One-Night Crush

Since I am a woman in well into the "over 30" age bracket, I find myself increasingly drawn to books with more mature protagonists. So when I read the synopsis for One-Night Crush I couldn't sign up for the ARC fast enough! While this is the last book in the Fortemani Family series, it can absolutely be read as a standalone.

Marcello "Cello" Fortemani is the youngest of four and is eager to prove his value at his family's Napa vineyard. As the "baby" of the family he's used to having his ideas and contributions ignored. But when he suspects a collaboration with local competitor, Whitaker Vineyard and Winery, Marcello is determined to take the lead on brokering the deal.

Shortly before the big meeting, Cello is at a bar where he runs into Holly Whitaker, his childhood babysitter and the woman he's been in love with for forever. She's back in Napa to help her dad with the deal between the Whitaker and Fortemani wine businesses. But she doesn't recognize him, and Marcello isn't about to remind her who he is, either. Especially, when she brings all his fantasies to life with a fiery one-night stand.

But the day before the meeting to finalize the deal, he learns his family's vineyard isn't planning on partnering with Whitaker Vineyards. They plan to acquire it. Cello is blindsided, but Holly? She feels deceived and betrayed. To add further injury, Cello and Holly are both shocked to find they'll be vying for the position of international exports director. What started as a single steamy night escalates into a battle of wills, pranks and tactics as they gear up for the brand test at Vintner's Weekend in Tuscany that will decide their fates.

I loved Holly and Marcello so much. Holly's a total boss babe in all the best ways: confident, competent, classy and sassy. Marcello is such a cinnamon roll and he's been absolutely gone for Holly for almost his whole life.

Even though circumstances pit them against each other professionally, it's so satisfying to see them work through the professional and personal challenges to get their happy ever after.

So if you love romances with age gaps (especially ones where she's older), rivals-to-lovers, protagonists over 30, cinnamon roll heroes and competent, confident heroines, definitely give One-Night Crush a try!