Marriage of convenience between near-strangers for the win, yet again! There’s a reason why I love the trope so much, and this was another great example. These two almost had a one night stand before things went south, so they’re not-so-friendly when they agree to a temporary marriage that benefits them both. They’re also fully aware that they are attracted to each other in a big way, which is surely a recipe for disaster. I loved the opposites attract vibes, particularly the rugged Navy SEAL turned (terrible) winemaker, who is so absolutely smitten with his girl. He’s also a bit of a golden retriever, with a loving, protective personality that gives off easygoing vibes… outside of the bedroom, at least. That paired perfectly with the put-together, independent heroine, and it was so satisfying to see them realize how well they fit. The only thing that’s holding me back from a 5-star rating is a slower start, but I sincerely enjoyed this overall.
The story follows Natalie, a woman who comes from a family of winemakers. She’s been working in finance for the last several years, but a failed business deal has left her jobless and reeling. Natalie would love to start up her own business and return to the city, but she needs money to make that happen. In an effort to obtain her inheritance, Natalie decides to enter into a temporary marriage of convenience. The last person she expected to volunteer for the role of husband is August, a former Navy SEAL and owner of a failing vineyard. He could also use the money and respect that a marriage to winemaking royalty could provide, so it’s a scenario that could benefit them both. Unfortunately, they’re also openly attracted to each other, and that could pose a problem. It’s not wise to enter into a fake marriage with someone you have real lust for, and neither one is sure what to do about that.
I’m a fan of Bailey’s writing, but I will admit that the first book in this series was a DNF for me. Every author has a miss here or there, and I think a lot of us acknowledge that was one. So I went into this a little less enthusiastic than usual, and it’s entirely possible that’s the reason this had a slower start for me. It also takes me awhile to get into third person POV, as so few contemporary romance novels are written from that perspective these days. But August and Natalie’s chemistry was apparent from the start, and I love a good marriage of convenience romance. As the story progressed, I came to love their bickering/bantering and playful vibes in a major way. It was easy to see why they were perfect for each other, and I also loved how their marriage benefited both in ways that had nothing to do with money. They make each other stronger, and that was obvious. They also have some crazy good chemistry, with plenty of super spicy scenes sprinkled throughout. I can’t quite call it a slow burn, but I appreciated how they worked to build up the emotional connection before going all in. In the end, this was a very strong 4-star/low 5-star read for me, and I’m excited to see what’s next from the author.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/45zZ7Eh
Blurb:
#1 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey is back in Napa Valley with this hilarious rom-com about a down-on-her-luck heiress who suggests a mutually beneficial marriage of convenience to a man she can’t stand… only to discover there’s a fine line between love and hate.
After losing her job and her fiancé in one fell swoop, Natalie Vos returned home to lick her wounds. A few months later, she’s sufficiently drowned her sorrows in cabernet and she’s ready to get back on her feet. She just needs her trust fund to finance her new business venture. Unfortunately, the terms require she marry before she can have the money. And well, dumped, remember?
But Natalie is desperate enough to propose to a man who makes her want to kill him—and kiss him, in equal measure.
August Cates may own a vineyard, but he doesn’t know jack about making wine. He’s determined to do his late best friend proud, no matter what it takes. Except his tasting room is empty, his wine is disgusting (seriously, he once saw someone gag), and his buddy’s legacy is circling the drain. No bank will give him the loan he needs to turn the business around… and then the gorgeous, feisty heiress knocks on his door.
Natalie has haunted August’s dreams since the moment they met, but their sizzling chemistry immediately morphed into simmering insults. Now, a quickie marriage could help them both. A sham wedding, a few weeks living under the same roof, and then they can go their separate ways—assuming they make it out alive. How hard could it be?
There’s just one thing they didn’t account for: their unfortunate, unbearable, undeniable attraction.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/45zZ7Eh
About the Author:
#1 New 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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Jeeves Reads Romance 
I’m glad you liked this one. I enjoyed the first book, so I’m looking forward to this one.
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Yeah, I liked it more and more as the story progressed! Hope you enjoy it.
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