Sweet Escape by Meredith Wild and Jillian Liota
Hawthorne Vines series #2. Contemporary romance. Best friend’s brother troupe. Can be read as a stand-alone.
After her ex cheats on her, which makes him an ex, Vivian Walsh goes to her friend’s family vineyard to get away and focus on writing music for her upcoming album. Vivian doesn’t plan for a new relationship, but Memphis is simply good yummy to resist.
Memphis is busy running the vineyard and restaurant though his father hasn’t officially passed down the family business. Memphis doesn’t have time for a distraction but Vivian is teasing and tempting beyond his ability to resist.
Passion and fun turn to feelings. At least for one of them. Should it continue beyond her stay at the vineyard?

Steamy interludes while the characters go through some self assessment.
I love the joking between them and the laughter.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley.

Fast spaced and insta love with lots of spice a la friends with benefits. The continuation of the wine business was great we got Memphis’ take on taking over the family business. Vivian in need of inspiration goes to her bff’s family winery meets the older brother and she’s writing songs nonstop.

This was a cozy romance
Very honest, earnest and sweet ( with spice! At least 3-4 spicy scenes) , but I did find it a bit boring throughout the middle. I liked both main characters, but I found it hard to get invested in the relationship.

The setting in the vineyard was beautiful, and the small town and supporting characters were well developed. I wish the plot - beyond "enemies with Benefits" was a bit more pronounced.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sweet Escape by Meredith Wild and Jillian Liota

This is the second book in the Hawthorne Vines series, but it is the first one I have read so far. I really enjoyed the story, the town, and the characters in this book.

From the very beginning, I felt an immediate connection with both of the main characters. After a heartbreaking betrayal, singer-songwriter Vivian Walsh arrives in Rosewood to visit her best friend Murphy and take some time to write new songs. Memphis Hawthorne, Murphy’s older brother and heir to the family's struggling vineyard was doing his best to keep this family's business going, The moment they meet, the chemistry between them is palpable, igniting an undeniable attraction that neither can resist. They decide to embark on a carefree, no-strings-attached fling, setting the stage for a tumultuous yet exhilarating journey.

What truly stood out to me was the delightful banter and playful bickering between Vivian and Memphis. Their exchanges were electric, laced with wit and humour, showcasing her spirited nature as she firmly held her ground against him. Both characters, while quirky and charming, possess a profound depth; they are self-aware and ready to confront their past mistakes. It’s inspiring to witness their growth as they strive to become better versions of themselves, making their journey as engaging as the romance itself.

The book: Hawthorne Vines #2. A free spirited singer falls for her best friends brother.

This was super cute and very bingeable. I finished in one night! This had the perfect amount of found family and spice. I loved the strong female characters and friendships displayed throughout the book. I didn’t realize this was the second in the series when I requested it but definitely can be read as a standalone.

Read if you like:
- enemies to lovers
- one night stand turned more
- strong female characters
- fast paced & bingeable reads
- open door spice

Thank you to Montlake, NetGalley, Meredith Wild and Jillian Liota for allowing me to be an early reader. All thoughts are my own.

Sweet escape is a beautiful falling for best friend’s brother romance. It's Vivian and Memphis heartfelt love story which will surely captivate readers attention and they will keep on turning the pages.

Really Loved this amazing story and cannot wait to read more in this series.

This was such a sweet and quick read. A perfect pallet cleanser if you are looking for something short and to the point. I loved the setting and scenery of this one.
The authors did a fantastic job of creating a very vivid little town and enjoyable characters. I was a little confused with the enemies to lovers aspect, but other than that, I really enjoyed this one!

Sweet Escape is a best friends brother, grumpy sunshine romance with a bit of insta lust thrown in. Vivian has just endured a painful betrayal and break up and escapes to her best friend's home town where the family owns a vineyard. She is looking for some down time and time away before she goes into the studio to record an album. Memphis is working overtime to try and save the family's vineyard by trying to get it out of debt. There is instant chemistry when they meet until Vivian realizes the bartender she was talking up is her best friend's brother and then she puts a halt to that....although it doesn't last long.

I really enjoyed the family business aspect to the story and I really liked how Memphis and Vivian were opposites personality wise but brought out the best in each other. I liked how much Vivian appreciated the smaller town and the people in it and how it gave her inspiration which she then poured into her music.

I did struggle a little with the pacing of the book. I found the first half to be on the slower side. I can normally read a book a day, and I found myself putting the book down after only reading a little bit. It just didn't grab me like I was hoping. Closer towards the 70 percent mark or so, I found myself much more invested and enjoying Memphis and Vivian's story and hoping they would get there happily ever after. Overall the story was interesting and I liked the characters, it was just slow for a while. It did finish strong though and I am glad I read it to the end.

Thank you to Netgalley and the authors for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Sorry been MIA, a family member was involved in a serious car crash and I’ve been taking care of them. Just finished reading this ARC I received in the small breaks I was given to rest. It was captivating story and I’m hooked! The characters are so well-developed, especially the main characters Vivian and Memphis, and their chemistry is off the charts. The steamy scenes are 🔥 but the story also delves into deeper emotions, making it a well-rounded read. I loved the wine country setting and the family dynamics. The author’s writing style is engaging and kept me turning the pages. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a romance with substance! 4.5/5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 #romance #bookreview #winecountry #steamyreads #familysaga @meredithwild @jillianliota 🍷📚❤️

Sweet Escape by Meredith Wild and Jillian Liota was a fantastic romance from two authors. A lovely meet cute, a romantic plot, and a deep connection with the characters.

This was my first book I have read by this author duo. While this is a series and this being the second book, it can still be read as a standalone. I did not feel like I missed out on anything by having not read book 1. But I will go back and read book 1 now!

This book had strong character development and great spice. I loved Vivian and Memphis and their banter. I'm a sucker for great banter and this did not disappoint! I couldn't put this book down!

Sweet Escape is a small town, enemies to lovers novel. This is book 2 of the Hawthrone Vine series, but could be read as a standalone.

After getting cheated on, Vivian decides to take a 2 week getaway. Vi visits her best friend, Murphy, in her hometown of Rosewood and meets her brother, Memphis. There is an instant attraction between them and they agree to have a no strings attached fling. Memphis and Vi are both dealing with their own issues, but the more time they spend together, the more they fall. An opportunity to have some fun and let go of their realities becomes complicated and very emotional.

I enjoyed this book! It was full of love, family and pursuing dreams. I love the dynamic of playful barbs and sexy comebacks between Vi and Memphis. I also learned a thing or two about vineyards! The family aspect teared me up! This was my first book by this duo and I can’t wait to read Murphy’s story in the first book!

What to expect:
- small town
- forced proximity on his family's scenic vineyard
- she's a singer-songwriter
- a dash of enemies to lovers with bickering and flirty banter!
- friends with benefits (one night turns to two and more)
- spice, emotional depth, and character development
- great narration

Sweet Escape is book two in the Hawthorne Vines series by Meredith Wild; Jillian Liota.
I loved book one and was so eager to start book two which did not disappoint.
A heartfelt novel about finding love in unexpected places.
This was an entertaining romantic story that had relatable and realistic characters.
For those who enjoy a compelling, heartfelt romance read this one.

I am a little proud that this is not the first time I’ve read Jillian Liota’s book! This is also very new to me because I usually repeat a lot of authors but I rarely end up reviewing them because they are what I call my comfort authors. You know those authors that you know they’ll be there no matter what they write and they’re always there for you. Whether you’re in a reading slump, you just read a book that wasn’t good enough so now you want something that will guarantee that it will fully satisfy you. I feel Jillian is becoming that person. That comfort author when I want something very simple: just a good story, just a good time!

Vivian and Memphis were amazing together! Vivian suffered a heartbreak and took some time off to heal and focus on her work. Memphis is trying to save his family business and has expectations for his vineyard. He has pride and loves what he does for a living, even though it is not easy and he has been struggling to keep the business afloat. Vivian, on the other hand, is a musician and she has been lacking a muse. Thankfully, after one amazing night with Memphis, she got her muse back. Memphis is the man who makes her feel music again. He is the one who inspires her, even though they banter a lot of times and seem to be the opposite of what one would want for their lives. Vivian will go back to LA, and Memphis will continue taking care of his vineyard. They know their time together is limited, so why not make the most of it?

I cannot say that I don’t love slow burns because when done right, a slow burn is awesome, but let me tell you that I have been craving for these I like you, you like me, f*ck it, let’s do it! I don’t know if it’s because I’m getting older and my patience is starting to dwindle, but I really appreciate it when the two main characters spend more time between the sheets than refusing to accept their attractions. Guys, we ALL know you’re going to end up in bed together, let’s cut the 200 pages of you denying your feelings and get to it! So “Sweet Escape” is awesome. Vivian sees something she likes, Memphis cannot deny his attraction, wham-bam thank you, ma’am! I mean, their chemistry was amazing and the smut scenes were incredibly hot, so I’m very happy I wasn’t denied smut!

If I had to find something to characterize “Sweet escape” it would be mostly fun. I had fun reading Vivian and Memphis giving up control for each other, exploring their feelings and finding something they loved when and where they least expected. It was fun reading their story and I just found myself smiling through the entire book and that’s the best! You don’t need to cry or feel your heart in your throat every time you read a book, sometimes all you need is a big smile from beginning to end and finishing the book feeling good!

The second book in the series and it’s FINALLY HERE!!!!

I’m obsessed with this series by Meredith Wild and Jillian Liota. An absolutely beautiful small town romance that captures Memphis’ story better than I could have ever imagined!

We first met Memphis in book one and I just knew he needed someone who showed him how to enjoy life! Enter his younger sister, Murphy’s best friend: Vivan. A celebrity musician, Vivian has chosen to escape to Hawthorne Vines to put distance between her life, her toxic ex, and what she wants for her future. Putting things in perspective proves to be just what both she and Memphis need, since he’s also struggling with how much he has on his plate with his family business.

Especially when they decide to *enjoy* what little free time they have with one another. I mean, what better way to avoid life’s problems than to enjoy a rather delicious distraction? HA!

I loved the cameos from Murphy and Wes, I loved watching these two characters help one another see what truly matters and also just how much more they deserve out of life, and I loved revisiting this town and this family.

You can definitely read them as standalones, but I recommend reading them in order to avoid spoilers! And the audio is FANTASTIC, so definitely check it out!

You’ll love this one if you enjoy:
- Best friend’s brother
- Forced proximity
- Fling to forever
- Only you
- Grumpy hero
- Sassy musician heroine
- Celebrity romance
- Small town vineyard
- No strings attached

Vivan Walsh is a rising singer-songwriter. After she discovers her boyfriend of three years cheated on her she needs to get away. She chooses to stay with her best friend Murphy at her family’s vineyard. She is looking for recovery and inspiration for new album. Murphy’s brother Memphis runs the struggling vineyard that has been in their family for generations. He is trying everything he can to make it profitable. He doesn’t have time for his sister’s flirty friend but their chemistry pulls them together.

The story, for the most part, takes place in a two week time period. So a lot of things feel rushed. I’m not fond of the theme of the way to get over someone is to get under someone else. But they are adults and are honest that neither is looking for a relationship. The story is told in alternating chapters from both leads' POVs.

By happenstance this is the third book I’ve read in as many weeks that is set in a small family vineyard. I did like the setting but thought the other books talked about winemaking better. This could have been almost any family business. The author’s are good at bringing heat between the couple. And I liked the friendship moments between Viviane and Murphy. This is the second in the Hawthorne Vines series and I liked Murphy enough to want to read her romance in ‘Bitter Truth’ (Aug 2024). I assume brother Micah will get the next romance. This is a quick read, escapism romance.

Absolutely loved this book! Memphis and Vivian are wonderful, lovable characters that you can’t help but wish the best for and for them to figure out a way to continue their “fun”. I loved their story so much and my heart felt so satisfied after finishing. It was sweet, sexy, and just everything you want in a romance. Will be going back to read the first book! This was a very enjoyable read.

I loved this story. Watching the heroine find her way after betrayal while circling the hero and trying to fight her true feelings. Great chemistry, well formed characters and a genuine feel made this a fantastic story. I’ll definitely be looking for more from these authors.

j'ai beaucoup aimé le contexte bien qu'il soit un peu difficile pour moi actuellement et les personnages qui nous donnent le sourire et nous font vibrer. Ils nous font vivre de chouettes moments en leur compagnie, j'ai aimé la manière dont ils se "réveillent" l'un l'autre et nous font découvrir leur histoire. Les pages se tournent très vite, parfois un peu trop vite et s'il n'y a pas de surprise, j'ai adoré l'évolution de Memphis et Vivian l'un avec l'autre. Une chouette romance contemporaine qui donne le sourire.