I put off reading this one for over a year after getting the #ARC, but would randomly see it reviewed as a must-read romance. While I did like the book, and was rooting for everyone to get a happily ever after, I also found that I had to force myself to keep reading this one, at least through most of the first half. I thought the lead characters were both super annoying in their inability and/or refusal to talk openly with one another about their feelings, when their actions clearly demonstrated how they actually felt. I also felt like there was a lot superfluous descriptions of things that didn't add to the storyline, or propel it to keep moving, but instead just made me bored and ready to get to the point (the end). Perhaps I'm just not that into the main romantic tropes of this novel, those being " Rejected as unworthy by parents and former lovers" and " Sworn off relationships." This one has great reviews (4.1) on Goodreads though, so don't let my so-so review sway you!

4.5 stars [Loved it] - This was my first book by this author and I was pleasantly surprised. I loved this book and the characters were perfection.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Everyone I know who has read this book raved about the emotional depth. It didn't quite hit for me. It was an enjoyable read, but it wasn't the sobfest my fellow reviewers indicated. Still good though!

This was a romance between two emotionally bruised people. It’s swoony and angsty and just steamy enough.

Terrible language and wayyyyy too graphic. I read about 25% of it and had to stop. Not my cup of tea. Flipped quickly past the graphics and yet couldn't get past the language which is throughout every page. Unnecessary and not classy IMO.

This is a great summer read for the beach or a long weekend. This has it all: emotion, angst, botany/stem, what more could you want?

This is a bit of a divergence from a lot of the romance I've been reading lately since I've been on a pretty strong romantic comedy kick, and this is definitely more contemporary romance. This has the second chance trope, friends to lovers, a story of healing and self discovery.

So good!

This was a quick read, I was immediately pulled into the story line and the characters. Although, a bit predictable, I still enjoyed reading this book. I will be looking for more Jen Devon books in the future.
A great vacation or weekend read!

Thank you to the publisher for allowing me advance access to this title. I really enjoyed reading this story and look forward to reading more from this author. As a reader, I am really motivated by character driven stories and I found myself quickly becoming immersed in these characters’ lives. Full review to come.

LOVED IT LOVED IT LOVED IT!!

LOVED THE STEAMINESS, LOVED THE EMOTIONALLY UNAVAILABLE MC AND THE PINING LOVE INTEREST.

LOVED THE INCLUSION OF ACADEMIA!

I cried I laughed. I will read again

I wanted to love this book more than I actually did. Friends raved about it, especially the fact that it was high angst, and that the MMC pines for the FMC. The synopsis was right up my ally. But it just fell short of my expectations.

The first few chapters were very promising, a high angst situation, a fun group of background characters/family. But things slowly fell apart for me. I think it's because the author used small time jumps for the passage of time, and our two protagonists weren't on page together enough. At least not enough for me to believe that the emotional tension was sustained. But when they were on page, yes, that tension was there.

Would read more by the author, as the other potential couples she planted into this book have me intrigued.

Thankful for the opportunity to read this. Sadly this one was not for me, but I can see many other people enjoying it.

Bend Toward the Sun tells the story of two perfectly imperfect person and their journeys of healing, self discovery, and a lifetime of love in ways neither could anticipate.

Rowan is closed off and guarded hiding behind plants and academia but when she takes a temporary job at the Brady family winery she learns so much more than she ever could from books about life, love and herself. She finds herself overwhelmed with the love of the Brady family and their interactions with each other and the walls she’s erected around herself start to weaken calling into question everything she’s set forth and known. Harry is struggling and returning to help his family was supposed to be a soft landing place for him to heal and recuperate. Eventually, Harry begins to feel like his old self again and it wasn’t just through physical labor and being around his family, a large part of his recovery can be attributed to Rowan and her essence.

The magnetic pull between Rowan and Harry was something neither of them ever anticipated and it hurt. They had to truly heal individually and together before they could truly be together in a way that they be together harmoniously. This story is so emotional written that you as the reader feel all the emotions coursing through Rowan and Harry. You understand their hurt, their struggles, their actions through the love they have but can’t put into words. If you love an emotional love story add this to your tbr.


Thank you @stmartinspress and @netgalley for my gifted copies.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well written, and the plot was engrossing. I would recommend this to any romance readers.

Really enjoyed the scenery and getting to know the characters and their journey together. I would read another book by this author.

Thank you to the author and St. Martin’s Press for the gifted book ❤️ #gifted

Read this book if you like: Dual POV, banter, friends to lovers, friends with benefits, opposites attract, steamy 🔥

This is one of those that is so much more than a romance. It's heartfelt, deep, and so beautiful. I have been kicking myself for putting this book off for so long. It's sweet, funny, and perfectly steamy. I love the pace of the story. The romance is built so naturally. The people are so realistic and well-written. I love the atmosphere of the wine vineyard. I highly recommend this!

This is such a lovely romance! The relationship between Rowan and Harrison was so natural, it felt like watching 2 friends fall in love. The small town vineyard setting was perfect for the story and for their romance. I really loved this book! 5 stars.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed as in this review are completely my own.

Bend Toward the Sun by Jen Devon is a novel about two people who find love and healing in the wake of loss. Rowan McKinnon is a botany PhD who has retreated from the world after the death of her fiancé. Harry Harrison is a former Navy SEAL who is struggling to cope with the loss of his leg. When they meet, they are both drawn to each other, but they are also afraid to let anyone in. However, as they spend more time together, they begin to heal from their past hurts and find strength in each other.
Devon does an excellent job of creating complex and believable characters. Rowan and Harry are both flawed, but they are also kind and compassionate. The reader can't help but root for them as they navigate the ups and downs of their relationship. The setting of the novel, a vineyard in Pennsylvania, is also beautifully described. Devon evokes the feeling of summer with lush descriptions of the vineyards and the surrounding countryside.
The ending is a bit abrupt and there were a lot of ups and downs that just seemed to make the story feel ridiculous.

I wasn't quite connecting with this one and I had to DNF with the possibility of picking up in the future. Thank you for the opportunity to read the book and I apologize for the inconvenience.

This story was absolutely lovely and lush. I got swept away in the descriptions, the wonderful cast of characters, the tender aching hearts of the two main leads. The romance was…just swoon. I can’t wait to read the sequels, which there better be at least two of given the seeds planted!

RATING: 3/5

This book had the perfect setup for a romance novel I thought I'd love, but it was lacking spark for me. The writing style was nice, though!