secret admirer letters are creepy, so that didn't help.
Julian's dirty talk. Not only was I not a fan of the actual dirty talk, but it seemed completely out of place with his character. He is a super reserved, serious, straight-laced guy but all of a sudden he's saying things like,
"You've been doing such bad things to my dick, sweetheart. Just bouncing with those curls in your tight shorts, not a care in the world, huh? Well, you've got to deal with me now. You've got to let those beautiful tits out and deal with me."
OR
"Your curves shake when I'm packing this thing tight. I know it for a fact now. The parts you're nervous to show me are actually what make me hard, Haille."
OR
"You're going to get so comfortable with me looking and touching and tasting every part of your naked body that you'll learn to bend over with your butt in the air, just like this, and ask me to eat it whole."
OMG WHAT?! (lol) EW, NO TO ALL OF THIS! Also, he has a dirty knee fetish which I'm assuming is because Haille is a gardener. But again, Julian's character did not match up with his persona during sexual encounters.
The conflict at the end. I just felt it was weak/pointless. Using the letters to create an issue with his anxiety isn't something I expected, and it just didn't work.
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions are my own.
"All time is not created equal. I know that now. Time with you is the most substantial of all. I'll probably never be able to stop counting the minutes that we're apart, but the ones when we're together, I'm leaving room for anything."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ small town setting
✨ dual POV
✨ second chance romance
✨ opposites attract
✨ grumpy x sunshine
✨ fun-loving, messy, virgin gardener
✨ serious, organized, secret cinnamon roll professor
✨ secret admirer letters
✨ miscommunication
✨ lies by omission
✨ so much tension
✨ smut
✨ mental health discussions
Summary:
Haille is a carefree gardener who's had a crush on Julian Vos since 9th grade. He was a senior. They almost kissed in the vineyards during a high school party, but when he realized her age, he turned her down. Fifteen years later, Julian is back home after needing a bit of a mental health break when his mother hires Haille to spruce up the carriage house garden. Julian doesn't initially remember her, but once he does, sparks fly and romance blossoms. However, upon Julian's return, Haille wrote him secret admirer letters and doesn't know how to broach the topic without ruining what they have.
Thoughts
It's a fine story, but I must say, I liked the first half of the story more than the second.
Here's what I liked:
Tessa Bailey did a great job introducing us to the characters and setting up the story.
The small-town vibes. I've never read anything that takes place in wine country, so this was different for me, and it worked. I also enjoyed the side drama about saving local businesses.
The romance. During the first half, there was so much tension between these two, and I loved how different they are from each other. The second chance romance with grumpy x sunshine characters was fun, sweet, and often clashed. But in the end, they were able to bring out the best in each other.
Julian. He was such an interesting character. He's a history professor at Stanford on a sabbatical to reevaluate his life. We learn that he has anxiety and suffers from panic attacks, and to feel in control, he develops a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder and keeps himself on a very strict schedule. I've never read a story with an MMC with these struggles, so I found it refreshing. Julian is also a secret cinnamon roll who falls hard for Haille, and his inner thoughts about her were steamy and sweet. She's chaotic and messy, everything that scares him and his orderly life, but by being around her, he forgets time and can relax. I loved his character development.
Here's what I didn't like:
Hailee. I loved her sunshine vibes and chaotic nature, but she was incredibly immature. First off, she has been pining after and cyber-stalking Julian for 15 years. She would watch his lecture videos online because she was that obsessed. Also, she's a virgin at the age of 29. I'm not saying that's good or bad, I was just shocked. And her reasoning for not having sexual relationships in the past is that no one has ever compared to Julian, which is psycho behavior since she didn't really know him at all to begin with. Honestly, if this wasn't a rom-com things could have quickly turned into a psychological thriller story.
The secret admirer letters. I didn't really understand their purpose in the story. She writes them AFTER they have their first sexual encounter. So at this point, there is an already established connection, so why write the letters now? Wouldn't it have made more sense if she wrote them before meeting him again? I also just think secret admirer letters are creepy, so that didn't help.
Julian's dirty talk. Not only was I not a fan of the actual dirty talk, but it seemed completely out of place with his character. He is a super reserved, serious, straight-laced guy but all of a sudden he's saying things like,
"You've been doing such bad things to my dick, sweetheart. Just bouncing with those curls in your tight shorts, not a care in the world, huh? Well, you've got to deal with me now. You've got to let those beautiful tits out and deal with me."
OR
"Your curves shake when I'm packing this thing tight. I know it for a fact now. The parts you're nervous to show me are actually what make me hard, Haille."
OR
"You're going to get so comfortable with me looking and touching and tasting every part of your naked body that you'll learn to bend over with your butt in the air, just like this, and ask me to eat it whole."
OMG WHAT?! (lol) EW, NO TO ALL OF THIS! Also, he has a dirty knee fetish which I'm assuming is because Haille is a gardener. But again, Julian's character did not match up with his persona during sexual encounters.
The conflict at the end. I just felt it was weak/pointless. Using the letters to create an issue with his anxiety isn't something I expected, and it just didn't work.
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions are my own.
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