Reviewed by Larissa
TITLE: Stronghold
SERIES: Vino & Veritas Book #14
AUTHOR: Ana Ashley
PUBLISHER: Heart Eyes Press
LENGTH: 172 pages
RELEASE DATE: August 12, 2021
BLURB:
A second chance at love? Or a second chance to ruin everything?
When Skyler spots the new bartender at Vino and Veritas, his body responds before the guy even turns around. But when he does, it takes only a heartbeat for recognition to set in and for sparks to fly. Judson’s been gone for ten years, but he’s the man Skyler never forgot. Or forgave.
The last place Judson wants to be is back home in Burlington, living with family. Not so long ago he was a world-class chef with the lifestyle to prove it. Now he’s serving drinks and flying under the radar until he can get the hell out again. But when his childhood best friend reenters his life, looking finer than any entree at a five-star restaurant, he wonders if it’s time to update his menu of life choices.
Working through past wounds with Skyler won’t be easy, though, especially with family obligations–and the occasional dairy cow–interfering. When their loyalty is tested, will their newly built stronghold be sturdy enough to withstand the storm?
Stronghold is a sweet and sexy Vino & Veritas romance with some creative use of maple syrup.
REVIEW:
Ana Ashley’s Stronghold, the fourteenth book in the multi-author, shared universe, Vino & Veritas series, delivers an enjoyable, if bemusing, second chance romance. Skyler and Judson, childhood best friends, are unexpectedly and unintentionally reunited after a decade’s long separation. In that intervening time period, anger and confusion surrounding Jud’s abrupt departure fester, leaving both unsure of where they stand with each other. They are similarly ambivalent about whether they want to try to resume their friendship or perhaps start a new romantic relationship.
Skyler and Jud are two endearing guys with intriguing histories. Ms. Ashley did a nice job of developing their layers and complexities. They also make a solid couple who make sense together. However, what makes less sense is the story arc from the misunderstanding that separated them to their ultimate HEA. Nor do their attitudes and feelings for each other, which vacillate wildly.
For example, when Jud arrives back home in Burlington, Vermont after ten years in France, he studiously avoids Skyler. He’s still furious at Skyler’s betrayal and not at all ready to forgive and forget. So when they first see each other again at Vino & Veritas where Jud works, Jud pretends to not even know who Skyler is. But then not long after that, Jud does an about-face. He seeks Skyler out and seems to readily drop all hostility.
Skyler is similarly angry because Jud abruptly left for France without any explanation and never contacted Skyler again. Yet when Skyler sees him at Vino & Veritas for the first time in ten years, he eagerly approaches him as if they have no hostility or anger between them.
Jud and Skyler’s miscommunications and assumptions drive Stronghold’s plot. In and of itself, that’s not problematic. However, the conflict derives from singular events responded to with extreme, nonsensical action. For example, after an 18-year long childhood friendship, one overheard comment taken out of context causes Jud to abandon his best friend without a word or any further contact. In fact, he moves to a whole different country. Skyler isn’t excused from inexplicable conduct. He also jumps to conclusions and takes action based on out-of-context comments. In both cases, the comments are clearly inconsistent with Jud and Skyler’s closeness and connection. Yet neither seeks clarification before taking decisive action based on inaccurate facts.
Notwithstanding, Stronghold still manages to tell an enjoyable story containing Ms. Ashley’s solid writing. She provides plenty of sweet, sexy scenes that are at times syrupy and sappy – literally. On the whole, it’s pretty low angst, with some romantic moments. However, the premise and the interactions between Jud and Skyler overtaxed my suspension of disbelief. As a result, I had a hard time fully embracing these two likable men and their romance.
I happen to really enjoy Ms. Ashley’s writing and her brand of light, fluffy romances. Stronghold still very much reflects her style. So if you also enjoy her writing, you may want to check this book out regardless, particularly if you are reading the whole Vino & Veritas series.
RATING: 
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