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Heart Eyes Press LGBTQ
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Stronghold (Vino and Veritas) Kindle Edition

by Ana Ashley (Author), Heart Eyes Press LGBTQ (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 905 ratings

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?

Stronghold is a sweet and sexy Vino & Veritas romance with some creative use of maple syrup.

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  1. Part of series
    Vino and Veritas
  2. Print length
    200 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    August 12, 2021
  6. File size
    2.4 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 19 books in this series.
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    $43.90
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John Solo is a prolific narrator of audiobooks. He has worked on more than 50 titles.



Ana Ashley was born in Portugal but has lived in the United Kingdom for so long, even her friends sometimes doubt if she really is Portuguese. Ana writes sweet and steamy gay romance set in America, often in small towns where everyone knows everyone. Coming from a small town herself, she knows all about meddling families, nosy neighbors, and that community spirit that comes from knowing people all your life.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B097GCM2WB
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Heart Eyes Press
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 12, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.4 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 200 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Part of series ‏ : ‎ Vino and Veritas
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 905 ratings

About the authors

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
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  1. Heart Eyes Press LGBTQ

    Heart Eyes Press LGBTQ

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Sarina Bowen's Heart Eyes Press publishes contemporary romance featuring characters of all stripes. In 2021, readers will get 45 new romances, each one part of Sarina's World of True North. The Vino & Veritas series will include 18 LGBTQ love stories set in and around Burlington Vermont.

    See more on the author's page
  2. Ana Ashley

    Ana Ashley

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Meet Ana Ashley, your friendly neighborhood romance author!

    Ana has been lost in the pages of books for as long as she can remember, taking a few amusing missteps with her childhood writing attempts. But everything changed when she discovered the magical world of LGBTQ+ romance—cue the confetti!

    Ana's books offer sweet and spicy romance with a charming mix of humor and heart. Getting her guys together wouldn't be the same without the meddling but well-intentioned cast of secondary characters, who always insist on having their own story.

    When she’s not crafting heartfelt tales, you can find her indulging in her favorite pastime of baking delicious treats, enjoying quality time with friends, or staying up late immersed in the pages of a good book.

    Want the scoop on what Ana is up to? Visit anaashley. com/newsletter

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
905 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy the romance in this book, with one describing it as a beautiful mm love story. Moreover, the story receives positive feedback for its believable plot twists and perfect character development. Additionally, customers appreciate the writing quality, with one noting it's a lovely light read.

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RomanceStory qualityWriting qualityAngst levelCharacter development
8 customers mention "Romance"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, with one describing it as a beautiful mm love story and another noting it's a fun friends-to-lovers narrative.

"...A little time spent at V&V, food, a maple festival, brainstorming, smoking kisses, a chef who's trying to find himself after seeing his dreams get..." Read more

"Loved Skyler and Judson. The friends to lovers is always fun and these two had been friends all their lives...." Read more

"...I loved the friends to lovers aspect and the fact neither of them knew they used to both be in love with the other 10 years ago. So good!" Read more

"Such a beautiful mm love story. This author can sure write 'em! Try this one out. You won't be sorry." Read more

6 customers mention "Story quality"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story of the book, praising its believable plot twists and good pacing.

"...The plot twists are believable and the resolution amazing. Keep giving us more and better stories in this Vermont community series. Love them all." Read more

"...Judson and Skylar have their struggles but this is a story heavy on the sweet and light on the sour. I look forward to reading more by Ana Ashley." Read more

"...Friends to lovers isn’t my favorite troupe, but Ana wrote a beautiful story of Skyler and Judson finding their love for each other again." Read more

"The characters are human and the story is wonderful and sexy.When you don’t want a book to end,you know the book is great!" Read more

4 customers mention "Writing quality"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing quality decent, with one describing it as a lovely light read.

"...Quality writing but not a deep character study. A little drama here and there, but the fathers of our MCs were somewhat thin characters." Read more

"Such a beautiful mm love story. This author can sure write 'em! Try this one out. You won't be sorry." Read more

"Entertaining enough second chance romance with no angst. The writing was decent but the sex scenes lacked any emotional impact." Read more

"...with this series and am so glad it has so many great books from great authors...." Read more

3 customers mention "Angst level"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the level of angst in the book.

"...These characters make you want to laugh, cry, shout and curse at them. The plot twists are believable and the resolution amazing...." Read more

"Entertaining enough second chance romance with no angst. The writing was decent but the sex scenes lacked any emotional impact." Read more

"...Good pace to plot, some angst, great chemistry. Dual POV, stand alone, HEA. Great addition to a fun series." Read more

3 customers mention "Character development"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book.

"...The storyline was exceptional and the character development was perfect...." Read more

"The characters are human and the story is wonderful and sexy.When you don’t want a book to end,you know the book is great!" Read more

"Great main characters and solid supporting characters too. Good pace to plot, some angst, great chemistry. Dual POV, stand alone, HEA...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Kelly Rubidoux
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Reading the Paranormal Review
    Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Life and a little case of miscommunication sent Skyler and Judson in different directions years before, but they're both back in Burlington and...well, they have things they need to work out. THINGS. Judson turning tail and running away did a number on both their hearts although the other didn't realize it at the time. Or even until it was spelled out.

    Yeah, miscommunication. These two had it and it caused a bit of a rift. Do I understand where Judson was coming from when he turned tail and ran? Yeah. I can. Judson had to be comfortable in his own skin before he could feel like a match for Skyler. Throw in that Jud didn't realize that Skyler's sexuality ran toward men and...let's just say they had a lot to discuss.

    On Skyler's end, Judson's return is a bit of a shock. He's happy to have him back, but losing your best friend without any warning can do a number on a guy. Still, he's willing to step back into their friendship if Jud is. That said, Skyler's dealing with a kind of lot. His family issues are a little complicated and he's put his life on hold to help his family through a rough patch while still working full steam on his own (successful) business. A chance to move his business forward with his old best friend at his side seems like a dream. Especially since he kinda sorta maybe wants more than that friendship thing they had before.

    A little time spent at V&V, food, a maple festival, brainstorming, smoking kisses, a chef who's trying to find himself after seeing his dreams get dashed, and a sugarmaker who'd been guarding his heart until a certain BFF came back into the picture. Good stuff!

    -Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
    One person found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    What a lovely light read, even though I'm not a fan of misunderstanding plots like this. Quality writing but not a deep character study. A little drama here and there, but the fathers of our MCs were somewhat thin characters.
    Helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Stronggold
    Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Excellent installment of the Vino and Veritas series. These characters make you want to laugh, cry, shout and curse at them. The plot twists are believable and the resolution amazing. Keep giving us more and better stories in this Vermont community series. Love them all.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reva Coomer
    3.0 out of 5 stars 3.5 stars
    Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Jud and Sky are adorable together. There just seemed to be a lot going on in this book. I loved Maple Sky and the idea of it.
    Helpful
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  • Michelle
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fun read
    Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Loved Skyler and Judson. The friends to lovers is always fun and these two had been friends all their lives. It was kinda weird for me with Sky’s dad because we lived this with a family member and it sucks!
    Helpful
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  • Jess (Novel Confessions Book Blog)
    5.0 out of 5 stars 4.5/5
    Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I enjoyed Jud & Sky’s book so much. There was such a satisfying build of tension between these two. I loved the friends to lovers aspect and the fact neither of them knew they used to both be in love with the other 10 years ago. So good!
    Helpful
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  • A J Dancer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Yummy
    Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Such a beautiful mm love story.

    This author can sure write 'em!

    Try this one out. You won't be sorry.
    Helpful
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  • Diana
    4.0 out of 5 stars syrupy sweet
    Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I’m a huge maple syrup fan so this was right up my alley.

    Sweet second chance romance…of course misunderstanding when they’re young leads to Jud running all the way to Paris…10 years later Jud is back in VT.
    These boys had some trouble getting over their past and it was a milder spice slower burn than I prefer so the 4 stars is my personal preference only.

    Editing was good and the story flowed well. Dual 1st person POV

    Overall great addition to the V&V group!!
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Debra McDonald
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best friend
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 12, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Judson and Skylar were best friends growing up until a misunderstanding separated them for 10years. When they meet again it's obvious that they are madly in love with each other but they didn't know it. A lot happens in this story but the one thing that stays true is the love these two have for each other and their families. Such a beautiful, idyllic story about true love and how we should grab it with both hands when it comes along.
    Report
  • Matthew Dante
    5.0 out of 5 stars Second Chance Love
    Reviewed in Canada on January 10, 2022
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Loved reading this second chance romance about two childhood best friends who reconnect years later. Judson is a world-class chef who returns home battling his own demons when he reconnects with Skyler, the hot farmer/bartender, who also happens to be his former childhood best friend. This book is such a sweet read, with all the feel goods one looks for in a MM romance. Highly recommend reading.
    Report
  • Claire Louisa
    4.0 out of 5 stars Sweet as maple syrup
    Reviewed in Australia on August 12, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I thoroughly enjoyed this second chances romance. I've enjoyed all the books in this series so far and it's nice bumping into older characters. Jud and Skylar went from being best friends to living on other sides of the world because of something that happened ten years ago and that was never resolved. It was wonderful to see these two use their words and communicate to allow them both to reignite their friendship and move on to more. A maple syrup farmer and a chef, they enter a reality show competition to be able to start a restaurant. I was waiting for something terrible to happen with this, but the negative events happened away from this, so that was a relief. I'm so glad these guys got their happy ending.
    Report
  • Maureen Crothall
    4.0 out of 5 stars Nice Story
    Reviewed in Canada on January 21, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I had a problem with this story, it's odd because it has all what I usually enjoy, but for some reason it seemed a touch slow and a wee bit boring at times, that is until the 50% mark, then it blew up and I was loving it. It became more interesting, a better storyline with depth and angst rather than the slower pace in the first half. All in all a really nice tale.
    Report
  • fortheloveofmmromancebooks
    4.0 out of 5 stars Sweet second chance
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 4, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Judson Hale and Skyler West have been best friends since forever, they did everything together, until one day Jud up and left and went to live in Paris, without saying a word.

    Jud has now returned to his home town of Burlington, and needs a job. He finds a job at Vino and Veritas. On the first night behind the bar, Sky walks in.
    After a confrontation as to why Jud left, they hook up. They are then inseparable, and cannot get enough of each other.

    Both wanting to better their careers, they are signed up to appear in a reality show, with the winner getting a year’s rent free restaurant and shop, where they would sell Sky’s maple syrup.
    Can they win their dream prize and each other in the process.

    This is my first Ana Ashley novel, and I enjoyed the writing style so much, that it won’t be my last.
    This is part of the Vino and Veritas multi author series. I have somehow read them all but missed this one out, now read, I am glad I found this gem.
    Report

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