Sangria

by Heidi McLaughlin

Under the bright lights of Nashville, Levi Austin is a country music superstar whose life is rocked by the tragic death of his former wife, leaving him to raise their two daughters alone. Now faced with having to tell his girls, and making the hard decision about where they’ll live, Levi packs his bags and rushes off to Los Angeles—the last place he wants to be, but the one place where no one will recognize him.

Zara Phillips loves two things: her husband Van, and the band she created with her brother. To her, her life is perfect. That is until she discovers that her husband is cheating on her. The paparazzi are relentless, forcing a devastated and heartbroken Zara to stay hidden until the record label demands she shoot a video for the band's new single, driving her out of seclusion.

Levi is focused on his daughters, trying to do what’s best for them. Zara is determined to get away from everyone and everything in Los Angeles. When Levi spills hot coffee on Zara, everything changes. Two heartbroken people collide from opposite worlds--neither knowing who the other is, yet both are intrigued by one another.

When Levi offers her sanctuary at his home in Nashville, Zara jumps at the opportunity to disappear… with the hopes that Levi will come with her. What transpires next are the lives of two very different people finding their path along a bumpy and unforgiving road, while being tested by their loved ones, the media, and an ex that doesn’t plan to go away quietly.

Genres: Romance, Musicians, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers, Music, Westerns, Small Town Romance

336 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 17, 2023

About the author

Heidi McLaughlin is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of The Beaumont Series, The Boys of Summer, and The Archers.

In 2012, Heidi turned her passion for reading into a full-fledged literary career, writing over twenty novels, including the acclaimed Forever My Girl.

Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, has been adapted into a motion picture with LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe, and opened in theaters on January 19, 2018.

To stay connected with Heidi visit www.facebook.com/authorheidimclaughlin or heidimclaughlin.com

Reviews

[Lu Bielefeld · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐⭐⭐ - OK or decent reads.
=========================
I really liked the story between the couple, but I would like to see the total destruction of the cheating ex-husband and everyone involved.

[Vianny ¦ mexbookgirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept is great but I craved more drama.

A lead singer Rockstar girl and a country singer man, two opposites to the eyes of the world, two people with apparently nothing in common but pain and tragedy.

The story of Zara and Levi, she's dealing with a cheating husband and a team pushing her to forgive him for the sake of the band, Levi on the other hand having his daughters to move back with him to Nashville after his exwife death. This story presents the struggle of two famous singers dealing with personal issues with paparazzis and fans play part on the lack of privacy famous people get.

Okay... This is just me but I really think more drama could've make this a lot better, the only angsty moment was at the beginning of the book when Zara finds her hs sweetheart husband cheating on her and everyone on her team expects for her to look the other way and continue with their contract as if nothing happened. I NEEDED MORE DRAMA. After a while the husband and her brother cease to exist in the story, rest of bandmates are just mentioned like 3 times, the potential of drama could've exist just here was sadly wasted, they were recording a new album and they just let Zara dissappear? That really was a wasted opportunity to make the end more meaningful. On Levi's side, he just left his daughters who happened to lose their caretaker to go to Nashville with a girl he met a couple of days before but it's acceptable because she's 'having a hard' time with her divorce?? Dude, that's called being a bad parent, no matter the excuses he gives.

Both MC don't have meaningful character development, they just are stubborn on being together and at some point it feels like they trauma bonded, their relationship was very very rushed, no wonder why everyone including her brother was against it.

[Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sangria is a new must-read opposites attract/single dad romance sure to capture your heart! When tragedy strikes, country star Levi Austin finds himself figuring out a new path forward as a single dad. While taking his dancer daughter to a video shoot in LA, he spills coffee on rockstar Zara Phillips, as if her day couldn’t get any worse. She’s dealing with the aftermath of finding her husband and bandmate cheating, and performing with him is the last thing she wants to do. But bumping into Levi changes everything, like kismet. They couldn’t be more different, but the connection is clear. When he offers her refuge at his Nashville ranch, she immediately accepts the chance to hide out. What will happen when two broken people are given the chance to explore an inexplicable connection, despite all the obstacles between them?
 
I love love LOVE this book!! These characters are fully authentic, and their emotions translate so well. I was hooked right away and couldn’t put the book down! This is the perfect example of opposites attract, because they have absolutely nothing in common— he’s country and she’s rock, he’s blue jeans and flannel while she’s grunge rocker chic and heels. But, they understand each other at a soul level. They’ve both been hurt by a partner, they both understand the rigors of fame, and they just clicked, like love at first sight!! Yes, their relationship progresses fast, but it just felt right, and with the perfect amount of spice!!🔥🔥 And don’t worry, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. There’s plenty of drama and characters to love to hate! Levi’s daughters, Stormy and Willow, were really well written, and I loved the evolution of their bonds with their dad and Zara as well! I was sad when it was over! I’d like to see Zara’s brother Darian get a story, just so we can come back to this world!!😍😍
 
I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
 
#sangria #HeidiMcLaughlin #mustread #OppositesAttract #SingleDadRomance #countrystar #grungerocker #romancebooks #booksandbooks #booksandtea #BAPpr #bookstagram #romancebookstagram #romancebookreview #bookreview #arcreader #ARCreview

[Jennifer Brewster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this story! I loved Zara from the very first page and then her meeting Levi was like kismet. They are two stars from two completely differents circles yet when they are together, those things don't matter, they just work.

Zara has just had her world turned upside down. She found her husband cheating, between her publicist and her band she isn't sure who is on her side. So when Levi offers her a retreat from it all at his Nashville home she jumps at the opportunity. What starts out as a friendship quickly turns to more. Levi is everything you love about a cowboy, from the wink and the southern accent to his hard working nature to how much he loves his daughters. I loved how patient he was with Zara and allowed her to come to the decision to move their relationship forward.

There are certainly some characters that I cursed throughout the book and I would still like to put them in a choke hold. Zara is so strong and definitely gets puts through the wringer by people that should have her back. I loved Barbara and her fierce loyalty towards Levi and shi girls. This is a story you want to read over and over again. I want more of their story!

[Saunders · Rating 1 out of 5]

This had potential.

Country music vs punk again the plot was underdeveloped, so was their relationship.

Review coming

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Levi’s life is forever changed after the sudden death of his daughter’s mother as he tries to adjust to being a full-time single father to his grieving daughters. While in LA taking his daughter to a dance audition a mistake may have brought Zara into his life but there is no mistaking the chemistry and connection between them.

When Zara husband cheated on her it affected all aspects of her life from her family, their relationship and her career as she is a rock star, and he is a member of the band. She is trying to do what is best for everyone, but the media frenzy has her needing to get away and where better than Nashville with Levi.

This is a heartwarming story about love, family and new beginning. Both Levi and Zara are going through a difficult time in their life, and they find support, understanding and a romance that is strong enough to overcome all the challenges they must face.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!!

This is Levi and Zara's story.I
This is a beautifully written emotionally charged story which has family, friendships, emotions, humour, witty banter, determination, heartbreak, challenges, trust, undeniable chemistry, manipulation, loyalty, and love which all leads to an entertaining, unpredictable, and compelling addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Kimberley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed Zara and Levi’s story to fond love…rocker vs country..LA vs Nashville..lots of potential..Levi’s daughters Stormy and Willow make a great addition to the story.. and hope Zara’s brother Darian gets a book…but still can’t figure out what Sangria has to do with anything in the book…can really see how Heidi McLaughlin later works have grown in everything but loved the Austins 💕💕💕

[Julie Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book, the characters, and the story—two people who come together at the right time for the right reasons.

Levi loves his girls, and will do anything for them, so he is flying through the night to get to them. As he heads to the west coast, he does not know how his life will change. Zara is successful as a rock musician but has just discovered someone she loves has broken her trust. An unexpected meeting brings together these two souls, working together to make themselves whole.

This book was hard to put down and refreshing without the third-act breakup.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Loz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh man, I wanted so much more from this!
While I enjoyed the two very different singers and their relationship, there was just so many missed opportunities for more.

We begin with punk rocker Zara witnessing her husband being far from faithful, and I wanted to see that asshole get everything he deserved! That didn't happen.
Then we have sweet, father of two and country music star, Levi being all kinds of gentleman while he's back in the city for his ex wife's funeral and taking his daughter to her dance audition. For Zara's bands new song.
Cue our first look at what a potential romance between a country crooner and a fishnet wearing punk chick could look like... unfortunately didn't really get much more though.. some mentions of tabloid articles here and there, but otherwise another missed opportunity for more.

The way his friends behaved. Her publicist. Her brother early in the story. His ex-in-laws. The spa retreat instead of the hospital. The other band members.
So many more things could have been expanded on and the lead in for them all was right there. But overall this was just too short of a story and the ending felt rushed.
Bummed. Because I really liked them both.

[Charnah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad but not great, could've done with more development between the main characters and the ending of the bands problems actually being explored, I genuinely thought my book was missing pages with how quick the last chapter jumped to the epilogue without actually resolving any of the difficulties. Their chemistry was cute though, and you could tell they loved eachother, I just feel like there was more to explore with this story that was instead left untouched.
ALSO- I have absolutely no clue why it's called Sangria??? What is the significance??? Did I miss part of the book or??? Its really annoying me😭

[Ori · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was close to no build up of tension or anything. It was too rushed. Pacing was not good. Started parenting his children way too quikcly. Some conflcts eg. Holly were just unneccessary. Relatonship did not have a steady basis. feels like he domesticated her. She changed way too much to fit into his life and he changed damn near nothing eg. her hair, where she lives, giving up her work to become essentially a housewife. just weird vbes all round honestly

[Filipa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the book very much
I just wish they were one more chapter before the epilogue. I think the end is a bit rushed

[zayns wife · Rating 1 out of 5]

meh. decent.

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

From start to finish this is a book that captivates with a storyline that ticks many boxes for me. The characters are realistic and appealing, dealing with issues that are emotional and relatable. Set in the music world, it sees a rockstar and a country crooner make beautiful music together, despite a few differences that are worked through as readers make their way through a bumpy journey to HEA.

Levi Austin is a country star dealing with the death of his wife while trying to be the best dad he can be. Deciding that change can be helpful, when nobody knows your name, he moves the remnants of his family to the West Coast. A stop for coffee changes everything though, introducing him to the rockstar dealing with her own heartbreak courtesy of a cheating spouse. He may wear denim while she wears leather, his music has a bit of twang while hers has a pounding beat, but despite their differences their mutual heartache brings them together in a burgeoning romance that has them dealing with their past as well as a possible future when an ex comes back to cause bumps in their road to HEA. Levi's a caring dad whose relationships with his daughters are realistic while pulling at my heartstrings. He's hard working with an aw shucks attitude that's utterly charming. He's everything you want in a cowboy and he quickly found himself claiming Zara.

Zara Phillips is at the top of the world...or so she thought. With a few pictures, and a painful truth coming out, Zara finds herself running from the paparazzi and unsure who to trust when those closest to her betray her. Looking for some peace of mind, and a place to hide, soon leads to a cowboy with a cup of coffee and an offer to stay at his Nashville farm. It's an invitation that leads to far more than she expected in a slow burn romance with much appreciated moments of steam. Zara's a heroine you feel sympathy for as she gets put through the emotional wringer by those who should've supported her most. She's resilient though and never let those determined to wreck her HEA win. I also enjoyed her burgeoning connection to Levi's daughters in a storyline that all should follow when becoming a new addition to a family with kids. She works to be a part of their lives, let them decide where she fits best, and their empowering journey warmed my heart. Overall, Zara was an emotionally strong heroine with a big, supportive heart. She was put through a lot throughout the story, but came out the other side all the stronger because of it.

This was a slow-burn romance of opposites attracting with a steady pace of warm and loving moments balanced with steamy interludes. The main couple were likable and pure perfection. Despite being opposites in many ways, I was still rooting for them wholeheartedly to give into what fate kept pointing them towards. Along with characters to root for there were also villains, ones from within Zara’s circle and ones she thought would never betray her. She WAS betrayed though, and with each turn of the page I found myself booing those characters who hurt her most. Of the remaining secondary characters, I adored Barbara and her love and support for Levi's daughters, and for Levi himself. Zara's brother, Darian, was another compelling character who got caught up in all the turmoil that befell her. I found myself drawn to him the first time I saw him and look forward to coming back to the Nashville Nights series with him taking center stage!

[ThEAnGrYrEaDeR55 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 maybe? It had so much potential but not enough in depth, detail or ending. Could have been longer and would have been much better.

Basically, a famous rocker chick Zara walks in on her husband (and only man she's ever been with) cheating on her. He's so gross about it. Typical douchebag famous guy who doesn't feel bad at all until he was caught. Apparently he's a serial cheater and blames sex addiction but only to stay the victim in the spotlight.

Zara meets Levi Austin by chance, a famous country singer with two daughters and an ex wife who recently passed. Levi is absolutely delicious and super down to earth despite being super famous.

They embark on a VERY fast relationship and it's really cute to read. I LOVE how Levi is there for Zara no matter what she needs and shows her what a real man is like.

However, some of the story is a bit messy. It seems like there's absolutely no one looking out for Zara in her personal or professional life. Everyone from her publicist (whose sleeping with her husband) to her label to her bandmates (who she's known since they were kids) to her own brother seem to want to bully her, threaten her and illegally advice her that if she doesn't get back with her walking STD soon to be ex husband, she'll "ruin" it for everyone. And while I get LA/Hollywood/Media is all for looking out for themselves, this seemed super far fetched. Like she's the lead singer and her ex is the drummer..... no matter how popular the drummer is, you telling me he's more popular then the lead singer who started the band with her brother?

It just wasn't believable in some spots. I was rolling my eyes a bit when they "kidnapped" her and told her she had to sign over rights to her band. Like sorry but yeah right. And c'mon if people LOVED Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani, you know they could have played their relationship happily to the media as well.

In fact, this read like a quick Gwen x Blake fanfic really.

I wish the author would have spent more time developing Zara and Levi's relationship rather than it go from meeting, to running away, to sex, to marriage and babies??

[Amber Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh Zara & Levi. This pairing hit all the right notes from their meet cute to the epilogue. Two people from opposite worlds that both have been hurt by those they loved and trusted find a connection with each other they can’t deny. This is classic Heidi McLaughlin to me
with some My Unexpected Forever vibes mixed with Until Then (if you haven’t read either of these this is your hint to do it NOW).

I’m not always an insta-love aficionado, but the attraction and chemistry between this pair was undeniable. And while there were steamy encounters, there were also lots of just sweet heat moments and times of them just enjoying being with the other. I liked how Levi’s kids were incorporated into the story along with side characters of Darian, Zara’s brother, and Barb who was Levi’s publicist and friend. There were a couple events that I wish had been explored a bit more, but overall they didn’t detract from the story enough for me to change my perspective. This was a wonderful read, a wonderful true to form Heidi book and I couldn’t be happier. It was truly sweet like Sangria.

[Melissa Orton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zara and Levi are complete opposites who meet unexpectedly and it changes the course of their lives. Zara’s a rock star who recently caught her husband and high school sweetheart in a compromising position. Learning that this wasn’t the first time shakes her whole foundation and shatters her heart. Levi is a country music star whose ex-wife passes away forcing him to LA to bring his two daughters’ home. When Levi meets Zara, instant sparks fly but neither of them quite know what to do. Zara is being hounded by the press so Levi offer’s up his ranch in Nashville as a place to hide and figure out her next steps. As they spend more time together they realize what they have is special and sometimes timing doesn’t matter. People in both their lives don’t want them together and navigating the changes that will have to be made makes for obstacles they must overcome. This was a heartwarming book with a happily ever after. I love the glimpse forward into their lives and hope one day Heidi writes a second-generation book.

[Robin Dowie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sangria had its hooks into me from the very first page!
Fate brings together 2 people from 2 different worlds, Zara, a punk rock super star, and Levi, a single dad and chart-topping country music crooner! Both are famous within their genre but are completely unknown to each other. They are both navigating through their own very different life changing turmoil when they literally run into each other! This chance meeting starts something kismetic, neither of them expected or knew they needed. They could not be more opposite, odds are stacked against them but at the same time they have an undeniable connection that can only be described as meant to be, at a time when they both need it the most.
This is a fast-paced story that had me gripped all the way through. To say it is a real page turner is honestly an understatement! Zara and Levi will capture your attention, pull you in, and leave you eagerly awaiting book 2 and beyond so they can come back for more and more!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sangria
By Heidi McLaughlin
Main Characters: Zara and Levi
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
5 out of 5 stars
Levi is a country star and Zara is a punk rock star. Levi is also a single father and while taking his daughter to an audition for a video he accidently meets Zara. Zara is dealing with a cheating husband who just so happens to be the drummer in her band and some might say he is an even bigger star than she is. I loved this book and these two main characters could not be any more opposite in character and music. They both had never heard of each other even though Levi was the bigger star. I wouldn't say this was insta-love but was pretty close to it. Levi's daughters are Stormy the older dancer and Willow the youngest is very loveable. The story is well written with drama and chemistry. I love this author's writing and recommend this book.

[Jackie Gonyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very excited to read this book. It had the second chance, single parent, and two people who have just been hurt in ways by the ones they thought they could rely on ended up hurting them in ways that they never imagined. Before these two meet eachother your given a few chapters of backstory and what is going on with them before they meet. They are able to help one another heal but also are able to become something neither one of them thought possible. Eventhough they both have had successful careers now because they’re from different circles of genre they are also able to connect in ways some people are unable to. This is a great example as even as things are falling apart something comes around that makes the hurt almost understandable why it happened for you to get to this person. I personally loved how you were able to feel both emotions of each character and how they connect. This book is one that can be read in a day or two and will have you hooked from beginning to end.

[LetyM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent example of opposites attracting, especially when they weren't actually not that different. It's was like reading 2 stories in one. I enjoyed reading Zara's drama unfold as well as Levi's world crashing down on him when his ex-wife is tragically killed in an alcohol and drug related accident. That is how the book starts until they eventually meet through Levi's daughter, although indirectly.
Once they meet it's like they both sensed a connection and went with their gut. That is actually what I enjoyed about these characters. They didn't waste time overthinking their connection. Although they were hesitant at first, once they got a taste of each other there was no going back. Levi's daughters were a big part of Zara and Levi's story and that was probably what convinced Zara the most about this new life she was experiencing.
The ending is perfect, I'm glad Zara's brother got revenge for both of them in the end.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is everything I expect from Heidi McLaughlin, and I mean that in the best way.
She never let's me down.
Sangria, although I'm struggling to see how the title fits the nook, was such a great read.
Zara and Levi complement each other beautifully.
I'm so glad this wasn't written where Zara caves and goes back to Van.
Zara might be one of my fave heroines from Heidi.
Stormy and Willow are adorable and Barbara is a force.
I loved how Zara embraced Levi's girls and worked to help them embrace her by learning about them and how she could fit into their world.
Levi is a good dad and the way he's equally tough and gentle with the girls, especially Stormy, is great.
He needs better friends though.

[Erica Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Levi is a single dad who now raising his girls after a tragedy. He’s all country and belongs in Nashville, but temporarily is in Los Angeles to get his girls. He meets Zara there who’s finding herself through discovering her husband was cheating on her and now moving on.

These two have so much emotion into their own stories but also what they bring to the table together. It’s not easy and not something either of them is looking for, but not something they can deny either.

I love Heidi’s books and writing so much. She has a way of capturing you with the emotion of the characters and bringing you into their story so you feel like you’re apart of their world. I hope everyone falls in love with Sangria like I did!

[Gnarly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the advanced copy @heidimclaughlinauthor ! It is an honor to be able to post a review of one of your books.
This is the story about two different musicians, one rock, on country, and their own personal struggles leading up to their paths crossing. They go through very hard circumstances.
I did feel they got together rather quickly, but I’ve got to remind myself that my husband and I did also. 🤣 I love that she went for a cowboy and I love that they found seclusions and sanctuary on his massive piece of land. The setting went from crazy paparazzi in LA to serene Nashville and I was here for it.
The romance is instant. She needed a good guy and Luke definitely was that for Zara.
Be sure to grab this one! Hoping this one will be turned into a movie on @netflix as well!

[Kt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This ARC came at a time when I needed it the most! Before I received Sangria, I just read a book series that had me in the dumps. But once again Heidi McLaughlin got me out of my rut with this book! She writes the characters of Zara and Levi with so carefully like they are her own kids. That’s what I love about Heidi’s writing the most. Her characters mean something to her unlike a lot of romance novels. You can feel the pain that Levi and Zara go through and you can relate to them. The odds were against them but I was rooting for them from the start. I’m so glad Zara wasn’t just another damsel in distress. This one I will be talking about for a while and I will add this to my yearly Heidi McLaughlin re-read list!

[Books.of.steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book and literally read it in a day. I loved both MCs and thought the themes of the book are subjects people can relate to. It was a fast pace story but we still got to see good character development and see their relationship between them and others blossom. I absolutely loved Zara and all her reflections and loved to see all the realizations she had about her life and what she wants for her future. I thought it was a touching story and it gives you hope about finding love when you least expect it. I didn't want the book to end but this will become a book I will pickup again in the future.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Sangria" by Heidi McLaughlin well exceeded my expectations. This book had so many things to love. I love how this author writes celebrities so of course she nailed these two amazing characters. Plus I was a huge fan of the TV series Nashville - and saw many parallels to my favorite elements of that show in this book. The most obvious inspiration within this book was the rock girl falling in love with the country star - that alone screams Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani vibes. Put all that together and you've got one heck of a great story to read.
This book is a must-have for your book collection. Can't wait to see if there will be more books in this series!
Happy Reading...enjoy!

[Whit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well if nothing else, Rock singer Zara, walking in to SEE her husband banging her publicist's assistant on the desk, will surely be a wake up call as to the state of her marriage.

However, when Van, that sleazy SOB , continues thrusting, glaring at Zara, for having the nerve to interrupt his adulterous behavior, is freaking unbelievable!!!!!! Van acts like Zara is being unreasonable for not looking the other way or accepting his lame excuses!

Country singer Levi and his two daughters are the best medicine for Zara's broken heart. Yet that super selfish Van continues to stalk her!

[Karrie Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zara and Levi couldn't be anymore different, and that's why they work. A chance meeting after they both experience a devastating blow to their personal lives sets them up for an epic romance. Zara is punk rock while Levi is quiet country and their worlds while both revolving around music are more like oil and water. They don't mix much to the disappointment of their friends and family. Zara falls in love with the quiet life Levi and his girls provide, but it comes with heartache and a few bumps in the road. Another wonderful story by Heidi about finding love in the most unusual place.