I always grab books written by Brayden. I don't even bother reading the synopsis, I just know it's going to be good.
But 20% into this one I was skeptical. Another story about a sweet struggling store owner gets threatened by a big store takeover. And of course the take over person is...surprise...the new love interest. Here we go again.
But this all happens within the first 30% of the story....what more could happen? Well that's where the Brayden magic begins. She turns this story into something special.
It's realistic, warm and full of interesting and colorful characters. The dialog is natural, clever, humorous and sometimes devilish.
There some "oh no" moments that make you wonder "how can this be happening?".
Interesting turn of events. Just keep turning those pages.
Another great story. I can always count on Ms. Brayden.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review

The main characters are Jamie and Leighton.
Jamie owns a successful coffee and donut shop. By day it is coffee and donuts, but at night, it transform to a cozy wine bar.
One day, Leighton goes into her shop and is drawn toward Jamie and the donuts. She stops by several times and the two women spend quite a bit of time together. Jamie does not know that Leighton was checking the shop out because the company she works for is planning on taking over the block (where the shop is located) for its new location. Which means Jamie's shop will be no more.
The two women have feelings for one another even though what might happen to Jamie's shop will crush everything.
I would recommend.

Melissa Brayden never takes the easy way out! I adored the complexity of Jamie and Leighton's relationship in You Had Me at Merlot. In addition to the magnificent chemistry between the women, the humor and clever banter I expect from Brayden is at 100%.

What a marvelous journey these two incredible women make over the course of the story. Not just in their dealings with each other, but in their personal lives as well. Friends, family, careers... it's just marvelous. Plus there are tons of wonderful cameos which fans of Melissa Brayden will enjoy.

From the sparking hot instant attraction, as secrets are revealed and they become enemies, and finally as they work past everything and they gradually become friends. Through it all these two ladies discover so much about themselves! What an incrediblly really lovely story.

(P.S. Don't worry Jamie, I also go to Coney Island solely for the Nathan's fries.)

Jamie owns a cafe/wine bar. Her customers love her and the business. When in walks a gorgeous woman, Leighton, that Jamie calls Bambi's mother because of her large beautiful brown eyes and gorgeous long lashes. Unbeknown to Jamie, Leighton works as the development coordinator for Carrington's Department store. And they're looking at Jamie's blockto put their new store. But Leighton doesn't tell Jamie before or after their relationship develops. This is a beautiful love story. It had me swooning and falling back in love with sapphic roamnce.

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy. I really enjoyed this and will be getting copies for my shop.

Everybody loves Jamie, her wine bar and her delicious donuts, called Bordeauxnuts. Leighton Morrow who works for a big corporation, is tasked with checking out the Jamies place because they want to put new Carrington’s Department Store in it’s place. Jamie is drawn to her. They become friends and then lovers. Jamies find out about Leighton mission and drops her like a hot potato.
3 years later they re connect as frenemies. Jamie does not trust her. This book was so much fun to read. Ms. Brayden bought in characters from her other books. Easter Eggs everywhere. It was so much fun.

You Had Me at Merlot is a sapphic romance featuring Jamie Tolliver and Leighton Morrow. Jamie is the owner of Bordeauxnuts, a coffee and donut shop by day and bar by night. Leighton Morrow is a development coordinator for a company seeking to buy the building Bordeauxnuts is in to demolish it and turn into a department store.

This gives classic Hallmark romance vibes! We have our scrappy entrepreneurial main character and the classic, somewhat cold, corporate love interest. It’s a tale old as time, although not necessarily a combination that I love, personally. I could not get over how Leighton treated Jamie. Even though the author attempted to smooth over this situation with a time jump, I personally did not see Leighton’s growth and was a bit disappointed they got together.

I did absolutely love Bordeauxnuts. I would do anything to be able to go and have a blueberry latte with Jamie. I thought Jamie and Leighton were good characters on their own.

This is a good standard rom com and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a sapphic romance, especially around Valentine’s Day.

Did not finish book. Stopped at 58%.
I wasn’t able to finish this book. I spent weeks trying to get through it but I just wasn’t in the right mood for it I think. I haven’t really been enjoying romance reads lately which I think was part of it. But the characters also drove me a little crazy and annoyed me. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Maybe I’ll pick this book up again when I’m in the mood for romance.

You Had Me At Merlot was somehow my first book by this author, but it is obvious that they are well written and know how to write romance. I love this trope, unsure what to call it, but it reminded me of late bloomer by mazey eddings. the pacing was great, and the characters were so well written. super sweet read

"You Had Me at Merlot" by Melissa Brayden is a charming blend of sweetness and spice, revolving around Jamie Tolliver, the owner of Bordeauxnuts, a magical coffee and doughnut spot in New York City. The novel takes an intriguing turn when Leighton Morrow, a development coordinator with plans to take over the city block, walks into Jamie's life.

The strengths of the book lie in its delightful setting, the engaging dynamics between the characters, and the palpable chemistry between Jamie and Leighton. Brayden skillfully develops the romantic tension, creating a storyline that keeps readers invested in the blossoming relationship. The conflict arising from Leighton's professional responsibilities adds an interesting layer to the narrative, as the two women navigate the challenges of balancing attraction with conflicting interests.

However, I rated "You Had Me at Merlot" 3 stars because, while it offers an enjoyable romantic journey, it doesn't break new ground in the genre. The plot follows a somewhat predictable trajectory, and the characters, while likable, may feel familiar to readers experienced in lesbian romance novels. The conflict between personal feelings and professional duties, while a classic theme, may leave some readers wanting a more nuanced resolution.

In summary, "You Had Me at Merlot" provides a satisfying dose of romance, with a delightful mix of humor and heart. It's a recommended read for fans of the genre, but those seeking a more innovative or complex storyline may find it falls within the standard conventions of romantic fiction.

This is an epic romance Street that speaks multiple years. Or feels more tall than whirlwind romance of several weeks that brings you a HEA. True love grows over time. Melissa Brayden did an excellent job of demonstrating this, with the pay off being an incredibly sweet finale. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful sapphic romance.

I read this in a single sitting it was definitely captivating! Jamie owns a daytime cafe, nighttime wine bar Bordeauxnuts (love the name) and Leighton works for the company that wants to acquire Jamie’s place for a new department store. I loved the characters and how the story progressed naturally, it made me want to not put it down! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

What a pleasant surprise. When reading a Brayden story, you know what you will get, likable characters, some angst, a well rounded story and of course romance. I am pumped to say this was different and I am pleased as punch. There is drama, much drama as Jamie Tolliver, owner of Bordeauxnuts (coffee/doughnut shop by day; cozy wine bar in the evening) enjoys her success but would not mind sharing it with someone. Leighton Morrow, development coordinator for Carrington Department stores. Take over and demolish Bordeauxnuts for a good price of course. When the two meet, there is interest but all the information is not on the table and the challenges begin. With a secondary cast of family and friends, this wonderful story unfolds. Take a look romance fans, you will not be disappointed.

Thanks to @netgalley, I got the utmost pleasure in reading this advanced copy for free in exchange for an honest review that I am leaving completely voluntarily and with absolute joy!
.
I found this read so touching! It starts off with the most lovely acknowledgements that really bring a smile and than dives straight into it! The prologue really sets the scene for the entire read and it’s impossible not to have a little crush on bold and quirky Jamie Tolliver.
.
I’m a sucker for a rom com but this was next level girl club only style and I gotta admit - I vibe the change up! There is a real sense of sexual energy amongst the pages that’s paired with such witty banter that we all have grown to love within this genre. It simmers away as you read and than within seconds it’s bubbled over out of no where and than it’s off like a classic tirade of PMS. It’s a real power house of female fieriness but also a stubbornness laced with pride that’s blocking this happily ever after.
.
My fav character was front and centre Jamie. She wore her heart on her sleeve with a personality that was alike to the first sip on your morning coffee.. warm and most welcomed! She was full of unique ideas making her successfully driven and it made me proud. I imagined her being someone you would want to bump into and strike up a conversation with no awkwardness.. just genuine talk. MB created and portrayed her exceptionally.
.
I really enjoyed the concept of coffee shop come wine bar as the main location of the storyline as it paired so well with the plot of the read! There is some really clever analogies hidden within this book which I found really creative and cleverly written!
.
This was close to getting full ratings from me but overall was a 4. I found it had a bit of a lull three parts through that felt a little repetitive and needing some spicing up. I very much enjoyed the ending and the sentiment of true love finds its way. I definitely am keen to explore more of Melissa Brayden’s work as she has a way with words that’s got my attention! Overall a fun, vibrant and loved up read 🥰

You Had Me at Merlot was such a fun read!! I had the best time reading about this coffee shop owner and this big time corporate working woman who is essentially going to be the down fall of the coffee shop. This love story was funny, adorable, sweet and just wholeheartedly wholesome! I loved how each character was written and how each dynamic was just as unique as the next. Sapphic stories that include amazing dialogue and a secret are sure to keep you on your toes and that is exactly what this read did!

Good reading, I enjoyed seeing other characters from previous books.
Leighton was dreamy and I loved everything about her, although at times I wanted to just jump in and shake some sense into her.
Definitely loved the main couple, but they took too long to accept that they belonged together. It was a super slow burn and that made it great.
I suffered at times and swooned when Leighton got out of the car to kiss Jamie, that was pure romance perfection.

I do love getting stuck into a new Melissa Brayden book. Having read almost all her novels, I appreciate how unique each story is that she weaves together and this one was no different.

Set in New York, we meet Jamie Tolliver, owner of Bordeauxnuts coffee and wine bar (with doughnuts!), and Leighton Morrow, who works for the family business - Carrington's Department Store (hello flashback to Strawberry Summer!).

While their paths meet and sparks fly at Jamie’s cafe, the reason Leighton is there in the first place is to scout the location and make way for a new department store - unbeknownst to Jamie.

Repercussions are predictably abound, but the time jump was a little jarring and quite unexpected for me. I was almost looking forward to the fallout and getting into the nitty gritty of how they'd work things out together. Despite that, it did end up making more sense as the story progressed. I think overall the story did start to drag a little, especially with the events towards the end, but we got there!

This is a great book with such a well thought out coffee shop (if only it really existed!) and two very likeable characters who did have great chemistry. Good, quick rom com read, would recommend.

When Jamie Tolliver open Bordeauxnuts she was ready for the next step in her life plan. Serving coffee in the mornings and afternoon was opened into a wine bar. Alway looking for ways to advertise her restaurant. What she doesn’t know is the fact that the owners of the building are looking to expand and by expanding put Berdeauxnuts out of business.
Acquiring into the stores that already had a rental with Carrington’s Department Store was just one item on her list. Leighton Marrow has worked for the family business since she finished school. Growing somewhat tired of being overlooked for upper management. What really hurt was her own father who was stopping her from that dream. Now she has the job of getting Bordeauxnuts out of her rental. But does the owner Jamie Marrow have to be so attractive? Another great romance by Ms Brayden.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books

Thank you Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for this ARC of ‘You Had Me at Merlot’ by Melissa Brayden

Absolutely loved this one! The plot was interesting and well paced and I absolutely loved the two main characters, Jamie and Leighton. I have already added several of her other books to my TBR!

I'm new to this author so I couldn't tell if this is typical or not but I could not get into this one. The characters and dialog felt too unnatural, like they were weird Hallmark caricatures and not real people.

One of the characters actually says to another - in casual conversation, "You have my heart thudding because it's looped in with yours." And it's not played up as dramatics or anything, as if anyone would actually talk like that.

I also found it really unbelievable that the owner of a cafe in NYC would be all sunshine and rainbows about her job and not make any jokes or gripes about customers or the service industry. To me it all felt a little too disconnected from reality. It made the characters come across as pretty unrelatable to me since their actions were so unnatural.