Stronghold

Vino & Veritas Series

De: Ana Ashley

Narrado por: John Solo

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?

Contains mature themes.

©2021 Ana Ashley (P)2022 Tantor

Stronghold

I think a childhood friends to lovers second chance romance is becoming my favorite troupe to read. Judson and Skylar were clearly meant to be and watching them reconnect and communicate their feelings just makes my heart melt. Such a sap for this stuff!

🍁Childhood Friends to Lovers
🍁Miscommunication
🍁Second Chance
🍁Maple Sugaring
🍁Chef
🍁Restaurant Competition

Judson returned back to Burlington a bit abruptly, and is working as a bartender at Vino & Veritas. When Skylar walks in and sees him as the bartender, he knows exactly who he is and he can’t help but fall back into his old feelings. Only as close as they once were, they no longer know much about each other because it has been 10 years since Judson left for Paris without a word. However, there is pull towards each other.

When they decide to put the past aside, Judson finds out Skylar is also gay and that he still holds onto their dream of owning a restaurant together. If you have been following the Vino & Veritas Series within book 2 I think the hostle burnt down. Well it is finally rebuilt and there is going to be a restaurant competition for a free year lease! Obviously they are entering. The chemistry they have together is unmatched in the completion.

Skylar and Judson finally give into their feelings, only for the past to rear its ugly head. Only the entire thing was a misunderstanding, things were said and heard when taken out of context could have been extremely hurtful. As they get past it and create this restaurant their bond grows it is obvious they are meant to be.

Short and quick read that packs a punch filled with romance!

A second chance love story that left me smiling ear to ear with such sweetness like the maple syrup described in the book. Childhood friends Judd and Skylar had parted ways by a pained miscommunication but the author didn’t drag it out and cleared it quickly once they reunited. Loved it!

John Solo’s narration is so good!

He was perfect bringing the author’s characters to life. If you like low angst served with sweet, spicy, and a side of maple syrup, you’re going to love Judson and Skylar’s second-chance love story. This was my first book by this author, and I’ll definitely be checking out more.

So good

The storyline and the performance are stellar. I couldn’t stop listening to it. It’s so enjoyable

Amazing.

I love the romance of the Sky and Jud. Although the ending could have just a little more for me. it seemed a littled rushed.
but overall a great listen!

Aww second chances

This childhood bff, second chance romance is so sweet! We get to see poor Skylar who dated the pathetic Theo in an earlier book reunited with Judson, the formerly chubby, formally trained super chef. They’re cute together and the author does a great job working in V & V regulars. The audio performance is fantastic!

Amazing book, good but quiet narration

Love a great couple and love story with minimal (though just a little bit) angst - perfect comfort read! Judson and Skyler are so wonderful for each other, and friends since literal birth. After their misunderstanding and separation, they find their way back to each other. Loved the competition - and now I want some of Skyler’s Maple Sky syrup!!! After I’m this far into this series and keep hearing about maple syrup in everything, I literally have started adding it to some recipes and wow it really is amazing - and I’m not even using the fresh stuff!!! John Solo definitely does a wonderful job narrating but he likes to whisper-narrate at times so had to keep turning the sound up. But, as with all the books I’ve heard with him, always well done in the end despite the quiet times and asides. On to the next V&V book!!!

One of the best friends to lovers

I liked this book. There's a lot of detail for a five hour recording and it had a lot of realism.

Sky and Jud…

Good story…kind of a second chance romance. I liked “conflict” in this one even though it just proves communication is always the key.

John Solo is my favorite narrator, but he isn’t my least favorite. He does a decent job of differentiating between characters, but he doesn’t really add life to them. The story holds though and I was glad to see them get their HEA.

Better Than Expected

I’m not sure why, but it took me several starts until I actually listened to the whole book. Although the narration was just ok for me, the story was better than expected.