Unfortunately Yours by Tessa Bailey

Book #2 in the A Vine Mess series

Rating: ★★★★★

Dates Read: 6/27/23 - 6/30/23

    After getting dealt a double blow of losing her job and her fiancé, Natalie Vos heads back home to heal her wounds. After a few months of drowning her sorrows in wine, she's ready to bounce back and start anew. The only obstacle in her path is her trust fund, which she needs to fund her business idea. The catch? She has to be married before she can access the funds. Despite her recent heartbreak, Natalie is desperate enough to propose to a man who manages to simultaneously infuriate and attract her.

    August Cates may be the owner of a vineyard, but when it comes to winemaking, he's completely clueless. Despite his lack of knowledge, he's determined to honor his late best friend and salvage the business. However, his tasting room is empty, his wine is undrinkable (seriously, it's been known to induce gagging), and he's facing rejection from every bank he approaches for a loan. That's when Natalie, the stunning and spirited heiress, unexpectedly shows up at his door. Natalie has been a constant presence in his dreams, but their initial fiery chemistry quickly transformed into a barrage of insults and snarky remarks.

    Now, a quickie marriage could help them both. A sham wedding, a few weeks living under the same roof, and then they can go their separate ways--assuming they make it out alive. How hard could it be? There's just one thing they didn't account for: their unfortunate, unbearable, undeniable attraction.

    “I can't breathe for loving you and loving you is the only way I can breathe.”

    I loved this book! Tessa Bailey really nailed it with Natalie and August's story. After reading "Secretly Yours," I had a feeling their story would be fantastic, and I was not disappointed. The chemistry between them was electric, and their journey was everything I hoped for. Tessa Bailey knows how to deliver a captivating romance, and this book was no exception. 

    I absolutely adore Natalie's character. Her bluntness, confidence, and attitude made her such a multi-dimensional and captivating character. I felt a strong sense of protectiveness towards her as I delved into her story. It was refreshing to read about her journey, from navigating her relationships with her parents and brother to finding her own place in the world. Natalie truly radiated strength and resilience.

    One of the things that brought me immense joy was how unapologetically she roasted August every chance she got. Their banter was absolutely on point! Natalie had him wrapped around her finger, and it was a delight to witness their back-and-forth exchanges. The chemistry between them was electric, and Natalie's ability to keep August on a tight leash was both empowering and entertaining. It added an extra layer of fun and tension to their relationship.

    The characters in this book are incredibly likable, and personally, I found myself preferring them over Julian and Hallie from the previous story. They had a certain charm and charisma that made them stand out. The book was filled with tension, keeping me on the edge of my seat, and the hilarious banter between the characters added an extra layer of enjoyment.

    If there's one thing I wish for, it's that we had more time with the characters as a real couple. Their chemistry and connection were palpable, and I couldn't help but root for them. I wanted to see their relationship grow and develop further, but despite that, the moments we did get were incredibly satisfying.