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beckyyreadss's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I wanted to read this book because I love Tessa Bailey’s work – It Happened One Summer is still one of my favourite books like EVER! I still think about that book so much. So, when Tessa announced a new series this year, I automatically jumped online to pre-order this book. I really enjoyed it and thought it was a cute read.
This book has two points of view. The first point of view is Hallie Welch. She fell hard for Julian Vos when she was fourteen after they almost kissed in the dark vineyards of his family’s winery. Now Julian has returned home. Hallie is hired by Julian’s mother to revamp the gardens on the Vos estate, she wonders if she will finally get the kiss from almost fifteen years ago. But the Julian she was infatuated with is different to the Julian that is in front of her. He is a grumpy professor, and their personalities keep clashing at every interaction. One night, after having a couple of glasses of wine with her best friend, Hallie can’t shake the feeling she did something reckless – and then she remembers the drunken anonymous love letter she left for Julian. The second point of view is Julian Vos, he is on sabbatically from his ivy league job and he is planning on writing a novel. But having Hallie gardening right outside his window is the ultimate distraction. She is chaotic, always late, often covered in dirt and yet Julian finds her so beautiful that he can’t focus on anything else. Until he finds a letter from a secret admirer from his past. As Julian tries to find out who this mysterious woman is, he keeps getting sucked into Hallie’s orbit. Like the flowers she plants all over town, Hallie is a burst of colour in Julian’s grey-scale life. For a man who irons his socks and runs on tight schedules, her sunny chaotic energy makes zero. But there is something so familiar about her and her presence is turning his world upside down.
Okay, I love this book, I think it was so cute and adorable and I loved the idea of this trope of “you forgot me, yet I've fancied the pants out of you” - the whole way through this book I just wanted to hug Hallie because I felt for her, like being lost in the world and not knowing what to do and also not feeling sexy in her own body and then when someone else is cherishing the body and not knowing how to react. I loved the storyline, and I loved the side characters. I liked the discussion of difficult topics within this book such as anxiety, body confidence, bad relationships with parents. I think the thing that was missing was the love letters, I think I wanted more letters and more angst, and I just think the miscommunication in it drove me nuts. I don’t mind miscommunication, but I felt during this storyline it was slightly too much.
I missed the epilogue so hopefully there is an extended one in the next book, and I cannot wait to see more of Natalie in the next book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Grief, and Alcoholism
Minor: Death
sdupont's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
While this was a quick and easy read, I was pretty disappointed with this book. Hallie is peak quirky chaotic girl and I am so over that trope. Equally as extreme in personality (but in the opposite way) was Julian. I found them hard to like/relate to individually and as a couple. Unfortunately this book did not have enough depth and left me feeling disconnected from the story. I’m a fan of Tessa Bailey but this is one that you could skip reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Grief and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Death and Alcoholism
kris386's review against another edition
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Sexual content
Moderate: Alcohol and Alcoholism
Minor: Grief, Death, and Fire/Fire injury
roget's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
2.0
“About a starchy professor and the bubbly neighbor he clashes with at every turn,” the blurb says.
Eh…
More like twice. Ish?
Look, that’s not where my issues originate here. I don’t mind a short “grumpy” arch in a grumpyXsunshine style ship, though I think this story would’ve benefitted from keeping Julian distant for longer.
This book follows Julian, an exacting Stanford professor home on some sort of sabbatical to write a novel, and Hallie, a landscaper who’s feeling unmoored since the loss of her grandmother. She’s had a crush on Julian since high school, but he doesn’t remember her. They have a spark, though, and the story follows them as they try to see if it can be cultivated into something more.
Both characters had strong and promising backstories, but the plot fell quite flat. With all the room for real conflict and real development, the turns the book took often felt contrived and boring.
I wanted more about Julian’s anxiety. I wanted him to actually come into serious conflict with Hallie’s way of managing her time. In real life, that would’ve happened, and it might’ve been enough to sink them as a couple. But instead, Julian seems to constantly sugar coat even her most destructive or unhealthy behaviors (pointless theft?). He doesn’t need to lecture her or criticize her, but his constant internal insistence that she has no flaws rang more and more false with his every repetition. It made the relationship feel grounded in an unreality that will capsize because Julian does not truly know or accept her. He has not yet been truly inconvenienced by her. Their love wasn’t tested.
And that makes this a sort of flimsy romance story.
This wasn’t helped by the lack of clear reasons for Julian to be interested in Hallie, beyond his physical attraction. Look, spice isn’t my thing, but usually Bailey’s books have an interesting love story between those parts.
Most of Julian’s reflections were just him drooling over Hallie’s body. There was very little development given to his relationship with her internal characteristics.
And his anxiety was left pretty underdeveloped. We were told some things there, near the end, but most of the story sort of sidelined it, and the reader is left with the understanding that for the most part, Julian’s symptoms go away when he’s with Hallie because he’s too distracted by his attraction for her. (I am not a fan of that take.) I was glad to see that it wasn’t magically cured, but I feel the development there was unclear and didn’t quite ring true to me, personally. (Of course, others may disagree!)
I don’t know. :/ I wanted to enjoy this one, but it fell a bit flat for me, unfortunately.
Tldr: Physical attraction doesn’t cure anxiety. Pretending your partner is flawless to avoid conflict is a recipe for burnout, poor conflict management, and eventual hurt feelings.
**Thank you to Netgalley and Avon for an ARC copy in exchange for my honest feedback.**
Eh…
More like twice. Ish?
Look, that’s not where my issues originate here. I don’t mind a short “grumpy” arch in a grumpyXsunshine style ship, though I think this story would’ve benefitted from keeping Julian distant for longer.
This book follows Julian, an exacting Stanford professor home on some sort of sabbatical to write a novel, and Hallie, a landscaper who’s feeling unmoored since the loss of her grandmother. She’s had a crush on Julian since high school, but he doesn’t remember her. They have a spark, though, and the story follows them as they try to see if it can be cultivated into something more.
Both characters had strong and promising backstories, but the plot fell quite flat. With all the room for real conflict and real development, the turns the book took often felt contrived and boring.
I wanted more about Julian’s anxiety. I wanted him to actually come into serious conflict with Hallie’s way of managing her time. In real life, that would’ve happened, and it might’ve been enough to sink them as a couple. But instead, Julian seems to constantly sugar coat even her most destructive or unhealthy behaviors (pointless theft?). He doesn’t need to lecture her or criticize her, but his constant internal insistence that she has no flaws rang more and more false with his every repetition. It made the relationship feel grounded in an unreality that will capsize because Julian does not truly know or accept her. He has not yet been truly inconvenienced by her. Their love wasn’t tested.
And that makes this a sort of flimsy romance story.
This wasn’t helped by the lack of clear reasons for Julian to be interested in Hallie, beyond his physical attraction. Look, spice isn’t my thing, but usually Bailey’s books have an interesting love story between those parts.
Most of Julian’s reflections were just him drooling over Hallie’s body. There was very little development given to his relationship with her internal characteristics.
And his anxiety was left pretty underdeveloped. We were told some things there, near the end, but most of the story sort of sidelined it, and the reader is left with the understanding that for the most part, Julian’s symptoms go away when he’s with Hallie because he’s too distracted by his attraction for her. (I am not a fan of that take.) I was glad to see that it wasn’t magically cured, but I feel the development there was unclear and didn’t quite ring true to me, personally. (Of course, others may disagree!)
I don’t know. :/ I wanted to enjoy this one, but it fell a bit flat for me, unfortunately.
Tldr: Physical attraction doesn’t cure anxiety. Pretending your partner is flawless to avoid conflict is a recipe for burnout, poor conflict management, and eventual hurt feelings.
**Thank you to Netgalley and Avon for an ARC copy in exchange for my honest feedback.**
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Emotional abuse, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Grief and Death
bookswithmybulldog's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Fire/Fire injury and Death
emilyharmonica's review
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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
3.25
(Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
There is so much I love about Tessa Bailey’s writing: her sense of humor, her lovable characters, and (of course) plentiful dirty talk. That said, as much as I enjoyed parts of this book, it wasn’t my favorite of hers.
I’ll start off with the things I liked: the side characters were funny and charming, and their banter with the protagonists was the main source of much-needed comedic relief. The spice was spicy. The dogs were adorable. And the scene where Julian retells Back To the Future at storytime to a bunch of unruly kids was a total hoot.
Compared to other TB books I’ve read, this one is a bit heavier in tone and subject matter, and it seems like it’s trying to do a bit too much all at once. Hallie (FMC) is still in the process of grieving her late grandmother, and Julian (MMC) is coping unhealthily with severe anxiety. It tries to offset these elements with a few classic rom-com shenanigans, but the overall balance was a bit off. I had a really hard time getting into the story, and I found some of the winery/wine shop subplots a bit boring. Add in the secret admirer letters and the whole thing just felt a bit all over the place. I also did not love the third-act conflict, and I reeeally didn’t love how quickly and publicly it was resolved, especially considering the subject matter at hand.
Even though this wasn’t my favorite of Tessa Bailey’s books, I’ll definitely pick up the next book in the series, Unfortunately Yours (which follows Julian’s sister Natalie and ex-Navy SEAL-turned-vintner August, whose early begrudging attraction we caught glimpses of in this book).
Overall rating: 3.25 stars
Spice level: 3/5
Overall rating: 3.25 stars
Spice level: 3/5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Death and Fire/Fire injury
bananathebookbestie's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
TL;DR: A cute romance featuring (sort of) second-chance, Grumpy X Sunshine, small wine town and (sort of) forced proximity. Spice was excellent. But the main characters really need therapy.
The plot: I actually didn't like the anonymous letters plot at all. Hallie and Julian already had a connection, and I think could've developed their relationship without that added element. I don't think it worked as well as it could have because Hallie was in regular contact and communication with Julian. If it was all secret letters then meeting I think it would've been different. I also don't think the letters warranted the reaction of the third act conflict. Miscommunication is one of my least favorite tropes, and it's really frustrating to be in each of the characters heads where they just over think everything instead of saying SOMETHING to the other one. I know it's scary, etc. I also don't think it's realistic, though, that there wouldn't have been any of those conversations outside of the letters.
The spice: The dirty talk was sooooo good. One of the things Tessa Bailey excels at and is known for. I was also pleasantly surprised that no on-page sex was done in a bed! That was fun. His masturbation in the shower, the mutual masturbation in the kitchen, the scene in the vineyard, the encounter in her private garden... Ugh. No notes. The MOUTH ON THAT MAN is so filthy and I love it. I will say the virgin thing was a little weird. It surprised me and I'm not sure I liked that being a main focal point.
The anxiety rep: I hated how much judgement and ridicule Julian received from his family and especially his father. Clearly mental health was not something his parents took seriously, and it made me really sad. I do think his coping skills were repeated too frequently and didn't help the plot move forward. Learning about his panic attacks after the fire helped with context, but I think Julian deserved more growth than "I love Hallie so I'll try to be less anxious." I have anxiety, and I don't think this representation was as good as other books I've read with anxious characters.
The town: I loved the town, thought the supporting characters were pretty funny and I can't wait for Natalie's story.
Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The plot: I actually didn't like the anonymous letters plot at all. Hallie and Julian already had a connection, and I think could've developed their relationship without that added element. I don't think it worked as well as it could have because Hallie was in regular contact and communication with Julian. If it was all secret letters then meeting I think it would've been different. I also don't think the letters warranted the reaction of the third act conflict. Miscommunication is one of my least favorite tropes, and it's really frustrating to be in each of the characters heads where they just over think everything instead of saying SOMETHING to the other one. I know it's scary, etc. I also don't think it's realistic, though, that there wouldn't have been any of those conversations outside of the letters.
The spice: The dirty talk was sooooo good. One of the things Tessa Bailey excels at and is known for. I was also pleasantly surprised that no on-page sex was done in a bed! That was fun. His masturbation in the shower, the mutual masturbation in the kitchen, the scene in the vineyard, the encounter in her private garden... Ugh. No notes. The MOUTH ON THAT MAN is so filthy and I love it. I will say the virgin thing was a little weird. It surprised me and I'm not sure I liked that being a main focal point.
The anxiety rep: I hated how much judgement and ridicule Julian received from his family and especially his father. Clearly mental health was not something his parents took seriously, and it made me really sad. I do think his coping skills were repeated too frequently and didn't help the plot move forward. Learning about his panic attacks after the fire helped with context, but I think Julian deserved more growth than "I love Hallie so I'll try to be less anxious." I have anxiety, and I don't think this representation was as good as other books I've read with anxious characters.
The town: I loved the town, thought the supporting characters were pretty funny and I can't wait for Natalie's story.
Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Death
hellowildflower's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon and HarperCollins Australia for allowing me to read and review this book before release.
Tessa Bailey quickly became one of my favourite authors. Last year I read 14 of her books and Secretly Yours is definitely top 5 for me.
It was the kind of fun and romantic book I was expecting with that grumpy/sunshine trope that Tessa Bailey writes so well.
I love Hallie and Julian together and in the end it really does feel like the complete each other.
I could relate to both main characters in many ways. Julian is the calm and Hallie is the storm and I love it.
A few key elements I loved:
•Anxiety rep
•Hallie is plus-size
•The love letters
•Hallie’s fierce love for her family and friends
•Julian trying to repair the relationship with his mother and sister
•The sexual tension
Secretly Yours was a very fun way for Tessa to kick off a new series of books and I can’t wait to read Natalie’s story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Alcohol, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Abandonment and Death
purplepenning's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
2.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, Fire/Fire injury, Mental illness, and Sexual content
Minor: Death, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, and Sexism
So, I had a few issues, and they're all spoilery content warnings, so:kearstenkeepsreading's review
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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
5.0
Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for providing an arc for an honest review.
I adore this book! Hallie is such a whirlwind of a person and crashes into Julian’s life throwing off his schedules and perfectly laid out plans. Of course what he doesn’t know is that she has had a serious crush on him since high school and in a drunken moment Hallie decides to confess these feelings in a secret admirer letter. Like Clockwork Julian finds the letter and thus begins his journey to letting go. Through her letters and her presence Hallie challenges Julian to break free of the constraints of his schedules and learn to live life again.
There was wonderful dialogue around anxiety and grief and how both can affect an individual in a myriad of ways. As usual the spice was amazing and I was happy that it was later in the book when they both have a better understanding of each other outside of high school crushes and first impressions. Also the side characters are amazing and I absolutely cannot wait for Natalie and August’s book!
Content Warnings
Minor: Death