Marisa Castilla has fled to Red Mountain where her estranged father lives to regroup after a cheating ex (who happens to be her boss) fired her and threw her life into chaos. She arrives to find that her father has called in a favor from a friend and arranged for her to live in a vineyard cottage that just happens to be next door to his son.
Ethan Ledger is the new CEO of his family’s wine empire. He comes off as gruff and grumpy much of the time, but it’s mostly the outward expression of his inner battle with anxiety. He’s not interested in making friends with Marisa, or even really being civil at first, but once she breaks through his hard candy shell, he can’t help but melt for her.
This book is the first in the Red Mountain series, and the debut novel from Michelle Naomi Mosley. It felt really comforting to me as I read it. Watching Ethan let down his walls and surrender to his feelings through this slow burn was heartwarming and sweet, and the spice, once it came, was everything I wanted. I love how strong Marisa is, and how she goes toe to toe with Ethan the whole way. I read this book at a moment, when I needed the solace of a beautiful love story, and this SO delivered. I can’t wait to read more about the people of Red Mountain.
Thank you so much to Truly Yours PR and Michelle Naomi Mosley for the ARC opportunity!