So spicy, so sweet, and so gosh darn hilarious! These are the reasons I love reading Tessa Bailey and Unfortunately Yours does not disappoint. This had the witty banter and sexual chemistry of RomCom dreams. After following her TikTok videos through the writing process for Unfortunately Yours I knew this was one I had to read, and it was even better than advertised.

August Cates 🥵🔥. August is a retired Navy SEAL and Natalie s a former Wall Street finance girl a little lost in love back in her hometown. To get her trust fund, she needs to be married. While this starts as a marriage of convenience, they quickly realize their feelings for each other. August deals with grief as he attempts at making wine to honor his best friends and meets Natalie along the way. The mouth on that man 🔥🔥 & the banter was too tier.

Thank you NetGalley for eARC in exchange for an honest review

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
💜 This book is beautiful. It is perfection. This might be my favorite Tessa Bailey book now! Honestly!
💜 This picks up where Secretly Yours stops, and shows the love story between Natalie and August, which started in the first book when they were side characters. The first book was so good but this one was even better!
💜 This kind of enemies to lovers is probably my favorite. Like their fighting even made me smile so hard or giggle. It was verbal sparring in the best way possible. They loved to get other each other's skin and give each other a hard time, but if anyone or anything hurt the other, they lose it. 🥵 I was absolutely feral for these two!
💜 I loved Natalie. At first she just seemed like kind of stuck up but she isn't at all. She's just so hurt and does what she can to protect herself. I related to her sensitive soul and her hurt so much. I've felt the way she has many times and it hit so close to home for me. Natalie is my girl!
💜 August fucking Cates. This man.... 🥵 I mean, hot as hell, yes, but my favorite part about him? He is absolutely adorable. The way from the beginning he was always bothered by literally any little thing that could even cause Natalie to not smile, but still be completely oblivious to have feelings for her. Everything he said basically was either funny or adorablely endearing. He's a protector through and through. A retired Navy SEAL, and he would do anything for the people (or cat) he cares about. I loved watching him learn Natalie and learn to not try to do everything alone. He's honestly husband goals and like someone please tell me where I can get an August Cates PLEASE 🥺
💜 The spice was also so so good! The sexual tension between them was OFF THE CHARTS! August knows what he's doing and I loved every moment of it!
💜 Their love story was so absolutely beautiful to me. I was enthralled by every page. I loved seeing every small development in their relationship, every forward movement in their growth. It was touching that at the end I teared up, and then by the end of the epilogue, I was full on crying happy tear! 😭 That means a lot because I don't cry often while reading and most of the time it's sad tears, rarely EVER happy tears. So it's a big deal! I don't want to spoil anything, but I loved the epilogue so much and August did what I thought he was going do at the end and that really tipped me over the edge 🥺🥰😍😭
💜 If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would! Tessa Bailey truly knocked it out of the park with this one! I can't wait to see what else she has in store for us!
💜 Thank you to Avon Books for this arc in exchange for my honest review!

The romance between Natalie Vos and August Cates was teased in the first book of this series so I was very excited to get my hands on an advanced copy.

Having read (I think) five of Tessa Bailey's books now, I officially think she is the spicier, millennial Nora Roberts. I mean this as the most sincere compliment. She's pumping out books like crazy, but her voice is consistent and she writes really compelling characters. Her books are fun and readable. Her characters are funny and imperfect. Her dialogue is genuinely hilarious. You can tell she genuinely loves the romance genre and understands what readers want, both in pacing and in character development. She loves building a series around a compelling family (the Vos family is the best part of this series to me). Her books remind me of being in middle school sneaking my Nora Roberts mass market paperbacks into my room.

Enemies to loves and marriage of convenience are two of my top tier tropes, and both of them are at play in this book. August and Natalie must get married for *romance reasons,* even though they have a very salty dynamic initially. Natalie is part of an old money family and established vineyard and when we meet August, he is unsuccessfully building a vineyard of his own. Sometimes enemies to lovers can be tough for me because one of the characters is irredeemably cruel, but that's not at play here. It's obvious they have underlying sparks the whole time (and like Tessa Bailey explains in her foreword, he's in love with her the whole time).

I enjoyed this book. The plot sang for me more than the first one in the series and I really enjoyed Natalie as a character. August was cool but no Julian Vos, in my opinion. Despite that, these two had great chemistry.

As a brief and unimportant thing--I don't mind an illustrated cover, but the ones for this series look pretty amateurish for a book of this scale. I wish they were more in the style of whoever is creating the book covers for the recent Olivia Dade books (illustrated, but with more detail and passion depicted). Most of Tessa Bailey's covers do NOT adequately represent the adult nature of the story, haha.

Thanks to NetGalley, Avon / Harper Voyager and Tessa Bailey for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was very curious about Natalie and August after meeting them in Secretly Yours, but I was nervous to read their story since I didn't love the previous book. I had nothing to worry about though and fans of Tessa Bailey are going to love this one! It has all the heart and humor that she’s known for and also a very healthy dose of steam. ;)

Things to look forward to:
- Tropes like enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience, forced proximity, he falls first, touch her and die, opposites attract, who did this to you?, pining
- August. I love it when a hero is all in and August is beyond gone for Natalie. He may put his foot in his mouth (a lot) and give off ultra alpha vibes, but underneath all that is the softest, ooey, gooey center. His golden retriever energy is off the charts and there’s nothing he won’t do for his wife. *swoon*
- Natalie. I love it when an underestimated and overlooked character rises up and shows everyone how wrong they were. I felt that her insecurities were honest and very relatable. Anyone who’s ever been told they’re not “enough”, will be rooting for Natalie and cheering her on every step of the way.
- The steam. It’s Tessa Bailey. Would you expect anything less than scorching hot sex scenes and dirty talk?? If you're a fan of the "my wife" moments, you're going to be over the moon. ;)
- The laughs! Yes, some of the pranks and language were very teenage boy, but I loved that playful side between August and Natalie. They might disagree and butt heads, but I loved that they could always make each other laugh.

I did feel a little frustrated by the miscommunication and lying by omission, but I loved how both characters grew and supported each other throughout the novel. The epilogue was adorable and it was 100% August. *all heart eyes* I definitely had a smile on my face when I finished this one.

CW: death of loved one (past), PTSD, discussion of war & war related injuries, financial problems, strained relationship with parents, parental abandonment, grief, panic attack (on page), mentions of past fire & damage, flash flood & water rescue of a family (on page)

*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*

I’m so excited to share my review of Unfortunately Yours with you today. I loved Secretly Yours, the first book in A Vine Mess series, and I couldn’t wait to read this one too. Natalie and August met in Secretly Yours, and you could tell there was a lot of chemistry between them, even through the snarky banter. Well, I was not disappointed! Unfortunately Yours is a fantastic addition to the series, and I found yet another book boyfriend to add to my list.

An ex-Navy Seal who started his winery in honor of his fallen best friend, August struggles with guilt, feelings of failure, and frustration on many levels. Natalie also has her share of struggles, as her teenage reputation follows her, her fiancée dumped her, and her career is in shambles. These are the main reasons for their fake marriage. Through it, August can get the bank loan he needs, and Natalie can receive her inheritance and start her own company. However, their marriage of convenience is anything but convenient, especially as their attraction and feelings become more difficult to deny and resist.

Even before they admit their feelings, you can see they want to get to know each other more, they yearn for the connection. I love how the author creates such a nuanced and beautiful love story between two flawed people who seem very much opposites but are actually perfect for each other. At the start, it seems like their distaste for each other and their constant bickering would keep them apart. However, they find ways to take their antagonistic banter and made it fun sparring, practical jokes, and pranks. They tease and have fun, and I feel like they really tried to understand each other. They were sensitive to each other’s pain and trauma and insecurities. On top of the sizzling heat between them (and it is SIZZLING! Whew, the spice and dirty talk are STEAMY!!), there is a tender understanding and profound respect.

And I really love how much they have each other’s backs. It’s pretty obvious that August has strong feelings for Natalie from the get-go, and he shows it in a million different ways. I think he’s one of the few people who supports her unequivocally, and he prioritizes her needs and her emotional wellness, which she hasn’t really experienced in her family or romantic relationships. August is so disarming, and he shakes Natalie and her family up. It’s fantastic! They definitely need a little shaking, especially Natalie’s mother, who does not endear herself to the reader at all! I think having August in her life has changed Natalie for the better. They are both flawed characters who grow and change over the course of the story, and they become better versions of themselves when they’re together.

I adored Unfortunately Yours, and it is definitely one of my top contemporary romance reads of the year. It’s funny and steamy, heartwarming and heartbreaking, and it has dynamic and compelling characters.

Special thanks to Avon Books for sending me a copy of Unfortunately Yours. All thoughts are my own.

Thank you to netgalley for letting me get this ARC

Unfortunately Yours by tessa bailey

🍷Wine
🍷Marriage of convenience
🍷Enemies to lovers
🍷Forced proximity
🍷Likeable main characters
🍷Navy Seal Vet
🍷An adorable cat 😂

I loved being back in wine country. I've always had a dream of owning my own Vinyard, even though I have no clue about wine. I would so be in August's shoes😂

The chemistry and banter between these two was perfect! You feel all the emotions right along with them. Super spicy and the storyline was sooo good.

You can't help but love all the characters throughout the book, Tessa gives them so much life. August was so sweet and protective. A great MMC.

A great ending to this duology!

This book had me sold at marriage of convenience if I’m being completely honest, but it wayyyy surpassed my expectations! August is one of the finest MMCs that I have ever read. And Natalie? Gods, I love that bitch.

In her acknowledgments, TB mentions that the only way she could write this enemies to lovers was if she had “irrefutable proof that the hero has loved the heroine all along.” It is clear from the jump that August is head over heels for Natalie, and I sure do love the “he falls first” trope.

I think that I just have a thing for second books?😅 Catching Fire is my fav Hunger Games book. If I have to pick a fav Bellinger Sisters book, I’d choose Hook, Line, and Sinker every time. Don’t get me wrong - I loved Secretly Yours, but I think Unfortunately Yours is now my top pick in the Vine Mess series.

I am telling you, this book is notably quotable! Scroll through for some of my fav moments (aka if you scroll, you may see a small spoiler). For more delicious moments, pre-order now & get your hands on Tessa Bailey’s newest masterpiece, out June 6th!

The CHEMISTRY in this book. Unfortunately Yours features Natalie and August and is hilarious, steamy and romantic. Natalie and August had such great banter and seeing them grow together and individually was amazing.

I must admit I don’t always gravitate towards books with the marriage of convenience trope but this one was so well done! August needs a loan to try and salvage his vineyard and Natalie needs to be married in order to gain access to her trust fund. As the story progresses and they navigate their relationship and feelings for each other it becomes obvious that the marriage is something they both wanted, not needed.

The third act conflict was hinted at several times and came as no surprise but it was way more tame than others I’ve read. Even though the conflict was there the love, respect and adoration they bad for each other was the main focus. And that epilogue?! I was kicking my feet and giggling the whole time from how sweet and swoon worthy it was.

Thank you so, so much to NetGalley, Tessa Bailey, and Avon Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

2.5 stars

This was better than the first book (maybe it’s the trope), but it was still all too much too fast and too cringy for me. Two problems I seem to have with most of TB’s books. I didn’t have much luck with this series. It was just so unfortunately forgettable.

Huge Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this copy. I wish I could’ve loved it more.

UNFORTUNATELY YOURS is a sassy, angsty romance starring a feisty, gorgeous heiress, Natalie Vos, who is unabashedly broke after losing her fiance' and job. She regrettably goes home to recoup in Napa Valley and tries to forget her problems with a good wine. Deciding it's time to start her new business, Natalie learns her trust fund isn't available until she's married. What will she do, marry the first man she meets?

Enter August Cates, hunkalicious ex-navy Seal and new winery owner, in town. August doesn't know much about the wine making business and his wine tastes awful. He wants to make his late best friend proud and needs a bank loan to upgrade his business. Then, he gets a surprising call from sexy, testy, Natalie with an outrageous proposal, a marriage of convenience to aid them both in their goals. She detests him and he can't stand her. However, sizzling sparks fly whenever they are together. It's a battle of wills, snarky banter, hormones and more! Will they work past their differences and get down and dirty?

Ms. Bailey pens a perfectly powerful plot about a battle of pride, resentment, grief and love. August and Natalie might hate one another but their undeniable attraction is outright hot! They learn what makes each other tick and have major hurdles to overcome. August is a flawed character with depth. Natalie has emotional issues to deal with as well. This is a finely tuned story with layers that had me shedding a few tears. Will Natalie and August remain a wedded couple? UNFORTUNATELY YOURS is like a dirty martini, deliciously savory and decidedly salty!

Tessa Bailey writing a "marriage of convenience" definitely invokes a "gotta get my hands on it" reaction. Natalie & August's banter is on point, and the chemistry is off-the-charts. There is genuine heartfelt moments interspersed with swoony laugh out loud scenarios. I was reading it with a corny swoony smile on face the majority of the time. One of Tessa's better books.

Natalie Vos is home healing her wounds from mistakes made in her high power career in New York. August Cates and she develop a love/hate relationship that culminates in a fake marriage. But with her signature style, Tessa Bailey makes these two combust.

This one is fun.

Tropes: Enemies (kind of) to lovers, forced proximity, touch her and die, marriage of convenience— all the fun ones!

Okay, y’all, I have a new favorite hero— August used to be a Navy SEAL, and started his winery to honor a fallen friend. He’s basically a superhero, with an incredibly protective nature but is a complete and utter softie on the inside. And he’s so into Natalie from the start. She needs to marry someone to get her trust fund and back on her feet, back to her life, and August would do anything for her, really.

August even notices how Natalie’s family hurts her without meaning to— she plays up being the party girl not because it’s who she is, but who they expect her to be in Napa. Except they fight like nothing else, getting under each other’s skin. August sees her as a spoiled Napa elite, and she sees him as too proud to admit the problems with the wine he makes.

Yet he still pulls her in his lap to comfort her, not caring who sees. (I melted in this scene.)

Once they’re in a marriage of convenience, do they really want it to be only temporary, or are they starting to see how good they are for each other?

Of course I loved the spice- it’s Tessa Bailey, and she delivered in every way for this one. But I also appreciated their communication. It was so nice to see a couple work on their relationship, even when it wasn’t “real”— because they did care.

Seeing Julian and Hallie was so much fun, too! Hallie has a line that had me bent over, laughing.

Unfortunately Yours is a perfect summer romance— you’ll want to be ordering this one! It makes my heart so happy.

Since we met August and Natalie, I've known their romance had to be coming soon. I was not at all disappointed in their story!

August is an awful wine maker, and ready to throw in the towel with his winery. Natalie is the person who pretty much put the nail in August's coffin with her harsh words about his wine. They have amazing chemistry, but are at each other's throats more often than not. When the answer to both their problems comes down to a marriage to each other, they each suck it up and try to play the part.

Tessa Bailey has done it yet again. Everything about this book just made me smile. I loved August and how unapologetic he was. Even knowing that he needs help, he tries to do everything himself to be true to his best friend's memory. Natalie was an amazing character as well who seemed tough as nails, until you peel back the layers to see just what is hiding underneath all that hardness she puts out.

Tessa Bailey's books never fail to leave me beaming, I just enjoy the silly situations, the steaminess, and of course the happy ever afters that she leaves us with. Another book that will go down in my list of favorites for the year!

Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyage and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book.

I love these characters so much! Tessa writes such strong yet flawed characters, that you can't help but love then and see your best friends in them. From Finance in New York to the Family Wine business in Napa, Natalie takes no prisoners and works hard. The fact that she can stay that strong, and find a loving and supportive partner, is the kind of message we should be spreading.

☆☆☆☆.5

A marriage of convenience where there is nothing convenient about they way they feel for one another, SIGN ME UP!!! Let’s get one thing clear – there is rarely ever a need to get fake married, but I will eat that shit up with a ladle every time lol

AUGUST. CATES. That’s why you should read this. Sigh, giggle, swoon, drool, gasp, eyeroll, DROOL.

This was hands-down my favorite Tessa Bailey book, due in no small part to some of my favourite tropes intertwined with TB’s signature writing style (aka her dirty mouth and absurd niche moments)

Unfortunately Yours was fun, spicy, endearing, and the epilogue was everything!!! I highly recommend. If you’re looking for a romcom to devour, this one comes out June 6!

This might be my new favorite book by Tessa! I fell in love with Natalie in Secretly Yours and was so excited that she would have her own book! I also love that I had read the first book which gave me the background information that sets this book up to be so perfect.

The banter, the humor, the jokes! I was constantly laughing at this book! Like out loud. In public. It was perfection! The absolutely hilarious one liners got me every time. August and Natalie are just two hilariously snarky people and it made reading so much fun.

I love that this is an enemies to lovers story with a marriage of convenience aspect. Just like Tessa said in her readers note, it only works if he’s been obsessed with her from the start. And my god, August LOVED Natalie from the very beginning. I love the constant correction these two went through in order to stop using jabs as a defense mechanism in order to let the other person in. It was so real and just showed how these two had such great chemistry and their willingness to be what the other needed.

I could go on and on, and I just might another time. But this was perfect. No notes. Just buy it!

Unfortunately Yours is Tessa Bailey’s latest steamy romantic comedy and the second in her Napa Valley series. It is an opposites-attract, marriage-of-convenience story told in dual points of view. Natalie Vos, Julian’s sister, was introduced in Secretly Yours.

Twenty-something Natalie Vos was an investment guru in Manhattan until she made a billion-dollar mistake, which cost her job and her fiancé in one fell swoop. She returned home to St. Helena, California to lick her wounds. After a couple of months of drinking too much wine and being unneeded at the family winery, she’s ready to return to New York and start her own investment firm. Unfortunately the terms of her trust fund require that she be married before she can access the funds.

35-year-old former Navy SEAL August Cates has been working unsuccessfully for two years to produce a decent wine. He bought the small vineyard to fulfill his dead buddy’s dream, but he doesn’t know what he’s doing. He’s on the verge of abandoning his mission because he can’t get a bank loan.

When August met Natalie at a wine-tasting event, they were instantly attracted to one another. He said something boneheaded, and they have been trading insults ever since. Both August and Natalie are desperate enough to get married for a month to get the money they need. Natalie’s mom plans a nice wedding in a week so that the banker will believe it’s real. The question becomes how long will Natalie and August’s relationship last?

Unfortunately Yours is a very funny romance with engaging characters; I enjoyed it much more than Secretly Yours. August’s POV is especially well-written, with the rough language you would expect from a SEAL. Both Natalie and August have emotional issues to overcome in addition to working on their careers. Natalie’s childhood modus operandi was acting out to get attention, and she has a bad reputation in her hometown. August is viewed as a muscle-bound idiot who makes rotgut wine. Hallie and Julian’s multiple appearances in the story add to the plot and character development. Unfortunately Yours contains a lot of profanity and sexual references.

I received an Advance Review Copy (ARC) from NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Well I devoured this book in one day! And I must say, that this is probably my favorite Tessa Bailey book she has written. I absolutely LOVED the banter, the teasing, the name calling. Poking each other just to get a rise out of one another it was just * chef’s kiss*. August is a top tie book boyfriend, but I loved that Natalie could hold her own. Gotta love a strong FMC. I will definitely be getting a physical copy as soon as it comes out!