Review ~ The Best I Never Had: DeVine Winery # 1 by Loni Flowers

Blurb 

New job, new town, new people— new life. 

That’s what Olivia Langston needed. At twenty eight, she was given a rare opportunity at an internship in the rolling valleys of Crystal Falls in California wine country, far away from her small town roots in North Carolina. It was an unexpected journey she desperately needed after her ex-husband crushed her.

At DeVine Winery, she expected a fresh start in a new environment to help let go of her past. Instead, she found Daniel Black and a hell of a lot of sexual tension she wasn’t prepared for. He was gorgeous, modestly wealthy, irresistible, and just happened to be part owner of DeVine, one of the largest vineyards in the country.

If only she knew that before she kissed him her first night in town.

 

The Best I Never Had
 

DeVine Winery # 1

By: Lori Flowers

Releasing May 5, 2015

Self-Published

Purchase Links:

Amazon

Excerpt:

When Evelyn disappeared into another room, I pierced Daniel with a hard glare. He’d gotten his wish, to some degree, after all. Dinner had been his idea, and if he couldn’t get me alone for it, then having me at his mother’s house was the next best thing.

“Are you always used to getting your way?”

“Sometimes.”

“Well, this was the last time from me.” I stood up abruptly, the chair legs screeching on the hardwood floor, and hurried to the door. I made it out and halfway down the walkway before Daniel latched onto my wrist and pulled me to a stop.

“Don’t leave like this. Not while you’re angry.”

I snatched my hand from his grasp and spun around. “I’ve told you on several occasions that I won’t get involved with my boss.”

“I’m not your boss, my mother is.”

“That is exactly why it makes you off limits.”

“I’m a thirty-five-year-old grown man. I’m capable of making my own decisions.”

“Then you’ve been around long enough to know when a woman tells you she’s not interested, then she’s not interested.” I took a few steps backwards and found myself between him the water fountain. Taking a step forward, he prevented my retreat and scanned my face with seriousness I hadn’t seen before.

“You can say you’re not interested all you want, but the way those gorgeous eyes follow my movements in the office speak something entirely different.”

“Really? And what exactly do you think my eyes are saying?” I countered. I was out of my league with the snarky comeback. Trying to pretend he didn’t affect me was pointless. But if I could manage to stay strong, he’d give up. Eventually.

“You can’t stop thinking about that night. No matter how hard you try, you can’t ignore what happen and how it made you feel.”

“Well, you need to get your eyes checked then. How it made me feel makes no difference. I have five and half months left in this internship before I move on. Getting caught up in you, or anyone else, isn’t going to do me any favors. I’m over what happened already. It’s about time you get over it too.”

“Is there something wrong with enjoying yourself while you’re here?”

I stared—shocked that he’d consider something so casual. I had no doubt he’d be good in bed, but I wasn’t that type of woman. I didn’t sleep around for the pure enjoyment of it. Sex meant more to me than that. It was special, a one-of-a-kind connection you didn’t find with someone random. It was what I thought I had with my ex-husband.

“No. There’s nothing wrong with being causal if that’s the type of person you are. But I’m not one of those people. And getting into a relationship, of any kind, is so far down on my to-do list, it’s practically nonexistent.” I blew out a heavy breath, relieved to get all of that off my chest, but my breaths were still heavy. My hormones didn’t get the memo my brain sent. He was too close. Smelled delicious. And sexy as hell. “Move so I can go home. Please,” I added.

“Okay, but can you do one thing for me before you go?”

“What?” I put my hand on my hip, annoyed.

“Kiss me again.”

Residing in Eastern North Carolina with her husband, 2 girls, and couch-potato dogs, Loni works a full-time professional job during the day and writes in her free time. She never thought it was possible to have a satisfying writing career, but with the love and support of her family, she's made it part of her life.

Loni searches for the tiniest speck of romance in any story and is a firm believer in the happily-ever-after’s. She thrives off the sexual tension, and gets a kick out of taking her characters on a roller-coaster ride of drama-filled emotions. A romance that can soothe the soul is her number one priority.

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My thoughts:

I have never been to a winery but it sounds like a lovely experience. :-)  Our leading lady is Olivia. She has been through an ordeal and wants an escape. What better place to to achieve that then DeVine Winery?

The book begins with some dancing and a connection to a mystery man.

 Speaking of, I LOVED Daniel. He was charming!

I liked the scenery. Ms. Flowers did a wonderful job of describing everything.

The characters were personable and easy to like.

There was a decent amount of pages, a nice pace, a moving, romantic plot, charismatic characters, and wine! What more could I want? ;-)

I received an ecopy in exchange for my honest opinion. I really enjoyed it and I think you will too!

I look forward to returning to the Devine Winery!

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