Newly fired from my Manhattan job and fresh off a bad breakup, is it any wonder I got a little tipsy during a wine-tasting road trip and ended up doing snow angels on the winery lawn… in June?
Cosimo Grado, the gorgeous, grumpy, Clark Kent look-alike owner, was not amused. He’s even less amused when his brother hires me on the spot for a summer position at the winery. Pretty sure I saw steam on those sexy glasses he wears. But some time away from the city is just what I need to get my life back on track, so I take the job.
It’s true. I don’t know anything about wine…yet. I’m not the flighty, spoiled city girl he thinks I am. All I need is a chance to prove myself. But the all-work-no-play Cosimo’s mind is made up.
Too bad for him avoiding me is impossible since we’re both living and working on the premises for the next several weeks. And as the summer heats up, so does the tension between us. He’s trying to focus on his new role as the protector of his family legacy. I’m trying to mend my broken heart before returning to my real life in the city. Neither one of us needs the distraction.
But one late night in the tasting room and the tension finally bubbles over. Now, I’m falling for my boss and my dented heart is telling me to run.
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.
If you're looking for a relaxed read, this one would be perfect for the beach, pool....or the lake!
Brooke had not only broke up with her current boyfriend but was let go from her job in the concrete jungle of NYC. A girls' trip to Grado Valley winery in upstate NY was the perfect solution for a break before she had to find another job. The moment she arrived, the winery reminded her of her childhood and the time she'd spent on a lake. She had never been so relaxed and loved the scenery there so attempting to take a summer job here was a no-brainer. This would give her the time to figure out her future. Except she's attracted to Cosimo, who runs the winery....and he hates her.
Cosimo is running the winery while his parents and sister go to Italy. He's nervous about taking the winery by the reins and knows some changes had to be made to put their winery above the others in the region. He's serious, all business, and is ticked off at the attention his mind gives to Brooke. She was a distraction! There were things that instantly put him off about her, but that was a good thing if she were to get a summer job at Grado. Because, there was a rule about dating employees.
You get a delicious viewpoint of 'what the heart wants' as their story unfolds. I was gifted with an ARC and couldn't wait to recommend this book. I think taking it on vacation near the water would be a perfect backdrop to Cosimo and Brooke's story.
What a great book and it won't take you many pages before you feel like you're at Grado Valley winery. The descriptions are so vivid. You'll love that Cosimo and Brooke's story is told from a dual POV so you're able to 'read their thoughts'. Their banter is hilarious at times. He's Mr Grumpy and she's Miss Sunshine. It's obvious that they got started on the wrong foot when he found her doing snow angels at his vineyard in June. He has the world on his shoulders as he takes over running his families vineyard while his parents were in Italy. She nursing a bad breakup and a job loss. Tensions mount when she's hired as a summer intern at the vineyard. Their chemistry is off the charts and the story will grab your attention right at the beginning and you won't be able to put it down. This author is a master story teller and it's a pleasure to read her stories. I read a free advance copy and voluntarily chose to review it.
Loved everything about this book. Cosimo is the perfect grumpy hero, and the chemistry...*fans self* I can't wait to revisit this family winery over and over again.
What a delightful introduction to Grado Valley Vineyards. An easy read, as well as informative. You can tell Bella Michaels did her research on vineyards and what compositions make up certain wines. I loved the way Ms. Michaels' integrated women's history with the vineyard history, as well as giving a charitable donation with the proceeds of a bottle named after a female member of the family. In book 1 we meet most of the family. There are 3 boys and 1 girl. Cosimo is the oldest and has recently taken over the running of the vineyard from his parents. Brooke is taking a wine tour with her girlfriends and she meets Cosimo at Grado Valley. A slow burn romance ensues. I am ready to read the next in the series!
Wow, this is amazing! This is definitely my new favourite book by the author. I absolutely loved Brooke and Cos' story. They're so entertaining to read. Their banter had me in stitches. Not only the two of them who captured my attention but the rest of the side characters too. Safe to say, I couldn't put the book down so I finished it in just one sitting. Even though I didn't want it to end. This is a must-read!
This is a wonderful lighthearted read that is perfect for a sunny day relaxing in your garden with a glass of your favourite tipple. Pop and Pour is the new series from Bella, and from reading this I can tell you, it’s going to be outstanding!
Cosimo runs the Grado Valley Vineyards, that’s with the help of his brothers and sister, now his parents have finally retired. It’s tough work but someone has to do it, then a woman comes on the scene, Brooke, and for both of them something just clicks, it’s Hate at first site, yes you heard me correctly, Hate!
Don’t worry I’m sure it’s going to work out just fine, interfering friends, relatives, rain and much wine, help to solve the issues. Great writing by Bella. So looking forward to reading Neo’s book.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
What kept me around was the location and scenery. I felt like the two had little chemistry. Their conversations were always off. One minute they hated each other next they loved each other. ?? I missed something or it's missing something.
Loved it! This is a really sweet,endearing romance with little angst and a delightful read. I really enjoyed it. Cosimo and Brookes relationship doesn't exactly start off on a positive note. After losing her job and losing her boyfriend who happened to be her boss,Brooke is on a girls trip with her besties.They all end up at Grado Valley to do a wine tasting. Cosimo Grado is the Eldest son in the Grado family and has just been handed the reins and responsibilty of running the family buisness,When his parents retire.He is feeling the pressure to keep the family traditions and is a workaholic rarely taking the a day off.The last thing he needs is a bunch of rowdy drunk women,he happens to lead the tasting for Brookes group.They notice one another but Cosimo is angry with Brooke as she spends most of the time on her phone,annoying the hell out of him.They certainly make an impression on eachother just not a good one. Brooke is feeling lost she has no job and doesn't know what to do,when she is persuaded to stay there and apply for a summer job with Grado valley,even though she knows nothing about wine.But this little break will help her figure out what she wants to do with her life. She certainly never expects to fall in love with Grado valley and the moody broody Cosimo Grado and the man who is now her boss.Cosimo cannot believe that Brooke has the nerve to apply for a job with them,but they are under staffed and need the help so his brother hires her on the spot. There is so much chemistry between them and the attraction is so evident and as they get to know one another they find that they actually like eachother and get on great. But there is a no fraternization policy and so all the dirty thoughts that they have for one another will have to stay contained and never acted upon. This is my first Bella Michaels book and It won't be my last,as this is the first book in a series about the Grado family.and I am excited to find out about the other characters stories. Pop and Pour is an excellent read sexy and sweet, funny and charming it kept me entertained all the way through,and Bella's writing is so descriptive and flows effortlessly. I think this will be an anazing series and fantastic for a comfort read on a bad day. I can't wait for Neo's book . Loved it. 5 Stars.
Bella Michaels has once again delivered another home run right outta the ballpark with Pop And Pour the first installment In what I can already tell is going to be a amazing new series!!! Fun , sweet , sexy , romantic, intriguing, heartbreaking and heartwarming, family , friendships, second chances, witty banter , humor , drama , angst , small town , grumpy sunshine , unforgettable and unputdownable. Cosimo and Brookes journey is definitely not all hearts and flowers but one thing is undeniable and that is the off the charts chemistry they share . It’s not often I come across a book that has the ability to captivate me as completely as this awesome story did or stir as many emotions as Cosimo and Brooke’s journey did , I laughed, I cried and I found myself rooting so hard . So do yourself a favor and read this phenomenal book ASAP
I thought this book was so cute. I love romances that take place at a family winery. It's such a beautiful and romantic setting. I loved all of the characters and how they interacted and grew over the course of the book. I do think that conflict resolution was a bit rushed. I wish it was flushed out a bit more and maybe like 20 pages longer. I do want to read more in this series and see what else the Grado family is up to!
Pop and Pour by Bella Michaels ticks ALL of the boxes! Grumpy and sunshine, workplace romance, and so much more!
Cosimo and Brook are EVERYTHING I needed them to be and were such an amazing pair to witness the growth, development, and burgeoning relationship of!
Cosimo is growly, direct, driven, has a lot of pressure that he's placed on himself to succeed, and is trying to do his best by the people he loves and the place that is his livelihood. And he looks FINE whilst doing that!
Brooke is feisty and fiery and full of energy, overcoming some knock backs that would fell some people, she simply smiles and carries on; her fortitude and resilience is inspiring and she's so caring!
The push and pull, the will they won't they, the tension, the chemistry, the banter, all contributing to an engaging story about overcoming differences, trusting yourself and others, and remembering that you deserve love, and are allowed to love and be loved in return.
Pop and Pour is set in a wonderful world with vivid descriptions building the scenery, excellent characterization of the people that surround you in the story, and draws you in with all of the senses, leaving you hungry for a taste! You won't regret meeting and falling in love with these dynamic characters!
P. S. So....when can I book my tour and tasting at Grado Valley Vineyards?!
Pop and Pour is an amazing start to a new series that you won’t be able to put down. Nothing better than a story set in a family run vineyard. Lots of colorful characters that will keep you busy wondering what they will get into next.
Family traditions are important and each member tries to do the best they can. What will this next generation of Grado Valley Vineyards do to keep their legacy strong? This story is about Cosimo Grado, the eldest son and his meeting with Brooke, who he thinks is not anyone he wants to have anything to do with. Good thing his siblings think otherwise.
This is such a great story to read, I fell in love with the characters immediately and cannot wait for the next book in the series. I have had a the pleasure of being given an ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
I want to live here. In this book. Yes, yes I do! Firstly Brooke.....she and I would definitely be friends and that is how I would get to GVV for my first trip. Cosimo....his whole family....I want to be part of that. I'll work there, get a summer job. Yep...it's settled. I'm going.
I loved this book. It's fun, hot, sexy. The picture in my head of the Vineyard....just beautiful. Loved it!
This is the beginning of a fantastic new series and family to love. Cosimo may seem a tad judgmental and cold at first, but he’s not having the easiest time trying to find his footing as the new head of the family business. And Brooke? Well, she’s just not having the easiest time period right now. But the views of this small town on a lake call to her, so maybe this is where she’s meant to be. Working for the grump who also kisses like he’s born to kiss her and only her. After all, a little confusion and angst are a fair trade for those views and the peace, aren’t they?
I’m not even a wine drinker and this book sucked me in. The art behind the wine making, the beauty of the land, the ideas that Brooke has to make it all better…I was sold from jump. Cosimo and Brooke may only have the summer, but they can definitely make it memorable. Unless they can actually communicate about wanting more. Or will their lack of verbal communication sink them?
There’s a lot to love about this town. The camaraderie, the sibling love displayed via teasing, the new friends. All of it. So much that I can’t wait to come back for more because Neo has one heck of a tale to tell next, I’m sure of it.
A sexy romance set in wine country, where Brooke Ellis takes refuge after having been dismissed by her ex from her previous job. Unfortunately, as hilarious as the situation is, Brooke is still uncomfortable with how the situation came about. Overly serious and judgmental Cosimo Grado is her new boss, albeit just for the summer, and whilst he is the epitome of hot, he certainly manages to give off disapproving vibes. Theirs is a case of not being able to trust their first impressions, and once they get their first meeting out of the way, their attraction for one another cannot be contained. Regretfully, Brooke's short-term employment and the Grado Winery's non-fraternization policy make it difficult for Brooke and Cos to work around their feelings. Fortunately, Cos's brothers are more pragmatic and with timely advice, they save the day. The novel comes to an amusing and romantic conclusion as the Grado family comes together once again. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Everything is written in past tense, there’s a chapter in the middle of the book that seems as if it should have been in the beginning of the book and the whole thing just felt rushed. Could be a really cute idea and storyline if it was written better.
THIS BOOK IS A HOOT AND A MUST READ!!! Pop and Pour by Bella Michaels is truly an original and I have to say though a romance novel this book had me laughing with so many one-liners and banter. What an incredible read and writer. I could not put this book down. What I love about Bella’s books that the hero and heroine are telling this story so you get each of there perspectives. I mostly read historical romance but I have become a huge fan of Bella’s as her books are just so wonderful to read. It as if you are reading a real life story and yes no-one can compare to Henry Cavill ( you will just have to read this book to find out what that is all about). I found this book easy to read, so original, vivid descriptions, wonderful characters and just a joy to read. Bella has become a new favorite of mine and this book is the one of the reasons why. This story has a son taking over his father’s vineyard and winery, a girls weekend to cheer a friend up after being laid off and breaking up with her boyfriend, super hot brothers, being terrified, misunderstanding which gave off the wrong first impression, have a no dating the employees policy, wanting to get away from city living, brothers at their best in ribbing each other, a bother’s interference and hire her for the summer, jealousy, honesty and falling in love. I don’t want to give too much away as I am highly recommending you read this book. It is FANTASTIC!!!!
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
Pop and Pour is our introduction to the Grado Family winery and all they have to offer! Located in the beautiful and scenic upstate New York Finger Lakes region we are given a beautiful description of our destination. I am such a fan of this area and being taken there in this series was so much fun. Pack your bags for our girl's weekend! We are on our way to delicious wine, breath taking scenery and opposites attract romcom! Brooke has recently had a few setbacks in work, romance and just needs a change. So, when a trip with her gal pals comes up, she packs her bags and heads to the lakes. Cosimo Grado is the eldest in the family and his parents have just decided to step back and allow their children to spread their wings. He is responsible, bossy, driven and some may say a bit of a grumphole! Now let's meet Brooke, she is funny, so sassy, very good at her job, not looking for love and oh so feisty! When their paths cross at his winery let's just say it is not a meet cute. There is tension, witty sarcastic banter and a deep underlying pull that neither of them saw coming. Cosimo is relieved when Brooke and her friends finally leave but when she shows back up for the Summer as tasting room employee things are about to more than interesting. Oh, my heavens this couple is funny, have wonderful banter, are fighting the attraction and are surrounded by a great cast of characters! Great start to this series! ~~Michele McMullen~~
Prepare for one of the cutest romance novels ever! With a perfect amount of steam and sweet, I absolutely loved the first book in this series.
Brooke Ellis was the head of product development when she lost her job and boyfriend on the same day. Things quickly turn around when her best friends take her on a wine tasting tour and she falls in love with the Grado Valley Vineyards and their beautiful location. The grumpy manager not so much.
Cosimo Grado wasn't in the mood to take care of the group of women that came in for a tasting, especially when one of them couldn't be bothered to get off her phone. Finding her in his office the next day to apply for a job was a considerable shock.
Brooke is only there for the summer which is good since Cos absolutely does not date employees. Even though Cos and Brooke have a rough start their relationship sparked like a wild fire and was cuter than ever.
I received a free copy and freely offer this review.
Pop and Pour was an excellent summer read. Perfect for vacation or just an escape for your mind while at home. The story is fun and flirty with little drama and the perfect amount of chemistry and tension. The cast of secondary characters who I'm sure we will be seeing again at least the Grado family were fantastic, exactly the kind of family you want to continue to read about. Cosimo and Brooke start out on the worst footing doing nothing but irritating each other so you know right away there will be laughs and Cosimo having brothers there will be some poking of the bear as Cosimo finds his place at the helm of Grado Valley Vineyard. Everything about this story was easy and I couldn't have enjoyed it more I can't wait for the next book. I have voluntarily left this review.
When reading this story my heart hurt for Brooke she has been through so much so what do her friends do they take her on a girl's trip. She has nothing going for her so when she meets a man at a wine tasting she can feel his hate. She's not sure what she did to him, but he needs to get over himself. Cosmo is hot as heck and I loved him immediately. He takes his animosity for Brooke to a whole new level, but his brothers and sister well adore her. When she decides that she needs a change she gets a job at the winery. Now, these two will have to work together and Cosmo will have to open his eyes. Brooke doesn't take anything and this love story will have you wanting more.
When reading this story my heart hurt for Brooke she has been through so much so what do her friends do they take her on a girl's trip. She has nothing going for her so when she meets a man at a wine tasting she can feel his hate. She's not sure what she did to him, but he needs to get over himself. Cosmo is hot as heck and I loved him immediately. He takes his animosity for Brooke to a whole new level, but his brothers and sister well adore her. When she decides that she needs a change she gets a job at the winery. Now, these two will have to work together and Cosmo will have to open his eyes. Brooke doesn't take anything and this love story will have you wanting more.
I received this as an arc from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review.
This was a great small town romance. The story was really slow burn which isn’t usually my preference but it really worked for the storyline. I liked the way it clearly served as a first in a series story, introducing the characters and the place but still the main focus was on Brooke and Cosimo. The two had amazing chemistry and I loved how it was just straight forward for them but it still wasn’t a story with a lot of unnecessary drama. I loved it and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
I love knowing I can pick them up for a feel good read with a happy ending. This one is set at a beautiful winery run in part by some pretty good looking brothers.
I loved the alternating perspectives between Cos and Brooke. I loved the steam and tension between them. I loved the banter back and forth.
I alslo love that there is more to come, an opportunity to revisit this gorgeous place and escape into the romance world.
Huge thanks to the author for providing me a gifted copy of this one!
Brook loses her job and her boyfriend in one event. A girl's trip through wine country soothes the hurt. In fact Grado Valley seems like a great place to summer while she figures out next steps. A summer job at Grado Valley vineyards, and accompanying cottage will allow her to not stress on funds.
Cosimo runs Grado Valley Vineyards, and gets a negative first impression of Brooke. Too bad, as his brother just hired her and arranged for her to live on-site. Fresh and Flirty, with entertaining banter.
Such a cute read. I love the fact his family owns a winery. I love the attraction between Cosimo and Brooke. They were amazing together and the sparks flew even when they didn't like one another.
The fact that Brooke is living in the city when her heart belonged by a lake in peace resonates with me.
I love how Cos's brothers stand up to him and get him out of his own way and how Brooke made alternate plans.
I simply adored the story, the characters and can't wait to read me about the family.
Marvelous descriptions! Now, yearning to go visit the fingerlakes and all the wineries there. Loved the family dynamics. The brothers were just perfect in their interactions. Brooke and Cos just felt too immature sometimes. The sex might gratuitous . Overall, a fun read! Will read more of the series .
A delightful, fun romance. I have to admit, one of the draws was the backdrop of a winery. (My significant other is a winemaker.) I wasn't disappointed. No inaccuracies! Great characters and I enjoyed it a lot.