Corkscrew You

This book hooked me in from the first chapter. I loved the character development and how the story progressed.

I devoured this read, like stayed up half the night reading it and I haven't done that in a while. I really enjoyed the story and even though I get some of the other criticism like the FMC's aversion to cussing, and how quick the romance happened I was able to over look it because of how enjoyable I found the story.

Shelby was working double time looking for an investor to save her family business after losing her father when she finally meets JP, a savvy business investor looking to give his last investment of his career some soul but there's a catch. He doesn't believe that Shelby has the business experience to turn the winery around, so agreeing to working with Nate is non negotiable. Shelby instantly dislikes him and thinks he's nothing but a Harvard snob who's going to ruin her family business but she learns quickly that there may be more heart to him than she originally gave him credit for.

I can't wait to read the rest of the series and I just hope there's a Jordan and Brendan book in our future.

I’m not sure why the early reviews of this book are so poor because I thought Corkscrew You was super cute. I love wine and romance, so this was the perfect book for me! I read the entire book in one sitting. I’m so excited this is part of a series because there are more wine books coming! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

Corkscrew You is a light-hearted rom-com set in the wine country, a la Tessa Bailey's series with Secretly Yours, which I absolutely loved -- and this book was nearly just as fun! Both our main characters, Shelby and Nate are lovable heroes who have are coming to terms with the loss of their father. Shelby's saddled with fighting for her pride and joy, her wine farm, which previously relied solely on local support and the gravitas of her father. Nate is our Harvard-educated pretty business boy, sent to help rescue the finances of the farm, while also grappling with his father's refusal to utilize modern medicine to survive a diagnosis of viral myocarditis (more on this later...)

What I loved about this book was the way in which it subverted cliches, but still managed to hold tension and stay cozy. For example, our big boss owner of the farm is a family friend of Nate's and admirer of Shelby and her father; he remains warm and understanding throughout the book, instead of this big bad investor. Our small town comprised of a constantly suspicious baker, an incredibly wealthy but also kind and thoughtful hotel owner, and the two best friends of Shelby, who are both intriguing in their own right. I'm particularly excited to see a book for Jordan and Brandon, pleaaaase!

Our two characters fell quick - my one only tiny gripe with this book. It felt like by chapter 3, Nate was already thinking he was in-love with Shelby - which was much, much too fast for me, considering they barely knew each other and Nate was getting over a fiance jilting him. What I did love about this, though, was their quick descent into spicy times. I can fully appreciate a book that spreads its sex scenes throughout while still having plot - yay! Also, I could use a little bit less French. It was just a weird bit that took me out of the story constantly.

I also appreciated both of our families -- Shelby's family clearly loves her, but has their own lives and have all but abandoned her and the farm. Nate's family is big and driven, AND his father is sort of realistic, but definitely clearly frustrating in way that I was able to relate to. Now, because I'm a medical student, I can't help but comment on the realism of this, which by the way, is genuinely very accurate to medicine. The imminent fear of him falling dead at any moment is a bit odd with a viral myocarditis or dilated cardiomyopathy, since it would be relatively rare and not something I'd necessarily feel incredibly anxious about, until he actually had an arrhythmia episode. Buuut, given this is a man who is reluctant to take meds and had a whole section on the CoQ enzyme, eh, I'm willing to suspend some belief and just be frustrated with Nate's family. I certainly would be, and the author certainly set up enough familial anxiety around it. I'd give anything to slap some sense in this man.

Ultimately, this was an incredibly fun read - I loved loved our cast of characters (again, please give me Jordan and Ava's story!!!!!) and will absolutely be reading sequels to come. Can't wait for our silent grump of a Cam to be a main character!! Giving this book a full 4.5 stars, with a 3.5 for spice!!

First of all, this cover is ridiculously cute and what drew me to the book. Nate and Shelby were so fun and swoony! I agree that the instalove can come off and unbelievable but I LOVE when the man is down bad for a girl quick. Enemies to lovers is so fun and I absolutely loved the setting/career of this story. I enjoyed it!

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK One Day publishing for the early copy of this book.
I really enjoyed this read.
Shelby is trying to save her family winery after her father's passing, and is forced to bring in Nate, a savvy businessman, to help her.
Shelby is quirky, independent and the town sweetheart.
Nate is a grade above Type A. Stoic, straightforward, and terrified of failure.
The two fall hard and fast and within a week have mentally said (and done) that 4 letter word.
I'm not usually into instalove, but the way the author navigates their weeklong whirlwind romance, I believed it.
I wish the author had dived a bit more into Shelbys depression after her father's passing. It was mentioned several times, but brushed off as if a 3 month stent on antidepressants is a cure all.
I loved Nate's family and I am hoping the author continues this world into a series with the siblings' stories.
There were so many great characters, she could bring us back to this winery for years to come.

"Corkscrew You" by Catherine Robertson is a delightful romance that explores the complexities of love, family, and business. Shelby Armstrong and Nathan Durant's fiery dynamic adds an exciting twist to the story as they navigate their conflicting personalities and shared goals. Robertson skillfully weaves together themes of ambition and trauma, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers hooked until the very end. Fans of romance will surely enjoy this engaging and heartfelt tale.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

TWs: grief/family death, depression

Nathan is in charge of turning Shelby's family's beloved winery around. The winery used to be her late father's, but it's been struggling to stay afloat. Even though she wants the winery to succeed, Shelby is resistant to follow Nathan's suggestions, and it seems like their working relationship will not turn out well. On the other hand, their physical relationship is another story...

Tropes:
Grumpy/sunshine
Small Town Romance
He falls first
yearning/angst

I really liked Shelby's personality. She was easy to relate to and is also fiercely independent. We follow her struggle with feelings of grief for her dad while balancing the burden of managing the winery by herself. I also really liked Nathan and his siblings. I thought Shelby and Nathan had good banter and balanced each other out really well. But I felt like Nathan developed feelings pretty fast (falling in love within the first few chapters) when in previous chapters, physical attraction is the only thing that was mentioned. There's a lot of pining/angst after Nathan realizes his feelings (which I live for!) and he struggles with balancing his responsibilities and commitments to his family, job, and relationship with Shelby. Throughout the book, we are able to see how Nathan and Shelby grow together and support each other through their hardships.

A cute and enjoyable read. The writing is humorous, and I laughed out loud at several parts. I'm excited to read the other books in the series: there are some great potential couples!

An enjoyable romantic read. I liked how the main characters Shelby and Nathan are influenced by their family backgrounds. It's quite inspirational showing how something good can be achieved when dealing with grief.