Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the story of Mira and Dylan, two cider makers, navigating being co-chairs for the big Finger Lakes Cider Week. Mira manages her family's cider operation making the same cider over and over again. Dylan started her own business and takes risks in her cider making. At first, Mira isn't thrilled to be planning Cider Week with Dylan but as time goes on, Mira and Dylan can't seem to stay away from each other.

Overall, the story moved along and it was nice to read about people in their 30s. I also enjoyed the setting of the Finger Lakes having spent some time there. 3.5 stars

First off, I don’t think there’s an Aurora Rey book I haven’t enjoyed and this one is no exception. The writing is done so well, every time. I don’t know what it is, the pacing or something, but they really flow well. The plot was really good, I’m a sucker for anything enemies to lover. The story was good, the dialogue was legit, I just really enjoy when authors write relatable types of characters. Would definitely recommend.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.

Dylan and Mira meet when they become co-chairs for Finger Lakes Cider Week where they would raise money for charities and also it can give their business more publicity. They both grow closer despite how different they are but that’s what makes them fit. I enjoy this read I like that the previous characters Audrey and Rowan were there to support Dylan and that Mira friend Talise was there to support Mira.

Like a delicious cider, the protagonists of Hard Pressed are delightfully balanced. Practicality and playfulness, stubbornness and flexibility, pride almost bordering on smugness … unexpected vulnerability … and a little friendly competition.

Dylan and Mira start out believing themselves to be total opposites, but find common ground as they spend more time together. As the two women grow closer, their contrasts serve to highlight each others’ best qualities. The combination is effervescent.

Beyond the excellent sexual and romantic chemistry, it’s refreshing to read a romance novel centered on women in their thirties who are emotionally mature, self-aware, and able to discuss their feelings like adults (most of the time).

Also a pleasure to see an unapologetically butch protagonist like Dylan celebrated as sexy and desirable—even if she does use three-in-one shampoo-conditioner-body wash (which made me laugh out loud).

Throughout the book, there are interesting explorations of both overt and subtle power dynamics regarding race, class, passing privilege, and conventional beauty standards.

This was the first Aurora Rey book I’ve read, but it certainly won’t be the last. Do yourself a favor and crack open a rosé cider as you settle in to savor this charming romance.

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Note: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Second book in the cider making universe but there’s no need to have read Greener Pastures beforehand- although both Rowan and Audrey feature heavily in Hard Pressed. Not really an enemy to lovers but in the vicinity, this is the story between Dylan a happy to muddle in the barrel room making craft cider and Mira, a corporate COO of an established cider brand. This is a sweet and low on angst romance from Rey between 2 MCs that have chemistry in spades. A good read.

Free ARC via NetGalley.

As always this was a well-written book from Aurora Rey with relatively little angst. I enjoyed the cider world and learning more about its production. The chemistry between the leads was there. And it was great that one of them was a person of colour. However, I struggled a bit with Mira who was over-the-top levels of controlling, which I found a little off putting, especially because the other character was so sweet and down to earth. Overall, it was an enjoyable read.

I really loved this book. Not only was the romance perfect, but so was the cider making theme - I've dabbled in homebrewing and love trying new ciders. Honestly though, the characters were wonderful and felt like real people I would love to meet. I can't wait to attack this author's back catalogue.