Leighton is working with the department store looking to put Jamie's cafe/wine bar out of business. Despite an instant connection Leighton's job comes between them. Running into each other later they have to work together and find a way to move on from the past.

I like that this was not worked out immediately, that they both needed time to move past the past. This felt real, and the drawn out time line helped. I really enjoyed the way that this played out.

This book was not what I expected, and it was all the better for it. This was a good read, and I definitely recommend it.

I have yet to go wrong with Melissa Brayden's books and recommend them all, this one included. It was especially fun to see glimpses of characters from past books.

I received a free copy from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

I’ve come to expect a great deal of humor in Brayden’s stories. MC’s have excellent dialogue not only with each other, but side peops too. This latest has the humor, but there’s so much more. The story is so much richer, robust even, like a full bodied red wine or a dark roast coffee. Normally I shake my head at too much angst that’s wrapped up in “issues with communicating” but I’m embracing a certain amount of reality - that people say and do silly and sometimes even stupid sh*t. And Jamie and Leighton have an interesting, deliberate, and complex story. Meet. Things happen. And off we go on the journey where our eyes widen, then we shake our heads, then our eyes widen again, then we slap our foreheads, and then we hold our breath for the longest time, and then we arrive safely, This is not typical and yet maybe it is. Maybe that’s why it’s so satisfying a journey.

Overall, I thought this book wasn't bad. I was expecting it to be a sapphic version of a Hallmark Christmas movie, just without the Christmas, and that is what I got. The characters were likeable, and what spice there was was well written, and felt like it played a part in the plot, rather than being there for the sake of it.

The main problem with this book for me was the pacing. I thought that the first seven chapters were well-paced, but the time jump at the start of chapter 8 felt like a convenient way to avoid solving a difficult problem. From then on, it felt well-paced again, although the outcome felt fairly predictable (which is no bad thing), and so it felt like things dragged a little in reaching the resolution that we knew was coming.

If you like rom-coms, coffee bars and lesbian relationships, this is a book that I would definitely recommend!

Melissa Brayden truly writes some of the best characters ever. With Jamie and Leighton I was absolutely blown away by everything about them, but especially their maturity. While they both make mistakes and have their moments of bad behavior and poor decisions, at they end of the day they know how to own up and apologize and talk it out. If I had to pick a theme for this book besides good wine and coffee it would be maturity. There is so much to be learned from how Jamie and Leighton handle themselves. It makes them likable characters. But their imperfections also make them relatable. And they both have fantastic character development. All of this is to say they are amazing characters that embody the kind of person I want to be someday. As for their chemistry, it was also amazing. I loved the ‘one got away’ vibes and how there was insta-love, second chance, and slow burn romance, with all the tropes worked in together and each so impressively done. Finally, I loved the setting of Bordeauxnuts. I highly recommend this book!

Melissa Brayden never disappoints! Her writing is always concise, witty, funny, and warm,
This book has definitely been added to my top 5!

This boy ok definitely had me at Merlot. Jamie and Leighton know there is something special between them at first sight. Only Leighton works for the company that wants to buy the building where Jamie’s coffee shop is houses which would leave her out of business.
The tension builds as their connection grows, but Jamie does not know who Leighton really is and Leighton struggles as to how to tell her without risking losing her.
The story unfolds from there, spanning several years. It’s a fun romcom with steamy scenes and angst along with the humor.
I found myself rooting for them to figure things out and jump in! This is a sweet story and highly recommend it.

Aww my goodness this one was like incredibly cute. Nice romance, fun characters, corporate vs local businesses, all strong things! A light hearted read. Thanks for the arc 4.5

Jamie Tolliver, coffee shop/wine bar owner, is dismayed to discover the hot new customer is there scouting the location for development, especially since she finds out AFTER they get involved.

Leighton Morrow normally has no problem with her job scouting locations, and after getting involved with Jamie the info about her job lands like a bombshell.

I did not expect the time jump, but I think it works for the story. Also if you are a long time fan of her books, there are a LOT of Easter eggs.

Overall, a good read though I felt the ending was a bit rushed.