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Vineyards of Calanetti #1
A Bride For The Italian Boss
Holiday romance on the menu?Passionate chef Rafe Mancini is renowned for his food – and his temper! No one meets his exacting standards, until stand–in maître d' Daniella Tate breathes new life into his restaurant and into Rafe...Daniella is only visiting the picturesque Tuscan village of Calanetti, but with Rafe she finds the sense of belonging she's always craved. Clutching her ticket home, Daniella must make a decision: return to her old, safe life or stay as Rafe's bride!
163 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 19, 2015
About the author
Susan Meier
617 books456 followersGood morning! It's a beautiful sunny beginning to the day here in Western, Pennsylvania. I'm working on my 75th book. 75th! I'm very excited about that.
I've written some fun things ... those are the Silhouette Romance titles. I especially liked SNOWBOUND BABY which was book 3 of the Bryant Baby Bonanza series which also included BABY BEFORE BUSINESS and PRINCE BABY. But my favorites for Silhouette where the books of the Brewster Baby Boom series THE BABY BEQUEST, BRINGING UP BABIES and OH, BABIES! Where three bachelors inherit triplets. Those were fun to write. I go back every now and again and read them myself for a laugh!
My Harlequins are a little (sometimes a lot) more serious than my Silhouettes, but I always deliver a heart warming story that reminds readers that family and love go hand in hand.
You'll especially see that in FALLING FOR THE PREGNANT HEIRESS where Trent Sigmund decides to help his best friend Seth's baby sister Sabrina McCallan hunt down her on-again/off-again boyfriend, Pierre, to tell him he's about to be a father. Trent tries not to fall. So does Sabrina. Who knew real love had been in their backyard all along.
Sexy or sweet, funny or sad, my characters make some serious lemonade out of their lemons! :)
Because that's how I see life. I have three kids...one of whom has epilepsy. Raising him taught me (and my husband and our other two kids) that sometimes a situation that seems bad can have its blessings.
I've written some fun things ... those are the Silhouette Romance titles. I especially liked SNOWBOUND BABY which was book 3 of the Bryant Baby Bonanza series which also included BABY BEFORE BUSINESS and PRINCE BABY. But my favorites for Silhouette where the books of the Brewster Baby Boom series THE BABY BEQUEST, BRINGING UP BABIES and OH, BABIES! Where three bachelors inherit triplets. Those were fun to write. I go back every now and again and read them myself for a laugh!
My Harlequins are a little (sometimes a lot) more serious than my Silhouettes, but I always deliver a heart warming story that reminds readers that family and love go hand in hand.
You'll especially see that in FALLING FOR THE PREGNANT HEIRESS where Trent Sigmund decides to help his best friend Seth's baby sister Sabrina McCallan hunt down her on-again/off-again boyfriend, Pierre, to tell him he's about to be a father. Trent tries not to fall. So does Sabrina. Who knew real love had been in their backyard all along.
Sexy or sweet, funny or sad, my characters make some serious lemonade out of their lemons! :)
Because that's how I see life. I have three kids...one of whom has epilepsy. Raising him taught me (and my husband and our other two kids) that sometimes a situation that seems bad can have its blessings.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 15, 2015
Enjoyed
Content: mild language, talk of one night stands and affairs in the past but that is not the way this book heads, no sex scenes
Content: mild language, talk of one night stands and affairs in the past but that is not the way this book heads, no sex scenes
December 18, 2017
Daniella, evlatlık edinilmiş, oradan oraya sürüklenmiş bir öğretmen. Ama İtalya'ya onu evlat edinen ailesini bulmak için geliyor ve yolları bir şekilde Şef Rafe ile kesişiyor. Daniella, evlatlık olduğu için hayatı boyunca hep bir yere ait olmanın hayalini kurmuş ve mutlu olmak yerine kendini güvenceye almak adına onu memnun edecek şeylerin peşinde koşmuş. Böylece gerçek mutluluğu kaçırmış.
Rafe ise geçmişte yaşadığı kalp kırıklığı nedeniyle ilişki peşinde değil. Sadece işine odaklanmış bir halde. Ama Daniella'yı görünce kalbindeki çatlaklardan aşk sızıyor ve kaçınılmaz olan gerçekleşiyor haliyle.. (=
Güzel ve tatlı bir hikayeydi ama tutku yönünden biraz eksik hissettim. Kurguda dünyaca ünlü bir şef söz konusuyken kitabın biraz daha tutkulu olmasını beklerdim. Daniella ve Rafe arasındaki yanlış anlaşılmalar ve anlamsız tripler bana gereksiz geldi ve bence kurguyu biraz gölgede bırakmış gibi hissettim. Ama yazarın kalemini sevdim. Ve bence bir romans olabilecek potansiyeli var.
Rafe ise geçmişte yaşadığı kalp kırıklığı nedeniyle ilişki peşinde değil. Sadece işine odaklanmış bir halde. Ama Daniella'yı görünce kalbindeki çatlaklardan aşk sızıyor ve kaçınılmaz olan gerçekleşiyor haliyle.. (=
Güzel ve tatlı bir hikayeydi ama tutku yönünden biraz eksik hissettim. Kurguda dünyaca ünlü bir şef söz konusuyken kitabın biraz daha tutkulu olmasını beklerdim. Daniella ve Rafe arasındaki yanlış anlaşılmalar ve anlamsız tripler bana gereksiz geldi ve bence kurguyu biraz gölgede bırakmış gibi hissettim. Ama yazarın kalemini sevdim. Ve bence bir romans olabilecek potansiyeli var.
January 29, 2020
Duh aku suka. Rafe gentle sekali. Meskipun Rafe sama Dani sama2 tau kalau mereka saling suka tapi Rafe berusaha mengendalikan dirinya buat ga melewati batas karena dia tau Dani punya "tunangan" di New York. Terus Dani juga, padahal dia ga benar2 punya "tunangan"sampai akhirnya dia nolak lamaran Paul, dia juga berusaha jaga jarak dgn Rafe karena dari awal Rafe bilang dia ga bisa komitmen karena bisnis nya lebih penting. Ceritanya bikin gemes banget.
April 22, 2015
I always love a great story written with an Italian backdrop and A Bride for the Italian Boss did not disappoint. I received an early release copy via Netgalley and read this one in almost one sitting. Daniella is in Rome on holiday and runs into someone while traveling who needs help translating Italian to English. The new friend has inherited a property in Tuscany but does not speak Italian and Daniella assists and is offered temporary room/board for help in translating along the way for her new friend. Since Daniella is traveling in this part of Italy searching for someone she needs a temporary job to earn some extra spending money before she starts her new job back in the U.S.. She is recommended as a hostess at a restaurant in one of the villages and is a big hit with the clientele and the employees of the restaurant. She is also a big hit with the restaurant owner, Rafe, who has had trouble relating to his customers, but, he is a very gifted chef so together they make an excellent team. Daniella is such a huge hit with the clientele that she becomes a welcome addition to the staff so the question is can she find a permanent place in Italy and possibly with Rafe who does not want a permanent relationship. There is a huge problem, Daniella has an apartment, new job and a boyfriend waiting for her back in New York. Traversing the start of this relationship and seeing the Italian countryside and some of Rome through Daniella's eyes makes for a great read. There is a great romance brewing and Daniella is a great heroine who handles being attracted to someone new when she has a boyfriend at home in a most admirable fashion. You can even relate to and appreciate Rafe's response to her already having a significant other back home. I look forward to more reads by Susan Meijer!
June 22, 2015
I loved the Italian, Tuscan, backdrop of this story. It reminded me of the movie Under The Tuscan Sun, a feel good entertainment that makes you smile. The story is clean, there's love scenes, or bad language.
The feeling of belonging, destiny, and home Daniella has in the Mancini's is heartfelt.
She fits well in the restaurant world, as well as with Rafe, they seems to be like the two halves of the whole. Rafe's temperament, that he is famous for, calms down when around her. She feels more confident around him.
The goals and future plans they have are the opposite, coming from the place of hurt, disappointment from their past. In the midst of the conflict, they have, I appreciate the honesty about their feelings towards each other, they didn't hide the attraction they had for each other, and worked to find a solution that worked for both of them.
It is a fun, quick, enjoyable summer read, with an interesting look into the restaurant world
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
The feeling of belonging, destiny, and home Daniella has in the Mancini's is heartfelt.
She fits well in the restaurant world, as well as with Rafe, they seems to be like the two halves of the whole. Rafe's temperament, that he is famous for, calms down when around her. She feels more confident around him.
The goals and future plans they have are the opposite, coming from the place of hurt, disappointment from their past. In the midst of the conflict, they have, I appreciate the honesty about their feelings towards each other, they didn't hide the attraction they had for each other, and worked to find a solution that worked for both of them.
It is a fun, quick, enjoyable summer read, with an interesting look into the restaurant world
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
May 23, 2017
It was OK, I was getting into it and starting to believe maybe they could fall in love and then all of a sudden he realizes he loves her and its over. Super quick ending not as good as it could have been.
July 24, 2015
"A Bride for the Italian Boss" by Susan Meier is a quick, classic romance that is perfect for a Summer read or anytime of the year. Not my first read by this author but this is the first book in the series 'The Vineyards of Calanetti' and I am looking forward to the next story of the series.
This story begins with Daniella Tate (Dani) who comes to Italy to try and find her Foster Mother's family. She meets Louisa on the way and helps her with a language barrier situation. They become quick friends and Louisa invites her to her newly acquired Villa. Once there they meet Louisa's neighbor Nate. Dani was mentioning that she was looking for temporary work while in Italy and Nate put her in touch with Rafe Mancini. Rafe owns a restaurant, and is not known for controlling his temper. Having fired his host he is in need of help.
Dani and Rafe's story begins. They learn quite a bit about each other, and are falling for each other. The only problem is that Dani has a 'fiance' waiting for her back in the states.
This story begins with Daniella Tate (Dani) who comes to Italy to try and find her Foster Mother's family. She meets Louisa on the way and helps her with a language barrier situation. They become quick friends and Louisa invites her to her newly acquired Villa. Once there they meet Louisa's neighbor Nate. Dani was mentioning that she was looking for temporary work while in Italy and Nate put her in touch with Rafe Mancini. Rafe owns a restaurant, and is not known for controlling his temper. Having fired his host he is in need of help.
Dani and Rafe's story begins. They learn quite a bit about each other, and are falling for each other. The only problem is that Dani has a 'fiance' waiting for her back in the states.
June 12, 2015
Remember those romances that your mother read? This is it. The writing style is so retro compared to most contemporary romances of today. If you are into sophisticated or modern romances, this isn't for you. It's not a comedy and it's not a drama. It's sort of bland. Whatever issue the hero or heroine needs to get through is stated early and overcome easily and obviously. There are better romances out there, but this is chaste enough that you can pass it on to your grandma and not be embarrassed.
August 2, 2022
Daniella is in Italy to find her foster mother’s family and found a job as a hostess in Rafe’s restaurant. Rafe had trouble to connect with his customers and employees. Daniella performed very well in her hostess role that she become a big hit with the customers. During their working relationship, both Daniella and Rafe find themselves to be attracted to each other. But unfortunately Daniella make a mistake and Rafe fired her. Daniella left the job but Rafe soon come to realisation that he need Daniella in his life.
It is a heartwarming read for me as it was beautifully written with characters each overcoming their own personal fears and insecurity to find happiness in the end.
It is a heartwarming read for me as it was beautifully written with characters each overcoming their own personal fears and insecurity to find happiness in the end.
June 18, 2017
Really enjoyed this one (book 1 in the "The Vineyards of Calanetti" series in the Harlequin Romance line) - I wasn't sure if I would because it sounded like the hero would be a PITA prima-donna chef but while he had a few moments, all in all he was very likeable even with his chef reputation as his main focus. The heroine was extremely likeable as well, falling into the job of working at the hero's restaurant quite by accident. The setting was lovely (Tuscany, with its small villages) and the author's writing style is very smooth and readable.
February 15, 2023
This book could have been so much more but, for me, it fell flat. It is a story focused around a restaurant in Tuscany. Daniella, an American tourist looking for her mother's family, starts working for this restaurant. Rafe is the stereotypical talented but brash and difficult chef. When Daniella starts working for him, sparks fly. However, the other thing that flies is all the talk of physical/sexual attraction. Fortunately, it wasn't extremely explicit but it was more than I wanted and even offensive at times. Don't think I will be reading any more of this series.
June 9, 2015
A Good Book for What It Is
This is a review of “A Bride for the Italian Boss” by Susan Meier, a Harlequin Romance I won in a Goodreads “First Reads” giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Here is that honest review.
The Story: The book begins in Italy, where we meet the heroine of the book, Daniella (Dani) Tate. Daniella, a teacher, is visiting Italy to try to find the relatives of her recently passed foster mother, Rosa Felice. Daniella is also debating whether or not to accept the marriage proposal of her boyfriend, Paul. On her first day, Daniella meets another American woman, Louisa Harrison, who has just inherited a villa from her relatives. Louisa doesn’t speak a word of Italian-which Daniella is fluent in-so Dani agrees to be Louisa’s translator in exchange for room and board. Later, we meet the hero of the book, Raffaele (Rafe) Mancini, master chef and owner of an eponymously named restaurant. Rafe is known at this point for two things; his Michelin Guide 4-star restaurant and his temper, the latter of which results in his maitre d quitting in the middle of a busy time for Mancini’s. That would be bad enough; to make matters worse, a reviewer from the Michelin Guide is coming to check out Mancini’s again. Mancini’s is located in a rural part of Italy, and relies on the tourist industry for customers. If Mancini’s gets a bad review, it could seriously damage his reputation and the restaurant.
Daniella is recommended for the maitre’d position at Mancini’s by a friend of Rafe’s, and she gets the job. Daniella and Rafe immediately clash but are attracted to each other in the stereotypical romance-novel way these things go. They later kiss and are more attracted to each other but Daniella informs Rafe that she is engaged and that puts a damper on things for a while.
As the book goes on, the relationship between Daniella and Rafe resembles a yo-yo. They’re attracted to each other; they don’t want to be. She has a boyfriend. He was burned by an ex-girlfriend. Daniella starts questioning her feelings for her boyfriend, Paul. Does she love him, or does she love what he represents, stability? (Daniella was a foster child, remember.) Later, Daniella is fired by Rafe after she oversteps her employee boundaries. This is also a good way to get her out of Rafe’s life, as she would be leaving anyway, which is his way of thinking. After issues at Mancini’s, Rafe re-hires Daniella, gives her a title-General Manager-and a raise. She also breaks off her relationship with Paul, realizing that she doesn’t love him.
Daniella and Rafe’s relationship yoyo's throughout the book. She wants marriage. He wants an affair. This puts them somewhat at odds. However, at the end they resolve their differences and have their Happily Ever After.
Prior to reading this book, I hadn’t read a Harlequin Romance in decades; I have read other Harlequin lines (Blaze, Presents, Superromance, Temptation and the now defunct Silhouette Bombshell imprints) but not a “Harlequin Romance”, primarily because they are a little tame for my taste. This is not a bad book, but it is not flawless. There are issues; the story about Daniella coming to find her foster relatives is only used as an excuse to get her to go to Italy. Storylines-such as the Michelin Restaurant Guide review-are started and ignored. The supporting characters are one-dimensional and only exist as foils for Daniella and Rafe, and despite trying really hard, Ms. Meier doesn’t bring the book to a deep level of emotional depth. I did understand the emotions of Daniella and Rafe, but I really don’t feel that Ms. Meier did a great job digging deep into the soft underbelly of those emotions.
Sex: There is passionate kissing, talk of babies, affairs and, at the end, Daniella and Rafe go into a bedroom where he says that the fact that there is no bed is not an impediment to their having sex very soon. That is the extent of the sexual content. There are no actual sex scenes, no descriptions of sex or anything like that.
Violence: Other than Rafe’s occasional yelling, there is no violence. There is no physical violence at all.
Bottom Line: There is clearly a market for these types of books; Harlequin/Mills & Boon wouldn’t be publishing this line if their wasn’t. However, I am not one of those people who this type of book is aimed at, nor would I buy it if I didn’t win it in a contest. Recommended for people who like their soup a bit on the bland side; I prefer far more pepper in my soup.
This is a review of “A Bride for the Italian Boss” by Susan Meier, a Harlequin Romance I won in a Goodreads “First Reads” giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Here is that honest review.
The Story: The book begins in Italy, where we meet the heroine of the book, Daniella (Dani) Tate. Daniella, a teacher, is visiting Italy to try to find the relatives of her recently passed foster mother, Rosa Felice. Daniella is also debating whether or not to accept the marriage proposal of her boyfriend, Paul. On her first day, Daniella meets another American woman, Louisa Harrison, who has just inherited a villa from her relatives. Louisa doesn’t speak a word of Italian-which Daniella is fluent in-so Dani agrees to be Louisa’s translator in exchange for room and board. Later, we meet the hero of the book, Raffaele (Rafe) Mancini, master chef and owner of an eponymously named restaurant. Rafe is known at this point for two things; his Michelin Guide 4-star restaurant and his temper, the latter of which results in his maitre d quitting in the middle of a busy time for Mancini’s. That would be bad enough; to make matters worse, a reviewer from the Michelin Guide is coming to check out Mancini’s again. Mancini’s is located in a rural part of Italy, and relies on the tourist industry for customers. If Mancini’s gets a bad review, it could seriously damage his reputation and the restaurant.
Daniella is recommended for the maitre’d position at Mancini’s by a friend of Rafe’s, and she gets the job. Daniella and Rafe immediately clash but are attracted to each other in the stereotypical romance-novel way these things go. They later kiss and are more attracted to each other but Daniella informs Rafe that she is engaged and that puts a damper on things for a while.
As the book goes on, the relationship between Daniella and Rafe resembles a yo-yo. They’re attracted to each other; they don’t want to be. She has a boyfriend. He was burned by an ex-girlfriend. Daniella starts questioning her feelings for her boyfriend, Paul. Does she love him, or does she love what he represents, stability? (Daniella was a foster child, remember.) Later, Daniella is fired by Rafe after she oversteps her employee boundaries. This is also a good way to get her out of Rafe’s life, as she would be leaving anyway, which is his way of thinking. After issues at Mancini’s, Rafe re-hires Daniella, gives her a title-General Manager-and a raise. She also breaks off her relationship with Paul, realizing that she doesn’t love him.
Daniella and Rafe’s relationship yoyo's throughout the book. She wants marriage. He wants an affair. This puts them somewhat at odds. However, at the end they resolve their differences and have their Happily Ever After.
Prior to reading this book, I hadn’t read a Harlequin Romance in decades; I have read other Harlequin lines (Blaze, Presents, Superromance, Temptation and the now defunct Silhouette Bombshell imprints) but not a “Harlequin Romance”, primarily because they are a little tame for my taste. This is not a bad book, but it is not flawless. There are issues; the story about Daniella coming to find her foster relatives is only used as an excuse to get her to go to Italy. Storylines-such as the Michelin Restaurant Guide review-are started and ignored. The supporting characters are one-dimensional and only exist as foils for Daniella and Rafe, and despite trying really hard, Ms. Meier doesn’t bring the book to a deep level of emotional depth. I did understand the emotions of Daniella and Rafe, but I really don’t feel that Ms. Meier did a great job digging deep into the soft underbelly of those emotions.
Sex: There is passionate kissing, talk of babies, affairs and, at the end, Daniella and Rafe go into a bedroom where he says that the fact that there is no bed is not an impediment to their having sex very soon. That is the extent of the sexual content. There are no actual sex scenes, no descriptions of sex or anything like that.
Violence: Other than Rafe’s occasional yelling, there is no violence. There is no physical violence at all.
Bottom Line: There is clearly a market for these types of books; Harlequin/Mills & Boon wouldn’t be publishing this line if their wasn’t. However, I am not one of those people who this type of book is aimed at, nor would I buy it if I didn’t win it in a contest. Recommended for people who like their soup a bit on the bland side; I prefer far more pepper in my soup.
September 4, 2015
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review!
A Bride for the Italian Boss was a fast and fun read! I really enjoyed it and can't wait to read more by this author. I loved the main characters and the supporting characters were very likeable as well. This book takes place in Italy.
Daniella(Dani) Tate, was a young woman who had a hard childhood, her mother was a drug addict and did not have any desire to raise Daniella herself, so Daniella went to different foster homes and always felt left out, insecure, and always on the outside looking in, and all she wanted was a family and place to call her own. The last foster care placement she was in was with an incredibly caring woman however and once she passed away had left Dani a ticket to Florence, Italy to go find her family so Daniella would at least meet some caring people. Dani had met a nice man, Paul, and he asked her to get married, but she was not ready and she said she had to go on this trip and then would let him know; although the man was nice enough, there was no real passion in their relationship.
After getting to Italy and on her way to search for her foster mother's family, she noticed a woman with a lost look on her face-a look Daniella was all too familiar with herself. After approaching the woman and they were talking Louisa was there to go to the home she had inherited and asked Dani to come stay with her the four weeks she would be in Italy, to help with interpreting as she spoke no Italian and Dani was fluent in it, so Dani said yes! After being there one day, a man from the villa next door came to find out why there were people in the house that was supposed to be empty. After everything was settled he suggested Daniella go to his friend' restaurant, as he needed help, he was a hothead and went through employees like water, but the man was quick to point out he was fair, and he was still fairly young like Dani, but very moody and short tempered at times. We later come to find out he was hurt badly in a relationship, so never had time to be happy, he was always alone and refused to even let another woman in his life.
This is the story of how Dani and the restaurant owner, Rafe come to meet each other and she is hired as his hostess, and he quickly finds out she is perfect for the job! There are several shouting matches and scenes that lead up to the point where they both realize to themselves that they like each other a lot. Of course Dani is confused as she has a man in New York waiting on her to come home in a month and she starts to have feelings for Rafe! Rafe on the other hand, does not want to have feelings for Dani but day by day his feelings for her grow. What is going to happen? Will Dani go home in 4 weeks or will she stay in Italy where she has already found what she really always wanted-a place to call home in Rafe's restaurant? Also she has found that Louisa is already like a sister to her, and she does not want to leave her!
Read this book! You will enjoy all the emotional and sexual angst that the main characters feel towards each other. I enjoyed this and the plot twists that lead up to the last chapter! With a cast of characters that love Dani, and Rafe too, watch how they push these two together as they can see what these two can't see-they are made for each other!
I gave this book 4 stars and look forward to more books by this author!
A Bride for the Italian Boss was a fast and fun read! I really enjoyed it and can't wait to read more by this author. I loved the main characters and the supporting characters were very likeable as well. This book takes place in Italy.
Daniella(Dani) Tate, was a young woman who had a hard childhood, her mother was a drug addict and did not have any desire to raise Daniella herself, so Daniella went to different foster homes and always felt left out, insecure, and always on the outside looking in, and all she wanted was a family and place to call her own. The last foster care placement she was in was with an incredibly caring woman however and once she passed away had left Dani a ticket to Florence, Italy to go find her family so Daniella would at least meet some caring people. Dani had met a nice man, Paul, and he asked her to get married, but she was not ready and she said she had to go on this trip and then would let him know; although the man was nice enough, there was no real passion in their relationship.
After getting to Italy and on her way to search for her foster mother's family, she noticed a woman with a lost look on her face-a look Daniella was all too familiar with herself. After approaching the woman and they were talking Louisa was there to go to the home she had inherited and asked Dani to come stay with her the four weeks she would be in Italy, to help with interpreting as she spoke no Italian and Dani was fluent in it, so Dani said yes! After being there one day, a man from the villa next door came to find out why there were people in the house that was supposed to be empty. After everything was settled he suggested Daniella go to his friend' restaurant, as he needed help, he was a hothead and went through employees like water, but the man was quick to point out he was fair, and he was still fairly young like Dani, but very moody and short tempered at times. We later come to find out he was hurt badly in a relationship, so never had time to be happy, he was always alone and refused to even let another woman in his life.
This is the story of how Dani and the restaurant owner, Rafe come to meet each other and she is hired as his hostess, and he quickly finds out she is perfect for the job! There are several shouting matches and scenes that lead up to the point where they both realize to themselves that they like each other a lot. Of course Dani is confused as she has a man in New York waiting on her to come home in a month and she starts to have feelings for Rafe! Rafe on the other hand, does not want to have feelings for Dani but day by day his feelings for her grow. What is going to happen? Will Dani go home in 4 weeks or will she stay in Italy where she has already found what she really always wanted-a place to call home in Rafe's restaurant? Also she has found that Louisa is already like a sister to her, and she does not want to leave her!
Read this book! You will enjoy all the emotional and sexual angst that the main characters feel towards each other. I enjoyed this and the plot twists that lead up to the last chapter! With a cast of characters that love Dani, and Rafe too, watch how they push these two together as they can see what these two can't see-they are made for each other!
I gave this book 4 stars and look forward to more books by this author!
July 14, 2018
Book one of the vineyards of calanetti is a heartwarming romantic novel of fresh starts, and romance in the picturesque setting of Tuscany. Daniella Tate aka Dani and Louisa Harrison meet on a bus as they head to the Italian town of Calanetti. Both women seem lost in life and looking for a fresh start. Dani grew up in foster care and her beloved foster mother Rosa recently passed leaving her some money for a trip to Italy to look for Rosa’s family. Louisa inherits a villa in Calanetti called the Palazzo di comparino. Louisa offers Dani to stay with her in exchange for teaching her about the Italian language the two become fast friends. Dani is a teacher but she knows she’s gonna need a temporary job to finance her extended stay and luckily for her Nico the vineyard owner neighbour comes to see whose trespassing on the long abandoned property he and Louise have chemistry although they’re rude to each other he tells Dani about his friend Raffaele Mancini a temperamental chef whose Maître D has recently quit and gives her the chance to be a stand in for Rafe. Dani and Rafe are instantly attracted to each other despite Dani having a distant fiancé Paul back in the states and Rafe determined to focus on his business nothing else having been burnt by love in the past. Dani behind to feel a sense of belonging in Calanetti and her co workers become like family to her Emory, Allegra, Zola, Giovanni, although she and Rafe butt heads a lot but he agrees her suggestions make the business successful and help regain his reputation on the food rather than his amusing anger spectacles from before. But unfortunately she makes a mistake and he fires her rather harshly she goes to Rome and meets with Rosas family but doesn’t feel the familial connection to them the way she does of the staff of Macini she prepares herself to go back to the states heartbroken since she grew up in foster care and after the death of her foster mother she wants a family and a home. Rafe realises how much the business needs her he chases her to Rome to get her to come back to work for him but says they cannot be romantically involved too bad for them they’re both fighting their strong feelings for each other and when he learns she’s no longer in engaged offers her a relationship while working but it’s an empty offer that doesn’t give her what she needs security, home, a family and risks losing her. A epiphany shows him how much he really loves her now can he convince her of his love when he’s treated her so horribly for the last month. Luckily he does he buys her a farmhouse that they plan to do up together to create their dream home, with children in the future. A cute happy ending. I loved reading this romance it was beautiful and a enjoyable book to read. Especially with the characters overcoming their emotional insecurity and fears and finding happiness in the end.
May 13, 2015
This is a sweet, easy read that’s perfect for a summery escape. Set in beautiful Tuscany and filled with sumptuous Italian food, it’s as much about home and finding a place to belong as it is about romance. Dani is a woman who has never truly felt part of anything. She’s come to Italy in search of her foster mother’s family and instead finds Mancini’s. The staff are welcoming and warm, and in desperate need of her help, but the owner and head chef is a little harder to pin down.
Rafe is a grumpy, grouchy chef who fully lives up to the passionate Italian stereotype. When that’s mixed in with the temperamental chef stereotype… well, lets just say, he’s a little bit shouty. But he’s also prone to unexpected moments of sweetness, a companionable glass of wine, random acts of kindness and old-fashioned manners. He’s also not too proud to apologise when necessary, which makes a welcome change.
The two of them together are sweet and cautious, if a little bit circular in their attraction – I like her but she’s taken, I like him but he’s warned me off, I like her but I can’t give her everything, I like him if he would just give me everything, but she’s taken, but he’s a commitmentphobe, but I like her a lot and I must have her, but he won’t give me what I want so I must run away. For such a short book the romance does get a little wearisome. For the most part Dani’s pretty sensible (if repetitive) in her emotions towards Rafe, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t succumb to the occasional moment of irrational foolishness. While Rafe has a sudden (and convenient) change of mind at just the right moment.
In all this is exactly what I expected from a book of this type. It’s cute and easy and quick, designed to be devoured in a couple of hours. It’s full of smiles and Italian sunshine and a feel-good romance with a lovely happy ending – what more could you ask for?
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
Rafe is a grumpy, grouchy chef who fully lives up to the passionate Italian stereotype. When that’s mixed in with the temperamental chef stereotype… well, lets just say, he’s a little bit shouty. But he’s also prone to unexpected moments of sweetness, a companionable glass of wine, random acts of kindness and old-fashioned manners. He’s also not too proud to apologise when necessary, which makes a welcome change.
The two of them together are sweet and cautious, if a little bit circular in their attraction – I like her but she’s taken, I like him but he’s warned me off, I like her but I can’t give her everything, I like him if he would just give me everything, but she’s taken, but he’s a commitmentphobe, but I like her a lot and I must have her, but he won’t give me what I want so I must run away. For such a short book the romance does get a little wearisome. For the most part Dani’s pretty sensible (if repetitive) in her emotions towards Rafe, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t succumb to the occasional moment of irrational foolishness. While Rafe has a sudden (and convenient) change of mind at just the right moment.
In all this is exactly what I expected from a book of this type. It’s cute and easy and quick, designed to be devoured in a couple of hours. It’s full of smiles and Italian sunshine and a feel-good romance with a lovely happy ending – what more could you ask for?
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
May 22, 2015
Daniella Tate had been in foster care for most of her life, moving from one family to another until she was sixteen years old and Rosa took her in, really cared for her and loved her. Unfortunately Rosa died but she left money for Daniella to go to Italy and try to find Rosa’s family. Practical Dani has made it into a working holiday, spending time teaching English in Rome before travelling by bus to the Tuscan village of Calanetti. En route she helps American Louisa Harrison who has inherited a Tuscan vineyard but speaks no Italian. They discuss their circumstances and Louisa invites Dani to stay with her - and act as her translator - whilst searching for her foster Mum’s family. Whilst there, Dani gets a job working as Maître d’ in the local restaurant of chef Rafe Manchinin - he’s hot in appearance and temper! Their attraction is mutual but mixing romance between the boss and employee is a recipe for disaster, so they’re both resisting temptation. He’s also been hurt in the past and is determined not to have any long term relationship. Dani’s boyfriend proposed to her as she left for her Italian vacation - she said she’d tell him her answer on her return. Can they continue to resist their attraction or will love find a way to bring them together?
I didn’t realise this is the first in a new series - but I’m glad it is. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, set in a beautiful part of the world with great characters involved and a developing plot. I really want to know what happens to this couple in the future and to the others involved in this story - especially Louise, Nico Amatucci and Chef Emory! This is a lovely story, a great read and I have no hesitation in highly recommending it to anyone who fancies escaping into the Tuscan countryside for a romantic read.
Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too, for letting me read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I didn’t realise this is the first in a new series - but I’m glad it is. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, set in a beautiful part of the world with great characters involved and a developing plot. I really want to know what happens to this couple in the future and to the others involved in this story - especially Louise, Nico Amatucci and Chef Emory! This is a lovely story, a great read and I have no hesitation in highly recommending it to anyone who fancies escaping into the Tuscan countryside for a romantic read.
Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too, for letting me read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2015
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. Thank you for sharing.
A Bride for the Italian Boss was a sweet romantic story about a young woman finding her place in the world and a stubborn, driven Italian man learning to change. It seemed like time was going by so fast but then the whole book only takes place over a month. More would have been nice, but it definitely did the job of providing a happy escape through fiction.
There is no steamy romance but sometimes there doesn't need to be. There is still sexual attraction and fantasizing added to the beautiful Italian scenery and seemingly, delicious Italian cuisine. Sometimes you just want to shout, "Just tell her what you're thinking!" but life doesn't happen that way and there would be nothing left to read. The fact is, Harlequin is known for the HEA or HFN ending that can be, at times, predictable. This time the ending was spun a little differently than I expected. I liked it. Overall this is a quick, fun read.
I love it when Harlequin does these continuities with multiple authors linking their stories together. It gives a reader an opportunity to experience different writing styles with familiar characters or environments. There were some characters introduced and situations hinted at that will show up in future stories. I look forward to finding out what the deal is between Nico and Louisa but, with my luck, it will probably be the last book in the series.
This was my first Susan Meier book and I plan to read more. I am currently reading her related online story "Marriage Made in Monte Calanetti".
A Bride for the Italian Boss was a sweet romantic story about a young woman finding her place in the world and a stubborn, driven Italian man learning to change. It seemed like time was going by so fast but then the whole book only takes place over a month. More would have been nice, but it definitely did the job of providing a happy escape through fiction.
There is no steamy romance but sometimes there doesn't need to be. There is still sexual attraction and fantasizing added to the beautiful Italian scenery and seemingly, delicious Italian cuisine. Sometimes you just want to shout, "Just tell her what you're thinking!" but life doesn't happen that way and there would be nothing left to read. The fact is, Harlequin is known for the HEA or HFN ending that can be, at times, predictable. This time the ending was spun a little differently than I expected. I liked it. Overall this is a quick, fun read.
I love it when Harlequin does these continuities with multiple authors linking their stories together. It gives a reader an opportunity to experience different writing styles with familiar characters or environments. There were some characters introduced and situations hinted at that will show up in future stories. I look forward to finding out what the deal is between Nico and Louisa but, with my luck, it will probably be the last book in the series.
This was my first Susan Meier book and I plan to read more. I am currently reading her related online story "Marriage Made in Monte Calanetti".
July 3, 2015
Amazing book...Full of heart, Romance, Sweet...
Chef Rafe Mancini is a wonderful chef. Hard on his employees, and very driven. He will not let anyone come between
his restaurant and his dreams...Well that's until Daniella walks into his place. she is sent to him by his very good friend Nico.
He needs a hostess. Not so sure Daniella is the one, but she is given a trial run. It goes better then expected.
Daniella comes to Italy to find family, and to think of her boyfriends proposal. She meets Louisa who becomes her best friend, she gets a job, and
all she can think about is her boss is a total jerk.. All in all she finds something in Mancini's she has been looking for..coming from a foster home, she
quickly learns a thing or two..
When Rafe and Daniella are working together sometimes it's like fireworks are being set off, and other times all good..those are not so often.
Will they finally find some common ground? His resturant is doing so well, but when sometime does haywire there goes
everything. See what happens between Rafe and Daniella..
When in Italy drink wine, eat to your hearts continent and fall in love...
My first book by Susan Meier and it won't be my last...
The beginning to a series A VINEYARD OF CALANETTI:
Chef Rafe Mancini is a wonderful chef. Hard on his employees, and very driven. He will not let anyone come between
his restaurant and his dreams...Well that's until Daniella walks into his place. she is sent to him by his very good friend Nico.
He needs a hostess. Not so sure Daniella is the one, but she is given a trial run. It goes better then expected.
Daniella comes to Italy to find family, and to think of her boyfriends proposal. She meets Louisa who becomes her best friend, she gets a job, and
all she can think about is her boss is a total jerk.. All in all she finds something in Mancini's she has been looking for..coming from a foster home, she
quickly learns a thing or two..
When Rafe and Daniella are working together sometimes it's like fireworks are being set off, and other times all good..those are not so often.
Will they finally find some common ground? His resturant is doing so well, but when sometime does haywire there goes
everything. See what happens between Rafe and Daniella..
When in Italy drink wine, eat to your hearts continent and fall in love...
My first book by Susan Meier and it won't be my last...
The beginning to a series A VINEYARD OF CALANETTI:
May 16, 2015
Daniella Tate was in Italy for a teaching job, now she is in Italy to meet her adoptive mother's family; after lucking out on accommodations when she meets a fellow American; to finance the extended stay she gets a job at a local restaurant.
Rafe Mancini is a famous Chef and the owner of Mancini's the restaurant were Daniella comes to work. As Rafe gets to know Daniella he knows he wants her to stay and he has one month to show her that even if they can't be together, they can still work together.
These two have incredible chemistry; Rafe always trying to be Mr. Bossy-Chef and Daniella snapping him back to the ground. The two really play well off each other, so much so that they really engage the reader.
When Rafe isn't being such a pain sweet and even when he gets way to out of line with his Gordon Ramsey routine Daniella can real him. The story is not that long, but it is a lot of fun. As a side note, I hope we see a book for Daniella's roomy, maybe she find herself a chef or winemaker, hey it's Italy, the land of food and wine.
Rating 5 out of 5
Read@Book
Rafe Mancini is a famous Chef and the owner of Mancini's the restaurant were Daniella comes to work. As Rafe gets to know Daniella he knows he wants her to stay and he has one month to show her that even if they can't be together, they can still work together.
These two have incredible chemistry; Rafe always trying to be Mr. Bossy-Chef and Daniella snapping him back to the ground. The two really play well off each other, so much so that they really engage the reader.
When Rafe isn't being such a pain sweet and even when he gets way to out of line with his Gordon Ramsey routine Daniella can real him. The story is not that long, but it is a lot of fun. As a side note, I hope we see a book for Daniella's roomy, maybe she find herself a chef or winemaker, hey it's Italy, the land of food and wine.
Rating 5 out of 5
Read@Book
July 19, 2015
Hmmmm.. I received this (A Bride for the Italian Boss) rather than the title that I actually won via Goodreads (The Defiant Bride). However, I have no complaints since entertainment is my number one goal in reading. This book has a 'flow' that will keep you turning those pages even through your frustration at the innocence of the story. The characters come to life within their conversations, and their physical desire for one another comes through strong enough to hold the readers attention and that is no small feat considering the fact that one wants nothing more than to council the female to never-expect-to-change-a-bad-temper while giving her a nod to allow Rafe to take his spaghetti off the back burner and serve it up, already!! Nonetheless... I enjoyed every page of the romance that this book exudes and I suppose that it the whole idea!
Thanks for the opportunity to read this.
Thanks for the opportunity to read this.
June 3, 2015
I won this book from Goodreads. Interesting and tumultuous love story to read. I liked how Daniela's and Rafe's attraction was there right from the beginning. I also liked how they didn't fall into bed with each right away. Even though the chemistry is there, their relationship slowly starts to build. The fact that Daniella was not in a hurry to go back home should have told her that she did not really love the guy back home enough to marry him. It took Daniella leaving to prompt Rafe to examine how he really felt about her. I wish this story had an epilogue to tell me how their love story went, along with the expansion of the restaurant chain
September 3, 2016
Susan Meier is a masterful storyteller. She has pitted two total opposites against each other. Dani, the foster child who always yearned for a real home, and Chef Rafe, who wants nothing to do with love. He has big plans and will not let anything get in his way. He also has a fiery temper. While Dani is sweet, she will stand up for herself when she needs to do so. A lovely story!
July 22, 2015
This is Book 1 in the Vineyards of Calanetti continuity, and Susan Meier has set the scene perfectly. The Tuscan town of Monte Calanetti is so appealing that I want to move there! Daniella is such an appealing heroine and grumpy chef Rafe is utterly delicious.
July 24, 2015
The first of the series The Vineyard of Calanetti after reading the next two after this.
Surely, the love evolves around Italian food, one of my favourite foods to eat.
Cannot wait to read the next books in the series!
Surely, the love evolves around Italian food, one of my favourite foods to eat.
Cannot wait to read the next books in the series!
June 18, 2015
Home is where your heart is, its just a matter of figuring out where your heart belongs ...
For more romance reviews, check out my website:https://katherinasbooks.wordpress.com
For more romance reviews, check out my website:https://katherinasbooks.wordpress.com
June 18, 2015
Home is where your heart is, its just a matter of figuring out where your heart belongs ...
For more romance reviews, check out my website:https://katherinasbooks.wordpress.com
For more romance reviews, check out my website:https://katherinasbooks.wordpress.com
June 29, 2015
I just thought this was a really good book. It moved fast and the story was so interesting. For me this was a home run for summer reading!
Read
July 1, 2015"Dani is a strong spirit, despite her tragedies, and her personality shines throughout this sparkling romance" (RT Book Reviews, 4 stars).
Miniseries: The Vineyards of Calanetti
Miniseries: The Vineyards of Calanetti
July 19, 2015
Love it! I'm looking forward to the rest in this series. I highly recommend reading this.
July 27, 2015
A cute story.
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