Zoe Brennan, First Crush

Zoe Brennan works hard to keep the vineyard her parents started in Blue Ridge going. When her father decides to return home to Italy and help his family, he also informs Zoe that he’s already hired a replacement vintner, who turns out to be Laine Woods, the first woman Zoe ever had a crush on. Laine has returned to Blue Ridge after a spectacular, almost career-ending failure. Seeking redemption, she dives head first into her new job. She knows how to grow the best grapes and bring out nuanced flavors in the wine—and she could put her skill to good use, if only Zoe would stop micromanaging everything. When a prestigious wine festival begins scouting locations, Zoe is determined to make sure her family’s vineyard is chosen, which requires collaborating with Laine instead of arguing. It also means spending long hours together, planning, tasting, and flirting, but Zoe is worried Laine will leave her behind for bigger and better things.