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elfflame's review
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
rosecanread's review against another edition
3.0
Liked the characters but just didn’t connect with the story, disappointing as I liked the premise.
heabooknerd's review
4.0
FEATHERBED was a cute, fairly low angst read about an older, buttoned up bookseller and a burly chicken farmer. Harrison was the perfect amount of stuffy for me -- he’s a little reserved and socially awkward but you can still tell that he’s truly trying. At first Harrison and Finn seem like total opposites that would never work but the more time they spend around each other the closer they get. I liked the way that these two appreciated their differences and truly loved each other for who they were. Finn, as the more outgoing and boisterous MC, was a lot of fun and I loved his dedication to his family’s farm and his community.
While I say this is low angst in terms of the relationship there were some heavy aspects, mostly related to Harrison’s belief that he won’t live past his 40’s due to his family’s history of heart complications. Harrison has given up on relationships because he doesn’t want to hurt anyone if he dies and he’s left his job and moved to Vermont to help his mother accomplish her dream of owning a bookstore before it’s too late. Overall, the story doesn’t linger too long in Harrison’s worried thoughts and it was nice to see him opening up and letting go of some of his funk as he called it in a really natural and genuine way. And I liked that therapy and anxiety medication are addressed as valid ways to help with mental health and happiness.
I haven’t read the Sarina Bowen series that this world takes place in but I liked this small town in Vermont and FEATHERBED makes a really nice introduction to it. As is typical with Annabeth Albert, this was a great character driven romance with lots of heart and plenty of steam.
Content Warning: references to parental death; Harrison’s family has a history of heart disease resulting in early deaths and he worries often about whether or not he’ll live past 42
While I say this is low angst in terms of the relationship there were some heavy aspects, mostly related to Harrison’s belief that he won’t live past his 40’s due to his family’s history of heart complications. Harrison has given up on relationships because he doesn’t want to hurt anyone if he dies and he’s left his job and moved to Vermont to help his mother accomplish her dream of owning a bookstore before it’s too late. Overall, the story doesn’t linger too long in Harrison’s worried thoughts and it was nice to see him opening up and letting go of some of his funk as he called it in a really natural and genuine way. And I liked that therapy and anxiety medication are addressed as valid ways to help with mental health and happiness.
I haven’t read the Sarina Bowen series that this world takes place in but I liked this small town in Vermont and FEATHERBED makes a really nice introduction to it. As is typical with Annabeth Albert, this was a great character driven romance with lots of heart and plenty of steam.
Content Warning: references to parental death; Harrison’s family has a history of heart disease resulting in early deaths and he worries often about whether or not he’ll live past 42
eesh25's review
3.0
3.25 Stars
I initially gave the book four stars because there wasn't really anything I disliked about it. But after a couple of days, it occurred to me that there's not really much I loved either. I mean, I like most of it, and this was a pleasant read, but that's about it.
The main conflicts have to do with baggage that the protagonists have. Finn's dated someone from a "big city" before, and it didn't end well.
For Harrison, the problem's more complicated... he thinks he's going to die. He has a valid reason for thinking so, and he doesn't feel that it's fair to start something if he's not going to be around much longer. And these two conflicts are dealt with in a very mature way. Finn and Harrison have chemistry from the start, and the progression of their relationship feels very natural. Albert's writing is good, the pace is good, the book's sweet and funny too. I liked learning about the farm, I liked the side-characters...
I can't actually think of anything that I disliked. So my initial four stars made perfect sense. Except the book doesn't have much to it after the initial conflicts were addressed. It got kinda... I don't wanna say boring, so I guess unexciting? It didn't have much to occupy the last third. In fact, the story might have worked better as a novella with an epilogue set a year later.
Though I will say that this was a good start to a long series (eighteen books planned, from what I know). Each book is, of course, a standalone. We've already met the protagonists of the next couple of books which are written by different authors. Some of them I know, most I don't. But I'm looking forward to how this small group expands. I don't know how many of the books I'll be reading, but the next four for sure.
Overall, this was a good read. I would recommend giving it a shot. Just don't expect anything too engaging, and I think you'll be fine.
I initially gave the book four stars because there wasn't really anything I disliked about it. But after a couple of days, it occurred to me that there's not really much I loved either. I mean, I like most of it, and this was a pleasant read, but that's about it.
The main conflicts have to do with baggage that the protagonists have. Finn's dated someone from a "big city" before, and it didn't end well.
For Harrison, the problem's more complicated... he thinks he's going to die. He has a valid reason for thinking so, and he doesn't feel that it's fair to start something if he's not going to be around much longer. And these two conflicts are dealt with in a very mature way. Finn and Harrison have chemistry from the start, and the progression of their relationship feels very natural. Albert's writing is good, the pace is good, the book's sweet and funny too. I liked learning about the farm, I liked the side-characters...
I can't actually think of anything that I disliked. So my initial four stars made perfect sense. Except the book doesn't have much to it after the initial conflicts were addressed. It got kinda... I don't wanna say boring, so I guess unexciting? It didn't have much to occupy the last third. In fact, the story might have worked better as a novella with an epilogue set a year later.
Though I will say that this was a good start to a long series (eighteen books planned, from what I know). Each book is, of course, a standalone. We've already met the protagonists of the next couple of books which are written by different authors. Some of them I know, most I don't. But I'm looking forward to how this small group expands. I don't know how many of the books I'll be reading, but the next four for sure.
Overall, this was a good read. I would recommend giving it a shot. Just don't expect anything too engaging, and I think you'll be fine.
torinori's review
4.0
I loved this book. I loved Harrison and I Adored Finn! It was such a sweet romance with low angst. I know the author prefaced that in the description, but something about the conflict and how it progressed is what made it 4 stars rather than 5. Everything was so well written, but the end just left me wanting more Oompf. I’m not an angst person so this really is my kind of book, but maybe next time just a little bit more.
a_reader_obsessed's review
3.0
3.5 Stars
Well that went down nice and easy!
As per the blurb, Harrison is the new man in town, proprietor of the bookstore and wine shop that’s soon to open. When a mixed up delivery goes awry, his path collides nicely with local farmer Finn. Both aren’t looking for anything serious (for different reasons) but as Finn takes it upon himself to show country living to Harrison, their mutual attraction slowly builds to more.
Very very angst light, tossed with a simmering burn and some cock blocking courtesy of life, this was just a nice little ole romance with dashes of smexy and two men coming to grips with what they want from each other and their own long term goals and preconceived notions.
Tied loosely to [b:Roommate|56152409|Roommate|Sarina Bowen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1607028323l/56152409._SY75_.jpg|87021059], this is set in the Bowen universe that bridges no less than 5 other series. Regardless, this was a good start as a loosely tied new series set in the quaint town of Burlington, Vermont. Enjoy!
Well that went down nice and easy!
As per the blurb, Harrison is the new man in town, proprietor of the bookstore and wine shop that’s soon to open. When a mixed up delivery goes awry, his path collides nicely with local farmer Finn. Both aren’t looking for anything serious (for different reasons) but as Finn takes it upon himself to show country living to Harrison, their mutual attraction slowly builds to more.
Very very angst light, tossed with a simmering burn and some cock blocking courtesy of life, this was just a nice little ole romance with dashes of smexy and two men coming to grips with what they want from each other and their own long term goals and preconceived notions.
Tied loosely to [b:Roommate|56152409|Roommate|Sarina Bowen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1607028323l/56152409._SY75_.jpg|87021059], this is set in the Bowen universe that bridges no less than 5 other series. Regardless, this was a good start as a loosely tied new series set in the quaint town of Burlington, Vermont. Enjoy!
evethingiread's review
3.0
I just finished reading the first book of the Vino & Veritas series, "Featherbed" by Annabeth Albert. In this charming story, Harrison, a lawyer in his 40s, and Finn, a farmer, cross paths in a small town. Their instant attraction is palpable, but both characters, wary of relationships, put up walls. Harrison's sweet mother plays matchmaker, adding a delightful touch to the narrative.
Despite being a light and enjoyable read, the book felt somewhat mediocre to me. The characters' voices weren't distinct enough initially, and the plot, while cute, lacked uniqueness. However, as the story progressed, I began to connect with each character's fears and interests. A side character, like Tanner, is introduced for the next book in the series.
Overall, I'd rate it a three-star read – not bad, not great. The romance is sweet and lighthearted, making it an easy introduction to the universe of Vino & Veritas. I'm looking forward to exploring more books in this extensive series, curious about the tales that lie ahead in this charming literary world.
Despite being a light and enjoyable read, the book felt somewhat mediocre to me. The characters' voices weren't distinct enough initially, and the plot, while cute, lacked uniqueness. However, as the story progressed, I began to connect with each character's fears and interests. A side character, like Tanner, is introduced for the next book in the series.
Overall, I'd rate it a three-star read – not bad, not great. The romance is sweet and lighthearted, making it an easy introduction to the universe of Vino & Veritas. I'm looking forward to exploring more books in this extensive series, curious about the tales that lie ahead in this charming literary world.
1bookobsessionconfessions's review
4.0
This was a very sweet romance and it brought heat and steam, too!
The characters were really likable. A bit of opposites attract.
I love the Vermont setting and Harrison working on opening his bookstore/wine bar.
Finn is a chicken farmer intrigued by the science of breeding.
Harrison is an attorney from NY starting over, Finn is born and bred small town Vermont guy.
They don’t have a lot of drama or angst.
It’s pretty straightforward. It was refreshing.
Both have an issue from their past that holds them back from being “serious.” And both issues are understandable.
They both are hesitant to be in a relationship with a title or future.
It’s a nice, cute romance with steam.
The secondary characters are great.
The characters were really likable. A bit of opposites attract.
I love the Vermont setting and Harrison working on opening his bookstore/wine bar.
Finn is a chicken farmer intrigued by the science of breeding.
Harrison is an attorney from NY starting over, Finn is born and bred small town Vermont guy.
They don’t have a lot of drama or angst.
It’s pretty straightforward. It was refreshing.
Both have an issue from their past that holds them back from being “serious.” And both issues are understandable.
They both are hesitant to be in a relationship with a title or future.
It’s a nice, cute romance with steam.
The secondary characters are great.