Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
The Sitch
Our story begins when our heroine Roxanne Medina, billionaire CEO, has decided that she wants her own fairytale, but she wants it her way - to have a baby to love and care for, without the fuss of feelings or a real relationship with the baby daddy. And what better way to have that fairytale baby than with a Golden Prince?
Enter Príncipe Mateo Ferdinand Juan Carlos de Esperanza y Santos, whose evil daddy basically sells him and his golden sperm to Roxanne. Mateo wants nothing to do with this but is definitely forced into accepting the deal to save his homeland and his vineyards from the random unscrupulous businessman who wants to turn his home into a high class ren faire for the rich and famous. There are trials, tribulations, not to mention horrible villains to overcome, and along this complicated way, oh man does romance happen.
The Good
The latest fairytale telenovela in book form by Ms. Lopez captivated my attention from the very beginning and wouldn’t let go. The drama with a capital D was so intense at times I found myself gasping in Spanish.
Yes, I’m Latina and yes, that’s possible. All kidding aside, this is a story that I loved because it reminded me of my childhood and seeing the Latinx representation done well is always a treat (there’s some mild commentary about the things brown people go through to make it in business that I also found interesting). Just the Spanish phrases sprinkled throughout made me happy.
For a little background, I cut my teeth on telenovelas a la rodilla de mi mamá (at my mom’s knee). Much of my love for romance in all its forms was founded in my mom’s daily ritual of watching her telenovelas after a long day of work (for the record, my early 80s favorites were Cristal and Topacio). The love was so strong that I gradually started watching American soap operas, moved onto romance novels and the rest is history. So, this story is smack dab in the center of my wheelhouse.
Back to the lecture at hand….The Firsts (meet/kiss/love scene) are FUEGO, people. Sparks fly and vines set ablaze from the moment these two meet. The intensity of their attraction, despite the super sketch and problematic initial physical hookup (more on that later), Ms. Medina makes clear that these two are very, very, very into each other physically. And can I get a Gracias a Dios (thank God) for getting another pussycharmer hero? God bless the bilingual (heh) hero who loves going downtown so much he speaks to your kitty. Why yes, the dirty talking is 10/10/10
Anyhoodle, what really saves this from going down a potentially super dark path is the fact that Mateo and Roxanne’s relationship beats all get fair play. This is a very important distinction, because the time taken to really establish their emotional connection is what grounds the hot sex and allows the reader to go on that difficult journey with hope for a happy ending. Both characters are running from a real emotional connection, even as they are drawn to each other like magnets. Every time they fought that connection, it only got deeper. Like any truly soapy romance, when the inevitable fallout from bad decisions, secrets and outright lies come to light, there’s a reckoning but it only made their HEA that much sweeter.
The Bad(ish)
This is going to be a HUGE “Your Mileage May Vary” issue - this story setup is so outrageous it splashes around in some very melodramatic and problematic gray areas. Coercion and dub-con is most definitely in the very early stages of Mateo and Roxanne’s relationship. I mean like 80s soap problematic level of gray area (and EJami, a couple on DAYs in the last decade, but I digress).
Point is, even to this day, American and Spanish soap operas have not shied away from shaky, uncomfortable beginnings for couples. However, telenovelas have the luxury of playing out over a period of months/years to really allow the viewer to experience the tragedy and (if done well) see the characters process those sins, forgive and move on. In a novel, it’s harder to do this. I think the way Ms. Lopez chose to use her chapter titles to denote the passage of time helped. I also think balancing out Mateo and Roxanne’s power in the relationship when those deep emotional hits were dished out made a difference. At the end of the day, I did believe in the forgiveness and love between them.
Having said all that, this is why it’s so YMMV - it will not play to all audiences. This is a personal decision as to what lines you absolutely do not want crossed in your romance. For me, it was seeing those transgressions addressed and forgiven that made the story ultimately work for me.
Everything in Between
Now, because of the nature of this story, the villains were extra villain-y, horrible people with no redeeming values whatsoever.
These types of obstacles are standard in telenovelas, but overall, as I’ve gotten older, they tend to irritate me more than not. That’s just my personal preference though - I’d rather see some depth to all characters (“good” or “bad”), because it enriches the overall story. But I will admit, when villains are extra horrible and they get their comeuppance it can be extremely satisfying.
Now, what good telenovela doesn’t give you some intriguing supporting characters with their own stories to tell? I read the teaser for the next book and I’ll admit I was hoping for another hero for Sofia, but I’m intrigued to see where it goes. And if requests are being taken, I’d love to see Henry and Roman get their HEAs too.
I really enjoyed Mateo and Roxanne’s telenovela...I mean, romance - it was drama-filled, with a very hard beginning, but the journey was worth it for me. If you’re into soapy fairytales with Spanish flair, I would recommend this.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**
For more reviews, visit
Being a huge reader of romantic fantasy and its subgenres, it's rare for me to grab a contemporary romance based off of early reader reviews I came across on social media. None of my libraries had it when it came out so I requested it and got lucky when one of them bought the book. The story is about billionaire Roxanne Medina who has decided she has achieved all, the goals she set out in her life before her and is ready to settle down. When I say settle down, I mean she wants the kid without the husband. She's used to being her own boss; in control. She is not interested in a man beyond his sperm. After careful consideration, or the pick of the litter, she settles on Mateo Esperanza (Prince of the Monte) to be her donor.
Mateo's vineyard, is struggling because his father isn't smart with their money (among other things). Said father strikes a deal with Roxanne to the tune of millions of dollars to save the vineyard in exchange for Mateo's generous donation. Mateo is not made aware of the specifics until he meets Roxanne and his pride doesn't want him to take the deal but he cares about his people and it doesn't seem too hard since he hate Roxanne initially. What his mind hates however, his body does not and he can't deny he's attracted to her. He signs into the contract which requires them to have sex three nights a month during her ovulation period and when she gets pregnant he walks away with lots of money. As easy as he thought it sounded, he starts to make things a little more complicated and then the rough waters become muddied as the story progresses.
I have to say overall the story for me was predictable. Four stars may seem high for a predictable story but I thoroughly enjoyed every encounter between Mateo and Roxanne. Their chemistry was burning the screen off my tablet. The way Angelina writes the book, it takes place on each night over the course of 6 months. The title of each chapter is Night One, Night Two, etc. I wouldn't say they're instant enemies but they really did not like each other from go. Roxanne is a strong woman covered in a giant money barrier that she recognizes. However, she's not prepared for Mateo who is pretty much up front about his wants, needs and desires even though he has a habit of putting himself down because he's so driven not to be his dad. Actually both characters are driven by a need to not be a repeat of their parents even though said parents still plague them both. Over the course of the story you get to see how each evolves thanks to the other and a love that blossoms not just with them but the people they surround themselves with.
If you love character struggle, steamy, sexy romance and the happiest of endings, I say definitely give this book a try.
Mateo's vineyard, is struggling because his father isn't smart with their money (among other things). Said father strikes a deal with Roxanne to the tune of millions of dollars to save the vineyard in exchange for Mateo's generous donation. Mateo is not made aware of the specifics until he meets Roxanne and his pride doesn't want him to take the deal but he cares about his people and it doesn't seem too hard since he hate Roxanne initially. What his mind hates however, his body does not and he can't deny he's attracted to her. He signs into the contract which requires them to have sex three nights a month during her ovulation period and when she gets pregnant he walks away with lots of money. As easy as he thought it sounded, he starts to make things a little more complicated and then the rough waters become muddied as the story progresses.
I have to say overall the story for me was predictable. Four stars may seem high for a predictable story but I thoroughly enjoyed every encounter between Mateo and Roxanne. Their chemistry was burning the screen off my tablet. The way Angelina writes the book, it takes place on each night over the course of 6 months. The title of each chapter is Night One, Night Two, etc. I wouldn't say they're instant enemies but they really did not like each other from go. Roxanne is a strong woman covered in a giant money barrier that she recognizes. However, she's not prepared for Mateo who is pretty much up front about his wants, needs and desires even though he has a habit of putting himself down because he's so driven not to be his dad. Actually both characters are driven by a need to not be a repeat of their parents even though said parents still plague them both. Over the course of the story you get to see how each evolves thanks to the other and a love that blossoms not just with them but the people they surround themselves with.
If you love character struggle, steamy, sexy romance and the happiest of endings, I say definitely give this book a try.
Oh. My. God.
Let me just bask in this moment. That moment when you read a book that is just so perfect, every word from the very first to the very last, that you just want to hold on to that book, that moment, that feeling of utter contentment for just a while longer.
Every romance reader needs to read this book. Here are just a few reasons why:
1. So, I’m wholly over alphahole billionaire heroes who rush in to save the day and shy, doormat, damsel in distress heroines. However, what I didn’t realize I needed until I started reading it...a alphahole billionaire HEROINE. Yes, that’s right.
Roxanne Medina, self-made billionaire, wants a baby. She specifically wants a baby with Mateo Santos, the crown prince of Monte del Vino Real, a tiny Spanish principality on the brink of financial ruin. In exchange for marrying her and 3 nights of sex a month, she will provide him with the necessary funds to help rebuild the economy of his beloved principality, now in ruins due to mismanagement and overspending by his selfish, egotistical, narcissistic father, the king. Once she has her baby, they will go their separate ways. Due to her horrendous upbringing, it’s important to her that her baby’s father not be some anonymous sperm donor. She has targeted Mateo for a very specific reason.
2. As much as I dislike alphahole heroes, I also dislike helpless and hapless heroines. Mateo, while in a most precarious financial position, is anything but hapless OR helpless. He’s a prince with a Ph.D, grows vines in his own lab at UC Davis (as an aside, I live in Davis and I find it utterly charming when romance novels randomly name check my hometown), and is determined to be the polar opposite of his father. He has made some very unfortunate choices in an effort to distance himself from his father and ultimately, in an effort to save the people and place he loves most, he sells himself to Roxanne.
3. And what ensues is one of the most unique, brilliant, bold romance novels I’ve ever read. I adored every last bit of this book, was so sad to see it end and yet so excited to scream about to all of Romancelandia. A book that subverts the alphahole billionaire hero trope and makes us examine our own misogynistic biases, a book that dares question why we accept it without complaint when a man wants what he wants and goes after it with tenacity but when a woman dares to do it, she’s labeled “domineering” and “pushy” and a “bitch”.
4. Both Roxanne and Mateo are products of their upbringing in that Roxanne has been brought up believing she is unworthy of love and Mateo has been constantly embarrassed by his parents excesses and hurt by their careless neglect. Their behavior and the choices they make in the course of getting what each wants is not always on the up and up - they make a lot of questionable choices. But it’s those flaws, those human vulnerabilities, those moments when they let their guard down for each other that makes this story so beautiful and depthful and so full of heart. They start off as antagonistic adversaries fighting with each other and slowly evolve into a true partnership where they are fighting FOR each other. Also, let me just add, the sex scenes are SCORCHING HOT. And quite frankly, they do further the story - I think every single scene in this book furthers the plot or helps to develop the characters.
5. I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention some of the supporting characters - they each have terrible parents but they also have people in their corners who obviously love and care for them and these characters are drawn just as vividly and I hope some of them get their own books.
All in all, I adored this book so so much and I cannot wait to share my love for this book.
Arc received in exchange for honest review.
5 stars
Let me just bask in this moment. That moment when you read a book that is just so perfect, every word from the very first to the very last, that you just want to hold on to that book, that moment, that feeling of utter contentment for just a while longer.
Every romance reader needs to read this book. Here are just a few reasons why:
1. So, I’m wholly over alphahole billionaire heroes who rush in to save the day and shy, doormat, damsel in distress heroines. However, what I didn’t realize I needed until I started reading it...a alphahole billionaire HEROINE. Yes, that’s right.
Roxanne Medina, self-made billionaire, wants a baby. She specifically wants a baby with Mateo Santos, the crown prince of Monte del Vino Real, a tiny Spanish principality on the brink of financial ruin. In exchange for marrying her and 3 nights of sex a month, she will provide him with the necessary funds to help rebuild the economy of his beloved principality, now in ruins due to mismanagement and overspending by his selfish, egotistical, narcissistic father, the king. Once she has her baby, they will go their separate ways. Due to her horrendous upbringing, it’s important to her that her baby’s father not be some anonymous sperm donor. She has targeted Mateo for a very specific reason.
2. As much as I dislike alphahole heroes, I also dislike helpless and hapless heroines. Mateo, while in a most precarious financial position, is anything but hapless OR helpless. He’s a prince with a Ph.D, grows vines in his own lab at UC Davis (as an aside, I live in Davis and I find it utterly charming when romance novels randomly name check my hometown), and is determined to be the polar opposite of his father. He has made some very unfortunate choices in an effort to distance himself from his father and ultimately, in an effort to save the people and place he loves most, he sells himself to Roxanne.
3. And what ensues is one of the most unique, brilliant, bold romance novels I’ve ever read. I adored every last bit of this book, was so sad to see it end and yet so excited to scream about to all of Romancelandia. A book that subverts the alphahole billionaire hero trope and makes us examine our own misogynistic biases, a book that dares question why we accept it without complaint when a man wants what he wants and goes after it with tenacity but when a woman dares to do it, she’s labeled “domineering” and “pushy” and a “bitch”.
4. Both Roxanne and Mateo are products of their upbringing in that Roxanne has been brought up believing she is unworthy of love and Mateo has been constantly embarrassed by his parents excesses and hurt by their careless neglect. Their behavior and the choices they make in the course of getting what each wants is not always on the up and up - they make a lot of questionable choices. But it’s those flaws, those human vulnerabilities, those moments when they let their guard down for each other that makes this story so beautiful and depthful and so full of heart. They start off as antagonistic adversaries fighting with each other and slowly evolve into a true partnership where they are fighting FOR each other. Also, let me just add, the sex scenes are SCORCHING HOT. And quite frankly, they do further the story - I think every single scene in this book furthers the plot or helps to develop the characters.
5. I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention some of the supporting characters - they each have terrible parents but they also have people in their corners who obviously love and care for them and these characters are drawn just as vividly and I hope some of them get their own books.
All in all, I adored this book so so much and I cannot wait to share my love for this book.
Arc received in exchange for honest review.
5 stars
In Lush Money we find a story that talks about family, duty, expectations and the things that can happen that can change what you thought life would be. It's an unique book that kept me interested in dynamics, plot and development since the beginning. We encounter a deal between our hero and our heroine. Roxanne is going to help Mateo's kingdom in exchange for a child. Yes, it sounds weird. For that they have to get married and when the contract is fulfilled they will both walk away with everything they wanted. Roxanne and Mateo's relationship goes through a lot of highs and lows but seeing them grow from enemies to lovers was very entertaining. Seeing their understanding in each other's situation growing through all the months that they spent together was an amazing experience.
The thing that I liked the most about this book, that I thought it was so different from other stories, was the way it was constructed, with different chapters for different days in the months that they see each other. It helped me follow the story very easily and it kept me intrigued in what happened between the months and in what would happen in the future.
Even though there were a lot of things that I liked about this book, there were a few things that didn't sit well with me. Especially concerning the building of this country and the way the kingdom's system was set up. It didn't seem very believable. Or there were things missing that meant I couldn't get into this book fully. I also didn't like that the book constantly talked about accents and when they spoke english they said that they were "unaccented" but it meant that they were speaking in an american accent. Also, there were acts of "rebellion" that ended up not having any explanation that made sense in this world. I have to add that there were some problematic issues like coercion during the beginning of their relationship that is quickly set aside to further the plot. But I liked the way it was dealt with at the end.
I really enjoyed this book, with exception of some things. It felt very much like a telenovela and I think that will resonate with a lot of readers who like drama and romance.
The thing that I liked the most about this book, that I thought it was so different from other stories, was the way it was constructed, with different chapters for different days in the months that they see each other. It helped me follow the story very easily and it kept me intrigued in what happened between the months and in what would happen in the future.
Even though there were a lot of things that I liked about this book, there were a few things that didn't sit well with me. Especially concerning the building of this country and the way the kingdom's system was set up. It didn't seem very believable. Or there were things missing that meant I couldn't get into this book fully. I also didn't like that the book constantly talked about accents and when they spoke english they said that they were "unaccented" but it meant that they were speaking in an american accent. Also, there were acts of "rebellion" that ended up not having any explanation that made sense in this world. I have to add that there were some problematic issues like coercion during the beginning of their relationship that is quickly set aside to further the plot. But I liked the way it was dealt with at the end.
I really enjoyed this book, with exception of some things. It felt very much like a telenovela and I think that will resonate with a lot of readers who like drama and romance.
Damn, I reall really really wanted to like this book! The writing was great and I am so here for this level of drama. But I never bought into Roxanne's reasons for instigating this whole situation (get a sperm donor and a therapist!), that first sex scene was *blech* and the power dynamics never evened out to a satisfying level. Like, Roxanne is mucking this guy's life (and his citizens lives!!!) up and while she apologizes, I never got the sense that she was actually like "oh yeah, maybe I won't throw my money and influence around in ways that mess up people's lives"??? And the wrong person groveled!! Like, yes, Matteo wasn't very nice but honestly, I don't blame him for not trusting her in that moment! She did very little work to prove that she was trustworthy!
In general, I think the emotional work on the author's part just wasn't put into this relationship to make it actually seem like the two of them have come to a genuine understanding with each other. They each come to individual epiphanies about themselves but I never saw them work *together* to have that "aha" moment of how they need to change their behaviors/outlook as a couple. In a mediocre book, that would have been a minor annoyance, but the *buildup* for the couple epiphany was there and the fact that the follow through on it never happened was frustrating as hell.
In general, I think the emotional work on the author's part just wasn't put into this relationship to make it actually seem like the two of them have come to a genuine understanding with each other. They each come to individual epiphanies about themselves but I never saw them work *together* to have that "aha" moment of how they need to change their behaviors/outlook as a couple. In a mediocre book, that would have been a minor annoyance, but the *buildup* for the couple epiphany was there and the fact that the follow through on it never happened was frustrating as hell.
I absolutely adored this book. I will admit that when it started, I was concerned. I mean, Roxanne starts off unlikeable to the extreme and there were some very questionable decisions made. In her defense, Roxanne assumed that the King had talked to Matteo about the contract she'd negotiated with the king, but, of course, he had not. This winds up resulting in some pretty dehumanizing situations for Matteo and Roxanne apologizes, but seems incapable of making different decisions. However, as the book progresses and as the walls start to crumble, the relationship that builds between Matteo and Roxanne turns into a sexy, sweet, and fun partnership. I loved seeing Matteo and Roxanne support one another.
I think the side characters are definitely some of the best parts of this novel though, too. I'm so excited for Sofia's book!
Oh, and also, I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of this book from netgalley so thanks to Carina and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in advance!
I think the side characters are definitely some of the best parts of this novel though, too. I'm so excited for Sofia's book!
Oh, and also, I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of this book from netgalley so thanks to Carina and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in advance!
*4.5 stars*
I received a free copy in exchange for a fair review.
Roxanne Medina, self-made billionaire, gets what she wants in business and in life. And she wants Príncipe Mateo Ferdinand Juan Carlos de Esperanza y Santos. In her bed, three nights a month for one year. She'll have his heir, romance not required.
What follows is an absolutely delicious, soapy, and over the top clash of the titans romance for the ages, and the start of what will sure be a stunning career for debut novelist Angelina M. Lopez.
I adore when a romance novel starts with a bang and Lush Money will have you racing to keep up with the twists and turns of a plot *just* this side of ridiculous, but made utterly believable by the passion and strength of the character development. I cannot wait for more!
CW for cis-gendered language throughout, Roxanne wants a daughter, Mateo wants a son, and they talk about their potential child as such.
I received a free copy in exchange for a fair review.
Roxanne Medina, self-made billionaire, gets what she wants in business and in life. And she wants Príncipe Mateo Ferdinand Juan Carlos de Esperanza y Santos. In her bed, three nights a month for one year. She'll have his heir, romance not required.
What follows is an absolutely delicious, soapy, and over the top clash of the titans romance for the ages, and the start of what will sure be a stunning career for debut novelist Angelina M. Lopez.
I adore when a romance novel starts with a bang and Lush Money will have you racing to keep up with the twists and turns of a plot *just* this side of ridiculous, but made utterly believable by the passion and strength of the character development. I cannot wait for more!
CW for cis-gendered language throughout, Roxanne wants a daughter, Mateo wants a son, and they talk about their potential child as such.
A lot of my friends have liked this and I was really excited about reading. I’m all for subverting gender roles, but...not like this. CW - non-con or dubcon depending on your reading of the scene:
In the first sex scene (which is very early), it's clear he finds her attractive but also doesn't want to be there. He's half-hard, she gets him all the way there with her mouth, then rides him.
I found this tremendously upsetting. It reminded me of experiences when I was young where I just thought "get it over with so I can go home." Arousal isn’t consent. Yes, there are contracts and he knows what they're there for, but his emotional state said to me that he wouldn't be there if not for needing the money to save his vineyard. I think, if the genders were reversed in this scene, it would be far less okay for some readers, which says a whole lot of awful stuff about how we view men as being always ready for sex when, in fact, they aren't.
More thoughts in this twitter thread: https://twitter.com/_AdeleBuck/status/1167878196034846720?s=20
I was given an advance readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
In the first sex scene (which is very early), it's clear he finds her attractive but also doesn't want to be there. He's half-hard, she gets him all the way there with her mouth, then rides him.
I found this tremendously upsetting. It reminded me of experiences when I was young where I just thought "get it over with so I can go home." Arousal isn’t consent. Yes, there are contracts and he knows what they're there for, but his emotional state said to me that he wouldn't be there if not for needing the money to save his vineyard. I think, if the genders were reversed in this scene, it would be far less okay for some readers, which says a whole lot of awful stuff about how we view men as being always ready for sex when, in fact, they aren't.
More thoughts in this twitter thread: https://twitter.com/_AdeleBuck/status/1167878196034846720?s=20
I was given an advance readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
Rating 4.5
This book was riveting and I really enjoyed this one. And whew the heat coming off this one was a lot!! So steamy I tell you.
I will say that I was iffy on the nurse just sticking Mateo with the needle without his permission. She didn't even ask before she got all in there and acted like it was no big deal when he yelped. That was a no from me.
But I was totally hooked on the building relationship between Prince Mateo and Roxanne. Angelina can write emotion like whoa. Roxanne has her plan for this contract and Mateo is basically forced into it to save his community from being bought over by some Americans. The complexities of the two MCs were great. Initially we are presented with Roxanne as this self-made millionaire who is a ice queen is just about getting what she wants from the prince, and Mateo as the prince with a failing wine-producing principality. They have a rough start because Mateo is now beholden to Roxanne and this contract where he gets her with child and she gives him a massive pay out once that happens.
They're attracted to each other but obviously he doesn't want to feel like he's being used for his sperm, which is how it basically starts out. But soon enough a friendship and more blossoms. and they learn each others hearts and secrets.
I love how that played out. It sure didn't come easily, and they both messed up. The black moment had me on the edge because I was like just tell him the truuuuth!! But we know how that goes lol.
The book goes back and forth between the US and Spain and I know nothing about wine making so it was intriguing to learn the process through Mateo. And it was too jargon heavy or anything like that, it fit in seamlessly with the story, in my opinion. Made it all that more richer as we got to see why it's so important to Mateo.
The secondary characters were great. Even the ones I despised. Like both Roxanne and Mateo's parents were terrible. I'm intrigued by Roman though (I won't spoil who he is) and I hope he gets a book somewhere down the line.
Mateo's sister Sofia is next and we I cannot wait.
So, I really enjoyed this super hot, emotional debut!
This book was riveting and I really enjoyed this one. And whew the heat coming off this one was a lot!! So steamy I tell you.
I will say that I was iffy on the nurse just sticking Mateo with the needle without his permission. She didn't even ask before she got all in there and acted like it was no big deal when he yelped. That was a no from me.
But I was totally hooked on the building relationship between Prince Mateo and Roxanne. Angelina can write emotion like whoa. Roxanne has her plan for this contract and Mateo is basically forced into it to save his community from being bought over by some Americans. The complexities of the two MCs were great. Initially we are presented with Roxanne as this self-made millionaire who is a ice queen is just about getting what she wants from the prince, and Mateo as the prince with a failing wine-producing principality. They have a rough start because Mateo is now beholden to Roxanne and this contract where he gets her with child and she gives him a massive pay out once that happens.
They're attracted to each other but obviously he doesn't want to feel like he's being used for his sperm, which is how it basically starts out. But soon enough a friendship and more blossoms. and they learn each others hearts and secrets.
I love how that played out. It sure didn't come easily, and they both messed up. The black moment had me on the edge because I was like just tell him the truuuuth!! But we know how that goes lol.
The book goes back and forth between the US and Spain and I know nothing about wine making so it was intriguing to learn the process through Mateo. And it was too jargon heavy or anything like that, it fit in seamlessly with the story, in my opinion. Made it all that more richer as we got to see why it's so important to Mateo.
The secondary characters were great. Even the ones I despised. Like both Roxanne and Mateo's parents were terrible. I'm intrigued by Roman though (I won't spoil who he is) and I hope he gets a book somewhere down the line.
Mateo's sister Sofia is next and we I cannot wait.
So, I really enjoyed this super hot, emotional debut!
