Thank you to Netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
I didn't like this book at all. I felt like this was full of cliche's. I didn't like any of the characters, which means it took a long time for me to get through the book. I was disappointed because I thought It would be a 4 star for me.

This is brilliant, easy read. I love the characters and the angst was top level and the book was the best slow burn I've read in a while. I have no complaints about this book at all and it's deffo gone to the top of my faves pile!! Can't wait for the next one!

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed the character dynamics in this book. The relationships felt believable and had me pining for more!

Always a pleasure to read MB’s lighter romances and this one fits the bill. This one set in NYC with cameo appearances from beloved characters that live in the area. You Had Me at Merlot is the classic David vs Goliath with a lesbian twist. What’s not to love? Thank you to the author, BSB publisher, and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was beyond good. Great if I must say. I can’t wait to rave about this to everyone. If you are looking for a good book, pick this up.

The best slow burn I've read in a while. I have no complaints about this book at all and it's deffo gone to the top of my faves pile!!

While I love most of Braydens books it has been a while since I found that spark she lit in some of her earlier books. Coincidentally characters from my favourite series have a short cameo in this one and it's fitting since I had the same great feelings while reading about Bordeauxnuts and Jamie and Leighton as I did with some of the first couples from Brayden I read about. U have said if before and I will say it again: no romantic heart should ever leave a book by Melissa Brayden unread!

*** this review was left voluntarily after receiving an ARC from Netgalley and Bold Stroke Books ***

Thank you Bold Strokes Books and Netgalley for this copy in exchange for my review.

This story follows Jamie Tolliver and Leighton Morrow, two women from completely different walks to life that have an adorably awkward meet-cute at Jamie's beloved cafe, Bordeauxnuts. But the meet cute isn't as cute, or random, as Leighton's company is looking to buy up the buildings in the area, Bordeauxnuts included. There is a fall out, seperation, and years and the two meet up again.

And that's just barely the first half of the book.

These two have instant sparks and while there were parts where I wanted to reach in and shake the two, it was a good frustration. It kept me reading and wanting to see what happens. Brayden weaves a story that is equal parts humorous and emotional and fills the pages with colorful characters. I absolutely adored the Bordeauxnuts regulars and loved that all of them were shipping Jamie and Leighton from the jump.

I never really knew where this story was going to go and loved the ride the entire time. There were twists along the way, but they all made sense and wove a story that had me gripped from start to finish. I think this will be one of the rare books I'm going to come back to.

Reading this was a true test for my patience and need to drink wine while reading.

Jamie has a cute coffee/wine bar in which she poors her heart and soul. Regulars and co-workers have become friends and their banter is enjoyable to see.

In walks Leighton, a cutie with Bambi eyes which gets her a cute nickname as I'm sure lots of coffee bars give to their customers. Or so I assume.

They hit it off but before it can become something more, there is a huge betrayal between them which ruins anything that could lead to more.

I had quite a whiplash reading this story unfold but it was interesting to see the journey. It's not a typical romance but that just adds to the story.

An ARC was given to me via Netgalley in return of an honest review.

I love everything Melissa has written, she has a way with words that really pull you into the story.

Thus said I did find this book a little slow to start, but stay with it I promise you it's so worth it.

Leighton and Jamie meet, they hit it off immediately and there is that mutual attraction, but some thing just never go to plan....can you forgive a lie???
As expected this book has it all, kissing, kissing and more kissing, plus hot hot. MB is the Queen of kisses

Added bonus of catching up with previous characters.

Would I recommend: YES yes,

Good read I liked catching up with other characters from previous books, it's always fun to see how life has been treating them. The character
Leighton was pretty interesting and I liked everything about her, although at times she could be a bit immature and needed some sense shaken into her. The main characters were the highlight of this story and I liked everything about them. The romance between the two was a long and arduous one. This was a slow burn romance for the ages, and that's what made this story really good. And when the main characters finally got together it was very romantic. I would definitely recommend this book too my friends and family and I look forward to what's next from this author.

I really enjoyed reading this! I love the concept of a coffee shop slash wine bar. The characters were interesting and the romance was fun. I think this would make a fantastic movie!

This novel is set in the backdrop of NYC with the owner of coffee shop/wine bar. The setting was so well described that I felt immersed in the story from the very first page. I initially picked up this book because of the LGBTQ representation, which is something I love to see in books I choose to read, especially when it's well done. I think the author captured the nuances of a queer relationship in a warm and genuine way. I felt that some of the point of view switches felt disjointed throughout the novel, and I found the prose surrounding the characters to be very forward lacking a certain depth. The character dynamics were quite charming, and it was overall a fun read.

⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️
☕🍷🍩🏳️‍🌈❤️‍🔥

You Had Me at Merlot is a cute sapphic romcom about second chances, and if you like Melissa's style of writing and like easter eggs from her previous books, then this one is for you.

Jamie and Leighton hit it off when Leighton walks into Jamie's coffee/wine bar Bordeauxnuts, undercover to scout potential spaces for a department store. Things go south and they don't talk for three years until they bump into each other in a club bathroom. Things go from enemies-to-friends-to-lovers with interesting happenings and characters throughout.

Melissa is one of my go-to authors since I read The Forever Factor, and I am glad I read this one. Highly recommend reading any of her books, and I absolutely recommend this one.

Thanks to Netgalley and Boldstroke Books for a copy of the ebook. This review is left voluntarily.

This book is about 2 women who fall in love with each other. jamie is working in a small coffe/ bar shop and ley is working in a office who want to make a new shop in the loction of jamies shop.
this two fall in love and then jamies will notice about what lay is doing....
You should read this book. its very sweet and cute and at the same time it will shatter your heart. i really enjoy this book and in the last 4 or 5 chapters i could really feel the caracters feeling.
For me who eng is not my first language it was pretty easy to read.
I dont wanna spoil but it has a happy cute ending.
Thanks to netgallay and the author for this beautifull book.

Ms. Brayden’s books can be a little hit or miss for me and unfortunately this one was a miss. This story started off well and I enjoyed the humor, but very quickly Jamie’s character seemed to spiral into more of a caricature and that’s where this book lost me. She was no longer relatable and by the time I got to their first kiss I had to stop reading because I just didn’t feel any chemistry or connection with the characters.

I loved this book and now kicking myself for taking so long to read it. I loved the chemistry between Leighton and Jamie. Their relationship was truly something special and the banter between them was so good. Really wish there was a coffee / wine bar like Jamie’s where i live!

You Had Me at Merlot by Melissa Brayden will have coffee & doughnut enthusiasts, as well as wine connoisseurs, heading out to the nearest coffee or wine shop. I’ve actually come to expect this from Ms. Brayden, since the author often pairs her romances with some of the good things in life, like food and drink.

Jamie Tolliver has a really great life. She is the owner of Bordeauxnuts, a very successful coffee and doughnut shop during the day, and an equally successful, cozy wine bar at night. She also has wonderful friends and customers who brighten her days at work. Then Leighton Morrow walks into her coffee shop and turns her world upside down.

Leighton visits Bordeauxnuts for a specific reason. She is the development coordinator for Carrington Department Stores, and they are planning to buy out the entire block that Bordeauxnuts sits on to build their newest department store. Leighton is quite attracted to the owner of her new favorite doughnut shop, but a job is a job, and she can’t allow feelings to affect her work for Carrington.

Ms. Brayden has created another story with strong characters, and a complex plot filled with intense feelings. New York City is the perfect setting for this tale. The chemistry between Jamie and Leighton is off the charts from the beginning, though their romance goes from fast to slow and eventually ends up as a second chance love story. That’s quite the feat for a couple in one novel. We get to see these two women grow as they work their way through the challenges they face. Fans of Ms. Brayden’s work will also find Easter eggs in this book in the form of cameo appearances of characters from her former novels.

If you enjoy your romantic novels filled with intense attraction, a fair measure of angst, and characters as strong as the coffee Bordeauxnuts serves, then this is the book for you.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for allowing me to read and review this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Stroke Books for a copy of this ARC. All thoughts are my own.

Jamie is the owner of a cute cafe/bar. She is a joyful person with loyal regulars and a thriving small business. Leighton is the mysterious business woman who shows up one day with incredible chemistry. Unfortunately, she happens to be scoping out the location for a department store. Can their potential romance survive their crossed purposes.

Melissa Brayden returns with another romance with palpable tension and strong characters. As you might expect, there is also a touch of spice along with all the sweet notes.

I enjoyed the character building, and the mature approaches of the two women. They both have to grow to get where they need to be, and with help, they might just get there.

I definitely recommend this one, especially if you like references to coffee and wine throughout. Unfortunately, you may find yourself with a strong craving for fresh cinnamon donuts - you have been warned.

Loved this book! I definitely thought at the beginning that the relationship was moving pretty quickly, but how wrong I was! Boy if this wasn't a slow burn romance, I don't know what is. And a second chance romance...basically all the things wrapped in one book.

The chemistry, the dialogue, the side characters and tension...all chefs kiss. Big bonus for ALL of the returning characters from other books as well, especially Jessica. But to be able to throw in Courtney and Margaret from "Strawberry Summer", I was shocked. Didn't see that one coming. Well done.