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Love & Wine #2
Finally Yours
You always want what you can't have...
What do Tim Tams and Jack Wilson have in common? Other than both being Australian…nothing! One is an amazingly delicious chocolate-covered cookie, and the other is a total nightmare.
At least that’s how Lauren Somerville feels when Jack and the cookies walk back into her life fourteen years later. As much as Lauren isn’t thrilled to see him, Jack is ready to prove that Tim Tams aren’t the only good thing to come from the Land Down Under.
He may have been an arrogant kid when they met, but time has been good to him, because now he has the looks to back it up. But Lauren has the upper hand. As the owner of the world famous Somerville Winery & Vineyard, he works for her now.
And you know what they say about sour grapes…
What do Tim Tams and Jack Wilson have in common? Other than both being Australian…nothing! One is an amazingly delicious chocolate-covered cookie, and the other is a total nightmare.
At least that’s how Lauren Somerville feels when Jack and the cookies walk back into her life fourteen years later. As much as Lauren isn’t thrilled to see him, Jack is ready to prove that Tim Tams aren’t the only good thing to come from the Land Down Under.
He may have been an arrogant kid when they met, but time has been good to him, because now he has the looks to back it up. But Lauren has the upper hand. As the owner of the world famous Somerville Winery & Vineyard, he works for her now.
And you know what they say about sour grapes…
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2019
162 people are currently reading
488 people want to read
About the author
Claire Raye
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Claire Raye are a BFF writing duo that love to drink wine, eat cheese and write about strong, sassy women and the men who love them.
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Claire Raye are a BFF writing duo that love to drink wine, eat cheese and write about strong, sassy women and the men who love them.
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE!
https://www.claireraye.com
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM!
https://www.instagram.com/claire_raye...
JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/82705...
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!
https://www.facebook.com/clairerayeau...
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK:
https://www.tiktok.com/@clairerayeauthor
VISIT OUR AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE!
https://www.amazon.com/author/claireraye
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
October 8, 2019
I have read my fair share of books from the enemies to lovers tropes (It is one of my favourite!), so I am always excited to read a book if it's even remotely related to that trope.
Finally Yours is a sweet, fun and sexy weekend read. It’s a quick read without going over the top with the drama and what not.
Jack and Lauren relationship makes for an entertaining read that is filled with witty banters, swoony chemistry and sweet moments.
The secondary characters are ok…thought the kids are one of the shinning stars in this book.
Finally Yours is what we look for in a romcom.. humour, heart, a dash of sexy and a pinch of drama.
Finally Yours is a sweet, fun and sexy weekend read. It’s a quick read without going over the top with the drama and what not.
Jack and Lauren relationship makes for an entertaining read that is filled with witty banters, swoony chemistry and sweet moments.
The secondary characters are ok…thought the kids are one of the shinning stars in this book.
Finally Yours is what we look for in a romcom.. humour, heart, a dash of sexy and a pinch of drama.
September 9, 2019
Copy of Kindle edition is provided from Netgalley
This book seems to fail in building the plot/ momentum. The story is pretty simple. A childhood friend who comes back to declare his love to his true love. Jack is the hero and Lauren is the heroine. About 80% of the book we get a glimpse of their short time during childhood where Jack loved to tease Lauren. The Jack went back to Australia.
They met again when Jack returns to USA. As Lauren's employee. The first 70 of this book is just about sex. But not hot sex. See the author fails to build the character development/ chemistry. So it seems very short and forced how Jack and Lauren get back together. The the rest is just sex. The author also can not inject the momentum of the climax of the stories, which is the significant other of Jack and Lauren during their separate time.
The author put this climax toward the end of the story and resolved it very quickly.
Overall the story have potential. But execute very poorly.
2 stars
This book seems to fail in building the plot/ momentum. The story is pretty simple. A childhood friend who comes back to declare his love to his true love. Jack is the hero and Lauren is the heroine. About 80% of the book we get a glimpse of their short time during childhood where Jack loved to tease Lauren. The Jack went back to Australia.
They met again when Jack returns to USA. As Lauren's employee. The first 70 of this book is just about sex. But not hot sex. See the author fails to build the character development/ chemistry. So it seems very short and forced how Jack and Lauren get back together. The the rest is just sex. The author also can not inject the momentum of the climax of the stories, which is the significant other of Jack and Lauren during their separate time.
The author put this climax toward the end of the story and resolved it very quickly.
Overall the story have potential. But execute very poorly.
2 stars
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August 28, 2019
Finally Yours is book one of an all new series by Claire Raye. If you subscribe to their newsletter and read Always Yours, you got a brief introduction to Lauren and Jack. If you didn’t read it, that is fine because you will get the story.
I have been DYING to read this book and it was everything I could have wished for and so much more. I am completely in love with Lauren and Jack. Lauren has some sass to her; she is a feisty woman and everyone at the Vineyard knows she is the boss. Jack, well what can I say about him other than I love him. I loved how much he loved to tease Lauren as children, I love his sweet side, his romantic side. Plus, who doesn’t love an Aussie?!?
The chemistry between Lauren and Jack was PERFECT! I loved their banter, both in the bits we got of the past and in the future. It was the typical, boy picks on you which means he has a crush on you. Lauren tried to fight it, but she couldn’t only stay away for the Tim Tams and Jack’s charm for so long.
The secondary characters were great additions (minus two of them), but you’ll easily understand who those two are once you read this. I loved that there was more Ellen and Will and a repeat of Will and his amazing skunk wresting skills. I really loved Ellen and Will’s twins, Oscar and Olivia. Especially their terrible timing.
Claire Raye’s writing is beautiful. The dynamics they create between the characters is real and nothing feels forced when it comes to the story. The description of the scenes is vivid and you can easily picture yourself standing in the middle of the Vineyard or taking part in the grape wars.
Finally Yours is sweet, hilarious, romantic and steamy. I was hooked from the very beginning and devoured this book in a single sitting. I couldn’t put it down. This is a MUST READ BOOK and one that I will be recommending to anyone and everyone I know. If it was possible to rate this more than 5 stars I would, because it deserves a million.
***ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review***
I have been DYING to read this book and it was everything I could have wished for and so much more. I am completely in love with Lauren and Jack. Lauren has some sass to her; she is a feisty woman and everyone at the Vineyard knows she is the boss. Jack, well what can I say about him other than I love him. I loved how much he loved to tease Lauren as children, I love his sweet side, his romantic side. Plus, who doesn’t love an Aussie?!?
The chemistry between Lauren and Jack was PERFECT! I loved their banter, both in the bits we got of the past and in the future. It was the typical, boy picks on you which means he has a crush on you. Lauren tried to fight it, but she couldn’t only stay away for the Tim Tams and Jack’s charm for so long.
The secondary characters were great additions (minus two of them), but you’ll easily understand who those two are once you read this. I loved that there was more Ellen and Will and a repeat of Will and his amazing skunk wresting skills. I really loved Ellen and Will’s twins, Oscar and Olivia. Especially their terrible timing.
Claire Raye’s writing is beautiful. The dynamics they create between the characters is real and nothing feels forced when it comes to the story. The description of the scenes is vivid and you can easily picture yourself standing in the middle of the Vineyard or taking part in the grape wars.
Finally Yours is sweet, hilarious, romantic and steamy. I was hooked from the very beginning and devoured this book in a single sitting. I couldn’t put it down. This is a MUST READ BOOK and one that I will be recommending to anyone and everyone I know. If it was possible to rate this more than 5 stars I would, because it deserves a million.
***ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review***
September 12, 2019
A cute romance and a fun summer read based between vineyards and hot Aussie men? What more can one ask? It was fun, hot ride that made us ask for more. I would definitely love to read the story between Ellen and Will to know how they met and ended up with the two sweethearts Ollie and Oscar (the two O’s) Although got to question the cover. Isn’t Jack blonde too?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2019
Jack & Lauren will steal your hearts! A MUST READ! Check out my FULL BLOG REVIEW & MORE -> CLICK HERE
October 10, 2019
3.5 STARS
Adult Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy, Enemies-to-Lovers
First Person, dual-POV
Book #1 of the Love & Wine series, there is a prequel novella that is not needed, but helps to understand their past
Addictiveness: 4/5 This book was a one-sitting read for me. It kept me going until the end. As addictive as ice cream!!!
Character: hero 4/5, heroine 3.5/5, secondary characters 5/5, growth 4/5, real 4/5 Characters were multidimensional with good background to them. They were easy to understand.
Jack was a good hero. They had history together, in which he was foolish like most teenage boys are. 14 years later, he is ready to make a better impression. He still shows his teasing habits but in a smaller scale. I love the interactions with Lauren's family, specially her nephew.
Lauren still felt a bit immature for me. She had a tendency of creating major storms out of a glass of water. The fact that she was still acting like a child for the pranks of a teenager 14 years later, makes no sense at all. Really too much drama for me. I love her niece and nephew and how she related to her entire family.
I have read the prequel and I have to say that I loved Will and Ellen more than Lauren and Jack. If it weren't for Ellen, Jack and Lauren may never had their second chance. In fact, I love the entire family. I love Lauren's parents, her sister and brother-in-law, and her nephew and niece are the stars of it all.
Villains… or antagonists... really I believe they had no major roles here. Closer to the end, some people from the past showed up, but I still believe their major problems were keeping secrets that had not reason to be kept.
All characters were easy to connect and understand, I had a tougher time trying to love Lauren. She annoyed me too much.
Cover: art 4.5/5, title 5/5, color-font 5/5, buy 5/5 I’m obsessed with book covers. I love to find snippets of the stories within the art. I love how this cover has being made for this particular story. I love how it feels like a bunch of pictures. I love the sort of blurry feel. I like how the couple is looking loving and chilled. I love the winery at the back cover. The title is catching and the subtitle add to the overall feel of the book. I would easily buy this book by its cover, without needing to read the blurb!
Freshness: 4/5 This was a good contemporary romance with a good plot concept. I like how the meeting happened in the past and how it has to cross oceans to turn in a reality. It felt fresh, original! As fresh as ice cream!
Plot: believable 3/5, conflict 2.5/5, dialogue 4/5, ending 53/5, enjoyment 4/5, opening 4/5, pace 4/5, setting 5/5, subplots 4/5, twists 3/5 Good opening and great ending. Amazing setting and enjoyable pace. Interesting subplot. The twist didn't really worked for me and the conflict felt forced. High level of enjoyment!
Romance: believable 4/5, chemistry 5/5, description 3.5/5, development 4/5, steam 4/5 I've believed in their chemistry since the prequel. The couple did like each other and I kind of enjoy the love/hate game. The smut was good, even though sometimes only one note. Passionate love!
Writing Style: 3.5/5 I love the concept of the story and the fresh vibe of the plot. I've enjoyed the family feel and loved the secondary characters. The story kept me going and made me very curious to what comes next. Good writing!
Plot: I didn't like the conflict. I didn't understand why both main characters kept their past as a secret since it had nothing to do with each other. Also, their past knocking on their door by the end of the book felt like unnecessary. I believe, their major struggles were themselves and the story really didn't need the extra baggage.
This is a series, that has a standalone vibe, but I would recommend everybody to read the prequel. It not only give you an overall view of the amazing family Lauren has, but also gives a lot of insight into Jack and Lauren's past.
If I were to guess, I would say Tommy will get a book next!
27.5/35 STARS – 3.5 STARS (between 31.5 stars and 33 stars)
Addictiveness: 4 Character: 3.5 Cover: 4.5 Freshness: 4 Plot: 3.5 Romance: 4.5 Writing Style: 3.5
Action 1/5 Angst 0/5 Darkness 0/5 Humor 4/5 Romance 5/5 Suspense/Mystery 0/5
Would I recommend? Sure. If you like cute, sweet romance.
Would I re-read this book/series? I will follow the series, I don't think I would reread it though.
Would I read more from the author? I will try to follow the series and see what comes next.
You may read this because you like the author you SHOULD read this because you enjoy sweet romance; you MUST read this for a great family romance in a wonderful setting!!!
February 24, 2020
Books like this are quite a conundrum for me. For the most part, very little of the story worked for me. But the parts that did work, really did.
Jack Wilson is returning to Napa, California 14 years after he left as a 15 year old, when he stayed at the Somerville Winery & Vineyard while his dad installed a grape crushing machine. Now that same machine is broken, and one of the owners has contacted the Australian to come see if if can be repaired.
The other owner, Lauren Somerville, is not happy to see him. Long story short...Jack and Lauren had mutual crushes, which manifested itself as picking on each other and teasing. Lauren told herself she wasn’t sad to see Jack leave, then apparently decided she was. Now Jack’s back, and Lauren is pissed off to see him standing in her vineyard, but she needs him to fix the crusher.
For Jack’s part, this chance to return to Napa couldn’t have come at a better time. And even though he’s not sure if the vineyard is still owned by the same family, he’s determined to use this opportunity to find the girl he’s “never forgotten.” He’s thrilled to discover he’ll be working for Lauren and does his best to make her fall in love with him. Spoiler Alert: he succeeds.
There’s so much about this book that crushed my enjoyment.
For starters, I’m not a fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope, and this book is exhibit A of why. I totally don’t get the whole “I hate his guts” but “his touch turns my insides to goo” thing. And the first half of the book was SO FULL of that. Not to mention I think her “hate” was so silly to begin with. So he played some pranks on her 14 years ago. He wasn’t mean or malicious. As an adult, are you not able to move past what was obvious goofing around? Even as adults their initial interactions were still juvenile - Jack insisting on calling Lauren by a nickname he knows she doesn’t like, and her acting all incensed is just the beginning of it. These people are adults, but they sure didn’t act like it for a good part of the book.
Then, the author did something I really detest: hinting about things that happened in the past, but not telling the reader what the heck happened, and referring to it frequently so as to build suspense. We know something terrible happened to Lauren, but we don’t get any clue what it was until 40% (and even then, we don’t get the full details until much later), and same with Jack - only his wasn’t revealed until 80%. Furthermore, the characters themselves kept it from each other, for no good reason at all, until just about the end of the book. Which of course caused loads of drama, that wasn’t suspenseful or angsty, it just seemed contrived. These were people who are supposed to be almost 30, and instead they were still acting a lot like middle-schoolers.
Sometimes the humor in this book was effortless and funny. But frequently it was slapstick and seemed forced (ie the number of times Jack and Lauren are interrupted during an intimate time). I’m not sure if the other man/other woman drama they had was supposed to be comical or dramatic, because it wasn’t firmly either in my opinion and left me scratching my head. A thought by Lauren about sums up my thoughts about this book:
I feel like my life is one of those never-ending TV series where the writers are just making ridiculous shit happen to me just to keep the show going long after it should have ended.
And finally, I’m not a fan of excessive swearing. I’m not some prissy reader. Reading coarse language doesn’t make me want to clutch my pearls. But this book is - in my rough estimation - 280 pages long, and has the f word 201 times (thank you, Kindle search function). I’m not opposed to a well-placed f word. But 201 times just seems excessive. And unnecessary. And strikes me as an author(s) who lacks creative writing skills (never mind these ladies very clearly do - but that wasn’t the first impression I had after reading the first few chapters). I’ve sat across from enough tables of 20-somethings in restaurants to know that’s how a lot of them talk now - with f@#! used as a noun, verb, and adjective, sometimes all in the same sentence - but that doesn’t mean I want to read a book written that way. FYI, this is the first time in 400+ reviews I’ve written that I mention swear words...so that might tell you something.
All that being said...I want to end on a positive note because there were several things I enjoyed! At the top of the list were the twins, who made me chuckle just about every time they were on the page. They were just the right amount of precocious, and never seemed unrealistic. My favorite parts of the book were Jack interacting with the twins. I also liked the pacing of the book. It kept me engaged and entertained, even during the times where I was rolling my eyes. I laughed out loud several times, so that’s a good thing too! Plus, it’s always a good time reading about an Aussie.
Would I give this writing duo another shot? Sure. I had very little objections to the writing (well, other than all the f@#!s). We’ll just have to wait and see…
* thank you to NetGalley and Claire Raye for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Jack Wilson is returning to Napa, California 14 years after he left as a 15 year old, when he stayed at the Somerville Winery & Vineyard while his dad installed a grape crushing machine. Now that same machine is broken, and one of the owners has contacted the Australian to come see if if can be repaired.
The other owner, Lauren Somerville, is not happy to see him. Long story short...Jack and Lauren had mutual crushes, which manifested itself as picking on each other and teasing. Lauren told herself she wasn’t sad to see Jack leave, then apparently decided she was. Now Jack’s back, and Lauren is pissed off to see him standing in her vineyard, but she needs him to fix the crusher.
For Jack’s part, this chance to return to Napa couldn’t have come at a better time. And even though he’s not sure if the vineyard is still owned by the same family, he’s determined to use this opportunity to find the girl he’s “never forgotten.” He’s thrilled to discover he’ll be working for Lauren and does his best to make her fall in love with him. Spoiler Alert: he succeeds.
There’s so much about this book that crushed my enjoyment.
For starters, I’m not a fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope, and this book is exhibit A of why. I totally don’t get the whole “I hate his guts” but “his touch turns my insides to goo” thing. And the first half of the book was SO FULL of that. Not to mention I think her “hate” was so silly to begin with. So he played some pranks on her 14 years ago. He wasn’t mean or malicious. As an adult, are you not able to move past what was obvious goofing around? Even as adults their initial interactions were still juvenile - Jack insisting on calling Lauren by a nickname he knows she doesn’t like, and her acting all incensed is just the beginning of it. These people are adults, but they sure didn’t act like it for a good part of the book.
Then, the author did something I really detest: hinting about things that happened in the past, but not telling the reader what the heck happened, and referring to it frequently so as to build suspense. We know something terrible happened to Lauren, but we don’t get any clue what it was until 40% (and even then, we don’t get the full details until much later), and same with Jack - only his wasn’t revealed until 80%. Furthermore, the characters themselves kept it from each other, for no good reason at all, until just about the end of the book. Which of course caused loads of drama, that wasn’t suspenseful or angsty, it just seemed contrived. These were people who are supposed to be almost 30, and instead they were still acting a lot like middle-schoolers.
Sometimes the humor in this book was effortless and funny. But frequently it was slapstick and seemed forced (ie the number of times Jack and Lauren are interrupted during an intimate time). I’m not sure if the other man/other woman drama they had was supposed to be comical or dramatic, because it wasn’t firmly either in my opinion and left me scratching my head. A thought by Lauren about sums up my thoughts about this book:
I feel like my life is one of those never-ending TV series where the writers are just making ridiculous shit happen to me just to keep the show going long after it should have ended.
And finally, I’m not a fan of excessive swearing. I’m not some prissy reader. Reading coarse language doesn’t make me want to clutch my pearls. But this book is - in my rough estimation - 280 pages long, and has the f word 201 times (thank you, Kindle search function). I’m not opposed to a well-placed f word. But 201 times just seems excessive. And unnecessary. And strikes me as an author(s) who lacks creative writing skills (never mind these ladies very clearly do - but that wasn’t the first impression I had after reading the first few chapters). I’ve sat across from enough tables of 20-somethings in restaurants to know that’s how a lot of them talk now - with f@#! used as a noun, verb, and adjective, sometimes all in the same sentence - but that doesn’t mean I want to read a book written that way. FYI, this is the first time in 400+ reviews I’ve written that I mention swear words...so that might tell you something.
All that being said...I want to end on a positive note because there were several things I enjoyed! At the top of the list were the twins, who made me chuckle just about every time they were on the page. They were just the right amount of precocious, and never seemed unrealistic. My favorite parts of the book were Jack interacting with the twins. I also liked the pacing of the book. It kept me engaged and entertained, even during the times where I was rolling my eyes. I laughed out loud several times, so that’s a good thing too! Plus, it’s always a good time reading about an Aussie.
Would I give this writing duo another shot? Sure. I had very little objections to the writing (well, other than all the f@#!s). We’ll just have to wait and see…
* thank you to NetGalley and Claire Raye for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
October 1, 2019
I had high hopes for this book since I loved Always Yours, Ellen and Will’s story, and where we meet Lauren and get the background behind her and Jack. I loved the characters in this book. Lauren, aka Lulu, is a strong woman who has taken over her parent’s vineyard. Whereas Jack is a hottie Aussie who is very successful in the win business back in Australia. What dropped this down a notch was the conflict. It seemed a little contrived. Jack and Lauren both hid their pasts for no reason. Neither of them was in the wrong in their previous relationships then the drama at the end with everyone showing up at the vineyard at once was a bit ridiculous. That being said, I did like the characters and I loved the twins and of course Ellen and Will. It was well written and really made you feel part of the story. If the plot had a bit more depth to it then this would have been an easy 4 star read for me.
Reviewed by: Alexis B.
Reviewed by: Alexis B.
October 7, 2019
Scrolling through Instagram about a month ago when I see a cover reveal for a new book coming out. This cover is so dreamy and gorgeous that I had to stop and check out the blurb. Now I know we aren't supposed to judge a book by its cover, but sometimes it can prove to be a great decision.
Finally Yours by Claire Raye is a breath of fresh air. Lauren and Jack were the perfect h/H for this fun and sexy story. Jack won me over immediately in the prologue and continued to swoon me throughout the story. Lauren was a bit neurotic but in a totally lovable way. Claire's words had me smiling through every page. I also loved the Napa Valley Vineyard setting. You might think that it would be pretentious, but it was the opposite. The characters were all hardworking and down to earth.
This was my first book by Claire Raye, but it won't be my last. Excited to see what else she has in store for us!
Finally Yours by Claire Raye is a breath of fresh air. Lauren and Jack were the perfect h/H for this fun and sexy story. Jack won me over immediately in the prologue and continued to swoon me throughout the story. Lauren was a bit neurotic but in a totally lovable way. Claire's words had me smiling through every page. I also loved the Napa Valley Vineyard setting. You might think that it would be pretentious, but it was the opposite. The characters were all hardworking and down to earth.
This was my first book by Claire Raye, but it won't be my last. Excited to see what else she has in store for us!
October 18, 2019
Claire Reyes!! You. Are. Amazing. After getting all the snippets from the newsletter, I was anxiously anticipating jack and Lauren’s story. And I was not disappointed. At all. The chemistry between these two was crazy hot and they constantly tried to dodge all attempts. The way she took the past and combined it to the present was magical.
I loved Lauren. She has been through so much and you can see and feel the apprehension as her story unfolds. Jack (omg so hot with that accent!). He’s definitely a top 10 book boyfriend. So hot and knows what he wants. And he is determined to get it.
Their story unfolds with many twists and turns that will love you begging for more. Their story has many ups and downs and is one that makes you obsess until you finish the last word. I absolutely love this story and characters!! You will fall in love too!
I loved Lauren. She has been through so much and you can see and feel the apprehension as her story unfolds. Jack (omg so hot with that accent!). He’s definitely a top 10 book boyfriend. So hot and knows what he wants. And he is determined to get it.
Their story unfolds with many twists and turns that will love you begging for more. Their story has many ups and downs and is one that makes you obsess until you finish the last word. I absolutely love this story and characters!! You will fall in love too!
September 7, 2019
This is the first full length novel in the Love & Wine series by Claire Raye and is brilliantly crafted. The story. The characters. The setting. It all comes together to form this laugh-out-loud, emotional, steamy good time. Claire Raye captures an instant chemistry between Jack and Lauren, whose good-natured, back and forth verbal foreplay is witty, smart, and hilarious. The Vineyard and Raye's ability to descriptively set the scene adds a unique element to the narrative, almost making it feel like its own character. Absolutely love this book. 5 stars!
Thank you to #NetGalley and the author for this ARC of #FinallyYours, which I read and reviewed voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to #NetGalley and the author for this ARC of #FinallyYours, which I read and reviewed voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 9, 2019
A witty, laugh-out-loud, sweet and steamy romance, which was a joy to read.
The chemistry was there right from the start of the book and it didnt rake forever for the characters to work out their feelings.
I liked all the supporting characters, they added to the dynamics of the main plot. Also the twins, I loved their comedic timing.
The book was written from the perspectives of both leads and the transitions between the chapters was well done.
I enjoyed this novel, a light , quick and fun read.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley, all opinions are my own.
Luanna
The chemistry was there right from the start of the book and it didnt rake forever for the characters to work out their feelings.
I liked all the supporting characters, they added to the dynamics of the main plot. Also the twins, I loved their comedic timing.
The book was written from the perspectives of both leads and the transitions between the chapters was well done.
I enjoyed this novel, a light , quick and fun read.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley, all opinions are my own.
Luanna
October 6, 2019
This is a sweet,funny and steamy romance between Lauren and Jack.
I Loved the characters,the banter,the humour and the chemisrty between Lauren and Jack is electric.
It is all the perfect combination that makes up a very enjoyable,captivating fantastic read that kept me entertained throughout.
I highly recommend it .
I Loved the characters,the banter,the humour and the chemisrty between Lauren and Jack is electric.
It is all the perfect combination that makes up a very enjoyable,captivating fantastic read that kept me entertained throughout.
I highly recommend it .
April 1, 2021
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. This is the second book in the Love and Wine series. Each book can be read as a standalone. Jack and Lauren's book is a enemy to lovers second chance romance with a HEA ending.
Jack first meets Lauren when he visits his dad whom is working at her families winery in the states. They are both too young to understand there feelings and just end up annoying one another.
Fourteen years later and Lauren is having trouble with her main crusher. Good thing her sister found someone who is willing to come work on it. Just when she thinks her bad luck is finally turning around. She comes face to face with her nemesis. The boy she could never forget.
I am really enjoying this series and can't wait to dive into the next book in the series.
Jack first meets Lauren when he visits his dad whom is working at her families winery in the states. They are both too young to understand there feelings and just end up annoying one another.
Fourteen years later and Lauren is having trouble with her main crusher. Good thing her sister found someone who is willing to come work on it. Just when she thinks her bad luck is finally turning around. She comes face to face with her nemesis. The boy she could never forget.
I am really enjoying this series and can't wait to dive into the next book in the series.
April 25, 2021
I absolutely fell in love with Jack and Lauren! Jack is so swoon-worthy, and I just loved the big soft heart under that hot exterior. I loved these two reconnecting after so long, and seeing where they started in book one. Their chemistry jumps off the page, and I was just smiling and laughing out loud during this book because it was just so fun and light-hearted and wonderful! I loved seeing Will and Ellen, and their crazy kids, and love everything about the Somerville wine books!
March 9, 2021
This book has some major rom com vibes and I really enjoyed the banter with Lauren and Jack. It felt so easy and natural and had me laughing several times. I am definitely ready for the next one in this series!
Want to read
March 7, 2022
March 5, 2022
Absolutely Brilliant! This is one of those stories that you will not put it down til the very last word! Jack and LuLu, have a past that will keep you excited throughout the storyline. A true meaning of love and romance! I am a guy writing this review and I am telling you, this was well written! Now I highly recommend this book to adults only! Enjoy!!!!
October 17, 2019
The story follows Lauren and Jack, childhood frenemies who met during the summer holidays while his father installed a grape crusher for her family’s vineyard. They lost contact when he and his father returned home to Australia. Now almost fifteen years later, that same crusher has broken down, bringing Lauren and Jack face-to-face once more.
Let me start off by saying I hate giving low ratings and negative reviews to books because I understand the effort and love authors put into their work. But, having said that, I cannot rate this book any higher. That would be unfair and untrue to my opinions.
I had several problems with this book.
My main grip was that the characters acted so juvenile, I had a tough time buying they were almost thirty years old adults. I found the heroine was the main offender of this and I quickly grew to dislike her.
Since this has the haters-to-lovers trope, Jack and Lauren start off by hating each other. But it’s more of a I-hate-you-because-I-like-you thing. At least, it read as such from the hero’s point of view. The initial chapters from heroine’s point of view stressed such an intense dislike, it made no sense at all when she brushed it aside later on, going as far as to admit how much she missed him when he left.
Once they do get into a relationship, she becomes very selfish and clingy, wanting him to abandon his life, work, family, and friends in Australia to stay with her on her vineyard. We get hints here and there that her backstory is the cause for this behaviour, but we never learn more. I wish we did because I wanted to understand and connect with her, but I couldn’t.
I wish I could say I at least fall for the hero, but alas no. Even after the heroine made it quite clear more than once that she wanted him to call her Lauren, not Lu or Lulu, he disregards her wishes and continues doing what he wants. If this was a one-off thing, I could’ve overlooked it. But this was something I noticed he continued doing throughout the novel. He’d continuously ignores her verbal no’s until he convinces her it’s what’s she wants too, and then he asks for her consent.
After about the 50% mark, all Lauren and Jack do together is have sex. And it‘s so very boring to read. There is no chemistry, no character development between them to keep the readers engaged.
The author also relies heavily on telling and not showing. The readers are constantly told how they feel about each other, why their previous relationships didn’t or don’t work, what their initial hatred meant.
Aside from the lacklustre romance, the whole buildup with their exes was a huge letdown too. They both came off as plot devices instead of characters in their own right. Nate, Lauren’s ex-fiancé actions make no sense at all. After Lauren tells him again and again to leave her alone, he continues showing up and acting like everything is normal. The narrative insists he’s jealous, but nowhere does he act like it. If anything, he acts like think she’s playing hard to get. And Mel, I had such high hopes for Mel. We’re constantly reminded of her existence, without ever learning who she is or what happened between her and Jack. Then she shows up at the end of the novel, having crossed the ocean to see him, only to cause misunderstandings and all but disappear again.
The crisis was basically a misunderstanding that could’ve been easily resolved with a conversation. And it was, quite quickly.
All in all, this had an interesting premise, but was poorly executed.
Please note: I received an advance digital copy of this book through NetGalley from Claire Raye in exchange for a honest review. This does not influence my opinions in any way.
Let me start off by saying I hate giving low ratings and negative reviews to books because I understand the effort and love authors put into their work. But, having said that, I cannot rate this book any higher. That would be unfair and untrue to my opinions.
I had several problems with this book.
My main grip was that the characters acted so juvenile, I had a tough time buying they were almost thirty years old adults. I found the heroine was the main offender of this and I quickly grew to dislike her.
Since this has the haters-to-lovers trope, Jack and Lauren start off by hating each other. But it’s more of a I-hate-you-because-I-like-you thing. At least, it read as such from the hero’s point of view. The initial chapters from heroine’s point of view stressed such an intense dislike, it made no sense at all when she brushed it aside later on, going as far as to admit how much she missed him when he left.
Once they do get into a relationship, she becomes very selfish and clingy, wanting him to abandon his life, work, family, and friends in Australia to stay with her on her vineyard. We get hints here and there that her backstory is the cause for this behaviour, but we never learn more. I wish we did because I wanted to understand and connect with her, but I couldn’t.
I wish I could say I at least fall for the hero, but alas no. Even after the heroine made it quite clear more than once that she wanted him to call her Lauren, not Lu or Lulu, he disregards her wishes and continues doing what he wants. If this was a one-off thing, I could’ve overlooked it. But this was something I noticed he continued doing throughout the novel. He’d continuously ignores her verbal no’s until he convinces her it’s what’s she wants too, and then he asks for her consent.
After about the 50% mark, all Lauren and Jack do together is have sex. And it‘s so very boring to read. There is no chemistry, no character development between them to keep the readers engaged.
The author also relies heavily on telling and not showing. The readers are constantly told how they feel about each other, why their previous relationships didn’t or don’t work, what their initial hatred meant.
Aside from the lacklustre romance, the whole buildup with their exes was a huge letdown too. They both came off as plot devices instead of characters in their own right. Nate, Lauren’s ex-fiancé actions make no sense at all. After Lauren tells him again and again to leave her alone, he continues showing up and acting like everything is normal. The narrative insists he’s jealous, but nowhere does he act like it. If anything, he acts like think she’s playing hard to get. And Mel, I had such high hopes for Mel. We’re constantly reminded of her existence, without ever learning who she is or what happened between her and Jack. Then she shows up at the end of the novel, having crossed the ocean to see him, only to cause misunderstandings and all but disappear again.
The crisis was basically a misunderstanding that could’ve been easily resolved with a conversation. And it was, quite quickly.
All in all, this had an interesting premise, but was poorly executed.
Please note: I received an advance digital copy of this book through NetGalley from Claire Raye in exchange for a honest review. This does not influence my opinions in any way.
July 30, 2020
Finally Yours was so freaking cute. Claire Raye obviously knows how to do sexy/sweet, and those skills are on full display in this novel. It’s everything a feel good, warm and fuzzy, contemporary romance should be.
Jack Wilson and Lauren Somerville met the summer they were 15 when Jack’s father was working at Lauren’s parents winery. It was a love disguised as hate relationship, and when Jack went back to Australia at the end of the summer, they lost touch but never forgot one another. Now, 14 years later, Lauren needs assistance at the winery, Jack returns as the hired help, and the sparks start flying immediately.
Jack Wilson is the perfect combination of sensitive and sexy, confident without being too cocky. Lauren Somerville is sassy, independent, and driven. A little bit enemies-to-lovers, a little bit second chance, the chemistry between Lauren and Jack is off-the-charts hot. I was rooting for them from the very beginning, and when their flame finally ignited, it was a freaking inferno. Like “fan my face and clutch my pearls” blazing.
I liked this story and I loved this couple. The witty banter was LOL funny, the (many) steam scenes were HOT, and the secondary characters added the perfect depth and entertainment to the plot. Plus, the added wine making facts and vineyard imagery were fascinating!
If you’re looking for a read that will give you the warm-and-fuzzies while simultaneously making you blush and need a cold glass of water, Finally Yours is the book for you! Excited to read more from this author duo!
*ARC provided by author for honest review*
Jack Wilson and Lauren Somerville met the summer they were 15 when Jack’s father was working at Lauren’s parents winery. It was a love disguised as hate relationship, and when Jack went back to Australia at the end of the summer, they lost touch but never forgot one another. Now, 14 years later, Lauren needs assistance at the winery, Jack returns as the hired help, and the sparks start flying immediately.
Jack Wilson is the perfect combination of sensitive and sexy, confident without being too cocky. Lauren Somerville is sassy, independent, and driven. A little bit enemies-to-lovers, a little bit second chance, the chemistry between Lauren and Jack is off-the-charts hot. I was rooting for them from the very beginning, and when their flame finally ignited, it was a freaking inferno. Like “fan my face and clutch my pearls” blazing.
I liked this story and I loved this couple. The witty banter was LOL funny, the (many) steam scenes were HOT, and the secondary characters added the perfect depth and entertainment to the plot. Plus, the added wine making facts and vineyard imagery were fascinating!
If you’re looking for a read that will give you the warm-and-fuzzies while simultaneously making you blush and need a cold glass of water, Finally Yours is the book for you! Excited to read more from this author duo!
*ARC provided by author for honest review*
October 10, 2019
3.25 Stars
Ok, so let’s just get this off my chest. Had I read this without having read the prequel novella I think this might have worked better for me but picking this up straight off the back of finishing up the at book didn’t do me any favours because I just didn’t get the same vibe.
Now I know we got a bit of Lauren in the novella but in this we get her full on and I wasn’t particularly keen on everything she didn’t display. She was a master at keeping secrets and when you add that to Jack and the cards, he plays very close to his chest, it all seemed just a tad too angsty for me.
I liked that Lauren was making it work in the wine trade, working her parent’s vineyard and showing she is no pushover. But add the seriously sexy Jack into the mix and this pair had the chemistry to be fabulous, I just don’t think they really were. I could physically feel my enthusiasm waning at times, I was hoping for a little more depth and detail and just when I needed it …I felt as if I was left hanging.
The “drama” with their previous relationships was no drama at all really and that was disappointing.
What I did like was the secondary characters, this author certainly knows how to get you hooked into the what if’s! It was great to get more Will and Ellen and I cannot wait to get more of the twins.
Will I read the rest of the series, yes because I think there are good things to come, this pair just didn’t rock my world.
Ok, so let’s just get this off my chest. Had I read this without having read the prequel novella I think this might have worked better for me but picking this up straight off the back of finishing up the at book didn’t do me any favours because I just didn’t get the same vibe.
Now I know we got a bit of Lauren in the novella but in this we get her full on and I wasn’t particularly keen on everything she didn’t display. She was a master at keeping secrets and when you add that to Jack and the cards, he plays very close to his chest, it all seemed just a tad too angsty for me.
I liked that Lauren was making it work in the wine trade, working her parent’s vineyard and showing she is no pushover. But add the seriously sexy Jack into the mix and this pair had the chemistry to be fabulous, I just don’t think they really were. I could physically feel my enthusiasm waning at times, I was hoping for a little more depth and detail and just when I needed it …I felt as if I was left hanging.
The “drama” with their previous relationships was no drama at all really and that was disappointing.
What I did like was the secondary characters, this author certainly knows how to get you hooked into the what if’s! It was great to get more Will and Ellen and I cannot wait to get more of the twins.
Will I read the rest of the series, yes because I think there are good things to come, this pair just didn’t rock my world.
October 9, 2019
4 HEA stars!! I love this couple!!
This can be read as a stand alone and is book one in the “Love & Wine” series. This is Lauren and Jack’s story.
Ok so I’m super glad I read the prequel (free from author if you sign up to get newsletter) first because the story of Will and Ellen added so much to the current story.
Jack is a hot Aussie!! Omg he’s like book crush definition!! Lauren is such a pain in the ass but you love it about her. The history between these two make the story!! I enjoy the banter so very much! I laughed out loud many of times over the course of this book. Lauren felt like on of my little sisters. I mean I have conversations just like that with them so this story felt believable, realistic. With that said I enjoyed the shit out of the other characters. Ellen was already loved by me and still is. I think Ollie and Oscar steal the damn show. I love the scenes with these little shits!! I wish we even saw more of Jack’s parents because they seemed hilarious.
These book flowed easily. I think this is a great love story. Nothing real dramatic. I think it was sexy and fun. This is a good weekend read.
**I received this book as an ARC and in return gave my honest review**
This can be read as a stand alone and is book one in the “Love & Wine” series. This is Lauren and Jack’s story.
Ok so I’m super glad I read the prequel (free from author if you sign up to get newsletter) first because the story of Will and Ellen added so much to the current story.
Jack is a hot Aussie!! Omg he’s like book crush definition!! Lauren is such a pain in the ass but you love it about her. The history between these two make the story!! I enjoy the banter so very much! I laughed out loud many of times over the course of this book. Lauren felt like on of my little sisters. I mean I have conversations just like that with them so this story felt believable, realistic. With that said I enjoyed the shit out of the other characters. Ellen was already loved by me and still is. I think Ollie and Oscar steal the damn show. I love the scenes with these little shits!! I wish we even saw more of Jack’s parents because they seemed hilarious.
These book flowed easily. I think this is a great love story. Nothing real dramatic. I think it was sexy and fun. This is a good weekend read.
**I received this book as an ARC and in return gave my honest review**
October 10, 2019
Claire Raye is another new author to me, (I seem to have a lot of them lately), and I'm very glad that I have met her through Finally Yours. Jack & Lauren will basically enemies when they were kids, especially since he seemed to tease her too much in her eyes. Years later, Jack comes back for Lauren, who he's convinced is his lobster, only he ends up working for her. Not to mention, Lauren wants no part of his plan, despite the fact that he's grown up super sexy, and they have some chemistry. However, it doesn't stop them from participating in quite a few sexy times which were HOT for the most part, but I wasn't quite as imprinted on these two to really have my kindle just burst into flames. And no, I'm not saying it was awful, I guess I just needed a bit more development. There's very little drama, which I was grateful for, along with some sweet moments, and hilarious moments. Within the cast of secondaries, it was the kids who actually stole the show in my eyes. Finally, the ending seemed a tad rushed for me because I'm a total sucker for a big ending. Anyway, this is all my opinions of course, so find out how you feels about the story by one clicking on it! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
October 7, 2019
Jack and Lauren are so freaking cute that I could barely stand it. I love their history, their love, and their story. I love Jack’s character because he’s hot, he has an (almost) endless supply of Tim Tams - which are really good, by the way - and he clearly loves Lauren from the second the story opens. I love Lauren’s character because even though she is somewhat of a mess at times, she’s a brilliant and strong woman who overcomes an unhappily ever after to get the happily ever after she deserves.
From kids to adults, Jack and Lauren’s story spans more than a decade, but their love is stronger than ever the second time around. While they have a love/hate relationship for awhile, it just hypes the story up and has you sitting on the edge of your seat, waiting to see when they’ll finally give in and embrace what they truly have. And I won’t spoil the story, but there are a couple of really awesome characters in this story who round the story out so well.
I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the next charter in this series!
From kids to adults, Jack and Lauren’s story spans more than a decade, but their love is stronger than ever the second time around. While they have a love/hate relationship for awhile, it just hypes the story up and has you sitting on the edge of your seat, waiting to see when they’ll finally give in and embrace what they truly have. And I won’t spoil the story, but there are a couple of really awesome characters in this story who round the story out so well.
I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the next charter in this series!
October 17, 2019
‘Finally Yours’ is the first book I have read by Claire Raye, and the first book in the Love and Wine series. I was lucky enough to be given an advance reader copy of this book, and I really enjoyed it.
Raye has an easy adaptable writing style, that had me page turning easily. I loved the chemistry between Lauren and Jack, and really liked them both as characters.
I love how their story starts as teenagers, when Jack’s father comes to work for Lauren’s at their winery. A true enemies to lovers romance that is perfect for all sweet with heart lovers.
I really enjoyed the witty banter between the characters and loved Lauren’s sassy side. It was entertaining and I felt fully invested in this story.
I am excited to see where this series goes, and can’t wait to delve further into Raye’s books.
This is the perfect read for all romance lovers, someone wanting to become immersed in a new series, and someone who loves a well written book.
Raye has an easy adaptable writing style, that had me page turning easily. I loved the chemistry between Lauren and Jack, and really liked them both as characters.
I love how their story starts as teenagers, when Jack’s father comes to work for Lauren’s at their winery. A true enemies to lovers romance that is perfect for all sweet with heart lovers.
I really enjoyed the witty banter between the characters and loved Lauren’s sassy side. It was entertaining and I felt fully invested in this story.
I am excited to see where this series goes, and can’t wait to delve further into Raye’s books.
This is the perfect read for all romance lovers, someone wanting to become immersed in a new series, and someone who loves a well written book.
October 10, 2019
So this book was a first time reading from this author. And I really enjoyed it. The character of Jack was so funny. As a teenager when he visited his father who was working at Lauren’s families vineyard, he met Lauren and was instantly attracted to her. However the teenage mind works differently to an adults and instead of telling Lauren he likes her he teases her constantly. This didn’t go down well with Lauren and she actually disliked him because of the teasing.
Fast forward 14 years and Jack is back to work at Lauren’s vineyard. Jack is Australian so it was quite funny how some things he’d say to Lauren would get lost in translation and I enjoyed the banter between the two of them.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Fast forward 14 years and Jack is back to work at Lauren’s vineyard. Jack is Australian so it was quite funny how some things he’d say to Lauren would get lost in translation and I enjoyed the banter between the two of them.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2019
Love Love Love Jack and Lauren. You meet Jack in Always Yours. Jack and Lauren are kids when they first meet and are constantly at each others throats. It's when Jack has to go back home that Lauren starts to miss him. When these two get together again there is so much steamy chemistry it's insane! This story will capture your attention from the very beginning that you will not want to put this book down. I love how this book is written, from the banter between Jack and Lauren and the spark and chemistry they have it flows so nicely. Jack is the classic guy that picks on the girl he likes and Lauren is the head strong takes no crap woman that wants to knock him down a peg. This book had me laughing and swooning and I cannot wait to read more by Claire Raye!!
October 12, 2019
Imagine as a kid, the one boy who seems to annoy you with his very presence and gets under your skin. When that boy leaves, you are relived to be rid of him and never expect to see him again. Life has a way of throwing curve balls when you think everything is going smooth.
Fast forward years later the girl has grown into a smart, independent woman running the family business when life throws a curve ball her way and brings back the boy she couldn't stand-except he's all grown up with a swoon-worthy accent.
The fireworks are off the charts! Definitely enough heat in the pages to warm up any cold night.
If you are into the whole "enemies" to lovers genre, this book is sure to please!
Fast forward years later the girl has grown into a smart, independent woman running the family business when life throws a curve ball her way and brings back the boy she couldn't stand-except he's all grown up with a swoon-worthy accent.
The fireworks are off the charts! Definitely enough heat in the pages to warm up any cold night.
If you are into the whole "enemies" to lovers genre, this book is sure to please!
November 17, 2019
4 stars
This is a second chance romance, frenemies to lovers and I loved it. The story is well written, relatable and I love the history between the main characters. The witty banter between Jack and Lulu was an added plus, I enjoyed it so much.
The characters were lovable and I absolutely adored the kids. The insane chemistry between Lauren and Jack kept me on edge the whole time, mostly because of those moments where they almost kiss and then get interrupted.
The story is really fun, addictive and easy to read so I'd definitely recommend it.
~ I received an e-copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a second chance romance, frenemies to lovers and I loved it. The story is well written, relatable and I love the history between the main characters. The witty banter between Jack and Lulu was an added plus, I enjoyed it so much.
The characters were lovable and I absolutely adored the kids. The insane chemistry between Lauren and Jack kept me on edge the whole time, mostly because of those moments where they almost kiss and then get interrupted.
The story is really fun, addictive and easy to read so I'd definitely recommend it.
~ I received an e-copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2019
This was the first book I've read by these authors and it was quite enjoyable for a contemporary romance. Jack and Lulu were frenemies from childhood so reading about their antics was quite funny but the scenes with Ollie and Oscar were the icing on the cake! I loved these two kids so much and they added some lightness to the drama in Lauren's life. The secondary characters were well developed and added to the storyline as well. Solid 4-star read. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.
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