Review: Sweet Escape (Hawthorne Vines #2) by Meredith Wild & Jillian Liota

Plot Summary

A free-spirited singer falls for her best friend’s brother—and discovers her muse—in a heartfelt novel about finding love in unexpected places by Jillian Liota and #1 New York Times bestselling author Meredith Wild.

After a heartbreaking betrayal, singer-songwriter Vivian Walsh needs a getaway. Her best friend Murphy’s family vineyard is the perfect refuge to focus on her new album, free from unnecessary distractions—like men. Few are more tempting than Murphy’s workaholic brother, Memphis. He’s infuriatingly handsome, and Vivian can’t resist teasing him whenever she gets the chance.

Memphis has a lot on his plate with his struggling family business. The last thing he needs in his life is a spitfire like Vivian. They have nothing in common but the heat between them. The good news is that neither of them are looking for a relationship. Just release from the pressure. One no-strings night with Vivian couldn’t hurt. Or two. Or three. Maybe a distraction is exactly what they need.

When Vivian’s life back in LA comes calling, both realize their feelings might have grown far more than they planned. They will have to Is it time to say goodbye? Or can their sweet escape turn into their forever?

My Review

Rating: ★★★☆ ☆(3/5)

Sweet Escape is the second book in the Hawthorne Vines series, following Vivian Walsh, a singer-songwriter who retreats to her best friend’s family vineyard after a painful betrayal. She plans to focus on writing her new album but soon finds herself drawn to Memphis, her best friend’s workaholic brother. Memphis is under pressure to save his family’s vineyard and is not looking for a distraction. However, the chemistry between them leads to a no-strings-attached fling, which ultimately deepens into a more complex emotional connection.

Sweet Escape is an engaging, fast-paced romance that captivates with its dynamic characters and beautiful vineyard setting. The chemistry between Vivian and Memphis is a standout, building from playful banter to intense attraction, with plenty of steamy moments to keep readers hooked. The tranquil vineyard backdrop serves as a perfect setting for the characters’ personal growth and evolving relationship.

While the romance is compelling, it occasionally feels rushed. The focus on the characters’ careers rather than a more organic emotional buildup leads to a relationship that develops quickly, particularly considering the short timeline of the story. Some readers may appreciate the fast-paced, friends-with-benefits-to-love trope, but others might find the emotional depth lacking.

Vivian and Memphis both have intriguing backstories, but their emotional growth could have been explored further. While the authors touch on their pasts and motivations, a deeper dive into their vulnerabilities would have made their romantic connection even more impactful. Their journey from casual fling to something more could have benefited from a slower, more deliberate development to make it feel more authentic and emotionally grounded.

Sweet Escape is a heartwarming and steamy romance with great chemistry and a captivating setting. While the emotional depth and development of the romance could have been expanded, it remains an enjoyable and satisfying read for fans of contemporary romance.