I loved being back at Hawthorne Vines, a piece of this place stayed with me after Bitter Truth with Murphy and Wes.
Sweet Escape follows Memphis and Vivian's story and what a wonderful one it is.
Vivian escapes to Rosewood after she discovered her boyfriend cheating on her. Her best friend Murphy's family own Hawthorne Vines where she is hoping to get away from everything and find some much needed inspiration for her album which she is due to record back in LA is 2 weeks.
She needs to heal and definitely not looking for any distractions until Murphy's brother Memphis walks in. She knows all about his moody ways and wants nothing to do with him - or does she.
Their attraction to each other is evident, neither one looking for a relationship, a one night stand can't hurt though and the spark between them is hot. Vivian suggests a friends with benefits deal until she has to return to LA. Memphis is happy as he doesn't have time for anything more but he soon finds himself distracted by her but in a good way.
When Vivian returns to LA is it a final goodbye.....I love a good enemies to lovers, best friends brother trope and this delivers it so well. Vivian is such a strong FMC, sassy and strong. Memphis went from being such a grump to a sweetheart, I love him.
I'm hoping for a 3rd book and would love it to be Micah's story.
Thank you NetGalley, Meredith Wild, & Jillian Liota and Montlake for this ARC, all opinions expressed are my own.

Sweet Escape is exactly what the title promises—a sweet, quick read that’s perfect as a palate cleanser when you need something light, refreshing, and to the point. The pacing keeps things moving, making it an easy book to devour in one sitting.

What really stood out to me was the setting. The authors did a fantastic job bringing the vineyard and the charming small town to life, creating a vivid backdrop that felt cozy and immersive. The scenery practically became its own character, adding an extra layer of warmth to the story.

Vivian and Memphis have great chemistry, and their banter adds a fun spark to the narrative. However, I was a bit confused by the enemies-to-lovers angle—it didn’t feel as fully fleshed out as I expected. Their dynamic seemed to lean more toward playful teasing than true animosity, which left me wondering if it was really an "enemies" situation at all.

That said, I genuinely enjoyed the book. It’s heartfelt, with just the right mix of romance and emotional growth. If you’re looking for a quick, feel-good story with a picturesque setting and engaging characters, Sweet Escape is a great choice.

DNFed this one early on. Wasn't a fan of the type of banter between the characters. I also felt like the authors were trying to hard to tell us the male MC did not like his current situation.

3 Stars Sweet Escape is an enemies-to-lovers, best friend's brother, small town romance, and the second book in the Hawthorne Vines series by authors Meredith Wild and Jillian Liota.

Armed with her guitar and a broken heart, Vivian Walsh shows up at her best friend's family vineyard to lick her wounds and find her muse again. Having found her longterm boyfriend cheating on her, singer-songwriter Vivian is struggling to work on her new album, which is due to record in a couple weeks. Vivian need to work without distractions, like Memphis Hawthorne, her best friend Murphy's older brother. Having initially gotten off on the wrong foot, Memphis and Vivian can't help but trade barbs at each other before the heat sizzles between them and they are giving in. Determined to keep things casual, they start sneaking around the vineyard. As Vivian's time winds down, neither can imagine actually having to say goodbye.

Memphis and Vivian were such a fun pair! They were complete opposites, yet complemented each other perfectly. I loved their natural chemistry and the banter whenever they spoke. In addition to their relationship, there's plenty of plot about the family drama at the vineyard. At just about 250 pages, Sweet Escape feels short without feeling too short. It keeps the pace moving nicely and is the perfect sweet little read. I'm excited for Micah's story up next!

Thank you Meredith Wild and Jillian Liota for the ARC! Sweet Escape releases February 4th!

4.5 Sweet Escape Vines🍇

Sweet Escape is the next book in the Hawthorne Vines series and this time focuses on Memphis and Vivian. We met Murphy in the previous book, Memphis is her older brother who is running everything at the Vineyard and Vivian is Murphy’s best friend from LA.

When Vivian’s boyfriend of three years cheats on her, she decides to escape to Rosewood to visit Murphy but also to find her muse…which she does in the form of the broody Memphis🙌 Loved this couple’s interactions and flirtatious behaviour…and that ending was perfect👌

I’m holding thumbs for a book for the youngest brother Micah next. I received an advanced copy from Netgalley and voluntarily leave my honest review❤️

✅ girl looking for a muse
✅ guy that’s carrying the weight of his families failing business
✅ beneficial banging

What else is missing… oh yes the “no feelings involved” ground rule 🙂‍↔️

I’ll eat up these types of scenarios in every book.👏🏼👏🏼

Vivian and Memphis were hot as hell. And I loved the banter they had from the get go. Vivian brought out a side of Memphis that he needed to let out!! Man’s has been spending so much time stressed about the family business.

I actually enjoyed this way more than I thought it would. It was fun, spicy, had great banter & I loved seeing the siblings come together when it really mattered.

<b>Do you want or need "Sweet Escape" from real life? Meredith Wild and Jillian Iota have one right here for you. Vivian and Memphis took us on an emotional rollercoaster. It has spice and passion. It has heartbreak and heartache. It has swoon and warmth. I loved every second of it!</b>

🎵 small town romance
🎵 enemies to lovers
🎵 opposites attract
🎵 grumpy sunshine
🎵 best friend's older brother
🎵 vacation fling

Vivian ran away from LA when she caught her cheating boyfriend and she came to Rosewood where her best friend has a family vineyard. She has to write more music for her upcoming first record and she is stuck. Memphis has a lot of burden on his shoulders. He is trying to revive the dying family business on his own. The last thing he needs is a relationship. But Vivian sparks something primal inside him. It was supposed to be just casual sex. But it never really is.

<b>Vivian is smart-ass and sassy and full of life. But all her life, she never let herself to be open to the people close to her. On the other hand, life has made him grumpy and brooding and closed off in a different way than Vivian. He barely has time to breathe from the vineyard and winery and restaurant and yet he feels he is failing and everything will crush down at any moment. Vivian didn't have nice ideas about him because her best friend said some not so nice things over the years because of the complex family dynamics so it's a bit rough initially. They have insane chemistry from first meeting. It cracks and sizzles and explodes. As they start spending some time together deciding to give into temptation, they find more things to like about each other. Memphis found himself worrying less about his endless task and feel excited about life again. Vivian lifted the weight from his heart. He is stubborn and edgy and didn't let anyone help him but he realised slowly that it's not the way. Vivian never felt as safe and content as she did in the small town. She came here with a broken heart and she found the healing kind of love. But no love story is complete without a bit heartache and angst. Vivian pushed Memphis away out of fear before Memphis could make her stay but she did come back home! I loved their witty banter and sharp words at the beginning. The chemistry was so hot. And I love how their hearts fit like missing puzzle pieces.</b>

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

I received an arc from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

This was an okay read for me however the story sounded familiar like I have read this storyline before. The family dynamic of the story was great. I loved the ending and how the family came together and the love interest as well. Micah, Memphis and Murphy had to overcome and work through a lot of family issues but glad for the HEA ending.

Vivian was a force to be reckoned with and glad she got her HEA ending in the end as well.

4.5⭐
2 🌶️
Tropes/Themes: Bestie’s brother, With benefits, songwriter FMC, Winery owner MMC, snarky banter, opposites attract
Dual POV 1st person

I really really enjoyed this book- Vivian is hilarious, the banter is great and the chemistry between her and Memphis is amazing. It’s sweet and swoony and everything I love. Vivian’s snark had me laughing and cheering them on. I basically sat down and read this book in one day/setting, that’s how good it was. I do wish there had been more about why Viv hated him at first, but she seemed to get over it pretty quickly so that wasn’t a big deal. I also liked how the vineyard framed the story, and the push and pull for the two of them between their hearts and obligations.

Already added the first book in this series to my TBR!

In Sweet Escape by Meredith Wild and Jillian Liota, singer-songwriter Vivian Walsh visits her best friend, Murphy, after discovering her boyfriend’s infidelity. A night out leads her to a charming bartender—who turns out to be Murphy’s brother, Memphis Hawthorne. Their instant attraction was never meant to last beyond one night, but fate has other plans.

Memphis is focused on saving his family’s struggling vineyard, taking on any task necessary, including shifts at the restaurant’s bar. Meeting Vivian is an unexpected but welcome distraction. As their chemistry deepens, they must decide if they’re willing to take a chance on something real.

With sizzling romance, heartfelt emotion, and well-developed characters, Sweet Escape is a captivating love story filled with passion, witty banter, and just the right amount of drama.

5 Star Review Sweet Escape (Harvest Vines #2) by Meredith Wild & Jillian Liota

This was an entertaining romantic story that ticked the boxes for me. From the first chapter I was hooked on the story that was told. The characters were easy to relate to and I really liked them.

The chemistry between them was intense and I found myself laughing out loud on a number of occasions with the witty banter and humour.

The secondary characters were just as entertaining and I hope to see more of them at a future date.

This book is a little gem that I have no trouble recommending. The narrators certainly did justice to the characters and the wonderful story that the author created.

I received an ARC through the publisher and Netgalley.

This is an enjoyable story. The dynamic between Memphis and Vivien is flirty and fun.
Memphis is trying to keep the family business afloat. Vivien is an up and coming singer.
The story wasn't too long but still gave time to give the relationship between the two main characters substance.
I like a musical story background and also enjoyed the banter.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher

Thank you Montclair and Netgalley for this ARC!

This novel was an enemies to lovers novel that was very similar and filled to the movie. A star is born. this novel surrounds Vivian a well-known artist who travels to her friends, families vineyard for some song inspiration. Quickly, Vivian meets her friends, brother Memphis, who works at the Vineyard immediately there are not a great match however, overtime they do have an enemies lovers, kind of relationship. I thoroughly did enjoy the love story of this novel however I felt that there was way too much focus on the vineyard and the processes of running the vineyard that it took away from that romantic feel of the novel that I was wanting. Overall this is really good and a great love story but just be aware that there is quite a bit of discussion surrounding the vine unless surrounding a romance.

Sweet Escape is a sweet read. Memphis is a workaholic trying to save his families vineyard. He does everything in his power to keep things afloat even when his father drags his feet. Vivian needs an escape and her muse to inspire her finishing her album before heading into the studio. The chemistry between Memphis and Vivian is there from the beginning. You feel the reluctance Vivian has when she realizes Memphis is her best friends brother. I love how Vivian gets Memphis to put the work down and live a little. I love how Memphis shows Vivian that not all men are like her ex. I love how Memphis and his siblings become closer as the changes to the vineyard take place. This gives you all those good feels. I could not put this down. Go click this today.

You will love Memphis and Vivian!

Memphis Hawthorne only goal was to keep the family vineyard running and fix the black hole in the finances so he had no problem stepping in and covering a shift for one of the employees. But he never expected to meet a gorgeous woman at the restaurant’s bar while he was working at the bar.

Singer/songwriter Vivian Walsh was visiting her best friend Murphy after finding out her boyfriend was sleeping around. She was surprised to find out that the bartender was Murphy’s brother Memphis that she had heard about since they became friends. But she never expected that there might be more than one night with Memphis if they could admit that there might possibly be a future.

You will love how Vivian and Memphis finally realize that they have a future when they put their relationship first.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sweet Escape by Meredith Wild and Jillian Liota is a delightful blend of sweetness and spice, a romance that delivers on all fronts. The story expertly balances heartwarming moments with fiery chemistry, creating a journey that’s both emotionally satisfying and utterly captivating.

The romance at the core of the novel is compelling, with the protagonists’ connection unfolding naturally yet intensely. True to the genre, there’s a dose of drama, but it’s handled with finesse, adding depth and tension without feeling overdone. The authors skillfully navigate these dramatic turns, ensuring the story stays grounded and relatable.

The characters are a standout feature, perfectly developed with layers of complexity and charm. Their growth throughout the narrative makes them easy to root for, and their banter and vulnerability make them truly lovable. By the end, it’s hard not to feel invested in their journey together.

Overall, Sweet Escape is a beautifully written romance that hits all the right notes. Wild and Liota have crafted a story brimming with passion, emotional resonance, and unforgettable characters. It’s a perfect pick for readers looking for a feel-good, steamy love story with just the right amount of drama.

I’m so happy to be back in this series, I’ve been dying to read this book since I finished book 1 but I do also love to put off reading my most anticipated books so that is why these two are now so far apart. I loved Vivian, her personality, her attitude, her one-liners made her character unforgettable. She was the life of the party, she was hilarious, fun, sweet, and brought so much entertainment to both mine and Memphis’s life I couldn’t not love this book.

Vivian knows what she wants and when she wanted Memphis she got him, these two and their chemistry is was obviously how quickly they would get together because they literally could not avoid each other, and likely subconsciously sought each other out. Memphis fell for Vivian, I mean how could he not, and was willing to have her in any way he could fit her into his busy life.

I also loved the family drama and how it continues from book to book within the series. I can’t wait for Micah’s book cause I know it’ll be good, but also because I’m excited to see all the changes to the winery!

Sweet Escape by Meredith Wild and Jillian Liota is Book 2 in the Hawthorne Vines series.
What can you expect?
🏡 Small-town vineyard
💕 Best friend’s older brother
😠 Grumpy hero
💃 Sassy heroine
🎤 Singer FMC
🔥 No strings attached

4 ⭐ | 2.5 🌶

My thoughts:
I really enjoyed Sweet Escape! If it’s set in a small town, I’m immediately hooked. The story begins with Vivian catching her boyfriend cheating on her. Heartbroken, she heads to her best friend’s family vineyard to focus on writing music for her first album.
While there, she can’t resist teasing Memphis, her best friend’s older brother. Memphis, burdened by the family vineyard’s struggles, works long hours and has no time for distractions. Neither is looking for a relationship, so a no-strings-attached fling feels like the perfect solution. But when it’s time for Vivian to return to LA, things become more complicated.

I loved Vivian’s personality—her persistence and confidence stood out. After their first night together, she couldn’t resist wanting more. Her connection with Memphis even helped her creativity with her music. Vivian was hilarious and unapologetically herself. The spice between them? Amazing!

At first, their relationship was purely physical, but as they spent more time together, their bond deepened into an unexpected friendship. Despite this, both kept their emotional walls up. Memphis, overwhelmed by the vineyard’s demands, worked 16–18 hours a day but refused to ask for help. Vivian, shaped by her absent parents’ flawed relationship, struggled with trust and feared opening up to Memphis. Their growth as characters was well done—Memphis learned to lean on his siblings, and Vivian worked on being more open with those she cared about.

What I appreciated most was that neither interfered with the other’s dreams, even though their goals were very different. Their relationship wasn’t conventional, but it worked perfectly for them.

The small-town vibes, sizzling chemistry, and vineyard setting added so much charm. Although I haven’t read the first book in the series, this was easy to follow, and I now want to read the first for more context. The only downside was that the story dragged a bit in the middle, causing me to lose interest briefly, but it picked up again and ended on a satisfying note.

Thank you, NetGalley, Meredith Wild, and Jillian Liota, for the advance copy. This was my first book from these authors, and it certainly won’t be my last!

Finding love was the last thing Vivian had on her mind when she takes a getaway to her best friend Murphy's family vineyard. Immediately Memphis, Murphy's brother, and Vivian cannot resist and stay away from each other. With Vivian only being in town for a short time and all the problems of a struggling business, Memphis absolutely does not want to start anything that will likely only end up in broken hearts all around. The banter was perfection! You can clearly see that Vivian is attracted to Memphis, physically and as a person immediately after their first meeting. I loved the small town vibes of the vineyard and how it can make even a big city girl fall in love with the small town life. I also loved the family dynamics in this book. I did a combination eyeball read and ALC and enjoyed the narrators. Thank you to the authors for the free eARC and ALC. All opinions are my own.

Instagram review will be live approximately 31Jan25.

I didn't realize this was a second book in a series, however it didn't effect my ability to enjoy this one. It was really cute and I enjoyed it.

You have a free spirited FMC and a MMC who is a serious man (he still knows how to have fun, if you know what a mean 😉). They are a "watercolor and excel sheet" as our girl Murphy would say.

It was a cute and easy read. Great if you want something cozy!