Laura Piper Lee is great at writing giddy romances that have me wanting to devour the book. This was no exception!

I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did! I was anticipating your typical romance and was surprised to find how deep and intricite the book and its characters were

I loved this book! It was such a sweet story about one's gay-awakening, and it was so relatable all the way through. It also tackled tough topics like family tragedy, broken friendships, managing a business, and the struggles of capitalism. This twist on enemies-to-lovers was a thrill to watch play out, and will definitely have you rooting for the characters. I also enjoyed seeing the well-developed side characters come into play throughout the book, and I personally would love to read a spin-off about Teddy!

Zoe Brennan, First Crush has a lot going for it—a charming small-town setting, a winery backdrop, and a main character, Zoe, who is so relatable in her need to prove herself and make everything perfect. I loved the cast of side characters, from the supportive friends to the hilarious goat, and the humour and wit made this an entertaining read. There were moments when I was giggling away or cringing on Zoe's behalf. I also really enjoyed the workplace tension between Zoe and Laine after their blind-folded threesome. This romance definitely had plenty of chemistry.

That said, I struggled with Laine as a love interest. Because the book is told entirely from Zoe’s POV, it was difficult to fully understand Laine’s decisions, and at times, she I wasn't impressed by some of her behaviour towards Zoe. For me, this made it hard to root for their relationship. While their romance had its moments, I would have loved more depth in Laine’s backstory—especially her reconnection with her family—so her actions felt more fleshed out.

Despite my mixed feelings on the romance, the book was still a fun and engaging read with great queer representation, strong friendships, and an entertaining rivalry with Zoe’s ex-best friend turned vineyard competitor. If you enjoy witty banter, a touch of drama, and a cozy small-town atmosphere, this is definitely worth picking up.

Oh, and I'd be remiss not to mention Lindsey Dorcus' amazing narration. She did an exceptional job at portraying the characters for the audiobook I listened to.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for a copy of this audiobook. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, Laura Piper Lee, and Dreamscape Media for granting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Wooooo!!! What a good book!! This book is funny, surprising, sexy, emotional, exciting, and made me kick my feet. I adored the setting of the book taking place at a family vineyard in Georgia (instead of the classic Napa) and seeing a bit behind the curtain in the wine making process. Blue Bells held a lot of importance to our main character, Zoe, and it really deepened the emotional aspects of the book while also raising the stakes as she tried to best to keep the vineyard afloat. I loved seeing Zoe grow as a character and face some of her traumas that she didn't realize were impacting her relationships with her loved ones.

What I think really worked with this book was the chemistry between Laine and Zoe. I think it was super smart to have the meet cute happen as a sexy little encounter in Chapter 2, so that that steam permeated through the rest of the book without them actually hooking up again until at least half (or maybe 2/3) of the way through the book. We get the best of both worlds with this set up: instant-lust, and a slow-burn. I think those are tropes hard to pull off well together, but Piper Lee really delivers! It also helps that I have a serious bookcrush on Laine, lol. Give me more butch representation!! I think another aspect that really made the spice in this book GO OFF was the constant battle for dominance between Laine and Zoe. As a bratty little bottom myself, I was GAGGED between the power play between our two MCs, lol. Give me two tops duking it out any day, please and thank you.

This book has a lot of heart and complex characters. Even Rachel (the villain in our story) holds nuance by the end. This book drew me in deep and didn't let me go until I was done. I was opting to listen to the audiobook over reading a digital copy of another book which is really saying something for me, as ereading is my preferred way to read. The audio version of this book (and the book in general) was really spectacular that I was finding reasons to keep listening! (My dog thanks you, Piper Lee, as she got to enjoy extra long walks as I just couldn't bear to pause the story.)

I'm a big theme / seasonal reader where I love it when my books match either an activity I'm into or the season I'm currently experiencing. If you're also like me in this way, I would say that seasonally, this book would fit PERFECTLY if you're doing a holiday to a vineyard during the warmer months. That way you can pick up your fave bottle from the winery and sip on it while reading this book. Honestly, a dream. Or if you're going to a pre-wedding party (bachelor, bachelorette, bachelorex) at a vineyard/winery this book would suit it so well because queer friendships play a big role in this book, and the peachy Georgia Girls wine sounds like a delectably sweet party wine. This book would also suit fresh spring, sweet summer vibes. Think greenery with a refreshing breeze on your skin while the sun keeps your warm type of atmosphere. This book also features Italy (Tuscany specifically) so take that into consideration if it potentially fits a theme or vibe you're looking for.

Buy this book if you love wine, lesbians, sticky family situations, hot butches with professor vibes, Top Energy, and a cast of queer friends. Can't wait to see what Piper Lee releases next!

Note, this is 2nd in the same world, but can definitely be read as a standalone. I didn't even realize this was a 'sequel' until about 3/4 of the way through. Obviously, I didn't read the first book "Hannah Tate, Beyond Repair" before reading this, but I would love to go back and check out Hannah's story.

This book is just plain fun! I didn't know what to expect going in, not having read the author's first book, but I was absolutely delighted by this one! I found myself laughing uncontrollably within the first couple of chapters and ended up reading it one sitting. Put this one alongside the greats of sapphic romance! I'll be reading the author's other work immediately and can't wait to see what she does next!

Unfortunately, this one was a DNF for me. I tried multiple times, but just could not feel any connection to the protagonist... and the writing just did not hit for me. A lot of it did not feel true to my personal experience as queer woman, but that's just me! I appreciate what the author was trying to do, and think this one could be great for other readers. Thank you for the chance to read and review!

Unfortunately this book did not hold my interest. I may give it another shot at a later date, Oh well.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

Read If You Like:
- Second-chance romance
- Small-town settings
- LGBTQIA+ fiction
- Family dynamics and expectations
- Heartfelt narratives with a touch of humor

This romantic comedy follows Zoe Brennan, a dedicated vineyard owner in Blue Ridge, who is content with her life until her first crush, now a successful entrepreneur, returns to town.

Their reunion rekindles old feelings and challenges Zoe's carefully constructed life. The story explores themes of love, personal growth, and the courage to embrace change. The pacing is engaging, with well-developed characters and a plot that balances humor and heartfelt moments.

The chemistry between Zoe and her love interest is palpable, making their journey from past acquaintances to potential partners both believable and compelling.

This novel is a delightful read for fans of contemporary romance, offering a perfect blend of passion, humor, and emotional depth.

Thanks so much to the publisher for my finished copy and ALC!

Zoe Brennan, First Crush follows Zoe, a Vineyard owner that is just trying to keep her family own business afloat. Her father, the vintner, is struggling with making the wine that his late wife use to make; Zoe's former best friend now arch rival Rachel, is trying to steal Zoe's chance at getting out of the red; And the cherry on the cake, Zoe's first crush, and Rachel's sister, is back in town. All in all, Zoe has a lot on her plate.

This was a book of firsts for me, the first book I've read by Laura Piper Lee and the first audiobook narrated by Lindsey Dorcus I've listen to. I really enjoyed Lindsey Dorcus's narration. I didn't have any problems telling who was talking and the breaks and inflections were a joy to listen to. This is the first book I've listen to that was in 1st person, and I did struggle with telling when Zoe was speaking out loud or having an inner monolog moment, which there are many. As the book progressed I got better telling them a part but there were a handful of times I was waiting for another character to respond only to realize what Zoe said was in her head.

I did enjoy the story and the characters. At first, I wasn't sold on Lane and her grumpy attitude, but she grew on me and really kept the story together for me in the end. Zoe was a tad too annoying for me. She does go through some good character growth but there were a few times I wish I could reach into the book and slap some sense into her. I was so happy when at least 1 of the characters had their head on and we avoid the classic third act plot hurdle. I do wish that the epilog was the last chapter and there was a different epilog. I would have liked to have seen a little bit more closure with certain characters and where everything is within the next year.

All in all, an enjoyable listen by Lindsey Dorcus. I will definitely be looking for more audiobooks by her. I also enjoyed the story and I am curious what Laura Piper Lee will do next.

A fun, emotional and delightfully funny story. This book manages to have great smut, emotional and hard hitting breakthroughs for its characters while also being cozy and bingeable.

Back to Georgia! I loved my trip back to Blue Ridge, this story about Zoe and Laine was so fun. The build up was done so well. Zoe slowly realizing she still has feelings for Laine after having a crush on her in high school and when she moves back to Blue Ridge after being away for years. And then drawing it out more when Laine wants to date her first before jumping into a bed. These two wine lovers compliment each other and blend together so well.

This was my first time reading something by this author. It is an engaging, steamy romance set in Blue Ridge. I listened to this as an audiobook. The story captures Zoe's journey from loneliness to a thrilling, unexpected connection with Laine Woods, a Napa-trained vintner and the sister of Zoe's greatest enemy. The chemistry between Zoe and Laine is strong. The narrator does a fantastic job bringing Zoe's witty, determined voice to life while also delivering Laine's more reserved yet alluring persona.

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

This book was…fine. Perfectly, utterly fine. I didn’t hate it, but I doubt I’ll remember much about it a year from now—probably not even the characters’ names by next week.

Cons:
It’s been a while since I picked up a heterosexual romance, and honestly, this felt like one. It was as if the author wrote a straight love story and then, at the last minute, switched the male lead to a woman without adjusting the dynamics. The masculine energy was too much, and the few references to queerness didn’t sit well with me.
The romance had its moments, but the cringe factor was high—both in the romantic build-up and the sex scenes. It just didn’t match my vibe.
The main character, Zoey (yes, I had to remind myself), was frustratingly incompetent and lacked any real self-awareness. It wasn’t quirky or endearing; it was just infuriating.

Pros:
It was a romance novel, and it delivered on that front.
The story was light and relatively low-stakes—nothing too intense or emotionally taxing.

All in all, it wasn’t the worst read, but it wasn’t memorable either. If you’re looking for a queer romance with more nuanced representation and less secondhand embarrassment, you might want to look elsewhere.

This audio book was exactly what I was hoping for. The narrator absolutely crushed it. I could not stop cackling during this sapphic rom com, so many amazing scenes where I just couldn't stop smiling. Lindsey's voice and tempo is perfect for me, I didn't have to speed it up and it was very easy for me to separate all the different characters.

Zoe Brennan, First Crush is an absolute delight—a witty and heartfelt sapphic romance that masterfully intertwines humor, emotional depth, and authentic queer representation. From its vibrant vineyard setting in Blue Ridge to the snappy banter between the two main characters, Laine and Zoe, this novel is a must-read for fans of the genre.
The chemistry between Zoe and Laine is electric, driven by their history as former lovers. Zoe, depicted as a relatable protagonist, balances her snark and vulnerability while navigating the challenges of her family vineyard and the unexpected return of her first crush. Laine, a talented vintner with a confident demeanor, serves as a perfect counterpoint to Zoe’s stubbornness, making their interactions fraught with unresolved feelings and humor.
The book excels in crafting a witty dialogue that had me laughing out loud on several occasions. The supporting cast—particularly the antics of the quirky Queer Mountaineers and the mysterious goat, which causes $1,300 worth of damage—enrich the narrative and add layers of fun. The humorous moments blend seamlessly with deeper themes of forgiveness, personal growth, and the complexities of love, making the characters’ journeys all the more compelling.
One of the story's strengths is its authentic portrayal of queer relationships, steering clear of stereotypical tropes. Instead, it focuses on the genuine emotional struggles and triumphs that come from reconnecting with a first love and overcoming pride. As the characters grow, their individual arcs become intertwined, creating a satisfying sense of connection for the reader.
While some conflicts could have been explored more deeply and a few plot points felt a touch prolonged, these minor critiques are easily overshadowed by the overall charm, humor, and heartfelt moments throughout the book.

Thank you, @netgalley, @dreamscape_media, and @laurapiperlee for the advanced listening copy of this swoon-worthy sapphic romance! And thank you to @purplecouchbookshop for picking this as our February Romance Book Club read! 

When she discovers that a prestigious wine festival is coming to Blue Ridge, it sets off a competition between these already rival wineries until Zoe’s grandma gets ill, and her father must return to his hometown in Italy, putting their winery at a considerable disadvantage. Dejected, she agrees to a blindfolded threesome, a decision made in a moment of vulnerability and impulsiveness, only to discover that the stranger she hooked up with while blindfolded is: 1. The vintner her father has hired to temporarily replace him, 2. The estranged daughter of the rival winery, and 3. Her high school crush, Laine Woods.

As Zoe and Laine (poorly) attempt to have a professional relationship, their simmering attraction keeps getting in the way. Can they save the season’s wine, win the festival, and deal with the emotional baggage they are both carrying in order to have a chance at love?

I absolutely loved the dreamy winery setting - what an idyllic location! Zoe and Laine were such interesting characters to connect with, each seeming to balance the other - they each had insecurities and weaknesses that the other helped shoulder. I also enjoyed how, after the ahem intense first meeting, this was a slow-burn romance where they took their time to get it right. There’s a lot of lack of communication in this one (between couples, friends, families), but it doesn’t read as miscommunication so much as fear of communication, which seemed infinitely more authentic given the backstories that are revealed for each of the characters. Zoe’s best friend, Teddy, absolutely steals every scene he is in, and I adore him. This book is connected to 'Hannah Tate, Beyond Repair ', Laura Piper Lee's debut, and I’ll be reading that one ASAP. However, this book can absolutely be enjoyed as a stand-alone.

🎧 About the Audiobook 🎧 Lindsey Dorcus, a new-to-me narrator, does a lovely solo narration. I particularly enjoyed her voicing of Janine and Teddy. The audiobook is 12 hours and 4 minutes.

I LOVED this book/audiobook. It's beautifully written by Laura Piper Lee and has the perfect narrator in Lindsey Dorcus.

I've been in a bit of a book/reading slump and was worried when I started listening that I just wouldn't have the energy to finish but I'm so glad I did! This is exactly what I needed.

I'm ready to hop on a plane and take a trip to Georgia for some wine (who knew they have vineyards in Georgia?)! I was drawn in almost right away. Lee does an amazing job bring you into her world while Dorcus was, again, the perfect narrator.

If you're looking for a fun, sexy, novel, I can't recommend this one enough. I'm honestly ready for a re-listen. It's full of fantastic side characters, community, shenanigans and fun. The descriptions in each scene really make you feel like you're a part of it too.

I'm so grateful for this ARC and can't wait to read (or listen) to Laura Piper Lee's next work.

First thing’s first: thank you Netgalley for the ALC of this book!
Zoe Brennan, First Crush was a sapphic romcom about a failing winery and the lesbians running it. This book was double horny with a capital H. Don’t get me wrong, I dont mind a horny book, but the characters being SO horny for each other ALL THE TIME was a little distracting and felt forced. I did enjoy the characters and the emotional relationship that built, I loved the setting, and I did find myself chuckling along while listening. I think the book could have been a little shorter, some parts felt a little drawn out when they didn’t have to be. All in all I enjoyed this one, though!
3.5⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me an audiobook arc!

3.5 stars!! I enjoyed Zoe Brennan and definitely want to read the author’s other books!

Zoe Brennan runs her family winery with her father, and she’s dedicated her entire life to it. Zoe’s mom died when she was young, and the winery was her mother’s dream, one that her husband and daughter continued to carry out. However, Zoe and her father have had their fair share of hardships- the winery isn’t very profitable, and the wines that they make aren’t perhaps as good as they would like them to be..however, Julie (Zoe’s mom) was always the expert at winemaking.

When Zoe’s father has to make an emergency trip back to Italy due to his mother’s poor health, Zoe is feeling doomed about the future of the vineyard. Zoe’s father promises her all will be okay, as he’s arranged for a replacement for him to continue making the wine. This may have provided some relief for Zoe, until she sees who her father has left the winery in the hands of.. one of the last people Zoe would have expected.. Laine Woods, Zoe’s first crush and sister of Zoe’s ex best friend turned rival.

Besides the awkward situation of Zoe’s previous crush, Zoe is uncertain if she can trust Laine. After all, Laine is Rachel’s sister, and even Rachel is warning Zoe about Laine’s misgivings. The woods family also owns Into the Woods, a competing vineyard.

As Zoe and Laine spend more time together and get to know each other as adults, Zoe’s feelings begin to change from suspicion and embarrassment to something warmer. But as the stakes get higher for the winery as it has a chance to be in a life changing showcase, Zoe is determined to keep things professional between her and Laine.

I really enjoyed this book! The narrator did a really good job, and the story itself is so fun! There’s romance, laughs, anger, and even some tears. I would recommend this to any romance lovers, especially if you’re looking for a heartwarming sapphic read.