In the Virginia countryside outside of Washington, DC, Addy Wentworth was on a mission to make a new life for herself. When the opportunity arose, she settled in horse and wine country. Experiencing more than her fair share of tragedy and loss, she had plans for her future, one where failure wasn’t an option. And not just because people and cows were counting on her. She’d poured everything she had into her struggling vineyard, because once she’s in, she’s all in.

After giving himself wholly to the job for ten years, Crew Vega was done. He’d fulfilled his commitment, done his duty, gone above and beyond to settle the score. And the score was high. All he had to do was train his replacements and he’d be out for good.

He had a plan, one that didn’t include getting involved with his new neighbor, a woman who not only kept cows for pets, but treasured her employees as family, and understood him better than anyone ever had before. But when he learned a high level CIA target being investigated for treason was keeping tabs on her?

No, he never planned on that.

And like everything Crew Vega did in life, when he goes in, he’s all in.

Warning: I’m a devout member of the mama club and don’t want to get kicked out by angry mamas. If you aren’t eighteen, turn around, go drink your milk and eat your veggies, it’s good for your bones. And go to bed early, you’re still growing, your body needs sleep. And don’t text and drive. And be nice, sit with the kid who sits alone at lunch. And read a PG-13 book, it’s good for your brain. And go tell your mama you love her. Chop-chop, run along now. I’ll see you back when you’re eligible to vote.  

 

When I found out that the lovely Ms. Asher had a new book in the works. I was so excited.
Then ARCs where being given and I was all over this shit. How could I but not request a copy to review?

I finished this book yesterday and I started my review yesterday. And now I’m stuck. It’s not that I don’t have anything to write about Vines quite the opposite actually but how to pick and choose? Mainly so that you can go out and buy the book.

To be continued……

How frank can you be with a book? Where do you draw the line? Do you base your review on your personal preference or objective in thinking that although this book isn’t for you, you still enjoyed it to some extent?

Overall I enjoyed this book and the new world that Ms. Asher has created and right from the beginning I was sucked into the story that although I can only take a 45 minute lunchbreak I easily hit the 60 minute mark. Ops. Luckily no one noticed.

On top of that I nearly forgot that the tram I take was on a different schedule and nearly forgot to get out to get the bus.

I can clearly see the attraction to the book it has all the ingredients that just make you want to read it but there were just some things that drove me bat shit crazy. I had difficulties with the book. No matter it still deserves four stars.

Addison Addy Wentworth. I loved her at the beginning of the book she is kind, fun, has a vulnerable streak but deep down she has a spine of steel. I was very intrigued about her background. And what a background she did have. I can’t see where the turning point is for me when I lost that connection with her.

Her ramblings were meant to be endearing and they were but her whole questioning of trusting Crew irritated me. I just to shout at her ‘Come on woman, what else you gonna do? Huh? Yes she has trust issues and I really do understand that but at some point you got to let it go and her inner musing on that topics was driving me to Bedlam. I swear this is just me.

Addy bought a winery and has turned the business into a successful enterprise. What she didn’t know when she bought the property? The winery came with five fixed employees and five cows. My favourite is definitely Harry. I hereby introduce you to Harry.

What I loved is Crew Vega. He is a superb Hero. He has everything you want in a hero. Crew is a walking contradiction. He is alert, aloof, tense and relaxed with a mystery surrounding him. I like his background of being off the grid for ten years and doing things that other people can’t and won’t do.

Their first conversation together? Hilarious and well unforgettable.

“Crew. Crew Vega.” I frown deeper. “That’s your name? „Still no change in facial expression. “Yeah.” “Oh, sorry. That’s just a little,” I pause, raising my eyebrows. “Unusual.” “I know.

Addy likes to give free wine to her neighbours turns out Vega isn’t that impressed.

“Do you drink wine?” “Only to be polite. When I’m forced to be polite.”

Adjusting to civilian life isn’t an easy life but with buying the farm in Virginia he wants to start a new chapter of his life even if there is a string attached to him getting out of the business. Crew can’t help but not stay away from Addison and the more he finds out the more he is taken with her.

She also has her own brand of trouble though and it goes way back some serious old ties that add a great plot line to the story. Crew is real, good and well he fights the bad guys. Sucker for a damsel in distress.

Addy had too much resistance to the relationship with Crew that I found it hard to get the connection in their relationship. But in saying that and I’m contradicting myself here for those same reasons above is the exact reason why it did actually work for me. It was frustrating but a good frustrating.

Now I personally think that Ms. Asher could have gone more in depth with this plot of the book and on top of that it could have been grittier but remember I am only a reviewer and not the writer and well I’m opinion doesn’t weigh in by a lot. Besides 4 stars so need I say more? Nuff said really.

All characters are great in the book. Especially Addy’s group of friends. Oh how that name makes me cringe. I preferred Crew calling her Addison like balm for the soul.

Who I’m really interested in? Grady. With Maya. Woohoo

He looks over at me and states, “It’s a cow.” I narrow my eyes mumbling. “No shit.” Looking back at my neighbours pet, I cross my own arms wondering how I’m going to get her home. . “You didn’t tell me there’d be a cow,” he accuses, irritated. “Kiss my ass, man. It’s not my cow.”

Need I say more? See I can’t wait.