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Pour It On
Bold, complex, vibrant. The wine is, too.
Despite Romy Chandler hosting a romantic meet-and-greet at her restaurant, she’s all business. When her sommelier quits without any notice—to work for the competition, no less—she goes into mega-mogul-mode. The last thing on her mind is finding a man. She’s looking for someone who knows his way around a Bordeaux, not the boudoir.
Rick Santucci grew up in his family’s vineyard. After years of hard work, he’s turned his grandfather’s humble produce farm into a profitable winery. Once he gets their bottles into the right establishments, he’ll be able to acquire more land and move into the next phase of the company’s expansion. His mother thinks the next stage should be a wife and children, but his sights are set on different fertile grounds.
When Rick and Romy meet, they both forget all about their ambitions. The evening becomes less about revenue than romance, and they get distracted by the music and wine. She thinks he’s the man she needs, both in the restaurant and out. He finds her to be the perfect partner on the dance floor and believes she’ll be the perfect business partner, too. But a series of mix-ups could put an end to everything they’ve started—personally and professionally.
Despite Romy Chandler hosting a romantic meet-and-greet at her restaurant, she’s all business. When her sommelier quits without any notice—to work for the competition, no less—she goes into mega-mogul-mode. The last thing on her mind is finding a man. She’s looking for someone who knows his way around a Bordeaux, not the boudoir.
Rick Santucci grew up in his family’s vineyard. After years of hard work, he’s turned his grandfather’s humble produce farm into a profitable winery. Once he gets their bottles into the right establishments, he’ll be able to acquire more land and move into the next phase of the company’s expansion. His mother thinks the next stage should be a wife and children, but his sights are set on different fertile grounds.
When Rick and Romy meet, they both forget all about their ambitions. The evening becomes less about revenue than romance, and they get distracted by the music and wine. She thinks he’s the man she needs, both in the restaurant and out. He finds her to be the perfect partner on the dance floor and believes she’ll be the perfect business partner, too. But a series of mix-ups could put an end to everything they’ve started—personally and professionally.
66 pages, ebook
Published January 28, 2022
About the author
Staci Troilo
35 books163 followersI grew up knowing family is paramount. I was blessed to spend time with extended family daily, not just on holidays or weekends. Because of those close-knit familial bonds, every day was full of love and laughter, food and fun.
Life took me away from that extended family for twenty years before I finally made it back. And while I'd done my best to keep the traditions alive across the miles, I realize there truly is no place like home.
Through my fiction, I share those traditions and the importance of relationships with you. Mystery or suspense, romance or mainstream, sci-fi or thriller—in my stories, family (however you define it) is paramount.
To learn more about me, visit me at http://stacitroilo.com or connect with me on social media.
Life took me away from that extended family for twenty years before I finally made it back. And while I'd done my best to keep the traditions alive across the miles, I realize there truly is no place like home.
Through my fiction, I share those traditions and the importance of relationships with you. Mystery or suspense, romance or mainstream, sci-fi or thriller—in my stories, family (however you define it) is paramount.
To learn more about me, visit me at http://stacitroilo.com or connect with me on social media.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 30, 2022
Having read and enjoyed book one in the Keystone series, No Such Luck, I grabbed Pour It On as soon as it went on preorder. I love the cover, the title, and the blurb on this book, and the content lived up to my high expectations.
“Romy Chandler glared at Nigel’s smug sneer.” … from this fun opening line, the author takes the reader right into the action and tension, and it just keeps notching up, with plenty of laugh-aloud moments along the way.
The set up for the mistaken identity was priceless and executed brilliantly. The characters really came to life in this short novella, and I devoured this read in one fun-filled sitting. Here are some lines I loved …
“She glared at her wristwatch, willing the second hand to spin faster. It didn’t. Then she prayed it slowed. It didn’t do that either.” … (how many of us have been there!?)
And …
“Notes of … she didn’t know. It smelled like wine.”
And …
“His thoughts were as unfocused as the landscape he flew past.”
What can I say? … other than, go and read this book! If you fancy some quick, light-hearted, fun fiction, you’ll love this novella. I look forward to reading the next book in the series, Between the Vines, when it releases.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
“Romy Chandler glared at Nigel’s smug sneer.” … from this fun opening line, the author takes the reader right into the action and tension, and it just keeps notching up, with plenty of laugh-aloud moments along the way.
The set up for the mistaken identity was priceless and executed brilliantly. The characters really came to life in this short novella, and I devoured this read in one fun-filled sitting. Here are some lines I loved …
“She glared at her wristwatch, willing the second hand to spin faster. It didn’t. Then she prayed it slowed. It didn’t do that either.” … (how many of us have been there!?)
And …
“Notes of … she didn’t know. It smelled like wine.”
And …
“His thoughts were as unfocused as the landscape he flew past.”
What can I say? … other than, go and read this book! If you fancy some quick, light-hearted, fun fiction, you’ll love this novella. I look forward to reading the next book in the series, Between the Vines, when it releases.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
February 11, 2022
The description of this novella sounded playful and clever and, having read several other books by this author, I knew she wouldn’t let me down. As a wine lover, I awarded bonus points for the setting.
Main character Romy made an appearance in the first book of the Keystone Couples series, and I was thrilled to see her at center stage this time around. Everyone knows it’s difficult to keep restaurants staffed, and even more of a challenge to find competent, loyal employees. Romy goes into crisis mode when her sommelier walks out not only hours before she’s hosting a big event that could bring in more customers, but also the day before Valentine’s Day. Talk about a slimy guy. Rick Santucci is a local vintner hoping to expand his business and get his wines into more restaurants. Sounds like a match made in heaven, right?
Misunderstandings, misidentifications, and miscommunications result in a humorous, but delightful situation that had me snickering while I enjoyed a glass of my favorite red wine. If you’re looking for a heartwarming, feel-good read, look no further. It’s perfect not only for Valentine’s day, but any time of year.
Main character Romy made an appearance in the first book of the Keystone Couples series, and I was thrilled to see her at center stage this time around. Everyone knows it’s difficult to keep restaurants staffed, and even more of a challenge to find competent, loyal employees. Romy goes into crisis mode when her sommelier walks out not only hours before she’s hosting a big event that could bring in more customers, but also the day before Valentine’s Day. Talk about a slimy guy. Rick Santucci is a local vintner hoping to expand his business and get his wines into more restaurants. Sounds like a match made in heaven, right?
Misunderstandings, misidentifications, and miscommunications result in a humorous, but delightful situation that had me snickering while I enjoyed a glass of my favorite red wine. If you’re looking for a heartwarming, feel-good read, look no further. It’s perfect not only for Valentine’s day, but any time of year.
February 3, 2022
A series of misunderstandings give this short story a fun twist on romance.
After restaurant owner, Romy Chandler suddenly loses her sommelier only hours before an important reservation and Valentine Day weekend, she’s angry and frustrated but doesn’t have time to mope (or get drunk)- she needs a new wine expert, and she needs him now. Two disastrous employee interviews later, she’s ready to throw in the towel, but then handsome Rick, third on her list, shows up and her luck changes- or so she thinks.
Rick Santucci is ready to take his family’s vineyard to the net level by locking in a lucrative deal with an up-and-coming restaurant, but when he arrives, he’s confused by the almost brisk reception he receives= nothing like the business meeting he’d expected. On the upside, a beautiful server takes his eye, and he decides all is not lost. Until he discovers she’s the boss and thinks he is a fraud.
This was such a fun afternoon read- highly recommended!
After restaurant owner, Romy Chandler suddenly loses her sommelier only hours before an important reservation and Valentine Day weekend, she’s angry and frustrated but doesn’t have time to mope (or get drunk)- she needs a new wine expert, and she needs him now. Two disastrous employee interviews later, she’s ready to throw in the towel, but then handsome Rick, third on her list, shows up and her luck changes- or so she thinks.
Rick Santucci is ready to take his family’s vineyard to the net level by locking in a lucrative deal with an up-and-coming restaurant, but when he arrives, he’s confused by the almost brisk reception he receives= nothing like the business meeting he’d expected. On the upside, a beautiful server takes his eye, and he decides all is not lost. Until he discovers she’s the boss and thinks he is a fraud.
This was such a fun afternoon read- highly recommended!
February 3, 2022
Pour It On is a fun read. The story is fast-paced and engaging. I loved it. But there's something more that drew me into the story. The novella is well-written, really well-written. Trolio shines as a writer through her use of dialogue. She astutely paints the scenes with minimal descriptive words but instead uses the exchanges between the characters. As the reader, I marveled at her skill and you will too. Bravo!
October 23, 2022
This is the second book in Troilo’s Keystone Couples novella stories, and a fun read you can devour in less than two hours. It’s the perfect title for this book – Pour it On, as the author uses many plays on words in this story. Pour it on thick, pour the wine, pour the confusion, these elements are all part of this fun romp with restauranteur and not so great in the sommelier department, Romy Chandler.
As Romy is gearing up to host a wine-tasting, meet and greet night, her troubles begin when her smug sommelier quits on her. In a mad dash to find a replacement, she calls her head hunter friend Jess, begging her to please find her a sommelier, pronto. Jess sends her three to choose from, all coming with warnings, all with their own attitude problems. But Romy can’t afford to be fussy. Or can she?
Enter Rick Santucci, in a comedy of errors, there’s a bit of a mixup between the vintner dropping by at the right time, but for reasons other than what he was thinking, in hopes of selling his wares to Romy’s restaurant. Introductions don’t go quite as planned and in the midst of the craziness going on at the event, messages are muddled as the night goes on. But despite the chaos and Romy’s misconception about Rick, sparks begin to fly.
This was an engaging read and I am now looking forward to the next in this series because the author has brought in some interesting secondary characters who will be continuing on this fun story in the next book, Between the Vines.
As Romy is gearing up to host a wine-tasting, meet and greet night, her troubles begin when her smug sommelier quits on her. In a mad dash to find a replacement, she calls her head hunter friend Jess, begging her to please find her a sommelier, pronto. Jess sends her three to choose from, all coming with warnings, all with their own attitude problems. But Romy can’t afford to be fussy. Or can she?
Enter Rick Santucci, in a comedy of errors, there’s a bit of a mixup between the vintner dropping by at the right time, but for reasons other than what he was thinking, in hopes of selling his wares to Romy’s restaurant. Introductions don’t go quite as planned and in the midst of the craziness going on at the event, messages are muddled as the night goes on. But despite the chaos and Romy’s misconception about Rick, sparks begin to fly.
This was an engaging read and I am now looking forward to the next in this series because the author has brought in some interesting secondary characters who will be continuing on this fun story in the next book, Between the Vines.
January 30, 2022
One of my favorite types of stories are those built around misunderstanding, especially when it involves mistaken identity. Staci Troilo has penned a gem that dishes up—an appropriate pun for a tale centered in a restaurant—generous servings of humor and romance.
Restaurant owner, Romy Chandler, has lost her sommelier right before a huge meet-and-greet, and I do mean RIGHT before. Plus, Valentine’s Day is lingering around the corner. Rick Santucci is a vintner who needs to get his wine into the right establishments to grow his winery. Do you sense the stars aligning?
That’s all well and good, but Troilo, who has a deft touch with couples’ romance, isn’t about to let things proceed smoothly. I don’t want to give away spoilers, but let’s just say this short tale will warm your heart while tickling your funny bone. The dialogue is fast and flirty, the scenes stacking like dominos that tumble into a brilliant HEA ending.
Grab a glass of your favorite pinot or merlot, settle into a comfy seat, then Pour it On with this enchanting story that will leave you laughing on the sidelines and rooting for the characters. Troilo is a master of her craft who always delivers a polished tale. I can’t wait for the next Keystone Couples novella!
Restaurant owner, Romy Chandler, has lost her sommelier right before a huge meet-and-greet, and I do mean RIGHT before. Plus, Valentine’s Day is lingering around the corner. Rick Santucci is a vintner who needs to get his wine into the right establishments to grow his winery. Do you sense the stars aligning?
That’s all well and good, but Troilo, who has a deft touch with couples’ romance, isn’t about to let things proceed smoothly. I don’t want to give away spoilers, but let’s just say this short tale will warm your heart while tickling your funny bone. The dialogue is fast and flirty, the scenes stacking like dominos that tumble into a brilliant HEA ending.
Grab a glass of your favorite pinot or merlot, settle into a comfy seat, then Pour it On with this enchanting story that will leave you laughing on the sidelines and rooting for the characters. Troilo is a master of her craft who always delivers a polished tale. I can’t wait for the next Keystone Couples novella!
January 30, 2022
After her sommelier quit without giving notice, Romy Chandler needs to find one immediately for a meet and wine tasting. She turns to her friend Jess who sets up three interviews on the spot, one of them named Rick.
Rick Santucci wants to expand the distribution of his family’s wines. He’d approached Nigel about setting up a meeting with Rosemary Chandler about the possibility of serving the wine in her restaurant.
When Rick arrives, he mistakes the organizer of the wine tasting as Rosemary. However, the “server” Romy catches his eye.
Romy believes Rick is the sommelier candidate. She’s impressed by his knowledge of wines.
But when she discovers Rick Santucci isn’t the interview Jess set up. Romy overreacts, and Rick leaves—both of them believing they’d blown any chance of a business relationship. Will they be able to work out their differences?
Pour it On is not only a quick and easy read, but a delightful story as well. This is the second book of Staci Troilo’s Keystone Couples series and every bit as enjoyable as the first one. I eagerly await the third book of the trilogy.
Rick Santucci wants to expand the distribution of his family’s wines. He’d approached Nigel about setting up a meeting with Rosemary Chandler about the possibility of serving the wine in her restaurant.
When Rick arrives, he mistakes the organizer of the wine tasting as Rosemary. However, the “server” Romy catches his eye.
Romy believes Rick is the sommelier candidate. She’s impressed by his knowledge of wines.
But when she discovers Rick Santucci isn’t the interview Jess set up. Romy overreacts, and Rick leaves—both of them believing they’d blown any chance of a business relationship. Will they be able to work out their differences?
Pour it On is not only a quick and easy read, but a delightful story as well. This is the second book of Staci Troilo’s Keystone Couples series and every bit as enjoyable as the first one. I eagerly await the third book of the trilogy.
January 30, 2022
I loved this short story! It is the perfect example of how miscommunication can create a sticky situation. Romy is desperate for a sommelier. Rick needs an outlet for his wine and has a meeting with Romy to discuss adding his wine to her menu. However, when he shows up in the midst of a dating event and is mistaken for the new sommelier, things get convoluted. Neither Rick nor Romy understand quite what happened. I immediately related to Romy's character. She is a hard worker, trying to make her restaurant a success. When her sommelier quits with no notice on the day of a huge event, I stressed with her over how she was going to pull it off. I also related to Rick's character. He's proud of the family business and wants to grow the wine-making aspect of the vineyards. The author shows us his love for the vineyard and respect for his grandfather who started the business. It is destiny that these two meet, but the circumstance that brings them together is unique and different. I loved everything about this short entertaining romance and highly recommend it!
January 21, 2023
A lovely heartwarming romance to cheer up wintery days.
Life is complicated, especially when in the midst of a crisis, a major miscommunication threatens a business and causes personal turmoil. The last thing that Romy Chandler needs having worked so hard to build her business, is to be left in the lurch at the start of a busy week of events and St. Valentine’s Day. Trying not to panic, she attempts to find a solution as quickly as possible, pulling in favours and preparing to step into the breach if necessary.
Romance is the last thing on her mind and yet when a handsome stranger turns up the room and her life light up. Unfortunately both of them have different agendas and it looks like the fireworks between them will ruin both their plans.
However, the author cleverly through the use of witty and increasingly intimate dialogue leads Romy and Rick through the tangled web they have created towards a HEA ending.
If you love wine, romance and excellently written novellas then this is the perfect vintage for you.
Life is complicated, especially when in the midst of a crisis, a major miscommunication threatens a business and causes personal turmoil. The last thing that Romy Chandler needs having worked so hard to build her business, is to be left in the lurch at the start of a busy week of events and St. Valentine’s Day. Trying not to panic, she attempts to find a solution as quickly as possible, pulling in favours and preparing to step into the breach if necessary.
Romance is the last thing on her mind and yet when a handsome stranger turns up the room and her life light up. Unfortunately both of them have different agendas and it looks like the fireworks between them will ruin both their plans.
However, the author cleverly through the use of witty and increasingly intimate dialogue leads Romy and Rick through the tangled web they have created towards a HEA ending.
If you love wine, romance and excellently written novellas then this is the perfect vintage for you.
January 31, 2022
“Pour It On” is the second novella in the Keystone Couple series, of which I was already a fan. Romy owns a restaurant, and her sommelier quit right before Valentine’s Day and an event. Luckily, she was able to get three candidates to interview for the job. Romy is simply trying to resolve what seems like an impossible situation, and I sympathized with her. Her quick wit, strength, and determination to make her business a success made her an interesting character to root for. I loved the humor in this story, along with the misunderstandings and miscommunications. Rick works for his family winery and is looking to expand sales and do right by his family. I love when — and how — Romy and Rick meet. “Pour It On” pulled me in from the first line and made me smile. I can highly recommend this quick read and fun love story that captivated me.
February 21, 2022
What a fun novella.
Romy Chandler desperately needs a sommelier. Her restaurant is hosting a meet and greet in a few hours and she needs someone who knows their way around a good wine.
Rick Santucci is looking for outlets to sell wines from his vineyard.
When he walks into Romy’s restaurant, he’s immediately mistaken for an applicant applying for the sommelier job. The mix up that ensues leads to hilarious moments, confusion…and love.
Troilo fans will definitely enjoy this sparkling read. I certainly did.
February 7, 2022
‘Pour It On’ is as enjoyable as good wine, a perfect blend of fun and business in an aura of light-hearted “meet and greet” night that might crash due to Nigel, the arrogant sommelier who has decided to quit Romy’s restaurant, without any prior notice.
I like the metaphorical title of this novella, as Staci astutely pours anger and angst right in the beginning, with a dash of romance into the story along with wine. Rick Santucci adds the much needed boost to the party though the misunderstanding is like an icing on the cake, making the story superbly succulent.
Troilo creates memorable characters with well defined traits. You would either love or loathe them and admire the skill of their creator. If you like short, heart-warming stories, this is a perfect pick.
I like the metaphorical title of this novella, as Staci astutely pours anger and angst right in the beginning, with a dash of romance into the story along with wine. Rick Santucci adds the much needed boost to the party though the misunderstanding is like an icing on the cake, making the story superbly succulent.
Troilo creates memorable characters with well defined traits. You would either love or loathe them and admire the skill of their creator. If you like short, heart-warming stories, this is a perfect pick.
February 13, 2022
This is so short, I can't say much without giving too much away. What I will say is that I thoroughly enjoyed this! Mistaken identities was never so much fun.
March 1, 2022
Mistaken Identity makes for a fun and interesting evening. Rosemary Chandler aka Romy, is in trouble. Her up and coming Bistro, Claret, is without a sommelier. Nigel quit leaving her high and dry with Valentine's Day coming up and hosting a romantic meet-and-greet at her restaurant, that evening. Rick Santucci grew up in his family’s vineyard. After years of hard work, he’s turned his grandfather’s humble produce farm into a profitable winery. A schoolfriend, Nigel, is supposed to be setting up a meeting with Rosemary Chandler, owner of Claret, for him to pitch his line of wine and get into a local restaurant. It seems Nigel has no problem leaving him high and dry as well. When Rick arrives, he is mistaken for Romy's sommelier candidate also named Rick. He also doesn't realize that Romy, the waitress, is actually Rosemary, the owner. They have a pleasant evening talking wine, flirting and even dancing. What's going to happen when Romy realizes this man is not a sommelier, what kind of game is he playing?
I enjoyed this sweet, romance story with great characters, some humour and love. Now this is a short story so there is an instant attraction, but that is all it is. They are both business people who are trying to make a go of relatively new business and I love that they are able to help each other out and begin to move into a romantic relationship. If you enjoy short stories, with great characters, a fun storyline and some love, then pick this story up.
I enjoyed this sweet, romance story with great characters, some humour and love. Now this is a short story so there is an instant attraction, but that is all it is. They are both business people who are trying to make a go of relatively new business and I love that they are able to help each other out and begin to move into a romantic relationship. If you enjoy short stories, with great characters, a fun storyline and some love, then pick this story up.
May 15, 2022
Romy Chandler owns a popular restaurant, and Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. With a big meet and greet event on the books (which also promises future business) she wants everything to go perfectly. But at the last minute, her wine sommelier quits. She’s desperate for a replacement, and the employment agency sends a fellow named Rick to cover the night.
Rick Santucci owns and operates a family vineyard and would like to provide Romy’s restaurant with wine. He drops by unannounced, and what ensues is a wild and very plausible case of mistaken identity.
This is a short romantic novella that I read in under an hour. It’s the second of the Keystone Couples series but stands alone without any difficulty. The characters are great fun and well-rounded. The mix-up is the major plotline and obstacle of the story, and it’s cleverly done. I highly recommend this entertaining, well-written, and light-hearted romance.
Rick Santucci owns and operates a family vineyard and would like to provide Romy’s restaurant with wine. He drops by unannounced, and what ensues is a wild and very plausible case of mistaken identity.
This is a short romantic novella that I read in under an hour. It’s the second of the Keystone Couples series but stands alone without any difficulty. The characters are great fun and well-rounded. The mix-up is the major plotline and obstacle of the story, and it’s cleverly done. I highly recommend this entertaining, well-written, and light-hearted romance.
April 3, 2022
This was a great second story in the Keystone Couples series. Romy and Rick do not communicate very well when they first meet, and each has his/her own perception of what is taking place. It leads to a fun read as these two create a mess from their miscommunication. The author does a great job of getting you quickly into the characters and bringing the story to a wonderful ending. I also love how she incorporated the next Keystone Couple's identities into this story. I look forward to reading the next one. :-)
December 14, 2022
This is the second novella in the Keystone Couples series, which is a fun read of mistaken identity.
Well written, the story pulls you in from the first line, introducing a cast of well-developed characters. I enjoyed how Romy and Rick were prepared to work together to help their business ventures, showing a promising future.
A short, sweet romance that is sure to brighten a dull day. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Well written, the story pulls you in from the first line, introducing a cast of well-developed characters. I enjoyed how Romy and Rick were prepared to work together to help their business ventures, showing a promising future.
A short, sweet romance that is sure to brighten a dull day. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
May 6, 2025
This is a fun read about misconceptions and misunderstandings. The novella is very well written, packing a lot into a short story. The characters are interesting and real, and the emotions explode off the page. The writer makes good use of dialogue and doesn't waste words. I enjoyed the story very much and want to read more of this author's work.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews