By: Mia Heintzelman
Series: Fortemani Family
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: February 11, 2025
Publisher: Tule Publishing
After a passionate one-night stand between an older woman and a younger man, romance is tested when they discover his vineyard is set to acquire hers, pitting them against each other for a coveted position in this warm, witty summer romance about falling in love without limits.
After a banner year, Marcello Fortemani is eager to prove his value at his family’s Napa vineyard. The youngest of four siblings, he’s used to having his ideas ignored. But when he suspects a collaboration with local competitor, Whitaker Vineyard & Winery, Marcello quickly volunteers to take lead.
Excited for his big shot, he pre-celebrates at the bar where he runs into Holly Whitaker—the babysitter of his preteen dreams. She’s back in Napa, and… doesn’t recognize him? Marcello isn’t about to remind her, either. Especially, when she brings his fantasies to life with a fiery one-night stand.
But the day before the quarterly meeting, he learns his family’s vineyard isn’t partnering but acquiring hers. Now, she feels deceived, and he’s shocked to find they’re both vying for international exports director. What started as a steamy night escalates into a battle of pranks and tactics as they gear up for a brand test at Vintner’s Weekend in Tuscany.
Despite the competition, their chemistry is undeniable—she lets him take care of her, and he finds belonging. But will they fight to win, or call a truce for love?
One-Night Crush is the fourth and final book in Mia’s Fortemani Family series. This is a standalone read with matriarch Victoria Fortemani and the three older Fortemani siblings, partners, and friends making appearances. This is a secret crush, one-night stand, older woman, younger man, workplace rival, only one bed, summer romance. It’s been a while since a contemporary romance has pulled me in literally on the first page and kept my full undivided attention until the very end.
Picture it. You travel from Italy back to Napa California, only for your father to tell you that the family vineyard is having financial struggles and needs to come up with cash pronto. It’s a Saturday night, you walk into a hotel bar, and you immediately get the feeling that you’re being watched. You glance around and make eye contact with a man who looks too good for his own good. You strike up a flirty conversation, and then he says, “It’s good to see you, Holly.” Pausing, you search your memory bank, and he doesn’t look or sound familiar at all. When he tells you that his name is Cello, like the instrument, you still have no clue. Yes, he seems to be quite a bit younger than you, but you aren’t looking for forever. Just a temporary distraction from the bad day you’re having. The back-and-forth conversation between you and Cello is fun and you know you both are feeling each other. Why not step out of your comfort zone and partake in a little one-night-only, no-strings-attached fun? Sounds good, right? Trust me, One-Night Crush gets better.
Holly and Marcello are both blindsided to learn that Fortemani Vineyard & Winery is planning on buying Whitaker Vineyard & Winery. Not only that, but they are both in the running to be the international exports and affairs director, a position Holly currently holds with her family’s company. The two are told they will need to attend the Tuscan Vintner’s Weekend in Tuscany and represent their current companies. Whichever one has the best results will be the one to get the position. “May the best person win.”
One-Night Crush was a fun, swoony, steamy read. Marcello is without a doubt book boyfriend material. He truly rivals Weston Everheart from Kelly Cain’s Everheart Brothers of Texas series for sweetest, hottest man. I’m not going to list all of Marcello’s qualities or actions, you’re going to have to read all that for yourself. But he does know how to make one’s heart flutter. Holly is a tough nut to crack. She’s independent, fierce, smart, and confident. She knows who she is. She’s comfortable in her own skin. But Marcello throws her for a loop and she doesn’t know how to handle him, but she can’t resist wanting him. I loved their interactions. I also loved the other characters from the previous books. Oh, and the cover, totally spot on.
I’m definitely looking forward to reading more books from Mia.
~ Favorite Quotes ~
“Some places leave their mark on you.”
“You don’t need permission nor an excuse to want to be loved deeply.”
**Received a copy of the author and voluntarily reviewed it.**
Rating: 5
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Residing in the vibrant city of Las Vegas, Nevada, Mia channels the city's dynamic spirit into her writing.
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Enjoyed your review--love Mia's books.
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Thank you Denise. I'm definitely a fan now.
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