Stronghold

Vino & Veritas Series

By: Ana Ashley

Narrated by: 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.

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.

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!

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!