Just another reason to fall for Heather Heyford. Intoxicating is adorable, lovable and charmingly irresistible. Not only does it entertain but inspires by shine a light on relevant subjects like self - esteem, success and making dreams into reality. With Heath and Poppy, I found that something special that brightened up my day. ( )

Intoxicating by Heather Heyford
Oregon Wine Country #2

Personable Poppy Springer is a ray of sunshine in any group. She has worked in her parents’ café for years BUT she feels there should be more than that to her life so she sets about proving just that to herself and everyone else. In need of assistance to prepare for her sommelier exam she calls on her best friend and owner of a micro-brewery, Heath Sinclair, to help tutor her with the parts of the exam that will cause her the most trouble. With the support of Heath and her other friends she is hopeful she will pass, move on to something bigger and better, and in so doing be happier within herself.

In the limited time before the exam Poppy and Heath spend a great deal of time together and as they do their friendship begins to take on a new depth that isn’t always easy for them to deal with. Both Poppy and Heath have baggage that stands in their way and whether or not it can be overcome is what lies central to the story. Besides the plot based on friends becoming lovers and then more the issues of dyslexia, abandonment, self-esteem, friendship, bullying, home, community and success are mentioned or dealt with.

I enjoyed the growth of and insight gained by both characters and although I wish that the time of separation could have been avoided it no doubt was necessary for both characters to finally be the people they became by the end of the book. I am now looking forward to finding which of the group of friends will find their happily ever after in the next book of the series. AND I have to say this author has me feeling and wishing and wanting for the characters…felt I was in the story experiencing as it occurred ;)

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books –Lyrical Shine for the ARC. This is my honest review.

4 Stars ( )