Headstrong By Eden Finley -

Review: Falling for the "Wingman" in Eden Finley's Headstrong

If you’re a fan of the Vino & Veritas series, you know the vibe: cozy Vermont settings, a local wine bar serving as the town’s social hub, and romances that hit that perfect sweet spot between steamy and sentimental. is the third installment in this multi-author world, and it delivers a "gay-for-you" (GFY) awakening that is as humorous as it is heartfelt. The Setup: A High-Stakes "Gay Virgin" Mission

Reviewers have praised the book for its "slow build up of intimacy and experimentation." Unlike some romances that jump straight into the deep end, Whit and Rainn explore their physical connection gradually, which feels authentic to Whit’s virginity and Rainn’s awakening. Headstrong by Eden Finley

If you enjoy , Headstrong is a must-read for your TBR list.

The story introduces us to , a college hockey player who has recently come out but is struggling with the execution part of his new identity. He’s eager—perhaps too eager—and his "oversharing and boundary crossing" tendency tends to scare off potential hookups. Determined to lose his virginity by his 22nd birthday, Whit finds himself at V&V, where he encounters Rainn , the resident "grumpy" bartender. Review: Falling for the "Wingman" in Eden Finley's

As part of a shared world, Headstrong captures the essence of the series—a sense of community and the healing power of finding where you belong. It sits alongside other fan favorites like Annabeth Albert’s Featherbed and Garrett Leigh’s Heartscape , adding a lighter, snarkier tone to the collection. Final Verdict: 4/5 Stars

Rainn is a former NHL prospect whose career was cut short by a devastating injury. Because of this, he has a deep-seated hatred for anything related to hockey. Despite his initial urge to run the other way when he realizes Whit is a hockey player, Rainn finds himself feeling sorry for the guy’s disastrous flirting attempts and agrees to act as his wingman. Why It Works: Sunshine meets Grumpy (with a Twist) If you enjoy , Headstrong is a must-read for your TBR list

The dynamic between Whit and Rainn is a classic "sunshine vs. grumpy" trope, but with a unique layer of vulnerability.