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.

Readaroo Rating: 4 stars

My heartfelt thanks for the copy that was provided for my honest and unbiased review.

More and more, I've really come to enjoy Sally Hepworth's brand of domestic suspense, and The Soulmate is another worthy one to add to the collection.

Pippa and Gabe's perfect house is situated on a cliff, with sweeping views and a dramatic drop down to the jagged rocks and sea below. That's why they always warn their children to stay away from the edge. But the spot attracts unwanted attention, with people coming there to end their lives. Up till now, Gabe has managed to talk all of them from jumping, but his luck has finally run out. But when Pippa learns that the woman who jumped has a connection to Gabe, she starts to wonder if she really knows her husband at all.

Dun dun dun! Okay, that premise sounds awesome. I can't help but be drawn in, and it turned out to be a riveting read. This easily could've been one of those books I read in one sitting if I had the time.

But to properly enjoy this, I think it's important to set the right expectations. This book isn't a mystery or thriller by any means. It's more of a domestic drama, with the narrative told in a nonlinear fashion to add that necessary bit of suspense. And it works. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, even though there was nothing that shocking or crazy going on.

Hepworth has a way of sketching out the dynamics in dysfunctional families that just hooks the reader. This time, it's a marriage that seems perfect from the outside, but the flaws are there once you peel away the layers. Add to that children, extended families, and a dose of mystery, and it makes the whole thing very fun and exciting.

As for the big reveal at the end, there really wasn't anything like that. While everything is explained and resolved, there certainly weren't any jaw-dropping or even eyebrow-raising moments. But it still feels like a satisfying conclusion.

This is the third Sally Hepworth I've read, and now that I have my expectations set correctly, I've really come to enjoy her stories and writing style. Whenever I want a family drama with a dash of suspense mixed in, she's definitely an author I reach for.

Readaroo Rating: 4 stars

This was a pick for my Book of the Month box. Get your first book for $5 here.