‘Wooing the Farmer’ is a truly tender love story.
It is the 3rd installment of the ‘Axedale’ series, but it can be read as a stand-a-lone. The only piece that wasn’t explained for me was a vicar’s previous nickname that was referenced. It did not impact understanding of the story, however.
This is the story of Penny, a high-maintenance-girly-girl, that travels to Axedale to rebuild her lifestyle brand by doing some work around country living. There is a gorgeous butch farmer, Quade, that owns the property next door to the cottage Penny is staying in. Because of Penny’s debilitating epileptic condition, she is standoffish to any help Quade offers, but does she have the fortitude to continue rejecting the swoon worthy courting?
Penny’s fears as a result of her epilepsy gives this story a beautiful depth I was not expecting. I found myself very sympathetic toward her character and understanding why she could be so cold, build walls, and ultimately run away from potential feelings. Then throw in a handsome and nurturing next door neighbor that is set on helping Penny through her insecurities, and you have the ingredients for an organic and healthy romance
I enjoyed the intimate scenes. Although explicit, there were major undertones of love and affection that allowed me to connect with the scenes and feel less embarrassment than I usually do with depictions of sex in books.
There were several missing words here and there. And one time there was a reference to the wrong person’s name. And I have no idea what happened to Penny’s brother Hugo. He was mentioned in the beginning but never heard from again.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable read. I recommend it for those who like clean and intuitive eating, enemies to lovers trope, and relationships built on deep connections/experiences.