Hideaway

Vino & Veritas Series

By: Rachel Lacey

Narrated by: Abby Craden, Melissa Moran

After becoming an inadvertent viral sensation - and losing her job and her girlfriend as a result - Phoebe Shaw retreats to Vermont. Renovating her late grandmother's cabin into a vacation rental seems like the perfect way to lie low for a while. But the last person she expects to encounter on the property is the woman whose kiss was her teenage sexual awakening...and whom she's never quite forgotten.

Taylor Donovan has been hiking on the trails behind the Shaw family's cabin her whole life. As children, Taylor and Phoebe were best friends before sharing a secret summer romance when they were 16, which left Taylor brokenhearted when Phoebe fled at the end of the summer. Now the property has become Taylor's home away from home, and she wants nothing more than to convince the Shaws to sell it to her. But Phoebe's return puts a crimp in those plans - and brings back old feelings she thought she'd overcome.

Of all the things Phoebe regrets, leaving Taylor is at the top of the list, but Taylor is determined to protect her heart. Yet the pull between them is stronger than ever. This time around, will love stay hidden...or finally see the light of day?

Contains mature themes.

©2021 Rachel Lacey (P)2021 Tantor

Sweet second chance romance

This was my first book by Rachel and I really enjoyed it. The story was sweet with little angst. Taylor and Phoebe were both likable characters and I loved all the puppies in the story. I had a smile on my face the whole time listening to this book. The narration from Melissa and Abby was great! Overall I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to check out more by the author and narrators.

Fun, easy listen

This one was a fun read/listen with a great audio performance and well paced story. I think maybe the characters could have been a little more individually developed but otherwise this book was just the relaxing, enjoyable story I was looking for. Definitely a good addition to the LGBTQIA+ genre.

Sweet love story without all the silly angst.

Sweet love story without all the silly angst. I did almost give up on it at one point because of the author’s cognitive dissonance. In one scene the two MCs hired a babysitter for their puppies, helped a turtle cross the street, talked about how much they loved animals, then went to a restaurant and ordered pork chops and steak. I know the majority of people won’t blink an eye at this, but if you’re a real animal lover this book will bother you.

Very cute story

I thought the story overall was really cute. I actually learned a lot about fostering dogs and how puppies are born.
Negatives:
I don't think it needed two narrators, and if it did could they not have stayed with their character? It was hard to follow.
I also have a hard time listening to books, movies, songs, etc., these days that solely revolve around the whole "we can't be together" storyline. I get it, we've been oppressed. I want stories that are past that and getting into the every day stuff that couples fight over. The initial issue was Phoebe not being out, but it evolved to more than that so I was happy. Then when they almost are able to see a future together, the thought of "long distance" (being only 3 hours away from each other) was the issue. Long distance relationships are possible people!
I'm also mixed about the way Taylor was just like my way or the high way. On one hand, she seems to know exactly what she wants and doesn't want which sounds healthy, but wow she really put it all on Phoebe to figure it all out. I was like like damn, at least she's trying!

The Narrators

I love the narrators so much. The story was fine, with the ending was better

Going Home

Hideaway is a wonderful story of reconnecting. What was a girl’s crush is transforming into a woman’s love. There are obstacles and bumps along the way. I loved seeing Phoebe return to activities she used to enjoy. Taylor’s fears are reasonable but it was great to see the relationship grow. I listened to audio and enjoyed it.

From a lemons to lemonade- a sweet Bow-Wow romance!

Who let the dogs out?! This book did and being my furry dog’s Mom, I loved it! It’s true- some like it ruff! So here’s a test to see if you have sapphic inclinations- which do you prefer- the Patriarchy or puppies? … I thought so! This is a sweet romance, likely made possible by a good old boy who got turned down and a kick-ass K-9 about to give birth, like when you think the universe is conspiring against you but it’s actually reuniting you with your long-lost love! There are no earth shattering revelations or alien worlds to save here, but if you’re looking for a fun sweet romance with good narrators, challenges that real couples often face, some nice spice and a lovely HEA, this is a perfect book for you! Who can resist puppy breath!

Trying to have it all

Phoebe gets a second chance with her first love but is torn between country and city living. Taylor has been waiting to buy the cabin owned by Phoebe’s family forever. As the two women get reacquainted they realize they still have feelings for each other. Both women have fears that they will have to overcome. I love all the dogs in the story. Having two great voices narrating the story is nice. You really get the feeling that your listening to both points of view in this story.

Second-Chance Romance and Puppies!!

So far, all the Rachel Lacey books that I've read have been really good, and now I'm adding this one to the list.

I love the second-chance romance for Phoebe and Taylor, but when you add dogs (and puppies) to the mix - well, I can pretty much forget everything else for the day. I was so invested in the couple and the well-being of all the canines that I couldn't put this one down.

This was a light-hearted, easy, fun, sweet story....I recommend it 👍

Boring

This is the most boring "romance" novel I've read in years. Not a romance... it's a long-winded ad for rescue animal fostering. The entire book is about a pregnant dog and her babies, specifically one that has health issues. The actual romance takes up about 10% of the story. There's absolutely no chemistry between the main characters, and one of them is just whiney.