Starred review from June 27, 2022
Bestseller Guillory (The Wedding Party) sets this scintillating workplace romance at a Napa Valley vineyard. Its co-owner, Margot Noble, faces a crisis of conscience when she realizes that her recent steamy one-night stand is also her new employee, Luke Williams, hired by her brother in her absence. Though their intense attraction lingers, Margot’s determined not to sleep with her employee (again). Her brother, the vineyard’s other owner, doesn’t believe she deserves to have inherited her half of the business from their uncle, and she doesn’t want to give him any more ammunition to use against her. The situation is just as fraught for Luke, who recently quit a high-paying tech job with a discriminatory boss—a fact he hasn’t yet told his mother, who also mistakenly believes he’s dating his best friend. A relationship with Margot would only complicate things further—but knowing that does nothing to curtail his desire. When his mother has an accident, Luke quits the vineyard to fill in at her inn, giving Luke and Margot the opportunity to explore their chemistry at last. His shyness and her strength are an orgasmic combination, but Margot’s fear of being judged and Luke’s need to prove himself worthy threaten their happiness. The lush background and Guillory’s signature blend of sexy, sweet, and funny keep the pages flying. This is a gem. Agent: Holly Root, Root Literary.
March 1, 2023
Margot Noble and her brother inherited a California vineyard; managing it together has been rewarding but stressful. In search of some escape, Margot has a one-night stand with Luke, a sexy and charming former tech worker searching for his own place in the world. After their spectacular night, Margot is shocked when Luke shows up at work the next day--he is the new employee that her brother hired on her day off. It's a struggle to keep things professional as the two fall further and further in love. Guillory's (By the Book) latest is a fun and flirty listen, enlivened by the engaging push and pull as the characters balance love with workplace dictates. Narrators Heidi Franklin and Ryan Vincent Anderson provide sparkling performances, with Franklin capturing Margot's drive and strong personality and Anderson bringing out Luke's sensitivity. VERDICT Guillory satisfyingly plays with romantic tropes, creating a thoroughly contemporary romance set against the beautiful background of California's wine country. Recommend to fans of Denise Williams, Farrah Rochon, and Abby Jimenez.--Elyssa Everling
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