This book is nearly perfect. Like, I'm not even being facetious. There are a few nit-picky things that I would change, and one of those is that there would already be more books in the series for me to read! This is an incredible debut novel, and honestly, it's the women in STEM romance we deserve!

I don't know if it's because I read this while lounging by the pool in the sun, but it felt like such a warm hug, like coming home to a book. Even as a reader it felt as though I was being welcomed into the Brady family along with Rowan, and the writing is so descriptive and gorgeous it felt like I was there in the fields with everyone. The writing is so evocative that I can picture the meadow, the lake, the greenhouse, the vineyards, everything in such perfect clarity. And all of the details that went into describing the setting also went into all of the characters, and they felt so real and human to me. Rowan and Harry are both flawed individuals with their own issues to work through, but when they come together it just, sparkles. That's the best way I can describe it. It's magical.

There are some really heavy topics discussed, so as always I highly recommend looking into the content warnings before diving in. I thought everything was handled beautifully, and it added so many complex layers to these characters and their love for one another. This is one of those books that will make you think about love; the different ways that people can show their love, and also a reminder that everyone is deserving of love, even those who haven't experienced it before. And the way that people grow and change over time, and how love can grow and change with them. It's scary, and beautiful, and wonderful. I think what I like best is that this book made me feel so deeply without being over the top; it's raw and full of angst but still holds onto that hope without being too saccharine.

This book made me fall in love with the romance genre all over again, and I simply cannot wait to see where Jen Devon takes us next!

I was really excited for the mental health rep in this book and that aspect did not disappoint. I was actually glad that Harry didn't magically get over his trauma because it seemed very realistic. Likewise I was glad that Rowan didn't overcome her past overnight.

Unfortunate though the overuse of idioms (and mixed idioms) as well as the excessive amounts of descriptions made it really hard for me to enjoy this book. Also, it was just to slow for me and had way too much emphasis on a physical relationship with no actual real relationship.

I think this just wasn't the best book for me.

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley and this is my honest review.

What a wonderful debut!! I enjoyed the lovely description of nature; it felt so authentic! The dialogue between Rowan and Harry was heartbreaking at times, and at other times so fun and sweet. I can't wait to see what Jen Devon writes next.

Couldn't really get into this one but appreciate the chance to review it. I never leave negative feedback anywhere publically, just on here. But just wasn't a favorite. Thanks for the chance. I just felt like it wasn't for me.

WOW! I'm adding Jen Devon to my TBR list!

Bend Toward the Sun is a wonderfully well-written, emotional and sensual story that will pull you in from the opening chapter. Devon's descriptive prose paints a visual of the vineyard that is the setting of the story of Rowan McKinnon and Harrison "Harry" Brady.

Rowan, a botanist who is the product of a broken family dynamic, is anxious and awkward and goes on the offensive as a defense against feeling. She agrees to take a job at the Brady family's newly-acquired vineyard that needs a lot of work.

Harry is a doctor who suffers anxiety attacks after unexpectedly losing a patient. His family wants to help him, but no one is sure where to start or how.

Harry and Rowan click as he realizes she knows what it means to be damaged and is "allowing him to be...not okay."

Rowan sees a hint of vulnerability in Harry that both fascinates and terrifies her. She wants to surrender to vulnerability but it means trusting herself.

While the focus is on Rowan and Harry, Devon also introduces the rest of the Brady clan, including Harry's parents, four brothers and a sister plus Rowan's besties, Temperance and Frankie.

I definitely recommend Bend Toward the Sun and am looking forward to more stories about the Bradys!

I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy, and this is my honest review.

Bend toward The Sun by Jen Devon

Two imperfect people. One year under the sun. A love story you won’t forget.

A very warm, complicated love story. Well-written. Friendly characters. I recommend this book..

Thanks to Net Galley for sending me an advanced reader’s copy for my review.

"Bend Toward the Sun" by Jen Devon is a sweet, endearing love story. Great characters, a botanist and doctor, meeting unexpectedly with endless hesitations and hold backs due to traumatic pasts. Wonderfully built up! Thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher for the e-copy for review. All opinions are my own.

What an absolutely beautiful story. Deliciously sweet, heartfelt, and steamy. I loved everything about this book, from the vivid setting to how the characters grew, both as individuals and together. The sparks and chemistry between Rowan and Harry kept me flipping pages long after I should have been asleep. I never knew I needed a book about a botanist, but now I couldn't do without it! On the writing level: not a word was wasted in this book—every sentence was crafted with intention and care.

. . . ⭑ ⭑ ⭑ ⭑ ⋆
I had a feeling when I read the synopsis of this book that it would be entirely captivating, and it completely met my expectations.

I think this story really does justice to the concept of immediate connection - not love at first sight, but instead that feeling that overcomes you when you meet someone new and intrinsically know that some sort of tethering exists between you. Its more than an attraction, but that is certainly part of it, and I appreciated that the character’s even discussed this concept within the book, trying to decipher their emotions from infatuation to real connection. It’s hard to describe, but I feel like the author captured it well.

This book is so beautifully and intricately written, with so many passages that gave me pause. It was perfectly descriptive, creating a palpable atmosphere that I felt immersed within.

I devoured this book over two days, and it was exactly what I needed right now - if this books isn’t on your radar, make some time and read to read it, it’s worth it.

~👩🏻‍🦰

Rowan McKinnon is a botanist who prefers plants to people. Keeping flowers alive is something she understands. Keeping love alive is another matter entirely.

But Rowan’s jaded take on love is more a matter of nurture vs. nature. Not having the best upbringing and being scorned by a former love has understandably left Rowan a skeptic. Until she meets Harrison “Harry” Brady, that is.

Harry has had his own share of life’s setbacks. A doctor who has lost his confidence after the loss of a patient, Harry returns home, unsure of his future. And then he runs into Rowan.

While sparks instantly fly, at first the two try to fight their growing attraction. Both believe giving into their feelings is imminent, but what this means is up for debate. For Harry, Rowan signifies something serious worth exploring. But for Rowan, serious isn’t on her agenda. Can love bloom between two people who’ve been in the dark for so long?

Rowan and Harry’s connection works because their chemistry is palpable. Author Jen Devon crafts a love story heavy in angst, but well balanced with humor. The supporting characters help breathe life into this story as well. In fact, it would be great if there were future installments that zoned in on these characters as they too seem to have stories worth telling.

A debut novel that reads like anything but, Bend Toward the Sun plants the seeds for a talented writer, and gives romance fans something to root for, too.

I thought this would be a cute and sweet rom-com and nice mental break after a string of heavy reads but this book had more emotional meat than I was expecting. I think Bend Toward the Sun had just the right amount of drama, angst, steam, and humor. I also really enjoyed the way Devon wrapped up the story of Harry and Rowan. Both characters had major likeability issues, especially Rowan and the story was a little long in my opinion. Overall, a nice debut.

Brief Thoughts: I absolutely loved this book that I hope will be the start of a potential series of wonderful female characters and a delightful large family with lots of love and laughter

Bend Toward the Sun surprised me in all the best ways - this debut novel by Jen Devon has incredible banter, remarkable depth of character, and a fun setting and family in its pages. I *love* a good STEM-career-driven female main character, and there was a lot to love about Rowan and her tender fear of letting people in. Harry and his past brought a completely different element to this story and their meet-cute during a rowdy family time-honoured traditional game of hide and seek was hilarious and a great way to kick the book off. Some of my favourite heartwarming moments came near the end though, including the bit about the grape jelly (marriage is so complex and also simple that way!) and the elements of found family had me tearing up.

I can't recommend this one enough - it was lovely, and I look forward to many more books from this author in the future (fingers crossed!!!)

I also really loved the dual narration audiobook told from both main characters' perspectives - so well done.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing a review copy. I really wanted to like this one. Unfortunately, I didn't make it to the end without skimming. Other reviewers have given very positive reviews, so maybe I'm the outcast here. I couldn't connect with the characters. I loved the main character's interest in botany- I loved the descriptions, but apart from that I couldn't connect with her or Harry, the male MC. I really wanted to like this one, but it wasn't for me.

Bend Towards the Sun is like a cool breeze on a summer day or a warm hug on a winter day. It's so comforting and refreshing. That's not to say this book doesn't deal with some real issues because it does; grief and childhood trauma are all addressed. However; love, forgiveness, loyalty, and found family are also central to this story.
Rowan has a Ph.D in botany, is socially awkward, and has been knocked down by love and her academic career. Harrison is a doctor who came home to his family after a tragedy in Los Angeles. Rowan and Harry meet on the vineyard his family has decided to buy and there starts the story.
The characters are well developed, the setting is beautiful, and Harry and Rowan's family and friends round out this beautiful, hopeful romance. I hope Jen Devon writes more books that take place within this world.


Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for a free copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.

A wonderfully written story of two people who are struggling. In some ways, they’ve both given up on life, love and their futures. In a twist neither was anticipating they meet and slowly their icy exteriors begin to melt and then start to connect and realize that there is more life to live for each of them. A truly wonderful compelling love story!

Holy angsty romance, Batman! I very much enjoyed this debut from Jen Devon. It was heavy but super tender with excellent chemistry between the two main characters.

Harrison Brady comes from a big loving family. The kind of family with a “family game” of tag they play every time they’re together. So when Rowan McKinnon is
dragged along to a Brady cookout, she finds herself in a dark greenhouse with Harrison where they have a pretty adorable meet cute. Over the course of the following year, Rowan and Harrison both experience some pretty intense ups and downs as each of them navigating their reality looking a little different than they imagined.

I really loved the chemistry between Rowan and Harrison, as well as the supporting cast of characters in Rowan’s friends and Harrison’s family. The story kept me interested and engaged, but at times I felt like the pacing was off. The third act conflict felt dragged out but the resolution and grand gesture was wonderful. The setting of the book on a farm/vineyard was so beautifully described that I felt like I was there.

Content warnings: The themes in this book are heavy. Harrison is an OBGYN who lost a patient in childbirth. Recollections of that event are woven throughout the story, so take care if that content is difficult for you. Rowan also grew up with a gaslighting mother and was in an emotionally abusive relationship.

Thanks to SMP Romance and NetGalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

I'm honestly so stunned this book is a debut because Jen Devon really grasps how to connect you to the emotions of her characters in a way that was so skillful. I am just a little in awe of the writing in this book. It's full of messy characters doing the best they can to put the pieces together/back together of their lives and everything about that spoke to me in an intense way.

I'm not sure how to sell this book better than Aarya and Nick who are the ones that sold me on it so effectively. But if you love characters who really do not have it all figured out and don't mind a really slow, aching build up, this book could very well be for you. I think the most difficult thing for some people will be how Devon uses time in this book. There are lots of months that elapse without much being said about it. But that really worked for me because I felt like it made the romance more believable. And even the rough moment in this book made sense with the characters even if I wanted to shake them both and be like FIX IT, FOR HEAVENS SAKE.

I don't want to say much about the plot of this book, because this book isn't really about the plot. It's about the characters. And honestly, even beyond Rowan and Harry, the entire cast of characters in this book is truly, genuinely so delightful and engaging. I cannot wait to read the future books in this series. I need them. Also, I've already decided for St. Martin's and Jen Devon, whether they intended this book to be a series or not, that it has to be. So... don't let me down, y'all?

Anyway, probably this was the least helpful review, so a quick tl;dr, this was great. You should probably try it.

A vineyard needing restoration is the perfect backdrop to this lovely story. Rowan has finished her PhD in botany, but her doesn’t exactly have direction for her future. She has been burned in the past by her family, fiancé and coworker. She needs to let go of the baggage to focus on the future, but that is a lot easier said than done.
.
Harrison is an obstetrician hiding out after a tragic loss. He escapes to his family vineyard and doesn’t expect to find his life changed by Rowan but those two are drawn together. Is it enough to heal their pained hearts? I can assure you it is! I would love more books about this family!

I enjoyed Bend Toward the Sun, especially the setting and the meet cute. The story was a bit more cliché than I was expecting, but it was a good read. I believe this was a debut novel so I'm very interested to see where this author goes next as she grows and develops as a writer.

If you like fun, tropey reads with likable characters and a wonderful setting, give this book a try. I think you'll be glad you did.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and publisher for an ARC at my request.

BOOK REVIEW // BEND TOWARDS THE SUN

🌟4/5
🌶2/5

Rowan McKinnon doesn’t believe in love - the occasional no strings attached hookup suits her just fine. Rowan’s wounds run deep - her mother was negligent and her fiancé treated her like a pawn in his chess game - and the rules changed everyday. (WHO CAUGHT ON TO MY T SWIIFT REFERENCE??) Roman has a PhD in botany, and when an academic setback leads her to a abandoned vineyard she relishes in the opportunity to restore the grapes to their former glory.

Rowan never expected to meet a man like Harrison Brady. Harrison is doctor (A DOCTOR, YALL!) who is also fighting some internal demons, that is affecting his work and personal life. Harry leaves LA in order to emotionally recover in the comfort of his family’s new vineyard. Harry never in his wildest dreams thought a woman like Rowan would turn his world upside down.

As sparks fly & tension is through the roof - Harry is compelled to explore this undeniable connection between them. After a lifetime of keeping things “casual” Rowan also cannot deny the pull she feels towards sweet Harry.

_____

This book gave me alllll the warm & fuzzies!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This book was a like a warm blanket hug on a cold winter day!

I loved Harry and Rowan - I adore when two flawed people end up together. Harry is seriously the sweetest, most kind hearted man and my heart BROKE for the reasons why he acted the way he did throughout this book. Rowan is also broken in her own ways, and her childhood wasn’t all rainbows and butterflies. I do wish we could have learned WHY Rowan was beyond against relationships sooner.

This story was told over the span of one year, and I LOVED how the sexual tension build up was VERY apparent. The connection between the two was very organic and so beautifully written.

This was the cutest debut novel that definitely deserves to be read! OH! AND THE LAST CHAPTER WAS 🥹


Simone Says Read This if you enjoy:

☀️lotsssss of sexual tension
☀️found families
☀️plants
☀️wineries
☀️warm and fuzzy love stories