3.5 stars I think? 3 seems too low but 4 seems too high.

The story was cute, author/professor returns home to his family vineyard only to be completely distracted by the landscaper who has had a crush on him since high school. Then through a series of secret admirer letters, the two navigate a complicated relationship built first and foremost on lust.

I’m surprised by how much I loved the actual story. Plot points seemed to work well together and felt well-connected. Characters in the story felt well designed and each of them played an important part (rather than some books making characters who have no real relevance).

Third act breakups are so irritating sometimes and this one felt like it came out of nowhere?? Like he was simultaneously saying he was fine, there was no problem, but then still ran away. I get that it was rooted in his past trauma but it was still very confusing.

The spice was a little (actually a lot) much for my usual preference. It was just straight up dirty (literally, I mean they’re literally in the vineyard half the time). I didn’t find anything offensive about it, so it really is just a preference thing. So if you like dirty smut then by all means this is for you.

But overall I did really enjoy the story and the setting itself I think helped build a great environment for me.