⭐️3.5
The story follows Josie who’s the head winemaker at a vineyard. She must complete a task in order to get her own wine label, and nothing will stand in her way… so she thought.
In comes Mackenzie Layton, whose starter a career in marketing and got a job at the vineyard.
Sadly, Mackenzie is inexperienced and it gets on Josie’s nerves. But after a while she understands that there’s more to Mackenzie than she thought.


It was a lovely short story as I’m trying to read more lgbtq+ books, and I’m happy a got to read this one.
The character development was great and I enjoyed them both.
I also have never read a book that’s set in a vineyard, so it was fun to learn more about about wine and winemaking.

Now I just want to drink a lot of wine and go to a vineyard myself.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you, NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books, for this ARC!

"Crush" is a romantic quick read about Josie, a head winemaker, and Mackenzie, Josie's new intern for the season's harvest. This harvest is the most important one for Josie and will determine the future of her career. Unfortunately for her, her only intern is inexperienced and gets on her nerves. While training her, Josie realizes there's more to Mackenzie than she initially thought and struggles to contain her feelings for Mackenzie.

I am ecstatic about the growing library of LGBT+ books available and, even more so, when I find a book that is surprisingly enjoyable. I appreciated the character development and the connection between the main characters. I also loved the wine and winemaking knowledge imparted throughout the book.

Bring on the wine. Hank Layton is the successful owner of Cadieux Vineyards and the main reason he is successful is because of his head winemaker, Josie Sanchez. Josie is distant and has one focus, to have her own wine label. Nothing else matters, or does it? Hank's niece, Mackenzie Layton, upbeat personality wants out of her marketing career and into the wine industry. Her uncle hires her as an intern and she will work directly with Josie. Have to appreciate Mac's work ethic and willingness to learn. There is sexual energy from the start between the two as well as concern from Josie about Mac's lack of experience. The read describes a push and pull between the two as they work together and slowly fall in love. At the times the should I or should I not got to be a little to much. I enjoyed the wine making process. And boy did they drink alot of wine.

Crush is light, sweet, and lots of fun. I've explained why I enjoy Reichardt's NA works, and Crush was a compelling pick-me-up for the same reasons. Josie and Mac are two loveable characters, and it's no hardship to cheer them on both when they clash and when they come together. I really like that Reichardt's characters are situated in the context of their lives outside of romance: for The Alder Series, that entailed school, extracurriculars, and religion. Here, the relationship is well integrated with Josie's and Mac's roles at the winery. Both characters are hardworking and driven, (and the author's passion for wine shines through,) yet we're still sold on the sacrifices they're willing to make to build something lasting. I love the set-up of the Mac-being-off-limits conflict, the culmination of which didn't disappoint. Hank, while not being all that multi-faceted, seems to bring the story together.

The one shortcoming I will point out is the love scenes. Sorry. I spent quite a while trying to put my finger on why, but none of them did anything for me. The language is fine, the context is relatively sexy, but the chemistry just wasn't leaping out at me. By the third one, I was almost skimming through, ready to get back to plot-relevant, SFW territory. So that was disappointing. But if that's the only area where I'd want significant improvement, then I think we can count Crush as a major success. Reichardt can hit certain notes better than I've seen from many, many more experienced authors, and you can bet I'll be down for whatever she's planning next.

I received this ARC from Netgalley in return for an honest review.

The story was intriguing and caught my interest rather quickly. The main characters were well-developed and likable. Their chemistry was undeniable even if there was the push-pull of a relationship. I don't know anything about wine production, so that was the hardest part for me to really visualize or understand. The story around it was interesting, and I liked getting a peek at a world I haven't experienced. The spicy scenes were wonderfully written and showed the connection the characters had with each other.

Overall, I would definitely read this again and am interested in reading more of Ana Hartnett Reichardt's work.

Crush is a very sexy and romantic read about two women with a ten-year age gap that work in the wine industry. At first, I found it hard to get into because there was so much wine talk but once you hit the second half of the book it really starts to pick up! The tension built between the two characters was so attractive. The world in the book was cute and the supportive characters in the book were nicely developed.

What a wonderful slow burn that really sizzles when it finally ignites. I have nothing but praise. The setting is lovely, the dogs were adorable, and characters were well-rounded and relatable. I quickly fell madly in love with both Mac and Josie, who were absolutely perfect for each other.

If you loved the film Bottle Shock as much as I did, but wished it included lesbians, this book is for you. For anyone playing Jae’s sapphic bingo, this is great choice to check off age gap, vineyard romance, or boss/employee.

Now excuse me while I go devour everything else Ana Hartnett Reichardt has ever written.

I received an advanced copy from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving this review

Sometimes you just have a feeling you’re going to like an author so I went in with high hopes. Josie Sanchez is a nationally renowned winemaker, working for Cadieux Vineyards and its owner, Hank Layton, King of Pinot. She’s excited for this year’s harvest because it could mean Hank finally gives Josie the opportunity to have her own label but it all hinges on the success of this year’s crush. Josie is understandably brimming with confidence until she discovers Hank’s inexperienced niece, Mac, is going to be Josie’s sole intern. A perfect setup for a clash between the two mains.

The story starts out like a grump(Josie)/sunshine(Mac) trope but the characters soon grow beyond the stereotypes. Josie and Mac have good chemistry that made me believe their heat together was real. Each woman feels they have something to prove to themselves and to the world about their capacity to succeed so the tension builds as the crush continues. The third star of the book is of course the winemaking. I am an information junkie so I had fun looking on YouTube at what Mac and Josie were doing during each step as described in brief passages. The writing is smooth and hooked me into the story from page one. Oregon’s Willamette Valley made for a crisp, clean autumn setting which added to the warmth of the book. Overall, Crush is a low angst, cozy read with plenty of sexy scenes, perfect for romance readers and wine fans. The only minus I see is that the ending seems tacked on. Otherwise, I enjoyed Crush.

Like a fine wine, this author seems to get better with time. I have read and enjoyed her previous work, the Alder series, but with her newest book Crush, Hartnett Reichardt has elevated her storytelling to a new high.

The setting itself is lush and vibrant, and it’s obvious that the author has worked in the winemaking industry. She deftly provides a lot of substance to the story and environment, while not overwhelming with industry jargon. Admittedly, there were times that I looked up words I was not already familiar with, but only because I’m a nerd and do that a lot anyway, not because there weren’t enough context clues for the average reader.

Where this book really shines, however, is in the relationship between Josie and Mac. As soon as these two met I started smiling. The author did a wonderful job of making them real people (adorable crooked teeth included), that I rooted for and knew I would fall in love with as surely as they would fall for each other. And I did. And I loved every minute of it.

Overall a great read, and one of the few five star books I’ve read this year. If you’re looking for an immersive and adorable romance do yourself a favor and read this book. Ana Hartnett Reichardt has officially been added to my list of auto-buy authors!

I received an ARC copy of this ebook via NetGalley and all opinions are my own.

So glad to have received this book as an ARC through NetGalley!

3.5/5

This is the third book I have read from this Author! However, this is the first book I've read that is outside of the College series. I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I think this is a great fluffy summer romance book. I can definitely say that I know more about Winemaking than I ever have before. A great book to read when you need something to fill the need to read a romance book. I enjoyed the setting, but I wish I felt a little bit more connected to the world OUTSIDE of the Winery. However, I do understand this was a choice used to show the insular and competitive world of this community. I loved the way the Author brought us into the reality of what was going on. Extra points for the panic attack scene and how the Author chose to address it. I would consider this a pretty spicy book, given that it is something I have enjoyed in Hartnett's other Series. Would recommend if you need something to fill that niche!!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🍷🍇🐕🚿👩🏼‍❤️‍💋‍👩🏼

Ana Hartnett Reichardt's very ADULT book, Crush, is a very spicy, very romantic, and very informative new novel.
I loved it, which I knew I would, considering she is one of my go-to authors.

Crush, is about the wine industry, set in the very busy part of the year with crush and harvest. The book follows Winemaker Josie Sanchez, and her intern Mac. You will find age gap, grumpy vs sunshine, boss/intern, and found-family tropes. This book is filled with sexual tension from the moment they meet, but it's ultimately slow-burn because neither one wants to get the other in trouble because of the positions they are in, but once they give in to their desires, it is HOT. And of course, it starts off with Josie being resentful for Mac because she was hired only because she was her boss's niece, which makes the sexual feelings she's feeling towards Mac so much better.

I loved the knowledge Reichardt's brings to the book. She clearly writes about something she is passionate about, and you can see that is reflected in the character's actions and knowledge of the wine industry. I loved the references to New Zealand, considering I am from here, but also because we are also a well-known wine country, and I actually live in Marlborough which is probably the wine capital of New Zealand, so I could relate a lot to this book.

I loved the characters, and how everyone was supportive of one another. Except for Greg. (You suck Greg) I loved how Mac's uncle, Hank, practically got our two lovers together, making his favourite worker who is like his daughter in some ways, part of his actual family. I loved how pretty much all the women were lesbians. They all wanted a piece of Mac.

I just loved this book. Thanks to Netgalley, Boldstroke Books, and Ana for a copy of the ebook. This review is left voluntarily.

Crush is a lovely story that makes you root for Mac and Josie the whole time.

Josie is the winemaker at a prestigious winery. Mac is her new intern - and winery owner's niece. While attraction happens at first sight, it's the blossoming adoration between them that holds your heart.

There are plenty of tropes at play. Age-gap, boss/intern, grumpy x sunshine, found family to name a few. And there are dogs, which I always love to see. I really enjoyed how both women maintained relationships outside of each other which I think gets neglected sometimes in romance. Overall, a very enjoyable read!

This is a story about Josie Sanchez, head winemaker at Cadieux Vineyards. Mackenzie Layton is the new intern at Cadieux and is the niece of Hank Layton the owner of the vineyards. Mac has no knowledge of winemaking when she first arrives, Josie is hell bent to dislike her. All of her previous interns have come with experience and she resents Hank forcing Mac on her.

Since Reichardt has extensive knowledge of the winemaking industry, it’s not surprising that her book should be filled with the details of making wine. I found this interesting and I have a trip coming up to California wine country and chose this book to gain more insight on how wine is made.

Josie and Mac drink a ton of wine everyday after work and it’s a good thing that they can walk to town for dinner and more adult beverages. To me this was too much drinking, and odd that neither ever seemed intoxicated from it. They were a cute couple and their chemistry was hot in the second half of the book.

ARC received from NetGalley for an honest and voluntary review.

I was somehow expecting a YA from Reichard but I was pleasantly surprised to see this is on the more adult spectrum. There is a 10 years age gap between the 2 MC but the main gap is in their wine making abilities. Josie is an experienced wine maker and quite passionate about it. Mac is changing careers and, aided by her uncle, is hoping to work hard and impress her new boss. And impress she does- just not work related, at least not at first. I really enjoyed this one but be advised that it is quite heavy on the wine making process.

Free ARC via NetGalley.

Josie is the head winemaker at Cadieux Vineyards where’s she been working for the last fifteen years. She wants to own her on wine label and believes she ready her boss Hank promises to give her own label if the harvest and wine is a success this year. Which I found a bit annoying Hank a good guy but if Josie been making your wine a success for fifteen years why she had to show she ready. Josie has to work with Hank niece Mac who very smart and wasn’t getting anywhere in her father marketing company decides to be an intern at Cadieux Vineyards as fresh start for her. Josie is annoyed to be working with someone who doesn’t know anything about wine but is surprise how well a Mac is willing to learn. Josie and Mac have sizzling chemistry and I love the process of winemaking all the while two characters falling in love and I love that two women know who they are and what they want.

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

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this insightful book

its all about the wine....

Josie Sanchez head wine maker of Cadieux Vineyards. she has worked there for many a year but dreams of making her own wine under her own label and this year could be there year....

but first
she has to take on a new recruit a Mackenzie Layton, the niece of her boss mac....who has no experience whatsoever in the wine industry

and she has to pick her up from the airport.... the most important year of her life and she is saddled with mac....

there could be trouble ahead....

an interesting book that kept me glued right to the end

Another sweet summer read! The book started out slow for me, but I stuck with it and was pulled into the story. I wanted to read this book because of the winemaking aspects and I wasn't disappointed. I really liked that specific winemaking processes were discussed because I don't think this has ever been done in a lesbian romance novel before. I learned a lot of terms I didn't know before.

The characters were relatable, if not predictable. The description of the Oregon scenery and the winery itself really added to the story and allowed me to visualize everything.

This would be the perfect book to sit down with at an outdoor winery - perfect sip and read!

I’ve read and enjoyed the author’s YA Alder (College) series and was happily surprised to read a new book with older characters. Josie Sanchez is the head winemaker at Cadieux Vineyards set in Willamette Valley, Oregon. She is 40 and has everything riding on this seasons winemaking. Hank Layton, the owner, promises Josie her own wine label if the harvest and wine is a success. She has worked for him for 15 years and has elevated his wines to new standards. The drawback is that her new intern doesn’t have any experience with wine making and happens to be his niece MacKenzie (Mac).

Mac is 30 and studied marketing. She is bright, pretty and warm. She gets dismissed for her looks even when she preforms above and beyond others around her. That happens while working for her father in his marketing firm. Coming to intern for Uncle Hank is a chance for a new start for her. The winery is small with only a few employees and the work is demanding. The attraction hits early between the two. It doesn’t help that Mac’s apartment is in Josie’s basement. There is longing for a connection, resistance because of employee/boss status and growing and growing tension between Josie and Mac. This builds to a surprising amount of heat. (More than Reichardt’s YA novels.) I totally bought into the relationship.

I will say I am not a drinker and there is a whole lot of wine and beer drinking. I’m not always sure these two should be driving at times. There is a lot of detail descriptions about wine making, processes, science, fermentation etc. It was a lot for me, but it lends authority and authenticity to the winemaking part of the story. I haven’t wanted to visit a tasting room so badly since I read Melissa Brayden’s Tangle Valley series. Very enjoyable read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.

This book started out quite slow however I enjoyed the technical wine making processes and the descriptions of the Oregon countryside, Worth the slowness in my opinion. It made me want to drink wine and I’m strictly a beer woman 😉

It was low angst which I very much enjoyed. The main characters were adorable and you couldn’t help but root for them!

4/5 stars

After reading this book not only do I need to start drinking fancier wine but I also need to visit a vineyard. This was a great read. Josie and Mac’s relationship is adorable. They have very complementary traits and their slow burn romance is sweet. The spicy parts were nice as well, a reward of sorts for the slow burn. Honestly this published, Bold Strokes Book, has produced some amazing novels recently that speak to actual and realistic LGBTQIA+ romances.