I have loved so many of Tessa Bailey’s previous books but there’s something about this series that isn’t hitting the mark quite right for me.

While I do like Unfortunately Yours *significantly* better than Secretly Yours, it still took me quite a while to read. I love the dynamic between Natalie and August, especially all the angst and pent-up sexual tension between the two. Both of them are really struggling with past experiences while trying to navigate an unfamiliar situation in forced proximity.

I wouldn’t say there’s anything I strongly dislike about this book. But something in the vibe of the book is off for me. Maybe it’s Natalie’s reluctance to admit her true feelings even in her own thoughts? Maybe it’s the way they walk on eggshells around each other despite being insanely attracted to each other but then kinda sorta getting together but then making it even more weird afterwards?

I’m not quite sure but if there are more books to come in this series, I don’t think I’ll read them.

Features:
* Enemies to lovers
* Marriage of convenience
* Navy SEAL veteran
* Forced proximity
* Small town

Content warnings:
* PTSD panic attack (on page)
* Loss of a close friend
* Alcohol overconsumption / reliance on alcohol

Thank you to Avon Publishing, Tessa Bailey, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an early copy of this book!

Actual rating: 4.5 stars

This book was yet another banger from the queen herself, Tessa Bailey. These characters were likeable yet flawed, and the banter between them was absolutely phenomenal. Bailey's dialogue is always on point, and the story flowed so smoothly that I found myself reading for much longer than I planned to each day. I also really appreciated how Bailey didn't let any miscommunication or dumb conflicts interfere. Those are tropes so often overused in romance, and I really dislike them because of how easily they can be resolved. But these two were aware of their feelings and expressed them to each other like actual adults. It was nice to get an epilogue several years later with the couple from the first book in the series too.

Natalie needs to get married in order to access her trust fund and get back to her life in NY. When August offers, she’s hesitant. Their first encounter had been promising, but she ended the evening throwing wine in his face. It seemed like a match made in hell, not heaven. But if she gives him a chance, maybe they can both get what they need out of this marriage of convenience.

The book jumped in quickly, and I had to remind myself of what had happened between Natalie and August in Secretly Yours. But once my confusion cleared, everything got right on track. There was no slow intro to the characters, but I found myself connecting to them quickly. August is a big golden retriever, and he wants nothing more than to make Natalie happy. Natalie struggles with confidence, but in a believable way based on her backstory.

As usual, Tessa Bailey does not disappoint with the spice! August’s dirty talk was great, and Natalie wasn’t afraid to ask for what she wanted either.

Overall this one gets 4 stars from me. I think I liked Secretly Yours better, but this one was still really enjoyable!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for an advanced copy of this ebook!

I loved this book so much more than the first one in the series. This book follows Natalie who must get married in order to get access to her trust fund and decides August will be the one as he needs a loan. I just read Grayson’s Vow so this book was very similar to that one when it came to the plot. I enjoyed the story and the way Bailey wrote it. The pacing was perfect and I loved exploring Napa a bit more. This book did have a lot of questions unfulfilled like what happened with August’s winery? How did Natalie partake in the winery? Her drinking problem? and more. This book was about to get full stars but I felt some questions weren’t answered which I wish were. Another thing was that the pov shift was confusing at times and not as smooth compared to the other books.

This book explores both Natalie and August. Natalie is not loved the way she wants to be and wants to make everyone proud. She didn’t have much of a development as I wished she did but I enjoyed her story. August is the MMC and I absolutely loved him. He’s a ex navy seal trying to get his winery running. I liked his story and seeing his perspective as he cared so much for Natalie. Both characters were greatly written but I wish there was more development. The side characters mainly consisted on Julian and Hallie and I loved seeing them in the book. The romance is not really enemies to lovers but instead he fell first, marriage of convenience, small town, forced proximity with lots of bantering and steamy scenes.

The ending was well done and I loved the epilogue. It was a great closure to the series which I had a great time reading and exploring. I did wish some things differently but of course that’s just my opinion. I love Tessa Bailey’s books and would keep on reading them. I can’t wait to check out Wreck the Halls as it sounds so good.

I would like to share my thoughts on "Unfortunately Yours" by Tessa Bailey, and I will do my best to express my disappointment while avoiding spoilers. Regrettably, this book fell short of my expectations, resulting in a significant loss of interest and making it difficult for me to finish. However, I made a personal commitment to myself not to abandon books without finishing them, which kept me going.

The story revolves around August and Natalie, who enter into a marriage of convenience with Natalie hoping to access her trust fund and August seeking another chance for his bank loan approval.

In my opinion, the book could have been significantly shorter for two reasons. First, there were numerous explicit scenes that made me question the boundary between romance and pornography. Second, the main conflict was resolved too early in the story, leaving the remaining pages filled with minor subplots that didn't add much value to "Unfortunately Yours."

I was disappointed because I had come across several positive reviews of Tessa Bailey's works. I understand that every author may have weaker works among their successful books, and I wondered if "Unfortunately Yours" might fall into that category for Tessa Bailey.

Natalie's character had the potential to make this story memorable, but unfortunately, it felt overshadowed by August's behavior, which often came across as cringeworthy, focusing heavily on his desire for Natalie and lacking substantial conversations that didn't involve sex. As a result, August fell short of being a strong male character and came across more like a pervert in a teddy bear fleece pajama.

While there were some positive aspects in this novel that could have made it a great read, I felt that Tessa Bailey missed the opportunity to fully utilize them, prioritizing spicy and explicit content over a solid plotline. Will I give another Tessa Bailey novel a chance in the future? Yes, I am open to exploring her other works, as I believe "Unfortunately Yours" may simply be a bump in the road.

A princess, a Navy Seal, a maniac cat, and a vineyard that is one person’s dream and the other person’s hell. Natalie and August were probably made for each other even though all their conversations ended in an argument, until they didn’t.

Natalie Vos had me spitting mad through most of this story. I understood why she was like she was but, c’mon, cut a guy a break will ya. Not everything is about you or the wine bottle, princess. And, August couldn’t get out of his own way. But, he was hysterical and had me laughing my way through the story.

I loved how they both fought their attraction until it was just to much for them to deny. August didn’t deny it much but Natalie sure did. Their barbs and sarcastic remarks were just spot on between the two of them. But, the wedding took the cake … I honestly feel like it was beginning of them facing all their feelings. But, sarcasm aside, they both stuck up for each other. August had a hard time letting Natalie in but, when he realized he was treating her just like the rest of her family, he did everything in his power to make her feel wanted and loved. He was undeniably a hero in the true send of the word.

Understanding where both Natalie and August were coming from was a big bonus in this story. August’s fear of letting his best friend down and Natalie’s feelings of being not seen or wanted were totally justified.

Tessa Bailey wrote and fun and emotional story that gave me the feels. I’ll never tire of reading her RomCom’s.

I was hesitant going into this one because Secretly Yours by Tessa Bailey was a let down, if I’m being honest. But Unfortunately Yours was the best kind of redemption! I had so much fun with the marriage of convenience - I’m always a sucker when a marriage happens for outside benefits but our main characters fall in love despite being so stubborn. Also the dirty talk in this was so much fun! Shout out to the audio from my local library for getting me to the finish line.

Tessa Bailey can whip out books like crazy and they are all steamy, good reads that leave you longing for her next books! Her characters are relatable and each story makes you feel like you could be a part of it! I always enjoy a good Tessa Bailey read, no matter the characters.

Natalie has found herself in the midst of a family winery and not on her own accord. When her brother and his girlfriend get on Natalie's nerves with their escapades, Natalie is determined to get her trust fund money quickly. There are some stipulations that Natalie has to meet though in order for her to be able to get her money and one of them is to get married. Natalie thinks these stipulations are outdated and begs her mom to try to help her get them changed. When Natalie's dad left them, her mom has made a vow to not talk to him for the way her left. Natalie decides that she is going to have to make her own plan up in order to be able to get her money.

August has recently gotten out of the military and vowed to open up a winery for his buddy Sam that was KIA. The only problem with the winery being successful, August can't make wine to save his life. August has finally come to the realization that the wine business is not for him and resigned to shut down his winery. When Natalie comes to him with a proposal for her to get her money and a way for August to get the money he needs for his business, he is on board immediately.

August has always had a thing for Natalie but the way that they banter with each other and cut each other down, you would not even think they could stand to be in the same room as each other. So, when Natalie proposes that they get married so she can get her money and he can use her name to get a small business loan, you begin to wonder how in the world this is going to work out for them. The sparks quickly begin to fly between them though. Let's just say that the bathroom is not the only thing that is steamy when these two get together.

I know you will enjoy the steamy back and forth with Natalie and August as much as I did. This book has a little of everything that romance readers look for,. Sit back and enjoy this steamy, romantic read that will leave you longing for more.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book and all opinions are my own. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book.

I will always find ways to enjoy a book if marriage of convenience is involved,, and I feel like I was just ignoring everything I didn’t like about this because HELLO MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE!

But to actually review the book, I will say there were points that I loved. I am a sucker for some good banter, but I think at points the banter fell flat or felt very middle school crush worthy. Love the opposite lifestyles attract type of vibe, but it would’ve been great to have more time with August in his natural scene instead of just mentioning how rugged he is or giving us a glimpse for a single chapter.

As for August in general…idk man I think this being a MoC is the only reason I was able to start loving him. Like without the marriage forcing them to develop their feelings,, he would’ve just been a middle aged white guy who comments on women’s bodies WAY too much for comfort 😭. Natalie had her moments,, but overall I think so much emphasis was out on her faults that in the moments that we saw her prevail, it was very short lived and underwhelming.

Regardless,, this was a pretty decent read seeing as I finished it in a day 💀 #marriageofconveniencelover4life

3.5 stars
I was intrigued by Natalie and August in the first book of this series, especially how there seemed to be attraction that died out really quickly.
The two characters are cute, and I like them together. I rooted for them to get to a good place, both personally and as a couple. I hated how dismissive Natalie's mother was of her, and throughout the first half of the book (and book 1), all the comments about Natalie's drinking.
Natalie and August have lots of chemistry, but there was something about how those scenes played out that was awkward to me.
Overall, it was a good story with a nice ending.

Tessa Bailey did a wonderful job with this sequel to Secretly Yours. Natalie and August’s story is funny, spicy and romantic. These two belong together like peanut butter and jelly. I loved the way that they learned what each other needed and how they let their love truly shine through when the other needed it most. I will def be putting this on my reread list.

Natalie Vos is newly unemployed and single and moves back to Napa Valley to brainstorm ideas to fund her new business venture. August Cates is a former Navy SEAL and vineyard owner *without* a penchant for making wine. His business is drying up because his wines are that bad. Natalie and August have some explosive lustful attraction, but cannot stand each other. Unfortunately for them, they both have what the other needs - Natalie has a trust fund that will only be released upon marriage, and August needs a wife so the bank will approve a business loan to save his company. The two agree to get married to support their business goals.

Enemies-to-lovers AND marriage of convenience?! SIGN ME UP. Natalie and August have some really hot chemistry. The Napa Valley setting is romantic without being stuffy. August falls first and HARD of which I am always a fan. While it is a lighthearted, sexy read, there are still frank discussions of mental health and PTSD. As is standard with Tessa Bailey novels, the dirty talk is *chefs kiss.* And another added bonus - no classic third act break-up (but there is a misunderstanding for some added drama). I enjoyed this novel in the series more than the previous book and still look forward to other TB books in the future!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Tessa Bailey can never do no wrong ! This book did not disappoint at all. I absolutely love Tessa and all her spicy writing! She makes it so realistic, captivating and just overall so addicting that once you start her book you just can’t put it down!!!

Okay this book was SO much better than Secretly Yours. I absolutely loved the relationship dynamic, and the fake marriage trope was done super well. The spice was fantastic and the MC’s banter had me laughing out loud at times. Loved this one!!

I used to genuinely enjoy Tessa Bailey books, but the last two have really not been for me. Something about the conversations has just become too cringy to me. I guess it’s time I give up on reading her books.

5/5 ⭐️

BUT 100000001 in my heart.

Thank you @tessabaileyisanauthor and @harpercollinsinternational for this ARC!

Tropes:

💍 Marriage of convenience
🍷 Enemies to lovers
💍 Prank wars
🍷 Forced proximity
💍 Small town
🍷 Opposites attract

Buddy read with @ohmynameiskaylee, I love you!

August freaking Cates, I don’t know what Tessa puts in her MMCs but gosh she hit the fricking moon and universe with this man. If Natalie haven’t married him herself I would gladly have taken her spot because he’s so husband materiel as it can possibly get. He loves with all of his heart, he’s protective and he can make you feel like you’re the only woman in the world. And his dirty mouth? Gosh!!! I had to start off this review with some August praise because he’s out of this world.

Natalie Vos needs to marry and be employed in order to gain her inheritance and August Cates needs Natalie as his wife to get a business loan from the local bank manager in town. They decide to help each other out by marrying and in that way they both can get what they want out of it, Natalie can get the money she needs for an investment for her new company in NYC and August can get himself a loan to make the wine yard dreams of his late best friend come true. But is it just a marriage of convenience or is it something else?

But the book? It was written to perfection. There was not a single thing I disliked. It was so good from start to finish and it really made my exceptions for love higher than I have ever had them before. Natalie and August is that kind of couple you can’t help but immediately love and you don’t want them to ever be apart. It’s a marriage of convenience technically but if you ask me they definitely didn’t marry because of some advantages. I will take this book with me to the grave.

And I can’t end this review without mentioning the woman of everyone’s dreams, Natalie (Vos) Cates. I love the determination she has and she doesn’t take anyone’s crap. She’s totally the definition of a girlboss and I love her. Her and August are soulmates.

"If I had one wish, it would be to slow down my time with you, Natalie. A hundred years won't be enough." Okay I am excited, because to be honest I wasnt in love with this world or characters when I read the first book in this series... but this book just did it for me. I am a sucker for Tessa Baileys characters and really enjoy the pacing of her books as I think there is the perfect balance of sort of pinning to full on love ration and this story was no different. I had the absolute most fun reading this story and I definitely think that it is going to be another instant hit of hers. I am forever thankful for receiving this arc and I cannot wait to read it again the next time I am in a slump.

I enjoyed this book. It was an interesting read . I found that I was able to read quickly and enjoyed the pacing and premise of the book. I would recommend to others.

After reading Julien and Hallie's love story, i was so excited to get a sequel with Julien's sister and follow this family. It brought the steam and all the laughs, but packed in more world issues. The themes of anxiety, PTSD, and family struggles- this one will hit home with many readers. Bailey also brought the sass and it was awesome!

I don't usually get hyped for soulmates in real life or in fiction, but these two are it. They are passionate, messy, fun, honest, and open.

Would recommend!!

I devoured this book! This was such a good small town enemies to lovers. Rival wineries, a stuck up heiress who has her own family issues that she masks to pretend she’s fine, and a new to wine guy who is really bad at it but is trying.
Both of our characters were introduced in Secretly Yours and this picks up directly after the ending of the book. I love Tessa Bailey and her writing and couldn’t put this down. I can’t wait to read her next book!